WOMEN PATCHED HISTORY INTO QUILT.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Staff Writer

The Sesquicentennial Quilt, a 10-by-10-foot work of art featuring vignettes of California's geography and culture, will be one of the highlights of this weekend's Quilt Cornucopia, hosted by the Camarillo Quilters Association.

Association member Ellen Heck of Somis helped develop and design the commemorative showpiece, which was created by quilters throughout the state. After 67 Southern California quilters worked on the project for 15 months, it was sent up north where more than 150 other quilters stitched an additional 2,000 hours to complete it.

The Camarillo Quilters Association is one of 75 quilting guilds in Southern California, and boasts over 300 members in Ventura County. The group started 17 years ago, when a several Camarillo women got together to socialize and make quilts.

``I've been sewing since I was 9 years old mostly dressmaking and I've taken every sewing course at Ventura College,'' said Mary Welsh of Ventura who joined the association six years ago. ``I was introduced to quilting by one of the teachers and it's so enjoyable and relaxing.''

At monthly meetings, members show what they are working on and discuss it with the group. Smaller groups meet weekly to work on a group project or on their own quilt.

For instance, member Sharon Norbutas has been working on a project, titled ``Here to Japan and Back Again,'' which won first place in the traditional category at last month's Pacific International Quilt Festival.

And another of Norbutas' quilts, ``Window In the Wall,'' has been declared a ``Masterpiece Quilt'' by the National Quilting Association.

Nationally known as well as local quilters are guest speakers at the meetings. Topics of discussion range from the history of quilts to fabrics used in quilt making to new patterns and techniques.

The CQA meets at 9:30 a.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Orchid Professional Bldg. 816 Camarillo Guests are welcome. The yearly dues is $20. For information call [phone].

The Camarillo Quilters Association's Quilt Cornucopia will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Seaside Park in Ventura. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1) Ellen Heck of Somis helped develop and design the sesquicentennial quilt as well as this award-winner titled ``Nature's Splendor.''

(2) ``The California Sesquicentennial Quilt'' will be featured among more than 100 quilts at an event this weekend. (top) Quilter Sharon Norbutas won first place in the traditional category at the Pacific International Quilt Festival with ``Here to Japan and Back Again.'' Shown is a section of her quilt. (right)