DISCOVER QUILTERS GUILD

Discovery

Quilters Guild of Shell Knob: Celebrating 30 Years of Quilting Excellence

An example of the quality quilting that is a product of the Discovery Quilters Guild of Shell Knob.

The history of quilting goes back before the birth of our country. At different points in history, quilting was more of a necessity than an art. When materials were scarce, pieces of fabric had to be pieced together to create clothing and blankets. When parts of clothing or blankets wore out, they were patched with quilting techniques. As America was settled and living conditions improved, quilters were able to be more artistic with their creations. And the art of quilting brought communities together for quilting bees where months of work on a quilt could be completed in a few days. This artistry of quilting and the community encompassing it has carried through generations.

In our neck of the Ozarks, there is a group carrying on the tradition of quilting artistry and fellowship. The Discovery Quilters of Shell Knob, Missouri, began in 1992. The guild was established by Carolyn Coonrod, Dixie Adams, Marian Stoner, and Betty Hegi following a fall festival celebration and quilt show in the basement of the Shell Knob Library. They set out a sign-up sheet for anyone interested in a quilting group and gathered more than 40 women’s names.

The current group of quilters includes more than 60 members under the leadership of President E.J. Adams, Vice President Karen Malnar, Secretary Teresa Howard, Treasurer Mugs Tillson, and Newsletter Editor Bettylynne Gregg. The guild is open to anyone in the area and has members travel from as far away as Warrensburg, Missouri; Winfield, Kansas; and Holiday Island, Arkansas.

When discussing the goal of the group, Karen Malnar said, “The purpose of Discovery Quilters is to further the interest in quilts and the art of quilting through fellowship, education, and service. We are open to anyone interested in this purpose.”

Malnar shared that her favorite elements of this group include the education, community service, and the comradery. The Discovery Quilters also has the Threads That Bind mentorship program where more experienced quilters can share their skills with those newer to quilting.

Within the Discovery Quilters guild, there are many community missions. “Every year our quilters make and donate hundreds of baby quilts to those in need,” Malner said. “We make receiving blankets, burp pads, and mom scarves.”

Comfort quilts are made and given to members and friends who are ill or

“Pre-arranged Planning.....The most important thing you can do for your family and friends.”

Fohn Funeral Home Cassville, Missouri 417-847-2141 McQueen Funeral Home Wheaton, Missouri 417-652-7268

Make Forever Memories!

Book your wedding now!

Stage • Kitchen • Bar • Dressing Rooms An Old West venue, right down to the saloon! Lil’ Boom Town Event Center, LLC

417-425-4233

809 N. Carnation Aurora, MO

LilBoomtownWedding@gmail.com • LilBoomtownWedding.com New covered outdoor venue available!

Country Cooking & Fresh Market Cellar

• Contractor & Sportsman Specials • Lake Boxes • Daily Lunch Specials • Homemade Pies Come Checkout Our New Menu Items & Local Organic Products

23608 Highway 39, Shell Knob, MO 65747 • 417-858-6855

Wednesday to Friday 7:00am to 2pm Breakfast • Lunch • Specialty Coffee Menu Served Daily The youngest member of the guild with her award-winning quilt.

who have lost a loved one. Malner said these quilts are always given with love, so are the several Quilts of Valor presented to area veterans each year. The Discovery Quilters works with Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch in Lampe, Missouri, to award a quilt to each program graduate.

For those who enjoy seeing the quilting artistry created by this guild, they hold a quilt show every other year to showcase members’ talents where they also inform the public on their group and raise money for their education programs and community outreach.

Anyone is interested is welcome to visit the Discovery Quilters regular meetings. They are held the fourth Monday of each month. They begin at 9:30 a.m. with sewing or a program. These programs are designed to give members and guests an opportunity to further their quilting knowledge. Members have the option of participating in the program or spending time working on a project of their own choosing. Also, all-day workshops are held the fifth Monday of any month. The Discovery Quilters meet at the Central Community United Methodist Church at 25682 State Highway YY in Shell Knob. For additional information, please email discoveryquilters@gmail.com. n