Baileys Harbor Historical Society Sponsors Community Quilting Bee

Jean Ehmke hand stitches scraps of fabric together at the first Community Quilting Bee. Photo by Len Villano.

“My family jokes that I was born ‘old,’” laughs quilter and folk artist Kristin Peil. “I have been quilting since I was a kid. I love doing it. I want to share that.”

With the help of the Baileys Harbor Historical Society, Peil is coordinating a Community Quilting Bee. Every Sunday through February, from 10 am – 3 pm, folks young and old, experienced and novice, are welcome to stop by the Baileys Harbor Town Hall and contribute a square to the ‘Community Quilt,’ which will be displayed in the Baileys Harbor Library once complete.

“This is for everyone,” says Peil. “You don’t have to know anything about quilting. This will be all hand sewn. I don’t want anyone to feel intimidated.” Members of area quilting guilds will be on hand to help participants create their square.

The Baileys Harbor Community Mural, an epic painting celebrating the lakeside community on the north wall of Nelson’s Shopping Center, inspired Peil to coordinate the project. “The community can participate in a piece of art,” she says.

Kristin Peil created this ‘crazy quilt’ using vintage neckties. Photo by Len Villano.

She also hopes to teach young people about the old-fashioned concept of “making something out of nothing,” as she puts it. “I love technology and I think it’s great – but some kids can’t afford it or aren’t interested. I’ve reached that age where I’m a mentor. It’s time for me to give back.”

Peil shows off a ‘crazy quilt’ she created with old neckties, a bright, colorful, beautiful piece. “I owned a vintage clothing store years ago and these were the ugly ties I couldn’t sell. It’s all recycled.” Crazy quilts were first created to make use of the “very last smallest scraps,” explains Peil. “You couldn’t make a pattern, but it’s an early form of abstract art.”

There is no cost and plenty of material for each participant to create their own unique square using old fabric – cotton, satin, and velvet, as well as embroidery floss, quilting hoops, buttons and ribbons donated by Door County Nature Works, Nathan Nichols & Company, Door County Interiors and Design, What’s Next, and Bargains Unlimited.

“This is a social event,” says Peil, who adds that there will be board games, ping pong, and a kids project available, as well as coffee, tea, and sweet treats.

Participants can take their time creating their square, stresses Peil. And once they complete a piece, they can create a square for themselves. “You can frame them,” suggests Peil. “They make beautiful art.”

For more information contact Peil at 920.495.2120 or email [email protected]. There is a donation bin at the Baileys Harbor Town Hall library entrance for those wishing to donate materials to the project.