UMATILLA – The nickels piled up to about $202 Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Hermiston Quilters Guild’s Open House and Nickel Sale.

The new eight-member organization sold two 5-inch fabric squares for a nickel, and sold fat quarters, 18- by 22-inch quarter yards of fabric, for 55 cents.

The guild organized in October, said President Sherryle Meeks.

“It’s really a rewarding endeavor to work with these people and learn from each other,” she said.

Members also exhibited about 30 quilts during the event at the home of Karen VanderZanden in Umatilla.

Among the shoppers was Amy Schultz of West Richland, Wash., VanderZanden’s daughter, who just started quilting last year. She picked up a stack of fabric squares for aprons she’s working on.

“We want to introduce ourselves to the quilting community, and the community at large,” VanderZanden said.

The Hermiston Quilters Guild meets three times a month at Aunty Ida’s Quilt Shop, 435 W. Hermiston Ave. Check the East Oregonian for dates and times.