At age 71, Dianne Andro has a lot to be thankful for.

She has seven grown children and dozens of memories from their childhoods that bring a smile to her lips.

Eight grandchildren keep her feeling youthful and energetic despite the arthritis plaguing her foot and ankle.

A loving husband supports her in all that she does.

Adding to that list, Andro was named "Quilt Artist of the Year" recently by fellow Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Club members. Her quilts will be on display at the annual quilt show during the Sequim Lavender Festival.

"I was very honored to be picked out of all theses talented ladies," Andro said.

"I hope I can encourage other people to quilt (by being featured)."

Andro learned the art of quilting from her great-grandmother when she was 10 years old.

She remembers sitting under the quilting frame and pushing the needle up through the fabric for her great-grandmother as a young girl, listening to the chitchat among the older women in the quilting circle.

More than 200 quilts later, Andro is teaching three of her granddaughters the hobby that has brought her so much joy over the years.

"I believe in passing down the craft to future generations," Andro said.

"You can solve all the woes of the world among a group of quilting ladies."

As a young woman, quilting was more than just a passion for Andro – it was a necessity.

"After we got married we didn’t have a lot of money,"

she said.

"I made block quilts out of old baby clothes to keep the kids warm."

Since those days, Andro has made quilts for each of her children when they got married and is continuing to do so for her grandchildren.

Ashley Miller can be reached at ashleyo@sequim gazette.com.