Valley Quilters Guild
Every quilter has a masterpiece inside.
Grant Recipients
Quilting at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, Anchorage, AK with Annie Rittal
Annie Rittal is working with her 3rd–6th grade students to create lap quilts from start to finish. Annie chose a simple log cabin pattern by Alex Anderson. The students are practicing their cutting skills and mastering straight ¼-inch seams. They visited Seams Like Home to learn about fabric colors, values, and hues, and selected their fabrics there. Next, they will begin cutting, sewing, and laying out the quilt squares.
Annie is especially excited because, as you know, the way the squares are positioned completely changes the look of the quilt. She wants students to see how the very same square can create a totally different design.
Here are a couple of students purchasing fabric using grant funds.
Allison Reed's Fiber Arts Project
In December 2025, Allison Reed at Stellar Secondary School in Anchorage, AK, launched a two-week intensive program that offers her students, grades 6-12, the opportunity to explore and enhance their skills in fiber and textile arts. They will engage in Self-Directed Projects focusing on sustainable design through an "Upcycled Fashion" unit, as well as traditional techniques such as natural dyeing and dye resist art, macramé and weaving, embroidery and beading, and felting (both needle and wet felting). This class aims to provide a creative space for students to work with fabric, fostering fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, personal growth and meditation, and a culture of common interest in our community. Upon completion, students will have developed a portfolio of their own creations and gained a foundational understanding of the textile arts.
Here is a glimpse of the student art in progress:
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Monique Grasso Fiber Art Project
Monique Grasso at Bowman Elementary School in Anchorage introduced her students to fiber arts with the first of eight planned lessons.
More than fifty 3rd graders participated as they learned the basics of fiber arts.
They began by reading children’s stories and watching videos featuring different types of fiber arts, followed by a discussion about the importance of these skills and traditions. Monique also outlined the projects they'd be working on throughout the year.
Then it was time to get hands-on, creating “bears in hibernation.” We talked about fabrics, colors, and how these choices connect to quilting. The kids adored their little sleepy bears, complete with a sheet, pillowcase, and blanket.
Passersby have enjoyed seeing the charming creations the students made almost entirely on their own with gentle guidance.
For December’s project, we will be making canvas Santa sacks using canvas bags, templates, and fabric markers—useful items that can be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come.
Exciting!
Past Grant Recipients
Hand Stitching
7th and 8th grade Palmer students learned fundamental hand stitching techniques. The teacher received $300 grant for needles, floss, scissors and felt.
Weaving and Making Mini Quilts in Haines
Making Reading Pillows with Student's Own Artwork
Needle Punching
In 2024 Petersburg High School art students explored a new medium, ‘needle punching’. Teacher received $300 for tufting cloth, punch needles with threaders, yarn and stretcher bars. The boys report ‘ it is relaxing’.
Insect Quilts
In 2016-17, 13 schools received grants ranging from $60 to $200. Projects included basic sewing skills.
Haines students make a quilt incorporating study of insects!
Love of Reading Unit Pillows
Steller school did fabric dying, Nikiski 3rd grade students made pillows for Love of Reading unit!
