Welcome to the Utah Quilt Guild

As odd as this may sound, I have a little trouble trying to figure out what I want and expect from my involvement in the Utah Quilt Guild. When I first joined back in 1990 I had no expectations whatsoever. Friends in Vernal had encouraged me, as a brand new quilter, to attend the "Annual Meeting". Classes were cheaper to members, so I joined the Guild. I was blown away by the classes, quilt show, vendor's mall, and friendliness of quilters at that first quilt convention . . . and have been joining ever since. I have not attended Annual Meeting (now called Quilt Fest) every year but have maintained my membership just because.

Now, as one who is looked to for answers, I am occasionally asked why someone should join the Guild if they are not going to be able to attend Quilt Fest that year. Here are some reasons for joining the Utah Quilt Guild that are meaningful to me:

1. The UQG, by virtue of the number of members, keeps Utah and its surrounding neighbors on the quilting map. By that, I mean that an organization is necessary for its individuals to feel that there is a heart and head. We gain strength through our organization and unity.

2. Our goal, as a guild, to encourage, promote and preserve the art of quilt making in Utah, is best met as people step up and take responsibility for making things happen (shows, classes, one-day events, retreats, competitions, etc.). The UQG sponsors, advertises, and supports great quilting activities throughout the state and our surrounding areas.

3. My membership in the UQG gives me access to the monthly newsletter (the Beeline), where I can learn of quilting events outside my local area, shopping deals, fun patterns and recipes, opportunities for service, insights into what quilters may be thinking (or not), and quilting trends and tools. When I meet up with the writers of articles from the Beeline, I feel that they are my instant friends.

4. The UQG maintains a list of accredited quilt show judges and quilt appraisers. These lists are available to people who are sponsoring shows or would like to learn the value of their quilts. The Guild is in the process of compiling a current list of qualified teachers from our membership. This will be very valuable to quilt groups along the Wasatch Front as well as to those in all outlying areas.

5. The UQG website and blog give me inspiration, information, membership addresses, news of upcoming events, Quilt Fest information, and more . . . all at my inept computer-unfriendly fingertips. Yes, even I can find my way around our website.

6. Even though I usually forget to use it, my membership in the UQG gives me significant discounts at many quilt shops around the state.

7. I am a better quilter because of my involvement in the UQG. I rub shoulders with the best of the best, I gain inspiration from my fellow quilters, and I do better work knowing that my creations may be seen by those I love and admire in the quilting world.

8. QUILT FEST. Enough said.

So (should that be "sew"?), renew your membership, encourage your quilting friends to join, and we will just get better and better with the infusion of new inspiration, skill, involvement, and enthusiasm.

On a different note: I would like to personally thank all of you who helped to create the many beautiful quilts that were presented to the Ogden police officers and their families this month. Under Josephine Keasler's leadership, organization, encouragement, and prodding, our Guild presented 22 quilts of beauty and comfort to the families of those who were involved in the sad shooting that occurred last year. The families were moved to tears as the quilts were presented to them and I was overwhelmed by the goodness of you, our generous members. Thank you.

May you all find time during this busy beginning of summer to finish a quilt for the Springville Museum show, go quilting at the Colonial House, attend the outstanding lectures that will be presented at the This Is The Place Heritage Park, and work on something beautiful.