This quilt titled “For the Dogs,” was made by Debbie Milhoan and was quilted by Bolts and Quarters Quilt shop. It appeared in the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. (Photo by James Dobbs)

PARKERSBURG — The Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History is holding the 18th Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show through Nov. 20.

Brenda Wentzel, chairwoman, said this year’s theme was “Quilts for All Seasons.” The theme included quilts for winter, spring, summer, fall and any of the major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. The theme category is only one of the judged categories for the quilt show. Wentzel said quilts don’t have to be entered into the theme category. The other categories include large quilts, small quilts, miniature quilts and antique quilts (not judged). Prizes are awarded for Overall Best of Show, Best of Show-Hand Quilted, Best of Show-Machine Quilted, People’s Choice Award, Superintendent’s Choice Award and Best Theme Award.

Overall Best of Show was awarded to, “Fall Stars,” a quilt made by Al Williams that was quilted by Lemon Twist Quilting. The same quilt also received the Best Machine Quilted, and the Best Themed Quilt.

Best Hand Quilted was awarded to, “Quilt of Quilts,” which was made and quilted by Kim Logan.

The Superintendent Award was received by, “Autumn Splendor,” which was made by Sandy Bach and hand quilted by Barbara Robinson

This quilt titled “Kansas Chaos,” was made by Judy Hughes and was quilted by Beth Sellers. It appeared in the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Wentzel has been chairwoman of the quilt show for eight years. Sewing encompasses her daily life.

“I work part time in a quilt shop. So I’m still into the fabrics, patterns and textiles,” she said. “It’s just in my blood.”

She said her seventh-grade home economics teacher inspired her to pick up sewing, and she has learned more about it through her mother and grandmother. It has helped her get through some tough times in her life, she said.

When asked why the quilt show is special to her, Wentzel said, “the variety of people that make the quilts, the choices of their fabrics, the patterns they use, and the life that it brings to the museum. And people get to display their love of quilting, and it’s a great thing for people to see to know that the art of quilting is not lost.”

Cheryl Sparks, quilt show participant, has been quilting since 2008. She was one of few volunteers who provided a live demonstration of hand quilting during the quilting show. She said hand quilting takes a thimble, a needle, thread, and a type of pattern, opposed to machine quilting, which uses a sewing machine to stitch rows or patterns.

Brenda Wentzel, chairwoman, stands in front of a quilt titled “DECO,” which was made by Cheryl Sparks and quilted by Beth Sellers. It appeared in the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. (Photo by James Dobbs)

Sparks said she learned how to quilt in Meigs County, after she retired from work.

“Camaraderie,” said Sparks, when asked what she liked about quilting. “There’s a bond among quilters whether you hand quilt or machine quilt. It’s just an art that I like, and I’m fairly good at it.”

Quilts in the show will be on display through Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Visitors of the quilt show will be able to vote for “People’s Choice” which will be announced Nov. 20.

Admission to the museum is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages four to 12.

The 2023 Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt show’s theme will be Garden Party. It will take place from Nov. 11 to Nov. 19 at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History at 137 Juliana Street, Parkersburg.

Cheryl Sparks, quilt show participant, provided a live hand quilting demonstration during the quilt show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. (Photo by James Dobbs)

James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com.

This quilt titled “Fall Stars,” was made by Al Williams and quilted by Lemon Twist Quilting. It appeared in the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. It received a first place ribbon, as well as the Overall Best of Show Award, Best Theme Award, and the Best Machine Quilted Award. (Photo by James Dobbs)

This quilt titled “Honey Bee Gnome Flower Garden,” was made and quilted by Lydia Overby. It appeared in the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. (Photo by James Dobbs)

This quilt, titled “Springtime in West Virginia,” was made and hand quilted by Barbara Robinson. It appeared in the Mid-Ohio Valley Heritage Quilt Show at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History. (Photo by James Dobbs)