Kelch featured in Teakettle quilt show Saturday

Evelyn Kelch has been sewing since she was a young girl in 4-H. Her craft has come a long way since those early days. This week, she’ll be the featured quilter at the annual Teakettle Quilters Guild show this Saturday.

Kelch grew up in Whitefish. Her parents moved to Stumptown in 1947 from Baker. Her father-in-law, Everett, was a well known Whitefish poet and figure.

She lived in Whitefish until 2004, but now calls Polson home. During her time in the Flathead, she became involved with the Teakettle Quilters.

“It’s a good group of friends,” she said.

Kelch said she’s made at least 40 quilts over the years. She enjoys the friendship and camaraderie of the guild.

“I love to sew,” she said. “It’s a great hobby and companionship. It’s very rewarding.”

Some of her favorite quilts are ones she’s made for family. She started out making quilts for her grandchildren as they graduated from high school. She also made one for a foreign exchange student from the Faroe Islands in Denmark, who lived with Kelch.

Since then, she’s made a quilt for all her children and grandchildren. Now she’s working on pieces for her great grandchildren. She’s also donated several quilts to charities and other organizations over the years.

Kelch said she adheres to no particular theme. Her quilts are bed quilts, made to be used and to keep people warm.

Quilting had a lull in popularity for a few years, she notes.

“There were years when it wasn’t cool to quilt,” she said. “It’s back in popularity again.”

At the show, Kelch will feature about 15 of her quilts as well as other pieces.

The show will be held at the Glacier Gateway Elementary School gym on Fourth Avenue in Columbia Falls on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It features quilts on display and for sale and numerous vendors. Raffle tickets for the “Spirit of Montana” quilt cost $1 each or six for $5. All proceeds go to a community charity.