Quilting groups offer skills

Q: My grandmother passed away last summer, and we have been going through her things these past few months. My grandfather found a stack of old quilt tops, which were made by members of my family, some dating back five generations. What a treasure! We would love to see these as finished quilts to pass on as heirlooms. But unfortunately, none of us practice this craft anymore. Are there quilting guilds in Atlanta area where we could pay someone to finish these? We just need someone to sew the back and include batting and binding. We are not sure where to find a list of reputable quilters.

—Katie Mitchell, Cumming

A: Avid quilters gather frequently to enjoy their craft, and this month, there’s even “Georgia Celebrates Quilts,” a show and market on June 8-10 at the Cobb County Civic Center.

While traditionally quilters have been in their 70s and 80s, Candi Reed, president of the Georgia Quilt Council said she is now seeing younger generations enjoying the hobby.

“Ten years ago, I would’ve said it was an old lady’s occupation,” Reed said. “But I no longer say that.”

The craft is rooted in many local communities, with about 85 quilt guilds in the state, according to the Georgia Quilt Council (georgiaquiltcouncil.org).

Guilds range in size from a few neighbors to more than a hundred members, but almost all groups devote their time to helping others. Most guilds choose a charity or cause to support, Reed explained, like veterans or foster children.

Some groups raffle quilts to raise money for local nonprofits. The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild, with more than 250 members, raffles a special quilt at its biennial event, “Georgia Celebrates Quilts,” which is describes as the state’s largest judged quilt show (ecqg.com/quilt-show).

In Cumming, the Piecemakers Quilt Guild (piecemakersga.net) formed in 1986 and has about 70 members who meet twice a month.

“It’s learning, friendship, socialization and a love of quilts,” said Carol Dobson, president of the guild.

Dobson said it’s possible to use existing quilt fronts to create a finished project, depending on the ultimate goals for the quilt. Some people, she explained, approach guild members with antique quilt fronts in hopes of selling the finished product for more than a thousand dollars. But the price of completing the quilt can be daunting.

“To have it done by hand, you’re looking at over $1,000,” Dobson said. “It would take someone at least three months.”

For those interested in the quilt’s sentimental value, however, it could be completed cheaper and faster with a sewing machine. Most quilting guilds have members, she said, who are willing to work on these projects for a reasonable price.

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