Piecing together Lafayette

    Quilting is a vibrant art in Acadiana — with a French accent!
    On Tuesday, July 16, 2013, the Lafayette Consolidated Government elected officials and staff and members of Quilters’ Guild Acadienne will unveil the Marquis de Lafayette Quilt at 11 a.m. in the Lafayette Consolidated Government atrium at City Hall, 705 W. University Ave.

    The original commemorative quilt features “Lafayette and Washington, an Enduring Friendship,” showcasing how the two men — and two nations — became friends during the American Revolution and helped forged a nation. The quilt was designed and created by members of the Quilters’ Guild Acadienne using the techniques of hand and machine quilting, hand appliqué, embroidery, couching and fabric inking.
    The Marquis quilt was created to honor the 250th anniversary of the birth of the Marquis de LaFayette, a native of France and American Revolutionary War hero and for whom the City of Lafayette is named. It has been displayed in Washington, D.C. and other venues.
    The Marquis quilt will be on permanent loan and displayed at City Hall where it can be viewed by the public.
    In addition, this weekend brings a Quilt Show to neighboring Krotz Springs, where quilts, a silent auction and a boutique will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Alon Recreation Center, 324 S. Levee Road in Krotz Springs, about an hour outside Lafayette.
    On Thursdays in July, Les Coudre Points quilt group will meet at 1:30 p.m. for a quilting “en français” in Arnaudville. Si vous êtes débutant ou si vous souhaitez faire fonctionner à nouveau, rejoignez-nous. (If you are just starting or wish to get working again, join us.) For more information, call (337) 754-7115.
    The Borne Quilter, a quilting shop at 1507 Kaliste Saloom Road, offers quilting classes and owner Renee-Claire Borne speaks French as well.