Stitching need not be a solitary endeavor; join in

As witnessed by the annual success of our Spring Fling Quilt Show which just completed its 25th consecutive year this past weekend, there’s a whole lot of stitching going on in Odessa and the surrounding area. Stitching, in all its many forms, can be a rather lonely hobby at times. For those who would like to stitch in company with others, there are several FREE regular stitching activities open to all, weekly and monthly, in our town.

First, there’s the first Friday of each month “Sew Much Fun” session at 5 p.m. in the Experience Quilts! shop. Everyone is welcome. Bring your sewing machine or hand stitching project and enjoy the company of others as you work. A pot of soup or a salad will be served, depending on the season.

Second, there’s the weekly “Unplugged” stitcher’s group, again at Experience Quilts! each Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. No machines are allowed at this one – hand stitchers only. Yarn workers welcome, too. Stitch all day or come for just a portion of the day. Everyone welcome.

Third, there’s the weekly Odessa Quilt Club evening meeting at 7 p.m. in the Museum Barn research room (north side of the building). Stitchers may bring their own projects or join others at the quilt frame and do some hand quilting on one of the club’s raffle or donation quilts. The first Monday includes our monthly business meeting. The third Monday includes our monthly “Quilt College,” where all are welcome to come and learn something new about quilting.

Fourth, there’s the weekly Odessa Quilt Club afternoon meeting on Mondays at 1 p.m., again, at the Museum Barn. Stitchers can come and receive help with their projects (machine sewing or hand sewing) or just work along on their own. Bring a friend to any of these sessions, as well as all others. The more the merrier.

Odessa Quilt Club, or Fronen Steppedecker, is a non-profit organization set up for educational purposes, dedicated to promoting and teaching the art of quilting. Membership in the club, or guild, as it is sometimes called, is free and open to all. We hope all who wish to come will find something to their liking.