Artists Ellen Tanner and Lynn Tolson have created and donated a beautiful quilt featuring a vibrant Northern Cardinal to be raffled off by Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.  The quilt measures 52 x 58 inches.  The two sisters describe the creation of the quilt below.

Ellen Tanner:
I have always loved art and been creative. I majored in art and art history in college. I tried various fiber media such as knitting, crochet and weaving but always enjoyed working with fabric the most. In 1976 I made my first quilt for an assignment in an American art history class and fell in love with the craft. Now nearly 50 years later I have lost count of how may quilts I have created.

Color, the brighter the better, is what I like to work with best in my quilts. Lately, rather than creating my own designs, I have been using other designer’s patterns but making my own color choices. The pattern design for  the Cardinals quilt just screamed for the brightest colors possible.

One of my greatest joys is sharing my craft with my big sister, Lynn. I always like to say that I “infected” her with quilting. Lynn is very precise in her quilting and has made me pay more attention to the detail in mine.

Lynn Tolson:
I began sewing my own clothes as a teenager, inspired by my mother’s creativity. In the early 2000s, encouraged by my sister Ellen who is a talented artist and quilter, I took up quilting when my daughter left for college. What started as a way to fill the quiet of an empty nest soon became a deeply meaningful creative outlet.

Now in my 70s, I find peace and purpose in quilting. I enjoy working with classic patterns, bold colors, and creating quilts of all sizes. I have lovingly crafted several T-shirt quilts that preserve memories in stitch. Also, I am part of a charity quilt group that contributes to causes such as breast cancer awareness and organizations that empower disadvantaged youth and children, as well as donating quilts to the local community center, where I currently work. Though I’m not much of a cook, I often say I’m happiest when I’m feeding my sewing machine.

Raffle Tickets
Raffle tickets can be purchased below until midnight on October 31, and they will be for sale in-person at the Loudoun Wildlife booth (where the quilt will be on display) at the following events: Fall Native Plant Sale on September 13, Bluemont Fair on September 20 and 21 and Walk for Wildlife Kick Off on September 27. You’ll also be able to purchase tickets at the Walk for Wildlife closing celebration.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the closing celebration of Walk for Wildlife on November 2. You do not need to be present to win.

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