Showcasing the traditional art of quilting is the goal of the Hopewell Quilters, a group of sewing enthusiasts who demonstrate quilting at venues throughout the area, including Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro. Members also hold a Sewing Circle on the second Saturday of the month at the Exeter Community Library.

Most recently, the group demonstrated quilting at French Creek State Park in Elverson, where they set up in the park office's downstairs meeting room. Members were busy stitching a quilt that will be used at Daniel Boone Homestead upon completion.

The item they were working on was a whole cloth quilt, which is made of one continuous piece of fabric that is used for the top layer, rather than a pieced-together patchwork. The quilt's pattern is created entirely by the stitching through the fabric and its batting and backing.

"This style quilt was popular in the 1700s," noted Eve Biamonte. "It's a whole cloth quilt. Most of the quilts were made with extra scraps from fabric or clothing. They did whole cloth quilt for special occasions like weddings."

The quilters were busy stitching together the three layers of the quilt using blue lines as a guide. When washed, the blue lines, which are imprinted on the fabric, will disappear, leaving only the stitches.

"When we are finished, and it is washed, all the lines will come out," explained Kate Pugliese. "All you are left with are the stitches. It creates a pattern with the stitches."

"The purpose of quilting is to hold the three layers of fabric together, so that when it gets washed, the middle layer will not crunch up at one end," Biamonte added. "In addition to the functionality of holding the three layers together, you put designs in a quilt to make it look pretty."

The women said they not only enjoy quilting but the camaraderie among members.

"It's relaxing," said Pugliese. "You don't need to know different stitches like in crocheting or knitting."

"Women solve the issues of the world over the quilt frame," added Christine Hawthorne with a smile.

During their programs at the various sites, the Quilters allow visitors, including children, to try their hand at quilting. "When we demonstrate, we have what we call a cheater cloth for them to practice on," said Biamonte. "Some people do know a little about quilting, and others know nothing and are fascinated by it. When we have young people who try it, some of them do very well with it."

Biamonte said that quilts have an interesting history, noting that quilts had a practical use but were also a way for women to express their creativity. "The pioneers would use pieces of clothing (to make quilts). You wore your dress until it was worn out, but there were a few sections that were not worn out so they saved those and used them for a quilt. (They used) an old blanket or quilt for the batting inside," she said, adding, "People say quilters are a little crazy because who cuts up big pieces of fabric and sews them back together?"

The Hopewell Quilters recently donated a quilt to the Exeter Community Library and to the Leesport Lock House; both organizations chanced off the quilts as fundraisers. Additionally, the group presented a quilt to Daniel Boone Homestead that features signatures from the park's visitors, which is currently on display. "We had squares of fabric where anybody could write their name and where they are from," said Biamonte. "We took all those squares and stitched them together to make a quilt."

The Hopewell Quilters will hold their Sewing Circle at the Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, from 10 a.m. to noon. on Saturdays, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13. Each session includes a demonstration on a specific topic, followed by a time during which attendees can work on their own sewing projects. Participants also have an opportunity to practice the art of quilting. Topics will include Oct. 11, punch needle; Nov. 8, quilling; and Dec. 13, apron-making. For more information, visit http://www.berkslibraries.org/events/67627.

The group will also hold a quilting demonstration on Friday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the DeTurk Building at Daniel Boone Homestead, 400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro.

"We try to get people to come and see what we are doing. We are here for our own pleasure but to produce something for the community whether it be a quilt for the Exeter Library or one that goes on a bed at a historic site," Hawthorne added.

For more information about the group, search for "Hopewell Quilters" on Facebook. New members are welcome and may send a Facebook message for more information.