Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - February 2025
President's Message
Anne. centre, at the January retreat
Welcome February!
As I drove to work this morning, shortly before 6 am, I noticed that the sun was already rising. Proof, that our days are starting to get longer, and soon the warmer weather will be here. Just that realization, put a skip in my step, and a smile on my face.
Until those sunny days arrive, I am content to endure the snowstorms in my quilt room. When I enter my quilt room, all of life’s issues are left at the door. I don’t have a care in the world…. Until my seams don’t butt.
At our recent quilt retreat, I was impressed with all the sharing that occurred. Martha Palmer showed me how to use a ruler that I had purchased, but was unsure how it worked. I only brought one half of the ruler, but Vickie MacNabb had both parts and quickly came to my rescue. That is the essence of the quilt retreat. To share with one another, our knowledge, to lend a hand, to give suggestions, to laugh, to relax, and sew as much as you want.
For those of you who were not able to attend the recent quilt retreat, I hope you have signed up for our in-town retreat. I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed. I will guarantee that you will be amongst great company, ideas will be shared, laughter will be had, and the two days will go by too quickly. You might even get some sewing done, but I can’t promise that. (I have seen how some of you procrastinate.)
When it comes to guild activities, Lucy and Martha have great plans for us, so keep an eye out for more information to come.
Happy quilting!
-- Anne Cruickshank, Co-President
As I drove to work this morning, shortly before 6 am, I noticed that the sun was already rising. Proof, that our days are starting to get longer, and soon the warmer weather will be here. Just that realization, put a skip in my step, and a smile on my face.
Until those sunny days arrive, I am content to endure the snowstorms in my quilt room. When I enter my quilt room, all of life’s issues are left at the door. I don’t have a care in the world…. Until my seams don’t butt.
At our recent quilt retreat, I was impressed with all the sharing that occurred. Martha Palmer showed me how to use a ruler that I had purchased, but was unsure how it worked. I only brought one half of the ruler, but Vickie MacNabb had both parts and quickly came to my rescue. That is the essence of the quilt retreat. To share with one another, our knowledge, to lend a hand, to give suggestions, to laugh, to relax, and sew as much as you want.
For those of you who were not able to attend the recent quilt retreat, I hope you have signed up for our in-town retreat. I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed. I will guarantee that you will be amongst great company, ideas will be shared, laughter will be had, and the two days will go by too quickly. You might even get some sewing done, but I can’t promise that. (I have seen how some of you procrastinate.)
When it comes to guild activities, Lucy and Martha have great plans for us, so keep an eye out for more information to come.
Happy quilting!
-- Anne Cruickshank, Co-President
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February Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday February 19, via Zoom. This meeting is one week earlier than originally scheduled. The meeting begins at 7 PM with "doors opening" at 6:45 PM Watch your email a day or two before the meeting for the Zoom link to connect to this meeting. How? A basic familiarity with Zoom is required by meeting attendees and can be acquired in advance of the meeting using the Learning resources on the Zoom website Visitors We are welcoming visitors to our Zoom meetings this year. Visitors must register in advance of the meeting. How to Register Guest Speaker
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Guest presenter: Bonnie Rankin
Bonnie is a CQA/ACC Certified Quilt Judge, and the National Juried Show Coordinator for this year's Quilt Canada in Toronto in June 2025.
In her presentation Bonnie will show and discuss the winners of the 2024 National Juried Show, outlining what judges are seeing at all levels of quilt shows. She'll also point out the most common problems quilters encounter, and provide some tips on how to prevent them. Bonnie lives in Ottawa.
Bonnie is a CQA/ACC Certified Quilt Judge, and the National Juried Show Coordinator for this year's Quilt Canada in Toronto in June 2025.
In her presentation Bonnie will show and discuss the winners of the 2024 National Juried Show, outlining what judges are seeing at all levels of quilt shows. She'll also point out the most common problems quilters encounter, and provide some tips on how to prevent them. Bonnie lives in Ottawa.
Show & Tell
We'd love to see what you've been working on at our virtual Show & Tell.
This is also an excellent time to show photos of quilts that you gave away between meetings and didn't have a chance to show us in person.
To share your work at the meeting please send a photo of each item AND indicate if you would like to:
Please send the photos to the guild email account arnpriorquilters@gmail.com by 12 noon on Tuesday February 18. (Any photos that are submitted later will likely be shown the next month.)
After the meeting the photos will 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 posted.
We'd love to see what you've been working on at our virtual Show & Tell.
This is also an excellent time to show photos of quilts that you gave away between meetings and didn't have a chance to show us in person.
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
- Submit a written description that we will read during the meeting - if you go for this option please include the description with the photo(s).
Please send the photos to the guild email account arnpriorquilters@gmail.com by 12 noon on Tuesday February 18. (Any photos that are submitted later will likely be shown the next month.)
After the meeting the photos will 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 posted.
Allison's quilt shown at our January meeting
Programs
Tinners
Tins at the December meeting
Tinners participants can exchange the tins during the winter Zoom months, January to March.
-- Joyce Murray, Tinners Co-ordinator
- If you live in the Arnprior area you can exchange your tin through me, Joyce. Phone 613-623-5513 to be sure I am home. You can also just exchange with someone if you are able.
- In the Renfrew area you can contact Sue Hodgins at 613-432-2704 should you need assistance.
-- Joyce Murray, Tinners Co-ordinator
Block of the Month
Block of the Month is continuing through the winter months. The draws for all of the December to March blocks will be at the April meeting so please keep them safe until then, and there will be a lot of winners!
Instructions for Brenda's choice, the Potato Chip block that introduced at the January meeting are available on the Block of the Month page.
Block of the Month is continuing through the winter months. The draws for all of the December to March blocks will be at the April meeting so please keep them safe until then, and there will be a lot of winners!
Instructions for Brenda's choice, the Potato Chip block that introduced at the January meeting are available on the Block of the Month page.
Brenda's sample Potato Chip blocks
Brenda's Potato Chip block quilt
Shirley M will be presenting the February block at the guild meeting and instructions will be available shortly after the meeting.
Opportunity! Would you like to choose the March Block of the Month and make the sample block(s)? This slot has opened up in the BOM roster (due to a health issue) and it can be yours! You choose the block, make the sample(s) and provide the instructions (which could be as simple as a link to pattern on a website.) Please let me know if you're interested, arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
-- Janet Brownlee, BOM Co-ordinator
Opportunity! Would you like to choose the March Block of the Month and make the sample block(s)? This slot has opened up in the BOM roster (due to a health issue) and it can be yours! You choose the block, make the sample(s) and provide the instructions (which could be as simple as a link to pattern on a website.) Please let me know if you're interested, arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
-- Janet Brownlee, BOM Co-ordinator
Nametag Challenge
At our November meeting Lucy issued a new challenge to us - to make our own nametag. In response to the rapidly increasing cost of the magnetic nametags, Lucy invited us all to design and make our own nametag to wear starting when we meet again in person at the April meeting.
Upcoming Guild Events
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Urban Runner Workshop
March 15 Announced earlier this month, this workshop by Katrina quickly filled up. More information can be found here. This workshop will be held at the Arnprior Library. In-town Retreat
April 11-12 Also announced earlier this month, this In-town retreat at the Kinburn Community Centre quickly filled up. More information can be found here. |
Urban Runner
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Dual Charity Challenge March 2025
During the month of March, this year, we’ve decided to try something a little different.
Number 1- A Preemie challenge will run all month, and
Number 2- Instead of our traditional meeting on March 26, we will still meet on-line via Zoom, but will have a Preemie 2 hour sewing challenge.
All month, everyone is asked to participate in the making of Preemie Quilts. It will be a collaborative effort to produce as many Preemie’s as possible.
Then on March 26, we will have an on-line sewing challenge to make a Preemie quilt together. Cutting is allowed to be done ahead of time. Sounds like fun, see you there!
The preemies are delivered yearly to the Ottawa Hospital.
Guidelines for Preemie quilts are:
During the month of March, this year, we’ve decided to try something a little different.
Number 1- A Preemie challenge will run all month, and
Number 2- Instead of our traditional meeting on March 26, we will still meet on-line via Zoom, but will have a Preemie 2 hour sewing challenge.
All month, everyone is asked to participate in the making of Preemie Quilts. It will be a collaborative effort to produce as many Preemie’s as possible.
Then on March 26, we will have an on-line sewing challenge to make a Preemie quilt together. Cutting is allowed to be done ahead of time. Sounds like fun, see you there!
The preemies are delivered yearly to the Ottawa Hospital.
Guidelines for Preemie quilts are:
- Use 100% cotton or flannel fabric
- Flannel makes a soft, cozy backing
- Size: 24” x 24”
- Minimal quilting to keep the quilt soft.
- Use cotton thread.
- Finish edges with binding, or make envelope-style (no binding)
Preemie quilts
* * * * * * Schedule of Guild Meetings and Activities * * * * * *
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Check out our Blog for posts (and lots of pics) about these recent guild meetings.
Charity
There has been a box of assorted materials given to the guild. If anyone needs backings for Preemies or scrap quilts, give me a call. I still have some larger backings and batting as well. Guild tags for the backs have been handed out. Please sew one on before returning to me. Thank you.
In December 2024, 30 Christmas placemats made by our guild members were delivered to Arnprior’s Meals on Wheels clients.
In December 2024, 30 Christmas placemats made by our guild members were delivered to Arnprior’s Meals on Wheels clients.
Following is an update on what is presently in the Charity portfolio, on hand.
- 5 quilts (pictures below) to be delivered to Interval House, Carleton Place, February 2025.
- 22 everyday placemats
- 24 Preemies to be kept until the 2026 Quilt Show (to be added to each month)
- 2 wheel chair lap tops
- 11 quilt tops to be finished
- 1 Preemie quilt top to be finished
Membership
We had 67 participants which included 25 guests registered for our on-line meeting in January. Renfrew Guild and Almonte Guild were both invited to join the meeting on Wednesday evening, January 22. Our guest speaker, Cyndi McChesney of Cedar Ridge Quilting in the USA, presented "Panel Palooza", offering creative ideas on adding designs and blocks to panels. The presentation was of great interest to all participants.
We have our membership up to 75 now and continue to encourage registration for membership in our guild.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
We had 67 participants which included 25 guests registered for our on-line meeting in January. Renfrew Guild and Almonte Guild were both invited to join the meeting on Wednesday evening, January 22. Our guest speaker, Cyndi McChesney of Cedar Ridge Quilting in the USA, presented "Panel Palooza", offering creative ideas on adding designs and blocks to panels. The presentation was of great interest to all participants.
We have our membership up to 75 now and continue to encourage registration for membership in our guild.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
Retreats
I thought I would write a short blurb about the retreats. Mostly for those of you who never get to go, or have never gone yet.
I am not sure what I like best but it just might be when one of the worker girls comes to the door and says "Ladies, lunch is ready". The service is wonderful. Three meals a day and no dishes to do. We all have our own room and bathroom so all we do all day is make our bed.
This retreat is held at Spruceholme Inn, a lovely complex in Fort Coulonge. About an hour from Arnprior. They have cabins, Carriage House, Toller House (which is like a nice motel, with a kitchen and meeting room), and two old mansion houses filled with antique furniture. In the Bryson House you do share a bathroom with one or two.
I am not sure what I like best but it just might be when one of the worker girls comes to the door and says "Ladies, lunch is ready". The service is wonderful. Three meals a day and no dishes to do. We all have our own room and bathroom so all we do all day is make our bed.
This retreat is held at Spruceholme Inn, a lovely complex in Fort Coulonge. About an hour from Arnprior. They have cabins, Carriage House, Toller House (which is like a nice motel, with a kitchen and meeting room), and two old mansion houses filled with antique furniture. In the Bryson House you do share a bathroom with one or two.
Joyce at the recent retreat
There is a large room where we get together to sew. There are windows down 2 sides and I have seen over 30 people there and you still have lots of room to set up. They are very accommodating with extra tables and chairs though many bring their own. There is a snack corner where they always have coffee, tea and ice water and many of us provide extra snacks.
The last retreat cost $425.00 plus $25.00 for the tip for the 4 days. I just spoke to a friend who had to stay in a hotel for 2 nights in Whitby and the hotel bill alone was $428.00. For 2 nights nothing included. I travel a fair bit and really believe you get a good deal. Think of it as a short vacation for yourself.
It is a wonderful thing to spend the whole day quilting, sharing with everyone in the room and you never come home without learning some new technique or wanting to go searching for some new gadget. It is almost necessary that you spend some time checking out other projects. When something gets completed we all gather to congratulate and compliment. Of course we also spend a short few minutes getting together to play strip poker or some other game. Last time it was for 6" squares.
It is a wonderful thing to spend the whole day quilting, sharing with everyone in the room and you never come home without learning some new technique or wanting to go searching for some new gadget. It is almost necessary that you spend some time checking out other projects. When something gets completed we all gather to congratulate and compliment. Of course we also spend a short few minutes getting together to play strip poker or some other game. Last time it was for 6" squares.
I hope I haven't gone on too long. The real best part is the camaraderie of spending time with friends with the same interest. You not only get to know gals but pick up tips as well. We all take a placemat and these are mixed up so you have your meals with different folks every day.
Hope to see you at our next retreat.
-- Joyce Murray
Editor's note: Photos are from the January 2025 retreat and provided by guild photographer Emma
Hope to see you at our next retreat.
-- Joyce Murray
Editor's note: Photos are from the January 2025 retreat and provided by guild photographer Emma
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Pantone Colour of the Year 2025
Do you like to incorporate the Pantone Institute's Colour of the Year in your quilting projects?
This year's colour is Mocha Mousse!
"For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."
This year's colour is Mocha Mousse!
"For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute selects PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort."
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For more information and photos refer to the Pantone Color Institute website and to this CNN article.
Sustainable Quilting
The latest article by Bridget O’Flaherty in the CQA's Sustainable Quilting series is now available.
Sustainable Quilting—Part Eight - Canadian Quilters Association/Association Canadienne de la Courtepointe
We were introduced to Bridget and her sustainable quilting initiatives at our January 2024 guild meeting and to her thread painted art at our October 2018 guild meeting.
Bridget's website
Sustainable Quilting—Part Eight - Canadian Quilters Association/Association Canadienne de la Courtepointe
We were introduced to Bridget and her sustainable quilting initiatives at our January 2024 guild meeting and to her thread painted art at our October 2018 guild meeting.
Bridget's website
CQA Activities
Photos of the award winning projects from Quilt Canada 2024 can be found here.
Click/tap on a photo for details about the maker and the project.
You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2025 here.
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram.
Dates are June 18-21 2025. More info on our website here.
Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
Click/tap on a photo for details about the maker and the project.
You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2025 here.
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram.
Dates are June 18-21 2025. More info on our website here.
Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
Are you interested in this bus trip to Quilt Canada next June?
Upcoming Quilt Shows
I try to track down any upcoming shows in Eastern Ontario, and when requested, I publish information about shows that are further afield.
Here's a rather lengthy list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
Here's a rather lengthy list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
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Location |
Dates |
Guild |
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Etobicoke ON |
March 28-29 |
Etobicoke Quilters Guild |
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Cornwall ON |
April 11-12 |
Cornwall Quilters Guild |
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Whitby ON |
April 25-26 |
Kindred Hearts Quilt Guild |
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Napanee ON |
April 26-27 |
Heritage Quilters Guild |
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Millbrook ON |
May 9-10 |
Millbrook Needlers Quilt Guild |
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Petawawa ON |
May 31- June 1 |
Pembroke Log Cabin Quilt Guild |
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Mississauga ON |
June 18-21 |
Canadian Quilters Association Quilt Canada |
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Smiths Falls ON |
July 11-12 |
Lanark County Quilters Guild |
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Almonte ON |
September 6-7 |
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum |
See the Upcoming Quilt Shows page on our website for detailed information about the shows listed above.
Tips:
Tips:
- You can find the up-to-date quilt show information at any time on our web site More... --> Resources --> Upcoming Quilt Shows
- If you know of any upcoming local shows that are not listed on our web site, please let us know so we can share that information with all of our guild members. We are often asked by quilt guilds from both near and far to advertise their shows and we are always happy to do that.
- Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
ADQG Leadership Team 2024-2025
Co-Presidents: Anne Cruickshank & Joyce Murray
Charity: Marilyn Erskine charity@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Treasurer: Sandy Beach treasurer@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Programs: Lucy Shorey programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Membership: Martha Palmer membership@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Library: Jacquie Lavictoire
Communications: Janet Brownlee arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
**** The Secretary position remains unfilled and we continue to look for a volunteer.
Key Volunteers
Photographer: Emma Russell
Social Media: Tina Matte
Raffle Ticket Sales: Liz Gray & Jan Smith
Programs team: Brenda Kellar, Sue Hodgins
Co-Presidents: Anne Cruickshank & Joyce Murray
Charity: Marilyn Erskine charity@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Treasurer: Sandy Beach treasurer@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Programs: Lucy Shorey programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Membership: Martha Palmer membership@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Library: Jacquie Lavictoire
Communications: Janet Brownlee arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
**** The Secretary position remains unfilled and we continue to look for a volunteer.
Key Volunteers
Photographer: Emma Russell
Social Media: Tina Matte
Raffle Ticket Sales: Liz Gray & Jan Smith
Programs team: Brenda Kellar, Sue Hodgins
Communications
Guild Facebook Group
Have you joined our guild members-only Facebook Group yet? If not you are missing out on all the fun. This is a great way to get to know your fellow guild members, to ask questions, learn a new block, a new tip or trick. Last year we saw some lovely photos of the Block of the Month quilts being assembled and finished off, and much more.
Thank you Tina for monitoring and facilitating the activity in this group to provide this wonderful guild initiative!
Hope to see you in our Facebook group soon. Click/tap here to join the group.
Thank you Tina for monitoring and facilitating the activity in this group to provide this wonderful guild initiative!
Hope to see you in our Facebook group soon. Click/tap here to join the group.
Advertisers
Thank you to our newsletter advertisers! Your support funds our Communications budget which includes the hosting of this web site. We are very grateful for this financial support. Our advertisers for this year are:
- Bytowne Threads
- Happy Wife Quilting in Carleton Place ON
- Lori's Quilting Shop in Kanata ON
- Paisleys Quilt Shop near Carp ON
- Quilters Curve quilt shop in Combermere ON
- Sew Inspired quilt shop in Arnprior ON
- Watergirl Quilt Co quilt shop in Prescott ON
THANK YOU to Anne, Martha, Joyce, Sue, and Emma for their guild updates, photos, and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
Our next meeting is on March 26 via Zoom