Appraisals to be Available at Annual Quilt Show
By Ruth Lepper

Julia Zgliniec poses with one of her heirloom quilts. In addition to collecting quilts, she also makes and appraises them. Photo by Ruth Lepper

Julia Zgliniec brings her expertise as a certified quilt appraiser to the eighth annual Back Country Quilters Quilt Show in October, offering identifications and values for quilts that may be family heirlooms.

Zgliniec studied appraising through the American Quilters Society and has been a quilter since 1982.

"I have always been interested in art and also interested in handwork," she said. "This was the perfect solution to the combination of both my loves. You still apply all the principles and elements of design that you do in any art form. You still apply that to quilt-making."

If a painting doesn't turn out to the artist's satisfaction, there isn't too much that can be done with it, she said. However, if a quilt doesn't turn out right, it still serves a purpose.

"I was a mediocre painter," she said. "If you make a quilt, you know you can still do something with it. It can still keep somebody warm with it."

Zgliniec uses both hand stitching and machine stitching when making quilts. "I don't prefer one over the other," she said. "They're different and for different purposes."

She also is a collector of quilts, with the oldest in her collection dating back to the 1790s.

It is one she purchased while on a textile tour in France. It is of the "bouti" style and is white on white.

Zgliniec taught quilting classes through Palomar College for 14 years in Ramona and Escondido. She continues to hold workshops and seminars at quilt shows and at the national convention of the American Quilters Society in Kentucky.

The local quilt show, with more than 100 quilts on display, will be set up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 and 20 at Mountain View Community Church, 1191 Meadowlark Way, Ramona. Admission is free.

Written appraisals will be available for $40 for each quilt. An informal, verbal appraisal will be $20.

Featured quilter will be Eanne Hampe, who also makes bobbin lace. There also will be several sewing demonstrations and handmade items, sewing supplies and fabrics will be for sale.

Chances will be sold on a quilt made by the quilting group, with the opportunity drawing taking place at the close of the show. The queen-sized quilt has a log cabin theme. Money raised from the tickets will be donated to local nonprofit groups, including Ramona Senior Center and Mountain View Community Church. For more information, contact Dot Koerner at 760-789-7382.