Local quilting enthusiast Lorene Arnette created a quilt for the annual Swamp Fox Quilters Guild challenge that won two red ribbons. The theme for this year’s challenge is “Home, Sweet Home-America the Beautiful.”
Mrs. Arnette’s quilt, entitled “State Flowers Across America” was awarded Second Place for both “Best Piecing” and “Best Use of Color” categories. The quilt uses pieced construction but includes some appliqué, embroidery, and embellishments and features a variety of fabric flowers, in addition to birds, butterflies, and garden decorations in an array of colors.
A quilt constructed by a group, entitled “From Sea to Shining Sea” was awarded “Best of Show,” “Most Unique Interpretation of Theme,” “Best Art Quilt,” and “Best Applique.” Group members constructing this quilt include: Rita Studdard and Ray Vance of Hartsville, and Martha Herbert, Jan Davis, Susan Rayment, and Judy Voss of Florence.
Leah Malasky of Lake City was awarded three blue ribbons for her original design, “America the Beautiful.” Her quilt won first place for “Best Machine Quilting,” “Best Pieced,” “and “Best Use of Color.” She was also awarded a third place ribbon for “Best Interpretation of Theme.”
Pat Couch of Florence was awarded first place for “Best Hand Quilting” and “Best Applique.” She was also awarded third place for “Best Use of Color.” All of these were for her quilt entitled “Spring Garden in Carolina.”
Peggy O’Quinn of Timmonsville placed second in three categories: “Best Hand Quilting,” “Best Applique,” and “Best Art Quilt” for her quilt, “Pearls of the Pee Dee.”
Elaine Holmes of Florence entry, “My America,” won second place for “Best Interpretation of Theme” and third place for “Most Unique Interpretation of Theme.”
Other entries awarded ribbons included: Carolyn Bracket of Conway, Teresa Maddox, Bonnie Marsee, and Akemi Murakoshi, all of Florence; Tish VanHagle and Rita Thompkins of Darlington, and Wanda Moody of Quinby. Bonnie Marsee and Teresa Maddox were recognized as entering the challenge for the first time.
The Swamp Fox Quilters Guild’s purpose is the preservation and education of the art and history of quilting. The Guild meets each month on the first Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, which is located at the corner of Marsh Avenue and Third Loop Road, in Florence. New members and visitors are welcome.
The Challenge Exhibit is on display at the Hartsville Museum and includes approximately 50 quilts from the show. The exhibit will be open until September 3rd. The museum, located in downtown Hartsville at 222 North Fifth Street, is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed for lunch from noon-1 p.m. on Fridays. It is also open Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free.
