Carolyn Reese founded the current model of Road to California 23 years ago. She also founded her local quilt guild, Nite Owls. Over 200 members meet the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at the James L. Brulte Senior Center located at Central Park in Rancho Cucamonga. 
The guild is all about sharing homegrown talent and experience in promoting the art of quilting. Member Elizabeth said she appreciates how the guild brings in speakers as well as offers in-house workshops taught by their members. Two Saturdays a month, the guild offers Open Sew Days 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the center. Members are invited to come and bring their unfinished projects and receive expert advice from experienced guild mentors.
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Carolyn Reese showing off her stuff!![/caption]
Nite Owls is also known for contributing “lots” of charity quilts to local hospitals (Kaiser in Fontana and San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland), to the local police department to be used in comforting children who need to be picked up in police vehicles, and to area homeless programs.
The guild was on hand at Road to California 2018, selling tickets for their current raffle quilt, Rhapsody in Blue. 
Road to California appreciates and supports the tradition of local quilt guilds, making a difference in their communities.
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Posts Tagged ‘Quilt Guilds’
The Nite Owl Quilters Guild
Friday, February 23rd, 2018Meet The Big Bear Lake Quilters Guild
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017 
Best known for its recreational opportunities like fishing, water sports, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tours and winter sports, it also a haven for quilting. Big Bear Lake has two quilt guilds and two quilt shops in this small community!! It is also a popular destination for quilt retreats.
The Big Bear Lake Quilters Guild has around 50 members. They meet monthly the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Patchworks Quilt Shop. ”Patches of Love” is the name they give to their philanthropy work. Their members make quilts that are given to children who are picked up in police cars or fire trucks after a traumatic event. They also support military families with quilts. When a family has a new baby and their father is deployed, they present the new baby with a quilt.
Their annual quilt show is being held this year August 4th and 5th at The Lodge at Big Bear Lake. They have invited vendors as well as showcasing quilts from the area. At Road 2017, the guild had their show’s opportunity quilt on display. What makes this quilt original is that there is a hidden bear in the design of the quilt. The guild enjoys asking contributors for this fund raiser to see if they can find the bear. It gives people the chance to see the quilt up close and is “lots of fun.” Can you find the bear? 
Road to California loves supporting local quit guilds and their endeavors. Opportunities are given on a first come basis to showcase opportunity quilts.
Participating guilds must provide 20 hours of white glove service to Road for each day your quilt is displayed. For more information, please visit our website.]]>
Meet The San Fernando Valley Quilt Association
Friday, May 6th, 2016 
The San Fernando Valley Quilt Association is actually made up of two quilt organizations: a day group, the Valley Quiltmakers Guild and an evening group. Their 180 members come from all over the San Fernando Valley, meeting monthly at LIFEhouse Church in Northridge,California.
Philanthropy is a big part of this association. Their Quilters 4 Others (aka Q4O) meets monthly to tie quilts for various charities including Ahead with Horses, Save the TaTas (recovering cancer victims), Lutheran World Relief, Northridge Hospital Pediatric Trauma Unit, Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, Rotaplast (to go with the doctors who repair cleft palates in South America), and for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition, this group also makes placemats for Meals on Wheels and the Valley Interfaith Council, beanie babies and scarves for Operation Gratitude and heart pillows for those who have had heart surgery at the Veterans Association Hospital in West Los Angeles. These pillows act as a way to counter the pressure of the incision for the heart surgery.
This year’s Opportunity Quilt is Autumn Garden and was on display at Road 2016.
The San Fernando Valley Quilt Association hosts a biannual quilt show, Quilting in the Valley. Their members enter quilts for judging and for a quilt auction. Their next show will be held May 6 and 7, 2017 at the Airtel Plaza and Hotel in Van Nuys.
To learn more about the San Fernando Valley Quilt Association, visit their web site.]]>
Meet The East Bay Heritage Quilters
Wednesday, March 16th, 2016 East Bay Heritage Quilters traveled 400 miles to come to Road 2016 — their first time ever at the show. They came to show off one of their opportunity quilts, Bay Windows, and to share information about their upcoming quilt show, Voices in Cloth – Extraordinary Quilts by the Bay, being held March 19 and 20, 2016.
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East Bay Heritage Quilters members Edy Brady (l) co-chair of Voices in Cloth and Gwen McMillan (r) a guild member since 1985. Picture by Brian Roberts Photography[/caption]
Centered in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area, the guild was formed in 1978 to support the traditions of quilting and to encourage the growth and development of quilting through art, education, and community. East Bay Heritage Quilters (EBHQ) currently has 350 members; women and men who embrace both traditional and contemporary styles of quilting.
In almost 30 years, the guild has given away over 30,000 quilts. In 2015 alone, they gave away 1,000 quilts to people in need, supporting the Diana Davis Community Project.
Bay Windows is an original applique design created by well-known quilt artist and teacher, Nancy S. Brown. The quilt captures the wildlife of the San Francisco Bay Area. The layers of the ecosystem move from the fish who inhabit the bay to the birds who live on the shores of the bay. With the help of 14 of Nancy’s students, drawings were made for each of the blocks. Nancy appliqued eight of the blocks herself and her students made the rest. Laura Lee Fritz did the quilting which was enhances the waves, kelp and sea grass of the ocean surface. The sense of humor and the attention to detail make this quilt an outstanding art piece.
If you look at Bay Windows closely, there are two animals stitched in the quilt that do not belong to the Bay Area. Can you name them?**
This year’s quilt show, Voice in Cloth – Extraordinary Quilts by the Bay — is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The show is held biennially so this is actually only the guild’s 13th show.There will be over 300 quilts and garments on display as well as a special exhibit by Julie Silber. Also featured will be a Guild Marketplace of Fine Fiber Art, a Cloth Doll Challenge entitled “Tell Me a Story,” and two opportunity quilts.
In addition to Bay Windows, the contemporary art quilt, String Theory, will also be given away. Made by Bay Area artist, Barbara Ramsey, this abstract original design purposely distorts the geometric shapes and combines light and dark fabrics which in turn, draws the viewer’s eye over the surface of the quilt. The use of batik and hand-dyed fabrics in a 4-Block pattern evokes apartment windows. The border treatment on two diagonal corners mimics a cityscape design with the other corners reflecting the sky, thus lending to the overall “High Rise” affect.
Congratulations East Bay Heritage Quilters on your anniversary show.
**Did you guess the animals? Godzilla and penguin.
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Photo by Brian Roberts Photography[/caption]
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Supporting Local Quilt Guilds: Meet The Valley Quilters
Friday, February 19th, 2016 
The logo was designed by one of the founding members of the guild in 1981 and depicts areas of interest around Hemet, California where the guild is located. Those symbols include nearby Idyllwild in the San Jacinto mountains, clouds, dairies and local agriculture.
Mary joined the guild in 1992. She has appreciated the “fellowship, knowledge, and hand quilting skills” that the guild has provided.
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Past Presidents Mary Fidler and Sandra Dougherty at Road to California 2016[/caption]
Providing quilts for those “in need of comfort” are donated from the guild to hospice patients and to the local police and fire departments to use in trauma situations.
Their Yakkers group promotes hand quilting and meet each Monday. While either hand quilting the guild’s opportunity quilt or tying security quilts, it gives members an opportunity to have someone to talk to.
The Valley Quilters just celebrated their 36th Annual Quilt Show February 12 and 13. Funds collected at this event goes to their scholarship fund. Five, $1,000 scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors at their April Meeting. Their opportunity quilt, Flowers for my Wedding, was won by Hortencia Roesler. 
Next up for the Valley Quilters Guild is their annual Quilt Retreat March 14-17 at Vina de Lestonnac.
To learn more about the Valley Quilters Guild, visit their website or their Facebook Page.
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Meet Quilters By The Sea Quilt Guild
Friday, July 17th, 2015 It just seems fitting during summer to talk about a quilt guild that is located by the ocean.
Quilters by the Sea is based in Long Beach, California. The guild started in 1993 and their membership is open to anyone 11 years or older. Meetings are held each month on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the First Baptist Church of Lakewood. In addition, the guild holds Saturday workshops, social sewing nights, retreats, and fun-day excursions.
“The heart of our guild is supporting our community,” said Treasurer, JoAnn White. “We believe in strong community involvement.” Quilters by the Sea supports local Long Beach agencies by supplying them with quilts and/or pillowcases. In 2014, the guild contributed 361 pillowcases and 350 quilts to groups like the Long Beach Police Department – SART (Sexual Abuse Rescue Team) Unit, Long Beach Battered Women’s Shelter, For The Child, New Life Beginnings, St. Mary’s Hospital pediatric unit, and the VA Hospital in Long Beach. So far for this year, their members have made 188 quilts to be donated.
Every other year, Quilters by the Sea presents a quilt show featuring their members’ work. This year’s quilt show will be held August 1st and August 2nd at the National Guard Armory in Long Beach. Over 200 quilts will be on display along with workshops, gift basket raffles, and a silent auction.
At Road 2015, Quilters by the Sea displayed their 2015 Opportunity Quilt, “Starry Night at Sea.” The quilt is the 10th Anniversary edition of Jinny Beyer’s “Moonglow” pattern and kit. Originally a block of the month pattern, the quilt covers a variety of techniques, from strip piecing to using templates and foundation piecing, they range from beginner to advanced and the quilters all did an excellent job. Members of the guild did all the work, including custom machine quilting done on a long arm. Each compass has a different freehand quilting design; the courthouse steps have a feather motif, while the borders have a feather and piano keys design. The drawing for the quilt will take place at their December meeting.
For more information about Quilters by the Sea, visit their website.
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Road 2015 Arcade Quilts
Thursday, May 14th, 2015One of the highlights of our show each year are the stunning quilts hung in the Ontario Convention Center’s Arcade.
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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]
Carolyn Reese chooses a Southern California Quilt Guild to host this special exhibit. In 2015, that guild was The Westside Quilters of Los Angeles.
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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]
The Westside Quilters Guild supports traditional, contemporary and art quilters of any age and from all experience levels. The guild meets quarterly on Saturday mornings at St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Their meetings include lecture presentations, workshops and occasional field trips.
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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]
The Westside Quilters guild is a service guild, promoting charitable work with several organizations. Members are expected to give several hours of service each year. Many of their philanthropic endeavors benefit children. they make crib, baby, and childrens quilts for La Familias Del Pueblo, Para Los Ninos, St. Joseph’s Early Learning Center, and to Japanese Tsunami/Earthquake victims.
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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]
Thirty five quilts created by members of the guild adorned the atrium. Sally Wright curated the exhibit for the guild. Said President Perla Rothenberg, “It was a proud moment to see Westside Quilters on display.”
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Photo by Gregory Case Photography[/caption]
What guild do you think will be featured in 2016?
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Thursday, January 22nd, 2015Have you heard?
It’s Road to California’s 20th Anniversary
and we are celebrating with 20 things you won’t want to miss at this year’s show:
1) Anniversary Celebration. Thursday, January 22nd at noon on the convention center main floor. Marching drumline, dignitaries, and special presentations.![_i4c2887[1]](https://road2ca.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/i4c28871.jpg)
2) Quilts, Quilts, Quilts. Over 1,000 quilts will be on display
3) Quilt Winners. Cash awards totaling $92,000 were given out this year.
4) Vendor Mall. 220 Retailers with more than 700 merchant booths selling a wide variety of merchandise of interest to quilters, textile artists, home sewists, and crafters. Multiple locations: Exhibit Hall, Ballroom and Hall.
5) The Pavilion. First opening last year, the pavilion offers extra vendor space and is located adjacent to the south side of the convention center.
6) Marketplace. Eight top manufacturers are available to talk with face to face, answer questions, and discuss their latest product line.
7) Special Exhibits. There are 14 special exhibits including Fiber Art Celebrating 150 Years of California State Parks and Textile Art Inspired by the Beatles.
8) Featured Artist. Meet award winning artist, Sheila Frampton Cooper.
9) Tentmakers of Cairo. Welcome Tarek Abdelhay and Hosam Hanafy from Egypt as they demonstrate the lost art of Egyptian applique. 
10) $5.00 Lectures. Each day, experts from various trades in the quilt world will be sharing their expertise. No advance registration is required. Sign up and pay that day.
11) Road Booth. Purchase special show items including the 20th Anniversary commemorative Road to California fabric designed by Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Also, learn more about the 2016 Tote and Handbag Challenge.
12) The Daily Drawing. Each day, a different prize will be offered. Thursday: Babylock Rachel Donated by Moore’s Sewing Center MSRP $699.00. Friday: Bernina Sewing Machine Donated by Mel’s Sewing Center. Saturday: Viking Sapphire 930 Donated by OC Sewing MSRP: $1899.98. Sunday: La Cresta Premiere Work Station Donated by Martelli. MSRP: $3,250. Daily drawing tickets are available at the North Information Desk. The drawing is conducted daily at 3 PM. Must enter daily; only one entry per person; and winner must be present to win.
13) Quilt Appraisals. Certified appraisers from the American Quilter’s Society are on hand to appraise quilts and answer questions.
14) Sack Sitters. Boy Scout Troop 628 is available in Room 2 to watch over purchases, quilt supplies and/or sewing machines for a minimal donation.
15) Local Quilt Guilds. Each day of the show, different guilds have tables set up in the north end of the arcade, displaying their raffle quilts.
16) Complimentary Show Book. This is the first year all attendees get a show book for free with their admission thanks to our Bronze Sponsors.
17) Contest Entries for Sale. Eligible quilts will be specially marked for sale.
18) Food. The Ontario Convention Center offers delicious food choices including California Pizza Kitchen. Food stations are located throughout the convention center.
19) Great Weather. The forecast for Ontario, Califorina during Road to California is:
Thursday: 73° and partly cloudy
Friday: 74° and sunny
Saturday: 77° and sunny
Sunday: 80° and sunny
20) Family Feel. For 20 years, Carolyn Reese and her family have offered the best quilt show in the west!! 
Enjoy the Show!!
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Saturday, September 27th, 2014 Formed in 1990 and located in Temecula, California, Valley of the Mist Quilters has 125 members who meet the second Tuesday of each month. Regular meetings with guest speakers are held seven months out of the year. In July, they host a Quilt University where members present different quilt techniques in 15 minute segments.
One of Valley of the Mist Quilters philanthropies is a school for homeless children in San Diego, California. Last year, they donated over 100 quilts to the school. The guild has also donated quilts to flood victims in Colorado.
Each fall, Valley of the Mist Quilters host a unique quilt show that is completely outdoors. This year, on Saturday, October 4th, hundreds of quilts will be displayed throughout western themed Old Town Temecula from porches, eaves, and balconies. The opportunity quit they displayed during Road to California 2014, Garden Delights, will be auctioned during the show. The guild will also be hosting quilter Karen Brow of javahousequilts.com, during their event. It promises to be a great day to share the love of quilting.
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Meet The Pass Patchers Quilt Guild
Friday, July 11th, 2014 Located east of Ontario, California in the town of Beaumont, the Pass Patchers Quilt Guild has 125 of the “the friendliest, most welcoming” members, says 2nd Vice-President Nancy Hudson.
Founded in 1992, Pass Patchers is dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of quilting art. It provides the opportunity to improve all aspects of quilting, enhance application of design and form and introduce new trends in quilting. A special emphasis is placed on fellowship, service to the community and sharing of special talents and interests of its members. The guild meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Beaumont civic Center from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The Pass Patchers Quilt Guild supports several charities including Habitat for Humanity, Head Start, a math-science conference for local high school girls, and area hospitals as well as present college scholarships to local students.
Every other year, Pass Patchers join with two other guilds – Coachella Valley Quilters of Rancho Mirage and Cactus Sew-Ables of Yucca Valley – to present the Desert Quilt Show. The next quilt show is scheduled for March 2016.
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2014 Viewers Choice Award – “In The Beginning” by Bob Hix[/caption]
The opportunity quilt on display at Road 2014 was created by Judy Niemeyer. The guild pieced the quilt together at numerous workshops and the quilting was done by member Lynette Harlan, a professional longarm quilter and local artist. 
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