KAPA‘A — Vicky Masuoka fished through the growing heap of quilts at Vicky’s Fabrics before finding one she was looking for.
“This is perfect,” she said, holding up a table-runner-sized piece festooned in reds, pinks and symbols of Valentine’s Day. “The Kaua‘i Quilt Show 2020 opens on Valentine’s Day. Do you think this is too valentiney?”
The Kaua‘i Quilt Show 2020 will run from Friday, Feb. 14 through Wednesday, Feb. 26, and opens with a meet-the-quilters reception on Feb. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. Over 70 locally made quilts will be on display (many available for sale) daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery located near the Keiki Korner at Kukui Grove Center. Friday hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“We’ll have some created by the snowbirds that visit us too,” said Lea Ingram, one of the show organizers. “The majority, though, are from Kaua‘i residents. Additionally, we’ll have the donation quilts — we have more than 50 this year — where 100% of the proceeds from its sale will go to a Kaua‘i nonprofit organization of the buyer’s choice.”
This facet of the Kaua‘i Quilt Show has been growing in popularity since its inception during one of the early shows.
“Are you up to the challenge?” Ingram asked. “This year, a new addition to the show is the Mini Quilt Challenge, where quilters can make their own quilts — minimum size of 6 inches by 6 inches, and maximum size of 18 inches by 18 inches. These will be hung in a special section of the show and can be picked up after February 28th.”
Some of the details for the Mini Quilt Challenge include using any construction methods, but must include three layers — top, batting and backing — and must have stitching, tying or quilting to hold the layers together.
Challenge fabric is available now at Vicky’s Fabric in Kapa‘a, and the completed quilts must be submitted by Wednesday, Feb. 12, for judging for the show. There are several category prizes for the challenge, including a $30 gift certificate from Vicky’s Fabrics and merchandise for the Best Selection.
Judges’ Favorites prizes — there are five of them — will win $10 gift certificate from Vicky’s Fabrics and merchandise, and honorable mention prizes — another five available — will receive merchandise awards.
Ingram, labelling herself an “artist,” captured the Viewer’s Choice award during the 2019 Kaua‘i Quilt Show for her “Spirit of the Mountain.” She later submitted the piece for consideration at a major KSA member showcase and earned a special award.
“The Viewer’s Choice is a big award for the show,” Ingram said. “The winner of this year’s Viewer’s Choice will be used to promote the Kaua‘i Quilt Show 2021. We need peoples’ votes.”
Ballots are available when guests enter the gallery. There is no admission charge.
“There is a lot of stuff — bags, table runners, quilting materials and supplies, and lots of stuff,” said Masuoka of the boutique that will occupy a portion of the KSA gallery. “People can shop for bargains in a lot of different areas from actual hand-sewn items to quilting supplies.”
Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, KGC events coordinator, said the quilt show sponsored by the Kaua‘i Quilt Guild, Nene Quilters, Vicky’s Fabrics, Kapaia Stitchery and Discount Fabric Warehouse, is always one of the big events at the center.
“This is going to be even bigger because my family, who comes to visit, will get to see and experience the show,” McFerrin-Warrack said. “Every time they come to visit, they leave before the show starts. This year, I sent them advance warning on the show dates so they could plan their trip in order to see the show.”
Info: Ingram, 652-2261.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
