Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - January 2024
President's Message
Hello Quilting Friends
We are all ready for the first Zoom meeting of the guild season. Lucy has lined up a very interesting speaker. The weather is very condusive for staying at home, curling up in your favorite quilt, to watch the guild meeting from the comforts of your home. Remember our goal is to have fun. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, or cup of tea and join us Wednesday evening.
For those who are participating in Tinners, if you are unable to switch tins with a friend, please reach out to Joyce and she will help out with an exchange.
Stay warm everyone, and happy Quilting!
-- Joyce and Annie, Co-Presidents
We are all ready for the first Zoom meeting of the guild season. Lucy has lined up a very interesting speaker. The weather is very condusive for staying at home, curling up in your favorite quilt, to watch the guild meeting from the comforts of your home. Remember our goal is to have fun. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, or cup of tea and join us Wednesday evening.
For those who are participating in Tinners, if you are unable to switch tins with a friend, please reach out to Joyce and she will help out with an exchange.
Stay warm everyone, and happy Quilting!
-- Joyce and Annie, Co-Presidents
Annie at our December meeting
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January Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday January 24 for our first meeting of the new year, via Zoom. 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 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 Win! The meeting will feature draws for "door" prizes, and a prize provided by Nancy on behalf of the Library. Visitors We are welcoming visitors to our Zoom meetings this year. Visitors can register here. 
Guest Speaker
Bridget O’Flaherty – The Sustainable Quilter How to Make Our Passion for Quilting and Textiles More Sustainable Through captivating storytelling and visual examples of her own work, Bridget will demonstrate how sustainability and artistic expression can harmoniously coexist. From repurposing fabrics to exploring innovative techniques, she will showcase the incredible possibilities that emerge when creativity and sustainability intersect. |
Show & Tell
We'd love to see what you've been working on at our virtual Show & Tell.
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 January 23.
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.
We'd love to see what you've been working on at our virtual 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
- 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 January 23.
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.
Gwen and her table runner in December
Program Notes
Block of the Month (BOM)
December BOM Blocks
We are happy to see that quite a few Guild members have given the Block of the Month a try. If you have never done a stained glass block, give the September block (the pumpkin) a try as it doesn't have too many pieces and they are mostly larger pieces; you might find that you really like it!
As we have previously said, the blocks are themed for each month of the year. As there are only nine months in the Guild season, we will be providing two patterns in the months of January, February and March, so that when they are all done, you will have a full year of blocks.
-- Mary DeVries and Emma Russell, BOM Coordinators
As we have previously said, the blocks are themed for each month of the year. As there are only nine months in the Guild season, we will be providing two patterns in the months of January, February and March, so that when they are all done, you will have a full year of blocks.
-- Mary DeVries and Emma Russell, BOM Coordinators
Tip: If you want to print the small or large photos of the BOM blocks it's recommended that you first download the photo(s) from the guild website to your computer/tablet/phone using the Download/Save function in your web browser. Then print the photos using the Print function on your device. The specific actions that you will need to take are dependent on your web browser and the type of device you are using.
Retreat
Our winter quilting retreat is fast approaching and 26 of our guild members are registered to participate. It runs from January 29 to February 2, 2024 at Spruceholme Inn in Fort Colounge, Quebec. Attendees had the option to register for 2, 3 or all 4 nights.
Our winter quilting retreat is fast approaching and 26 of our guild members are registered to participate. It runs from January 29 to February 2, 2024 at Spruceholme Inn in Fort Colounge, Quebec. Attendees had the option to register for 2, 3 or all 4 nights.
Tinners
Joyce has been contacting the people who are participating in Tinners to arrange swapping of the tins during the winter months. If you have not heard from Joyce, please contact her at joycee.m1946@gmail.com
Joyce and the tins at our December meeting
December Guild Meeting
All was merry and bright at our Christmas meeting held on the December 15th. Our traditional pot luck meal was a big hit with half of our membership bringing delicious mains and desserts.
Charity quilts continued to be collected from our generous community.
We were forty members strong gathering round the table, sharing good cheer throughout the hall. After dessert, we all gathered in a circle and played the Thieving Elves Gift Exchange game with everyone having lots of laughs over the stealing. It was a wonderful evening to share our good quilting guild fellowship.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
December Guild Meeting
All was merry and bright at our Christmas meeting held on the December 15th. Our traditional pot luck meal was a big hit with half of our membership bringing delicious mains and desserts.
Charity quilts continued to be collected from our generous community.
We were forty members strong gathering round the table, sharing good cheer throughout the hall. After dessert, we all gathered in a circle and played the Thieving Elves Gift Exchange game with everyone having lots of laughs over the stealing. It was a wonderful evening to share our good quilting guild fellowship.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
* * * * * * Schedule of Guild Meetings and Activities * * * * * *
* * * * * * * Photos from our April 2023 Quilt Show * * * * * * *
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Thank you to the executive volunteers who have committed to join, or stay on the executive team.
Co-Presidents: Anne Cruickshank and Joyce Murray Treasurer: Rennie Hickey Program: Lucy Shorey Charity: Marilyn Erskine Librarian: Nancy Haley Membership: Martha Palmer Communications: Janet Brownlee Past President: Vickie MacNabb And YOUR NAME could be here too! Secretary: ??? Note: A special thank you to Betty Rehbein who attended our January executive meeting to record the minutes for us. |
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Charity
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WHERE HAVE ALL THE CHARITY QUILTS GONE?
2023 Bernadette McCann House: 15 Renfrew County Children's Poverty Action Network (CPAN): 5 Lanark County Interval House: 10 Renfrew & Area Seniors Home Support: 1 Single Resident of subsidized housing: 1 Placemats for Meals on Wheels: 38 |
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We are holding the Preemies and at the present time we have no quilts in our inventory.
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The raffle quilt BIRD BLOCKS (for the Raffle at our 2025 quilt show) are due in June 2024. There are still background squares available.
There are still charity, CHEATER PANEL kits available, for new charity quilts. Please get in touch with me if you would like one, or any batting to go with them. At present, I am outsourcing backings to be given out, as well.
Preemie backings and batting is available.
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Thanks,
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity
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The raffle quilt BIRD BLOCKS (for the Raffle at our 2025 quilt show) are due in June 2024. There are still background squares available.
There are still charity, CHEATER PANEL kits available, for new charity quilts. Please get in touch with me if you would like one, or any batting to go with them. At present, I am outsourcing backings to be given out, as well.
Preemie backings and batting is available.
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Thanks,
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity
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Library News
After all the hurry and rush of the season, it’s so nice to go into my sewing room and enjoy quilting again! I couldn’t think of a pattern that I wanted to make, so I’ve been sewing preemie quilts. I haven’t made any in quite a while and forgot how much fun it is. And, speaking of fun, I’ve really been enjoying the “Tinners” activity! I’ve had three so far and each one has been so different and has shown me new things that I’ll likely try again for something of my own.
Although the Library is quiet during the winter “Zoom” months, there is still a list on the website (Library Catalog) that you can access and see if there is something that would be helpful to you now or in the future. If you email me through the Guild website, we could possibly arrange a meet for a loan! And, maybe this is the year to browse the internet to find some new ideas and projects to share with your quilting friends.
We’ll be continuing with the Library prize throughout the winter. This month’s will include a pattern and some other goodies. If the winner lives close, I can deliver it or we can meet somewhere; if farther away, I will save it until spring. Good Luck!
Quilt and Be Happy,
-- Nancy Hayley, Librarian
Although the Library is quiet during the winter “Zoom” months, there is still a list on the website (Library Catalog) that you can access and see if there is something that would be helpful to you now or in the future. If you email me through the Guild website, we could possibly arrange a meet for a loan! And, maybe this is the year to browse the internet to find some new ideas and projects to share with your quilting friends.
We’ll be continuing with the Library prize throughout the winter. This month’s will include a pattern and some other goodies. If the winner lives close, I can deliver it or we can meet somewhere; if farther away, I will save it until spring. Good Luck!
Quilt and Be Happy,
-- Nancy Hayley, Librarian
Tip: If you're wondering if a particular book is in our guild library collection, use this web site's Search to look for the book name or author, or any other text that's in the new Library Catalog document.
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Membership
Our December meeting was attended by 40 members, all enjoying the festivities and treats of the season.
We have two more new members which brings our membership to 81, our highest registration rate in the last few years!
We continue to welcome new members as we join together in Zoom meetings for the next three months.
Guests are also welcome to our Zoom meetings with online registration needed to provide their names and email addresses so we can send them the link to the meeting.
- Martha Palmer, Membership
We have two more new members which brings our membership to 81, our highest registration rate in the last few years!
We continue to welcome new members as we join together in Zoom meetings for the next three months.
Guests are also welcome to our Zoom meetings with online registration needed to provide their names and email addresses so we can send them the link to the meeting.
- Martha Palmer, Membership
Tips and More
Head over to the Sew Can She web site for gift ideas, free patterns and information about Houston Quilt Market 2023.
CQA Activities
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You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2024 here.
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram. Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date. CQA Quilt Along
The CQA started a Mystery Quilt Along in December that is open to everyone. More info
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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 list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
Here's a list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
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Location |
Dates |
Guild |
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Oakville ON |
April 19-20 |
Oakville Quilters’ Guild |
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Edmonton AB |
June 19-22 |
Quilt Canada – Canadian Quilters’ Association |
See the Upcoming Quilt Shows page on our websitefor 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.
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:
- Auntie Em's Scrapbooking & Quilting in Cornwall ON
- Bytowne Threads
- Happy Wife Quilting in Carleton Place 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, Marilyn, Nancy, Martha, and Emma for their guild updates, and other exciting news this month. And special thanks to our photographer Emma for the great photos!
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
Our next meeting is on February 28