If you're a quilting enthusiast, then your weekend plans are all sewn up.
Head to Ringgold, Georgia, for the third annual Ringgold Quilt Show in the historic Ringgold Depot Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 22-24. Not only will there be about 100 quilts created by talented local quilters on display, but there will be vendors, demonstrations and even hands-on quilting activities.
"We have some really exceptional quilters in this area," says Kathy Graham, owner of sponsor It's Sew Time, about the quilts that will be displayed in competition. Ribbons will be given winners in seven categories and a sewing machine awarded to the Best in Show winner.
Graham says the show's 15 vendors will have sewing machines, quilting machines, fabric, thread, sewing and quilting notions, as well as quilts for sale. Visitors will be able to learn more about new techniques and what's new in accessories at this marketplace.
If you go
› What: Ringgold Quilt Show› Where: Ringgold Depot, 155 Depot St., Ringgold, Ga.› When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Aug. 22-23; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24› Admission: $5 per day, $12 three-day pass› For more information: 706-937-3777
Many of these vendors will give 15-minute demonstrations at their booths throughout the event. Additionally, there will be hand-quilting on a quilting frame where visitors can try their hand at sewing.
That's not the only hands-on activity. Graham says there will be tables for visitors to sew quilt blocks that will be incorporated into Quilts of Valor and into children's quilts. The latter are given to local children as well as to Ringgold Police officers, who keep them in their patrol cars to distribute to children in need of comforting whom they encounter while on duty.
A highlight of the Ringgold Quilt Show has become the presentation of Quilts of Valor, patriotic-themed quilts that are presented to area veterans. Seven veterans will be recipients of quilts this weekend. Graham said those presentations will be held at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the depot on Friday and Saturday.
For more information: 706-937-3777.