Bootheel quilters prove to be some very crafty ladies

SIKESTON -- Every two years, members of the Bootheel Quilters' Guild sponsor a quilt show.

While visitors can browse through the dozens of quilts on display, see demonstrations and even vote for an award, it's also a great place to shop.

"We have a variety of handmade items -- quilted and crafts -- available," said Carol Messmer, group member who is helping to head up the crafts.

The biennial quilt show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 13 and 14 at the handicap-accessible Clinton Building on Campanella Drive in Sikeston. Admission is $2 per person.

Messmer listed Christmas ornaments, baby quilts and items like wall decor and changing pads, purses, novelty pin cushions, stuffed pumpkins to be used as fall decor, dog beds, embroidered items including hand towels, cloth sewing baskets, insulated ceramic trivets and more.

The quilt show and its proceeds are used to not only pay for materials, but also support local causes. The Guild donates to Habitat for Humanity, the Regional Center and other community organizations.

"The craft sales are, by far, our biggest moneymaker," said Shirley James, one of this year's co-chairs.

Other features of the quilt show is the display of handmade quilts, which includes wall hangings, baby quilts and miniatures.

Also at the quilt show there will be vendors who sell sewing items, notions and equipment. A raffle for a 1930s reproduction quilt will be drawn at 3 p.m. the Sunday of the show, and tickets are on sale now and during the show for $1 each or six for $5. Additionally, there will be a bed turning of antique quilts and the history given for each at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, plus demonstrations of hand quilting.

To learn more about this year's show as well as the group, read the article in the July 13 edition of the Standard Democrat.