Meet Fritzi Oxley

You have already met Elsbeth, but when she heard I was having lunch with one of the world's most talented quilters she wanted to meet Fritzi.

They are standing in front of one of Fritz's creations on the wall of her home at Fernwood in Normandy Park.

Having spent a childhood sleeping under patchwork quilts my own mom made for her ten children during the Great Depression years, I was surprised to learn a quilt can be any size and is just three layers of cloth sewn together by needle and thread.

And the top layer doesn't have to be cloth. It can even be beads.

Not much bigger than a knitting needle herself, her craft has also gained acclaim in three national shows.

Fritzi is a spunky independent tiny tiger who never seems to have any spare time. She even has time to teach her skills at the Burien Community Center

Her work on quilts, crochet, embroidery and needlepoint are on walls around the nation.

When the Highline Historical Society museum, now well on its way to reality, is built you will be able to view a bicentennial wall hanging quilt done in red, white and blue embroidered squares that Fritzi graciously donated.

I asked where she got her nickname and she grinned, hesitated and, said her family pinned it on her because as a youngster she was so mischievous.

Just like the character from the Katzenjammer Kids cartoon named Fritz.

Meet Joan McGilton

Burien Mayor Joan McGilton, at right, accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Susie took time from her busy schedule to enjoy the annual Highline Historical Society Garden Tour last week.

She is a tour regular each year. The mayor is also a volunteer each year for the society.

A record number of garden lovers turned out from all points of the compass thanks to the growing popularity of the Highline event.