Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - March 2022
President's Message
President's Message
Hi all, happy spring!
When I think of spring, I imagine flowers, sunshine, rain, birds singing, and nature just a popping. I am getting so excited thinking of it, I know it isn't quite here yet, but really, it's just around the corner!
Soon our quilting time will be shared with outside gardening, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, oh and chores! Make the best of your "inside weather sewing time" and get those unfinished projects completed. Don't forget to enter them into the Covid Challenge, at our June meeting.
Also the President's challenge will be revealed as well in June! Here is another drunkard's path variation to inspire you. This is a quilt along from the year 2015 - Drunkard's Path Quilt Along; Block Explorations by SpringLeaf Studios. It is a very interesting read and an inspiring pattern.
Hope you are enjoying the guild's Facebook group as much as I am. I can't stop talking about it! It is a great way to reach out, ask questions, share news to members, especially when we aren't seeing each other as frequently. Have you seen the great pics of the Pick Up Sticks quilts? Take a look, they are really turning out neat, and many thanks to the volunteers who have pieced them together. See you soon at the March Zoom meeting, Wednesday, March 23rd. Vickie MacNabb President |
March Meeting
What? Charity Night! When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday March 23rd at 7 PM on Zoom. Watch your email a day or two before the meeting for the link to connect to this meeting. Win! The meeting will feature draws for "door" prizes, and a prize provided by Nancy on behalf of the Library. Guests We are welcoming guests to our meetings this year for a $5 fee. Visitors can register here. Show & Tell We'd love to see what you've been working on.
See the Program Notes below for more information about this Charity Night meeting.
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March Library Draw Prize
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Program Notes
Did someone say Squirrel? I am really trying to empty bins so that I can clear out the space under the longarm… don’t know why, it currently hides the dust, which can’t be all bad! Although, it seems that every time I turn around I am finding something “new”.
As an example, our workshop in March, the Mini Maker Case, was a huge success. We were a smaller group and had great personal attention from Johanne as she led us through the process. We had pre-cut our pieces and had our bags finished that morning, with just a little binding to hand sew on Saturday afternoon. During our conversations, it reminded me I had a bag with a similar binding technique around the bottom edge that I knew was partially finished and did not have much left to complete. This was a bucket bag that Chris Gordon did in a workshop in … hmmm …. well, let’s just say its been a while!
I found the bag, and it only needs handles and grommets! Let’s get that done! I also found a quilt top that I had taken to alter the size so that it would fit either Victoria’s quilts or Quilts of Valour requirements. OK, let’s add that to the list as well! Once it’s pressed and squared, I think this will be relatively quick to finish as well. What was I saying about Squirrels, I already have a list I should be focussed on!
If you are also cleaning out your sewing area, read further for information on our May meeting, we will be having a Garage Sale. What better way to share your fabric, tools, magazines, etc than to pass them on to quilting friends and make a few dollars to spend on new things!
Did someone say Squirrel? I am really trying to empty bins so that I can clear out the space under the longarm… don’t know why, it currently hides the dust, which can’t be all bad! Although, it seems that every time I turn around I am finding something “new”.
As an example, our workshop in March, the Mini Maker Case, was a huge success. We were a smaller group and had great personal attention from Johanne as she led us through the process. We had pre-cut our pieces and had our bags finished that morning, with just a little binding to hand sew on Saturday afternoon. During our conversations, it reminded me I had a bag with a similar binding technique around the bottom edge that I knew was partially finished and did not have much left to complete. This was a bucket bag that Chris Gordon did in a workshop in … hmmm …. well, let’s just say its been a while!
I found the bag, and it only needs handles and grommets! Let’s get that done! I also found a quilt top that I had taken to alter the size so that it would fit either Victoria’s quilts or Quilts of Valour requirements. OK, let’s add that to the list as well! Once it’s pressed and squared, I think this will be relatively quick to finish as well. What was I saying about Squirrels, I already have a list I should be focussed on!
If you are also cleaning out your sewing area, read further for information on our May meeting, we will be having a Garage Sale. What better way to share your fabric, tools, magazines, etc than to pass them on to quilting friends and make a few dollars to spend on new things!
Upcoming Meetings
We were not sure if we would be able to meet in person at this point, so we made the cautious choice to have Zoom meetings for March and April…. it’s also cheaper for us, since we’ve already paid for the license and don’t have to pay rent! This gives us a chance to watch our world re-open and evaluate how well things are going. From there we will decide in April what protocols we will require when we do re-open in May (currently we expect it to be members who are fully vaccinated, with masks and please stay home if you are ill with cold/flu symptoms).
March - Charity Night
The idea was to introduce everyone to all the various charities that we donate our quilted items to throughout the year and learn a bit more about the impact these items make in our communities. Come and meet the folks that receive our quilts, placemats and bags. Be inspired to create items for all the various charities that we serve. Maybe even be inspired to volunteer for our charity team!
April - Marie-Claire Charette http://www.laquiltingcoach.ca
After spending 32 years in leadership development, Marie-Claire is now indulging in her other passion which is sewing and quilting. Through this passion, she can create, learn, challenge herself but most importantly connect with others. She keeps in mind that there is "Sew little time" so does more of what makes her happy.
May - Garage Sale and AGM
It’s our first in person meeting in over 2 years! We thought we would keep things light and have a garage sale .. see below for details. But it’s also our AGM, come on now, it’s got to be done! As I am writing this, the executive have had a number of discussions on how to attract new folks, as members and as part of the executive (maybe we should just draw names!! Kidding - that would be the one draw where my name would get picked!). LOL As of June, the Programs executive position, as well as contributing Workshops, Retreats, Ticket Sales leadership positions, etc will all be open. We will not be having a 50/50 or Basket draw in either May or June and will start these up again in September. We will have our usual door prizes for those attending our upcoming meetings. Come to the May meeting prepared to take an active role in your guild as we recap what has happened this year so far, and bring cash for the garage sale!
I would encourage anyone who has not sat on the executive yet to give it a try. It’s really rewarding to have an opportunity to shape how the guild operates and plan some fun events for everyone. I have been asked to book speakers for September and October to give a head start to the person starting. I am prepared to do this, but would rather do it in collaboration with my replacement… Join now and we can plan next year together. You’ll be pleased to know that we have a binder with all the activities that have taken place over the last number of years (not all 20 are there, but close to)… so you can look back and see what you might like to repeat or get inspiration on moving forward with new ideas. Join the team with a friend and you can split the tasks between yourselves.
Garage Sale details:
There will be a maximum number of ten (10) tables available for the garage sale in order to maintain distancing.
Cost: $5.00 per table, no matter what size table you would like (large, small, shared table). Please email Brigid to book your table.
Payment: By e-Transfer to the guild More info
Deadline to book a table: April 20th. The order of payments received will determine the order of tables given out.
If you would like to split a table with a friend so that one can sell and the other can shop, let me know when you book your table who you are sharing with. If you need a whole table for yourself, we’ll spot each other if someone needs to take a break or walk away for a bit and spend what they’ve earned!
What can you sell at this sale?
Just keep in mind that you have to take home anything you did not sell.
Someone asked if they could sell finished projects … well it’s not a craft sale, but if you think another member will want to buy your piece, and you don’t mind bringing it home at the end of the night, then why not! Remember, it’s just our members attending and they all quilt as well.
Someone asked if they could sell finished projects … well it’s not a craft sale, but if you think another member will want to buy your piece, and you don’t mind bringing it home at the end of the night, then why not! Remember, it’s just our members attending and they all quilt as well.
Table setup: Please come early (6:15 - 6:30 pm) and be prepare to help set up your table and any chairs you would like. Members at large will be asked to set up their own chairs as desired and put them away at the end of the meeting.
For those buying: It’s likely to be Cash only… We ask that you bring small bills and change so that the flow of money is one way as much as possible. For example, come prepared with 5s and 10s for average purchases, bring 20s if you want to leave with lots of stuff from the same table!!! You likely have not used cash in a long time, break out that wallet and see what’s inside ahead of the meeting! Pricing will be up to each individual seller. We will ask each seller to mark their prices clearly so there’s no confusion.
The kitchen will not be open for the May meeting. We ask that you refrain from bringing in refreshments as we don’t want anything spilled and would prefer to keep masks on. The speakers at the mike will likely take masks off so that everyone can hear.
June - A night in the Park
We started these crazy times with a show and tell of our challenge quilts in the park and thought we would cap off our 20th year celebrations with another social night in the park. More details to come as dates and details become available. This may require sign up as we will have cupcakes to celebrate our 20th birthday. There will also be BIG BIG Prizes … I know there are items that have been brewing in the program closet for this big event.
Bring your best Covid Challenge quilts, President’s Challenge, any finished Block of the Month quilts, tops or maybe just blocks that you want to donate… let’s do a huge Show and Tell of what we’ve been up to in the last few years.
Stay tuned for more details….
We were not sure if we would be able to meet in person at this point, so we made the cautious choice to have Zoom meetings for March and April…. it’s also cheaper for us, since we’ve already paid for the license and don’t have to pay rent! This gives us a chance to watch our world re-open and evaluate how well things are going. From there we will decide in April what protocols we will require when we do re-open in May (currently we expect it to be members who are fully vaccinated, with masks and please stay home if you are ill with cold/flu symptoms).
March - Charity Night
The idea was to introduce everyone to all the various charities that we donate our quilted items to throughout the year and learn a bit more about the impact these items make in our communities. Come and meet the folks that receive our quilts, placemats and bags. Be inspired to create items for all the various charities that we serve. Maybe even be inspired to volunteer for our charity team!
April - Marie-Claire Charette http://www.laquiltingcoach.ca
After spending 32 years in leadership development, Marie-Claire is now indulging in her other passion which is sewing and quilting. Through this passion, she can create, learn, challenge herself but most importantly connect with others. She keeps in mind that there is "Sew little time" so does more of what makes her happy.
May - Garage Sale and AGM
It’s our first in person meeting in over 2 years! We thought we would keep things light and have a garage sale .. see below for details. But it’s also our AGM, come on now, it’s got to be done! As I am writing this, the executive have had a number of discussions on how to attract new folks, as members and as part of the executive (maybe we should just draw names!! Kidding - that would be the one draw where my name would get picked!). LOL As of June, the Programs executive position, as well as contributing Workshops, Retreats, Ticket Sales leadership positions, etc will all be open. We will not be having a 50/50 or Basket draw in either May or June and will start these up again in September. We will have our usual door prizes for those attending our upcoming meetings. Come to the May meeting prepared to take an active role in your guild as we recap what has happened this year so far, and bring cash for the garage sale!
I would encourage anyone who has not sat on the executive yet to give it a try. It’s really rewarding to have an opportunity to shape how the guild operates and plan some fun events for everyone. I have been asked to book speakers for September and October to give a head start to the person starting. I am prepared to do this, but would rather do it in collaboration with my replacement… Join now and we can plan next year together. You’ll be pleased to know that we have a binder with all the activities that have taken place over the last number of years (not all 20 are there, but close to)… so you can look back and see what you might like to repeat or get inspiration on moving forward with new ideas. Join the team with a friend and you can split the tasks between yourselves.
Garage Sale details:
There will be a maximum number of ten (10) tables available for the garage sale in order to maintain distancing.
Cost: $5.00 per table, no matter what size table you would like (large, small, shared table). Please email Brigid to book your table.
Payment: By e-Transfer to the guild More info
Deadline to book a table: April 20th. The order of payments received will determine the order of tables given out.
If you would like to split a table with a friend so that one can sell and the other can shop, let me know when you book your table who you are sharing with. If you need a whole table for yourself, we’ll spot each other if someone needs to take a break or walk away for a bit and spend what they’ve earned!
What can you sell at this sale?
- Anything Quilting / Sewing related ...
- fabric,
- rulers,
- patterns / books (the library will have things out to sell as well),
- UFO's,
- notions ...
Just keep in mind that you have to take home anything you did not sell.
Someone asked if they could sell finished projects … well it’s not a craft sale, but if you think another member will want to buy your piece, and you don’t mind bringing it home at the end of the night, then why not! Remember, it’s just our members attending and they all quilt as well.
Someone asked if they could sell finished projects … well it’s not a craft sale, but if you think another member will want to buy your piece, and you don’t mind bringing it home at the end of the night, then why not! Remember, it’s just our members attending and they all quilt as well.
Table setup: Please come early (6:15 - 6:30 pm) and be prepare to help set up your table and any chairs you would like. Members at large will be asked to set up their own chairs as desired and put them away at the end of the meeting.
For those buying: It’s likely to be Cash only… We ask that you bring small bills and change so that the flow of money is one way as much as possible. For example, come prepared with 5s and 10s for average purchases, bring 20s if you want to leave with lots of stuff from the same table!!! You likely have not used cash in a long time, break out that wallet and see what’s inside ahead of the meeting! Pricing will be up to each individual seller. We will ask each seller to mark their prices clearly so there’s no confusion.
The kitchen will not be open for the May meeting. We ask that you refrain from bringing in refreshments as we don’t want anything spilled and would prefer to keep masks on. The speakers at the mike will likely take masks off so that everyone can hear.
June - A night in the Park
We started these crazy times with a show and tell of our challenge quilts in the park and thought we would cap off our 20th year celebrations with another social night in the park. More details to come as dates and details become available. This may require sign up as we will have cupcakes to celebrate our 20th birthday. There will also be BIG BIG Prizes … I know there are items that have been brewing in the program closet for this big event.
Bring your best Covid Challenge quilts, President’s Challenge, any finished Block of the Month quilts, tops or maybe just blocks that you want to donate… let’s do a huge Show and Tell of what we’ve been up to in the last few years.
Stay tuned for more details….
Challenges
Block of the Month - February - Pinwheel Extravaganza
I am not a fan of pinwheels, they are just not my thing! But I’d forgotten about 4 at a time HSTs (half square triangles) and actually quite enjoyed making this one.
Again, using the floor as a design wall, here are a couple of shots of all the blocks, I am definitely seeing some possibilities for what will be a sampler style quilt with some modern flair.
Can you spot the difference? It’s just the centre block that is rotated around! I had played with some other possibilities but don’t know what I did with the photos! OH well… it’s not like I need a seam ripper to undo these!!
Workshops
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Mini Maker Case Have a look at our FaceBook group to see some of the wonderful cases we made at our March workshop. We had a great time! I love the inside as much as the outside and used up fabric that I had! |
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Fidget Quilts Workshop / Sew Day - date pending
Vickie would like to host a Zoom based Fidget Quilt workshop in April or May. We have about a dozen kits ready to assemble. We could also look at doing this in person, but may need to charge a small fee to cover the rental of the room. We’ll post this on FaceBook and ask you to comment with preferences. If you would like a kit and want to make it on your own, kits are available from Vickie, Brigid or Jane.
Are you interested in leading a workshop? Want to book your favourite teacher to come teach us some new technique or project? Let us know, we could use your help.
Fidget Quilts Workshop / Sew Day - date pending
Vickie would like to host a Zoom based Fidget Quilt workshop in April or May. We have about a dozen kits ready to assemble. We could also look at doing this in person, but may need to charge a small fee to cover the rental of the room. We’ll post this on FaceBook and ask you to comment with preferences. If you would like a kit and want to make it on your own, kits are available from Vickie, Brigid or Jane.
Are you interested in leading a workshop? Want to book your favourite teacher to come teach us some new technique or project? Let us know, we could use your help.
Retreats & Sew Days
We need your help - We’ve had emails from some new venues in Eastern Ontario that offer classes and retreats.. the information will be passed on to the new executive members to see if they are interested in booking any of these for future events. Hurry - before they get lost in our inbox! For the Sew Days we’ll need a good location with lots of plugs and electrical breakers that can handle our Sewing Machines and Irons. We’ve been trying to assess costs, locations, etc … we could definitely use some help with this. Some of you are also already booked with spring retreats, so we would be planning events for Fall 2022, if you would like to organize one or both of the retreats and/or Sew Days, let us know. Without someone to organize these, we will assume there is not any interest in them and leave them for now.
-- Brigid Whitnall, Programs
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Charity
Jane has been out delivering charity quilts this month on behalf of our guild.
Five quilts have been delivered to Carol, the lead nurse, at the Palliative Care Unit in the Arnprior & District Memorial Hospital.
Nurse Carol of the Palliative Care unit
Jane also delivered two charity quilts to the Arnprior Angel Project. See Jane's write up below along with a photo, and Judy Wilson's post to our Facebook group thanking our guild on International Women's Day.
We have had a request to donate two quilts to a family in the White Lake area, who have recently lost their home to a fire. We are getting quilts ready for this delivery shortly and hopefully two of our members will be able to deliver them to their friends.
Fidget Quilts
Kits have been made up and if anyone would like to make one there are kits available to pick up at Vickie or Brigid's homes. Just send us and email to set up a delivery time. Also we are hoping to meet in person in May so if you would like to pick up a kit at this time they will be made available. I am also thinking of holding a Zoom workshop to make the fidget quilts. Is there some interest? You can email me or Facebook message me to let me know.
Preemie Quilts
Marlyn Erskine continues to collect the quilts on behalf of the guild at her home to be delivered to the Hospitals. Just contact her by email to set up a time. Marilyn so kindly sews on the guild labels on these precious little quilts before they are donated.
Marilyn reports that she recently made her first delivery to the Ottawa Hospital in 2022 when she dropped off 49 preemie quilts and 8 little toques.
Fidget Quilts
Kits have been made up and if anyone would like to make one there are kits available to pick up at Vickie or Brigid's homes. Just send us and email to set up a delivery time. Also we are hoping to meet in person in May so if you would like to pick up a kit at this time they will be made available. I am also thinking of holding a Zoom workshop to make the fidget quilts. Is there some interest? You can email me or Facebook message me to let me know.
Preemie Quilts
Marlyn Erskine continues to collect the quilts on behalf of the guild at her home to be delivered to the Hospitals. Just contact her by email to set up a time. Marilyn so kindly sews on the guild labels on these precious little quilts before they are donated.
Marilyn reports that she recently made her first delivery to the Ottawa Hospital in 2022 when she dropped off 49 preemie quilts and 8 little toques.
March 2022 Delivery to the Ottawa Hospital
March 2022 Delivery to the Ottawa Hospital
Marilyn reports the following impressive stats for her deliveries on behalf of our guild over the last 2 years.
Fall 2019: 35 preemies to the Ottawa Hospital
Fall 2020: 105 preemies and 11 little toques to the Ottawa Hospital
Fall 2021-March 2022: 30 preemie quilts to the Queensway-Carleton Hospital; 124 preemies and 8 little toques to the Ottawa Hospital
That's a total of 294 preemie quilts over the last 2 1/2 years!
Fall 2019: 35 preemies to the Ottawa Hospital
Fall 2020: 105 preemies and 11 little toques to the Ottawa Hospital
Fall 2021-March 2022: 30 preemie quilts to the Queensway-Carleton Hospital; 124 preemies and 8 little toques to the Ottawa Hospital
That's a total of 294 preemie quilts over the last 2 1/2 years!
Walker Bags
We have found a pattern and Jane has made a sample. She used some donated upholstery material and quilter's cotton as the lining on this one. Repurposed jean material, any kind of thicker material that you may have on hand can be used to make these bags. The pattern and a helpful video from Felt Magnet can be found here.
We have found a pattern and Jane has made a sample. She used some donated upholstery material and quilter's cotton as the lining on this one. Repurposed jean material, any kind of thicker material that you may have on hand can be used to make these bags. The pattern and a helpful video from Felt Magnet can be found here.
Walker bag
A New Charity Leader!
I am delighted to announce our new Charity Executive, Marilyn Erskine. Thanks so much Marilyn for stepping up to become our Charity leader!
For those of you who may not know Marilyn, she has been a long time member of the guild and an integral part of our Charity team for over three years, as our receiver and deliverer of the preemie baby quilts. I am sure Marilyn will fit right in with our executive team and will help us keep on track with serving the community with our Charity quilts/projects.
-- Vickie MacNabb
Two new Charity quilt donation opportunities…
Arnprior Angel Project Woman Caring for Woman
Judy and Mike Wilson of Antiques, Treasures and Treats in Arnprior, collect goods and supplies for (2) two abused women and childrens' shelters in the area, the Bernadette McCann House and Lanark County Interval House. I spoke with Judy and she would be very pleased to pass on the quilts…. Either for babies, children or adults. Some of these women have left abusive situations with nothing but the clothes on their backs - and have had to start over from scratch.
I gave her two children’s quilts on behalf of our guild and she loved the quality of the work and the colourful child motifs! Having a quilt made with love also shows these children and their parents that there are people who care!
In the interest of privacy and security, no names can be divulged. Read more about the Arnprior Angel Project
Arnprior Angel Project Woman Caring for Woman
Judy and Mike Wilson of Antiques, Treasures and Treats in Arnprior, collect goods and supplies for (2) two abused women and childrens' shelters in the area, the Bernadette McCann House and Lanark County Interval House. I spoke with Judy and she would be very pleased to pass on the quilts…. Either for babies, children or adults. Some of these women have left abusive situations with nothing but the clothes on their backs - and have had to start over from scratch.
I gave her two children’s quilts on behalf of our guild and she loved the quality of the work and the colourful child motifs! Having a quilt made with love also shows these children and their parents that there are people who care!
In the interest of privacy and security, no names can be divulged. Read more about the Arnprior Angel Project
L to R: Jane of ADQG and Judy
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Thank You posted by Judy to guild Facebook group
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Neighbourlink Fountain Web site
I had an informative call with Marie, who is in charge and overseeing this entire organization.
They run all kinds of programs…. Mental health, boutique, food vouchers and emergency accommodation for homeless individuals. Marie informed me that their clients are vetted and screened before the Fountain steps in. She will speak to the other board members and let me know how we can help her with quilts to aid the homeless community here in Arnprior.
I visited the Neighbourlink Boutique on Saturday…. Good thing I was early! It is organized, incredibly well laid out and the volunteers are very helpful. It is all cash, and very inexpensive. All donated goods are sold for a reasonable price and all of the proceeds are used for the above-mentioned services.
And yes, I found a Corning ware casserole dish WITH lid that is a two person size! Scalloped potatoes in my future. Best $10.00 I have spent in a while !!!
Cheers
Jane Wickware
I had an informative call with Marie, who is in charge and overseeing this entire organization.
They run all kinds of programs…. Mental health, boutique, food vouchers and emergency accommodation for homeless individuals. Marie informed me that their clients are vetted and screened before the Fountain steps in. She will speak to the other board members and let me know how we can help her with quilts to aid the homeless community here in Arnprior.
I visited the Neighbourlink Boutique on Saturday…. Good thing I was early! It is organized, incredibly well laid out and the volunteers are very helpful. It is all cash, and very inexpensive. All donated goods are sold for a reasonable price and all of the proceeds are used for the above-mentioned services.
And yes, I found a Corning ware casserole dish WITH lid that is a two person size! Scalloped potatoes in my future. Best $10.00 I have spent in a while !!!
Cheers
Jane Wickware
Our Charity donations are appreciated...
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International Quilting Day March 19 2022
International Quilting Day is Saturday March 19th!
That special day when we celebrate our craft along with quilters around the world!
In many of our households we could say that any day is quilting day but do take a moment to mark this special day - hang out a quilt or two, check out special deals from our advertisers, post a photo or other activities of interest to our guild Facebook group, or the World Wide Quilting Day Facebook page.
Take a moment to look back at the photos from our Hang Out Quilt day when we celebrated this special day back in 2019 along with quilters across Canada.
And check out the web for what others are doing.
Get to Know Your Guild Member - Nancy Hayley
We hope you are enjoying this feature to help us better connect with each other, especially while we are not meeting in person.
In this month's Get to Know Your Guild Member feature, we're hearing from Nancy Hayley.
Nancy is our guild librarian and she has been sharing her quilts with us as a regular participant in our Show & Tell. She's also active in a local Victoria's Quilt group. Here's our chance to learn more about Nancy.
Q: How long have you been making quilts? Would you describe your learning process?
A: I’ve been sewing since grade 7 and making quilts for about 12 years. I have gone to workshops, listened to friends as they’ve given me tips and watched videos on Youtube to learn more.
Q: Were there special people or circumstances that encouraged you to begin to quilt?
A: I sewed all sorts of things for years with my dear friend, Lynne and a little while after she passed Gwen Pennings asked me if I wanted to have quilt-sewing days with her … and we’re still at it. That’s when I really began to feel like a “quilter”.
Q: What are your feelings about quilt making compared with other household activities?
A: I would rather quilt than do ANY other household task!
A: I would rather quilt than do ANY other household task!
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: I have favourite colours and tend to stay in that palette, although I now am trying out brighter colours and I love batiks. I usually like to use softer colours with yellows, beiges, tans and soft mossy greens. But I sure have enjoyed bright batiks and Kaffe Fassett prints lately. Go figure! I don’t think I’ve ever used the colours recommended in patterns in book
Recently completed charity quilt for Victoria's Quilts
Q: Would you rather create your own pattern and color combinations or have a pattern to go by?
A: I like to pull fabrics from my stash and see how the colours work together, only buying new when I think I need a coordinate. I use patterns for ideas and then shift and modify them to get the quilt I want.
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 think my favourite is piecing. I’m not a fast quilt maker because I enjoy that part so much.
Q: Do you put quilt labels on all of your quilts?
A: Yes and if it’s only a little gift piece, I may only put my first name as a very small label.
Q: Do you keep all your quilts? If so, how do you use quilts in your home?
A: No, I give many away – some as charity and some to family. In my home, I have a quilt on each bed and I have several “nap” quilts. I also have some wall hangings and cushions that I’ve made.
Sad News
Rita Williams, a current and long time member of our guild sadly passed away on Monday March 7 after a long and brave fight with cancer.
Nancy Hayley remembers Rita, "Her spirits were always positive. She was a strong woman and a great quilter, doing many, many cancer quilts for Victoria's Quilts. We will miss her so much."
Rita's Obituary
Nancy Hayley remembers Rita, "Her spirits were always positive. She was a strong woman and a great quilter, doing many, many cancer quilts for Victoria's Quilts. We will miss her so much."
Rita's Obituary
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Quilt Canada 2022
Click/tap this link for information about Quilt Canada 2022 in Vancouver BC
CQA Quilt Challenges 2022
Quilt Canada 2022 is fast approaching and there are a few challenges that members may be interested in, or wish to participate in. Please note that deadlines are coming up for many of these challenges, or some may have passed already. This is the link to the CQA page where you can find submission forms, details and all the pertinent information on these challenges.
https://canadianquilter.com/cqa-acc-quilt-challenges-2022/
Here is a quick recap of the challenges - we need your feedback by the March meeting for the Guild Challenge, Reaffirm (see below):
Refresh - the Trendtex challenge, where you purchase a pre-selected fabric bundle and the quilts are auctioned at the show. This is CQA’s main fundraiser.
Rewire - a new challenge open to individual, professional and shop CQA members
Real Fun - the youth challenge where you sponsor a young person to make a quilt .. fabric needs to be ordered for this one as well
Reaffirm - the Guild challenge where member guilds can submit one quilt to represent the guild at the show. Intent to participate was submitted on March 15th, we need to have a viewer’s choice vote of any quilts at our April meeting, at the latest, in order to meet the April 30th deadline for submission. If you have a quilt that you wanted included in this challenge, please email Brigid before noon on March 23rd so that we can prepare next steps. Photos of your completed quilt will be required by April 15th.
A few of our members are regular contributors to these challenges, it provides an opportunity to stretch your creative skills and we hope that anyone participating will let us know so that we can show our support for your work.
Quilt Canada 2022 is fast approaching and there are a few challenges that members may be interested in, or wish to participate in. Please note that deadlines are coming up for many of these challenges, or some may have passed already. This is the link to the CQA page where you can find submission forms, details and all the pertinent information on these challenges.
https://canadianquilter.com/cqa-acc-quilt-challenges-2022/
Here is a quick recap of the challenges - we need your feedback by the March meeting for the Guild Challenge, Reaffirm (see below):
Refresh - the Trendtex challenge, where you purchase a pre-selected fabric bundle and the quilts are auctioned at the show. This is CQA’s main fundraiser.
Rewire - a new challenge open to individual, professional and shop CQA members
Real Fun - the youth challenge where you sponsor a young person to make a quilt .. fabric needs to be ordered for this one as well
Reaffirm - the Guild challenge where member guilds can submit one quilt to represent the guild at the show. Intent to participate was submitted on March 15th, we need to have a viewer’s choice vote of any quilts at our April meeting, at the latest, in order to meet the April 30th deadline for submission. If you have a quilt that you wanted included in this challenge, please email Brigid before noon on March 23rd so that we can prepare next steps. Photos of your completed quilt will be required by April 15th.
A few of our members are regular contributors to these challenges, it provides an opportunity to stretch your creative skills and we hope that anyone participating will let us know so that we can show our support for your work.
Ukraine
As quilters we always want to help where we can. There are a few initiatives happening around supporting Ukraine. Whether you choose to donate money or not, spend the next little while sewing up some yellow and blue blocks.
Here are two such initiatives:
Pat Sloan’s block ends up being 24 1/2 x 24 1/2, perfect for a preemie.
https://blog.patsloan.com/2022/03/free-quilters-stand-with-ukraine-pattern-fundraiser-for-ukraines-children-.html
Bonnie Hunter is making heart blocks, she will be starting to post instructions Friday, March 25th on her blog.
https://www.facebook.com/100044500383465/posts/504443221049020/
-- Brigid Whitnall
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A Custom Solution
During the Melissa Marginet Introduction to Walking Foot Quilting workshop in January, Mary deVries described to the participants a custom tool that her husband Gary built for her for straight line quilting. Mary is sharing photos and a description of this valuable accessory here.
Straight Line Jig
I have a mid arm Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter. It has a limited amount of quilting space so I am always looking for different ideas on how to complete my quilts. I also like a challenge, it keeps things interesting for me.
The jig that Gary made me is made from a piece of 1/4” plywood 23” long x 2” wide with 1/2” increment slots in it. It adheres to the side of the machine with double sided tape.
I have a mid arm Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter. It has a limited amount of quilting space so I am always looking for different ideas on how to complete my quilts. I also like a challenge, it keeps things interesting for me.
The jig that Gary made me is made from a piece of 1/4” plywood 23” long x 2” wide with 1/2” increment slots in it. It adheres to the side of the machine with double sided tape.
The stop is made of a block of wood 3 1/2” L x 1” W x 3/4”H and has an aluminum lever screwed to it that slides into the slot on the plywood. It is taped to the side of the machine This locks the machine in place so it can only move side to side.
The spacing of the slots is consistent therefore skipping a slot would result in a wider spacing on your quilt. The quilting lines can be 1/2”, 1”, 1 1/2”, 2” etc. Personally I like the lines consistently inconsistent.
The spacing of the slots is consistent therefore skipping a slot would result in a wider spacing on your quilt. The quilting lines can be 1/2”, 1”, 1 1/2”, 2” etc. Personally I like the lines consistently inconsistent.
The key is to keep your quilt parallel at all times as you roll it.
My sister Joanna has already requested Gary to make a jig for her long arm machine.
-- Mary deVries
My sister Joanna has already requested Gary to make a jig for her long arm machine.
-- Mary deVries
Tips from our recent guest presenters...
At our January workshop, Melissa Marginet told us that since it's almost impossible to keep stitching lines an equal distant apart, try making them "consistently inconsistent" - looks just as good (and possibly better) and is easier to achieve. Great advice!
http://melissamarginet.ca
And great tips from our February guest presenter Kim Jamieson-Hirst on free motion quilting:
- Practice makes improvement
- Don't point out your mistakes to other people since you're likely the only person who will notice them.
Free Patterns
The Windham Fabrics web site has 73 web pages of free patterns, 20 per page. Nancy H and I are working on one you may have seen at quilt shows called Neat and Tidy, for Victoria's Quilts.
Click/tap to see the Free Patterns
-- Gwen Pennings
Quilt on Fire!
We enjoyed our "Quilter on Fire" guest presenter Brandy Maslowski, at our November 2021 meeting, but I recently came across this story about an actual quilt on fire. Yikes!
-- Janet B
Sewing Machine Tips
Here are some basic sewing machine tips for quilters that may be of interest to our guild members who are newer to the craft...and to those with many years of experience.
From Quilting Daily, 8 Sewing Machine Tips the Experts Want you to Know
An Invitation
The Bay of Quinte Modern Quilt Guild is excited to be hosting Breanna Gaudaur of Rose and Ivy Quilts via Zoom on Monday March 28, 2022 at 2:00 PM EDT. Breanna will inspire you with her exciting new modern quilt patterns and colour combinations. Breanna, age 26, has recently started doing trunk show presentations and is passionate about her work.
Tickets are available for $10 through Eventbrite. The link is below.
Our guild would be most appreciative if you would share this information with your members.
Thank you
Debbie Laughton
Co-Chair Program Committee
Bay of Quinte Modern Quilt Guild
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-modern-trunk-show-with-breanna-gaudaur-of-rose-and-ivy-quilts-tickets-298844139867
Membership
We are looking forward to connecting again in person (hopefully) with our membership at the May meeting. We ask that all members attending be double vaccinated. Thank you for the consideration of the health of all of our members.
In order to encourage new members joining our ADQGuild, we will be posting on-line as well as putting up posters around the area. If you would like to put up a poster in a prominent spot where it might be viewed by potential members, please let me know and we will arrange to get one for you.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
Guild Facebook Group
Have you joined our members only Facebook Group yet? If not you are missing out on all the fun. The group now has 40 members and is a great way to get to know your fellow guild members, to ask questions, learn a new block, a new tip or trick. We've seen some lovely photos of the Charity Pick Up Sticks quilts being assembled and finished off, Blocks of the month, completed mini-maker cases from the recent workshop, and much more. Tina is doing a fantastic job of keeping monitoring and facilitating the activity in this group. Thank you Tina for this wonderful new initiative!
Hope to see you there soon.
Join the group now!
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications
Contacting Guild Members
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, you can now do that through the members-only Facebook group, or you can send 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
Advertisers
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
THANK YOU to Nancy for participating in "Get to Know Your Guild Member", and to Mary, Gwen, Brigid, Jane, Marilyn, 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 March 23rd