Expert quilter, Hilda Williams, honored in Shreveport

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – An expert artisan is celebrated for her creative achievements.

Intricate patterns of creative thought are displayed for onlookers and those interested in learning—the Red River Quilt Show, which showcased the traditional craft over the weekend in Shreveport.

“Quilting is an art that connects people through time. Many people remember a grandmother who quilted, so it connects us to the past,” said Red River Quilt Show chairman Carla Hardaway.

The Red River Quilting Guild is also trying to attract a new generation to learn the skills.

“We’re teaching our younger generation to quilt. It’s an art form that brings people together,” Hardaway said.

During the two-day convention, a special expert quilter is honored for her lifetime of work.

“She’s the one we all want to be like. We all want to be like Hilda,” Hardaway said.

Hilda Williams is 96 years old. She has constructed quilts for decades.

“My favorite part is picking out the fabric and the pattern. Then going on from there,” Williams said.

She adds her own twist. Inspired by the dairy farm she owns, she incorporates feed sacks into the fabric.

“Back when I was growing up they would make quilts to put on your bed to keep warm. Now a lot of them are made just for the beauty of it,” Williams said.

She says the process of creating a quilt is fun and artistic. It starts with picking the fabric and laying out a design, then letting imagination move forward for a relaxing and fulfilling hobby.

“It’s a good feeling when you finish a quilt,” she said.

Her favorite part of quilting is making them for the people she loves.

“If you enjoy sewing, it’s a way to make something beautiful for someone.”

A perfect gift, hand-made to last, from the heart.