For members of the Simi Valley Quilt Guild, the fabric, patterns, and finished quilts aren’t necessarily the draw—it’s the people.

Whether they come for the craft, the challenge or simply the conversation, club members return month after month for the joy of creating something together, one stitch at a time.

That sense of connection has kept the guild thriving since it was founded in 1985.

Today, more than 80 members gather at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Ave., united by a shared passion for quilting—the centuries-old craft of stitching layers of fabric into blankets, artwork and keepsakes.

“(The guild) is a great social group,” said Marla Manley, a retired engineer and accomplished sewer who joined this year upon her return to quilting.

“Sometimes we get nothing done except talk,” added Cathy Menne with a laugh.

The guild welcomes quilters of all skill levels and adults of all ages, from beginners to experienced creators refining their craft.

Meetings vary, sometimes featuring guest speakers who share techniques, and other times focusing on hands-on projects, charity sewing or holiday gatherings.

A favorite tradition is “show and tell,” when members display their latest work.

“There’s a whole lot of people willing to share their expertise and insights,”Menne said, noting she still learns something new at nearly every meeting even though she’s been a member since the 1990s.

Creativity takes center stage during the guild’s annual challenges, designed to stretch members’ imaginations.

This year’s theme was inspired by the board game Clue, in which players solve a fictional mystery by identifying a suspect, weapon, and location. Participants each drew three cards and turned those elements into quilt designs displayed at the April 8 meeting.

For Simi Valley resident Irene Garcia, the assignment was intimidating.

“It was very, very challenging,” she said. Unfamiliar with the game, Garcia turned to the movie version for inspiration after initially feeling stuck. Months later, she completed her quilt and earned recognition for Best Interpretation of Clues.

Debbie Andrews captured the top prize—a colorful sewing chair—after pushing past her doubts. “In December, I had a nightmare (about the assignment),” she said. “I had this grand ideaand I thought I’ll never do it, but I did it.”

Other winners included Laurie Maas for Best Design and Creativity and Becky Berg for Best Technical Execution.

Prizes, which included professional scissors for runner-ups, were sponsored by Angie Kirk, owner of Quilty Pleasures in the Simi Valley Town Center.

The April 8 meeting also marked a leadership transition, with Carol Stine named the guild’s new president. She succeeds outgoing president Lea Veronica, who was honored with a collaborative panel quilt featuring members’ favorite sayings.

Stine said she still remembers discovering quilting years ago at her first quilt show. “I saw quilts hanging from the ceiling and all these creative people around,” she said. “I said, ‘These are my people.’”

That spirit continues to define the guild.

While the group is currently made up of women, men occasionally attend as guests. Smaller “mini groups” have formed, allowing members with similar interests or schedules to meet more often.

Beyond the monthly meetings, members take part in retreats, quilt shows and community events.

At a recent gathering, they played a spirited round of “Strip Poker,” trading fabric pieces instead of chips. The red, white and blue strips collected will be turned into quilts for display at the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Street Fair on May 2, celebrating the nation’s250th anniversary.

The guild’s impact extends far beyond its meetings. Over the past 20 years, members have donated thousands of quilts to those in need, supporting organizations such as James Storehouse in Newbury Park, which helps children in foster care, along with Newborns in Need, Quilts of Valor and the VFW Military History Museum in Simi Valley.

Members encourage beginners to start by visiting the Simi Valley Quilty Pleasures store to learn the tools of the trade, then attend a guild meeting to build skills and connections.

For more information: simivalleyquiltguild.com and quiltypleasuressimivalley.com