The history of this organization began back in 1976 when the bicentennial activities in the Mobile area included a quilt lecture and exhibit at FAMOS (Fine Arts Museum of the South) in conjunction with the Birmingham Museum.  The event was so popular that many hoped it would result in a rebirth of quilting activity.  Friends were made at local fabric stores.  A new quilt shop Quilts and Calico opened and the air was abuzz with the idea of forming a quilting group.

A  group of women took the initiative and persuaded the owner of the quilt shop to let them have an organizational meeting there.  They called the museum for a phone list, set a time and date, put out flyers, placed an ad in the newspaper and then nervously waited to see how many interested ladies would show up.  On June 16, 1980 twenty-six women attended that first meeting and 16 of them paid $10 dues to start a quilter’s guild.  Ellen Anson agreed to be the first president, and soon the Guild had a complete slate of officers.  Charter membership was left open until December 25, 1980.

The Nine Patch News was created almost immediately.  By the third meeting the group was named the Azalea City Quilters Guild, and its motto “Quilters are Piecemakers” was established.  Carolyn Weaver’s design incorporating a modified nine patch block was chosen for the logo.  Pat Phillips later added the flowers you see on the ACQG pins.  Dorthea Carr’s design for name tags was an immediate success and  became the official pattern for all Guild name tags.

The history of the Guild is marked by growing pains and a series of moves.  From the fabric shop, the Guild went to the Carlen House, the Alabama Home Extension Service, then to Cottage Hill Library and Spring Hill Baptist Church.  With the move to Springhill Avenue United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, the Guild became a daytime guild. We moved to St. Mark United Methodist Church and now meet at Regency Church of Christ on S. University Boulevard. We also have a Night Guild that meets at Christ United Methodist Church.

The Azalea City Quilters’ Guild is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization.  Its purpose is: to promote the appreciation of quilting, while members develop their skills and learn new techniques. Members share an interest in the art of quilting and join together to educate the public about this beautiful American art form.

The Guild members exemplify a vast array of talents and skill levels. Several ACQG members have been published in various quilt related publications and have taught around the Southeast.  Members have also entered their work in area, national and international shows.

Charter members Patsy Starkey, Judith Phillips and Carolyn Weaver stand behind Abbie Pearson, who was the owner of Quilts and Calicos. This picture was taken at the May, 2013 “Quilts of the Gulf Coast” Show when Abbie and her daughter Trisha were visiting Mobile.  The quilt in the background is the work of Master quilt artist Linda Dyken and is titled Historic Mobile.