Monthly News – March 9, 2026 – Thumb Butte Quilters' Guild

President’s message

Jamie Davis

As the winter months pass and we catch a glimpse of snow, I’m reminded how truly blessed we are to live in such a beautiful area, surrounded by nature and all the wonders it provides. There is something especially magical about the landscape with a light dusting of snow. I hope our members enjoyed a few days of winter scenery—perfect weather for staying home and quilting.

In February, members who attended had the opportunity to preview a sampling of P.I.G.s (Projects in Grocery Bags) from fellow quilters—projects we hope to see finished before next year. I know what my personal challenge is: one project that’s been eight years in the making! The bigger goal, however, is for everyone to go home, review their unfinished projects, and select just one to complete and bring to Show and Tell in the coming months. I’m sure we all have them—I know I have at least 19! It may be time to ask ourselves: Do I really want to finish this, or should I pass it on to another quilter? And that leads me to the next point…

Ways and Means

Our Silent Auction in February was a great success, with many wonderful treasures found and purchased to help financially support the Guild. It’s never too early to start sorting through your own “lost treasures”—projects or materials that you or someone else might enjoy finishing. Set them aside for next year’s Silent Auction. As my mom always said, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.”

A big round of applause for Gerry Carr, Carol Grimes, and Lydia Figueroa for gathering, sorting, and beautifully presenting the auction items. These hardworking ladies have been going above and beyond to bring creative fundraising opportunities to the Guild. Please introduce yourself, thank them personally, and stay tuned—there’s more great stuff coming!

March Program & Workshop

It is our great pleasure to welcome Cindy Lohbeck at our March 9th meeting. Her colorful contributions to the quilting community include an extensive line of fabric dyeing kits and innovative techniques. Cindy brings a deep, engaging, and often humorous knowledge of color, dye, and textiles, and her passion for teaching truly shines.

Quilters—don’t miss her workshop on Tuesday! This is sure to be an unforgettable learning experience.

Quilt Camp and Retreat Lite

Now is the perfect time to sign up for Quilt Camp, happening March 23–26. Quilt Camp is a wonderful opportunity to start or finish projects while enjoying time with fellow quilting friends. See Cathy Day to sign up. At just $125, it’s an incredible value—food, prizes, and fellowship included!

Retreat Lite sign-ups will begin in April and May.

Company Store

The Company Store returns in March!
If you are able to assist with loading or unloading boxes from storage, please contact Pat Noel or Pam Jones before March 6th. We truly need the help—it doesn’t take long, and it’s a wonderful way to support the Guild. The storage unit is located in Prescott, and as always, many hands make light work.

Opportunity Quilt Committee

Soon we will be unveiling the 2026–2027 Opportunity Quilt, a stunning design called “Victory Gardens” by Wing and a Prayer. This beautiful quilt reflects our red, white, and blue spirit, accented with a splash of gold.

Final assembly is currently in progress, and we are still in need of a longarm quilter to help complete this project. Please contact me if you are able to assist.

In Closing

The Executive Committee welcomes all members to attend our Executive Meeting, held on the first Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works. These meetings are open to any member interested in learning more about the Guild’s operations and leadership process.

Thank you for being such supportive, generous, and engaged members of the Thumb Butte Quilters Guild. We truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Jamie Davis, President

MEMBERSHIP

The Thumb Butte Quilters’Guild extends a heartfelt welcome to our newest members — Janyce Waldbaum, Angela Denis, Debbie Cavarretta, Deb Alvarez, Carol Goldsmith, Karen Kohl, and Sheila Gillespie. We’re so delighted you’ve joined our creative community!

Each of you brings your own spark, experience, and love of quilting to the mix, and we can’t wait to see your artistry come to life. Whether you’re piecing your first quilt or designing your next masterpiece, you’ll find friendship, laughter, and inspiration here at every meeting.

We look forward to sewing, learning, and sharing together — welcome to the Thumb Butte Quiltiers’ Guild family!

Alicia, Dawnell & Shelli – Membership Team

HOSTESSES

If you cannot attend the meeting when it is your turn to hostess by bringing a treat, please arrange to trade with someone. Plan to arrive early to set up and stay late for clean up.

March hostesses are Jeanie Braheme, Jessica Brothers, Carol Brownlow, Phyllis Byrnes, Pam Calhoon, Gerry Carr, Debby Casali, Carrie Casto, Faith Chaney, David & Trish Charity, and Marylou Clemmons.

birthdays

celebrants – When it’s your birthday month, bring a wrapped gift suitable for a quilter, something you would like to receive, with a value of at least $10

Happy March Birthdays to Deb Johnson, Barb Saia, Barbara Krit, Nan DeChant, Rose Bliss, Pam Miller, Sandra Turczak, Mary Ellen Coe, Norma Enfiels, Pam Calhoon, and Kay Donald.

community service

Handmade Hugs

In February the following donations have been made:

PV Nursing and Rehab Center (10 quilts)

The next meeting of Handmade Hugs will be on March 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Stoneridge Community Center.

Sheryl Goddard , Community Service Co-Chair

Adult Center Quilt Display

The Adult Center is featuring our new display of quilts. The members who have volunteered their beautiful quilts are: Michelle Anderson, Toni Castle-Buss, Alicia Czuzak, Suzy Davidson,N an DeChant, Carol Grimes, Judi Kimbrell and Patty McClearn.
Once again, the quilts feature a variety of quilting techniques and are truly admired by members of the Prescott-area community.
If you happen to be in the area, please stop by the Prescott Adult Center on Rosser St. and enjoy our mini quilt show in the lobby.

Maryann Conner

“Lone Star” by Carol Grimes Carol learned that the Texas Lone Star quilt originated from earlier patterns like the “Star of Bethlehem” or “Mathematical Star” that gained in popularity in the US in the 19 th century. It was adopted by Texas quilters in the mid-19 th to early 20 th century who named it “Lone Star” to reflect the Texas state flag’s symbol.

“Dandelions at Dusk” by Michelle Anderson Michelle saw this quilt in the window of a quilt shop in Peoria and knew she wanted to make it. So she bought the kit and enjoys the result as I am sure you will too!

“Scrappy Lanterns” by Alicia Czuzak This quilt was made in a 5-day workshop in California. It was designed by Kathy Doughty and is call “Soul Searching.” It provided an opportunity to go though scraps to show color relationships, using multi-colored scraps as well as neutrals while trading scraps with new-found friends and neighbors.

“Saguaro” by Nan DeChant As soon as Nan saw this pattern, she knew she had to make it. There are hundreds of pieces of fabric ranging in size from 2” to 30” which resulted in a mind-boggling process of cutting each piece and clipping them together while waiting to be incorporated. The quilt is assembled in 6 pieces and was enjoyable to make.

“Tiger Tiger Burning Bright!” by Suzy Davidson Nationally known quilter, Ron Appell, has created a series of quilt patterns called Endangered Species. This quilt was made from many small pieces. The collage effect is amazing when viewed from a distance.

“Mother’s Return to Sea” by Patty McClearn This is another pattern from Ron Appell in his Endangered Species series. It is raw-edge appliquéd and the quilting is free motion. When Patty asked Ron why the turtle had red and orange on it, he explained that this quilt was designed from a picture he took while swimming with sea turtles in Hawaii. The red and orange are actually algae growing on the turtles.

“Desert Sunrise“ by Toni Castle-Buss Toni made this for her husband, Dennis for their 12 th anniversary. This was her first panel quilt and with five borders, it gave her ample opportunity to work on mitered corners. The pattern was designed by Terry Alberts.

“Flower Power” by Suzy Davidson This should be an inspiration to any “wanna-be” quilter since it is one of Suzy’s first quilts. The fabric flowers were designed by Stephanie Brandenburg. Suzy loves her flowers and has used them in several projects. This quilt has 9 flowers quilted separately and then combined.

“Radiance” by Judi Kimbrell This is a pattern by Kaye England and was an 8-month Block of the Month. Astonishingly, this is Judi’s first quilt and should also be an inspiration to anyone thinking about taking up the hobby of quilting.

“Beads on a String” by Nan DeChant This quilt was designed by Dora Cary and is a great pattern for using scraps. The “beads” are paper pieced.

America’s Semiquincentennial

250 ~ It’s a Big Deal!

I heard Tammie Earnest’s blog last week…and that’s what she said: 250 ~ It’s a Big Deal!

This summer the USA celebrates 250 years since its founding. Tammie says: all of us quilters need to be making a quilt to commemorate the event. And the label should tell the quiltmaker’s story: Who you are, how long you’ve been quilting, who taught you to quilt, your favorite technique, what you love about quilting!

I’m currently working on a red/white/blue quilt and plan to have it done in time! I’m calling it “America 250”!! Join me in celebrating our semiquincentennial!

Bring your quilts to the June general meeting. They will be hung at the Adult Center.

Carolyn Edwards