Sue Bart
The January meeting of Desert Threads held an informative panel discussion led by members who do long-arm quilting. They explained how they work with clients, how to best prepare our quilt tops to be quilted, and answered many questions from members. They showed many quilts done with different styles and explained the complexities they deal with to help make our quilts beautiful. Attendees claimed it was a smashing success.
Desert Threads is a recently-formed group of quilters, chartered as a Chapter of Arizona Quilters Guild, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We accept members from all over the East Valley but meet in Sun Lakes. We recently received a wonderful grant from Greater Sun Lakes Community Foundation to help with start-up costs. At our February meeting, Sue Bunch made a presentation about wool felting and demonstrated her techniques. March is our annual meeting with election of officers and the reveal of quilts from those participating in a fabric challenge. The ever so cute “Sew Bella,” a quilt shop on wheels, will also be on hand at the March meeting for those needing supplies to finish projects. In April we will hear from Diane Pitchford, a certified quilt judge.
Arizona Quilters Guild organizes the annual quilt show, “Quilt Arizona.” This year’s theme is “Desert Stars,” held Feb. 27 to Feb. 29 at the Mesa Convention Center. Included will be an area where you can sit and sew on a quilt to be given to a charity organization in need of comfortable quilts. Be sure to see this largest Arizona Quilt Show, displaying over 350 quilts, and many vendors.
Desert Threads meet on the second Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. (registration and social at 9 a.m.) in Sun Lakes HOA1 Arts & Crafts Room behind the clubhouse. We enjoy sharing ideas, learning new things, collecting and looking at quilts, etc. We especially enjoy making quilts to give to those less fortunate. Recently, we presented over 50 twin-size quilts to U.S. vets transitioning from service back to civilian life. We welcome anyone, regardless of your interest, knowledge, or skills about quilting, to come to our meetings. For more information, email [email protected].