Fall colors are reaching their peak here in Morgantown, and at any moment, the more anemic stage of autumn will commence. If you are the sort of person who needs an infusion of color during the gray months in order to keep your chin up, I recommend Country Roads Quilt Shop in the Seneca Center.
One doesn’t have to be a sewist to appreciate the variety of colors and motifs found in the bolts of fabric stored on the floor-to-ceiling shelves. Traditional, modern, florals, nursery, holiday prints — the assortment seems almost limitless. What is truly boundless, however, are the creative possibilities when a crafter combines the fabric with a pattern, imagination and a lot of hard work. Each piece is unique, not only a craft but also a work of art.
There are many quilts, from single blocks to full-sized bed covers, on display throughout the shop. These showcase certain fabrics or patterns but also the skill, ingenuity and perseverance of the makers. Window shoppers beware: you may feel inspired to pick up one of the pre-cut quilting kits in stock to try your hand at the traditional craft.
Historically, quilting is inextricably linked with community. At Country Roads, there are many opportunities to socialize and learn with new and experienced quilters. The shop holds regular “Hand Sew-cials” on the first Thursday of each month. During these events, crafters gather to enjoy light refreshments and each other’s company while working on hand-sewing projects. There are free demonstrations of different quilting techniques or projects on select Saturdays throughout the year. The shop also offers instructional classes, including a sold-out beginners class for children aged eight and up. A “Kits n Kaboodles” holiday sewing class for beginners is slated to begin soon.
Quilting is the perfect activity for the bleak seasons. You get to soak up some color, chat with friends and create something that will lend a bit of coziness to your life.
EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city.
