It just seems fitting during summer to talk about a quilt guild that is located by the ocean.

Quilters by the Sea is based in Long Beach, California. The guild started in 1993 and their membership is open to anyone 11 years or older. Meetings are held each month on the 2^nd Thursday of each month at the First Baptist Church of Lakewood.  In addition, the guild holds Saturday workshops, social sewing nights, retreats, and fun-day excursions.

 “The heart of our guild is supporting our community,” said Treasurer, JoAnn White. “We believe in strong community involvement.” Quilters by the Sea supports local Long Beach agencies by supplying them with quilts and/or pillowcases. In 2014, the guild contributed 361 pillowcases and 350 quilts to groups like the Long Beach Police Department – SART (Sexual Abuse Rescue Team) Unit, Long Beach Battered Women’s Shelter, For The Child, New Life Beginnings, St. Mary’s Hospital pediatric unit, and the VA Hospital in Long Beach. So far for this year, their members have made 188 quilts to be donated.

Every other year, Quilters by the Sea presents a quilt show featuring their members’ work. This year’s quilt show will be held August 1^st  and August 2^nd  at the National Guard Armory in Long Beach. Over 200 quilts will be on display along with workshops, gift basket raffles, and a silent auction.

At Road 2015, Quilters by the Sea displayed their 2015 Opportunity Quilt, “Starry Night at Sea.” The quilt is the 10th Anniversary edition of Jinny Beyer’s “Moonglow” pattern and kit.  Originally a block of the month pattern, the quilt covers a variety of techniques, from strip piecing to using templates and foundation piecing, they range from beginner to advanced and the quilters all did an excellent job.  Members of the guild did all the work, including custom machine quilting done on a long arm.  Each compass has a different freehand quilting design; the courthouse steps have a feather motif, while the borders have a feather and piano keys design.   The drawing for the quilt will take place at their December meeting.

For more information about Quilters by the Sea, visit their website.