BY ROSSALENE COX

INEZ — Saturday was National Quilter’s Day Out. Martin County’s Pieceful Stitchers and Sew ‘n Sew quilt groups celebrated this event by hosting Quilter’s Day Out at the Collier Center, inviting quilters from Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin and Pike counties. One hundred and five quilters enjoyed the day – shopping with vendors, participating in Show & Tell, eating a delicious lunch catered by Cloud 9 Cafe and socializing.

As registered guests signed in they received an “evidence bag” filled with goodies and were invited to enjoy the light breakfast provided.

The MC quilters had voted “Quilty as Charged” as their theme, highlighting this with the traditional Sunbonnet Sue as a criminal in prison stripes, crime scene tape, “money” (bagged and scattered on tables), quilter’s moonshine and more decorated the event.

Eighty-two quilts were also part of the decor, hanging from the walking track’s railing and displayed on racks around the gym.

Jared Goforth of Fluty Lick Homestead entertained the crowd by playing his banjo and displaying two heirloom quilts he owns.

Multiple prizes were given out during the day with Pam Ward being the winner of the grand prize, an Oliso iron.

Quilters took advantage of the photo ops – mug shot backdrops and a jail. (Many thanks to William and Lisa Workman for loaning us their “jail.” The ladies loved it.)

The memory-making day ended with the passing of the QDO book to Floyd County, who will be hosting QDO next year.

Much planning and work went into this event. We are grateful to those who donated time, money and gifts: the Martin County Extension Office (especially Nicole Hinkle), the Collier Center, Warfield IGA, Cloud 9 Cafe, Quilter’s Playhouse, Martin County Health Department, Cash Express, Peyton Goble, and members of Pieceful Stitchers & Sew ‘n Sew. (If I have left anyone out, please let me know.)