Shiner Quilt Show stitched with stories

Long before they are folded at the foot of a bed or draped across a rocking chair, quilts begin as stories, stitched from scraps of childhood dresses, work shirts and flour sacks. They pass from grandmother to grandchild, marking weddings, births and seasons of hardship. 
Each square holds memory, and every hand-sewn seam connects generations through warmth, artistry and tradition.
March marks National Quilting Month and the Shiner Heritage Quilt Guild is celebrating by inviting the public to their “Spring Into Quilting” show March 20-21 at the Shiner KC Hall.
The guild’s biennial quilt show, open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, promises a celebration of craftsmanship, history and the stories stitched into every square.
“This show takes a lot of effort, but it is so worth it,” shared guild member Irene Cerny.
With 65 members who meet weekly, the guild spends two full years preparing for the event. 
Linda Parr is the overall Show Chair. The various committee chairs include: Irene Cerny, Toni Rogers, Rae Nell Janik, Bennie Gerdes, Rose Mary Havlik, Margo Henderson, Nola Bohuslav, Peggy Moore, Brenda Kloesel Fisseler, Annette Meyer, Mary Shafer, Gladys Muehlstein, Marilyn Schroeder, Darcy Curtin, Charlene Fort, Joyce Machicek, Kathleen Schacherl, Bernadette Kresta, and Wilma Williams.The quilt show serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser, supporting not only its members but also area community projects.
One of the most anticipated features is the raffle quilt, displayed prominently throughout the weekend. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit a local nonprofit organization. Guests can also purchase chances to win themed gift baskets and specialty items donated by supporters.
“Our committees work throughout the 24 months to put the spring quilting show together,” said Darcy Curtin. “We are excited to invite the public to enjoy the art in quilting.”
Quilts entered in the show will be divided into categories including youth, hand-stitched and machine-quilted pieces. Visitors can cast their ballots for the Viewer’s Choice awards, offering attendees a hands-on role in selecting crowd favorites.
This year’s exhibits include several unique offerings. The Challenge Block display highlights individual creativity, as quilters transformed identical fabric into distinctly personal designs. A wooden block quilt crafted by Leroy Hewig features 12-inch wooden blocks representing each of the 50 states, a one-of-a-kind interpretation of a traditional textile art.
Adding a touch of whimsy, the quilt car cover, last seen in 2015 wrapped around a Blazer, has been repurposed and will “ride again” on a different vehicle, promising a colorful photo opportunity.
Regional quilting talent will also be showcased. Karen Kilian of Winchester will present live Barn Quilt demonstrations, offering insight into the popular painted-quilt movement. Attendees can also enter to win a sewing machine raffle sponsored by Two Chicks Quilting of Ganado.
Admission is $8, and children 12 and under are admitted free. As families walk through the displays, pause at the Challenge Blocks, or admire a quilt stitched decades ago, they are witnessing more than fabric and thread, they are seeing history preserved by hand. 
In celebrating quilts, the community celebrates the generations who pieced them together and the stories they continue to carry forward. 
The Shiner Heritage Quilt Guild invites the public to be part of that living tradition, to step inside, feel the warmth, and perhaps begin a story of their own.