Sunsets over Saratoga Passage, hikes in the forest above the beach and the handmade bed quilts — all are part of what makes a stay in the cabins at Cama Beach State Park so special.
The quilts are made by the Cama Beach Quilters, a group of about 40 members who have sewn more than 375 quilts for the cabin bunks over the past 15 years. The quilters make new ones each year and rotate out those that are showing wear.
In 2010, the quilters began hosting an outdoor exhibit of their artwork. The eighth annual Quilts on the Beach show is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 at the state park on Camano Island.
Those who attend the show regularly can expect to see 60 new bed-size quilts on Saturday, said quilter Pam Fredericksen. Many will be available for sale along with a selection of “Last Call” used quilts, which are reduced in price, Fredericksen said.
A former fishing resort, Cama Beach was sold to the state in 1993 and officially opened as a state park in 2008.
That year, the quilters received a state award for their work.
“I think the park staff likes having us around,” Fredericksen said. “Quilting is a group thing, and we love talking with people about our craft.”
The Cama Beach quilts are made mostly from donated fabrics and the designs are chosen by the quilters, she said.
“This means that each quilt in the collection is one-of-a-kind,” Fredericksen said. “This year there was an emphasis on making quilts suitable for the cabins, since after 10 years, many need to be replaced. Those quilts are for twin and double beds and are more practical when made from darker colors. However, as we like to say in the quilting world, ‘There are no rules,’ and a number of the quilts for sale are suitable for queen-size beds.”
In addition to bed quilts, the quilters have a Quilts to Go table at the show where people can find smaller items such as kids’ quilts, pillowcases, tote bags, wall hangings and potholders — also made by the quilters who use the proceeds of their sales to pay for batting, professional longarm quilting services and other expenses. A Studio Sale in the Cama Center will offer all kinds of quilt-related items at discounts.
The show also will include hands-on quilt and art activities for all ages, and tickets will be sold for two raffle quilts.
The Cama Beach Cafe will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and also will offer food for sale at the beach, where the resident South End String Band is scheduled to perform from about noon to 2 p.m.
Quilts on the Beach
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29, Cama Beach State Park, 1880 S. West Camano Drive, Camano Island. While there is no charge for the quilt show and its related activities, a state parks Discover Pass will be required for parking. Passes are available at the park’s welcome center. Shuttle service is provided from the parking area to the beach.
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