MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- A traditional American folk art is making new friends here in Japan.
Twice a month, a small group of women meet to share their enthusiasm for quilting. This traditional American handicraft is bringing Americans and Japanese people together to enjoy this unique cultural experience.
The group, called the Air Strike Quilters, started last year when the president of the group, Carol Nash got together with two others for quilting. Nash said she got the idea for the club from a friend in Sasebo who started her own quilting club.
Nash then brought in other friends such as Yukiko Yamanaka, who goes to the same church as Nash.
"I really enjoy it," stated Yamanaka who took up quilting 14 years ago after seeing it on the TV show Little House on the Prairie. "Before I would only quilt by myself. I enjoy doing it with others and seeing what they are doing. It also helps me learn English."
just like the Quilting Bees of long ago, this club focuses on having fun.
"It's free to all," pointed out Nash, who also stated "you must have a good sense of humor."
"It?s a good chance for us to get together and socialize," explained Patricia Hensley, the club secretary and a quilter for 18 years.
Still Hensley did point out that the club is open to anyone, even beginners and those people who have never quilted before. She also said they have lessons all the time and are always willing to teach new members and help those who have problems.
One such person is Chris Straight, originally from El Salvador and a beginning quilter.
"I can use leftover material from when I made clothes for my daughter," explained Straight. "This club is not associated with any fabric store where I would have to buy the material."
Straight stressed that the club is open to anyone, regardless of age. "What I don?t like is when people relate quilting to old people," asserted Straight. "That?s just not true."
One thing everyone agreed upon is the club is simply a chance for people, regardless of ability or age, to get together and share a hobby. They meet twice a month on Saturdays in the community room in Building 655. For more information, contact Carol Nash at nashc4@hotmail.com or 253-2166.