An organization meeting was held to for the guild in the back room of Mary Isbell’s shop, “Lil’s Quilts and Crafts” in Mauldin, South Carolina in June 1988. The guild was formed to promote the love of quilting. In September of 1988, the group became officially known as the Nimble Thimbles Quilt Guild and Anna Hoover was the first president. The guild flourished and soon outgrew the back room of Lil’s. In January of 1989 the guild began meeting at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church on Laurens Road in Mauldin. It wasn’t long until the membership grew to the point of needing another meeting place and in 1991, moved to the present location at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mauldin.

 To honor the founder, the Mary Isbell Award was established. This award was to be given to the guild member who best demonstrated “the guild member with heart”. The award was established in 1990 and Mary Isbell was the first recipient. Each year, Mary and past recipients of the award meet to choose the next member to receive the coveted award. The award is presented at the guild’s December party.

The guild has grown over the years and many service projects have been completed by the guild members. We have made various quilts, tote bags, dolls and doll quilts and sensory quilts for different organizations in our area. The philanthropic project is an on-going service with most members joining to make each project a huge success and fun.

Every year a quilt is made, and tickets are offered for an opportunity to win the quilt at the December meeting. Half the money raised is donated to a worthy cause in the community. This is also an opportunity for the members to work together for fellowship, fun and support of the guild and community.

In 1997, the guild had it’s first quilt show held in conjunction with the “Aunt Het Festival”, at the Fountain Inn Activity Center in Fountain Inn, SC. This is an opportunity for community outreach and display quilted projects by our members and others in the community.

Perhaps the success of the guild can best be measured by its motto, “The guild with a Heart”. All who are interested in sharing a love of quilting are welcome to join.