Arts and Entertainment

What happens when you combine 23 dedicated quilters, 46 dexterous hands and one large quilting frame? If you're a member of the Long Islander Quilters' Society (LIQS) you already know the answer-the 2004 raffle quilt. It is the centerpiece of the group's upcoming quilt show, "New York State Mind," and will be raffled off during the two-day event. Quilters and quilt-lovers can view that special quilt, along the over 300 traditional and art quilts made by area quilters during the next weekend's quilting showcase. Other activities include a doll exhibit, vendor displays and lectures/workshops by nationally known quilters. There will even be a fashion show of quilted garments!That raffle quilt, "Long Island Beauty," is 88 square inches of superb craftsmanship, according to Carol Ketcham, co-chair of the 2004 Quilt Show. "The quilt incorporates over 50 different fabrics, each selected to coordinate with a multi-colored 'focus fabric' that appears in the middle of each block," Ketcham explained. "The result is a dramatic kaleidoscope of blue and purple circles on a multi-patterned beige background."The quilt was the creation of LIQS members Susan Horn and Laura Reif Lipski, who co-chaired the project. Horn adapted a century-old pattern, New York Beauty, to create the quilt top. Once completed, Horn and other quilters basted the top to a large piece of cotton batting and a backing fabric to create a quilt "sandwich." The next stop was the home of another member, Myrtle Bergman of East Meadow, who generously donated her dining room for the cause.There 23 dedicated LIQS quilters spent a total of 152 hours completing the quilting portion of the project. Finally, the quilt was sent back to Horn for the addition of the finishing touches-binding, a hanging sleeve and a decorative label. The raffle quilt is one the Long Island Quilting Society's main fundraisers. The organization is dedicated to furthering an interest in quilting, encouraging preservation of America's quilt heritage, and offering instructional opportunities to its members. The Society conducts regular monthly meetings at the Freeport Recreation Center at which time it offers its membership an opportunity to share their skills. LIQS also gives back to the community through its charitable projects. The most recent LIQS project was to provide 100 baby quilts to the pediatric unit of St. John's Hospital in Inwood and fifty full size quilts for the 20 room addition to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. LIQS members also donated 80 baby quilts to Mama's House in Malverne in 2002. Their skills are on display for the community at the quilt shows. It's worth a visit to see a handicraft from bygone days that continues to thrive in the modern world.

Saturday, March 2711:30 a.m. - Workshop: "Viewed With A Smile" with Mari Stori 1:30 p.m. - Workshop: "Smashing Settings for Sampler Blocks" with Margaret Miller 3 p.m. - Fashion Show: Fashions made by members and the Hoffman Traveling Fashion Show9 a.m.-5 p.m. - Quilt Appraisals: By appointment with Phyllis Twigg Sunday, March 281 p.m. - Lecture: "Looking Ahead with Margaret Miller"2:30 p.m. - Lecture: "And Sew The Stori Goes" with Mari Stori 4 p.m. - Winners Circle: - Raffle prize drawing 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. - Quilt Appraisals: By appointment with Phyllis Twigg

Long Island Quilters' Society's Biennial Quilt Show