WOMAN STITCHES STORY OF HER LIFE

Idell Dockins of Jackson spent more than a year piecing together the pictures of her family's life for a quilt titled simply, "The Browns."

Dockins used 62 family photographs scanned into computer images then transferred to fabric to create the quilt. It tells the story of her parents, William and Nellie Brown, and her many siblings.

"It was like living my life all over again," Dockins said Friday while hanging the quilt for the River Heritage Quilt Show.

The show features nearly 100 quilts from three states and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Family Life Center at Centenary United Methodist Church. It will continue Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.

Many of the quilts on display at the show tell stories or share messages. A baby quilt entered in the "Stars" theme category tells about the arrival of a newborn star, Sophia Rose. Another celebrates the seasons with "Calendar Girls."

Some of the quilts are simple designs, others are pieced together in intricate detail and that makes work hard for Ann Watkins.

Watkins walked among the maze of quilts and miniatures hanging at the center trying to chose a "best of show" winner. The task wasn't easy.

Watkins, a quilt shop owner in St. Charles, judged each entry in the second annual River Heritage Quilter's Guild show.

"Visual impact says a lot," she said. "Then you look at the workmanship and the other qualities."

Quilters from three states entered their work in the River Heritage Quilter's Guild show. Winners were selected in seven categories: pieced, applique, group, miniature, wall hanging, theme wall hanging and other techniques. The show's theme is "Stars."

But the quilt show isn't just about showing off beautiful handiwork. It's also helping out a charitable cause.

A silent auction will be held both today and Sunday to benefit breast cancer awareness. Several miniature quilts and wall hangings have been donated by members of the River Heritage Guild. Bidding starts at $5 and increases by $1 increments.

With a national push among quilters to help women who are breast cancer survivors, it seemed logical to have the auction, said Jane Stodghill, show chairman.

And many of the women who are members of the quilter's guild also are breast cancer survivors, she said. "It's a natural affiliation."

Quilts bring out memories and stories from nearly everyone who sees them. Whether it's remembrances about grandmothers or aunts or mothers who quilted or stories about a favorite quilt covering their bed, everyone seems to like quilts, said Mary Lou McNair, publicity director for the show.

"Quilts aren't comforters but they are comforting," Stodghill said. "They represent our heritage."

Throughout the show quilters will give demonstrations on various techniques and answer questions about quilting.

Hazel Williams Canny, an international quilt show winner, will discuss her techniques. She is a native of Chaffee.

Quilts also are on display at West Park Mall as part of the show.