Shows

2022 Opportunity Quilt:

Traditions with a Twist

by Karen Litvinchuk

Proudly Sponsored by Sunsweet Gift Outlet

Past Quilt Shows
2021: Dancing with the Stars
2020: Journeys
2019: Heart and Home
2018: Rhapsody in Red

Featured 2022 Quilter: Karen Litvinchuk

Hello! My name is Karen Litvinchuk and I am excited to be the Featured Quilter for the 2022 Valley Quilt Show! I have loved to sew since I was very young. My first sewing machine was a small red handcrank that I used to make doll clothes. My grandmother was a seamstress living in Colusa and she taught me to sew my own clothes. She had given us tied quilts made from squares of dress scraps and although I loved those quilts, I had no desire to actually make a quilt!
I received my own sewing machine as a wedding gift and enjoyed making clothes for our three children including swimsuits, leotards, prom dresses and a wedding gown. I got my business license and sold doll clothes and bags in three Bay Area shops, and sewed costumes for a large dance studio – lycra, sequins, rhinestones, feathers – what fun! In 1993 I saw a magazine article about a woman who made beautiful quilts and I decided to learn to quilt. I loved to hand quilt but after I worked for many months on a twin size quilt I decided to give machine quilting a try. Quilting on my domestic machine became my new favorite way to quilt.
We moved to Gridley in 2001 and I met my wonderful neighbor Carole McClendon. She invited me to sew once a week with a group of five quilters who welcomed me, inspired me, and became great friends. The group has grown to over 20 quilters. The comradery and shared love of quilting makes me look forward to our Mondays together.
In 2013 I bought an Innova longarm from the Sew So Shop. I love the throat space, the ability to use any thread, and the accuracy I can achieve. I now teach longarm classes – what a joy to share my passion! I make quilts for my six grandkids, and just for the love of quilting. Mike, my husband of 51 years is my enthusiastic supporter.
I have been a member of the Valley Quilt Guild for over ten years. What fun to meet with a group who shares my love of quilting and who inspires me to try new methods and to improve my workmanship. Have a wonderful time at the Valley Quilt Guild’s 39th annual Quilt Show and I wish you happy quilting!