History

In 1994, a small group of ladies began making quilt tops with Linda Bower of the University of Tennessee Extension Office in Carter County. After several years of making just two quilt tops a year, Linda brainstormed the idea of a quilt club to share with community members their passion and knowledge of quilting. The organization has made quilts for area hospitals, newborns, women's shelters and the VA. They have also made fidget quilts for nursing homes. Sycamore Shoals State Park has been gracious enough to let them use their facilities as a meeting place for the past twenty-seven years and UT Extension Carter County has been tremendously supportive. Without this support, the Sycamore Stitchers would not be able to hold a quilt show the first weekend of October every year. .

Not only are the Stichers an enthusiastic social organization, but they are also active in community work. The organization makes charity quilts, teaches quilting classes at the Sycamore Shoals Park, and makes lap quilts for veterans of the VAMC Mountain Home. What began as 12 members has grown into an organization of 40 passionate quilters. For the past two decades, the Sycamore Stichers have dedicated themselves to the preservation and appreciation of quilting art through teaching, exchange of ideas, community involvement and fellowship. They look to build on this rich tradition for many years to come.