Popham Circle Quilt Show

This past July, two friends and I decided to demonstrate fiber techniques at the inaugural Quilt Show at Popham Chapel. We arrived on one of the hottest days of the summer, but our space with carefully arranged with cooling fans and ice teas. The Chapel was beautifully arranged with dozens and dozens of quilts laid over all pews, showing off both historical and contemporary, traditional and wild quilts that had been gathered from the local community. Each quilt had its maker, a date, and a brief “story” attached and quilts dated from the 1880’s to the present. Window pane, African, postage stamp, freeform and art quilts appeared throughout the chapel, and the soft light entering stained-glass windows added to the ambiance.

Popham Circle is a lovely group of people who come together to share tea, yoga, ideas, and occasional events that help raise money to support area projects. High school students, ambulance services, fire department needs, senior citizens, immigrants—this group has a way to help out. Several of the quilts were offered for sale, and a new quilt had been donated for a benefit raffle. Demonstrators showed visitors spinning, rug hooking, sewing machine repair, hand knitting, paper manipulation, and other fun techniques. 

Throughout the day, the stalwart women of Popham Circle supplied us all with cool drinks and warm hospitality. A lovely day was had by all, and we hope this will be the first of many more to come.

—Photography and text by Christine Macchi

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