Marlene Kuske and Linda Rowe
The PebbleCreek Quilt Club surprised members Edna DeFord, Nancy Hoth, Kathleen O’Connell, Nancy Treece,Donna Wisnoski, and former member Jeannette Martin by recognizing them as members of our “Founder’s Circle” during the 25th anniversary of our Annual Spring Luncheon. In the late 1990s the club was small. Their hard work, creativity, and perseverance paid off. The first reliable record we have regarding membership was from 1998 and noted 35 members. We have grown steadily over the years and now have more than 200 members. The founding members initiated many of the traditions and values that we continue to embrace: Inspiration, Charity, and Fellowship.
The PC Quilt Club evolved from a group of women who initially met at an Estrella Community College quilt class. They were organized as a Chapter of the Arizona Quilt Guild, and members initially met at member homes, a church, and later at Eagle’s Nest. When HOA rules required PebbleCreek residency to be in a PC club, the group re-structured as a club separate from the Arizona Quilt Guild. This was a time when these founding women made a difference, but have not been honored for making such a difference in the lives of PebbleCreek residents.
Inspiration: The founders started by having classes for new quilters as well as more advanced members. Members and visiting instructors teach classes that continue to be a source of inspiration, fun, and socialization. Such education opportunities in the world of fiber are viewed at our monthly meetings for further inspiration.
Charity: Service to others has always been a significant part of the club’s work. Beginning with New Life Center (1997), Red Cross (2000), St. Jude’s (2003), Head Start (2006-2008), Abrazo (2009), MOAA (2013), Southwest Advocacy (2017), Humane Society (2018), to Ryan’s House (2019), examples of donations include quilts, baby blankets, teddy bears, breast pillows, fidget mats, and dog beds. Ticket sales for the opportunity to win a quilt made annually generates proceeds used to cover many project expenses. The club has collaborated with other PebbleCreek organizations as well, to meet the needs of others.
Fellowship: To share the art of the group, PC Quilt Shows began in 2004. This past spring there were more than 600 attendees at the Creative Arts Center to view the art of quilt creation. Such activities bring many members together. And, to encourage more fellowship and education among members, small groups and classes about sharing a special interest include the use of machine embroidery, use of a serger, using an antique featherweight sewing machine, and more. As happened in the quilting bees of times past, these women taught the younger ones.
The PC Quilters continue to “write” their story with expressions of creativity, collaboration, and the joy of sharing. More information and photos of their work can be found at www.pebblecreekquilters.org.