Who We Are

Message From the Guild President

Welcome to Quilters By the Sea, Inc. (QBS) – Rhode Island

Thank you for visiting our webpage! Quilters by the Sea guild is a diverse group of quilters based in the Portsmouth, RI area. Our members are dedicated to sharing our love of our craft and broadening our quilting horizons. We hold monthly meetings which frequently feature presentations by renowned quilting teachers and artists. Many of our members belong to smaller, guild-sponsored sewing circles and block exchanges where we hone our skills and participate in charity work. Although the current pandemic has necessitated a move to remote meetings, we continue to meet monthly and support the work of the guild. We look forward to the day, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, when we can meet in person again and organize our next quilt show. Although we are physically separated, we are still united in our love of quilting and our fondness for each other. We hope you will consider joining us!

Upcoming Events and Guild Activities

With a strong and active membership, there’s always something new going on at Quilters by the Sea! Our mission is to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. 

Our Mission

QBS is a nonprofit guild dedicated to the art of quilting. QBS is organized under Rhode Island General Law exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, including but not limited to education in the art of quilting, and the making and distribution of quilts to organizations that quality as tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or corresponding section of any future federal tax code). QBS itself has tax exempt status under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) and as such, shall not act to impair its eligibility for this exemption.

The guild originated in the late 1970s with a few quilt lovers gathered around a kitchen table. It has long since outgrown the kitchen and now numbers almost 100 members who meet monthly in Portsmouth, RI*.

Our Mission and charter pledges to instruct, encourage, and develop the art of quilting, share ideas and experiences, and extend fellowship. Our activities include monthly meetings*, programs events and workshops,* guild activities like quilt challenges and group sew alongs, and our biennial quilt show*. In addition, our members are committed to community service projects that include creating raffle quilts to help fund our community service projects.

See the QBS Revised and Amended Bylaws for more information.

Meet our 2023-2024 Guild Officers

Sandra Cronauer-Mitra, President
Carol Ann Robertson, Vice President
Janelle Heise, Secretary
Gail Palazzolo, Treasurer

Click here to see our past presidents.

We welcome members at all skill levels. If you are new to quilting, our meetings and program events are a great place to learn.  The best way to get involved – there are so many ways to volunteer. Contact us and we will find a job that is right for you.

QBS does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.  We are committed to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

Click here to learn more about Membership