Category: Monthly News

president’s message

Hello, fabulous quilters of Thumb Butte!

First, I just want to say how impressed I am with your resilience and quick thinking. When life threw us a curveball with last month’s unexpected non-meeting, you all stepped up and spread the word faster than a rotary cutter through fabric! Whether it was email, text, or the trusty ol’ phone tree (okay, maybe no actual smoke signals, but close!), every single member was kept in the loop. Bravo!

Now, let’s talk about what’s coming up because the best is truly yet to come!

First up: our Quilt Quik Off has been rescheduled for January, and trust me, it’s going to be worth the wait! Prepare for a day jam-packed with creativity, fun, and maybe a little competitive spirit. Mark those calendars now because you won’t want to miss it.

In February, we have the wonderful Jean Impey joining us! If you haven’t already, check for openings in her classes—they’re filling up faster than a fabric stash sale! Jean is an absolute gem, and her visit will undoubtedly leave us all inspired.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—2025 can wait! First, we’ve got to talk about the holly-jolliest event of the year: our Holiday Party on December 9th! This is your chance to enjoy some holiday cheer, delightful treats, and maybe a little surprise or two. But beware—Santa’s elves are on standby with their bags of coal for anyone who dares to skip out. So, bring your holiday spirit, your biggest smile, and let’s celebrate in true Thumb Butte style.

You all continue to amaze me with your energy, passion, and creativity. Together, we make this guild more than a community—it’s a family. Let’s keep that spirit alive as we quilt our way into the holidays and beyond!

Happy stitching,

CoCo Alaniz, President

membership

Adult Center Christmas Quilt Display

The Christmas quilts are now on display at the Prescott Adult Center. Right now, they are in conflict with the witches’ hats and bloodshot eyeballs that are hanging from the ceiling! But, I’m sure those will be coming down momentarily.

Our talented members are getting the community into the Christmas spirit. The quits show a variety of quilting techniques: appliqué, patchwork pieced, scrap, log cabin and panel. If you have the opportunity, please stop by and see our mini quilt show at the Adult Center on Rosser Street.

Maryann Conner, Adult Center Chair

Handmade Hugs

This article appeared in the November 19, 2024 Daily Courier about a TBQ Handmade Hugs community service project.   Jamie Davis, Chair

She is impassioned about engaging her peers in community service projects that embrace those who are most in need, particularly homeless seniors, families, women and young children.

With that purpose in mind, the NHS senior leader and student representative to the Prescott Unified School District Governing Board swallowed her trepidation about reaching out to the Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild for an intriguing sewing lesson.  Karlee wanted to find out if the guild might be willing to help them make cozy blankets in early November for distribution to three local nonprofit organizations in Prescott and Prescott Valley serving those vulnerable populations as part of their gift-giving during the holiday season.

After an initial text message from Karlee, and some back-and-forth email messages, the guild’s communication representative, Jamie Davis, said she would approach fellow officers for what would be ra first-time endeavor.  Without hesitation, she said about a dozen members agreed to support Karlee, one of a dozen NHS members and two advisors, eager to tackle their first blanket-making venture.

Karlee said the blanket idea evolved when in August she called every nonprofit agency in the area.  Agape House suggested blankets, she said.

The students limited sewing or quilting experience prompted guild members to propose crafting no-sew fleece blankets for donation to House of Hope 316 in Prescott Valley, a program for homeless seniors; Agape House, a program to benefit homeless families, and Prescott Area Shelter Services that provides shelter and transitional housing for homeless women and their children.

NHS donated $1,000 to purchase all of the fleece and other related sewing supplies.

“And they picked out such beautiful fabrics,” Davis enthused of the fleece printed with dinosaurs, flowers, superheroes, stripes, mountain scenes and in colors reminiscent of a large Crayola Crayon box.

On Saturday, November 2, the guild members and students gathered from 9 a.m. to noon at the Stoneridge Community Center where two adults worked with each student to cut and individually tie the fabrics into blankets for babies to adults.  All in all, the crew crafted just over 30 blankets.

“They were so impressive” guild member Olivia Turnham said of the NHS students who while crafting the blankets shared a penchant for community service and educational plans for the future.

“We loved working with them,” Davis noted.  “They did a great j0b, and it was so much fun.”

For Karlee, the project proved to be even more special than she initially anticipated because of the connections and bonds they were able to make while endeavoring to make a difference in the community.  NHS also donates time and money to other civic projects, but few that were quite as labor-intensive as this one, she noted.

A week ago Wednesday, Nov. 13, Karlee and fellow NHS member Caiden  Rubio, and guild members dropped off to Agape House several garbage bags filled to the brim with blankets.

Agape House Director of Operations Deanna Webb said these blankets represent a community-instilled warmth that goes far beyond physical comfort.  She said they are a symbol to their clients of the community’s applause for their willingness to transform their lives and those of their children.  Agape House just celebrated the expansion of its three-month residential shelter program housed in a 19-apartment complex in Prescott to six, two-year transitional living homes for graduating families in Prescott Valley.

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Webb said these are tangible encouragement to these families as they rebuild and refocus on the future “that their stories matter and they are not alone.”

Whenever the community is willing to come together for the sake of  those endeavoring to improve their lives “it’s a big deal,” declared Agape House Executive Director Mike Kimmel, who said the greater-Prescott community is beyond generous when it comes to its outreach to the less fortunate.

Like Webb, Kimmel said these hand-crafted blankets spell LOVE to these families.

President’s Message

Happy Fall Y’all! Or… maybe not! It looks like Fall decided to take a vacation this year, and Winter jumped in line—without even grabbing a pumpkin spice latte! But, enough with the weather forecast!  

Heidi Pridemore delivered a presentation that knocked our socks off (which, honestly, we might need now that it’s freezing)! I grabbed a book, a pattern, and you bet I’m using that discount coupon she gave our members. And for those who attended her class—high fives all around for conquering your fear of curves! 🙌🏽 The Trunk Show was so good, it got me inspired to finally finish up my WIPs and tackle that Christmas Tree quilt! It may be ready by 2030, if I start soon.  What treasures did you pick up? Oh, and the electric Zippy seam ripper? Yeah, that’s my new bestie now—I’m thinking of getting it a holiday card!  

Thank you, Heidi, for the fabulous show and class! We can’t wait to see you back as a vendor at our Quilt Show in June, loaded with more cool notions and patterns (and hopefully some warm socks)!  

Now, as we head toward our November meeting, get ready for a fun-packed “Qick-Off” for our Quilt Show! Big shoutout to our creative VP, Deb Johnson, for planning these activities—don’t miss it, or you’ll be hearing about all the fun you missed! We’ll also be introducing the committees and their chairpersons, all cheerfully led by our very own Pat Noel. Did I mention there will be prizes? Like, actual, amazing prizes! And let’s give a round of applause to all the Chairpersons who’ve been working hard behind the scenes to make this Quilt Show our best yet. This is your cue to jump in and volunteer—remember, we’re better together (and it’s more fun when you’re there)!  

And for a quick reminder: the Presidential Challenge is Nursery Rhyme-inspired baby quilts. They don’t have to be huge—maybe around 30” x 40”, but that’s just a suggestion. We’ll start sharing them in January, so you’ve got plenty of time to stitch up something adorable. We plan to display these little beauties during our Quilt Show before donating them!  

See you on November 11th!  

🎶 Just keep quilting, just keep quilting 🎶 (I think that’s my theme song now…)  

Coco Alaniz,  President

MEMBERSHIP

November hostesses are Chris Sommerfelt, Kathleen Spry, Barbara Stein, Laura Stone, Erin Sullivan, Sally Thomas, Sue Weisshaupt, Kay Wentworth, Kristine White, Denise Manley, and Nancy Stewart.

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

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 birthdays to Michelle Andersen, Pamela Hengeveld, Mary Quindry, Laura Stone, Erin Sullivan, Olivia Turnham, Shelley Graham, and Donna Hickish.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

November Program

November Workshop

Following the November TBQ program the Quilt Show “Qick-Off”,  Jamie Davis will be providing a trunk show and demonstration on the Accuquilt machine. Jamie will show the end products of quilting using the Accuquilt machine method and show us all the options the machine has to offer.

Jamie’s demonstration and trunk show will be held at the Elks Lodge beginning at 1:00. There is no fee for attending. We hope that you will join us for this short workshop and be inspired by this method of preparing quilt blocks.

Kathleen Bond, Programs Chair

December Program

president’s message

Wow! Thank you all so much for the overwhelming support and kind words following my Trunk Show at our September meeting. Your comments touched my heart and were so deeply appreciated. It was truly a joy to share my passion for preserving hand-making traditions with such a wonderful community.

As we step into the cooler months, I’m excited to see how each of you embraces the *Presidential Challenge: Nursery Rhyme Inspired Baby Quilts*. June will be here before we know it, and I can’t wait to witness the creative, whimsical designs that will emerge from this challenge. Let’s keep inspiring each other and bring those nursery rhymes to life!

During our last meeting, Shirlee Smith and I had the honor of reading “The High Five Promises.” As your President, I encourage each of you to reflect on those promises and think about how you can contribute to our quilting family. Whether it’s through a particular area that speaks to your heart or simply supporting one another, let’s embrace these promises and put them into practice.

Looking ahead to October, we have the pleasure of welcoming the lovely and talented Heidi Pridemore! She’ll be presenting “A Few of Her Favorite Things,” which is sure to be a delightful and inspiring program. Don’t forget, Heidi will also be teaching the *Rippling Waves* workshop on Tuesday, October 15th, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott. More details about the workshop and Heidi’s presentation can be found on the website, so be sure to check it out.

And for those who participated in the *Nana and Me Big Pocket Apron* class, or any of my apron workshops, I want to say thank you for your enthusiasm and creativity! You all continue to amaze me with your energy and dedication. Here’s a thought: let’s wear our Big Pocket aprons and show them off during Show and Tell next month!  Happy quilting!

CoCo Alaniz, President

membership

hostesses

October hostesses are:  Georgia Lindsey, Elizabeth Phinder, Terry Purkable, Barb Saia, Deborah Salazar, Pauline Saskowsky, Vickie Sawyer, Mary Scherer, Linda Schoenmakers, Kathleen Semerau, Pauline Singleton, and Judy Sloan.

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

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 birthdays to Sandy Mitchell, Martha Ferriera, Anne Marston, Sheryl McLain, Jenne Kern, Debby Casali, Stephanie Fullerton, Judith Dobke, Faith Chaney, Arleen Morris, Lorraine Owen, Kris Anderson, Mary Vaughan, Gerry Carr, Linda Schoenmakers, Carolyn Edwards, Sally Plummer and Linda Figueroa.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

October Program

Come to Heidi Pridemore’s workshop on Tuesday, October 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn her curved piecing technique   The workshop will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 630 Park Ave., Prescott.

Bring five fat quarters and go home with a head full of ideas on how to use the blocks you make in this workshop.

We are very excited about our November TBQ program. We will be hosting a Quilt Show “Qick-Off” to start our 2025 Quilt Show season in a big way. You will learn about some changes to the usual Quilt Show procedures, have opportunites to volunteer, get ideas of how to contribute to the event and maybe even win a door prize. We hope you can all join us for the Quilt Show “Qick-Off”.

November Workshop

Following the November TBQ program the Quilt Show “Qick-Off”, Jamie Davis will be providing a trunk show and demonstration on the Accuquilt machine. Jamie will show the end products of quilting using the Accuquilt machine method and show us all the options the machine has to offer.

Jamie’s demonstration and trunk show will be held at the Elk’s Lodge beginning at 1:00. There is no fee for attending. We hope that you will join us for this short workshop and be inspired by this method of preparing quilt blocks.

December Program

Monday, December 9 will be our annual Guild Christmas Party. Please check the Hostess List in your new directory to see if you will be a hostess for this special event. Deb Johnson will be in contact with you soon to start making plans.

Deb Johnson, Programs Chair & Kathleen Bond, Workshops Chair

company store

president’s message

Dear Thumb Butte Quilters,
First, a huge thank you to Helen Frost for her magical presentation! Helen, your “Magic Show” was nothing short of enchanting, and we all walked away with new tricks up our sleeves. I particularly enjoyed learning how to prepare fabric before cutting—who knew there was so much to consider? Although I usually only pre-wash my reds, I’m tempted to give Helen’s technique a try on all my fabrics. How about you all? Which of Helen’s hacks
was your favorite?

Now, let’s talk Quilt Show! The Quilt Show Committee is buzzing with excitement, and things are shaping up beautifully for a spectacular year. If you’re looking to dive in and be part of the action, we’d love to have you join us. We meet right after the Guild meeting, but fair warning—you might just leave with a new assignment in hand!

Next month, I’ll be multitasking as both the meeting facilitator and presenter. Yes, I’m double-dipping with a “Trunk Show” presentation focused on preserving and passing on our beloved hand-making traditions. I’m passionate about keeping these crafts alive, and I hope to inspire you all to do the same.
But that’s not all! I’m also thrilled to announce that I’ll be teaching a class on making the Big Pocket Apron—“Nana and Me” style. Whether you’re making it for yourself, or as a gift for your favorite little helper, this apron is sure to be a hit. The class will be on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 9:00 to 4:00 at Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 630 Park Ave, Prescott, 86303. Come and join the fun.

As the weather begins to cool (or maybe not quite yet!), it’s always the perfect time to sew.  Whether you’re finishing up some WIPs or starting a new keep that creativity flowing!

Finally, don’t forget to check out the TBQG website. It’s packed with valuable information, forms, past and future activities, Show and Tell pictures, and so much more. There’s always something new to discover!

Wishing you a month full of inspiration and stitches!

Warm regards,
Coco Alaniz, President

membership

We had 3 new members join the guild at the August meeting! Give a big welcome to Grethen Delaney, Raene Kinion and Iris Lacey!

community service

Adult Center Quilt Display

Maryann Conner, Chair

Dear TBQ Members,

Summer is upon us, and while there are so many activities to get involved in, many of us still prefer sewing and working on our WIP (Works in Progress), as well as starting new projects. The warmer months often inspire us to shop for fabric and notions, and some of us will even be hitting up garage and estate sales for those elusive great buys!

No matter how you spend your summer, don’t forget that August will bring us the wonderful Helen Frost. She will be teaching great techniques, including how to make ripple-free borders and great bindings.

Helen is also offering a class on Tuesday, August 13th, to share all her wonderful techniques. Don’t delay—let’s join her and then get busy on our WIP to exhibit at our Quilt Show.

See you all in August! And don’t forget to contact Kathleen Bond if you are interested in learning and brushing up on new techniques.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out.

Happy Quilting!
Socorro CoCo Alaniz, President

membership

We had 79 members attend the July party and 3 new members!

OUTGOING PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It is really hard to believe that a year has gone by since I became president. This was something that forced me to step out of my comfort zone and do something that I have never done. I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your support. It has truly been a pleasure to serve. Hopefully, it will give others who might be thinking about stepping up some encouragement to “just do it.”

Please remember that we have a quilt show this year and a new board. I know you will all step up like you always do. Thank you again for my successful president’s challenge and I look forward to starting my Honor Flight friendship group. Also, if you think you are getting rid of me, I was voluntold that I will be handling the silent auction for the quilt show. I look forward to our July celebration and our “peaceful transition of power.” Thank you again.

Angela Smith, President

incoming president’s message

I am deeply honored and grateful for your vote to become President of the Thumb Butte Quilters Guild. Although I have been quilting for many years, joining TBQG is my first experience being part of a quilting guild, and I have truly found my tribe here. You women are the best group of women I have ever met, and I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

As some of you may know, my heart is for the unborn, and I would like to present my President’s challenge: create a baby quilt inspired by a nursery rhyme, your favorite childhood book or even from a children’s cartoon. This will be donated to a local Pregnancy Center. This challenge not only allows us to showcase our creativity and skills but also supports a cause that is dear to me.

This year, we also have our much-anticipated Quilt Show. I encourage every member to find an activity to engage in and contribute to this event. Organizing a successful Quilt Show is an enormous task, but with the dedication and teamwork of our entire guild, I am confident we can achieve it. Your efforts and participation are crucial, and together, we can make this the best Quilt Show in Prescott.  Under the expert direction and guidance of Pat Noel, I believe we will create something truly spectacular.

Thank you once again for your trust and support. I am open to any ideas and suggestions that will advance the goals of our Guild and I look forward to get this “show on the road”.   So, let’s get this year started and make it one to remember!

Warm regards,

Coco Alaniz, President-Elect

membership

We had 6 visitors at the June meeting, and all 6 joined.  I’m working on the directory to automate so I don’t have the information on the new people in the directory format, but will soon!  Their names are Denise Manley, Fran Leslie, Wendy Morring, Judy Sloan, Jessica Brothers, and Annette Raithel.

We have 176 members (counting paid and non paid).  83 signed in for the June meeting. As of 6/27/24, we have 138 paid members for 2024/2025 and 38 non renewed members.

Dawnell Muecke, Membership

HOSTESSES

president’s message

Hello Quilting Members!  I hope you are all doing well.  Winter is finally over and I haven’t finished half of the projects that I started.  I hope that you have done better.

In the meantime, we will be doing the budget at our next board meeting and starting to collect dues for next year.

We are excited at looking for a new board. All of the slots are filled at the moment but that does not mean you cannot add your name.  We will be holding elections in June and transitioning over at the July meeting/party. It has been a pleasure to be your president this year, and I appreciate all of the support that I have received.

The President’s Challenge is due at the May meeting. I hope many of you chose to participate because I believe it is a worthwhile cause.  We will do a show and tell of all of your challenge pieces.

As many of you have heard, we will no longer have the Aztlan Masonic hall to have our classes or Quilt Camp in.  We are negotiating for a new location and will update you as soon as it is definite.  In the meantime…

Happy Quilting!

Angela Smith, President

membership

New Members

We want to welcome our newest members, Susan Lewis and Deborah Salazar.  Please be sure to seek them out and show them how much our guild offers.

Membership Dues

It’s time to renew your  dues for 2024-2025.  The cost is $35.00 for the year.  Checks payable to TBQ or cash can be  given to membership chair, CoCo Alaniz by June 15, 2024.  If you would like to mail your check, please mail it to CoCo.  Thanks for your cooperation!

CoCo Alaniz, Chair

hostesses

May hostesses are:  Judith Ritner, Vickie Sawyer, Mary Scherer, Dianne Schmitt, Kathleen Semerau, Connie Sieh, Shirlee Smith, Chris Sommerfelt, Sherri Hubbs, Donna Oaborne, Jimi Henager and Sami Logan.

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

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 May Birthday to Sheryl Townsend, Diana Atkins, Marie Gniazdowski, Angela Smith, Gayle DeBoom, Ruth Petty, Cathi O’Neill, Karen Johnson and Suzy Davidson.

guild officer elections 2024-2025

president’s message

This year is flying by. This starts a very busy time of the year for TBQ. We start to move forward and start looking ahead. Hopefully you are considering a position. We still have some slots available. Even if someone’s name is there, you can still put your name there, and we will vote. Don’t be afraid to step forward. No one has thrown shoes at me yet. There is always someone that will be willing to show you the ropes.

I hope you all enjoyed Kim Oleson’s zoom presentation, whether you were with us or at home. I am looking forward to Gina Perkes in April. Don’t be afraid to step out of the box and learn something new.

I hope you are all working on your President’s Challenge. I have seen some of you working on your challenge piece,  and I have also seen some of you in the stores buying your red, white and blue fabric. It will be great to see them all at the May meeting.

It is almost time for dues renewal. They are due by the June 15th meeting. I am sure Coco will remind you at upcoming meetings.  Well, that’s all for me! See you in April!

Happy quilting!

Angela Smith, President

membership

New Members

We want to welcome our six newest members:  Kris Anderson, Jeanne Corrigan, Cathy Horneman, Pauline Saskowsky, Christy Weedon, and Lynda Winnett.  Please be sure to seek them out and show them how much our guild offers.

Membership Dues

It’s time to renew your  dues for 2024-2025.  The cost is $35.00 for the year.  Checks payable to TBQ or cash can be  given to membership chair, CoCo Alaniz by June 15, 2024.  If you would like to mail your check, please mail it to CoCo.  Thanks for your cooperation!

CoCo Alaniz, Chair

HOSTESSES

April hostesses are:  Angela Smith, Pat Noel, Susie Opdahl, Pam Peters, Sharla Peterson, Ruthe Petty, Sally Plummer, Edythe Pries, Ann Ramsey, Zoe Charon,  Shelley Graham, and Sheryl Townsend.

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

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 April Birthday to Pam Peters, Susan Sweet, Carolyn Seagraves-Wright, Lois Doerr, Linda Trudeau, Elizabeth Phinder, Cathy Horneman, and Christi Weedon.

NEWCOMERS