The Flying Needles Quilt Guild was started in 1989 by a group of 19 quilters and has grown to more than 100 members. Its goal is to serve the general public by donations to other community service organizations and by serving as a source of information and education through exhibitions, demonstrations, lectures and workshops. The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover servicemembers and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. To date, the Guild has distributed more than 800 Quilts of Valor to retired Veterans or active duty members and works throughout the year making Christmas stockings, small throw quilts, drawstring bags and pillowcases for charity. “We make well over 100 Quilts for veterans a year for the National Quilts of Valor Foundation, and 1,200 items were donated last December to our three charities that shelter and help children,” said member Sandra Congleton.
General Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the New Hope Baptist Church, 108 Aurora St., Valparaiso. Socialization starts at 9:30 a.m, with meetings beginning at 10 a.m. Guests and new members are always welcome.
Workshops are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, except for November and December. Workshops vary from month to month. For a fifth Thursday in the month, a Charity Workshop is scheduled, making Christmas Stockings or charity quilts for our surrounding area.
Membership is open to anyone interested in quilting or related projects. Individual annual membership is $25, household family membership is $35, due at the October meeting and can be paid in person or by mail. Any member joining after March 31st in a given year is prorated. Membership forms are available at flyingneedlesquiltguild.org or you may pick up a form at any general meeting at the membership table.
