No quit in Desert Quilters

Kimberley McGee

Friday, March 22, 2002 | 9:27 a.m.

When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today through Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.

Where: Henderson Convention Center, 200 S. Water St.

Tickets: $5.

Information: 565-2171.

Each week 12 quilting circles gather in the Las Vegas Valley to stitch together works of warm art with names such as crazy and hug.

They stitch for family members who have hit a rough spot in their lives as well as local shelters and charities.

More than 400 quilters belong to the Desert Quilters of Nevada, which is broken down to 12 circles with about 35 members each.

"There is something warm about a quilt that's warm for the body and the heart," Linda Murray, historian and publicity chairman for the DQN.

To share those warm feelings, the DQN is hosting the 13th annual Spirit of the Desert 2002 Quilt Show today through Sunday at the Henderson Convention Center.

A merchant mall at the show featuring works from many of the DQN members will display quilts for sale. Snacks, teas and quilting conversations will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday during a tea service, which is available by reservation only.

The 12 circles have made quilts, wall hangings and pillow shams to be auctioned Sunday for charity.

"Our main goal is for people to enjoy the quilts while we also help out the community," Murray said. "Quilts bring it all together."

Dottie Moore, a renowned quilter from Rock Hill, S.C., will teach two classes on landscape quilting Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For $45 ($35 for DQN members), Moore offers a kit that includes all of the fabric needed to make a complete quilt as well as hands-on instruction.

"Quilts aren't only used for warmth, but it has become an art form," Murray said. "It's our history in the stitches, our thoughts, too."