A group of like-minded individuals who appreciate the art of quilting and the joy of fellowship when sharing a passion for this craft.
Bethesda Quilters was founded in May 1977 during the quilting revival after the bicentennial. Our guild started with a few hardworking and determined ladies who met at each other’s homes. As membership grew, our meetings moved to various area libraries, and presently we assemble at the Chevy Chase Library. Through the years our goal has been to pursue the craft we love with friends we enjoy working with, always keeping in mind our goal of serving the community.
Membership
Our guild currently numbers approximately 35 quilters, who come from Bethesda and surrounding communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. Bethesda Quilters warmly welcomes visitors and new members.
Annual dues are $30 per person and are collected in October for the following calendar year.
Meetings
Bethesda Quilters warmly welcomes visitors and new members.
In our most recent quilt show in October 2019, our members displayed over one hundred of their latest exciting quilts. We had a quilting and craft supply sale in 2024, which was a rousing success.
This year, our group project is to create and donate as many baby quilts as we can!
Our group is small—but mighty! Join us to get in on all the quilting fun!
When and Where
Bethesda Quilters usually meets on the first Tuesday of the month between 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Important: Our 2025 Meetings will be on the FIRST Tuesday of the Month at Chevy Chase Library from 1-3pm.
The dates reserved so far are: March 4, April 1, May 6, and June 3.
For our March 3 meeting, our speaker will be Barbara Dahlberg from Annapolis speaking about “My Journey to Art Quilting.” Friendship Star Quilters will bring their opportunity quilt to share and sell tickets.
At our meeting on Tuesday April 7, we will host a “Sit and Sewcial” to make baby quilts for donation.
Meeting Activities
The programs, workshops and speakers at our monthly meetings reflect the varying interests of our members, from conservation of antique quilts to modern quilt art. We welcome visitors to any of our meetings and encourage everyone to participate in our activities. There is no charge.
Masks are now optional at our meetings, though we hope that everyone who comes to our meetings is fully vaccinated. Light refreshments are often available – our members have great taste in snacks!
Our Latest Baby Quilt Workshop
This photo is from one of our baby quilt workshops! These cheerful quilts are given to babies who can use a little extra warmth through a bunch of social service agencies.
Quilt Show & Craft Fair
Our 2024 Quilt & Craft Fair was a terrific success, with handcrafted items and crafting supplies finding new homes all over Montgomery County.
We’re already thinking and planning for something wonderful in the future – stay tuned!
Opportunity Quilt
Guild members made this collaborative quilt which will be raffled during the show. The winner will be chosen at our December 10 meeting. The Tropical Dreams quilt was the Grand Champion quilt at Montgomery County Fair. Quilted by Debra Munk.
Boutique
The boutique displays member-made items for sale to benefit the guild. The boutique coordinator may suggest items to be made for the show.
White Elephant
Part of our show area is dedicated to selling materials, yarn, books, and other needleart-related items. Visitors to the show have an opportunity to add to their own treasures.
Charity Work
Donation Quilts
The Guild donates quilts for babies at the Greater DC Diaper Bank and the Community of Hope in DC. Each year members deliver close to 200 quilts which they create during a yearly workshop and at home throughout the year. Some members also make beautiful knitted or crocheted blankets for these charities. Some of our members have also made sweet premie quilts for the tiniest newborns at Walter Reed National Mil. Med. Center and larger quilts for children with cancer. We even sent a few quilts to fire victims in California.
Masks
During the pandemic we made face masks and scrub caps for nurses on the front line at the Washington VA, Walter Reed and Suburban Hospital. We also made and delivered 683 masks to local clinics, retirement homes and social service agencies when supplies were short and desperately needed.
Meals on Wheels Placemats
Each year, Bethesda Quilters creates and donates more than sixty handmade placements to this wonderful charitable organization. During the pandemic we made face masks for their dedicated volunteers as well.
