Gems of the Prairie Quilters

Service ~ Education ~ Friendship

Welcome

Gems of the Prairie Quilters is for quilters of all skill levels from Peoria, Illinois and the surrounding area. The monthly meetings consist of a program, which can be a lecture or demonstration, committee reports of upcoming events, optional block exchanges, other guild activities and show and tell.

Throughout the year, work is done on service projects and annual raffle quilt. Monthly workshops and quilt challenges are offered to members as a means of developing and improving quilting skills. Some of the workshops are devoted to service projects while others are given by members or by well-known teachers. Gems puts on an annual quilt show that showcases 300-400 quilts. Please refer to the Quilt Show Tab for the date of the Gems of the Prairie Quilt Show.

New members are always welcome! Membership is $30, and includes meetings, monthly newsletter, many guild activities, reduced cost for workshops and friendship with other quilters. Please come visit!

Gems contribute quilts to several charities, including NICU at Children’s Hospital of Illinois, St Jude Clinic in Peoria, Center for the Prevention of Abuse, and Quilts of Valor. Below please find donations that we can and cannot accept.

If you have questions, please, contact us through this website.


Upcoming Events

Donations for Charity Projects

 Items that WILL BE accepted

  • Quilt shop quality fabric (prefer 100% cotton)
  • Notions, buttons, seam rippers, scissors, rotary cutters
  • Quilt books, quilt patterns
  • Quilt Kits
  • Batting (1 yard or greater)
  • Sewing Machines (must work)
  • Sergers (must work)
  • Thread and Embroidery floss and scraps of fabric

Items that will NOT be accepted:

  • Costume fabric, upholstery fabric, fake fur, home décor fabric, velvets
  • Yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks
  • Quilting frames
  • Magazines

2024 Raffle Quilt

Wildflowers of the Prairie Made and Quilted by Kelly Harvey Inspired by Candyce Grisham with her permission.

Tickets $2 each: 3 for. $5. Tickets can be purchased from any Gems Member. The quilt will be displayed and tickets can be purchased at the following locationsand dates: Prairie Points Quilt Shop, Peoria – July & August; Quilt Corner, Morton – September $ October;

Quilts of Valor

Gems of the Prairie Quilters work together to make Quilts of Valor, which are awarded to veterans each year.

Quilts of Valor presented to 12 veterans at the August 2024 Gems Quilt Show

2024 Best of Show Winner

Double Wedding Ring Quilt, made by Jean Cullum, Quilted by Sherri Zalar