Quilters invade Cathlamet

Sounds of sewing machines and laughter filled the lobby of the Hotel Cathlamet as quilters from around the Pacific Northwest reunited for their retreat. This group of women, who range from young sewers to great grandmothers, share a passion for beautiful fabrics and intricate quilt patterns.Karen Bruggman traveled from Moses Lake to Cathlamet last year and was drawn to the area. She struck up a conversation with hotel owner, Laurel Waller, and a tradition was born. Filling the hotel twice a year for fun and fabric, Karen relies on word-of-mouth for bringing participants to the event. "I contacted Elise Clausen who shared the details of the retreat with her quilt guild. Pretty soon, they were sending me deposit money without even knowing the details. It was pretty funny how enthusiastic these strangers were about quilting!" Freda Steveson was so dedicated that she attended just 5 days after having heart surgery. At 90 years old, she is still going strong. Karen does all of the cooking but encourages the attendees to eat lunches in town. "The local businesses have been so welcoming. I asked them for donations to give away as door prizes and they happily provided gift certificates and more", said Bruggman. The next retreat is themed, "Haunted Hotel" to be held the first weekend in October.