Author: Heart in Hand

Monthly News – March 9, 2026

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

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

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

General Meeting Minutes – February 9, 2026

9:00 – Social Time and Silent Auction bidding starts. Bidding paddles distributed.
9:30 – Meeting called to order by President Jamie Davis
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE – Jamie Davis
● A reminder to those to please keep side conversations until break and before and after
the meeting. We’ve had some concerns about disruptive talking during presentations
and announcements.
● “Pay it Forward” message – Please find your way to participate fully in our Guild.
● General Meeting minutes from January 12, 2026 presented for approval. Motion made
by Gerry Carr. Motion seconded by Barb Stein. Motion carried unanimously.
● Looking into our next year, we will have at a minimum twenty positions to fill. Jamie has
created a poster of all positions and asks the membership to consider their volunteerism.
We have a binder of all job descriptions. A reminder that 2027 brings us into another
Quilt Show year and there are many positions to fill for this show to be successful.
● Cathy Day announced the upcoming QUILT CAMP set for March 23 through 26 at the
Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott is almost full! Please see Cathy if you’d like to
sign up or place your name on the waitlist. The cost remains $125.00.
● A reminder: “RETREAT LITE” dates are set for this year on May 25 & 26 and October 26
& 27. The cost remains $15.00. Sign ups will start in April.
MEMBERSHIP – Alicia Czuzak
● Today we have six visitors. Each visitor stood and introduced themselves.
● Two new members joined at today’s meeting.
● President Jamie passed along thanks to this Membership Team for doing an excellent
job this year!
COMMUNITY SERVICE – Sheryl Goodard
● Sheryl shared that “Handmade Hugs” community sewing had a great turn-out this past
meeting including a seven-year old granddaughter, Emma.
● The next gathering of “Handmade Hugs” will be on March 14th at Stoneridge Center
from 9:00 to noon.
● Members are encouraged to pick up projects to complete at today’s meeting.
● In the month of January, our guild was able to donate 47 items to our community in
need.
NEWCOMERS – Georgia Lindsey and Mary Ellen Coe
● The next gathering of “Newcomers” will be a road trip down to the valley to visit four quilt
shops. The date: March 13th. Please RSVP so that carpools can be arranged.
● The April gathering of “Newcomers” will be a sewing session at Coco’s Prescott Quilt
Works.
● The May gathering of “Newcomers” is planning to meet at Mary Ellen’s home to put
together the quilt squares into a quilt for our 2027 Quilt Show.
WORKSHOPS – Deb Johnson and Kathleen Bond
● Be sure to see Kathleen today to sign up for two upcoming workshops.

○ Fabric Dying class will be an all-day class on Tuesday, March 10th. The cost will
be $35.00 and it will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott. No
materials are needed for this class, but the instructor may charge for the special
ice needed for class.
○ On Tuesday, April 14th, Mimi will be instructing on mono-prints. The all-day class
will cost $45.00 and will again be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott.
The instructor will be bringing all the materials.

● At our May General Membership meeting we will welcome presenter Karen Nyberg –
“The Astronaut Quilter” via Zoom. There is no class scheduled at this time.
TODAY’S PRESENTATION
Part one: “P.I.G.S.” (Projects in a Grocery Sack) – Dawnell Muecke, M.C.
● Thank you to the “brave ladies” who have brought their unfinished projects in a grocery
sack to be presented to our membership. The Guild members all voted on which of the
projects that they encourage the members to complete this year.
● P.I.G.S. participants: Jeanne Corrigan, Dana Swain, Nancy Stewart, Diana Atkins, Jamie
Davis, Carol Grimes, Gerry Carr, Sheryl Goddard, Susan Lewis, Lorin Franco, and
Arlene Morris.
● A suggestion was made to create a P.I.G.S. display at our 2027 Quilt Show.
● Kathleen reminded us about making patriotic quilts for the Adult Center display.
● President Jamie reminded us that quilt donations for her “President’s Challenge” to the
Hopi organization should be completed for the June meeting.
Part two: Ways & Means Auction – Gerry Carr, Carol Grimes, and Lydia Figueroa
● Please use the break time to make your bids at the back tables.
● At the end of the break, the bid sheets will be collected and winners announced. Please
pay for your items and retrieve them before leaving the meeting today.
10:30 to 10:55 BREAK
AUCTION: Gerry Carr announced auction winners.
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
● BLOCK OF THE MONTH – Angela Smith pulled a ticket for the nine Valentine blocks
made by members this month. She also announced the March block as “Jacob’s
Ladder” with no color restrictions. Directions will be on the website.
● NEW LOGO – President Jamie shared a proposed new Guild logo which was created by
member Chris Sommerfelt. The general membership seemed pleased.
● BIRTHDAY DRAWING – Arlene Morris called out the ten birthday drawing winners and
gifts were distributed.
● SHOW & TELL – Mary Vaughan assisted as members shared their quilt projects. Also
presenting was a large group of ladies who participated in the recent Bargello class.
11:30 MEETING ADJOURNED
Minutes respectfully submitted by Guild Secretary, Dana Swain

January 12, 2026

Monthly News – February 9, 2026

president’s message

Jamie Davis

Life certainly has a way of speeding by. The holidays are already behind us, and we are creeping into Valentine’s Day. Before you know it, winter will be over and we’ll be wishing for cooler weather again. Now is a great time to finish up projects and think about pulling out those unfinished ones to share as a P.I.G. (Projects in Grocery Bags). Please contact Kathleen Bond if you have an unfinished project you’d like to complete.

————————————————————

February Program

February brings us the Silent Auction and a preview of the P.I.G. projects. Remember to bring your checkbook or cash to purchase items from the auction. I’ve had a sneak peek at some of the extraordinary items donated to help raise funds for the guild. These funds help support our ongoing efforts to bring outstanding speakers—many of whom travel to the Prescott area from afar.

Please note: There will be no Company Store in February.

A special thank-you to Jeff Warner, our January presenter, for his incredible display of Bargello quilts and engaging PowerPoint presentation that brought many “oohs” and “ahs” from the audience. His Tuesday class was a great success, with many beautifully finished Star Bargello table toppers.

————————————————————

Please Help Your Fellow Quilters Hear

Several members have asked that we remind everyone to be mindful of side conversations during presentations. Our meeting room can be difficult to hear in, and many members already struggle with hearing. Please be respectful of our guest speakers and fellow quilters by saving conversations for before the meeting, after the program, or during breaks. Thank you for your consideration!

———————————————————–

Quilt Camp and Retreat Lite

Now is a great time to sign up for Quilt Camp, which will be held 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 a fantastic value—food, prizes, and fellowship included!

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

————————————————————

Opportunity Quilt Committee

A round of applause to everyone who has stepped forward to take blocks to sew—thank you! The committee is still looking for help with the final assembly and for a longarm quilter to finish this stunning quilt, “Victory Gardens” by Wing and a Prayer. Who can resist a red, white, and blue quilt in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of our great nation.

————————————————————

In Closing

Your Executive Committee looks forward to seeing everyone in February. Thank you for your participation, creativity, generosity, and the wonderfful friendships we share as we quilt and sew together.

Jamie Davis, President

hostesses

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.

February hostesses are CoCo Alaniz, Michelle Anderson, Diana Atkins, Ellen Baker, Rose Bliss, Jessica Bodnicki, Mike Boyle, and Shelli Leffert.

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 January Birthday to Dianna Dunn, Dani Lerberg, Cheryl Giovenco, Fran Leslie, Betty Foley, Pat Noel, Karen Pizzuto, Martie Winkelman, Sally Thomas, Sue McIlwain, Barbara Sweeney, Mike Boyle, Jeanne Corrigan, Kathy Oppelt, Susan Lewis, Maryann Conner, and Carol Brownlow.

community service

Handmade Hugs

In January 2026,  the following donations have been made:

PV Nursing newcomersRehab Center (10 quilts)

The next meeting of Handmade Hugs will be on February 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM at the Stoneridge Community Center.

Sheryl Goddard, Community Service Co-Chair

newcomers

We had a great time at the January Gathering, with 13 of us there, making and teaching the Project Bags.  Carolyn Edwards also joined us to review Friendship Groups and for Show-and-Tell!

The February Gathering is with Handmade Hugs on Saturday, February 7 at the Stoneridge Community Center (from 9 to noon).  The March Gathering will be a Road Trip to Phoenix Quilt Shops on Friday, March 13th.   A few shops and a stop for lunch!

Photos from January Gathering

General Meeting Minutes – January 12, 2026

9:00 – Social Time

9:30 – Meeting called to order by President Jamie Davis.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE ~ Jamie Davis

● “Pay it Forward” message this month – Reminder to be making your donation quilts for the President’s Challenge for the Hopi Elders. Directions are on the website. Valerie Harris from the Navajo Nation will be here at the June general membership meeting to collect quilts. President Jamie is hoping for 25-40 quilt donations.

● Opportunity Quilt – calling for member volunteers to make the blocks for the 2027 Opportunity Quilt. Block kits have been precut and are available today for pick up. See Jamie Davis or Dede Erceg. Completion needed by March 9th.

● Approval of the minutes of the December general membership meeting requested. Motion to accept the minutes as written was made by Georgia Lindsey and seconded by Michelle Anderson. Vote taken – motion passed.

● The Prescott Library has requested that our guild provide quilts for a display in November. Carol Grimes has volunteered to take the lead on this project.

MEMBERSHIP ~ Dawnell Muecke

● Due to a frozen garage door, there are no sign-in sheets today. We welcome all new members from today to sign up next month.

COMMUNITY SERVICE ~ Sheryl Goddard

● Please see the website for donation totals each month.

● Thus far in our fiscal year (since July) we have donated a total of 432 items to our community.

● Sheryl offered three good news stories that have resulted from our Guilds’ donations.

● The next gathering of HANDMADE HUGS is set for Saturday, February 7th, from 9:00 to noon at the Stoneridge Community Center in Prescott Valley. All are welcome!

● If you’d like to assist with quilting our donation quilt tops, please see Alicia Czuzak.

● If you’d like to assist with binding our donation quilt tops, please see Sheryl Goddard.

NEWCOMERS ~ MaryEllen Coe & Georgia Lindsay

● The next Newcomers gathering will be held on Friday, January 16th, at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works from 9:30 to 12:30. We will be making project bags. There is some prework – see the website for details.

● The following Newcomers gathering will be joining HANDMADE HUGS on Saturday, February 7th, to learn more about this portion of our Guild and to participate. 9:00-12:00 at the Stoneridge Community Center.

WAYS & MEANS ~ Gerry Carr

● At the next general membership meeting in February, we will be hosting a SILENT AUCTION. This is a fundraiser for our Guild. Bring your cash or checks and bid on some amazing items all donated for auction.

● No “Company Store” next month to make room for the SILENT AUCTION.

● Gerry reminds us that there is still room for volunteers to participate in the P.I.G. challenge next month. See Gerry to sign up.

WORKSHOPS ~ Jamie Davis makes today’s announcements for the Workshop team.

● Today we will be treated to a workshop by Jeff Warner. There is still room for tomorrow’s workshop with Jeff – see Judith if you’d like to sign up and pay today.

● February our general membership meeting will be a Ways & Means’ Silent Auction.

● Also in February, for those participating in the P.I.G. challenge, please bring two incomplete projects in a grocery bag to be displayed for the Guild members who will vote on which one you will be challenged to complete this year.

● March will bring us Cindy Lohbeck presenting her ideas on fabric dyeing.

● April will bring us Mimi Damarauer presenting her ideas on surface design on fabric with gel painting.

TODAY’S SPEAKER ~ Alicia made the introduction to Jeff Warner.

● Jeff’s presentation on designing and constructing Bargello quilts followed.

● Jeff is working on adding a quilt presentation during the Olympics when they come to the US. In conjunction with the Long Beach Quilt Festival, Jeff hopes to have a display of sport quilts highlighting the art of quilting here in America.

● Jeff reminded those coming to the workshop about the pre-work. Also, bring your Stripology ruler if you have one.

● Jeff donated two patterns to today’s birthday raffle.

QUILT CAMP ~ Cathy Day

● Cathy announced our upcoming four-day quilt camp. There are spots for 22 quilters. Signups start today and go through the March general membership meeting.

● This year’s Quilt Camp dates are Monday, March 23 through Thursday, March 26 at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott.

● Cost: $125.00 includes daily workspace, lunches, and prizes.

● You may leave your workspace overnight secured.

BREAK 11:00 to 11:15

● Reminder: two remaining spots for Jeff’s workshop tomorrow.

● Reminder: No Company Store next month due to the Silent Auction program.

● PLEASE help our Company Store team with loading and unloading whenever possible.

● President Jamie reminds us that our guild membership will need to be forming two nomination committees soon: one for the 2027 Quilt Show committee and one for the 2026-2027 Executive Committee elected officers. All TBQG members are reminded that our Guild is a volunteer organization, and we encourage all members to find a way to pitch in and serve.

BLOCK OF THE MONTH ~ Angela Smith

● Today’s raffle was for 28 blocks.

● Reminder – Check the website for the future block of the month pattern and directions.

BIRTHDAY DRAWING ~ Arlene Morris

● Today’s raffle for nine gifts from our January birthday members and two quilt patterns donated from Jeff Warner.

● Reminder – If you forget your gift during your birthday month, please bring one the following month to participate.

FINAL REMINDERS ~ Jamie Davis

● Please remember to bring snacks on your assigned month. The Snack Hostess list is in your membership directory, and you will also get a reminder email from Faith before the week of the meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, please switch with another member so that we have treats to go all around for those who want them.

SHOW and TELL ~ Kathleen Semerau and Mary Vaughan

MEETING ADJOURNED ~ President Jamie Davis adjourned today’s meeting at 11:50 AM.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Guild Secretary, Dana Swain 

 

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