Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild members (left to right) Cindy Campbell, Nancy Jacobs and Cindy Craddock from Muncy hold up a king size quilt hand made by guild members using an Irish Chain pattern with an applique. It was hand quilted by the Messiah Lutheran quilters in Clarkstown. The quilt titled "Feels Like Home" will be raffled off at the quilt show during the first weekend in March at the Hughesville Fire Hall.

PENNSDALE – Get ready, get set, sew! For two years now, members of the Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild have been busy sewing and sewing as they prepare for their bi-annual quilt show set for March 4, 5 and 6.

This year’s theme is “There’s No Place Like Home” announced Cindy Craddock, chairperson for the show. Starting a year ago, members have been piecing a king size quilt that will be raffled off during the show. Titled “Feels Like Home” the quilt was hand quilted by the Messiah Lutheran quilters in Clarkstown.

It is a fundraiser for the guild that specializes in teaching and educating others in the world of quilting according to Craddock. Proceeds also pay for well known quilt artists, speakers and workshops said Cindy Campbell who is acting President for the guild.

The quilt features several vintage looking prints forming an Irish Chain pattern. The winning name will be announced on the last day of the show, Sunday, March 6 at 3:30 p.m. The winner need not be present, and the quilt will be on display among 200 others.

“This is probably the most quilts we’ve ever had,” exclaimed Craddock who also said that some of the quilts may be hanging from the ceiling as space is running out at the Hughesville fire hall where the show has been held for the past 12 years or so. “We’re running out of space.” Entries had to be in by January 25, and member, Betsy Masden has completed a floor plan that is so “intricate” and the show is all laid out based on the submissions.

Co-chair Nancy Jacobs said that they will start setting up the show early Thursday morning, March 3rd and it will probably take all day Thursday and most of Friday.

Plans to finalize the show will take place at the next SVQG meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25 when the group meets at the Pennsdale United Methodist Church.

According to Jacobs over 100 members have joined the guild this year. “We want to encourage people to show where they’re at in their journey of quilting,” Craddock said, “from beginners to experienced.” All the entry quilts were made by members and depict the different techniques they learned from some of the teaching workshops offered.

There are 7 youth who have entered. They are being sponsored by one of the guild members. “All youth entries will get a ribbon,” Campbell added with excitement.

Also new this year is a challenge division with a ‘Wizard of Oz’ theme. Hoover’s Sewing center will be donating a Bernina 215 sewing machine also a raffle. “Every quilt entry gets a chance to win the machine” as well as those who come to the quilt show.

“We’re giving away some quilt magazines too, with patterns and the “Quilters Corner” has many hand made items for purchase.” There will be table runners, pillows, Christmas ornaments, and even some quilts. Everything was made by the members for the show.

Those 17 and under will get into the show for free and information on membership for the guild that was formed 22 years ago, will also be available. “We are hoping more younger people will join the guild,” commented Craddock. Some of the members are instructors and are available to help with various techniques. Art quilting is becoming more popular and younger members like to do more modern quilting rather than traditional according to the chairs.

Ten vendors are also lined up for show and will have a variety of notions, fabric, and quilting accessories.

Another workshop is scheduled for Saturday, March 12 presented by member Pat Coulter who will give instructions to make a zippered purse with a Trendsetter pattern. To attend call 570-327-1219. It will be held at the Pennsdale UM church starting at 10 a.m.

“This is a big show for us,” Craddock continued. “It could be almost as big as the American Quilt Association’s show in Hershey!”