Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Pine Needlers begin?
A: Starting about 1995, the first Pine Needlers met at the "old" Senior Center, which was lost to the Rodeo-Chediski fire in 2002. The fire also destroyed that year's already-completed opportunity quilt, which was re-created by members over the summer of 2002. Since then, the group has met at the Catholic Church, the rebuilt Senior Center, the strip mall, a place on Highway 277, and the RV Park before landing at our current location, Faith Lutheran Church.
Q: Tell me about the Military Quilt Program.
A: Local Veterans in all branches of military service may be invited to receive a free handmade Pine Needlers Military Quilt. The Pine Needlers conduct presentation ceremonies along with a small group of American Legion volunteers. Members of the Pine Needlers are invited to make quilts or contribute to making a part of a quilt. History: In 2004, Pine Needlers made the decision to present handmade military quilts to local wounded veterans to show our appreciation for their services, and the group's efforts evolved to include sending out quilts to several facilities in Texas. Since the inception of the program, it is estimated that Pine Needlers has presented more than 600 handmade military quilts and non-military quilts to service personnel. This dedication of labor and love was recognized in the Arizona Republic newspaper by Columnist, E. J. Montini on August 30, 2009. Have a Veteran to nominate to receive a quilt? Email Edna by clicking here.
Q: What goes into the making of a Military Quilt?
A: Materials to make a military quilt are available to Pine Needlers members. We are able to offer this through dues, fundraising (Opportunity quilt ticket sales and Quilt Calendars), donations, grants, and revenue from our Quilt Show.
Q: Tell me about the Community Quilt Program.
A: Members of the Pine Needlers Quilt Group love to share the art of quilting, not only with family & friends but especially with those in need of warmth and comfort during challenging times. We endeavor to accomplish this through our Community Quilt Program. Our members create beautiful, lovingly made quilt tops using fabric from our own collections, or fabric that has been donated to the group for this purpose. Batting and backing are provided by our group, and artful free-motion quilting or tying is done by some of our talented members.
In addition to other organizations, most recently our quilts have been distributed through White Mountain SAFE House, Project Linus, and Navajo Nation. If you would like to know more about the Community Quilt Program, or if you would like to donate fabric, please email D.J. by clicking here or contact any member of the Pine Needlers Quilt Group.
Q: How can I learn more about the Quilt Show?
A: Labor Day weekend in Heber-Overgaard would not be complete without the annual Pine Needlers Quilt Show--the biggest ‘little’ quilt show in the mountains. The show is held each year during Labor Day Weekend at the Capps School Gymnasium, 3375 Buckskin Canyon Road in Heber. Admission is $2.00, parking is free, and the show is well-lit & climate-controlled.
Q: Tell me more about how the "Best of The Rim Boutique" works.
A: Each member is asked to donate at least one item valued at $10 or more (or a collection of items equaling $10 or more) to the Pine Needlers’ Best of The Rim Boutique. Items will be collected each week by the Boutique Chair, priced by the pricing committee, and brought to the quilt show by the chair for display and sale.
Q: What is the "Silent Auction?"
A: Participation in the Silent Auction is voluntary. Members don’t have to provide an item for this event, and all members are welcome & encouraged to attend and make bids.
Q: What is "Trash to Treasures?"
A: Participation in Trash-To-Treasure is voluntary. Members don’t have to provide any items for this event, and all members are welcome & encouraged to come shop.
A: Starting about 1995, the first Pine Needlers met at the "old" Senior Center, which was lost to the Rodeo-Chediski fire in 2002. The fire also destroyed that year's already-completed opportunity quilt, which was re-created by members over the summer of 2002. Since then, the group has met at the Catholic Church, the rebuilt Senior Center, the strip mall, a place on Highway 277, and the RV Park before landing at our current location, Faith Lutheran Church.
Q: Tell me about the Military Quilt Program.
A: Local Veterans in all branches of military service may be invited to receive a free handmade Pine Needlers Military Quilt. The Pine Needlers conduct presentation ceremonies along with a small group of American Legion volunteers. Members of the Pine Needlers are invited to make quilts or contribute to making a part of a quilt. History: In 2004, Pine Needlers made the decision to present handmade military quilts to local wounded veterans to show our appreciation for their services, and the group's efforts evolved to include sending out quilts to several facilities in Texas. Since the inception of the program, it is estimated that Pine Needlers has presented more than 600 handmade military quilts and non-military quilts to service personnel. This dedication of labor and love was recognized in the Arizona Republic newspaper by Columnist, E. J. Montini on August 30, 2009. Have a Veteran to nominate to receive a quilt? Email Edna by clicking here.
Q: What goes into the making of a Military Quilt?
A: Materials to make a military quilt are available to Pine Needlers members. We are able to offer this through dues, fundraising (Opportunity quilt ticket sales and Quilt Calendars), donations, grants, and revenue from our Quilt Show.
- Fabric: Use high quality 100% cotton quilting-weight fabric for the top. For the back, use muslin, 100% cotton, or flannel (if using flannel, please pre-wash and iron the flannel before sandwiching/quilting).
- Color: Recommend red, white and blue except for PTSD/MST (military sexual trauma patients).
- Batting: Use low-loft quality batting; for example cotton or 80/20. Do not use high-loft batting.
- Binding: Apply by hand or machine.
- Size: About 50" x 70." Each quilt needs to cover up a person and be NO LARGER THAN 60” x 72”.
- Quilting: Machine- or hand-quilt. If delivering to Carol for quilting, both backing and batting must extend 4" on all 4 sides. TEAR THE MUSLIN TO SIZE (don't cut it) to ensure grain is straight, and press both top and back.
- Label: Use a Pine Needlers label, or create your own label, and sew it onto the left lower corner of the backing after quilting.
- It is intended that members use materials provided by Pine Needlers for Pine Needlers military & charity quilt recipients only. Please make a suitable donation if you use Pine Needlers materials for personal use.
- Any questions? Have a Veteran to nominate to receive a quilt? Email Edna by clicking here.
Q: Tell me about the Community Quilt Program.
A: Members of the Pine Needlers Quilt Group love to share the art of quilting, not only with family & friends but especially with those in need of warmth and comfort during challenging times. We endeavor to accomplish this through our Community Quilt Program. Our members create beautiful, lovingly made quilt tops using fabric from our own collections, or fabric that has been donated to the group for this purpose. Batting and backing are provided by our group, and artful free-motion quilting or tying is done by some of our talented members.
In addition to other organizations, most recently our quilts have been distributed through White Mountain SAFE House, Project Linus, and Navajo Nation. If you would like to know more about the Community Quilt Program, or if you would like to donate fabric, please email D.J. by clicking here or contact any member of the Pine Needlers Quilt Group.
Q: How can I learn more about the Quilt Show?
A: Labor Day weekend in Heber-Overgaard would not be complete without the annual Pine Needlers Quilt Show--the biggest ‘little’ quilt show in the mountains. The show is held each year during Labor Day Weekend at the Capps School Gymnasium, 3375 Buckskin Canyon Road in Heber. Admission is $2.00, parking is free, and the show is well-lit & climate-controlled.
- The annual quilt show began in 1995 at the Rim Country Senior Center in Overgaard with quilts draped over chairs and tables. Over the years, the Pine Needlers have grown this much-anticipated show and expect several dozen beautiful quilts, all made by members, at September's event. The show is non-juried but those attending will have an opportunity to vote for their favorites for the Viewer’s Choice Awards.
- There is a wide variety of other opportunities for visitors to enjoy during the show. The very popular Best of the Rim Boutique offers an abundance of unique handmade items lovingly created by Pine Needlers members. It's a great place to get a start on your Christmas Shopping!
- Early birds get first choice of delicious homemade breads, pies, cakes, cookies and other tasty treats from the Pine Needlers’ Bake Sale. Needless to say, it sells out every year!
- The show also includes several vendors selling everything from fabric, notions, wearable art, jewelry and more.
- The Kid's Korner is a very popular stop at the show where members share quilt crafting with children. Each child leaves with fun inspiration or possibly a special fabric creation all their own. They also have a chance to win a small quilt.
- Of course, you will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to win the outstanding Opportunity Quilt, pieced by several of the Pine Needlers members and quilted by a member. Tickets sell for $1 each or six for $5. Contact any Pine Needlers member for tickets or email Deb by clicking here. The drawing for the winning ticket will be in the afternoon of the last day of our Quilt Show and if not present, then the winner will be notified by phone.
Q: Tell me more about how the "Best of The Rim Boutique" works.
A: Each member is asked to donate at least one item valued at $10 or more (or a collection of items equaling $10 or more) to the Pine Needlers’ Best of The Rim Boutique. Items will be collected each week by the Boutique Chair, priced by the pricing committee, and brought to the quilt show by the chair for display and sale.
- After this donation requirement is met, a member may then put additional items in the boutique. The member will receive 85% of the tag price (and Pine Needlers Group receives 15%). These items must be priced by the member--pricing tags are available from the chair/assistant. Fill out both sections of tags and attach securely to items. An inventory form must also be completed and submitted to the chair. The maximum value of items people can sell must not exceed $500. Members bring their own pre-priced 85/15 boutique items to the Boutique Chair on Mondays in August, or to the venue the day of set-up (one day before the show starts). No Boutique items are accepted on Quilt Show days.
- At the conclusion of the Quilt Show, any 85/15% items not sold are to be taken home by the member who brought them, and the Pine Needlers group keeps any unsold 100% donated items. Payment for 85/15 boutique items will be processed as quickly as possible after price tags from sold items and inventory sheets are reconciled.
Q: What is the "Silent Auction?"
A: Participation in the Silent Auction is voluntary. Members don’t have to provide an item for this event, and all members are welcome & encouraged to attend and make bids.
- The Silent Auction is usually held the Monday before the Quilt Show at the quilt meeting room. The tradition of the Silent Auction began because our members saw Boutique items made by other members that they wanted to purchase even before the Quilt Show! In order to be fair and make all items available to everyone, the Silent Auction was born. Silent Auction items should be valued at $10 or more (or a collection of items equaling $10 or more) and they will meet the donation requirement. If the item does not sell, it will be put in the quilt show boutique. All proceeds from the sale of Silent Auction items go to the Pine Needlers Group.
- On the day of the Silent Auction, members bring items and pick up a bidding form before the auction starts. The top of the form is completed with: Member name, item name, starting bid price, and placed on a table with the item. Bid increments are a minimum one dollar.
Q: What is "Trash to Treasures?"
A: Participation in Trash-To-Treasure is voluntary. Members don’t have to provide any items for this event, and all members are welcome & encouraged to come shop.
- Trash-To-Treasure is usually held once or twice a year. The Trash-To-Treasure tradition started because members thought it would be a fun way to get items out of their sewing rooms they previously couldn’t live without (but never or no longer used)! Items are generally sewing-related, such as fabric, patterns, rulers, implements, books/magazines, UFO’s, knick-knacks, you get the idea.
- Members price every item they bring, and any items not sold may be taken back home by the member who brought them, or sometimes a member will load up all the extras and take them to Addie's. All proceeds from Trash-To-Treasure go to the Pine Needlers Group.