Meet One of Our Members!

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 Linda Yokelson has been part of Riverwalk since she saw an ad in the Naperville Sun a couple of years after her daughter was born. She attended the first meeting and, as they say, the rest is history. Linda has been a member of the Board all but four years, contributing in many positions. You've no doubt admired the raffle baskets she's put together and currently is our Vice President. During these years she also attended Graduate School and earned a Masters in Counseling. Linda loves to go to Paducah with her quilting friends. She has only missed ONCE in the last 21 years! Her love of sewing, quilting, her family and the Guild are much like her quilts--complex and beautiful. Speaking of beautiful…this is her new sewing room that she recently finished. It’s wonderful—lots of storage, a really warm and inviting place to be.
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How did you get started? Like many quilters, Linda was influenced at an early age by her Grandmother, who did alterations for a drycleaner. She started out doing mostly hand sewing—she had a Barbie doll and made lots of “straight” clothes; skirts, capes, things that didn't require a pattern. She also enjoyed Crewel Embroidery and crochet. In Junior High her Dad bought her Mom a sewing machine and they put it in Linda’s room....
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Why join a Guild? “Friendship” was her first answer. “To meet other people doing what you do—making connections.” She also talked about the educational opportunities—amazing speakers, classes and just being around other quilters. “It's a great opportunity especially when you're starting out.” Linda also cited the Philanthropy as one of her most important reasons. The Guild provides a way to give back to the community doing something you love. We were talking about the area and how many people are transferred here. She summed it up best: “As long as I found a quilt guild, I know I could make friends.” Her friends and other Guild members are very lucky she came to that first mee
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Linda is an amazing quilter—as you can see, I was treated to a “bed turning.” She is very prolific and has tons of knowledge. Whether you’re new to the Guild or have been around for awhile, be sure and introduce yourself. Linda is almost always at meetings and the Board. She is a role model for “getting involved.”
editor’s note: “I had a terrific time getting to know Linda better. We had been on a retreat together and I was so impressed with her talent and warmth. It was great getting to know her better! Needless to say, I left off all the pictures of her latest amazing quilts you'll see at our upcoming show!”
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Thanks Linda!