By NewsLine Staff
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Do you believe in magic? Want to see real magic with your own eyes? Well, Jacksonville’s textile artists have collected 465 examples of magically sewn artwork in the form of quilts for a show at Jacksonville’s Prime Osborn Center. “Sew Your Heart Out,” Quiltfest Inc. of Jacksonville’s 37th annual quilt show, will be held September 19, 20 and 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Prime Osborn Convention Center.
What is so magical about quilts and why is this show worth attending? It must be magical when a quilter is so passionate about creating works of love and beauty that she spends hours working on each quilt. In fact, some quilters admit that it takes them up to 20 years to complete their work. A quilt can create an appealing pattern through the play of color and shape; it can tell a story or make a statement about current events; or it can be a picture to hang on the wall. Whether it takes a few days, weeks, months, or years, the quilts are stunning. And seeing them all together is magical.
So grab your friends and family for a unique outing. You might find something handmade to purchase in the boutique or quilt sales room. There will also be opportunities to purchase small items to support Community Hospice PedsCare Bereavement, try out a sewing machine for you or your children or help sew Me Dolls and heart pillows for hospital patients, win a quilt or basket of goodies, or purchase a gift for that quilter you know.
Tickets for Quiltfest are available on show days or at numerous area quilt shops (through September 7). Tickets are $15 per day, children under 12 are free and seniors and veterans receive a $1 discount. Parking is free in the official Prime Osborn lot. Visit www.quiltfestjax.com for a look at the 2023 winners, ticket information and directions.
Photo courtesy of Sondie Frus
“Three Travelers in Search of a Vague Idea” by Nikki Hill (First Place in the Quilt Challenge 2023)