Shannon Lanning
Our September meeting was well attended, and what a special treat it was! Our speaker Gina Perkes, owner of The Copper Needle in Payson, presented a trunk show with dozens of her quilts. She explained how she chose the quilting pattern for each one. Many were prize-winning show quilts and quite intricate, requiring up to 200 hours to make. A lot of “oohs” and “ahhs” were heard as quilts were passed around so each member could see and feel them up close. We will have photos of each quilt in our next newsletter for those who could not attend.
Ticket sales for our fall Opportunity Quilt “Botanica” have begun. The quilt will be on display at monthly meetings. Ticket sales will continue until our December Holiday Luncheon when the drawing will be held. You need not be present to win. This gorgeous 67×67-inch, hand-appliqued quilt was donated by former Agave member Bonnie Lewis. Tickets are $1 each, $5 for 6 tickets, $10 for 12 tickets, and $15 for 18 tickets. We will offer a second Opportunity Quilt next spring. All funds received benefit the Agave Quilters Guild and allow us to continue our mission.
We are currently stitching red, white, and blue quilts for veterans and have kits available for members who wish to participate. Members are also welcome to use their personal fabric stash. These patriotic quilts will be donated to the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the National Patriot Guard Riders. Their primary mission is to show dignity and respect at memorial and funeral services honoring killed in action/active duty fallen military heroes, first responders, law enforcement officers, and honorably discharged veterans. Our donated quilts will be distributed over the holidays to veterans. For more information, see azpgr.org.
During the month of October, Agave members will have a table at each of the Activities Open Houses on the following Saturdays: Oct. 4 at Cottonwood Palo Verde from 9 a.m. to noon, Oct 11 at Sun Lakes Phase 1 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Oct. 18 at IronOaks from 9 a.m. to noon. If you are looking for a new activity, please come and see what Agave has to offer.
Agave Quilters Guild welcomes new members of all skill levels. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month September through May at 1 p.m. in the Navajo Room at Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes. Annual dues (January through December) are $25 with a one-time $15 purchase of an Agave name badge. Wearing your name badge allows you to participate in door prize drawings at meetings and helps members get to know you better. Please join us as our guest at up to two meetings before deciding to join. We would love to have you as a new member! Visit us at agavequiltersguild.com for more information. We look forward to seeing everyone at our October meeting!