Every Quilt Is a Star

The Scrap Happy Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show will be held August 26 and 27 at the Okmulgee Fairgrounds.

The art of quilting has been around for generations, and ­people continue to enjoy quilts for all the same reasons – they provide warmth and beauty, as well as heritage and clues to the past. If you’d like to view a display of more than 150 beautiful quilts of all sizes, patterns and ­colors, mark your calendar for August 26 and 27 to attend the Scrap Happy Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show. The event will take place at the Okmulgee Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, and will include a donation quilt giveaway, door prizes, vendors, a country store, concessions, and an old-fashioned bed turning. Admission is $3.

The theme of the non-judged show is “Where Every Quilt is a Star!” According to Scrap Happy Quilt Guild founder and president, Francine Daniels, the goal of the show is to give guild ­members the opportunity to ­display and talk about the quilts they have made in the past two years. “Our guild members will exhibit their quilts on hanging frames and explain the interesting stories behind them. You’ll find quilts of all patterns and styles and quilters of all ages. We even had to move to a larger location this year because we have so many quilts.” Attendees can vote on their favorite quilt for the People’s Choice award. The ­winner will receive a cash prize and, of course, bragging rights.

The Quilt Show will include a donation giveaway of a full-size Star Sampler quilt. The money raised goes toward future quilt shows. “Everyone in the quilt guild helped make this beautiful quilt, including choosing the ­fabric and pattern,” says member Carol Belter. Tickets for a chance to win the quilt are $1 each or six for $5. The giveaway will take place on Saturday, August 27.

The old-fashioned bed turning is one part of the show you won’t want to miss. A bed is set up with several layers of vintage and antique quilts. (A quilt must be at least 50 years old to be ­considered vintage, and antique quilts are at least 100 years old.) Two members of the quilt guild will peel the layers and tell each quilt’s history. “These older quilts have remarkable stories, and we have some fantastic, lively storytellers in the group. This is a ­popular event at the quilt show every year,” says Francine.

Several quilt vendors will be set up at the show. “This is one of my favorite things about the show. You can shop from four or five different quilting stores, all in one place!” says Carol. The country store will feature a variety of other goods for sale, including needles, threads, and handmade items from group members. “One of our members weaves capes that are very popular,” says Carol. The Scrap Happy Quilt Guild’s ­official cookbook will be on sale for $10. Also featured at the show will be door prizes and a delicious homemade lunch for purchase.

Francine Daniels has been quilting since 1970. She moved to Okmulgee in 1998 and started the Scrap Happy Quilt Guild to make new friends. For the first three years, the group had 12 members; they currently have about 40 members. “One of our rules is that you’re not allowed to pass judgment on other members’ quilts. That is why our quilt show is non-judged, and we consider every quilt a star,” says Francine. Carol agrees: “That’s what I love about our quilt guild – you don’t have to worry about being ­criticized. Everyone is down to earth and fun to be around.”

Meetings are held the second and fourth Thursday of each month at Town & Country Christian Church, 1160 E. 36th St. in Okmulgee. You’re automatically a member after attending three meetings, with no membership fee. And you don’t have to know how to quilt to join. “We have members of all ages and skill levels,” says Carol. “If you want to come for fellowship and to spread cheer, that is wonderful. But most people want to participate and learn, and there are always plenty of people available to help. I had always wanted to learn how to quilt, but I didn’t start until after I retired.”

Each year, the guild members make quilts of valor for returning soldiers, as well as cancer quilts for chemotherapy patients at St. John and St. Francis hospitals.  

The Scrap Happy Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show takes place Friday and Saturday, August 26 and 27, at the Okmulgee Fairgrounds. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, and admission is $3. 

 

For more information, contact

Scrap Happy Quilt Guild

(918) 902-1999