Yvonne Cozart (left) presents a “Quilt for Veterans” to Michelle Jameson (right), Executive Director of the Arizona Homeless Veterans project.

The Desert Threads chapter of the Arizona Quilters Guild will continue to meet all summer long. Desert Threads holds one general meeting per month, plus several “sit and sew” days which are for members only. Our monthly meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the Arts and Crafts Room of Sun Lakes Phase 1. The coffee is always on, and there are breakfast goodies as well. Summer dates include June 12, July 10 and August 14, with all meetings starting at 9:30 a.m.

On June 12, Bolts and More in Gilbert is bringing us all the newest fabric trends and the hottest quilting tools. On July 10, there is a 4th of July “Quilt Party,” including plenty of social time! In August, Desert Threads hopes to have a mini “shop hop” road trip, depending on interest.

Area non-member quilters are invited to visit our meetings as a guest, since guests can visit three times before we request that you join. A membership in Desert Threads is $20.00 per year, plus $35.00 (first year) for your required affiliation with the Arizona Quilters Guild. Our membership year is from July 1 to June 30. The Arizona Quilters Guild provides us with our liability insurance, the opportunity to attend specially-priced classes with national-level instructors, our non-profit 501(c)(3) status and free entry for three items in the AQG Quilt Show, adjudicated by two national judges. All competitors receive written scoresheets with comments.

This summer, DT hopes to finish many quilts for local homeless veterans under the direction of Yvonne Cozart, our wonderful community service chair. Attention DT members: There are several “sit and sew” days already scheduled in the Arts and Crafts Room of Phase 1. This summer, every first and third Wednesday is a Desert Threads sew day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., plus the fourth Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The third Wednesday is our designated Boutique workday. Also, (Chandler) 35th Avenue Sew and Vac has graciously opened its sewing room to us on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Just for attending, DT members receive two 40% off coupons, one for a cut of fabric and one for notions or thread.

Desert Threads has also arranged to use the Oakwood Sewing Room this summer from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the second and third Sundays and the fourth Saturday, all summer long. Additionally, the Oakwood Sewing Room is reserved for DT on the second Monday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Just tell the guard you are headed to the “Sewing Room.” It is our sincere hope that DT members will take advantage of these sewing days to work on personal projects or a charity quilt. It is far more enjoyable to sit and sew with friends than alone. Hope to see you soon!