Quilting source of joy for area woman

Love for the art of quilting is evident in the many quilts that LaDoris Allison has pieced over the years. That love flows through the three generations of her family that will be displaying quilts during the second annual High Plains Quilt Festival.

“I love doing it. I’ve made quilts for a long long time,” Allison said.

Both Allison’s daughter and granddaughter have taken up quilting, and both have completed quilts that will be on display, Allison said.

Allison’s many quilts fill not only her home, but those of her relatives. Many of the quilts that she makes are given to her four children, spouses and grandchildren, she said.

“Laying them on the bed, admiring them and giving them away. (I love) the joy of seeing their faces light up when I give them a quilt,” Allison said.

Two quilts are listed as favorites. One is a Christmas quilt given to her by her friend and mentor, Lucyle Ownsbey.

“The workmanship is absolutely beautiful,” Allison said of the quilt.

Her other favorite quilt is one that she made for Ownsbey, called “Remembering Lucyle.” The quilt is made from satin material and lace that were given to her by Ownsbey, who died before Allison was able to give her the quilt, she said.

“She has been my inspiration and mentor for many, many years,” Allison said.

According to chairperson Elizabeth Lawrence, 170 quilts from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona will be on display, plus several more from featured quilter Jean Gilles Dean.

During the two-day event, a variety of mini classes will be offered. Individual vendors will also be doing demonstrations at their booths.

New this year is a silent auction, featuring quilted or quilting items. Proceeds will be donated to the Eastern New Mexico Food Bank, Lawrence said.

Quilts made from the blocks colored at last year’s festival will be on display and then donated to the Hartley House. Children will also have the opportunity to once again color quilt blocks and participate in a scavenger hunt. Llano Estacado Quilt Guild in Clovis and Operation Home Front from Cannon Air Force Base will be displaying two quilts for raffles, Lawrence said.

“We are so excited. It’s an effort for both (Clovis and Portales communities,” Lawrence said of the festival.