There are certain things you can count on.

In Lenexa, each and every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Legler Barn Museum, you can count on the gathering of a small quilting group called the Legler Barn Quilters as they gather around the perimeters of two wooden frames to practice the old-fashioned art of hand quilting.

The talented women complete quilt tops by adding their superior hand quilting and binding, all to benefit the Lenexa Historical Society. The frames are set up on the second floor of the Legler Barn, where a dozen or more quilters can work at the same time. Their top-quality work allows residents to acquire a family heirloom while supporting the important work of the historical group.

Prices for the intense and time-consuming work vary, from $95 for a crib quilt with minimal quilting to $375 for a king-size quilt. Extra charges can apply for quilting termed "more than minimal," with prices averaging an additional $95 to $250. Additional services are also available, including marking a quilt design, binding, and basting.

Quilters have gathered in groups for centuries, and the conversation and fun derived from getting together is as stimulating for members now as in the days of yesteryear. The Barn Quilters have about 16 active members, though regular attendance can vary with the time of the year, personal commitments, and even an inclement weather forecast on a given day.

Conversation among members during quilting sessions focuses on family celebrations, current events, favorite foods, recipes, restaurants, community gatherings, church activities, and more. While engaged in the fine art of sewing, the group's members often are emotionally supportive to each other in terms of personal problems and issues. Their special support can even serve a therapeutic function for members who have faced the loss of a spouse or significant health issues.

The women especially enjoy visits from groups, often school children, who watch them work and ask questions about their projects and techniques.

"The children are shy at first," said Mary Strege, a quilter, "but their stories about quilts they love often come tumbling out."

She said that one of the group's goals is to encourage the art of quilting, so it's a pleasure to see the interest of the children.

One humorous memory involving a child occurred when a member of the group brought her grandson to watch the women around the quilt frame. After a while, he whispered to his grandma, "Why do they all have only one arm?"

When you see the quilters at the frame, you'll see that one hand is always underneath, guiding the needle back up through the fabric, so that's what a child's perspective would be!

"Many visitors describe quilt tops made by someone in their family and ask whether we know anyone who can create a finished quilt for them," said Strege. "They are pleasantly surprised when we let them know that is exactly what we do."

The Legler Barn Museum is in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa, at 87th Street and Lackman Road. The barn tells the story of Lenexa's history, so it is particularly appro-priate for the Barn Quilters to be part of the museum's activities. The limestone Legler Barn was built by Adam Legler, a Swiss immigrant, and his three sons in 1864, and is reported to have sheltered William Quantrill and Jesse James, who hid in its animal stalls.

This past summer, several groups, including the Barn Quilters, were invited to quilt at an exhibition hall at the Spencer Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Members enjoyed sharing their love of quilting and camaraderie with museum guests.

The Barn Quilters have been pictured in a quilt pattern book written by member Kathy Delaney. The photo shows the quilters doing handwork on the quilt featured on the cover of the book. Another member who is a local quilting celebrity is Jeanne Poore, who has designed quilts for The Kansas City Star.

The group has donated many quilts to fundraisers held in conjunction with the annual Spinach Festival in Lenexa. The group has also completed many historic, or theme, quilts, which hang on permanent display at the museum. Some of those quilts can take more than six months to complete because of their intricate design and detail.

If you would like to share your needle expertise with the group, call 913-492-0038. New members are always welcome. You may also call for the group's current price list for quilting projects.

For more information about visiting the Legler Barn Museum, go to www.lenexahistoricalsociety.org/pages/legler_barn or call 913-492-0038.

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