It's Bill, 10/5/25: Bill Quilts

Hosting Groups at West Quoddy Station

West Quoddy Station has hosted many group events. It’s about the perfect setting for gatherings, offering peaceful, private space, wonderful lighthouse and ocean views, and a choice of various-sized accommodations, kitchens, and more.

We’ve hosted weddings, family and organization reunions, seminars with kayakers, marine biologists, painters, photographers, musicians, ski trainers, and just plain friends—especially around the holidays. It’s always a good time, with guests pursuing and sharing their passions amidst Quoddy Head’s untouched natural beauty.

Ironworks Quilters Come to Town

A few weeks ago, I spoke to the Lubec Woman’s Club. This opportunity came about after I was approached by a local Washington County quilters group—Ironworks Quilters. Based in nearby Pembroke, the group may have a double meaning in their name—between the 1820s and 1880s, the town had three ironworks operators. Quilters and irons? You bet.

The Quilting Retreat at WQS

In October 2024, Ironworks Quilters selected West Quoddy Station for their Fall 2025 Quilters Retreat. During their visit, I gave a tour and shared the story of WQS. The officers enjoyed it so much they asked me to be their retreat speaker!

Sewing, Storytelling & Sundaes

On September 26 and 27, 2025, 16 quilters stayed and worked in The Station House and The Meetinghouse. Machines buzzed, tables were arranged in pairs—it was beautifully organized. I learned quilters are masters of math and precision.

I was invited to Saturday’s buffet dinner. Three quilters were in charge of each meal, from setup to cleanup. Dessert? Three ice cream flavors, three sauces. Make your own sundae—vanilla with salted caramel for me, thanks.

After dinner, I innocently asked, “How do you quilt?” That’s all it took. Two quilters whisked me away and said, “You’re going to learn. Now.”

They explained the high-tech machine—interchangeable chips controlled the needle based on the sewing type. I sewed on it. I actually did it!

Bill learning to quilt under expert supervision during the retreat.

The Gift That Made Me Speechless

Later, I stood in the Station House to speak. I told the quilters to ask questions anytime. I blended stories of WQS with my own life, added humor, and had fun. I think they loved it.

They made me an honorary Ironworks Quilter and invited me to their meetings.

At the end of it all, they presented me with a beautiful table runner quilt named “Making Waves.” On the back, a personal stitched message thanking me for hosting their retreat.

I was speechless. And a bit silly.