Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - December 2021
President's Message
President's Message
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Merry Christmas Season to all!
I hope you have made good progress on all those special Christmas projects you are sewing this year. I am working on a few myself, along with baking cookies, which will keep me busy till Christmas day! I wish this picture of the quilt above was one that I made, but sadly not! I included this picture because I loved the name of this festive quilt and thought it might be inspiring.
It's Not Too Late Quilt Pattern
The year 2021 is coming to a close so quickly! I hope everyone has been enjoying our program and activities so far this season? Please remember if you have any feedback, we would love to hear from you by email Arnprior and District Quilters' Guild. We are volunteers doing our best to bring you some enjoyment with quilt friends, to provide some interesting speakers for inspiration, and workshops for learning opportunities.
Once again this year we are unable to meet face to face, party and eat all those favourite Christmas goodies our friends bring to the festive table. Since this can't be helped, let's make the best of our Zoom meeting and have a mug of something hot, or a glass of something spirited (or not!) on hand so we can toast the Christmas season together.
If you haven't already decided to participate in the President's Challenge - Drunkard's Path, take some time over the holidays and look around the net or your new quilt magazines from your stocking for some inspiration. There are hundreds of Drunkard's path variations, and I am sure there is one that could pique your interest. You still have lots of time to join in this activity, the due date is a whole 6 months away, at our last meeting of the season in June. Won't it be interesting to see all of our quilts on display, each one very different in colour shapes and sizes, with some of the same block elements in them. Just don't forget to add some emerald green somewhere in your quilt to celebrate our guild's 20th anniversary.
I hope to see you at our next Zoom meeting on December 15th at 7PM. If you log on a few minutes earlier, it is always fun to say hi to each other from our little boxes like on the Brady Bunch! lol
Merry Christmas to you and your families and have a safe and Happy Holiday!
Vickie MacNabb
President
I hope to see you at our next Zoom meeting on December 15th at 7PM. If you log on a few minutes earlier, it is always fun to say hi to each other from our little boxes like on the Brady Bunch! lol
Merry Christmas to you and your families and have a safe and Happy Holiday!
Vickie MacNabb
President
December Meeting
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We hope you'll join us for our December guild meeting on Wednesday December 15 at 7 PM on Zoom. Watch your email a day or two before the meeting for instructions on connecting to this meeting. The meeting will also feature draws for "door" prizes, and a prize provided by Nancy on behalf of the Library. We are welcoming guests to our meetings this year for a $5 fee. Visitors can register here. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We'd love to see what you've been working on at our Show & Tell. To share your work at the meeting please send a photo of each item and indicate if you would like to tell us about it during the meeting (this is the best!) or if you'd prefer to submit a written description that we will read during the meeting along with your photo(s). Feel free to send along multiple photos of a quilt if you want to also show the back, or a close up of the quilting, or any area of the quilt.
Please send the photos to the guild email account arnpriorquilters@gmail.com by 12 noon on Tuesday December 14. The photos will later be added to the web site Show & Tell page (just like after an in person-meeting), unless you specifically request in the email message that the photo not be. |
December Library Draw Prize
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Program Notes
December Speaker
Melissa Marginet is a Canadian Quiltmaker, Author, Teacher, and Quilt Pattern Designer. She has published two books: Walking Foot Quilting Designs, and Edge-to-Edge Walking Foot Quilting Designs. She has a passion for teaching. Her focus is to help people gain the confidence to quilt their quilts on their home sewing machines with a walking foot. She has taught for Quilt Canada, the Saskatchewan Stitches Conference as well as guilds across Canada. Since June of 2020 she has been teaching online throughout North America which includes the Virtual Quilt Festival and Road@Home. Visit Melissa’s website www.melissamarginet.ca to see her work, get free stuff, and find links to all her social media.
Challenges
Block of the Month - November - Railway Crossing
I’m hoping to see many nice blocks, but if November/December is getting the better of you, well then, join the club and let’s catch up with Blocks we’ve made in January. I would have been making this one using the 4 at a time Flying Geese method… it needs a total of 12.
Mystery Quilt 2020
If you need help and would benefit from a sew along for this project, please drop us a line and we’ll get a group started. We are launching a Facebook group in the new year, so that might also be a venue to share our progress and answer questions.
Instructions for making this mystery quilt are on the Block of the Month page - look for the heading 2020-2021.
If you need help and would benefit from a sew along for this project, please drop us a line and we’ll get a group started. We are launching a Facebook group in the new year, so that might also be a venue to share our progress and answer questions.
Instructions for making this mystery quilt are on the Block of the Month page - look for the heading 2020-2021.
Workshops
January Intro to Walking Foot Design - SOLD OUT!!
Thank you everyone for getting your registration in early. We’ve actually sold out the spots and overbooked the workshop! Woo Hoo!! Now to get the pre-work done before January 21st!
The Zoom link will be sent a couple of days ahead of the workshop.
January Intro to Walking Foot Design - SOLD OUT!!
Thank you everyone for getting your registration in early. We’ve actually sold out the spots and overbooked the workshop! Woo Hoo!! Now to get the pre-work done before January 21st!
The Zoom link will be sent a couple of days ahead of the workshop.
Mini Maker Case
Date: Rescheduled to Saturday, March 5, 2022 (original date was Saturday November 6, 2021)
Time: 9:00 AM - noon, with time open in the afternoon to finish
Location: via Zoom, or possibly in person
Fee: $20 for guild members*; $25 for non-members and is based on space availability
Guild member Johanne Vajda is offering this workshop. This little case is perfect for storing and transporting your travel iron, and is very versatile for other uses. If you have taken a workshop with Johanne in the past, you won’t want to miss this one. Your travel iron will also be happy to have a nice comfy place to call home!
This case is 8” wide x 4” deep x 4.5” high
For workshop registration and payment information click/tap here.
Date: Rescheduled to Saturday, March 5, 2022 (original date was Saturday November 6, 2021)
Time: 9:00 AM - noon, with time open in the afternoon to finish
Location: via Zoom, or possibly in person
Fee: $20 for guild members*; $25 for non-members and is based on space availability
Guild member Johanne Vajda is offering this workshop. This little case is perfect for storing and transporting your travel iron, and is very versatile for other uses. If you have taken a workshop with Johanne in the past, you won’t want to miss this one. Your travel iron will also be happy to have a nice comfy place to call home!
This case is 8” wide x 4” deep x 4.5” high
For workshop registration and payment information click/tap here.
-- Brigid Whitnall, Programs
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Charity
Christmas Projects
We are all very pleased to report that we, as a guild, are very generous and have donated a total of 110 draw string gift bags to the Catholic Women's League (CWL)/Arnprior and District Food Bank, and 51 placemats to the Senior Support Group for Meals on Wheels. Here are some pictures of the beautiful work we have accomplished. Well done everyone!!!!!
We are all very pleased to report that we, as a guild, are very generous and have donated a total of 110 draw string gift bags to the Catholic Women's League (CWL)/Arnprior and District Food Bank, and 51 placemats to the Senior Support Group for Meals on Wheels. Here are some pictures of the beautiful work we have accomplished. Well done everyone!!!!!
Placemat Delivery by Vickie
Some of the 59 placemats
Draw string gift bags
Preemie Quilts
Marlilyn Erskine is your contact for completed preemie quilts and now the batting and labels are also on hand to be distributed as required. Just email Marilyn to let her know ahead, thanks.
Marilyn reports that she has received 21 additional preemie quilts since her recent delivery for the Ottawa Hospital. Thank you - well done!
Marlilyn Erskine is your contact for completed preemie quilts and now the batting and labels are also on hand to be distributed as required. Just email Marilyn to let her know ahead, thanks.
Marilyn reports that she has received 21 additional preemie quilts since her recent delivery for the Ottawa Hospital. Thank you - well done!
Charity Volunteer Needed
We are still in need of a Charity executive. Also you don't need to hold the VP position if you are not comfortable speaking in place of the president when necessary. Some of the charity duties include: leading the set up for charity workdays (Zoom or in person), cutting and making of kits, Outreach to find new projects to help our community for next season, giving updates to the executive, and preparing engaging newsletter updates to the members, etc. It is not a very busy position after Christmas, so if you join now it is a great time to settle into the position. If you have any questions, or are considering joining our team don't hesitate to contact us at ADQG.
Merry Christmas from the Charity Team
-- Marilyn Erskine, Tina Matte, Jane Wickware & Vickie MacNabb (currently helping out until a new Charity volunteer is found)
-- Marilyn Erskine, Tina Matte, Jane Wickware & Vickie MacNabb (currently helping out until a new Charity volunteer is found)
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Membership
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Our membership numbers are staying steady. This is a reminder to all of our members that if they attend the meetings, their names go into the draws for the gift certificates and the Library gift. We encourage all our members to join us for these monthly meetings where we can share time together hearing wonderful speakers, and also celebrate the work of our very own members! A very Merry Christmas to all of our members. Hopefully you will all find a little time over the holidays to get at some quilting! -- Martha Palmer, Membership |
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Interesting Quilty Things Found on the Internet!
Have you ever come across a pattern or tutorial and thought it would be a great resource for all your quilty friends? Well send us your thoughts and we will post them here.
This month, we came across this pattern. It is a small wall hanging, but if you added 2.5” strips for borders all around, it would be 24” square (preemie size). This is a great way to try the pattern before you commit to it, and get a preemie done at the same time.
Peppermint Mini Quilt FREE Tutorial
This month, we came across this pattern. It is a small wall hanging, but if you added 2.5” strips for borders all around, it would be 24” square (preemie size). This is a great way to try the pattern before you commit to it, and get a preemie done at the same time.
Peppermint Mini Quilt FREE Tutorial
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Mix two traditional treasures together to create the perfect recipe for holiday awesomeness. Modern traditionalism at its best, this mini quilt explores foundation paper piecing. What you'll need: 1/2 Yard for the Red 1/2 Yard Solid White or White Print for the HSTs and Inner … Continue reading → The post Peppermint Mini Quilt FREE Tutorial appeared first on Sewing 4 Free. -- Brigid Whitnall 
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Gwen's Play!
With lots of time on my hands this winter, I decided to play and make a new wall hanging for the sunroom. I wanted to do something where I could practice my free motion with different stitches. I took my piecing idea from a full size quilt in a magazine for the top, then did my own quilting and appliqued the 3 circles on. I hung it up to view it.
A senior asked me what it was supposed to be at this point? It didn't look finished to me so I continued by fussy cutting ivory flowers out and machine appliqued them.
This proved to be a problem in that the flowers sunk into the fabric instead of sitting on top. Too much thread painting was the problem. I should have known this would happen. I had 3 quilting friends visit and asked their opinions. I chose the idea to make 3 dimensional flowers I would research. I found these on the internet and added them.
Another friend, looking right at the wall hanging, thought the flowers were made from leather. Looking for buttons for the flowers' centres, I found tiny antique buttons which I sewed on the left middle size circle and then sparkly beads on the left side of the large circle. I am not sure if the time spent doing this was worth it as they hardly show up.
Get to Know Your Guild Member - Emma Russell
Emma at a Retreat in 2019;
In this month's Get to Know Your Guild Member feature, we're hearing from our guild photographer, Emma Russell. The remote meetings are giving Emma a well earned break from her usual photographer role at our in person meetings.
We hope you are enjoying this feature to help us better connect with each other, especially while we are not meeting in person.
Q: How long have you been making quilts? Would you describe your learning process?
A: I started quilting in or around 2008. I learned to quilt mostly from taking classes at Sew Inspired; I was completely hooked after my first "Learn to Quilt" class. I also watch an occasional video about a new technique and I enjoy learning different things from fellow quilters at the Guild and retreats.
Q: Were there special people or circumstances that encouraged you to begin to quilt?
A: My sister-in-law Sue Stewart was a big influence in my taking up quilting. She would show me pictures of quilts she had made and show me different projects she would be working on from time to time. I have always enjoyed sewing; I got my first sewing machine when I was a teenager and made clothes for myself. After seeing Sue's quilts I thought that quilting would be something I could do that I would enjoy and would get me back into sewing. The first item I made was a Christmas wall hanging for Sue, with the help of one of our Guild members, Mary DeVries. Mary also encouraged me to join the Guild and to show my quilts at Show and Tell.
My very first quilt, made with the help of Mary DeVries
Q: What are your feelings about quilt making compared with other household activities?
A: I'D RATHER BE QUILTING!! Luckily, I have a husband who doesn't mind helping me with the housework.
A: I'D RATHER BE QUILTING!! Luckily, I have a husband who doesn't mind helping me with the housework.
Q: How do you decide on the colors and fabrics that go into your quilts? Do you ever use the colors recommended on patterns that you buy or see in books?
A: If I like the colours in the pattern I'm using I will go with them, but mostly I choose the colours I like. Usually it works out but a couple of times I haven't been that happy with the final outcome.
Q: Would you rather create your own pattern and color combinations or have a pattern to go by?
A: I have never felt that confident in trying to design my own quilts so I mostly use patterns. I have created a few of my own patterns and hope to do some more in the future.
Q: What part of the quilting process do you like the best? For example, piecing, appliquéing, hand quilting, machine quilting, etc.
Q: What part of the quilting process do you like the best? For example, piecing, appliquéing, hand quilting, machine quilting, etc.
A: I enjoy pretty much the whole process from start to finish. I tend to procrastinate when it comes to the machine quilting as I often have trouble deciding how to quilt it; that would be the reason I have a small pile of UFOs. I do enjoy appliqueing and I like hand sewing the bindings on my quilts.
Q: Do you put quilt labels on all of your quilts?
A: I don't always put labels on my quilts; I tend to put them on the bigger quilts but not on smaller items like wall hangings, etc.
Q: Do you keep all your quilts? If so, how do you use quilts in your home?
A: I do have a small stash of quilts at home. I have made a couple for my sister and have donated some to Victoria's Quilts. I have also sold a few quilts and wall hangings. I have quilts on the beds at home, some runners on cupboards/tables and some wall hangings as well.
Emma's Quilts
This is the quilt made in my second “Learn to Quilt” Class. I entered it in the local fair and it won Grand Champion; it then went on to the Regional Competition and got second there.
This is the quilt made in my second “Learn to Quilt” Class. I entered it in the local fair and it won Grand Champion; it then went on to the Regional Competition and got second there.
This is a lap quilt which I made in 2015; it is my favorite quilt of all the quilts I have made.
This is the first baby quilt I made; my own pattern; all appliqued.
is the quilt I made for the Paint Chip Challenge in 2015; my own pattern.
is a quilt made of left over pieces from the Paint Chip Challenge; all 1" squares; my own pattern
-- Emma Russell
A Workshop Invitation
The Common Thread Quilt Guild (Ottawa) has invited our guild members to participate in an upcoming workshop. The fee is $50 for members of any guild and that includes us.
Virtual workshop – Fantastic Fusion – January 26 and February 2, 2022
Sign-up deadline – December 17, 2021
How about something that looks really complicated but just might be easier than it looks. No sewing is required to create this unique quilt top. All fabric is fused together and then the quilting is what holds it together. Learn to cut with no rulers and create your own original quilt.
This class will teach you how to use fusible web to allow freedom of design.
With basic colour and design principles, Lisa will show us a REALLY SIMPLE technique of cutting and layering fabrics to create designs that would be incredibly difficult using traditional piecing techniques. Once your piece is all together and it’s time to move on to the quilting, Lisa will show us how to do improvised quilting and an easy but professional facing technique to finish your quilt.
Fantastic Fusion
- Instructor: Lisa Walton (Australia)
- Location: Zoom (Virtual)
- Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm both evenings
- Date: Wednesdays; January 26 and February 2, 2022
- Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members
- Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
- Minimum number: 16 participants
- Maximum number: 23 participants
- Instructor: Lisa Walton (Australia)
- Location: Zoom (Virtual)
- Time: 6:00 to 9:00 pm both evenings
- Date: Wednesdays; January 26 and February 2, 2022
- Cost: $50 for members, $60 for non-members
- Skill level: Anyone looking to learn a new technique and have fun
- Minimum number: 16 participants
- Maximum number: 23 participants
- Notes: Preparation of some fabric will be required before class
- Register: On-line, by sending an email to ctqg.workshops@gmail.com . Spaces are still available.
Editor's Note: The first night of this workshop is at the same time as our January 26th guild meeting.
A Puzzle
Are you hooked on jigsaw puzzles (like I am)?
The Canadian Quilters' Association publishes puzzles of various quilts. I was particularly interested in this familiar one - Lise Belanger's "Once Upon A Time". As I was doing the puzzle, I was reminded of the delightful hidden treasures she embedded in this piece.
To start the puzzle click here.
-- Janet Brownlee
Contacting Guild Members
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If you would like to get in contact with any fellow guild members - perhaps to ask about a pattern of a Show-and-Tell quilt, or follow up on something you hear at a guild meeting, or read in a newsletter, please send along an email message to the guild and we'll ask that guild member to contact you by email. You can reach us at the guild email address arnpriorquilters@gmail.com or with the Contact Form |
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Advertisers
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Thank you to our 2021-2022 advertisers! Your support funds our Communications budget which includes the hosting of this web site. We are very grateful for this financial support. To our guild members, please support our advertisers. You can click/tap on any of the advertisements in this newsletter to access the vendor's web site. These vendors are also listed on the Links page. -- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor |
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THANK YOU to Emma for participating in "Get to Know Your Guild Member", to Gwen for sharing her "Playing" with us, and to Brigid, Martha, and Vickie for their guild updates and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
We hope to see you at the guild meeting on December 15th