HOW TO GO
What: Batty Binders Quilt Show
When: May 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 9, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Crystal Room, 845 W. Market St., Troy
Admission: $5
More information: https://sites.google.com/site/battybindersquiltguild/home; also on Facebook at Batty Binders Quilt Guild
TROY – Beth Ann Miller’s desire to use excess fabric from sewing projects for her family led to another creative outlet.
“It just naturally turned into quilting. I just loved it,” Miller said of an interest discovered more than 20 years ago.
She taught herself by reviewing books at the library and learning along with and from others as an early member of the Batty Binders Quilt Guild of Miami County
Today, the rural Troy resident continues to piece quilts but spends a lot more time quilting – or sewing together the top, batting and backing into a finished work – on her l8-inch long-arm quilting machine.
Miller’s role is to drive the machine as it stitches what could be a regular or a more elaborate pattern known as feathering.
“A machine doesn’t make you any better. It takes lots and lots and lots of practice,” Miller said.
She has quilting projects neatly arranged in the workroom at her home.
“I get up there and lose track of time. I try to watch it, but it is so creative,” she said. “Everybody has a gift. It is just my quirky gift.”
Quilter Loraine Smith of Tipp City said Miller is “an amazing long-arm quilter.”
A lot of Miller’s work involves charity quilting and working with churches and others on fundraising quilt projects.
She’s also busy these days chairing the Batty Binders’ Quilt Guild 20th birthday celebration quilt show to be held May 8 and 9 at the Crystal Room in Troy. The show will have around 100 quilts and feature vendors, a quilt raffle and door prizes.
The guild first met at the Troy Hayner Cultural Center but currently meets at a church in West Milton. The members come from all walks of life, Miller said.
“All of the women are just wonderful. We are all learning and everybody has different gifts and talents,” she said.
“The quilts are amazing. You wouldn’t believe the talented people,” she said.
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