Jody Edwards, Desert Threads Quilt Chapter of AQG
As many of our community members begin the departure to cooler climates for the summer, so follow many of our Desert Threads members. Since we stay very busy here with social activities and classes for our members during the winter months, we may wonder, “How do quilters spend their summers?”
Many of the Desert Threads Quilters attend quilt shows in their summer residence areas, which are often sponsored by quilt guilds or clubs. From Sisters Quilt Show in Sisters, Ore. (July 12, 2025) to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show (Sept. 4-6, 2025) and everywhere in between, these events showcase amazing quilts, new techniques, and fabulous color combinations. Many also offer opportunities to take classes or workshops from experienced quilt teachers. If you would like to find quilt shows in your area, here are two great sites with listings: quiltguilds.com/quilt-shows-listed-by-location and ronatheribbiter.com/2025-quilt-shows.
Summer is also a great time for quilters to catch up on their unfinished projects. With more daylight hours and often a more relaxed schedule, quilters can dedicate time to completing quilts that have been set aside during busier months. Some of these may include charity quilts. Many quilters use their skills to give back to the community by making charity quilts. These quilts are often donated to hospitals, shelters, and other organizations in need. It’s a fulfilling way to use their craft to help others.
Don’t worry if you are one of those “Firebirds” who stay in Arizona for the summer. Desert Threads can help keep you busy and social. Our group still meets on the second Wednesday of each month during the summer months (June through August). The group meets at 10 a.m. in the Cottonwood Computer Learning Center for a very informal gathering to share “show and tell” projects and visit, with several members meeting for lunch afterward.
So, whether you spend the summer in Arizona or travel to your summer homes, there are an abundance of activities to not only keep quilters busy all summer but also provide a sense of accomplishment and community.
If you’re still in town and want to come check us out, we still have one more chapter meeting in our standard format before summer. Join us on May 14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Cottonwood Computer Learning Center. The social chat starts at 9 a.m., and the meeting officially starts at 9:30 a.m.
If you would like more information about our group or information on our upcoming classes, please send an email to [email protected]. We can’t wait to meet you!