Ohio Amish Quilt Show main show nixed but fun still on tap
While much of the annual Ohio Amish Quilt Show has been canceled, there are still several classes available with two national teachers, as well as quilt displays at three participating quilt shops.
The Ohio Amish Quilt Show in Mt. Hope has always been a huge draw for quilters, sewers and anyone who likes dabbling in the art of quilting, but because of health and safety reasons, the show, which was slated for Sept. 10-12 at Mt. Hope Auction, has taken on a pared-down look that will see the remainder of the show that wasn’t canceled move to several area businesses.
Nationally renowned quilting teachers Krista Moser and Tammy Silvers will each offer their previously scheduled classes; however, now they will take place in separate venues with limited seating. All of Moser’s classes and the annual Trunk Show will be held at Chestnut Ridge Sewing. Silvers’ classes will be held at Lone Star Quilt Shop. In place of the quilt show, a variety of quilts will be displayed at Miller’s Dry Goods, Lone Star Quilt Shop and Chestnut Ridge Sewing.
All three businesses will be open as usual and offering demonstrations and specials, in addition to Moser and Silvers’ classes.
“It was a difficult decision, but we will be taking precautions to minimize the risks of COVID-19,” said Dawn Krier, owner of Chestnut Ridge Sewing.
One exciting opportunity will be the quilt show that will be set up at all three of the participating sponsor shops. The event will showcase a number of locally crafted quilts, featuring the finely crafted expertise of the many local quilters in Amish Country.
“We should have some really beautiful quilts on display at the three shops, and we will also be doing some demonstrations over the three days,” Krier said. “There will still be things to do for those visiting and participating in the event; it is just going to be really pared down compared to previous years because we have to side on safety, and it won’t be all under one roof like it usually is in Mt. Hope.”
While some of the classes are canceled, two teachers will offer a total of five classes during the two days.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, Moser will host Vintage Windmill from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Chestnut Ridge Sewing. A combination of colors and simple shapes, this novice-based class uses creativity in quilting. Following this class will be the annual Trunk Show with the dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. and the Trunk Show starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for that event are $20 and $30 for dinner and the show.
The Trunk Show will allow Moser to share inventive creations that will provide inspiration for quilters and provide teaching moments. Moser also will share stories from her own life experiences.
Silvers’ class, “To the Point,” features a mid-century modern vibe and uses a guided improv technique in fresh and fun ways with a focus on creating long, sharp-pointed diamonds with no paper piercing or templates.
The class will take place Sept. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lone Star Quilt Shop, 7700 County Road 77, Mt. Hope.
Moser’s “Buffalo Life” will take place at Chestnut Ridge Sewing at 5079 Township Road 401, between Berlin and Walnut Creek, Friday, Sept. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The class will focus on simple yet classic table runners, placemats and tree skirts made entirely out of 2-1/2-inch strips of cloth. The patterns include cutting, piecing and pressing instructions.
Moser will return Saturday, Sept. 12 to host the class, “Twirl and Spin,” at Chestnut Ridge Sewing. This class is designed for novices and beginners and focuses on a vintage windmill pattern that combines charm and simplicity with plenty of color.
This large quilt project includes cutting diamonds and triangles from strip sets and arranging colors and patterns to create unique quilts with no Y seams.
Silvers also will return to Lone Star Quilt Shop to host the class, “Perpetual,” which features a paper-pieced quilt that uses unique shapes and just two blocks. Patrons will create a perpetual blooming garden quilt with just two interlocking blocks that make a neat effect.
Both of the Saturday classes will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All classes will have a $70 class fee that will include patterns machines, lunch, drinks and snacks, along with door prizes. Class tickets are nonrefundable.
“One of the main reasons we created this show was to not only entertain but to teach,” said Ada Miller, manager of Lone Star Quilt. “We want sewers and quilters to see some things that help them learn something new and challenge them to get out of their comfort zone and try something new. Holmes County is such a perfect place to have something like this because the Amish community has so many experienced and talented quilters. We can still do that, just not in the same way we did in previous shows.”
Anyone with questions or who would like to provide a quilt for the quilt show can call Miller’s Dry Goods at 330-893-9899, Lone Star Quilt shop at 330-674-3858 or Chestnut Ridge Sewing at 330-893-3359.
Tickets for the classes and dinner and trunk show are available online at www.ohiosamishcountryquiltfestival.net. All tickets to shows and classes are limited.