Updated:
Jun 29, 2009
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Q: How big is the guild? (Quilting can't be THAT popular, can it?)
A: Quilters Unlimited has over 1,000 members. We are comprised of 11 chapters and a parent organization (affectionately called "Big QU"). The chapters are spread all over the Northern Virginia area from Arlington to Centreville. Our biggest chapter has over 200 members, and our smallest has about 50. Within each chapter, members form "bees" - informal gatherings of small groups of quilters.
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Q: Who belongs to QU? (Are you a bunch of little old ladies in rocking chairs?)
A: To be honest...a few of us are actually little old ladies. But some of us aren't ladies at all!...we have a few men in our organization, and not all of us have time to rock (unless we're quilting, of course). We have members as young as 10 and as old as 90. Many are professionals. We have doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, shopkeepers, and fabric designers in our group. It's hard to keep most of us in those rocking chairs. Quilting is probably one of the biggest "hobbies" for women in this country today...so our group runs the gamut of personalities and professions.
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Q: This parent organization you refer to as "Big QU" . . . what does it do?
A: Quilters Unlimited hosts at least four major events each year. They are:
- The Fall Seminar and Workshops - usually held at a restaurant with the opportunity to hear a nationally recognized quilter lecture. Costs are kept low so that all quilters can attend . . . usually from $15 to $20.
- The Fall and Winter Quilt-Ins - reminiscent of the "sit-ins" or "love-ins" of the 60's, QU members flock to a local high school for their "quilt-ins." Once there, we lock the doors and quilt, eat, socialize, raffle quilts, have a spectular show and tell, and plenty of doorprizes. Approximately 200-250 members attend from all over the Northern Virginia area.
- The Annual Quilt Show - held each spring. This year's location will be the Dulles Expo Center. Over 400 quilts, wearables, dolls, and group challenges on display. Lots of vendors selling quilt and craft-related articles. Quilt raffles, quilt auction, quilt pin, tote bags, etc. Something for everyone.
- The Annual Meeting and Workshops - A time to wrap up the year with festive food, the installation of our new officers, and a chance to hear another top-notch speaker from around the country! Recent lecturers have been: Nancy Crow, Judy Dales, Ruth McDowell, Gwen Marston, Ami Simms, and Yvonne Porcella, to name a few.
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Q: What do members do at these chapter meetings?
A: Each of the 11 chapters plans and carries out its own programs and activities. You might find a quilt "challenge" project occurring at one meeting. Another chapter might be hosting a fundraising auction (with lots of hand-made goodies!). Most chapters have a short business meeting, refreshments, and a workshop or speaker at each meeting. There's usually a newcomer's table or someone to greet and welcome you when you join. (It's best to call or e-mail ahead to let someone know you're coming to a meeting so you can be taken in hand on your first visit. We don't want anyone getting overwhelmed!)
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Q: I tend to like modern artwork. (I think quilting might be a little too old fashioned for me)
A: Well, we've got a surprise for you! (Remember, we're not all rocking in our chairs.) Many of our members are nationally-known quilt artists. Some have written books and are on the quilt circuit. Lots of us create stunning garments that would rival the fashion industry's creations. Like most artists, we often copy the "masters" and produce quilts made by our ancestors (using historical blocks like "Nine-Patch," "Flying Geese," "Shoe Fly," etc.) However, like any artist, we like to grow and improve our craft. Everyday there are new tools, workshops, television programs, or books on the market to teach us new tricks of the trade and encourage us to "stretch." Quilters are not necessarily "patient" people (as non-quilters like to believe we are). We often have 5 projects going at the same time to keep the creative juices flowing. If anything, we're often Impatient! We all have piles of UFO's (un-finished objects!) stacked alongside our huge fabric stashes. (Just as painters need an extensive assortment of oils, palettes, canvas, and brushes, quilters need an abundance of fabrics, threads, and tools to create their "artwork," too! And because it does usually take time to produce a quilt, we often have projects in many stages going on at the same time!)
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Q: What about community service? (You're not a bunch of country-clubbers, are you?)
A: Although we all love socializing with each other and sharing our love of quiltmaking, each chapter provides a specific service to the community. Over the years we've provided countless quilts and funds to organizations like Ronald McDonald House, the Border Babies Project, Hospice, House of Ruth, Lombardi Cancer Research Center, and local hospitals. This list only scratches the surface. Members are never required to work on these projects unless they chose to do so. (For some quilters, a chapter meeting may be the only time all week when s/he can relax and do something for him or herself.) We often donate our time and/or money to organizations like the Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg, the American Quilt Study Group, the Quilters Hall of Fame, and other worthwhile groups that promote quilting.
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Q: How long have you been around?
A: The year 2002 marks Quilters Unlimited's 30th year! We've been in existence since 1972. (That's a lot of rocking!)
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Q: OK, so how do I join Quilters Unlimited?
A: Click on our Membership Page and learn how! The cost is only $20 a year, which can more than pay for itself with the discounts our local merchants offer members. (Usually 10% - 15% off on fabrics, notions, and quilting supplies). In addition to your membership card, you'll receive a directory listing all 1,000+ members, which includes a list of local merchants offering discounts and a list of guild officers; a monthly newsletter from your chapter, and a quarterly newsletter, QU News, from our parent organization. If you wish to join two guilds (and many members do!), the price for the second chapter dues is only half price. Our fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. If you join January 1 or six months after JULY 1, dues are cut in half! We also offer senior discounts to members over 65, and free life membership to members over 75 who have been active in the organization for at least the previous year.
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