The Tall Pines Quilt Guild membership, currently at about one hundred, is comprised of women from Walker and surrounding counties who have varying degrees of quilting skills. They invite others to join them as they continue the time-honored legacy of quilt-making, with the hopes of educating and passing this skill on to the next generation. In addition to this worthy goal, they delight in being together, sharing ideas, and providing support to each other.
Tall Pines Quilt Guild was started in 1984 by Doris Collins, owner of Fabric Carousel of Huntsville, and Barbara Yoes. The initial goal of the twenty-three charter members, which has been overwhelmingly achieved over the years, was to foster an appreciation for fine quilts. And, as stated on their website, “Regardless of whether you are a beginner or very experienced, we have a place for you!” Annual membership fees are $40, with a reduced rate of $35 for seniors (over 70), and a junior fee of $10 up to age 18. The group meets the first Monday of each month (with some exceptions) at the Huntsville Church of Christ at 6:00 pm for a time of Meet & Greet, with the meeting to follow at 6:30 pm. A variety of programs are slated, including nationally known speakers, show & tell by members, and information on charity projects. Visitors who are not former members are encouraged to come and take part and are allowed to attend two sessions, after which membership is required for further involvement.
In addition to monthly meetings, the group gathers twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at the Fabric Carousel for Carousel Cut-Ups. Open to the public, this time is spent on projects of all types, including hand and machine work. Attendees offer help where needed, and opinions are always available! This is a time to learn or improve upon a skill and to reap valuable instruction, and at no cost!
Is your interest in cross-stitching, needlepoint, embroidery, or another form of hand-stitching? Then consider gathering with the Embroidery Bee group, which meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am–3:30 pm. This group meets in the Legacy Building on Brazos Drive to share ideas, work on projects, and just have fun! The address is on the Tall Pines Quilt Guild website.
Tall Pines Quilt Guild not only provides learning and social opportunities for its members, but community involvement is an integral part of its fabric. Several local organizations are blessed to be the recipients of projects made by members of the guild.
In addition to the multitude of hand- crafted projects donated annually throughout the community, the TPQG raises funds to offer one or two college scholarships each year. For 2024,two students were presented with scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each. Recipients are required to exhibit an interest and proficiency in basic sewing skills. For those interested in applying for future scholarships, an application is available for download on their website. An annual donation is also made to the Good Shepherd Mission. Skill, creativity, and hours of dedicated energy are carefully programmed to meet the various needs of the people of our community. The time that members of TPQG are willing to commit toward these worthy goals appears to be unending.
In addition to these accomplishments, honors and awards are earned by individual members as they submit projects into various competitions throughout the state.
Linda Scott submitted a Texas-themed quilt into the Houston International Quilt Fair, which was selected to travel to the Texas Quilt Museum as a representative of the 50 Years of Great Quilts exhibit, part of the International Quilt Festival’s 50th Anniversary. This exhibit will take place from January 9–April 26,2025, at the museum in La Grange, Texas.
Virginia Cooper had a quilt on display at the International Quilt Festival.
Ann Moore is a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo ribbon recipient for quilts in 2023 and 2024.
The Tall Pines Quilt Guild has fashioned itself into an exceptional piece of the design we call community, and its members have meticulously stitched themselves into the heart of it through their diligence and drive to lovingly touch the lives of our citizens. They invite your participation in this admirable endeavor and encourage you to join the guild today. Whether you are exceptionally skilled or just in the beginning stages of learning this time-honored craft, your presence is welcomed. Not only are kind encouragement, artful suggestions, and professional instruction available, but an uplifting and delightful group of ladies will bring joy, laughter, and friendship into your day. Join today!
PO Box 7272
Huntsville, TX 77340
tallpinesquiltguild.com
Postcards Magazine
936-293-1188
PO Box 690
Huntsville, TX 77342
