Meet Cynthia Varnado







Cynthia Varnado was first inspired to quilt from watching quilt shows on television. She got herself some quilt books, and took off from there. She loves to hand piece and quilt. She says that the vision she gets when planning a quilt is her favorite part.






Cynthia met some members of NTQG at



Joannes, who invited her to join them. She is a dedicated member who has been the Chairperson for Community Service since 2000, a job she loves.


Cynthia currently works as a science teacher for the Chicago Public School System and states that quilting relaxes her and gives her a chance to create

beautiful things.

Meet Founding Member Julia Howard


The first organizational meeting was held on Feb.22, 1992 at the home of Julia Howard. Founding members were: Julia Howard, Mildred Calendar, Bessie Blake, Charlene Boyd, Juanita Graham, and Mildred Johnson.

Julia Greets Visting Member


Meet Shelia McPhan


Sheila has been quilting since 2003. She begin quilting after retiring from the

the Health Department, where she work

for 32 1/2 years. She was introduced to

NTQG by Trish Williams.



Sheila says she loves everything related to quilting. She also crochets,knits and does needlepoint.

Tuesday/ Thursday Group




























Meet Gwen McGee


Gwen comes from 4 generations of quilters. She learned to quilt by hand at five years of age. Taught by her Aunt who designated her the offical needle theader.


She was introduced to NTQG by Bessie Blake, who also suggested to Gwen that she could share her love of the craft by teaching.


Gwen has served as Educational Director to NTQG. She's currently teaching at Hancocks Fabrics on Cicero and also giving private lessons.


Gwen states that she loves beading and dying her own fabrics, but gets the most enjoyment when she machine quilts her creations.
Gloria Scott "Hen Party"


Student Karen Watson, "HarvestTime"

Meet Loretta Pope




Loretta Pope has been a member of NTQG since 2006. She was introduced to the guild by Ruth Bradley.

Loretta was taught to quilt by her grandmother.She grew up participating in many

needle art crafts, embroidery,crocheting,knitting and dress making.

Loretta stated that she didn't like quilting when she was young. Her passion for quilting was ignitated, when she entereda contest given by her then employer( Harold Washington College). She entered a Kimino Quilt and won 1st place.

She enjoys all aspects of quilting, but says her favorite is applique. Loretta is shown with her quilts 'Sweet Pototoe Pie' which won 2nd place in NTQG's 2008 Quilt Show and 'Buttons and Betty' which can be seen at the 2009 Hyde Park Quilt Show. Loretta's quilts have been displayed at the Ronald McDonald House.

Loretta is expanding her quilting horzions, by learning to digitize. Look for some exciting creations down the road from her.





LaVerne Nichols


African Coin (front and back)

Francine Landrum