Antelope Valley Quilt Association: About Us

About the Antelope Valley Quilt Association

The Antelope Valley Quilt Association is a group of about 150 quilters and people who love quilts. Anyone who quilts, wants to learn how to quilt, or is interested in quilts is welcome to join.

Purpose: To contribute to the knowledge of, and to promote the appreciation of fine quilts; to sponsor and support quilting activities; to encourage quilt making and collecting; to contribute to the growth of knowledge of quilting techniques, textiles, patterns, history and quiltmakers through educational meetings, philanthropic projects, travel and fellowship.

The Antelope Valley Quilt Association, also known as AVQA, was officially founded in 1979, although we count the first two quilt shows organized by Dixie Haywood and her friends in May of 1978 and 1979 as our first two shows. Those shows were held at Antelope Valley Community College, and they were sponsored by the Desert Alphas in conjunction with their annual boutique.

Arlene Lane, Linda Kerston, Gloria Thomas, Linda Baker, and Ann Finch were in the original group of quilters. After their second show in May of 1979, the quilters decided to make their group official. Eight women gathered at Linda Baker's home and decided on Antelope Valley Quilt Association for the group's name. Their purpose was to earn money for programs and education and to be an organization for people who love and appreciate quilts. In 1980, they held the Antelope Valley Quilt Show at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds because the college didn't allow vendors.

In addition to the annual quilt show, the guild supports activities such as friendship circles (also known as quilting bees or small groups), philanthropic projects, and workshops. Our meetings take place on the second Thursday of each month at Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W. Avenue J in Lancaster, California. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. Programs may feature nationally or locally-known guest speakers, in-house demonstrations, or philanthropic projects.

AVQA supports a large LIBRARY. Books and tapes are available at the meetings for checkout to members free of charge.

Many quilts have been made and donated by AVQA to Mothers at Risk (Antelope Valley Hospital), the Painted Turtle Camp, local cancer treatment centers, and other organizations and causes. Members of the guild supported a local production of "Quilters" at the Palmdale Playhouse in March of 2004 by making quilt blocks for the backdrop and props as well as making a raffle quilt to benefit the Playhouse's community programs.

The monthly newsletter, AVQA News, is free with membership. The newsletter includes articles on upcoming speakers and workshops, in-house programs, philanthropic projects, travel and retreats, quilting events in Southern California, and budget and business matters.