KENT, Conn. -- The Kent Quilters are again seeking to sew up a substantial donation for a local non-profit through the sale of handmade quilts.
The Quilters unveiled their Quilt Trail Labor Day weekend, a two-month-long exposition of 18 quilts, all of which are for sale.
Following the end of the Quilt Trail each year, the Quilters vote on the next local nonprofit to benefit from their efforts. Last year, the Quilters raised more than $10,000 for the Kent Volunteer Fire Department. This year, they selected the Kent Dispatch, this nonprofit online news site.
Each year the stitchers, who gather monthly on Sunday afternoons in the large assembly room at town hall, create one signature quilt that all members cooperate in creating, and then sell it to benefit a local organization.
This year's creation, titled "Bylines" in a nod to the Dispatch, is currently on view at OHHO, 27 North Main St., #1, and will sell for $1,100.
At the same time, members display and sell examples of their individual works to add to the charitable account. "The prices vary with the size and complexity," said Quilt Trail Chairman Alicia Winter. "Many fall in the $100 to $200 range."
She said the quilts are distributed by the sizes the different businesses can accommodate.
Some of the quilts employ traditional patterns but others, like "Polaroid from West Palm" by Jane Zatlin and Andrea Schoeny, are virtual paintings in fabric. A table runner titled "Aboriginal" by Veralyn Davee is an explosion of color, while "Jazzy Blues" by Satomi Hoar is a geometric wonder in aquatic blues.
Another aspect of the Quilt Trail Sale is a scavenger hunt that challenges families to follow a map and locate the quilts in the participating stores. Each quilted item has a red letter next to QR code and information about the quilt. Participants are encouraged to write the letter on the map, and unscramble the letters to reveal a secret message. Those who visit 10 locations can receive a handmade prize at Sundog Shoe and Leather.
Maps are available in the stores and QR codes are displayed next to the quilts linking to short bios of the makers and the payment site.
Participating Kent businesses displaying quilts are: Cozzy's, OHHO, Foreign Cargo, Sundog Shoe and Leather, Covered Bridge Electric Bike, David Gavin Salon, 45 on Main, Fife 'n Drum, Kent Computer Services, 109 Cheese Market, Ace Hardware, Webster Bank, Kent Memorial Library, Heron American Craft Gallery, Wilson's Bakery and Cafe, and Peggy Mercury.
The quilts will be on view until Saturday, Oct. 25.
Both the Kent Quilters, currently in their 11th year, and the Quilt Trail fundraiser were the inspiration of founder Jane Zatlin.