Welcome

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Image   It’s hard to believe that it’s already November!  Where has 2008 gotten off to?  

Although I try very hard to maintain an “attitude of gratitude” each and every day, it seems that a count of blessings is appropriate during the Thanksgiving season.  When I think about the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame, here are the things that I’m thankful for:

  • A quilting community in our state that deserves a Hall of Fame.
  • Every Arizona quiltmaker, pattern designer, shop owner, teacher, judge, appraiser, product developer, etc., etc.
  • The many quilting guilds and groups active in our state and the dedication of the volunteers that make them successful.
  • Having a wonderful induction event, honoring the Class of 2008
  • The dedicated people who make up the Board of Directors
  • The Friends of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame
  • Our webmistress, who keeps us looking fresh every month...thanks, Anne!

New this month on our web site is our scrapbook .  Here you’ll find photos of our induction event...I hope you enjoy them!  Check out our calendar for upcoming quilting events...you’ll be able to see the Hall of Fame at many of them!  If your quilt group has a quilt-related event coming up that’s open to the public, send us your listing.  We’re here to support you!

Take time to enjoy Thanksgiving!  Many blessings to you and those you love.

Quilting!  To Celebrate and to Learn!

Barbara Polston

HALL OF FAME OPPORTUNITY QUILT
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Designed by award-winning quiltmaker Jo Cady-Bull, the blocks were made by the members of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame Board.  The quilt was assembled and beautifully machine-quilted by award-winning quilter, Diane Pitchford.  The quilt was premiered at the 2008 Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon.  Opportunities to call this quilt, in the colors of the Arizona flag, your own are available at $1 each or six opportunities for $5.  See the quilt and purchase your opportunity to win where ever the Hall of Fame traveling exhibit appears or by clicking here.  Proceeds support the work of the Hall of Fame, a non-profit entity.  The winner will be selected at the September 2009 Induction Luncheon; you need not be present to win...but we hope the winner will be there!

MEET THE ARIZONA QUILTERS GUILD
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The Arizona Quilters Guild (AQG) was created in 1978 to promote the appreciation of the fine quilts, sponsor and support quilting activities, encourage quilt making and collection, and to further the growth of the quilter’s education.  AQG recently became an Organizational Friend of the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame.  The guild currently has 51 statewide chapters representing approximately 2,400 members.  The benefits of membership include: an annual quilt show which is considered one of the largest in the Southwest; a guild newsletter; nationally ranked teachers three times a year; statewide meetings; a small quilt auction; the “Traveling Teacher” program; use of an extensive resource library; a membership roster; and fellowship with quilters who share common interests, experiences and talents.  For more information on The Arizona Quilters Guild , visit their web site, www.azquiltersguild.org or phone 602-220-9889.

 

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'Diane's Heaven' by Cindy Phare

ARIZONA QUILTERS IN THE NEWS

Congratulations to Arizona quilters receiving recognition in “Quilts, A World of Beauty” the annual show of the International Quilting Association in Houston.  Arizona winners are:: 
  • Sharon Schamber, Payson for her “Spirit of Mother Earth” which won Best of Show
  • Gina Perkes, Payson, received “The Future of Quilting Award” for her “Silken Defiance.”  Gina also received an Honorable Mention in the Wearable Art category for her “Teal Elegance.”
  • Terri Doyle, Gilbert, received a second in the Merit Quilting - Machine category for her “Summer Blossoms.”

Have you seen an Arizona quilter featured in a national publication, on a winner’s list, or the newest author of a quilting book?  Contact us!  We’re always excited to share the recognition Arizona quilters receive!

MEET A BOARD MEMBER

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Cindy Phare was raised in Texas and Arizona by a “Jack of all Trades” saddle maker and silversmith.  While growing up if she had a question about how something was done the typical answer would be, “Someone else did it before you, figure it out.”  She started sewing clothes for dolls and any cat that would “come in” for a fitting.  She moved on to her own garment making, then to Rodeo Queen Clothes when her daughter began competing in rodeo pageants.  She learned to sew any and everything from a cotton skirt to a sparkling arena shirt to elegant leather dresses with foot long fringe. 

In 1993 Cindy completed Cosmetology School and moved to Prescott, eventually buying her own beauty shop.  Owning the beauty shop gave her a unique opportunity to meet many interesting people.  One of them became her inspiration for quilting. 

Diane Holley, quilter extraordinaire, gave her a pattern and said, “Go home and make this one,” so she did.  This began the love affair with quilting.  Cindy entered her first quilt in competition in 2002 and received a 2nd place ribbon.  Since then she has made more than 30 quilts and encouraged many more to join in the fun. 

In 2003 she began making flags for local rodeo sponsors.  This hobby has since evolved into a year round vocation for her daughter who has started her own internet business www.rodeoflags.com.  In 2008 Cindy started making custom horse quilt patterns and selling them through her website www.sewmanyhorses.com.  She has also recently begun her horse show career, racking up ribbons wherever she goes!

Cindy’s future goal is to someday enter a quilt into a national show and win.  But most importantly, she wants to go out with the most quilts and fabric!

Cindy is honored to be a board member for the Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame.  She hopes that while she serves, she will bring joy and laughter to those around her.


  

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Cindy enjoyed a 'Celestial View' while making this quilt.

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Cindy Phare's 'Tranquil Treasures'