The Farmpark annual Quilting Show is back!
By Mimi Vanderhaven
Quilting is one of those traditional artistic hobbies from yesteryear that has made a resurgence during the pandemic.
Lucky for us, darlings, one of the biggest quilting shows in the state will be right here in Lake County on Frida, Quilts 2022, will be at Lake Metroparks Farmpark on Friday, April 1, through Sunday. You can view these beautiful creations 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Mimi caught up with organizer Andrea Pasquale, who is the Lake Metroparks Farmpark special events assistant and quilter herself, to get the skinny on the show.
“We will showcase about 200 quilts from designers in Ohio and neighboring states,” she says, noting the show is in its 30th year, and was cancelled last year due to COVID. “They come in all styles, shapes and sizes, ranging from 24-inch square miniatures to king-size bed quilts. We hang them throughout the Farmpark Visitors Center, including the lobby, exhibit hall and even the classrooms.”
Judges will choose the winners in a variety of categories, and anyone visiting the show can vote on their favorite from April 1-24 for the People’s Choice Award.
Throughout the month, visitors can take part in instructional workshops led by notable local and regional instructors geared toward beginner to advanced quilters. The workshops range from six to 24 hours in length, some spread over several days, including Striped Kaleidoscope—One Block Wilder!, Giant Dahlia, Rangeley Wall Quilt, Floating Squares Applique and more. There will also be a free lecture and trunk show from Betsy Bauman. This well-known art quilter will touch on where her ideas come from and innovative construction techniques.
On Quilt Vendor Days, you can shop from supplier booths of all things quilting, including tools to fabric.
“I feel that many quilters dove into their fabric ‘stash’ during the pandemic and made more finished pieces than ever, for themselves and for charity,” she says. “There are also many new quilters who we look forward to seeing at the show.”
To register for workshops, call 440-358-7275, 800-669-9226, or register online at LakeMetroparks.com. The Farmpark is located at 8800 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland. Regular admission rates apply. Residents of Lake County are free on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of the month.