NQA Chapter Showcase

In 1983, a small group of quilters began meeting calling themselves the “Fortnightly Quilters.” In 1992 they combined with two other groups, the “Classic Quilters” and the “Patch 'n Timers” to form the Palmetto Quilt Guild.

From that small beginning of 35 women, the Palmetto Quilt Guild has grown and now boasts over 180 members from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort and Savannah. The members, who are mostly retired, come from incredibly different backgrounds and from all parts of the country. What they have in common is a love for quilting and sharing the joy of a warm quilt with their families and those in need.

Members of the Palmetto Quilt Guild share their love of quilting in many projects which benefit their community. They donate between 200 - 275 quilts yearly to local causes. Members visit retirement living communities bringing along their quilts for show and tell. The guild offers scholarships for high school seniors pursuing a career in the visual arts. They visit local elementary schools to teach “quilt math.” Education is important to the Palmetto Quilt Guild so to further their knowledge of quilting and the every evolving techniques, well-known quilters are invited to their monthly meetings to give lectures and workshops available to all levels from beginners to advanced. Biannually they hold The Hilton Head Quilt Festival, a judged quilt show with over 165 quilts on display attracting over 500 visitors.

In May of 2009, the guild was offered the opportunity to occupy an empty storefront in the Pineland Station Mall on Hilton Head Island. In January of 2012 the guild moved from the 2,400 sq. ft. space they had occupied for over two years into a new 5,000 sq. ft. space. This donated space allows the Guild to display their work to the public in a gallery setting. Because the space is so large the members are able to come together with machines, irons and rotary cutters to quickly put together an assembly line making quilts for the Community Service committee. It‟s been jokingly referred to as the “Sweatshop.” Community Service quilt production has increased from 150-200 quilts to 250 – 300 quilts since moving into the space. Additionally, guild members take home fabric pieces or quilt kits and return with completed tops or quilts. Using this approach of “work where you want to,” we were able to distribute 275 quilts this past year.

The Palmetto Quilt Guild welcomes all who have a love of quilting to attend their monthly meetings, the third Thursday of each month. More information can be found at www.palmettoquiltguild.org.