Patchers member displays quilt at Sun City West library

A machine pieced French braid quilt made by Palo Verde Patchers member Helen Jacobs will be on display through February at the R.H. Johnson Library, 13801 W. Meeker Blvd.

Jacobs said this is her favorite non-traditional quilt to make. With no points to match, it goes together easily with dramatic results.

“I’ve made several in different colors and was pleased with each of them,” she said.

Adding a narrow strip of black fabric between each braid creates a stained-glass window effect. The final piece was quilted by Maria Werth in California.

“I was lucky to attend the International Quilt Show in Santa Clara, California, before moving to Arizona. Vendors from various states were there with beautiful fabrics. Color makes me feel good!” said Jacobs.

Jacobs’ previous sewing experience has been in garment construction, starting at age 10. She began quilting in 2000, teaching herself by using Eleanor Burns’ “Quilt in a Day” books. Since then, she has taught classes at the San Jose Recreation Center, a Moose Lodge and in her home, and she even taught her husband to quilt after he turned 80 years old. He made two to three dozen quilts. Jacobs has also taught several classes at the Palo Verde Patchers since moving to Sun City West in 2017.

The French braid quilt, possibly named after the hairstyle, gives the illusion of woven strands. The fabric strip combinations are sewn at an angle and there are a variety of French braid patterns and techniques.