Quilting has been a necessity, an art form and a means of expression for centuries. It brings together creativity, skill, and a sense of community, and for the past 27 years, the Scrap Happy Quilters Guild, founded by the talented Francine Daniels, has embodied the true essence of this craft.
The Sand Springs native, began her quilting journey in 1970 as a selftaught hand quilter. As Daniels’ love for this intricate craft grew, quilting became her solace when prevented from continuing her regular work. Seeing opportunity, Daniels’ channeled her passion for quilting into something meaningful for both herself and others in the community with the idea of starting a quilting club. Soon after, Town & Country Church opened its doors to Daniels’ and provided a warm and welcoming space for the members to gather.
Today the Scrap Happy Quilters Guild holds weekly meetings every Thursday. The first and third meetings are dedicated to hands-on quilting work. During these sessions, five quilters sit at the Quilt Frame, working diligently on their masterpieces. The second and fourth meetings, held every other week, become engaging quilting activities where members share patterns and participate in the beloved show-and-tell tradition. What makes this club truly special is that it is open to anyone with an interest in quilting, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
The Scrap Happy Quilters Club’s weekly meetings are eagerly anticipated by its members. Every week, the club convenes, with One can feel the camaraderie and passion that radiate through the room during these gatherings.
But the Scrap Happy Quilters Club is much more than just a creative outlet. It has become a force for good. “If we don’t give back to the community we’re not doing our part.” says Daniels.
The club’s endeavors range from creating cancer quilts for patients to crafting quilts of honor for the brave men and women first responders who serve their communities.
The club’s philanthropic efforts don’t stop there. They extend their love and craftsmanship to the Agape Pregnancy Center by creating beautiful baby quilts, while also supporting the Rowan Fund by sewing pillowcases. Not to forget the local police force, the Scrap Happy Quilters Club generously donates quilts to the Fraternal Order of Police, providing comfort and warmth for those in need and enhancing the sense of community between law enforcement and civilians.
Fundraising is an integral part of the club’s activities. Raffle quilts are a highlight of their events, with the money raised contributing to the making of all the quilts they donate. Kathy Goodman, the chairman of Scrap Happy Quilters Guild is heading up their upcoming quilt show where 13 unique and stunning quilts will be featured. The event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4-5, at the Muscogee Dome, promises to be a celebration of quilting artistry and community spirit. Tickets will be available upon entry to the event and set up will begin Thursday, Aug. 3, at 8 a.m.
As the club looks ahead to the future, the quilters’ needles will continue to stitch together the fabric of their community, leaving a lasting impression on the lives they touch.