If one was looking for an indoor activity on a hot and humid day in July, one would be hard pressed to find a more interesting activity than the Quilt Show that was hosted by the local Hearts and Hands Quilt Guild at the Becker High School Sat., July 27.  The quilt show is held every two years. 

Multi-Layered

The first thing one might have noticed walking through the display of 187 quilts was the color.  Bright neons, soft earth tones, differing shades of reds, yellows, and greens.  It seemed as if every color of the rainbow was used to make up a myriad of designs.  

Like snowflakes, the quilts were similar, yet unique.  One could find simple square and triangle patterns, cityscapes, country farms and gardens.  Butterflies, tigers and bears, moose, and fish were some of the animals on display.  Up north cabins and canoes, patriotic stars and stripes, and a Japanese koi pond caused people to stop and pose in front of them.  And there were multiple Christmas designs - Christmas trees, snowmen, snowflakes and sleds. 

Sonja Bogart, a member of the guild, explained there are three steps to quilting – cutting the pieces, sewing the pieces together, and then top stitching which holds it all together.  The colors and the patterns are easy to see, but you have look closer to notice the top stitching, which can be just as elaborate as the patterns. 

Marilyn Bujalski, President of the guild, explained that because of today’s technology, quilters are only limited by their imagination.  Quilters today can do more in less time than quilters of the past.   “You’re only limited by the age you live in,”  she said.

Hearts and Hands 

Quilt Guild

Bujalski is an accomplished quilter having had a quilt displayed at the 2025 International Quilting Show in Houston, TX.  The show only accepted 348 quilts worldwide.  She has been an inspiration to her fellow quilters who meet at 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at Becker Baptist Church.   All are welcome to come and explore what the guild has to offer.  According to their Facebook site, they offer a place to socialize and share their love of quilting.  Many of the quilts made at the guild are donated to “those in need if warmth and comfort in our community”. 

Dione Lowe, guild member, explained that it’s a place where friends get together.  She was in charge of displaying all the quilts at the show.  She noted that all the quilts submitted by members were displayed. 

Awards

A number of awards were selected by show attendees.  Best of show was awarded to Marilyn Bujalski for her quilt, “Summer Monarchs 2”.  First place awards were given to Dione Lowe - “Home for the Holidays”, Jane Donner - “Color My World Minnesota Style” and Jan Lear - “Oopie Daisy!!”

Second place awards were given to Jan Miller - “Latimer Farms”, Lisa Barringer - “Dragonfly Inspiration” and Phyllis Steckelberg - “Trip Around the World”.  Third place award winners include Elizabeth Steckelberg - “Tiger Butterfly”, Sonja Bogart - “Xs and Os” and Linda Helgesen - “Winter Wonderland”.

Two awards were given prior to the show.  The Mayor’s Choice Award, selected by Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram, was given to Jan Miller - “Latimer Farms” and the Steihl Insurance Sponsor Award, selected by representatives from Steihl Insurance, Elizabeth Steckelberg - “Tiger Butterfly”. 

The Guild Challenge Contest Award was given to Sonja Bogart - “Moonlight on Eagle Lake”.  The challenge was to create a black and white quilt.  Challenge submissions were only voted on by guild members.  

Lastly, all the quilts submitted by kids received an award - Tristan Binnall, Aubrie Steckelberg, Madilyn Steckelbert, Genevieve Binnall, and Olivia Steckelberg.