Quilt shop debuts new patterns

The Gathering Room Quilt Shop in La Grange has been “busy as a beehive,” according to owner Michelle Klein.

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Using a unique tool called the “twister” ruler, the shop has designed two new patterns, Twisted Jack and Caramel Twist. 

Opal Hibben designed the Caramel Twist pattern; Judi Robinson was behind Twisted Jack.

The ruler produces designs reminiscent of a pinwheel and is easy to use. 

Just in time for the Halloween season, Twisted Jack is a jack-o-lantern pattern with a wide border. Caramel Twist is a simple geometric pattern that looks like a tessellation and has smaller twists around the edges.

The two new designs were announced in conjunction with the store finding out a distributor wants to carry several patterns created by the store. At least five twister patterns have been created by the store, including two Christmas patterns and an American Flag.

The Gathering Room Quilt Shop opened in May 2006 and specializes in Civil War reproduction and 1930s-era fabrics. The shop offers a number of classes for beginners through experts, and several quilting clubs meet at the store. 

October classes include holiday placemats, rags to rugs and a Witch’s Workshop where attendees will create a halloween-themed wall hanging. The store will also host a Halloween sale on Oct. 29 — customers who come in full costume will receive a 25 percent discount.