Quilters keep the skill alive

SIKESTON -- National Quilting Day may be celebrated March 21, but members of the Bootheel Quilters Guild make sure to recognize the pastime at least once a month.

"It's an old art that has been passed down and been quite revived in recent years," Sharon Chouinard, a member of the group, said of quilting. And being a part of the organization makes quilting even more enjoyable for her.

The Bootheel Quilters Guild, formed in 1989 in New Madrid, moved to Sikeston more than 10 years ago. There are now about 30 members who meet monthly, according to Jo Ann Deere, past president of the club.

"Our meeting agenda includes the business of the guild, along with show-and-tell time, question-and-answer time and a program each month," Deere said. Some of those programs are done by outside sources, on topics like Marine Comfort Quilts, Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society. Other months, members and guests will teach new quilting techniques.

"You'll never find a more sharing bunch of people as those who are in the guild," Chouinard said. "If we know something, we just love to share it."

One way the group shares their craft with others -- even those who don't quilt -- is by hosting a quilt show on odd-numbered years the same weekend of the Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo. This year's show is set for Aug. 8 and 9 at the Clinton Building in Sikeston.

"Our members enter quilts they have made in a judged show," said Deere. "The quilts on display include full-size quilts, small quilts, baby quilts, wall hangings and miniatures."

There is a quilt raffle, as well as handmade crafts and other items available for purchase, and all proceeds are donated to area charities.

Another feature of the show, which draws quite a crowd, is the bed turning -- "a display of antique quilts, with a narrative of the history of each quilt," said Deere.

Since the show is at the same time as the rodeo, it always brings in a crowd. But Chouinard said that quilting seems to be attracting more and more people.

"There are just so many more women who are now taking part in quilting," she said. "It's something that just gets passed down from generation to generation."

Chouinard said the Sikeston group doesn't have many "young members -- likely due to them being busy with children and jobs.

"But hopefully they'll get that inspiration from their mothers and begin to quilt some when they have time -- that's how it was for me. I started when my children got older," said Chouinard. "Sometimes, you just find time to do those things."

Chouinard said it doesn't matter whether an individual has a lot, little, or no quilting experience -- all are welcome and other members will guide them through the process. Or someone who isn't sure can come just to observe.

"There's a lot of generosity in the women," she said. "And being able to see what others are doing and learning from that is a real plus."

As quilts are something passed down through generations of families, Chouinard pointed out the value of a handmade quilt.

"It's a better quality," she said, due to smaller stitches. "And you're supporting American-made products."

Although quilting is a hobby, it can also be a small business. "At some quilt shows or quilt shops, a handpiece, hand-quilted quilt goes for well over $500," said Chouinard.

The Bootheel Quilters Guild meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the First Christian Church, 1006 N. Main in Sikeston. Guests are always welcome, and dues are $15 per year. For more information about the group, call Chouinard at 573-472-0517.