PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia quilting groups help member prepare to open quilting store

June 29, 2012 | 6:00 a.m. CDT

Marilyn Wine is preparing to open a quilting shop in north Columbia's Vanderveen Plaza. The store is set to open at 10 a.m. Saturday, but in the meantime, members of Wine's quilting group have been meeting there to work on projects together and enjoy each other's company.

Newly-arrived batik fabrics are organized and placed on new shelves in preparation for the opening of Quilt 4U, a soon-to-open quilting store in north Columbia. The store's grand opening will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. | Carrie Durkee

Elaine Walker sews together blocks of fabric as she works on her newest quilt June 22 at Quilt 4U. During 'sit and sew' group meetings, several women get together to work on their current projects and spend time with one another. | Carrie Durkee

Kathy Ennis works on a quilt on June 22 that is intended to be a sample at Quilt 4U in north Columbia. Ennis mentioned that she was drawn to the red and black fabric for this project but wants to use black and white fabrics when she makes the pattern for herself. | Carrie Durkee

Pam Martin hand binds the edges of a small table quilt during the final step in the quilt's completion on June 22 at Quilt 4U, a soon-to-open quilt shop in north Columbia. Martin has completed 50 quilts of varying sizes since 2008. | Carrie Durkee

From left, Terri Crane, Linda Bogard and Pam Martin work on the finishing touches of their various quilts during a 'sit and sew' on June 22 at Quilt 4U in Columbia. The quilt shop in Vanderveen Plaza opens to the public Saturday, but in the meantime this close quilting group has been gathering there weekly to work. | Carrie Durkee

Elaine Walker shows the Sit and Sew quilting group an almost-completed quilt June 22 at Quilt 4U. The quilt still has to have the batting and backing put on before being finished on a long-arm quilting machine. Quilt 4U opens to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday. | Carrie Durkee