Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - September 2024
President's Message
Happy September!!!
Welcome to the Arnprior & District Quilters’ Guild!
September has always seemed to me a better place than January for marking the start of the new year. Seriously, who decided that a random day in the middle of winter was a good date to start a new year? There is, on the other hand, a certain logic to marking a new beginning in September. Summer ends, and harvest time arrives.
One of my primary intentions for the new year is to finish more projects. I am great for coming up with ideas and starting things, but less good at carrying through. That leaves me with both lots of UFOs, and plenty of ideas banging around in my head that have never even gotten underway. The guild’s UFO challenge from last June would have been one good way to deal with some of those, but the summer flew by, and I only got one quilt piece done…which was only completed because I have a good friend who helped me…once again,…thanks Jacquie
There is so much going on in other parts of my life (Grandchildren, work) that I don’t want to overreach, because that way lies failure and frustration, and quilting is supposed to be fun! But I hope that having some intentions for the coming year—and having put them out here in public for all to see!—will help me stay on track and make some progress. After all, more finished projects will mean more space in my quilt room for more fabric.
We are glad to be back!
-- Anne Cruickshank, Co-President (with Joyce Murray)
Welcome to the Arnprior & District Quilters’ Guild!
September has always seemed to me a better place than January for marking the start of the new year. Seriously, who decided that a random day in the middle of winter was a good date to start a new year? There is, on the other hand, a certain logic to marking a new beginning in September. Summer ends, and harvest time arrives.
One of my primary intentions for the new year is to finish more projects. I am great for coming up with ideas and starting things, but less good at carrying through. That leaves me with both lots of UFOs, and plenty of ideas banging around in my head that have never even gotten underway. The guild’s UFO challenge from last June would have been one good way to deal with some of those, but the summer flew by, and I only got one quilt piece done…which was only completed because I have a good friend who helped me…once again,…thanks Jacquie
There is so much going on in other parts of my life (Grandchildren, work) that I don’t want to overreach, because that way lies failure and frustration, and quilting is supposed to be fun! But I hope that having some intentions for the coming year—and having put them out here in public for all to see!—will help me stay on track and make some progress. After all, more finished projects will mean more space in my quilt room for more fabric.
We are glad to be back!
-- Anne Cruickshank, Co-President (with Joyce Murray)
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September Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday September 25 for our first guild meeting of the 2024-2025 guild year. The meeting begins at 7 PM with doors opening at 6:30 PM Where? 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Parking is available on the nearby streets. Please do not park in the adjacent church parking lot. Win! The meeting will feature draws for door prizes, and a Guess-the-Number of Pages book sponsored by our Library. Tickets will be sold for draws of a basket of quilting goodies, and 50-50. Bring
We welcome visitors to our meetings for a $5 fee payable in cash at the door. Free Table Bring along anything quilt related that you no longer want and would like to get rid of. Like house cleaning or garage sale planning except you won’t get paid. The only stipulation is: If it isn’t taken you have to take it home. Please don’t forget that part. 
Inaugural Free Table at our June meeting
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Program - Gadget Show and Tell
There are so many different quilting gadgets and notions available on the market that it can be hard to figure out which works the best. This September, we are asking you to help a fellow quilter make informed decisions by bringing your favourite quilting gadget to the meeting. Tell us what it is, why you like it, how you use it and why we should consider investing in one. This could be anything in your quilt room: a particular ruler, a needle minder, a marking utensil, your favourite pully-pokey-pushy thingy or a Dollar Store hack! Whatever makes your quilting so much easier and makes you wonder how you ever got along without it.
My husband recently made me a ruler organizer out of a piece of 2X6 inch wood which he had laying around the garage. It holds all my rulers and fits on my cutting table perfectly… and best of all, it was free!
-- Lucy Shorey, Programs
There are so many different quilting gadgets and notions available on the market that it can be hard to figure out which works the best. This September, we are asking you to help a fellow quilter make informed decisions by bringing your favourite quilting gadget to the meeting. Tell us what it is, why you like it, how you use it and why we should consider investing in one. This could be anything in your quilt room: a particular ruler, a needle minder, a marking utensil, your favourite pully-pokey-pushy thingy or a Dollar Store hack! Whatever makes your quilting so much easier and makes you wonder how you ever got along without it.
My husband recently made me a ruler organizer out of a piece of 2X6 inch wood which he had laying around the garage. It holds all my rulers and fits on my cutting table perfectly… and best of all, it was free!
-- Lucy Shorey, Programs
Lucy's new free ruler organizer
Program Notes
Brenda Kellar has volunteered to help coordinate programs for the guild. We have a great line up of speakers, workshops and events planned for this coming year! We are still working out some of the details however we guarantee there will be something of interest for everyone. Keep reading future newsletters and the ADQG website for more information in the very near future!
-- Lucy Shorey, Programs
-- Lucy Shorey, Programs
Retreats
What better way to start a new quilting guild year than to sign up for a retreat. We have two planned for the year, the first one is during the last week of October, the second one is the last week of January. Sign up sheets will be available at the September meeting, and you can sign up online anytime.
See the Retreats page for more information.
-- Sue Hodgins, Retreats coordinator
What better way to start a new quilting guild year than to sign up for a retreat. We have two planned for the year, the first one is during the last week of October, the second one is the last week of January. Sign up sheets will be available at the September meeting, and you can sign up online anytime.
See the Retreats page for more information.
-- Sue Hodgins, Retreats coordinator
Block of the Month
Hi everyone!
Yes, I have volunteered to create September's Block(s) of the Month.
This monthly activity is something that we members enjoy at each meeting.
The idea behind monthly blocks is to sew/learn a different technique, become a more experienced quilter, without committing to making a whole quilt. In the past the blocks of the month activity has been instrumented by one or two people. The volunteer prepares the block in advance to show at the meeting and explain how it is created.
All members are encouraged to participate. A picture and the instructions will be available from our website's Block of the Month page.
At the next month's meeting we are encouraged to bring our blocks in to enter a draw to win the blocks. The winner can either choose to keep the blocks to make a quilt, or they can donate them to our Charity initiatives.
We are currently looking for a volunteer(s) to take on this activity for the season. If a member(s) volunteers for the whole season perfect! If not there is a plan "B": Would you consider doing one month's block? There will be a sign up sheet at the Block of the Month Table as well. It is quite an easy task, fun as you get to choose the block and the colour way optional. If you have any questions about the activity come over and ask questions. I will be at the Block of the Month table during break.
-- Vickie MacNabb, Past President
Hi everyone!
Yes, I have volunteered to create September's Block(s) of the Month.
This monthly activity is something that we members enjoy at each meeting.
The idea behind monthly blocks is to sew/learn a different technique, become a more experienced quilter, without committing to making a whole quilt. In the past the blocks of the month activity has been instrumented by one or two people. The volunteer prepares the block in advance to show at the meeting and explain how it is created.
All members are encouraged to participate. A picture and the instructions will be available from our website's Block of the Month page.
At the next month's meeting we are encouraged to bring our blocks in to enter a draw to win the blocks. The winner can either choose to keep the blocks to make a quilt, or they can donate them to our Charity initiatives.
We are currently looking for a volunteer(s) to take on this activity for the season. If a member(s) volunteers for the whole season perfect! If not there is a plan "B": Would you consider doing one month's block? There will be a sign up sheet at the Block of the Month Table as well. It is quite an easy task, fun as you get to choose the block and the colour way optional. If you have any questions about the activity come over and ask questions. I will be at the Block of the Month table during break.
-- Vickie MacNabb, Past President
Quilt Show
Our next quilt show, which was tentatively planned for April 2025, is being postponed until 2026 because the two arenas at the Arnprior Nick Smith Centre will be under renovation next spring. This is very disappointing but we can make the most of it with an extra year to create more quilts for the show!
Our next quilt show, which was tentatively planned for April 2025, is being postponed until 2026 because the two arenas at the Arnprior Nick Smith Centre will be under renovation next spring. This is very disappointing but we can make the most of it with an extra year to create more quilts for the show!
Recent Guild Events
Check out our Blog for posts (and lots of pics) about these guild events
- May 2024 Guild meeting with Wendy Foster Birch
- June 2024 Guild meeting spring potluck fun night
- June 2024 Barnboard workshop
June Barnboard Workshop
June Barnboard Workshop
* * * * * * Schedule of Guild Meetings and Activities * * * * * *
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: 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: Brenda Kellar, Sue Hodgins
A huge thank you to our recently retired, dedicated and long serving executive members, librarian Nancy and treasurer Rennie.
And thank you to:
And thank you to:
- Emma and Mary for the past 2 years of Block of the Month and a challenge in 2023
- Brenda and Debbie for their orchestration of the popular 50-50 and gift basket draws at our fall and spring in person meetings.
Outgoing raffle ticket volunteers Brenda and Debbie at our May meeting
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* * * * * * * Photos from our April 2023 Quilt Show * * * * * * *
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Membership
Our current list of registrations has 60 members registered for the 2024-2025 ADQG season. We welcome our 6 new members who have also registered for this upcoming season. We continue to welcome new members throughout the year and also welcome back any previous members who have not yet currently registered for this season.
If you have not yet registered, please use this link to Register for 2024-25
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
If you have not yet registered, please use this link to Register for 2024-25
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
Quilt Block BINGO at our June potluck meeting
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Charity
Bird Blocks at June meeting
We are continuing the distribution of our charity endeavours from our ambitious members.
Over one hundred Preemies were given to the Ottawa Hospital this summer. They were all gorgeous and welcomed. Now we will work on the next hundred to be displayed in our April 2026 quilt show before being presented to the hospital.
Many of you have taken a Panel Challenge quilt package, there are a few more! They are at our meeting location to be given out to anyone willing to take on this challenge.
We accept any quilts, Christmas placemats , fidget quilts and Preemies. Thank you.
Bird blocks are being handed in and they will be made into our Raffle Quilt for the 2026 show.
Need any supplies?? I have battings and quilt labels.
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity 613-623-7833
Over one hundred Preemies were given to the Ottawa Hospital this summer. They were all gorgeous and welcomed. Now we will work on the next hundred to be displayed in our April 2026 quilt show before being presented to the hospital.
Many of you have taken a Panel Challenge quilt package, there are a few more! They are at our meeting location to be given out to anyone willing to take on this challenge.
We accept any quilts, Christmas placemats , fidget quilts and Preemies. Thank you.
Bird blocks are being handed in and they will be made into our Raffle Quilt for the 2026 show.
Need any supplies?? I have battings and quilt labels.
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity 613-623-7833
Rennie at Quilt Canada!
While we were at our June 19th meeting, our guild member Rennie Hickey did indeed get to Edmonton for Quilt Canada where she had 2 of her pieces on display!
Rennie's beautiful appliqued Day Lilies piece was accepted into the juried show. And now we can finally show it to you. It's gorgeous!
While we were at our June 19th meeting, our guild member Rennie Hickey did indeed get to Edmonton for Quilt Canada where she had 2 of her pieces on display!
Rennie's beautiful appliqued Day Lilies piece was accepted into the juried show. And now we can finally show it to you. It's gorgeous!
And Rennie's Dear Jane quilt, which was awarded the Viewers' Choice first prize in our ADQG 2023 Quilt Show, was on display in Edmonton along with winning quilts from other guilds' quilt shows.
In Rennie's words:
"The Dear Jane quilt was originally designed by Jane Stickles, in 1863 during the Civil War. Brenda Papadakis saw the quilt in a museum and decided to remake the pattern in 1996. There are 5,602 pieces in the quilt!"
In Rennie's words:
"The Dear Jane quilt was originally designed by Jane Stickles, in 1863 during the Civil War. Brenda Papadakis saw the quilt in a museum and decided to remake the pattern in 1996. There are 5,602 pieces in the quilt!"
Rennie with her Dear Jane quilt in Edmonton
Congratulations Rennie!
Carp Fair Quilt
This stunning quilt that will go to a lucky winner at the Carp Fair which runs this year from Thursday September 26 to Sunday September 29. This quilt has been on display at Sew Inspired in Arnprior before it heads to the fair. Raffle tickets are available at Sew Inspired and at M&R Feeds in Arnprior. Note: We're not certain when sales will end at these locations.
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.
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.
Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
Fibrefest
I ventured to Fibrefest at the arena in Almonte on Sunday September 8 and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Fibrefest promoted:
It has been several years since I was last at Fibrefest and I was especially impressed by the high quality of all of the products on display this time.
And I was delighted to be warmly welcomed to the Sheeps Ahoy yarn booth by the owner Debbie, and her sister Stacey. Both are longtime friends of mine through working in Ottawa high tech companies. Only Debbie pursued her passion for knitting by establishing a long running yarn business!
In addition to the 2 day show of vendors and demonstrations, Fibrefest offered workshops on a large variety of fibre-related topics from September 3-11.
You can read more about Fibrefest here. The list of vendors is here.
I'm already looking forward to going back next year.
-- Janet Brownlee
P.S. I can't resist sharing this adorable photo with you.
Fibrefest promoted:
- Local guilds will demonstrate spinning, knitting, weaving, rug hooking, lacemaking, smocking and quilting.
- Vendors include finished fibre goods and other textile-related supplies from across the province, as well as quilt shops and alpaca farms.
It has been several years since I was last at Fibrefest and I was especially impressed by the high quality of all of the products on display this time.
And I was delighted to be warmly welcomed to the Sheeps Ahoy yarn booth by the owner Debbie, and her sister Stacey. Both are longtime friends of mine through working in Ottawa high tech companies. Only Debbie pursued her passion for knitting by establishing a long running yarn business!
In addition to the 2 day show of vendors and demonstrations, Fibrefest offered workshops on a large variety of fibre-related topics from September 3-11.
You can read more about Fibrefest here. The list of vendors is here.
I'm already looking forward to going back next year.
-- Janet Brownlee
P.S. I can't resist sharing this adorable photo with you.
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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St-Hyacinthe QC |
October 3-6 |
Courtepointe Québec |
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Sudbury ON |
October 19-20 |
Sudbury and District Quilting and Stitchery Guild |
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Ottawa ON |
October 25-26 |
Out of the Box Fibre Artists |
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.
Sudbury Quilt Show
The organizers of the upcoming quilt show in Sudbury have asked us to pass this information along to you.
Dear Friends in Quilting, Stitchery & Fibre Arts,
The Sudbury and District Quilting and Stitchery Guild is happy to announce our 2024 Quilts on the Rocks (QOR) Quilting and Stitchery Show. This year’s show will be hosted at the Days Inn (former Northbury Hotel) from October 19-20, 2024. The show will be open from 10am to 4pm each day and will include quilting and stitchery displays, a merchant mall, a community quilts program display, a boutique, and a silent auction. Admission is $10 per person and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.
In addition to our regular show highlights, we are pleased to have Judy Lyons participating in this year’s QOR. Judy is a specialist in the appraising of traditional and non-traditional quilts, fibre art, needlework, and textiles. She is an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers and is also certified with the American Quilters Society (AQS). We welcome anyone to take advantage of the opportunity to have their quilt or stitchery item appraised during our show. You will receive a written document confirming the age, identification, constructions, workmanship, and up-to-date unbiased estimated value of your quilt, art quilt, stitchery or garments. Please contact Kathryn McIlmoyle (705-822-1113) to book an appointment for Saturday or Sunday. The cost is $60.00 for appraisal, paid directly to Judy.
If you have any questions, would like to pre-purchase tickets, or would like paper copies of publicity materials, please feel free to go to our website (www.sdqsg.com), email us (sdqsg@gmail.com), or call Kathryn (705-822-1113) or Ashleigh (705-677-8704).
Our guild is looking forward to hosting Quilts on the Rocks in October. Thank you for your support and we hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Ashleigh McBain
QOR Publicity Chair
The Sudbury and District Quilting and Stitchery Guild is happy to announce our 2024 Quilts on the Rocks (QOR) Quilting and Stitchery Show. This year’s show will be hosted at the Days Inn (former Northbury Hotel) from October 19-20, 2024. The show will be open from 10am to 4pm each day and will include quilting and stitchery displays, a merchant mall, a community quilts program display, a boutique, and a silent auction. Admission is $10 per person and tickets may be purchased in advance or at the door.
In addition to our regular show highlights, we are pleased to have Judy Lyons participating in this year’s QOR. Judy is a specialist in the appraising of traditional and non-traditional quilts, fibre art, needlework, and textiles. She is an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers and is also certified with the American Quilters Society (AQS). We welcome anyone to take advantage of the opportunity to have their quilt or stitchery item appraised during our show. You will receive a written document confirming the age, identification, constructions, workmanship, and up-to-date unbiased estimated value of your quilt, art quilt, stitchery or garments. Please contact Kathryn McIlmoyle (705-822-1113) to book an appointment for Saturday or Sunday. The cost is $60.00 for appraisal, paid directly to Judy.
If you have any questions, would like to pre-purchase tickets, or would like paper copies of publicity materials, please feel free to go to our website (www.sdqsg.com), email us (sdqsg@gmail.com), or call Kathryn (705-822-1113) or Ashleigh (705-677-8704).
Our guild is looking forward to hosting Quilts on the Rocks in October. Thank you for your support and we hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Ashleigh McBain
QOR Publicity Chair
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, Lucy, Sue H, Vickie, Marilyn, Martha, Rennie, 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 October 23
***** Note that our meetings are typically the 4th Wednesday of every month (not the last Wednesday of the month)
***** Note that our meetings are typically the 4th Wednesday of every month (not the last Wednesday of the month)