Quilt Show held in Branson

From March 12 through 15, the Branson Convention Center at the Hilton was filled with colorful displays of quilts, as members of the American Quilter’s Society and other quilting enthusiasts gathered for Quilt Week in Branson. The lower level of the Convention Center featured exhibits of supplies, machines, and of course many, many quilts on display, while the upper level meeting rooms housed workshops of every aspect of quilting, from beginner to experienced. 

AQS is the largest quilting membership organization in the world, providing inspiration and advice for over 40 years through books, magazines, live events, workshops, online resources and networking, patterns, and patterns, fabrics and supplies of all kinds. During Quilt Week, members and guests experience workshops, browse vendor booths, and enjoy plenty of fellowship, as well as friendly competition around different themes or featuring different aspects of quilting. 

Contest entries represented many U.S. states as well as other countries including Spain, the UK, Brazil, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, Ukraine and more. Among the special themes were “Poppies,” featuring beautiful shades of red and honoring the poppy’s connection to the Armed Forces; and “Seed Packets,” wall quilts designed from the pictures of flowers, fruits and vegetables found in garden catalogs. 

While in town, many attendees also took advantage of area shows and attractions. 

Local quilting groups were well-represented at the show. Table Rock Quilt Guild, which has been meeting in Kimberling City for 16 years, greeted show guests with the opportunity to register to win a beautiful quilt started by former member Janine Brooks. Other Guild members finished the quilt in 2025, in Brooks’ honor after she passed away. 

Quilts of Valor of the Ozarks also had a display at the show, as well as hosting a Quilts of Valor presentation at the Event Center on the closing day. Quilt recipients included the following veterans honored: 

• Jane Weissner - Air Force, served during Gulf War including Desert Shield and Desert Storm

• Bill Underhill – Army, served during Vietnam as an Army Engineer/Trainer/Personnel Carrier Driver

• Danny Talkington – Navy, served during Vietnam and Cold War in Africa, Europe and Asia, working security

Linda Martien, Quilts of Valor State Coordinator gave the presentation, and Quilts of Valor Executive Director Lexie Milliken was also in attendance. 

Learn more about American Quilter’s Society, including upcoming Quilt Weeks and even quilt seminars at sea, by visiting https://www.americanquilter.com. 

These groups and several other area groups maintain an active social media presence and meet at various locations and times around the Branson/Taney County/Stone County area. All welcome other quilting enthusiasts to join them for fun, fellowship and a worthwhile hobby.