Blocks, time and talent

The Bootheel Quilters Guild of Sikeston, Mo., is getting ready for its sixth biannual quilt show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 11 and 12 at the Clinton Building at the Sikeston Sports Complex, coinciding with the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

Keeping the heritage of the craft alive is important to them. Formed in 1989, the group uses their old and new quilts to teach and help others. Visitors to the show will learn the names of the quilt patterns -- plus whatever history is specifically known about them -- at an antique bed turning, in which members will show each quilt and tell its history.

The group meets monthly and includes members on various levels. Carolyn Lawson joined the group not knowing much about quilting. "I retired last year, then I started this as a hobby," she said. "I wanted to learn from the best."

After making 69 log cabin quilts, member Niva Spivey has had a lot of practice, making her a good candidate to take lessons from. Spivey said, "They say I have to make one more to make it to 70. I'll get to it eventually."

Meeting activities include show-and-tell, a business session, a demonstration on quilt patterns, discussions of ideas on various techniques, methods of quilting and donation time when members donate blocks, time and talent toward completed quilts. Documentation is an important aspect of quilting heritage. A signature and date on the quilt tells the owner who made the quilt and when. At judging, shows take off a point for quilts without signatures.

The guild shares its heritage with others in a way that's beneficial for both. All the proceeds from the show will benefit local charities, but the guild also donates quilts to local charities. "They can raffle it off for more money than we can give them," show chairwoman Alice Happe said.

Other donations include quilts for babies at the hospital, lap robes and caddie bags to nursing homes and weighted bags for the Regional Diagnostic Clinic.

Visitors to the quilt show can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a log cabin-style quilt made by Spivey. The top was hand-quilted by Darlene DeLong. Several crafts will be for sale including large and small quilts. The event is handicapped accessible.

The guild meets at 9:30 a.m. the second Tuesday monthly at First Christian Church on North Main Street in Sikeston. Anyone can join and visitors are welcome. For more information, call Alice Happe at (573) 471-3854 or Sharon Chouinard at (573) 472-0517.