Written by Judy Pacanowski
The Cranberry Country Quilters held their 17th biennial Quilt Show and Sale on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at Northland Pines High School. Over 200 quilts were entered into the show for judging, and special exhibits and demonstrations were held during the day. New this year were a Bed Turning which displayed 22 vintage and antique quilts while conveying a brief history of each, and a very moving Quilt of Valor Presentation to recognize a 20-year veteran combat nurse.
Judges awarded 3-place ribbons for quilts in each of the seven categories. The overall Best of Show was won by Elizabeth Mazur of Boulder Junction for her sampler quilt, “Civil War Chronicles.” Attendees awarded Viewers’ Choice first prize to Ann Nagel of Manitowoc for “Thistle Pods”; second prize to MaLea Flynn of Conover for “Dragonfly Dreams”; and third prize to Jane Zillmer of Boulder Junction for “My Flower Press.”
This year’s Honored Quilter was Jeanne Leurquin, a well-know quilter from Eagle River. An avid seamstress, she didn’t start quilting until 1995, taking classes at Heartstrings, the local quilt shop. She easily became immersed in her new passion, and joined the Cranberry Country Quilters three years later. As her hobby grew, she also worked at several area quilt shops including the Quilt Cottage in Hazelhurst, Karen’s Quilt Shop in Eagle River, and Around the Block in Minocqua. To this day, Jeanne quilts every day saying, “I’m busy and I like it. It’s my life.” Most of what she makes she sells as craft shows, but also takes special orders for quilts and wall hangings. She is a valued member to the local quilting community, and contributes her long arm quilting skills for charity quilts made by the guild.
All the proceeds from the show support Cranberry Country Quilters’ charitable endeavors. Since our 2022 show the guild has donated 166 quilts to these organizations: Marshfield Birthing Center, Compassus-Woodruff, Eagle River Masonic Lodge, NATH-Frederick Place, Tri-County Council for Domestic Abuse-Lily’s House, and the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department.
Contact: Judy Pacanowski 715-479-2686 woserjudy@aol.com
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