'A Stitch In Time'

Ulysses was the hot spot March 30-31 as 57 like minded ladies descended upon the town and staked their places within the Grant County Civic Center.

"They arrived with their sewing machines at the ready," said Barb Sullins, Stitches in Time Quilt Guild, Ulysses.

The women were attending a "first ever Quilt Retreat" sponsored by local quilt club, according to Sullin.

"We are thrilled with the turnout," Sullin said. "I've got the best bunch of ladies here."

Sullin said Lakin, Kans., has hosted a quilt retreat that the local members have taken part in.

"They have had almost 60 attend there," she said. "We almost hit our goal for our first event of 60."

If everyone who had initially expressed interest in attending had been there, they most likely would have reached that goal; however, according to Sullin some who had initially signed up unfortunately had to drop out. One was due to a broken hip. The group that gathered in Ulysses hailed from Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico.

The ladies were kept busy during the two-day event.

"Quilt Shops from Dodge City, Elkhart, and Springfield Colorado, were there to sell their wares to the participants," Sullin said. "While the ladies worked on their projects, shopped at the vendors, played games and won prizes, they made no time to cook supper, so it was catered by Bear Creek Coffee of Ulysses. When the women were tired, they were provided well-deserved reflexology treatments by Marci Stringham."

Sullin said a number of local businesses helped to make the event a success by providing goodies for each participant.

"Fun was had by all," she added.