Newsroom
Media Releases and News
Welcome to the LVQ Newsroom where you will find the latest media releases, major milestones and stories shaping what’s happening with our guild.
Local Quilting Guild Creates “Quilters Caddy” in Hands-On Workshop
(March 2026) Las Vegas, NV - Members of the local quilting guild gathered for a creative and productive workshop led by Leslie Craven and Jo Ann Lawrence to make a practical tool every quilter can use — a handmade “Quilters Caddy.” The workshop demonstrated how this cute and functional organizer can be completed in just a few hours and customized with colorful fabrics.
The class took place Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at SVBC. Participants paid a small fee to partake in the class which included supplies to create the caddy.
Following step-by-step instruction from Craven and Lawrence, guild members Susan, Karen, Phyllis, Mary Kate, Pam, Grace, and Cindy crafted their own personalized quilting caddies.
Each caddy was built around a sturdy plastic bucket with a wire handle, then covered with decorative fabric chosen by each participant.
The finished organizers feature multiple see-through pockets that circle the bucket, allowing quilters to neatly separate and store essential tools such as scissors, rotary cutters, marking tools, and thread. The design helps improve efficiency by keeping tools within reach while reducing clutter in a sewing workspace.
The workshop not only provided a useful quilting accessory but also offered a fun opportunity for members to share creativity, learn new techniques, and enjoy fellowship together.
The completed caddies displayed a variety of vibrant fabrics and personal styles, highlighting the individuality and craftsmanship of each guild member.
LVQ members who participated in a quilters caddy workshop present their finished project.
LVQ hosted a quilters caddy workshop led by Leslie Craven and Jo Ann Lawrence.
Hollywood Costume Designer and UNLV Professor Diana Eden Inspires Audience at March General Meeting
(March 2026) Las Vegas, NV — Members and guests gathered on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 6–8 PM for an engaging evening featuring Emmy-nominated costume designer, UNLV professor, author, and former professional dancer Diana Eden as the featured program speaker.
Eden captivated attendees with stories from her distinguished career in Hollywood, where she spent more than 30 years designing costumes for television and film, including 14 prime-time TV series, 16 television pilot movies, and feature films. She has also designed dozens of stage productions in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York and has received three Emmy nominations for Best Costume Design for a Television Series.
Since relocating to Las Vegas in 2008, Eden has continued to influence the entertainment and fashion industries while mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. For the past 14 years she has taught and shared her professional expertise with students in the UNLV Film Department, where she helped establish a costume design program by donating her personal costume collection and bringing in guest speakers who are leaders in the field.
During the program, Eden presented several remarkable costumes from her professional archive, offering insight into the creative process behind their design and construction.
Featured Costumes from Passions
The presentation included pieces from the NBC daytime drama Passions, which aired from 1999 to 2007 on NBC before concluding its run on DirecTV’s The 101 Network in 2008. Known for its dramatic and often supernatural storylines, the show required imaginative costume design to support its fantasy-inspired episodes.
Among the highlights:
Period Wedding Gown with Hat and Shoes – Designed for actress McKenzie Westmore in her role as Sheridan Crane, this elaborate gown appeared in an episode inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. The romantic design features layered textures and shimmering embellishments that reflect the theatrical flair of the storyline.
“Glenda the Good Witch” Gown – Created for actress Georgia Engel, who portrayed Esmeralda, this whimsical costume was inspired by the musical Wicked. The gown features ethereal fabrics, delicate embellishments, and a dramatic collar that evokes a magical fairytale aesthetic.
Eden also showcased a striking peacock-inspired gown, created for actress McKenzie Westmore to wear at an NBC event. The design pays tribute to the iconic NBC Peacock logo, incorporating peacock feathers, jewel-like embellishments, and rich emerald tones to evoke the bird’s iridescent beauty.
A Career in Creativity
In addition to her work as a costume designer and educator, Eden is the author of two memoirs:
Stars in Their Underwear
Getting Old and Other Indignities
Through her storytelling, costumes, and behind-the-scenes insights, Eden gave attendees a rare look into the artistry and craftsmanship behind Hollywood costume design.
The evening concluded with enthusiastic discussion and appreciation from attendees, who enjoyed the opportunity to see professional costume design up close and hear firsthand about the creative journeys behind these memorable pieces.
Guest Speaker, Hollywood Costume Designer and UNLV Professor Diana Eden delivered an inspiring presentation at the LVQ March General Meeting.
Costumes designed by Emmy Nominated Designer Diana Eden.
Glenda the Good Witch gown created for actress Georgia Engel (Esmeralda), featuring ethereal fabrics, shimmering embellishments, and a dramatic fairytale collar inspired by Wicked.
Front view of the Glenda the Good Witch gown, highlighting the whimsical collar and delicately embellished bodice designed for the soap opera Passions.
Close-up of the bodice showing delicate floral embroidery and shimmering details that create the gown’s magical, ethereal effect.
Detail of the dramatic collar with embroidered vines and sparkling accents, enhancing the gown’s whimsical, fairytale aesthetic.
Back view of the gown revealing a corset-style lacing and flowing layered skirt that add elegance and theatrical flair.
Close-up of the corseted back, showcasing the intricate construction and delicate embellishments of this magical costume piece.
Peacock-inspired gown, created for actress McKenzie Westmore to wear at an NBC event. The design pays tribute to the iconic NBC Peacock logo.
Period Wedding Gown – Designed by Diana Eden for actress McKenzie Westmore as Sheridan Crane, for episode in the TV soap opera Passions.
Ruffled trim and ornate fabric patterns highlight the gown’s layered textures, adding movement and theatrical flair to the design.
The back view of the fitted bodice showcases intricate jacquard fabric and delicate trim, emphasizing the romantic period style created for period episode in TV soap opera Passions.
Coordinating period hat with soft ribbon and floral accents, completing the dramatic wedding ensemble.
Elegant satin shoes with decorative buckles worn with the costume, complementing the gown’s refined period aesthetic.
Las Vegas Quilters Support Girl Scouts Through Sewing Education and Quilt Donations
(February 2026) Las Vegas, NV — The Las Vegas Quilters (LVQ) recently completed a meaningful community outreach initiative supporting the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, combining hands-on sewing education with a large-scale quilt donation project benefiting the Girl Scout Camp in Lincoln County, NV.
In January 2026, LVQ members hosted a sewing workshop for Girl Scouts in grades 6–12 at the Girl Scouts Service Center in Las Vegas. During the class, participants learned how to operate a sewing machine and create their own sewing project- a pillow case, giving them practical skills while introducing them to the art of sewing and quilting. LVQ provided fabric, thread, and sewing supplies, allowing each participant to complete and take home their project. And, LVQ volunteers Pam K., Deb C., Patricia H., Carol C., Morris C., Laura C. and Phyllis S. provided expert instruction and guidance in the art of sewing.
By successfully finishing their sewing projects, the Girl Scouts earned their Sewing Badge, an achievement that reflects the Girl Scouts’ mission to help girls develop courage, confidence, and character while learning new skills.
In addition to teaching the class, LVQ members carried out a year-long Girl Scouts Quilt Project to support campers at the Girl Scout Camp in Lincoln County, Nevada. Guild members worked together to create quilts that will be used at the camp, helping provide comfort and warmth for future campers.
Through the dedication and generosity of LVQ volunteers, 72 quilts were completed and donated to the camp. The project highlights the guild’s commitment to community service and the power of quilting to make a meaningful difference.
“This project was a wonderful opportunity to share our love of sewing while supporting the next generation,” said LVQ organizers. “Teaching the girls how to sew and providing quilts for their camp experience brought our quilting community together for a very special cause.” Both Girl Scout activities were organized and coordinated by Pam K.
The collaboration reflects the shared values of both organizations—creativity, learning, and community support—and demonstrates how traditional crafts like quilting can continue to inspire and serve new generations.
LVQ volunteers provide expert instruction and guidance in the art of sewing to members of the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada.
Girl Scouts present their project, a pillow case from the sewing class hosted by the LVQG.
LVQ volunteers crafted 72 quilts for the Girl Scout Camp in Lincoln County, Nevada.
Las Vegas Quilters Guild Launches New Website to Enhance Member Experience and Accessibility
(February 2026) Las Vegas, NV — The Las Vegas Quilters Guild (LVQG) is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, offering a modern, user-friendly platform that better reflects the organization’s vibrant community, charitable initiatives, and the artistry of its members.
For many years, the Guild’s previous website served as an important digital home for members and visitors, helping share information about meetings, events, and quilting activities. While it faithfully supported the Guild’s needs over time, the organization recognized the opportunity to modernize its online presence to better serve members and the broader community.
The new website was developed by Mary Vail, MBA, an award-winning publicist and marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience creating innovative public relations and marketing campaigns. Through the philanthropic arm of her company, Vail provides pro bono services to nonprofit organizations worldwide.
After learning more about the Las Vegas Quilters Guild and its extensive community activities, Vail volunteered to redesign the organization’s website to improve functionality, enhance its visual identity, and align the digital presence with the guild’s mission and goals.
The redesigned website introduces a modern format that follows current web design best practices, improving user experience, performance, and accessibility. Visitors can now easily explore the guild’s programs, charitable projects, and the stunning quilt creations crafted by members.
The website also features a built-in accessibility widget to enhance usability for visitors with disabilities. The tool allows users to customize their viewing experience with options such as font resizing, color contrast adjustments, and keyboard navigation support. The feature helps the website align with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards and ADA compliance, reinforcing the guild’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access. Vail has committed over 200 volunteer hours to the project, valued at over $10,000.
“Our goal was to create a welcoming digital space that celebrates quilting while making it easier for members, visitors, and the community to learn about the Guild's activities and charitable work,” said Vail.
The Las Vegas Quilters Guild invites the community to explore the new website and discover the creativity and generosity of its members.
The Las Vegas Quilters Guild’s original website served members and visitors for many years, sharing meeting information, events, and quilting activities.
The Las Vegas Quilters Guild’s newly redesigned website features a modern layout and improved navigation for members and visitors.
The new LVQG website includes an accessibility widget that allows visitors to customize font size, color contrast, and navigation settings, as noted by the silhouette figure in a blue circle icon on the bottom right of the website.
Las Vegas Quilters Guild Creates Tree Skirt for National Christmas Tree
(December 2025) Las Vegas, NV — Members of the Las Vegas Quilters Guild (LVQ) were honored to contribute to a historic national celebration by crafting a special tree skirt for Nevada’s 52-foot red fir tree, “Silver Belle,” selected as the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The tree was displayed on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The tree’s cross-country journey from Nevada to the nation’s capital is featured in a PBS documentary special titled “From Nevada: The Journey of Our Nation’s Christmas Tree,” produced by Vegas PBS. The program highlights the story behind the tree and the many community contributions that helped showcase Nevada’s culture and creativity including LVQ endeavors in crafting the quilt.
Guild members were invited to design and create the 15-foot National Capitol Tree Skirt, a striking quilted piece made from 28 alternating panels of blue and gray fabric. Each panel features a unique image representing Nevada’s culture, wildlife, landscapes, and history, while the phrase “Starry Skies to Neon Lights” appears across the panels—capturing the spirit of the Silver State.
Due to its impressive size, the quilt had to be constructed and quilted in four separate sections before being carefully joined together. The completed skirt forms a dramatic circular display to surround the base of the Capitol Christmas Tree.
In addition to the large national tree skirt, guild members also created ten additional five-foot tree skirts, showcasing their quilting artistry and representing Nevada’s vibrant quilting community.
Nineteen members of the Las Vegas Quilters Guild collaborated on the project, dedicating months of volunteer time to its creation. Work on the quilts took place from February through September of 2025, demonstrating both the scale of the project and the dedication of the guild’s volunteers.
The project brought together a talented team of quilters including Leslie Craven, Darryl Corral, Ev Dahl, Charmaine Erickson, Mary Kate Erickson, Linda Henning, Charlene Herbert, Tyler Janes, Be Johnson, Stephanie Jones, Pam Keenan, Jo Ann Lawrence, Judy McNeel, Barbara Shell, Rani Stoddard, Wendy Strumwasser, Phyllis Suiter, Kathalynn Triwing, and Julianne Yax.
Through this collaborative effort, the Las Vegas Quilters Guild helped share Nevada’s story with millions of visitors and viewers across the country while honoring the state’s natural beauty and creative traditions.
15-foot National Capitol Tree Skirt made from 28 alternating panels of blue and gray fabric. Each panel features a unique image representing Nevada’s culture, wildlife, landscapes, and history.
The phrase “Starry Skies to Neon Lights” appears across the 28 panels, capturing the spirit of the Silver State.
A commemorative quilt label sewn onto the back of the Las Vegas Quilters Guild “Starry Skies to Neon Lights” quilt identifying the project and contributors.
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Barb.
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Charlene.
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Charmaine.
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Julie.
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Kathalynn.
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Rani
Five-foot tree skirt crafted by Rani.
Certificate of Appreciation from the US Department of Agriculture.
Las Vegas Quilters Honor Veterans at Inaugural Quilts of Valor Ceremony
(November 2025) Las Vegas, NV — The Las Vegas Quilters (LVQ) proudly hosted their first Quilts of Valor Ceremony on November 7, 2025, at the guild’s meeting location, Spring Valley Baptist Church on Rainbow Boulevard. The moving ceremony honored 11 veterans from multiple branches of the United States military, each presented with a handmade Quilt of Valor in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
Las Vegas Quilters is an official member of the national Quilts of Valor Foundation, whose mission is “to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Each quilt is carefully handcrafted by guild members and presented to veterans as a symbol of gratitude, comfort, and appreciation.
The ceremony featured Pastor Mitchell Dowell of Spring Valley Baptist Church as the guest speaker. Pastor Dowell, who is also a veteran and a Quilts of Valor honoree, shared remarks about his service, the importance of honoring those who have served and the definition of the word Valor.
Each quilt presented during the ceremony was lovingly created by LVQ members who pieced, quilted, and bound the quilts specifically for the honored veterans.
2025 Quilts of Valor Honorees : Jon Anderson – Air Force, Mitchell Dowell – Army, Elaine Fazendin – Air Force, Robert (Rob) Fazendin – Air Force, Davis (Dave) Foster – Navy, Brandon Jautaikis – Army/Navy, John O’Meara – Army, Cole Payne – Army, Evelyn Sprehe – Air Force, David Lynn Vail – Navy, Jessica White – Navy, and James Yaks – Army National Guard.
Each veteran was nominated by family members or friends and recognized during the ceremony while their quilt makers were acknowledged for their craftsmanship and dedication.
The event marked an important milestone for Las Vegas Quilters, bringing together members, veterans, families, and the community to celebrate service and gratitude through the art of quilting.
“Presenting these quilts is one small way we can say thank you,” said LVQ organizers. “Each quilt carries with it our appreciation, respect, and recognition for the sacrifices made by these veterans.”
Las Vegas Quilters plans to continue hosting Quilts of Valor ceremonies in the future, expanding the program to honor even more veterans in the Southern Nevada community.
LVQ honor 11 veterans representing multiple branches of the United States military, at the organizations first Quilts of Valor ceremony in November 2025.
Quilts of Valor logo
Guest speaker for the QOV presentation was Pastor Mitchell Dowell of Spring Valley Baptist Church, a US veteran and a Quilts of Valor honoree.
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