Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - October 2021
President's Message
President's Message
I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely fall weather. I have enjoyed lots of long walks with the dogs, and picking apples at the neighbour's old orchard. The leaves have been very colourful this year, and it always tempts me to get out my scraps of oranges, reds, greens & browns to make scrappy applique leaves. The idea hits me and I may attempt to make scrappy bits of material, then "squirrel" the project gets put aside until I finish my niece's baby quilt, and Christmas items to be made for the Guild's Charity projects.
I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely fall weather. I have enjoyed lots of long walks with the dogs, and picking apples at the neighbour's old orchard. The leaves have been very colourful this year, and it always tempts me to get out my scraps of oranges, reds, greens & browns to make scrappy applique leaves. The idea hits me and I may attempt to make scrappy bits of material, then "squirrel" the project gets put aside until I finish my niece's baby quilt, and Christmas items to be made for the Guild's Charity projects.
Drunkard's Path block
President's Challenge - the Drunkard's Path - I hope you are joining me on the journey of the Drunkard's Path challenge? I know I have spent a bit of time (I won't divulge how much time!!) looking for the right pattern/idea for my project. I think it will be a scrappy one, since I enjoyed the outcome of the summer quilt challenge. That way I can slip a bit of emerald green quite easily into my project, as it isn't one of my main choice of colours. I can't wait to see some of the projects you have chosen! Reminder due date is the June meeting to reveal. To think we will all be masters of curves by then. For more information about this challenge, click/tap here.
Do you have a good idea for our guild to be more interactive during Covid Times? If you feel that we could be involved in more outreach charity or have some activities ideas for our guild, please send us an email to arnpriorquilters@gmail.com and perhaps you can help us organize something. Due to Covid, Program and Charity coordinators have limited team members this term, so anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to those who have already stepped up to help us out.
Take care,
sew on,
be productive,
and see you at the Zoom meeting, October 27th.
Vickie MacNabb, President
Do you have a good idea for our guild to be more interactive during Covid Times? If you feel that we could be involved in more outreach charity or have some activities ideas for our guild, please send us an email to arnpriorquilters@gmail.com and perhaps you can help us organize something. Due to Covid, Program and Charity coordinators have limited team members this term, so anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to those who have already stepped up to help us out.
Take care,
sew on,
be productive,
and see you at the Zoom meeting, October 27th.
Vickie MacNabb, President
October Meeting
Our October guild meeting is on Wednesday October 27 at 7 PM. We hope you'll join us 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.
Our October guild meeting is on Wednesday October 27 at 7 PM. We hope you'll join us 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.
Guest Speaker - Cheryl Arkison
Back when I started quilting it was practically unheard of for a 23 year old to do so, but there I was. Now, over 20 years later I haven’t stopped. In addition to my own creative work, I love to teach, write books, spread the gospel of improv, and design quilts. Every now and then I make a garment, my Grade 8 Home Ec Teacher would be proud.
When it comes to making I am happy to make what inspires. I am well known for my use of bold colour and the quiet whispers of low volume fabrics but I will use anything in between as well. Use what you love, make what makes you happy. Just get your butt in the seat and sew.
In the past decade I’ve published three books: Sunday Morning Quilts (coauthored with Amanda Jean Nyberg, A Month of Sunday, and You Inspire Me to Quilt. I’ve also travelled the world to teach quilting. In between I am raising 3 active kids and running a business with my husband. Sometimes, I sleep.
-- Cheryl
Make Time to Play
Far too often we focus on the results, the product, the finish line in lieu of the process. A huge part of the process is simply playing. In quilting it is about matching the pattern and perfecting our points but where is the release, the relaxation, the revelation in that? Play is an important part of a child’s development but I don’t think it should stop when we become adults.
This presentation is all about adding a spirit of play back in to our creative pursuits.
http://www.cherylarkison.com
Show and Tell
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:
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 October 26.
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 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).
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 October 26.
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.
Program Notes
September BOM
Block of the Month
I hope everyone enjoyed our wheel of wonder and the first block of the month. Pictured is my version… I plan to use blues and greens for all my blocks this year so that I can make a quilt at the end with all the blocks. I may use EQ8 to design something and will be sure to share if anyone else wants to do the same. Bring your blocks along to the meeting for a group show! There's still time to make this block.
Mystery Quilt 2020-2021
Now, speaking of blues and greens, any of you wanting to complete last year’s mystery quilt, which we really should rename since it’s no longer a mystery!! I wanted to have fabric selected for this month, but time ran out and it worked in my favour. I have Blue pinwheels that I acquired recently .. so my version of the mystery quilt is going to be blues! Let me know if you are planning to make this quilt. With our next quilt show in 2023, it would be nice to have a display of these quilts. Instructions for making this quilt are on the Block of the Month page - look for the heading 2020-2021.
Covid Challenge
Just a reminder that any quilt that you make that is entirely out of fabric from your stash is considered a Covid Quilt. Maybe it’s a kit you bought that finally made it to the top of the finish pile, or maybe it’s something that you had just started / acquired when Covid hit in 2020. They all count, and size does not matter for this! Could be a small wall hanging, placemat, mug rug … aha .. I made coasters .. will they count? You bet!! Except that we use the coasters and they have coffee stains, so no one will likely see those!
Workshops
Please come to the meeting with any questions you may have about taking a workshop on Zoom. I have participated in a number of them, and they are virtually the same as in person .. LOL pun was not intended, but I love it!! It’s nice to not have to bring your sewing machine anywhere, you may have to move your laptop or iPad to your sewing room though. And if you do have a portable sewing machine you use at classes and retreats - maybe it’s time that machine got a little exercise and got used! Whatever set up you choose, it’s a day at home, sewing with friends and making something cute for yourself.
Please come to the meeting with any questions you may have about taking a workshop on Zoom. I have participated in a number of them, and they are virtually the same as in person .. LOL pun was not intended, but I love it!! It’s nice to not have to bring your sewing machine anywhere, you may have to move your laptop or iPad to your sewing room though. And if you do have a portable sewing machine you use at classes and retreats - maybe it’s time that machine got a little exercise and got used! Whatever set up you choose, it’s a day at home, sewing with friends and making something cute for yourself.
Mini Maker Case
Date: Saturday November 6, 2021 Time: 9:00 AM - noon, with time open in the afternoon to finish Location: via Zoom 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 registration and payment information, click/tap here. ***** Book now, we need a minimum number to proceed with the workshop |
Homework
Homework??? What!!! Yup, you have homework. Don’t worry, it’s not too difficult if you start now! Since we won’t be having a quilt show until 2023, that will be 4 years since the last one … do you know which quilts you have completed since the last quilt show? No, me neither! Well, it’s maybe easier for me since all the new ones in the house are from fall 2019 or later. haha I’m cheating on homework already!! You know I love a list, so here’s the homework: Start a running list of quilts that you would like to show at the next quilt show. Just a little something to keep you focused and on track. It’s also nice to look back and see what you’ve accomplished over the past few years.
For anyone new to the guild, or new to quilting, we like to showcase quilts from everyone who is a current member the year of the quilt show (i.e. 2022-2023 guild year). All skill levels are welcome. To see photos of previous quilt shows click/tap here.
-- Brigid Whitnall, Programs
Check out the Blog for highlights from our September meeting when Lise Bélanger wowed us with her amazing creative talent.
At our upcoming meeting on November 24 our guest speaker will be Brandy Maslowski of Summerland BC. Brandy's web site is https://www.quilteronfire.com
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Summer Scrap Challenge
The impressive, creative, and varied Summer Scrap Challenge projects are now on display at Sew Inspired in Arnprior. Be sure to drop by to take a look if you haven't seen them already. A big thank you to Nancy for volunteering to hang these quilts so we could all finally see some of your work live!
You'll be seeing and hearing more about these quilts throughout the year.
As newsletter editor, I'm always on the lookout for content for our guild newsletters, so I asked my fellow challenge participants to take photos of their challenge journey to later share with you.
Here's my story.
My Summer Scrap Challenge Experience
by Janet Brownlee
I was very intrigued when Brigid, our incoming Programs Coordinator, kicked off her tenure in June by issuing a Summer Scrap Challenge – make a quilt with a bag of her scraps, background of your choice from your stash, optional sashing of your choice, and binding and backing of your own choice. I had never made a scrap quilt so I saw that as an interesting way to challenge myself to try something new, and then donate the quilt to a charitable cause. So I was in!
Our first task was to choose our background fabric. I chose a bright and cheery teal fabric that was generously gifted to me a few years ago by my husband’s cousin-in-law Mary when she retired from active quilt making (to focus solely on hand sewing bindings onto Victoria’s Quilts.)
Our first task was to choose our background fabric. I chose a bright and cheery teal fabric that was generously gifted to me a few years ago by my husband’s cousin-in-law Mary when she retired from active quilt making (to focus solely on hand sewing bindings onto Victoria’s Quilts.)
I didn't peek! I took the photo after we opened our bags
Brigid provided us each with a well sealed paper bag of scraps, and then the challenge kicked off with a Zoom call of the 16 or so enthusiastic participants in late June. We each showed our background fabric, and then we all opened our fabric bags at the same time. We were off!
There were a lot of scraps, some larger and some very small. Some of it was in strips, and some was already pieced, and some were pieces of random shapes and sizes. I was delighted that my bag contained a large piece of floral fabric with the same teal as my background, and rich pinks/reds and black - it's in the bottom left corner of this photo.
My first decision was easy: choose a pattern or make up my own? I chose a pattern and it took me very little time to decide on this free Field of Diamonds Scrap Quilt Pattern (thesprucecrafts.com). I'm probably not authorized to reproduce any images from that pattern here so I'll just end the suspense now and show you my completed quilt!
The small squares in the 16-patch blocks and the scrappy pieced bits of the X squares were all cut 2.5 in and I was fortunate to have several 2.5 in strips in my scrap bag, as well as some random 2.5 in squares. The finished 16-patch and X blocks are all 8” square.
My next step was to cut the scraps into either 2.5 in squares or strips, or into these smaller, odd shaped triangular pieces that could be used in the X blocks. After that I quickly decided that I would NOT pre-plan the placement of every little square. I tackled the X blocks first. I made liberal use of my iPad's camera to capture the layout of each block, to refer back to while I was piecing that block.
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To sew the square corners onto the background to create the X’s, I used a great trick that guild member Gwen Pennings demonstrated to us a few years ago – using a piece of heavy paper as a seam guide. I eventually wore out my little pink paper strip that Gwen had given me and I made a new one from a file folder which is the perfect weight.
I did piece some of the 2.5" bits - there's one at the left of this photo
Moving on to the 16 patch blocks, I strip pieced what I could, and then I rather randomly pieced 4 squares to create rows for the 16 patch blocks. I ensured that adjacent squares visually complimented each other. I had rather large amounts of a blue floral and a rust fabric, which fortunately coordinated nicely enough together, and I tried to ignore the thought that these might be too dominant in the finished quilt, or be too limiting in my layout options. After completing many of these 4 patch strips I laid some of them out into trial 16 patch blocks and fortunately there were no issues of dominating fabrics. I eventually stopped making the strips, and I set aside my remaining 2.5 in squares to assemble later.
Then I laid out the 2” by 8” rows into 16 patch blocks, along with the X blocks, on the carpeted floor. This went surprisingly quickly and well. It was quite fun and I was delighted with what I saw! It far exceeded my expectations. Fortunately I had the right number of blocks for a 5 block by 7 block layout. I then filled in the missing spots with the remaining 2.5” squares and a few more that I pieced from the scraps. I made a few more adjustments, and I was ready to complete the centre of my quilt top.
I have a confession to make. I was short a small number of 2.5” squares, and rather continuing to create more by piecing small bits of the remaining scraps, I reached into my own stash. Some of the fabric in my scrap bag was from a snowman Block-of-the-Month from several years ago that Brigid and I had both participated in, and I had some of that same fabric. When I later confessed this to Brigid she reminded me that she had told us at the kick off meeting that there would be no quilt police. Only then did I realize exactly what she meant! I did manage to use some of every different fabric in my scrap bag.
I also had an LOL moment when I was sorting the light fabrics and I found these 3 pieces. I couldn’t resist sharing my find with Brigid – “What were you thinking?!?!?!?”
I also had an LOL moment when I was sorting the light fabrics and I found these 3 pieces. I couldn’t resist sharing my find with Brigid – “What were you thinking?!?!?!?”
The borders were uneventful and I discovered a great coordinating binding fabric and enough of a complimentary backing amongst the fabrics that cousin Mary had given me. I quilted it quickly in a simple cross hatch with an off white yellowish toned thread. I thoroughly enjoyed hand sewing the binding on – mostly sitting outside. Usually I’m getting pretty tired of a quilt by the time I finish it but I liked this quilt more and more as it neared completion. And cousin Mary was delighted to see my finished quilt and what had become of her fabric.
I completed my 48 by 64 inch lap quilt before the late August deadline. At the wrap up Zoom call we saw photos of each other’s quilts and heard their stories. That was great fun and the quilts were very impressive!
I’m so pleased and proud that I was able to rise to this challenge and I look forward to seeing my scrap quilt going to someone who will take comfort from it. I may even make another scrap quilt – next time from my own stash.
Thank you Brigid for organizing this challenge, and to my fellow participants for making this so much fun and a huge success.
I’m so pleased and proud that I was able to rise to this challenge and I look forward to seeing my scrap quilt going to someone who will take comfort from it. I may even make another scrap quilt – next time from my own stash.
Thank you Brigid for organizing this challenge, and to my fellow participants for making this so much fun and a huge success.
Library News
Fall is well underway and I’m sure you’ve all re-entered your quilting space and are enjoying new fabrics and the thrill of creating new pieces or the feeling of accomplishment of completing some UFO’s! I have been in a binding mode with 3 quilts that I want to finish before the 25th when I have cataract surgery. After that, my quilting and planning will be in my head for a bit.
I still find Karen Brown’s Just Get It Done quilting site full of great information and tips and her free pattern section has some ideas on using up your stash. Her Stashbuster #4 is called “The Beginner Bargello” and it’s just that: a simple bargello design that will guide anyone who wants to try this style but is intimidated by the colours and patterns. There are instruction videos to watch, patterns to download, and even a colouring page to help with your planning. Give it a visit!
Our speaker this month, Cheryl Arkison , graciously donated a copy of one of her books, “You Inspire Me To Quilt” as our Library prize! Be sure to attend our Zoom meeting to hear her presentation!
Keep on quilting and remember that our Guild members love seeing all your projects in our “Show and Tell” part of our meetings…so send them in!
-- Nancy, Guild Librarian
Membership
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We are delighted to welcome our newest and returning members to our guild! It’s wonderful to see continued interest in joining our community with so many options for involvement! We have a new online registration form for guests who would like to join us at a guild meeting. Guests can register for the cost of $5 (payable by e-transfer) just for one meeting. Guests are expected to be "Zoom ready". They must register by 12 noon on the day of the meeting in order to ensure their request can be processed in time. For guest registration information click/tap here. Please let your friends know that if they would like to join just for one meeting, they are most welcome! -- Martha Palmer, Membership Coordinator |
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Thank you to those who generously made those lovely colourful placemats that were recently delivered to the new Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior.
Refer to the Charity page for information about our current charity projects.
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YouTube Demonstration
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Submitted by Vickie MacNabb I found a good YouTube from Karen Brown on 10 free quilting tools. A very useful watch. Note: This video is in English! Editor's note: Many of you will remember Karen Brown's excellent presentation to our guild in February 2021.
Watch more video tutorials from Karen Brown on YouTube |
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Get to Know Your Guild Member - Vickie MacNabb
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In this month's Get to Know Your Guild Members feature, we're hearing from Vickie MacNabb our new guild president (and former vice president, and secretary, and the lead on our Charity projects for the last 2 years.) We are resuming this feature that we started last year 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 making quilts when I was about 12 yrs old. Wow! That makes it around 47 years, that I have been quilting! My learning process was first by just sitting down to a sewing machine and sewing squares of my mother's sewing clothes scraps. Then I learned by experience and from the three quilters' Guilds that I have had the opportunity to join through inspiration and workshops. I was a member of the Ottawa Valley Quilter's Guild, the Quilt Essential Quilt Group (Manotick), and then our Guild. Q: Were there special people or circumstances that encouraged you to begin to quilt? A: My grandmothers on both sides of my family were quilters and that made them special people to me, even though I was too young to learn from them directly. My grandmother on my mother's side made quilts from some new material, and some scraps. As an example, a Dresden Plate quilt - the background and backing were purchased, and the plates from clothing scraps. Her quilts were hand quilted with even stitches. My father's mother made more utilitarian style quilts on the farm. They were made of heavy gray flannel blankets on the back and all sorts of large scrap squares of various up-cycled clothes. These quilts were hand stitched or wool. I was inspired by both of these very different styles of quilting. I used to admire and examine the colours and shapes on our beds growing up. I also couldn't wait to make my own quilts just like them. I still cherish and keep a couple of both my grandmothers' precious quilts in my home. |
Q: What are your feelings about quilt making compared with other household activities?
A: Well, I can't say that cleaning is on the top of my list. However, I have this little voice in my head that won't allow me to quilt until my house dust bunnies are under control, and weeds in the garden aren't screening at me. So needless to say, I don't quilt as often as I would like to.
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 usually like to go to my stash and pull out one favorite material that has inspired me to make the quilt pattern that I am about to attempt. Then I pick around and find other materials that coordinate with it. If I can’t find enough in my stash, I will purchase the odd ones that I need.
I don’t use the recommended colours of a pattern, because the quilts I generally make are for someone in particular, which usually comes with a recommendation of favorite colours. Also I love choosing my own colours for projects and not staying safe within colours of one fabric line.
Q: Would you rather create your own pattern and color combinations or have a pattern to go by?
A: I like the freedom of creating my own quilt patterns. I can look at a pattern and figure out how it is constructed quite quickly. I very rarely use patterns unless it came in a magazine or a book I bought or borrowed. Usually I look at a pattern, I like some aspects of it and I am already devising a slightly redesigned pattern in my mind. I sometimes use colours in a different way, changing up the sizing, adding applique or different borders.
For me it takes a bit more effort to read and comprehend the instructions; so maybe that is the reason why I like changing things up. I do however, follow the guild Block of the Month patterns as a learning challenge outside of my comfort zone.
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 would have to say that I like the excitement of choosing a pattern and the materials most, next would be the envisioning of how I will machine quilt the piece, and then the actual methodical freehand machine quilting itself.
Q: Do you put quilt labels on all of your quilts?
A: Yes, I have always added a quilt label to my quilts. I was taught by Joan Baird, of Country Quilter in 1988 (my first official quilt workshop lessons) I learned how it was an important part of completing quilts. Since then I always add labels to my quilts to note the quilt name, date, made for, my name, and where it was made. As a quilter it is very interesting to look at the back of a quilt to see how many years ago it was made, and how colours, fashions, material quality, and quilting styles have changed.
Q: Do you keep all your quilts? If so, how do you use quilts in your home?
A: I tend to give most of my quilts away to family and friends, for weddings, Christmas & baby gifts. In between making these quilts I also find time to sew a few charity donations as well.
I have two quilts that I use on my bed one really bright star scrappy quilt in the winter to brighten the room, and a Grandmother's Flower Garden hexie quilt, (all hand pieced and quilted), for the summer. I currently have two wall hangings on my walls and would love to make more.
International Plowing Match Quilt Block Challenge
THE INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH & RURAL EXPO QUILT BLOCK CHALLENGE IS ON!
Available now is the IPM 2022 Quilt Block Challenge. Participants can purchase a kit and create a quilt block to be included in a beautiful IPM 2022 Quilt. Each kit contains four squares of cotton fabric, contest rules and entry form. Kits are available for $12 at different locations, including locally at the Kemptville Fabric Shoppe for pickup. There is also an online order option, for an additional $2, kits can be ordered by email and delivered by Canada Post. Order online and make online payment by e-transfer to quiltsipm2022@gmail.com
Prizes include: 1st $100; 2nd $75 and 3rd $50
The final completed block submission deadline is November 19, 2021. Winners will be announced by December 24, 2021.
International Plowing Match of September 2022
Available now is the IPM 2022 Quilt Block Challenge. Participants can purchase a kit and create a quilt block to be included in a beautiful IPM 2022 Quilt. Each kit contains four squares of cotton fabric, contest rules and entry form. Kits are available for $12 at different locations, including locally at the Kemptville Fabric Shoppe for pickup. There is also an online order option, for an additional $2, kits can be ordered by email and delivered by Canada Post. Order online and make online payment by e-transfer to quiltsipm2022@gmail.com
Prizes include: 1st $100; 2nd $75 and 3rd $50
The final completed block submission deadline is November 19, 2021. Winners will be announced by December 24, 2021.
International Plowing Match of September 2022
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, 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
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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An invitation...
Do you have a story or a tip you'd like to share with us? Just send it along and I'll be delighted to include it in a future newsletter.
And a VERY BIG THANK YOU to Vickie for participating in "Get to Know Your Guild Members", and to Brigid, Nancy, Martha, and Vickie for their guild updates and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
We hope to see you at the guild meeting on October 27!