For the third year in a row, the Saturday Quilters will feature some of their beautifully designed and hand stitched quilts at the annual Downtown Artwalk on Saturday, Oct. 9. The Saturday Quilters group began 12 years ago and has more than 28 members. They meet every fourth Saturday of the month at the Kleberg County Extension building and welcome new comers.

The members bring and share quilting tips, have programs relating to quilting and enjoy showing their completed art works with the group. In addition, a member designs and brings 20 quilts block kits for other members to take home, complete and return for a chance to win all the blocks (lotto blocks).The winners keep all the blocks to take home and assemble as they please. The group’s present project for charity is the making of quilts for children with severe medical conditions. This year, in conjunction with the Third Annual Downtown Artwalk, the SQs will raffle off a quilt made by members.

Proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Kingsville Historic Downtown District Association (KHDDA).The 2010 quilt is entitled “Dresden Plate Quilt” and has remained a favorite  pattern of quilters and dates back to 1785.

It measures 79 inches by 97 inches and designed as a lotto block by quilter Pat Neher. Members pulled from their “fabric stashes,” and pieced and hand-appliquéd their block. Several other members sashed, sewed the boarders  and assembled the back. Helen Spurlock of Corpus Christi machine quilted it in traditional ‘stipple’ design. SQ members say quilting is about having fun and putting a piece of yourself and art into a quilt.

A finished quilt is truly work of art and done with love. They are cherished by the recipients and passed down generation after generation. Tickets for the raffle quilt are on sale now from Saturday Quilters, the Kingsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, King Ranch Saddle Shop and several other businesses in the historic downtown area. The cost is $1 each or six for $5. Tickets will also be sold the day of Artwalk by the Saturday Quilters.

The drawing will be held the afternoon of the event and announced on the band stage Oct. 9. Kingsville Historic Downtown District Association said they would like to thank the Saturday Quilters for all of their work on this project.

For additional information about the quilt, contact Carol Ann Anderson at 361-522-2278.