Quilt show winners named

WASILLA — The Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry was decked out with beautiful quilts in all manner of colors and designs July 26.

Saturday’s show marked the third annual combination event — “Quilts on a Line and A One Woman Show.”

This year’s show featured the work of Peggy Behnke. Cat Thompson coordinated the festivities that included a potluck lunch, voting for Quilts on a Line, and door prizes of whimsical table decorations.

Quilts on a Line grows out of something called “The Mystery,” which sponsored by Sylvia’s Quilt Depot in Wasilla. Each month quilters visit the Depot to receive instructions on a mystery quilt pattern. Details entail required fabric yardage and color shades (light, medium or dark), how to cut and sew the fabric, and finally directions to assemble the quilt. Quilters receive six separate steps available one each month from December to May. Steps are free and anyone may participate. Two months after the final step becomes available, completed quilts are displayed at Quilts on a Line. More than 50 quilters participated this past year. Nine finished quilts were displayed.

Saturday’s One Woman Show featured Peggy Behnke, a charter member of the North Star Quilters of Big Lake. She began quilting 20 years ago. Behnke’s cohorts agree that what sets her apart as a quilter is the variety of styles, colors, fabrics, and techniques she incorporates in her work. Her quilts present a virtual rainbow of colors from bright to subdued. Behnke’s handiwork includes well-known patterns but also avant-garde designs that look much like modern art.

Behnke explained that she doesn’t start with a pattern. Instead, it’s all about the cloth.

“I see a fabric and I have to make something with it. It speaks to me,” she said.

Asked if she has a favorite quilt among her 34 quilts displayed, Behnke claimed no specific favorite. Each was made at a different time with a different purpose.

At the end of the event, Behnke said thoughtfully, “I never felt like an outcast, but I wasn’t sure I really belonged.” Obviously delighted, she smiled, “Today was very special.”

Winners at the annual quilt show were Ruth Simpson in the Alaskana/nature category, Cat Thompson for the brights/kids/novelty group, Nancy Rowland, in the floral division, LiAnne Schwartz for holiday/seasonal quilts and Margo Pierson, whose entry was deemed the “quilt you would most like to take home.”