Jerry Peak, museum director, said opening day of the exhibit was well attended, and he expects the quilt exhibit to attract the interest of people of all ages and from all walks of life. The story cards that are included in the exhibit give historical information about the quilts and identify the quilt makers and the owners, when known, and the quilt patterns. Some of the most colorful quilts are string quilts and âpieceâ quilts that were made from scarps of cloth. One quilt of great interest is a reproduction quilt made by Carol Glayre, a Pioneer Quilter.

An especially lovely design in the Wraps section of the book is called âGali,â an infinity motif done in merino yarn in shades of blue and green. The designs that caught my eye in the book are the Julie Cuff bracelet, which buttons around the wrist; the Maureen Tunic, a quick stitch project crafted in linen in French blue, cream and aqua; the Maggie Wrap Top done in lacy motifs in bamboo and silk blend yarn; and the Paige Sweetheart Top crocheted in bamboo yarn. Designs that will have you reaching for circular needles to indulge in lace knitting patterns are Satine, a floaty tunic tank; Delphine, a lacy cap-sleeve top; Niobe, a lacy bell-sleeve pullover; Celeste, a mohair lingerie wrap; and Veronique, an airy wrap. Vendors at the event will offer knit goods, baked goods, locally grown beef and lamb, crafts, used books, jewelry, homemade soap, Mexican cocoa, products for moms and babies, woodenware, chutneys, jams and jellies.

Tracy Michelle Hughes, left, Samantha Rund and Faith Russell perform in Taproot Theatre’s production of “Gee’s Bend. A cast of four — Faith Russell, Geoffery Simmons, Samantha Rund and Tracy Michelle Hughes — highlights three key periods in Gee’s Bend, re-creating the low, heartfelt singing as Sonkin first recorded it. For director Karen Lund, the story that “Gee’s Bend” tells has proved unexpectedly inspiring in a time of national adversity, financial collapse and, with a history-making presidential inauguration, new hope. The Pacific Northwest African American Quilters have built a quilt inspired by the Gee’s Bend style that can be seen at Taproot Theatre.

Members of Woodland’s Needles & Friends donated 20 quilts for children to Rotoplast, the Rotary International organization that provides facial reconstructive surgery to children worldwide earlier this month. Member Marilyn Schwartz learned of this worthy project from Peggy Robles, owner of the new Woodland quilt store, Beehive Quilts. Schwartz said the members of Needles & Friends expressed their appreciation for the donation of fabrics. In March, Needles & Friends members will begin creating wheelchair lap quilts for seniors throughout Yolo County. These are charming, small quilts, are perfect for the new quilter, but experienced quilters have fun with more challenging patterns. Needles & Friends meets every Monday, from 9 a.