ORAN QUILTER TAKES TOP HONORS AT SHOW

Sheryl Williamson of the Golden Needle in Cape Girardeau had the honor of selecting this year's Best of Show at the 2nd annual Show-Me Quilts show held Saturday at the Plaza Way Community Center in Cape Girardeau. Best of Show honors went to Bernice Blattel of Oran.

More than 75 quilts, both antique and new, and quilted wall-hangings were on display.

What caught Williamson's eye was the uniqueness of Blattel's quilt. "There are so many blocks and there is no duplication anywhere," said Williamson. "The quilt has good color and a very good quality of hand stitching."

The winning quilt was made up of small individual squares, each containing a hand-appliqued or embroidered flower, animal or geometric shape. "It took me all last winter to do and I quilted it this spring," said Blattel.

The pattern for the quilt came from a book given to Blattel by her daughter-in-law. "I found some patterns and traced them and what I couldn't find I just made up," said Blattel.

Blattel has been quilting for the past 20 years. She says it gives her something to do in the winter when she can't get out and do anything else.

Estelee Wood of Jackson is responsible for the quilt show. "I've always appreciated the art of quilting," said Wood. "It seems like everybody around here has quilting in their blood and I thought it was time to bring the quilts out and let them be appreciated."

Next year's show is already being planned. Individual quilters, church groups and organized clubs are invited to exhibit their quilts.