Monthly Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at First United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. There is a short business meeting each month, followed by an informative quilt-related program and Show and Tell.

Small Groups of members meet at their own schedule throughout the month to quilt together in their homes. These quilters enjoy the time together to work on and compare projects and help one another with techniques and new ideas. As new members join, new small groups are formed for those who express interest.

Nametags (often handmade and quilt-related) are worn by each member at regular meetings. Members not wearing their nametags will be fined 25 cents. Fines go into the library fund and are used to purchase new quilting books. [DOWNLOAD THE NAMETAGE "Bumblebee" PATCH BY CLICKING HERE.]

Library — The majority of the library collection is housed at the Bella Vista Library for the enjoyment of all interested quilters, members or not. A growing collection of books and patterns is available for members to check out at each meeting.

Newsletter —A monthly newsletter, The Scrap Bag, may be accessed online at www.calicocutups.org the third week of each month. Those members who do not have Internet access or prefer to receive the newsletter in the mail may do so by contacting the Newsletter Chair and paying a $6.00 handling fee. Each newsletter includes meeting minutes, a note from the president, notification of quilt shows, information about Guild activities, and articles of interest to quilters.

Yearbook —Each member receives a yearbook annually upon payment of dues. This yearbook contains a list of  officers, by-laws, meeting information and the membership list. Changes go to the yearbook chair.

Block of the Month — Each month following the board meeting, a portion of the quilt, along with directions, is posted on the website. Hard copies are also made available at the member’s meeting, with the final block and finishing instructions revealed in November. Members usually show their finished quilts or quilt tops at the January meeting.

Challenge — Each year the membership is invited to make a small wall quilt or other project based on special instructions prepared by the Challenge Committee. The projects are usually shown at the Christmas luncheon and prizes are given to those participants chosen as winners by the membership.

Baby Quilts — Members of the guild are invited to make quilts, receiving blankets, clothing, pillows and toys for babies and older children. Items may be made on your own, at the fifth Monday workdays at First United Methodist Church or on third Thursdays at Village Quilting. Baby and youth quilts are donated to Benton County Women’s Shelter, the children’s shelter and Sunshine School. Larger quilts will be donated to other local organizations as deemed appropriate.

Turbans — Members have made turbans for women undergoing cancer treatment since 2000. These turbans are donated to the Cancer Support Home and the Highlands Oncology Group. Patterns and fabric are available for members who wish to make turbans for this project or for their family and friends.

Programs—Most meetings have a program given by a member or a nationally recognized quilter. Often these speakers give a workshop the following day for a fee. Watch the website or the newsletter for information. 

Quilts of Valor (QOV) is a nationwide effort to make patriotic quilts for servicemen and women, particularly those who have been wounded in Iraq and Pakistan. Members of the guild support this program by making 12-1/2 in. quilt blocks (red, white, and blue) patriotic quilt tops, pillowcases, and by quilting the quilt tops. Members and non-members alike have also generously contributed funds for postage and donated fabric and batting to support this project. More information may be found on the guild’s website or contact the QOV Chair.

Round Robin — Each year Round Robin Groups are formed from guild members wishing to participate. Each person provides a completed center block and coordinating fabrics which are then passed on to other members on a bi-monthly basis. Members then add another element to the center block until it is completed and returned to the original owner, sight unseen, until the surprise ending.

Secret Sisters — Members wishing to participate submit a form listing such things as their favorite color, flower, candy, fabric, quilt blocks, holiday, hobbies and collections. The Chair then randomly matches participants in pairs. Secret sisters then exchange gifts during the year until the November luncheon, when recipients find out who their gift-givers are.

Dues are $20 payable by the January Guild meeting.

Questions —Ask any officer or committee chairperson. We’ll try to help in any way.