I was blessed with a mother and grandmother who were both prolific sewists. As a result, I learned to sew at an early age, and made clothing and home interior projects. I completed my first quilt in 1991 and I was hooked. I began buying books and learning everything I could about all things quilting. I retired from my full time job in 2015 and joined the Heart of Georgia Quilt Guild soon after.  I'm so glad I did. I have learned so much and the friends I've made along the way are priceless!

Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003 with a dream, literally a dream. Founder Catherine Roberts’ son Nat was deployed in Iraq. 

According to Catherine: The dream was as vivid as real life. I saw a young man sitting on the side of his bed in the middle of the night, hunched over. The permeating feeling was one of utter despair. I could see his war demons clustered around, dragging him down into an emotional gutter. Then, as if viewing a movie, I saw him in the next scene wrapped in a quilt. His whole demeanor changed from one of despair to one of hope and well-being. The quilt had made this dramatic change. The message of my dream was:  Quilts = Healing.

The model appeared simple: have a volunteer team who would donate their time and materials to make a quilt. One person would piece the top and the other would quilt it. I saw the name for this special quilt: it was Quilt of Valor, a QOV.

Denise Russell is a quilter, pattern designer, author, and blogger. She spends her days in her studio translating her passion for colors and textures into an eclectic collection of quilt designs, which are regularly published in books, magazines, and on her clients' websites. Denise enjoys learning new techniques, teaching at quilt guilds and stores, and inspiring others to expand their skills. She designs quilt projects for all the major fabric manufacturers.

I have been a sewer and lover of fabrics since childhood. Quiltmaking, teaching others ,and judging quilt shows are my passions. I am certified as a Laura Heine/Fiberworks Collage instructor, and can't wait to share these patterns and techniques.

Details of the July special event are TDB.

Check back in May for more information.

Check back soon for information on the September Program!

Founded in 2019, Julie Sosebee noticed something surprising — many quilters in her area owned AccuQuilt machines and dies but had never used them. Some hadn’t even opened the box! Inspired by a desire to share her love of the AccuQuilt system, Julie set out to change that — and Juju Bees Retreats was born.

Julie began by teaching small, intimate classes of 8–10 people at a local quilt shop. Soon, she discovered the same challenge existed far beyond her community. Quilters across the country had the tools but weren’t sure how to get started. To reach them, Julie expanded into retreat centers, creating opportunities for quilters from other states to gather, learn, and create in a fun and welcoming setting. Today, her mission is simple: to help quilters everywhere gain confidence with their AccuQuilt machines and experience the joy of making easy, beautiful quilts.

The 2026 challenge has not been revealed. Check back soon for more information!

It is fun to see the many different ways that the challenge directions are interpreted and created by our members!

Helen Anderson is the chair of the challenge.

Our annual Christmas Luncheon provides a time for our members to enjoy Food, Fellowship and Fun!