Celebrating America Through Quilting 

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, members of the Edmond Quilt Guild are honoring the nation’s history one stitch at a time. Their upcoming quilt show, “Quilting: An American Legacy,” is an exhibition of beautiful handiwork, representing generations of creativity, resilience and connection. 

“Historically, our mothers used to take old clothes and make blankets and quilts out of them,” said Teresa Higdon, show chair for the Edmond Quilt Guild’s 2026 Quilt Show. “During the war, you couldn’t just go to town and buy a blanket. It had a lot more meaning to it.” 

Before big-box stores and online shopping, quilts were practical necessities created from whatever materials families had on hand. Women gathered to sew together, exchanging techniques, encouragement, and companionship as they created something to keep loved ones warm. 

“It has always been cross-generational,” Higdon explained. “It’s a great way for the old, young, and in-between to connect.” 

That same spirit continues today. Founded in 2004, the Edmond Quilt Guild includes approximately 150 members dedicated to preserving, teaching, and sharing the history and art of quilting. Members range from experienced quilters in their 90s to children and teens learning alongside parents and grandparents. The Guild meets monthly and hosts presentations from notable quilters. 

“It doesn’t matter what age you are,” Higdon said. “Five-year-olds can start learning to sew, it’s never too early or too late.” 

While modern technology has made machine quilting increasingly popular, guild members emphasize the importance of preserving traditional hand-quilting techniques. “Hand quilting is so important because traditionally that’s how it was done,” Higdon said. “Our ancestors all did it by hand, and it took time.” 

“Fabric alone can cost hundreds of dollars,” Higdon explained, noting the additional costs of materials and labor. 

Still, the value is less about cost and more about meaning. “A quilt can hold a lot of memories and feelings,” Higdon said. 

Some members transform cherished clothing into keepsakes. “When my father died, my sister cut all his western shirts up,” Higdon said. The guild also extends such quilted comforts to the community. Through the Loving Touch program, members donated 569 quilts in 2025 alone. 

Visitors to this year’s show will see more than 150 quilts created by guild members, including patriotic pieces celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and a special display of antique quilts. 

The featured raffle quilt, Stars of Liberty, showcases a striking red, white and blue Feathered Star pattern designed, constructed and quilted by guild members. Additional raffle prizes, an Artisan Market featuring handmade goods and quilts for purchase, quilt appraisals, demonstrations and 20 vendors will offer something for experienced quilters and curious newcomers alike. 

Even those who have never threaded a needle are encouraged to attend, and they just might pick up a new hobby. “Anyone can make a quilt,” Higdon said. “You just have to sew a straight line.” Or perhaps not. “There’s no quilting police,” she added. “It’s all individual, and everyone has their own take on it.” 

The Edmond Quilt Guild 2026 Quilt Show will take place July 31-Aug. 1 at the Gaylord University Center at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Road. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $12, and parking is free. 

Visit edmondquiltguild.us for more information about the show and other Guild activities.