Thursday, October 31st, 2024 Church Directory
THE BECKER HEARTS AND HANDS GUILD MEMBERS are preparing to put on a quilt show, scheduled for July 30. (Submitted photo.)
RAFFLE ITEM. This quilt, created by the combined efforts of four of the Becker quilters, will be available to win in a raffle at the Becker Hearts and Hands Quilt Show. (Submitted photo.)

Becker Hearts and Hands to put on quilt show

The Becker Hearts and Hands Quilt Guild will be putting on a quilt show July 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Becker High School. All the quilts being displayed were created by members of the guild, following the theme of “quilted gems.” Quilters were directed to create wall hangings inspired by their birthstones. The show is sponsored by Steil Insurance. Steil staff will select their favorite quilt in the showcase, and that quilt will be awarded a ribbon. Becker Mayor Tracy Bertram will likewise give an award to her favorite design, and there will be a viewer’s choice award for the public’s favorite design. 

There will be a five dollar admission to the event, and proceeds go towards the purchase of materials for the quilters. Attendees can enjoy the showcase, shop the invited vendors, and enjoy some delicious snacks. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win a quilt created by guild leaders Marilyn Bujalski, Elizabeth Steckelberg, Jan Miller, and Janet Peterson. The quilt being raffled was a challenging design for the four members, consisting of many, tiny, multi-colored fabrics that resemble facets of a gemstone, keeping with this year’s theme. 

This will be the second quilt show the Becker guild has put together. For two years, they participated in a show in Monticello, but then decided to put on their own annual show. 

The show was delayed due to COVID-19, but is now back, with the quilters excited to show off all their hard work. During COVID-19, the quilters instead focused their efforts on creating masks and surgical caps. Marilyn Bujalski, president of the guild, said she personally made over 800 masks throughout the pandemic. 

The Hearts and Hands Guild has been a part of the Becker community for about 30 years. It consists of 37 members. Elizabeth Steckelberg, a member of the group and newsletter writer, was happy to note that the guild had recently gained some new, younger members. The guild is happy to welcome young members and promote the hobby to newer generations. In fact, some creations of local kids will be featured in the show July 30th. 

When not putting on their quilt show, the members of the quilting guild make quilts and other creations to give back to the community. They participate with local groups, like Great River Faith in Action, as well as reaching out to individuals in the community, such as victims of fire or illness, to get their creations to those who need them. In 2021, the club donated 102 quilts and 100 pillow cases, among other items. So far in 2022, the club has donated 24 quilts and 100 pillow cases.

The club is currently looking for new members. Those interested should contact Elizabeth Steckelberg at Eliza@Midco.com. The club meets at the Becker Baptist Church on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.