by RENEE PATRICK Cascade A&E Editor

For the second year Quiltworks will be featuring themed quilts focused on the Deschutes Library’s Novel Idea program. The 2012 novel, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles tells the story of a young woman entering the New York high society of 1938. Events surrounding the library’s program kick of in April; the Quiltworks exhibit will be unveiled on First Friday, April 6.

“This year we will have 35-40 quilts based on Rules of Civility,” said Quiltworks owner Marilyn Ulrich. The exhibit will fill the upstairs gallery in the popular shop with each quilter creating a quilt based on their reading of the book.

“I have always loved a Novel Idea,” commented Ulrich. The quilts produced from last year’s pick, Kapitoil, resulted in some amazing creativity. “We sent out an email last year asking for submissions from anyone who wanted to make a quilt about the book. Eighteen women responded, and we had a reception for the library and had a lot of people come that don’t normally come to the shop; many commented that they didn’t know quilts could be so expressive.” Following the success of Kapitoil, the quilt shop organized a subsequent book-themed exhibit based on The Elegance of Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
“This year we have really embraced the program. We meet twice a month to talk and share progress on quilts,” she said. “We do a lot of projects, but the Novel Idea is our most exciting one. The library does a really good job coming up with ideas to connect the community.”

Dave and Marilyn Ulrich have been working hard at creating a unique quilt shop in what can be called a quilting hotbed. The Sisters Quilt Show attracts thousands of quilters from around the country, but some of the best talent can be found locally.

Quiltworks adds to their inventory of fabric on a weekly basis and carries a rainbow of colors to meet any quilter’s need. The staff create patterns and kits for sale as well as offer a wide range of classes and workshops.

Each month Quiltworks hosts a First Friday event featuring one quilter’s body of work as well as a group show. Interested quilters can contact the shop to find out how to participate.

Quiltworks First Friday event will take place from 5-7pm on April 6. 926 NE Greenwood Ave. Suite B, Bend. 541-728-0527. www.quiltworks.com.