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Stitches
Shared love of quilting pieces group together
By Stefanie Campos
14
Tucked away in the side room of the Brawley Teen Center on a recent balmy evening, 23 women suspiciously eye one another as the conversation turned to U FOs. Some are cautious to begin their tales while others proudly stand to declare theirs. This sisterhood, made up of various ages and ethnicities, is gathered to celebrate individuals’ trials and tribulations, joys and disappointments … and a shared love of quilting. The D esert Q uilters of Imperial Valley gathered to convene a meeting of members and to celebrate individual’s accomplishments and encourage one another. Whether it’s about a UFO — unfinished object — or a show and tell, it’s clear there’s more to quilting than piecing squares of fabric together. Around the room some of the women have quilts folded in front of them, others are folded on the ground beneath. The women laugh and tease in friendly camaraderie. “Finished is better than perfect,” said one guild member to encourage those with U FOs. It’s a friendly push for some, a chance to finally finish one of what is probably many projects and reap not only bragging rights at the next meeting, but potentially a Summer 2018
TOP: Members of the Desert Quilters Guild display their quilts at Lions Center in Brawley. ABOVE: Quilters Van Fried (left) and Carole Drewry show a quilt at Fried´s home. - Photos by Joselito Villero small gift in the raffle for all those who participate that month. The meeting turned somber with the discussion of “Feel Good Q uilts,” formerly “Comfort Q uilts,” projects the group organizes for individuals in the midst of chemo or radiation therapy or who recently suffered a major personal loss. It’s clear the women are tied together through this art form that Mary Fitzurka, president of D esert Q uilters, said is often regarded as a pastime reserved for retirement. While there are many in the guild who qualify, she mentioned that some are busy moms as well.