On Memorial Day this year, our Guild will meet and decorate shoes. Not each other’s shoes, or even broken shoes. If you have attended our Quilt Faire at Ironstone Vineyards you probably noticed the shoes around the grounds. Each shoe is a piece of art in itself, but that is not the reason they line the pathways. If you follow the shoes, they lead you to the Quilt Show.

How did this come about? I will tell you the story as it was told to me. You will have to decide if you believe it…

If you remove the decorative plants, stones, and flowers from the winding path that travels along with Ironstone’s buildings, you would be looking at a confusing and intricate maze. The beautiful garden decor camouflages the nefarious purpose behind the winery’s design – to keep you there. A few paths actually take you to areas like the deli and wine tasting rooms. Also, to the Jewelry boutique and the antique vault. However, there are just as many pathways that lead to nowhere in particular. Like the Winchester Mystery House, without ghosts.

Because our Quilt Faire has many vendors, and demonstrations going on, people had a fun time and did not think anything was missing, until they returned home and realized they had not seen the splendid display of quilts, needlework, and dolls. We did not want this to happen anymore, so the “follow the shoes” procedure was established. Each year the shoes got more creative, blingy, and downright outlandish.

I can’t wait to get my hands on them!