Quilters of the Sierra Sage put on show

If every quilt has its own story, the Quilters of the Sierra Sage have a virtual library on display.

"Can you imagine what those quilts would say that came over on covered wagons from the East?" asked Maggie Hinton, a member of the quilting club.

Fourteen years after its organization, the club's 12 members gathered 100 quilts for their first quilt show at the Nevada State Library & Archives which will run until Sunday at 4 p.m.

Clara Smith of Dayton, who has been quilting since 1975, donated 30 quilts to the display.

She said the group is about more than just quilting; it's about friendship.

"We like to share ideas and craft ideas," she said.

The women tell the stories of the quilts they are sewing, whether it is for a wedding or a new baby or just to learn a new technique.

"I love it. It's a way of unwinding," said Terri Bodoh, a member of the group.

Bodoh made her first quilt as a 12-year-old from pieces of her old dresses. She's been hooked ever since.

"I loved watching those little squares of fabric go together and come out as something I never expected," Bodoh said.

Eight-year-old Kelsey McKay recently made her first quilt, which is also on display.

"It's pretty and it has stars," she said. "I like stars."

McKay's quilt was joined by sister Lindsey King's quilt and their grandmother Hinton's quilt, and Hinton's grandmother's quilt.

"It's really neat that we all have quilts here because it it shows it's in all of us," King said. "That's pretty cool that we can all share that."

King began her first quilt when she was 5 and plans to continue to quilt throughout her life.

"It's relaxing," she said. "You can make it really colorful. You can express yourself really well."

Although she said she enjoys the process, Hinton said the best feeling is to finish.

She has a shirt that reads, "To quilt is human. To finish is divine."

"It's a wonderful feeling to finish a quilt," she said. "It's a great feeling of accomplishment."

Jane Brodigan of Minden went to the show Friday.

"I really like quilts and this inspires me," she said. "I like the history in them. You can look at the material and see the heritage in them."

Quilts on display include the quilters' original works and quilts they've collected.