Here we are at the end of October, quickly approaching Halloween! I hope all your goblin and ghostly projects are ready for the trick-or-treaters.
It was such a pleasure to have “A Man in the Quilt Shop” with us this month. Great Trunk Show by Ken. Ken Casey shared some great quilting tricks and tips during his presentation and Monday afternoon session at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works and again on Tuesday while teaching his class on Flying Geese. It was a treat to have him in the Prescott area, and we hope he visits again soon!
November Program & Workshop
As things sometimes go in our busy lives, our November speaker is unable to join us. Fortunately, our own Joy Swartz has graciously stepped in to present a wonderful program on Patriotic Quilts from her personal collection — many dating back to the 1800s. You won’t want to miss this incredible display of history and craftsmanship!
For our Tuesday workshop, Shirley Smith will be teaching a full-day class on the Chandelier Quilt pattern. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your scraps to good use and reduce that ever-growing fabric collection.
Opportunity Quilt Committee
I’m pleased to announce that we now have a wonderful group of ladies working together to select the quilt pattern and fabrics for next year’s Quilt Show Opportunity Quilt. Once the final design is chosen, we’ll be asking for additional volunteers to help assemble the blocks.
Thank you all in advance for your help with this important project — it’s one of the key fundraisers that supports our guild and its programs for years to come.
Recognizing Our Ways and Means Team
First and foremost, I’d like to express our sincere appreciation to Liz Hart, our outgoing Ways and Means Chair, for her years of dedicated volunteer service to the guild.
To help share the workload, we now have three energetic new members taking on this important role: Gerry Carr, Carol Grimes, and Lydia Figueroa. They’ll be focusing on fundraising and marketing for our guild and have already started brainstorming creative new ideas!
Please take a moment to stop by and share your own fundraising suggestions with them. If you’ve belonged to other guilds that had successful money-raising activities, we’d love to hear about them. We’ll continue with some of our “tried and true” favorites, but we’re also excited to explore fresh, new opportunities.
And remember — if you have items or projects that no longer bring you JOY, consider donating them to our Silent Auction. One quilter’s stash is another’s treasure, and someone will love finishing it with joy and inspiration.
In Closing
Thank you all for your enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity. It’s what keeps our guild strong and connected.
I look forward to seeing everyone in November — until then, keep quilting, keep creating, and enjoy this beautiful fall season!
Warmly, Jamie Davis, President
membership
Welcome New Members!
We’re excited to extend a warm welcome to four wonderful new members who have joined our quilting community: Marylou Barrows, Dolores Baker, Heather McCafferty, and Rosa Amos!
Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just getting started, we’re so glad to have you with us. Each new member brings fresh energy, creativity, and perspective to our group — and we can’t wait to see what you stitch up!
Be sure to introduce yourself at the next meeting and help make our newest members feel right at home. Welcome, Marylou, Dolores, Heather, and Rosa — we’re thrilled you’re here!
Our guild now has 163 members!
Membership team – Dawnell Muecke, Alicia Czuzak, Shelli Leffert
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.
November hostesses are Georgia Lindsey, Elizabeth Phinder, Judith Ritner, Barb Saia, Deborah Salazar, Pauline Saskowsky, Vickie Sawyer, Kathleen Semerau, Judy Sloan, Angela Smith, Shirlee Smith, Barbara Sweeney, and Carolyn Wright.
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 November Birthday to Michelle Anderson, Susan Henry, Mary Quindry, Laura Stone, Erin Sullivan, Shelley Graham, Donna Hickish, Deb Bondi, Marylou Barrows, and Chris McGrew.
community service
Handmade Hugs
In October the following donations have been made: Yavapai Birthing Center (31 burp cloths, 12 receiving blankets) PV Nursing and Rehab Center (10 quilts)
The next meeting of Handmade Hugs will be on November 1, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Stoneridge Community Center. We will be working with the Prescott High School National Honor Society to make no-sew blankets for donation.
Meeting called to order by President, Jamie Davis, at 9:31 AM
General Announcements:
Reminder to all members and visitors to sign in at the Membership table.
Welcome to all members and guests and to today’s speaker, Ken Casey.
Reminder to all that we need to complete this meeting no later than 12:00 noon.
Additional reminder that helpers are needed to bring in and carry out the “Company Store” boxes at the beginning and ending of each meeting. Please help as you are able.
A motion to approve the September General meeting minutes was made by Dianna Dunn, and seconded by Coco Alaniz. The vote to approve was unanimous – motion carries.
Announcement that the RETREAT LITE program set for later this month is completely full. Please see Dana Swain if you’d like your name placed on the waiting list.
Our visiting guild today is the RED ROCK QUILTERS from Sedona. Please be sure to stop by their table, view their beautiful quilt, and purchase opportunity quilt raffle tickets.
Volunteers are still needed to create the TBQG 2027 Opportunity Quilt committee. A quick explanation of what is entailed to be on this committee was presented and three members, Carol Grimes, Pat Noel, and Karen Pizzuto, all offered to help.
President’s Challenge reminder: This year, our president is challenging TBQ members to make a lap-sized quilt for donation to the Hopi Elders. A description of this program and further instructions can be found on the TBQ website.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT: Shelli welcomed our eleven guests visiting today. The committee reminds all members to pick up their Guild directories at the Membership table if they have not already done so.
COMMUNITY SERVICE REPORT:Sheryl reminded all members that they are encouraged to join in our Guild’s community service efforts when they can on the first Saturday of each month to prepare and complete quilts and projects for donation in our community. Gatherings are held at the Stoneridge Community Center beginning at 9:00 and usually wrap up around noon. During the month of September, 95 quilt projects were donated between the Yavapai Birthing Center (91) and Prescott Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (4) both in our community. At this time, there are no prepared “quilt sandwiches” for longarm quilters to pick up, but please let Sheryl know if you’d like to complete the quilting for future projects.
Next month the Prescott High School Honor Society hopes to join with our “Handmade Hugs” group to prepare and complete flannel “rag quilts”. If you’d like to help, please watch for the email reminder coming later this month. Skills needed: cutting and tying a square knot.
NEWCOMERS REPORT:Georgia presented the two upcoming projects to be completed during the future Newcomers’ meeting. Next week, Tuesday, October 21st, Newcomers will meet at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works store from 9:00 to noon to make Origami Bags. Each sewist will make two bags and one will be held for the 2027 Quilt Show Marketplace. Newcomers will also, once again, construct quilt blocks for the construction of a quilt for the 2027 Quilt Show Auction. The necessary black background fabric and block patterns will be distributed.
Newcomers will host a second project-making gathering on Friday, November 7th held at Cloth Plus fabric store in Prescott Valley. A “no sew” Christmas ornament will be taught by Carol Grimes. Watch your emails for details.
COMPANY STORE: Pam made a quick announcement about the GREAT quantity of donations that have been coming in. Your continued donations are graciously accepted. TODAY – all magazines and books are FREE. Pam thanked everyone for their monthly purchases at the store. As an additional reminder, please help as you are able to bring in and take out Company Store items for sale at the meetings each month.
STORAGE: Pat Noel asked that if you have a key to our storage unit in your possession that you see her at the break and let her know.
PROGRAMS: Deb announced a change in programming for November as our previously scheduled speaker had to reschedule. Our own Joy Swartz will be making a presentation on Patriotic Quilts from the 1800s. In her trunk show, Joy will be challenging our members to take inspiration from the patriotic displays and make their own patriotic quilt. Possibly these quilts can be hung at the Adult Center next July?
WORKSHOPS: Kathleen announced the following workshops:
Today after the meeting, Ken Casey will do an afternoon workshop at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works. His topic will be color. He promises it to be a very interactive lesson on choosing color in unique ways. Cost $20.00
Tomorrow (October 14th), Ken will be teaching a full day workshop focusing on an innovative way to construct Flying Geese blocks. The cost is $35.00 and this workshop will take place at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott.
In November, our own Shirlee Smith will be offering a full-day workshop on the “Chandelier” quilt pattern, a true scrap-buster! Sign ups will be taken starting today. Cost $35.00; location Trinity Presbyterian Church, Prescott.
In December, those members who signed up for the P.I.G. challenge (project in a grocery bag), will present what they have accomplished toward their goal of completing their projects. December is our guild’s annual holiday party as well.
In January, Jeff Warner will be presenting and a “Bargello Star” workshop will be taught on Tuesday, January 13th. Sign-ups are now being taken.
PRESENTATION:Deb introduced our speaker for today, Ken Casey. Ken led a lively discussion and trunk show on his life as a quilter. 10:00 to 11:15.
BREAK: 11:15 – 11:35
FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Gerry Carr for the Ways & Means committee announced that they are still collecting items for the forthcoming TBQ SILENT AUCTION. Donated quilt projects (unfinished/not started) should include patterns as often as possible. Gerry thanked the Company Store for pulling some donated projects for the auction.
Ways & Means will be selling continuous spray bottles in November. Bring your spending money to support their sales. In addition, Gerry had two mini-binders that work for our directories and they were sold on the spot.
If you are a DECEMBER hostess, please stay after today’s meeting for a short organizational gathering with Deb Johnson.
Block of the Month – Angela was able to raffle off a total of seventeen “Canning Jar” quilt blocks today to a lucky winner. She also presented the two blocks that all are encouraged to make and bring back for the next drawing: a large Maple Leaf block and a small Acorn block. Directions for both blocks can be found on the website. Directions are also available from Angela in paper form.
Birthday Drawing – Jamie called off the raffle ticket numbers for twelve birthday gifts this month.
Show and Tell – members shared their projects.
MEETING ADJOURNED: 11:55
Respectfully submitted by Dana Swain, Recording Secretary
It’s hard to believe we’re already leaving the hot summer behind and moving into fall. That means it’s quilting season as we ramp up for the holidays—Halloween, Thanksgiving, and soon Christmas. By now, all those gift projects should be well underway! And if you love snuggling under a quilt, this is the perfect time to bring them out and enjoy their warmth.
A big shout-out to Jennifer Wagner for her inspiring trunk show and two fantastic class presentations. On Monday afternoon she showed us how coloring patterns ahead of time opens up so many layout options—who knew there could be so many! Tuesday’s class was equally amazing, teaching us how to make Mini Moons without visible stitching on the circles. Jennifer, along with her mother Pam, brought a wide variety of patterns and unique shopping items that aren’t always available in our small community. Her enthusiasm was contagious!
I’d also like to remind you about the wonderful lineup of presenters and classes we have planned this year. Please take advantage of them! The cost is so reasonable—many of these same classes would be in the hundreds of dollars elsewhere.
In October, we look forward to Ken Casey’s program, “There is a Man in the Quilt Shop.” He’ll also lead a half-day class on Monday afternoon at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Store, focusing on fabric coordination and color. Then, on Tuesday, he’ll teach “Which Way Did They Go?”—a helpful workshop for anyone who struggles with Flying Geese.
__________________________________________
Recognizing Our Newcomers Team
Did you know it takes a village of dedicated volunteers to keep our guild running smoothly? This month, I’d like to recognize our Newcomers Team. If you’d like to help or volunteer in this area, you’ll find it’s a fun, welcoming place to get involved.
If you’re new to the Thumb Butte Quilters Guild—or even if you’re not but would like to meet new friends—this group is for you. They meet in a smaller, more intimate setting with both new and longtime members, making it easier to feel comfortable before stepping into the larger guild meetings. You’ll share your passion for quilting, enjoy fun projects, and even take field trips to fabric shops outside the area.
Last year, Mary Ellen Coe and Georgia Lindsay took over as leaders. They enjoyed it so much that they’ve returned this year to continue. Both are talented quilters with a genuine passion for welcoming others and helping them connect with the guild. Please give them a warm thank-you for their love and dedication to our Newcomers!
__________________________________________
Opportunity Quilt Committee
Our guild is still in need of a committee for the Opportunity Quilt. One wonderful member from the Newcomers Group has volunteered, but we need several more to help brainstorm ideas, select a pattern, and sew blocks. The Quilt Show is right around the corner, so we need to begin soon in order to complete and market the quilt. This project is one of our largest fundraisers and plays a vital role in supporting the guild’s budget, allowing us to bring in excellent speakers.
__________________________________________
Food for Thought
I’ll leave you with a short story:
“That’s Not My Job” – Author Unknown
This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did. Somebody got upset because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t. In the end, Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
___________________________________________
As we look forward, let’s approach our Opportunity Quilt with gratitude and appreciation for the volunteers who make it possible. Let’s make sure it doesn’t become a case of “That’s Not My Job.” Please join me in forming a small, dedicated group of quilters to bring this project to life.
Happy sewing–and happy gifting!
Jamie Davis, President
membership
Welcome New Members! The Thumb Butte Quilters Guild is thrilled to extend a heartfelt welcome to our newest members: Terri Cause, Dede Erceg, Deb Bondi, Patty Brown, Genny Kerutis, and Chris McGrew. We’re so excited to have you join our creative community and look forward to the inspiration and energy you’ll bring to our guild!
Our September meeting was buzzing with activity, as we proudly hosted 11 visitors and celebrated reaching a total of 159 members. The quilting spirit is alive and thriving—thank you all for being part of it!
Alicia, Shelli & Dawnell, 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.
October hostesses are: Kristy Nichols, Sally Plummer, Joan Powers, Mary Quindry, Annette Raithel, Ann Ramsey, Lynda Royce and Carol Wright.
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 October Birthday to Sandy Mitchell, Martha Ferriera, Anne Marston, Sheryl McLain, Debby Casali, Stephanie Fullerton, Judith Dobke, Faith Chaney, Arleen Morris, Lorraine Owen, Mary Vaughan, Janet Friedrich, C0nnie Sieh, Gerry Carr, Carolyn Edwards and Sally Plummer.
community service
Adult Center Display
The new display of quilts has been hung at the Adult Center. They feature two of our talented members, Mary Ellen Coe and Olivia Turnham. These beautiful quilts are featuring several different quilting techniques including appliqué, paper piecing, thread painting, stained glass, scraps, hand and machine appliqué. This is a pleasing way to share the wonderful world of quilting with the Prescott-area community. While I was taking the pictures for the website, several people stopped me to ask questions about them. Maybe when you visit, you can answer some questions too!
Maryann Conner, Chair
“Blue Geometric” by Mary Ellen Coe
Although looking complicated, this quilt is a group of panels designed by the amazing Angela Walters. The key to
this is the dense and fun quilting. Mary Ellen joined an online quilting challenge and learned so much.
“Civil War” by Olivia Turnham
This pattern was found in the book “Civil War Sampler.” Famous women of the time designed the blocks.
“Red & White” by Olivia Turnham
This quilt was made with scraps from holiday tree skirts.
“Sail Away Albatross” by Mary Ellen Coe
This was Mary Ellen’s first foray into paper piecing. She picked her favorite Legit Kit design. She added the
albatross because…well, who doesn’t love a bird that sails the skies for 2 years at a time and mates for life”
“Hummingbird Stained Glass” by Mary Ellen Coe
Mary Ellen always loved Stained Glass, probably starting as a child in church, watching the sun stream through the
glorious colors. She taught a class on making a stained glass quilt and with some demo leftovers, she designed this
fun quilt with a hummingbird as the center focus—hummingbirds, with their own glorious colors!
“Poppies” by Mary Ellen Coe
Although in Vietnam (not WWII) Mary Ellen’s dad was a POW for almost 7 years. She always loved poppies and the
representation of our remembrance of those who so selflessly served. She found the background in a fat quarter
bundle and it was just perfect. She tried her hand at ‘thread painting’ with this, as well as 3-dimensional poppy
flowers. It typically hangs in her quilt studio.
“Sun Bonnet Sue” by Olivia Turnham
The blocks in this quilt were made by Olivia’s mother-in-law more than 50 years ago. Olivia put them together in
this wonderful heirloom quilt.
“Dinosaur” by Olivia Turnham
Olivia saw this quilt in the Quiltique quilt shop in Las Vegas. She knew then that she just had to make it.
“Lone Star” by Olivia Turnham
Olivia made this quilt for her brother in 1993. Unfortunately, he passed away before it was gifted. This is one of
Olivia’s earlier quilts.
“Orange Onion” by Mary Ellen Coe
This was from a pattern by Karla Alexander called “Blue Onion” and might be an all-time favorite pattern. She has
made it in several color/pattern motifs. It combines two fabric lines and features a flange (a small strip of fabric
inserted between two pieces) stitched into most of the blocks.
Handmade Hugs
September 2025
In September the following donations have been made:
Yavapai Birthing Center (60 burp cloths, 31 receiving blankets)
Prescott Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (4 lap blankets)
The next meeting of Handmade Hugs will be on October 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM at the Stoneridge Community Center.
Photos from the September workshop:
Sheryl Goddard, Handmade Hugs Co-Chair
company store
BOO!! Happy Fall to Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild!! I wanted you all to be aware that all fabric being sold at The Company Store is $2 per yard which means fat quarters are $.50 and ½ yards are $1.00 and all other measurements accordingly. Also, January will be the next time we have a $5 bag sale and I will be announcing that again as January draws closer.
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH for giving so very much to The Company Store!!! Your participation does NOT go unnoticed and we are so very grateful for each and every purchase!!!
You are all supporting TBQ in a grand way every single month!!!!
Pam Jones, Chair
RETREAT-LITE
RETREAT LITE IS FULL ~ WAITLIST STILL AVAILABLE!
Wow! What a terrific response to sign-ups this past month for our upcoming RETREAT LITE scheduled for Monday, October 20th and Tuesday, October 21st. We filled all 24 openings in one meeting’s time!! We always like to have a few extra names on the waitlist however, as things do come up from time to time and maybe an opening will come about. If you’d like to be on the waitlist for the retreat, please see Dana Swain at the Secretary Table at the October general meeting. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Dana Swain.
For those of you who were successful in signing up, watch for an email coming from me in October with the nitty-gritty details for this retreat.
Dana Swain, Co-Chair
NEWCOMERS
welve members attended our September gathering. We made Badge Holders and had a blast. We will meet in October at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works again!
October Gathering Tuesday, October 21 9 am to Noon Origami Bag (requirements below)
Mark your calendars and let us know if you will be there.
Please bring a show-n-tell, Membership Dictionary, 8-1/2” blocks for this year’s small quilt, sewing machines and related items, fabric, ribbon/cording, and your wondrous selves!
Requirements: Sewing Machine, ready to run Pins, Scissors, Ruler Rotary
Two complimentary Fat Quarters (Can be holiday-themed, general gift, birthday, child-themed, etc)
You might want to bring 4 FQ’s and make one for you, one for the Marketplace!
Ribbon or cording that compliments the FQ’s you have chosen
This year’s “Small Quilt Auction” Quilt:
We are making a 56-block quilt that will be in a color-wash layout. The blocks are 8-1/2” (unfinished), with a center stripe-set that is 4-1/2” x 8-1/2” with black strips on both sides (2-1/2” x 8-1/2”). We will provide the black strips. If you would like to participate, please let us know. The more, the merrier!
President’s message: Jamie Davis called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M.
· Pay it Forward: Jamie plans to recognize members who volunteer each month. Today she recognized the Company Store volunteers for all of their hard work gathering and sorting through the recent large donations of fabrics and tools.
· High Five Promise: Members can give a promise by attending meetings, paying your dues on time, wearing your name tag, serving on committees, purchasing birthday door prizes, and being hostesses. If you want to serve your Guild, see Jamie after the meeting.
· Quail Country Quilters are here today displaying their quilt.
· Reminder that our meeting needs to be completed by 12:00 noon today.
· Agenda for the August General Meeting minutes were presented for approval. A motion to accept the minutes was made by Michelle Anderson and seconded by Olivia Turnham. Motion carried.
· Jamie provided more information about her President’s Challenge, which is making lap-sized (3-yard) quilts for the Hopi Elders. A flyer with all of the requirements was made available to all members.
· Jamie announced that Rim Country will be holding their Quilt Roundup on November 7 and 8 in Payson. For more information, visit their website at: www.quiltroundup.org.
Membership Report: Alicia Czuzak introduced 11 new visitors, and 7 of them joined the guild today. There was a total of 82 members in attendance.
Community Service Report:
· Sheryl Goddard said Handmade Hugs donated 45 items this month; 37 to the birthing center and eight to the Rehab center.
· Easy project bags that contain 36 squares are now available to be sewn.
· Quilt sandwiches are ready for domestic machine quilters or members who have longarms.
· Sheryl shared a story about Susan Lewis meeting a woman in a wheelchair with a lap quilt. The woman told Susan she received the quilt when she was in recovery. This is great feedback for our guild members to know their efforts are appreciated by those in need.
· The next Handmade Hugs meeting will be on Saturday, October 4th, at Stoneridge Community Center from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Newcomers’ Report
· Mary Ellen Coe and Georgia Lindsey reported that the next Newcomers’ project will be making Badge Holders and will be held at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works on Tuesday, September 26 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. The website will be updated with all of the details.
· The Newcomer’s email list is getting quite long. If you no longer want to receive Newcomer emails, please let Georgia or Mary Ellen know.
Ways & Means Report: No report this month.
Workshops: Kathleen Bond announced the following workshops are available for sign-ups today:
· October – Ken Casey will teach two classes. One will be a color class after the general meeting on October 13th held at Coco’s Prescott Quilt Works. Cost $20.00. A full-day class called “Which Way Did They Go?” highlighting the Flying Geese block method will be offered on Tuesday, October 14th at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Cost $35.00.
· November – Maria Shell will teach her most popular scrap buster class called Round and Round. Deb Johnson said to be prepared to have your mind blown as you do not need a pattern or rulers. The class will be held on Monday – Wednesday, November 10-12.
Programs: Deb Johnson made the following announcements:
· There will be a December Hostesses Planning Meeting immediately following the general meeting.
· Please take a Workshop Handout (yellow paper) available at the Membership table.
· Kudos to Carol Wright for the web page updates. Carol is doing a great job!
· December will be our Christmas Party and P.I.G Reveal. P.I.G. members were selected back in January. If you have any questions, see Kathleen.
· In January Jeff Warner will teach a class on Bargello Star. Patterns are available on Etsy.
· Deb introduced today’s presenter, Jennifer Wagner, from Snapdragon Quilting.
Break: Jamie announced a 20-minute break. Reminder to stop at the Community Service table, shop at the Company Store, sign up for workshops, purchase the birthday raffle tickets, and participate in the Block of the Month program.
Meeting called back to order:
· Reminder to sign-up for RETREAT LITE. This two-day retreat will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on October 20 and 21. Cost $15.00
· Thank you for your purchases today from the Company Store.
Block of the Month Raffle
· Angela Smith had 16 Eccentric Star blocks to raffle off from last month. Maria Williams was the winner.
· New block for the next month “Canning Jar” was shown to members. See the website for more details. Size: 5”x8” finished block.
Birthday Drawing – The team raffled off 14 gifts this month.
Show and Tell – Seven members shared their quilts and projects.
Meeting adjourned at 11:55 AM.
Respectfully submitted by Jeanne Corrigan, Secretary.
Hello TBQ Guild Members, 
Origami Bag (requirements below)
Block Example 
General layout example
