To Susan Masulit, making a quilt is like stepping into a vast, featureless space. There is no form, no shape, no color, just endless possibility.

“I can do whatever I want,” she explained. “It’s amazing to take fabric and designs and create.”

When the Vandalia resident thought to represent the history of Audrain County on a small block that would become part of a massive quilt project, Masulit envisioned a palette of color and images. Pale gold — the color of brick — forms a backdrop. The waving green of prairie grass takes shape. And there is a solitary rose.

“Audrain County – the rose of the prairie,” she said.

Masulit contributed the county’s square on the quilt commissioned by the state to help commemorate Missouri’s bicentennial. The quilt brings together patches made by people in all 114 counties plus the city of St. Louis.

It is currently on tour and will be on display in Vandalia on Memorial Day weekend.

That she created part of the bicentennial project is fitting. Masulit began quilting in 1976, the year of the nation’s bicentennial. Already handy with the needle and thread, she took an interest because quilting has a long history in America.

Masulit has been creating pieces of varying sizes ever since — so many she doesn’t even try to count. She has them on display around the house and changes them out with the seasons. She also donates them to organizations looking for raffle items and gives them as gifts.

She says she will stop only when her hands and eyes give out.

“I’d have to live three lifetimes to do all the things I want to do,” she added. “The possibilities are endless.”

A quilt requires attention, but not always time. A basic quilt can be completed in a couple of weeks, perhaps less. But it once took Masulit three years to finish a small piece.

“Of course, you don’t work on them all the time,” she pointed out. “And the needle turn applique takes time.”

A quilter can work with a machine or by hand. And there are many different techniques to choose from.

Applique is essentially the process of sewing cut fabric of any shape onto the base material. Needle turn involves what are called seam allowances, a precise amount of fabric beyond what will show on the finished quilt.

Done carefully — and correctly — needle turn hides the stitches. It’s one of Masulit’s favorite techniques.

Masulit says quilting has changed dramatically over time. There are new tools, fabrics and finer needle options. There are unique colors and patterns available.

“It has developed into a big industry,” she observed. “Before you got whatever they had at the dime store.”

The Vandalia Area Historical Society hosts the Missouri bicentennial quilt May 29-30. It will be on display for public viewing each day from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The historical society is also holding a quilt show at the Baptist Community Room on May 29.

For Masulit, the arrival of the bicentennial quilt is exciting. She has only seen a black and white photograph of the piece.

“I’m anxious to see it,” she said. And of her role in the quilt, she added “this block will be on a quilt that will last for ages.”