about us

From Crafts to Quilts - Our History
The first group of gals gathered at the Dolores Southern Baptist Church in Dolores for crafting classes. On Nov 16, 1994 a meeting of the group was held with 13 in attendance to begin instruction in the art of quilting. More meetings were held and more quilting skills were acquired. It was suggested that the group start a quilt guild.

On May 2, 1995, Wynn N. was the moderator at the first informal gathering of those interested in a quilting group. The meeting was held at the Dolores Baptist Church in Dolores. There were 9 in attendance.

The name of the club, "Dolores Mountain Quilters" was chosen.
A regular meeting of the first Tuesday of each month was decided upon.
Dues were to be $1.50 per meeting
First officers were elected:
- President: Colleen S.
- Vice President: Jewel S.
- Treasurer/Secretary/Newsletter: Floy P.
- Programs: Bobbie W.

The first group program/activity was putting together a member's log cabin top, batting, backing, & then basting in preparation for quilting. Mystery block patterns were also handed out.

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1996

The hand quilting on the first group quilt was completed. This sampler quilt was presented to the Dolores Fire Dept for a family with fire loss. Grandma’s Fan was chosen for the next group project.

Programs included, hand quilting, trapunto & stippling quilting, mitered corners, color wash, cathedral windows, string pieced stars., and dryer sheet applique.

In December another Quilt Display Open House was presented.

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1997

In June on River Raft Days the guild participated in a Quilt Show at the Dolores Baptist Church. There were 53 items on display.

The hand quilting of the Fan quilt began.
Dues were changed to $12 per year and for those over 60 years old $10 per year.
The creation of name tags was suggested.
It was decided to have a DMQ sponsored quilt show using the Fan quilt as the first raffle quilt.
A lending library was established.
First Round Robin activity

This year had 10 active members.

New officers were elected:

President: Colleen S. Treasurer: Mary Lou W.

Vice President: Colette B. Newsletter: Floy P.

Secretary: Bobbie W. Programs: Wynn N.

Programs included, strip piecing, fabric cutting demo, hand tying workshop, Dresden plate blocks, and making a sewing kit.

First Round Robin

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1998

In September the Dolores Mountain Quilt Show was held at the Dolores Community Center. Admission to the show was $1 and a professional quilt judge was used. There were 91 items on display. The first raffle quilt brought in $1077. Members could sell tickets but were not allowed to purchase them for themselves!

Opened our first bank account
Received our tax id#
Began using name tags
Joined the Dolores Chamber
Voted to hold a quilt show every other year
First discussion of having a boutique of hand made items at quilt shows
Members worked on a Centennial quilt project

This year averaged 15 members per meeting.

Programs included, labeling your quilt, choosing colors, puff pillows, paper piecing, hand quilting,

3-D bow tie, working on ufo’s, and a trunk show.

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1999

Began monthly meetings at the Dolores Community Center

Fine of 50 cents for no name tag began
Pattern for the next raffle quilt was chosen
Discussion of a need for a member to coordinate charity donations
Outgoing president presented with a quilt
Dolores Centennial quilt project completed

This year averaged 19 members per meeting.

New officers were elected:

President: Mary B. Vice President: Sue B.

Secretary: Bobbie W. Treasurer: Rhoda P.

Newsletter: Wendy G. Programs: Carol F.

Charity: Colleen S. Library: Carolyn E.

Programs included, ugly material exchange, double wedding ring workshop, foundation pieced vests, applique, stack & whack, no waste flying geese, photo blocks, 5” wide strip exchange, and folded applique.

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2000

In September the 2nd DMQ quilt show was held at the Dolores Community Center. Admission to the show was $1 and a professional quilt judge was used. The raffle quilt “Stars over Colorado” brought in approx.$900. There was also a first display of denim Christmas stockings. A small boutique offered handmade items but only made a few sales.