Have you ever wondered what it takes to make a quilt? What makes a handmade quilt different than other options that can be purchased?
Well, every summer 4-H students get the opportunity to discover and explore the craft of quilting at 4-H Quilt Camp. Like all 4-H events, education is at the core of the fun.
Students are sent fabric samples prior to the camp, to assist them in making their own fabric selections for their quilts. This year, students completed an “Xs and Os” quilt for themselves and worked on a quilt of valor service project.
Using the sewing machines, getting a perfect quarter inch seam, piecing blocks, adding borders, sandwiching the quilt and preparing for quilting were all covered in the two-day camp in Knoxville. In attendance were eight 4-H students from across several counties who completed their work in two day-long sessions and many hours working at home.
Quilt batting was provided by the Eastern Region FCE clubs to keep costs down for participants. Students also had the opportunity for their quilts to be long-arm quilted sponsored by a 4-H donor.
Union County participant Gracie Tindell completed a gorgeous quilt and has plans to enter it into the TN Valley Fair and Union County Heritage Festival to encourage other young adults that they can also learn to quilt.
Even though quilt camp is a summer event, there are opportunities for students to learn sewing skills each month with Union County 4-H.
For more information, call 865-992-8038 or email avictoria@utk.edu.