By Vanessa Tinsley
Established in 1991, the Franklin County Quilt Guild turned 31 years old this year. Encouraging the art of quilting, the quilt guild hopes to expose its members and guests to quilt-making in all its various forms. Members hope to stimulate an interest in quilting and to support the community through the charitable giving of quilts.
The charities that they make quilts for include UK Children’s Hospital (Quilts for Kids, newborn sheets, pillowcases for the pediatric units), Hosparus/Hospice of the Bluegrass lap quilts, Meals on Wheels Holiday Stockings — they make the stockings and also stuff them with goodies for the senior citizens. Each year they make items that are donated to the Holiday Store that is put on by the Franklin County Extension Office Homemakers. Children shop for Christmas gifts for family members. All items are $5 or less.
The quilt guild also makes beads of courage. If you don’t know what that is, it was created by Jean Baruch, a pediatric oncology nurse, in 2004. The Beads of Courage program gives children a bead after they have spent time in the hospital. Children who participate in the program receive different colored beads that represent milestones, procedures and acts of bravery. Enrollment Age Requirements for the Beads of Courage Program is 21 years and under. They can make a necklace, a bracelet, a tassel or other things out of their beads, depending on how many they have.
The quilt guild also has a Quilt of Valor (QOV) group, which meets every other month to work on patriotic quilts that are given to nominated veterans and service members at an award ceremony. Since they first started in 2021, the number of nominations of veterans/service members has increased. The next QOV sewing day will be Jan. 9, 2024, at the Franklin County Extension Office at 101 Lakeview Court. The QOV group meets on the second Tuesday of every other month.
The quilt guild also occasionally hosts quilt classes for both experienced quilters and beginning quilters. They plan to have a beginner’s class in 2024.
Each Friday, they meet during the day for the Friday Stitchers group. Members bring their sewing machines and current projects to work on. Sometimes they have guests who are interested in making a quilt but want some direction as they figure things out. Friday Stitchers begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. The group meets in the basement (Room G) of the extension office.
When asked what her favorite part about being a member of the quilt guild is, Franklin County’s Quilt Guild President Debbie Brown, responded, “It keeps me more focused on finishing projects that I start, since we share our finished quilts during Show & Tell. Being with the other quilters, who have an appreciation for the time it takes to complete a quilt, is rewarding in that they understand completely when I say ‘My seam ripper got a lot of action with this quilt!’ It is also inspiring to see other’s creations. It has made me a better quilter as I learn techniques from others and see their precision. I have made lifelong friends through the guild also.”
Barb Sonnen, a 24-year member who moved to Clemons, North Carolina, about three years ago but continues her membership said, “I don’t live in Kentucky anymore, but I still like reading the emails and learning more things about the ‘art’ even though I’m not doing quilting now. I think the nicest thing about the guild is how everyone supports each other. It is also, of course, how we learn of new and older/traditional ways of making quilts and other quilted items — for example, placemats for your dining room table or your bedroom dresser top.
Anne Cockley, a 26-year member said, “I value the camaraderie between our members. I always find inspiration in the ‘show and tell’ at each meeting. I am continually amazed at the breadth of knowledge and the generosity of spirit to share it shown by members. No matter what your roadblock is, chances are someone has already figured it out. I value the guild’s collective commitment to the community through our various service projects.”
Theresa Jaminet, who joined just this year said, “As a new quilter, I joined the guild hoping to get inspiration and advice from more experienced quilters. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming, reaching out to make sure I understand what’s going on as a new member. As a recent college grad, finding new communities has been important and this one is!”
Katie Daugherty and Kathy Doyle are their longest-standing members, at 31 years.
Katie Daugherty, said, “It’s the quilting. It is so fun and inspiring to see what other people are working on. Quilting has developed so much since the U.S. bicentennial, and certainly in the time that our guild has been around. It’s a big art form, involving lots of people worldwide. Traditional quilting is still enjoyed and has been joined by all sorts of new quilting, new tools and new approaches. It’s all art, though, and it all fits under the big umbrella of quilting.
“I feel like our little guild here is a mini version of the larger quilt community. We have an opportunity to see what the other members are working on, and we share insights and give support. There is plenty there to feed your creative side. The programs are interesting, and I almost always learn something new.
“Finally, the people are very nice, so it’s a great group to be in.”
Kathy Doyle said her favorite part was “education and friendship with other creative people, as we can learn from each other.”
The guild meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the Franklin County Extension Office. November and December meetings are earlier to avoid conflicting with Thanksgiving and Christmas week. Usually, they start with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and then get into their meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meetings start with whatever guild meeting business needs discussing, then they have an educational program and finish up with show and tell, with members sharing their completed (or in progress) quilts.
If interested in joining, or for more information, you can contact the Franklin County Quilt Guild President at debbies.brown1026@gmail.com or call 502-320-9168.
