Having sew much fun

Danielle Smith, Maddie McCaffree and Carlie McCaffree work on quilt tops that will be displayed at the Bushwhacker Quilt Show, presented by the Bushwhacker Quilt Guild, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., June 13, at the City/County Community Center, Nevada. --Lynn A. Wade/Daily Mail

What started out a quilting class for youngsters has become the Wednesday Afternoon Sewing Club. Four young ladies, Maddie McCaffree, 9, Carlie McCaffree, 8, Danielle Smith, 12, and Madison Hedges, 12, gather each week in a back room at Nine Patch Quilt and Fabric in Nevada, where they sew and learn and laugh together.

The girls hate to miss the sewing club day, coming even when they don't feel well. They even try to arrange vacations to avoid missing their "meeting." Only severe illness or school events will keep them away.

All of the girls are busily making quilt tops, each of which will be displayed at the Bushwhacker Quilt Show on June 13, 9 a.m-4 p.m., in the city/county community center in Nevada.

Two of the girls, Danielle and Madison, have been quilting for two years, and began the quilting class on August 12, two years ago -- Emery's birthday. They joke that they were her birthday presents; the other two, sisters Maddie and Carlie, joke they were late Valentine's presents, joining the group this past February.

Each proudly displayed their partially-completed creations -- brightly colored quilt tops in the rail fence pattern. Each chose her own fabric for a personal touch. All of the projects are in different phases of production, according to the skill and pace of each worker.

As they work, they help one another as needed while Emery guides and talks with the girls. "It's been really interesting in this group. The older ones know more about what they're doing, and they've really helped the younger ones."

Danielle took Maddie under her wing; Madison paired with Carlie.

"It's really fun," Maddie said, adding that when they're very good, they're rewarded with things like a free pinning (Emery pins a block for them) or other assistance that makes the work go faster.

All of the girls agree they're enjoying their Wednesday Afternoon Sewing Club more than they thought -- it's an opportunity to make solid friendships while they're making a lasting keepsake and learning sewing skills; but to them it's mostly "just fun."

"It's relaxing," said Danielle, straightening her quilt -- the fifth she's made so far -- in front of her, smiling.

A wide array of quilting classes and groups are available at Nine Patch Quilt. In fact, Friday evening a class is being conducted on getting to know the sewing machine and quilting tools, for male and female beginners of all ages.