Author: Heart in Hand

President’s Message

Hello Thumb Butte Quilters!

I can’t believe it’s already April!  We have so many things planned for the last 3 meetings of the 2022/2023 TBQ quilt year that I don’t want anyone to miss out on the fun.

I hope everyone enjoyed Jeanie Ehlers’ presentation at the March meeting.  She had some wonderful tips for quilters’ ergonomics and so did our members!  I have already put some of them into practice, because I am notorious for not getting up and moving once, I start sewing.   I would have typed this message earlier in the morning, but I was busy stretching my hands before typing! 

Debbie Gansberger will be the speaker in April.  I can’t wait to see how to foundation paper piece and not remove the paper.  It looks like it’s not even paper you have to sew on, but a foundation!  Come and see how it’s done and then attend the workshops to get some practice. 

April is also the month that you need to turn in your quilt show entries.  These quilts do not have to be finished…so you still have time to SEW, SEW and SEW some more!  They also don’t have to be quilts you finished in the last 2 years.  I’m sure that every one of us has a quilt that we are proud to show off.  Please enter yours!  We would love to have several from all the members!  Turn in those forms!!

May and June will be jam packed with activity at the meetings.  So be prepared to have FUN!

In closing, I want to remind everyone of a few important events coming up.

• Turn in your quilt show entry forms
• Are you making a small quilt to donate for the small quilt show auction at the show?  Signup and complete the quilt before the June show
• Finish your president’s challenge quilt if you are participating and turn it in at the April meeting
• Buy tickets for the Guild’s Opportunity Quilt. The tickets make great gifts!
• Read the website for more updates and don’t miss out on the fun!

See you in April!!!

Dawnell Muecke – President

PS – Have you ever seen how hard the ladies at the company store work?  They go to the storage location every month and lug all of those books, bins and fabric to the meeting and back.  If you see an open parking spot right by the front door…leave it for them so they don’t have to slug all the stuff from a faraway parking spot.

MEMBERSHIP

We want to welcome our new members, Sami Logan, Linda Bagby, Diann “Dede” Erceg and Jimi Henagar.  Be sure to give them a warm greeting in April and ask them if you can answer any questions for them.

Angela Smith – Chair

ways and Means

Opportunity Quilt

We have raised $3094 toward our goal of $4500 and that puts us at about 69% of our goal.  Keep up the great work and I know we will get there!

I will be taking our quilt to the Chino Valley Quilters Guild meeting on May 9^th.  

“Eggstravaganza,” a new outdoor event featuring egg hunts, inflatables, art vendors, food trucks and more will be held on April 1^st from 10am – 1 pm at the Prescott Valley Civic Center. This is a new event, so be sure to check it out!

I will have sign-ups for the following events at our April meeting, so I will be looking for volunteers to work 2-hour shifts.   This is a great way to get to know your fellow guild members while helping fund TBQG!  I could really use your help as we only have about 2 months left to raise money for our Opportunity Quilt.    

“Antique Show and Vintage Market” will hold their event on Friday and Saturday, May 26-27^th and we still need sign-ups for Saturday.  This will be a great opportunity to showcase our quilt in the Findlay Toyota Center so, hopefully ticket sales will be great!

“Winey Cats at Granite Creek Mother’s Day Weekend Craft Show” will be on Saturday and Sunday , May 13-14^th.  What a nice way to relax and enjoy your weekend!

Our grand finale will be our very own “Bloom Where You are Planted Quilt Show” on June 16-17^th at Prescott High School. This will be our last chance to sell tickets, and the drawing will be on June 17^th.  Good luck to all those tickets holders!

Please check the dates for our events and sign up to volunteer a couple of hours if you can! Thanks to all of you for your support!

Kathy Spry – Opportunity Quilt Chair

Hostesses

April  Hostesses are: Patty McClearn, Joan McGivern, Sheryl McLain, Melodie Merino, Sandy Mitchell, Linda Morriston, Connie Muecke, Dawnell Muecke, Jenne Kern, Ellen Baker, and Sharon Harris.

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

Birthdays

Birthday 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.  

April Birthdays — Pam Peters, Susan Sweet, Carolyn Seagraves-Wright, and Lois Doerr.

Newcomers

Our April Newcomer Gathering will be a ROAD TRIP on Monday, April 17  to Phoenix to visit some Quilt shops in the Valley. Mark your calendar, and save your money! We’ll have more info about times, meeting place etc. at the April 10th meeting!

Deb Johnson – Chair

community service

Adult Center Display

TBQ displays members’ quilts at the Prescott Adult Center on Rosser.  Please stop by to see the current beautiful display by Lorraine Owen.

Handmade Hugs

Our next workday will be Saturday, April 1, from 9 – 12.  There will be kits for baby blankets and quilt tops. We meet at Stoneridge Community Center in Prescott Valley.  Stop by to pick up kits…or drop off completed ones. Otherwise, bring your machines and join us.

If anyone has any sizable/useable batting pieces they would like to donate, please bring them to the next meeting. Please, no high loft.

Happy stitching!

Faith Cheney – Chair

quilt Show

We are in full swing for our Quilt Show coming up June 16^th and 17th.  If you are entering a quilt, you will need to fill out your entry form a.s.a.p.  It can be dropped off at Quilt Works in the Frontier Village shopping center, Prescott or bring your entry forms to our meeting in April. 

Start thinking about doing a basket for our basket raffle.  It can be small or large.  Pat Noel and Kathleen Semerau are collecting them. If you’re in a small group think about everyone pitching in to make one.  They can also be donated by an individual. 

Our Marketplace is getting a lot of great things but we still really need your help.   We are loaded on quilts but all other items are still needed. If you have any time that you could make some of your favorite things that we could sell, it would really help. We would LOVE to see your imagination go wild; LOL. 

We only have 2 ½ months before the witching hour!  How time flies.  Thank you ahead of time for all you are doing to help out the Guild.

Cathy Day

If you are like the three of us, you are “knee deep” in projects  for our  upcoming quilt show.  

You may bring your small quilts for the small quilt auction to the April guild meeting.  We will have a container for them and a sign-up card  for you to sign.  Your quilts will be due by Tuesday May 8th guild meeting.  The auction will take place on Saturday June 17th at 2:00.  You won’t want to miss it.

Thanks and happy sewing.

Sheryl McLain, Olivia Turnham and Arlene Morris

We have two urgent needs for the quilt show:

* Someone to head up White Glove Hostess recruitment.  This position gives assistance to show guests, answers questions regarding the Guild, Displayed Quilts and Show activities & events.  White Gloves are Quilt Show Ambassadors!

* Water Sales.  Pretty simple, sell bottles of water for $1 each.  This is a ‘sit down’ position, for those who have difficulty standing for lengths of time.  

Deb Johnson has created sign up sheets for all needed positions/functions for the two-day show.  Each signup is a two-hour commitment.  If you would like to volunteer, it need not be at one function or position, but can be spread out over multiple positions during your time at the show.

I remember my Thumb Butte Quilt Show experiences beginning in 2019.  I spent two days at the show volunteering at Raffle Baskets, Water Sales, Check out, etc.  It broke up the day and exposed me to all the various activities within the Guild and Show.  

We are still needing Marketplace merchandise!  We will need enough inventory to carry us through the show’s two days.  The Marketplace Committee is looking for items you enjoy, or zero in on when attending other craft or quilt shows’ Marketplaces.  Depending on the items, we don’t need hundreds, but 12-18 pieces for each day’s display of goods for sale, providing us with a nice variety of items for sale.

We will have an adequate number of ‘Squares’ for Credit Card sales.  The Squares will be attached to personal cellphones of Committee members.  Credit card sales will be accepted for larger purchases.

Remember, We “Bloom Where You Are Planted,” and we need to be in full bloom on June 16 & 17!  Don’t second guess yourself on whether your creation if ‘good enough’.  To a non-quilter, it may be the most beautiful quilt he/she has ever seen!  Spread your love of quilting in each of your creations!

Nan DeChant, Co-Chair

Membership

We want to welcome our new members, Laura Davis, Rosemary Driscoll, Terry Gnier, Mary Anne Haberkorn, and Kathy Oppelt. Please be sure to give them a warm greeting in March and ask them if they have questions.

Angela Smith – Chair 

Workshops

“Slow down you’re movin’ too fast”.

After the Guild Meeting on Monday March 13th, we will stay at the Elks Lodge to “Sew Slow”. 

Do you have trouble getting four to six seams to come together at one point?  Learn how to avoid a “cone” when all these pieces meet.  You will learn about grain and how it affects the stretch of fabric. Best of all, you will learn 2 ways to hand piece a block.  You will go home with a 6” Basket Block. 

This is a great class for beginners too. The pattern and pizza lunch are included. The supply list is on the Workshop Page.

Kathleen Bond – Chair

Hostesses

March Hostesses are: Nancy Lande, Nancy Lefler, Dani Lerberg, Pat Little, Anne Marston, Dana Swain

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

Birthdays

Birthday 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.  

March Birthdays — Dianne Schmitt, Deb Johnson Nan DeChant, Kathy Spry, Norma Enfield, and Pam Calhoon.

quilt show

Marketplace

Hello everyone, just a reminder to think of our Marketplace that we are having at our Quilt Show.  We really need your help.  If you find yourself with a few hours and you would like to  make something for the Marketplace that would be so appreciated.  The quilt show is our BIG money maker that gives us the funds we use for 2 years.  We are looking for things for kids, women, men, dogs, and cats.  All seasons and holidays —  Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and so on.

Some ideals are:  Aprons, full and half sizes, for men (BBQ) women, and kids.  Water bottle holders,  any purses, bags or zipper pouches, laundry lingerie bags, adult or kids bibs, pillows,(regular, neck, travel) any kind of decorative item, If you do another craft you can do that.  Stone painting, small paintings, watercolor, soap making, homemade cards.  Anything, we could offer for sale.  Anything you like to make or you use.  The sky’s the limit.  We do need all your items by the first of June at the latest.          

Thank you so much.  If you have any questions let us know.

Nan, Cathy and Kristine – Co-Chairs

quilt retreat

Calling all Quilt Campers!

 It’s final call to sign up for Quilt Camp.  The camp is March 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd.  The cost is $125.00.  Lunch and snacks are provided daily and we have a pot-luck dinner on Tuesday night.  Bring your machines, UFO’s, new projects, etc. The room will be locked every night so your things are safe.  We have 6 more openings.

It’s a great time to sew, be with friends, get to know new people and of course eat!  There are games, a camp challenge and prizes.  We always have so much fun learning new things from each other, seeing everyone’s things can give you such inspiration!

It will be held at the Bank of America building on Willow Creek Rd. in Prescott (across from the hospital). We will be on the 2^nd floor.  There is an elevator and we enter in the back of the building.  For information or to sign up please call or email Cathy Day.  We will have one last sign up day on March 13th  during our meeting.  (If there are openings left).  Please get your money to me as soon as you can.

Cathy Day – Chair

President’s Message

Hello Thumb Butte Quilters!

Hi everyone!  At January’s meeting we all voted on PIGS…everyone has a project to finish and our goal is December 2023.  I’m pretty sure we can do it!!    All we need is to be snowed in for about 4 weeks and then we will be forced to work on them.

At our February meeting we will be hosting Elizabeth Phinder as our guest speaker.  She will have a workshop on 2/14 where she will be giving us a lesson on easy turned applique.  I encourage you to sign up if you haven’t yet!

The last 2 months have been all about family for me!  I feel like I haven’t had anytime to quilt, organize, plan or even think about sewing.  It’s been a whirlwind of jumping at the new trampoline park, mini-bowling at  Espire in the old Sears building, playing in the snow and picking up toys from my sewing room which has turned into a playroom for all the grandkids.  We only had 2 sewing pins found in the carpet by the eagle-eyed moms.  No kids were poked in the process!

My life gets back to normal next week and I’m really looking forward to jumping into all my projects…right after I clean my house up!  It’s a hot mess right now, but it was worth all the playtime with the grandkids.

I hope everyone is working on their President’s challenge, quilts for the quilt show, marketplace items and charity items.  Quilters are a busy, generous, happy, social and creative group of people!  They are certainly my kind of friends!!

Dawnell Muecke – President

Membership

We want to welcome our new members, Paula Bryant, Sue Hansen, and Janet Freidrich. Please be sure to give them a warm greeting in February and ask them if they have questions.

Angela Smith – Chair 

wAYS AND mEANS

Opportunity Quilt

I displayed our quilt at Thumb Butte Quilt Guild meeting on January 9^th, and at the Mountain Top Quilt Guild meeting on January 16th. We earned another $133 toward our goal, and there were many comments about how beautiful the quilt was. I will be taking the quilt to Chino Valley Quilters meeting on February 14^th. Faith Chaney and Debbie James are planning a trip in March or April to Flagstaff to show it off there. I will also be looking into a Lonesome Valley Quilters meeting soon.

Quilt and Sew Connection has agreed to display our quilt again, so look for it there!

“Eggstravaganza,” a new outdoor event featuring egg hunts, inflatables, art vendors, food trucks and more will be held on April 1^st from 10am – 1 pm at the Prescott Valley Civic Center. I will be looking for volunteers for this event at our next meeting.

I will be notified when the next “Antique Show and Vintage Market” holds their event and we have been granted a vendor spot so watch for more information when it becomes available.

There are still a few other venues I am investigating, but please let me know if you have any suggestions for events that do not charge a venue fee!

The total sales for our Opportunity Quilt are $2864. Our goal is $4500, so we are about 64 % there.

Opportunity Quilt Charts January 2023

Kathy Spry – Opportunity Quilt Chair

Company Store

The Company Store, in the back of the room at TBQ’s monthly meeting, will be having a $5 FILL the plastic grocery bag sale at the February meeting!!! We have the grocery bags SO all you need to bring is your $5 so you can fill the bag to your heart’s delight!!!

Pam Jones – Chair

UFO Silent Auction

Fellow Quilters, as the New Year is upon us, now is the perfect time to reorganize your sewing rooms. Browse through your old projects and ask yourself “Do I really want to finish this?”

If the answer is NO then now is the right time to get rid of that UFO.

Consider donating it to TBQ’s UFO Silent Auction where another quilter will fall in love with your project and want to take on the challenge. The Silent auction will take place at the May meeting.

We ask that you provide the UFO pattern and any accompanying fabric that you might have.

Finished Objects

As you go through your sewing room and all those places you stash your projects if you come across any small projects in good condition that no longer suit your household decor, please consider donating them to TBQ. We will make use of them in a variety of ways.  We are looking for placemat sets, mug rugs, table runners, wall hangings, etc.

• Small quilt auction at our June show
• Marketplace at our June show
• Additional sale items when we display our Opportunity Quilt.

Liz Hart is collecting the UFO and finished objects. Thank you for your supporting your guild.

Liz Hart – Way and Means Chair

Hostesses

February Hostesses are: Sherry Hubbs, Debbie James, Deb Johnson, Karen Johnson, Pam Jones, Shirley Kelliher, Jeanne Dunk, David Charity, Kate Parsons, and Alicia Czuzak.

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

Birthdays

Birthday 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.  

February Birthdays — Dani Lerberg, Dianna Dunn, Cheryl Giovenco, Betty Foley, Pat Noel, Sally Thomas, Barbara Sweeney, Mike Boyle, Sharon Andrews, Mary Scherer, MaryAnn Conner, Donna Osborne, Sherri Hubbs, Cheryl Bouquet, and Carol Brownlow.

Community Service

Handmade Hugs

Community service has been gifted so much fabric…and talent. Thank you for loading us up with plenty of items to deliver to Hospice, birthing center & infusion center.  They are so appreciative. 

Kits will be available for making lap size quilts, flannel kits for self-binding baby blankets and bibs.  Come to our workday, Saturday, January 28 at Stoneridge Community Center from 9 -3. Bring your sewing machine – most everything else will be provided.

Faith Chaney & Olivia Turnham – Co-Chairs

quilt show

“Bloom Where You Are Planted” Show Quilts

This year’s quilt show will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 16 & 17, 2023 at the Prescott High School gymnasium.  We’re so excited to be back in the business of sharing our quilt craft with the greater community of Prescott and beyond.  Please consider sharing your quilting gifts at our quilt show this coming summer. 

All TBQ members are encouraged to participate in showing their quilts whether you are a new member to our guild, a long-standing member, someone new to quilting, or someone lucky enough to have been quilting forever. 

For each quilt entry we ask that you complete an entry form. These forms can be located under the forms tab on the TBQ website. The form should be self-explanatory, but should you need ANY help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of us on the CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT committee listed below. 

Please complete your entry forms no later than the end of April so that we can prepare to distribute the items for quilt collection to our members at the May 8^th TBQ meeting. Remember ~ your quilt does not need to be finished upon submission of your entry form. Submitting your entry form with a picture of your progress – even a picture of the pattern – is necessary to help us prepare the layout for our show. 

Alicia Czuzak, Jamie Davis, Dawnell Muecke, and Dana Swain – Quilt Check-In/Check-Out committee

Quilt Show Committee Update

It is hard to believe we are halfway through January and five months away from our 2023 ‘Bloom Where You Are Planted’ Quilt Show!

The quilt show team held a meeting, after touring the Prescott High School Gymnasium, on Wednesday, January 11.  It was beneficial for everyone to physically become familiar with the layout and space the gym provides. Especially for Suzy Davidson as she coordinates with the vendors that will be onsite during the two day show.  

Everyone was able to identify the various spaces for admissions, marketplace, opportunity quilt, small quilt auction, vendors, raffle baskets and President’s Challenge. 

The next Quilt Show committee meeting will be Wednesday, February 15, at the Stoneridge Community Center, 2nd Floor Conference room, starting at 9:30 a.m.

Nan DeChant – Chair

Marketplace

Now that the holidays are over, hopefully you will have some extra time to make some goodies for the Marketplace that will be in our quilt show in June!  Please bring any completed Marketplace items to February’s Guild meeting or contact Cathy Day, Nan DeChant or Kristine White. We have a good start but need a lot more items for our sale.  

Cathy Day –  Chair 

Small Quilt Auction

Designing Women Challenge

Designing Women art quilt small group would like to invite TBQG members to join us in a challenge called “The Eyes Have It”.  The requirements are:

• 5” tall x 20” wide
• Faced, not bound
• Due: April TBQ meeting

You can see examples from the Designing Women at The Eyes Have It

Questions?  Contact Karen Adams