Phyllis started her hand-embroidered birds 30 years ago. The project was set aside and picked back up over the years. My 30 Year Old Birds includes the state birds of all 50 states. In the center, Phyllis added a large embroidered eagle to represent the United States. The quilts blue background is hand quilted. An accomplished quilter, Phyllis was surprised to learn that two mayors and the base commander all picked her quilt. Each official selected his personal favorite and each made his selection independent of the others. All four ribbons were displayed with the quilt during the quilt show. Jeannine James, of Red River Quilters, called the multiple awards a phenomenon.

When asked what attracted the three officials to choose Phyllis quilt, Nina Taylor, Quilt Show Chairman, replied, Special awards such as Mayors Choice and Barksdale Commander's Choice are purely personal choices, without any criteria for technique or style. We ask them to pick their favorite. With over 150 quilts to choose from, its a hard choice. The fact that all three selected the same quilt; hand quilted, hand embroidered, and traditional in style; tells me Phyllis quilt represents the standards by which quilts are measured; skill, artistry, and function. There is no doubt that My 30 Year Old Birds meets these criteria.

Red River Quilters is a non-profit organization formed in 1983 to promote the appreciation and preservation of quilts, to encourage the art itself, to foster charitable endeavors, and to provide a forum in which quilters and quilt lovers might share their common interest in the art of quilting. Based in Shreveport/Bossier City, the Guild draws its membership from the extended Ark-La-Tex region and has over 200 members.