Elsie Campbell to teach quilting classes at Pioneer Woman Museum

On Saturday, April 22, the Pioneer Woman Museum will open its newest exhibit, “Pieces of a Collection: Selected Quilts of the Pioneer Woman Museum.” Several programs are planned to coincide with the exhibit, two of which will be taught by Ponca City quilt artist, author and instructor Elsie Campbell.

At 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29, Campbell will present “Care and Conservation of Heirloom Quilts.” The free presentation will include information on best practices for using, storing, cleaning and otherwise caring for heirloom quilts. Whether you have made them yourself, or are the steward of your grandmother’s handmade bed coverings, you will enjoy learning how to keep them in the best condition for the next generation.

After the presentation guests will be able to view a selection of Elsie’s family heirloom quilts and several of her own award-winning quilts that will be heirlooms for her children and grandchildren someday. The presentation will conclude with a question and answer session.

On Saturday, May 6, Campbell will lead a workshop for beginning quilters from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop is limited to 12 students. The hands-on class will include instruction by Campbell on the Bachelor’s Bowties quilt block, a contemporary version of the traditional block pattern Old Maid’s Puzzle. The finished quilt is large enough to top a king-size bed.

The blocks are big, so you will not need very many of them to make this attractive quilt. It will involve five to six hours of sewing, and a sewing machine is required. The class is for the experienced beginner level. Cost for the class, including lunch, is $50 plus the supplies and is payable at registration. A supply list will be given with registration and students must preregister by calling the museum.

Elsie M. Campbell is an award-winning quilt maker who travels across the nation teaching hand quilting, precision piecing, hand and machine appliqué and quilting techniques, and quilt design.

“I grew up with quilts on every bed. My mother, grandmothers and aunts all made quilts. They were made to be used and most of them were ‘loved to death.’ I just thought everyone knew how to quilt,” said Campbell.

The “Pieces of a Collection” exhibit will run April 22 through Sept. 16, 2017, and can be viewed 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, with regular paid admission to the Pioneer Woman Museum.