“ It becomes a support network for a lot of us . We allow each other into each other ’ s lives . We are given the privilege to invest in each other ’ s lives – not just with fabric , but with love .”
Betty Davis , MQG member
Fayne Walker many of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers enjoyed . “ There was a time when there were community quilting bees ,” Davis said . “ Communities of women came together and they quilted and they talked all day and into the night . It was a way for them to connect . I think that our group serves a very similar purpose .”
While Harper is newer to the craft , she has already passed her knowledge on to young people who are interested .
“ My youngest daughter is beginning to pick up quilting ,” Harper said . “ She made a Halloween throw in the fall and was very excited . Two years ago , I taught a young lady who wanted to make a baby quilt for her best friends . She has gone on to start making t-shirt quilts . Quilting – those skills – are traveling on .”
Most members of the group said they have passed the craft on to at least one child , grandchild or younger friend . They hope that this helps to keep the craft alive , even while it is increasingly easy to buy inexpensive , mass produced quilt-like items online .
“ Something mass produced is just not the same ,” McInnis said . “ It doesn ’ t have the same story – the same character and quality .”
There are a variety of types of quilters . Some strictly sew by hand , while others use sewing machines . Some follow patterns , and others use a more free-style form . Some are engaged in a form called “ crazy quilting ,” where patterns are not as clearly followed and the structure is less clear .
Other quilts include cherished , nostalgic items , such as ties , t-shirts or baby clothes . Some quilters even incorporate photographic images and art into their creations . Others prefer to do themed quilts . One member , for example , did a quilt for her son , with images of Mississippi symbols on it . Another created a quilt with images from favorite places she has visited .
Some members of the group have clear goals for how many quilts they want to make in a month or year -while others just do what they can , when they can . Within the quilting world , it is common for some people to have a goal of giving a set number of quilts to each child or grandchild .
A few members sell their quilts for profit , while others do not like the stress of getting paid for their creations .
The amount of time it takes to create a quilt varies , based on the quilter ’ s speed , as well as the complexity and size of the project . McInnis said it can easily take her 8 hours a day for three weeks or more to make even a simple quilt .
Even seasoned members say the craft is both rewarding and frustrating .
“ There is always a lot to learn and we definitely all make mistakes ,” said Stevens , who also attends a number of quilting classes on Zoom . “ As a group , we really enjoy learning . Part of what makes it fun is that there is always something new to learn and there are things we can improve . It ’ s amazing . I don ’ t think one person could ever learn it all !”
• For more information about the Magnolia Quilt Guild , call Linda McInnis at 601-604-2276 . Callers are asked to leave a message explaining why they are calling . T
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