{"id":8137,"date":"2025-02-19T10:27:10","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T18:27:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chiccompass.com\/?p=8137"},"modified":"2026-08-30T20:20:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T03:20:04","slug":"desert-quilters-keeping-nevada-in-stitches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chiccompass.com\/wordpress\/desert-quilters-keeping-nevada-in-stitches\/","title":{"rendered":"Desert Quilters Keeping Nevada in Stitches"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Chic<\/span><\/div>
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This article was printed in<\/em>
\nChic Compass Magazine - Issue 21<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"\u201cNorma\u201d<\/span><\/div><\/div>

\u201cNorma\u201d by Clarice Dean (Representational)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Desert Quilters<\/h1>\n

Keeping Nevada in Stitches<\/p>\n

BY KENDALL HARDIN \/ PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DESERT QUILTERS OF NEVADA<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Desert Quilters of Nevada (DQN)<\/a>, the first and largest quilt guild in Southern Nevada, was formed to promote, encourage and preserve the art of quilt-making by developing an appreciation for fine quilts. It sponsors and supports quilting activities, teaching techniques, the history of quilting and the future of modern quilt expressions.<\/p>\n

Stitching Together a Patchwork for the Future<\/h3>\n

DQN was a dream of Nancy Walters of Las Vegas and Alice Godwin of Boulder City. Groups of quilters had been meeting informally in small sewing circles for years. DQN was organized to share quilting ideas, methods and experiences with other quilters. The goal was to expand on these ideas and to grow throughout the state of Nevada. An admirable side effect of the guild has been to help the unfortunate and support our country's men and women serving in the military.<\/p>\n

Although women had been meeting in quilt groups since 1985, DQN was formed in 1986 and elected Godwin as its first president.<\/p>\n

Monthly quilt meetings were set for Las Vegas and Boulder City, with $1.50 per quarter dues and an active newsletter. By the end of 1986, there were 75 quilters in seven active circles. The club created quilt squares and \"raffle quilts\" to raise funds for the guild, as well as a 16-foot quilt for the play \"The Quilter\" presented by theatre students at UNLV.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\u201cTula\u201d<\/span><\/div><\/div>

\u201cTula\u201d by Madonna Sanpei (Pieced Quilt)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Today's Desert Quilters 40 Years Later<\/h3>\n

Today, the guild has more than 470 members from 14 states. DQN's quilters attract all age groups, with some of its illustrious members in their 90s! The nonprofit organization has drawn from its own creative artisans and world-renowned practitioners to teach innovative and time-tested quilting tips and ideas.<\/p>\n

Among DQN's members are established pattern makers, book writers and quilters who travel around the country to teach and mentor. Many of its master quilters have been profiled in national publications. Their exquisite creations have garnered top awards in prestigious national and regional quilt shows and Las Vegas at the guild's annual quilt show in March.<\/p>\n

DQN members have quilted for their families, friends, church groups and those serving in the armed forces, as well as their four-legged friends, homeless folks, street teens, cancer patients and hospital babies. Rarely do they finish one project without another one or two projects waiting in the wings.<\/p>\n

In addition to many charity quilt projects, the organization supports the Quilts of Valor local chapter, which honors all military men and women who have served our country and their family members as an exemplary, ongoing community service project.<\/p>\n

Today, the DQN guild includes not just quilters. It also welcomes jewelry makers, clay modelers, doll makers, basket weavers and contemporary artists who teach us that anything can be used in extraordinary fiber artwork.<\/p>\n

\"Many of us have watched as the guild grew exponentially,\" cited Jeanne Spala, the guild's current president. \"Desert Quilters is a gathering place to make lifelong friends while making, admiring and enjoying quilts and fiber art creations. DQN provides a comfortable home for extraordinary artisans and crafters to share their love for an art form that has withstood the ages.\"<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\u201cBaby<\/span><\/div><\/div>

\u201cBaby It\u2019s Hot Outside\u201d by Jean McElherne (Modern)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\u201cAustin<\/span><\/div><\/div>

\u201cAustin Square Dance\u201d by Michele Sherer (Non-Representational)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

Celebrating Traditions and Accomplishments<\/h3>\n

DQN's mission is to promote and preserve the art of quilting, patchwork, applique and related fiber arts. To that end, the guild sponsors workshops, displays, projects and opportunities for individuals to meet and exchange ideas about quilting and fiber arts.<\/p>\n

The first three presidents were founding members, including Godwin, Maxine James and Ann Pugh. Since its origin, 24 presidents have presided over DQN's four decades of evolution. Among the guild's many offerings are:<\/p>\n