About MQA

MQA is one of the most well-organized state quilting associations in the country. We have 3 gatherings a year, plus an educational seminar with a nationally-known teacher. Fall and Spring gatherings include demos and programs you can take back to your guild, and in June we have day-long workshops in Pearl where our own teachers lead classes to improve our skill repertoire.

Quilted MQA Logo from Martha Ginn's album quilt, This is My Story, This is My Song, 1994, 84" x 100". Used by permission

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For more information about MQA, please contact any of the officers, who are more than willing to tell you about our great organization!

Webmaster:
Pamela McRae

MQA’S  HISTORY, BRIEFLY

By Martha Ginn, March 2006, contained in booklet entitled“Officers, Directors,Regional Representatives, Special Committees” for Mary Nell Magee’s presidency April 1, 2006-March 31, 2007)

1991—First “Gathering” held February 9, 1991, at Paul B. Johnson State Park, with more than 150 quilters in attendance. We applied for and received our Employer ID number as a nonprofit educational organization for preserving and promoting the art of quilting. Gatherings were held in June at Moorhead and November in Picayune. Bylaws were adopted and Articles of Incorporation filed, making MQA official. The newsletter, The Common Thread, began to be published three times a year. First officers were Martha Ginn, president-elect; Suzanne Schutt, secretary; Miriam Rice, treasurer.

1992—Martha Ginn, president. Gatherings are planned three times a year, with the June Gathering being all-day workshops taught by our members. Fall Gathering held in Louisville.

1993—Ollie Jean Lane, president. Theme “Quilt More in ’94.” Plans made for documenting Mississippi quilts made prior to 1946; Carol Vickers agreed to chair the project through completion.  “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” raffle quilt made, with proceeds raised of $4,007 to begin the project. Gatherings held in Hattiesburg, Jackson, Natchez.

1994—Barbara Newman, president. Theme “Reach for the Stars.” Star Achievers honored at June Gathering were Martha Skelton, Ollie Jean Lane, and Martha Ginn. Adopt-a-Block Educational Project undertaken. Gatherings in Meridian, Jackson, Oxford. Annual Educational Seminar (#1) established with Irma Gail Hatcher as instructor, teaching Appliqué.

1995—Evelyn Palmer, president. Quilt Search Days begin; Carol Vickers agreed to chair the project to its completion. Gatherings in Biloxi, Jackson, Philadelphia. #2 Educational Seminar: Flavin Glover, “Coloring with Fabric in Creative Patchwork.”

1996—Ellen Hall, president. Challenge: “Bend and Stretch.” MQA received 501c(3) designation by IRS. Gatherings in Vicksburg, Madison, Starkville. #3 Educational Seminar: Gabrielle Swain, “Vine Time.”

1997—Nancy Welsch, president. Gatherings in Hattiesburg, Madison, Tupelo. #4 Educational Seminar:  Dixie Haywood, “Firm Foundations.”

1998—Ella Lucas, president. “Mississippi Stars” quilt made, featuring signatures of 56 famous Mississippians made and raffled. Gatherings in Meridian, Madison, Natchez. #5 Educational Seminar: Elly Sienkievicz, “Papercuts and Plenty.”

1999—Sandra Plummer, president. Theme “Back to Basics.” Gatherings held in Oxford, Madison, Philadelphia. #6 Educational Seminar: Jackie Robinson, “Folded Patchwork.”

2000—Sue Mitchell, president. In May the photographic exhibit, Unfolding Our Past, opened at Philadelphia Library. The exhibit continues to travel. Plans made for first Leadership Retreat. Gatherings held in Biloxi, Madison, Columbus. #6 Educational Seminar: Margaret J. Miller, “Strips That Sizzle.”

2001—Joan Alliston, president. The book, Mississippi Quilts, text by Mary Elizabeth Johnson, photographs by J. D. Schwalm, was published, with Eudora Welty as honorary chair. Grant received from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History to assist with the publishing by University Press. It was presented at the Old Capitol Museum at a book signing and reception. Gatherings held in Hattiesburg, Madison, Louisville. MQA celebrated its 10^th birthday. #7 Educational Seminar: Nancy Pearson, “Floral Appliqué.”

2002—Martha DuBard, president. The MQA Handbook of Operating Procedures, written by the Leadership Committee, was adopted in June, 2002; Bylaws revised. Gatherings held in Vicksburg, Canton, and Tupelo. #8 Educational Seminar: Karen Stone.

2003—Jeré Funk, president. Gatherings held in Meridian, Canton, Biloxi. #9 Educational Seminar: Pat Campbell, “Jacobean Appliqué.”

2004—Nancy Funderburk, president. “The Year to Plan for So Much More.” Gatherings in Madison, Pearl, Greenville. #9 Educational Seminar: Karen Combs, “Patchwork Illusions.”

2005—Jerry Ann Dye, president. “Quilts—Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” Gatherings in Kosciusko and Pearl. Fall Gathering scheduled for Biloxi cancelled due to Hurricane Katrina. #10 Educational Seminar: Sue Nickels, “Machine Appliqué.” President/Board appointed Outstanding Mississippi Quilters Exploratory Committee; also a Mississippi Quilt Legacy Committee to locate, document, and record works of a cross-section of the state’s outstanding quilters. Website committee appointed to establish Internet presence.

2006—Mary Nell Magee, president. “Imagine, Believe, Achieve.” MQA Celebrates 15th Birthday. Gatherings in Brandon, Starkville, Hattiesburg. #11 Educational Seminar: Mary Sorenson, “Delectable Mountains”  Piecing and Appliqué. Website launched spring 2006.