Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa County
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Newsletter
President's
Message
This is the season for giving and that’s exactly what happened at the November meeting. Our generous quilters not only make pillow cases, quilts, bibs, teddy bears, patriotic quilts and bags etc., a total of $726 was donated for Meals on Wheels at the meeting. This is the holiday recipient of the Guild’s charity gift this year. Donations will be collected at the December meeting and can be mailed to our Treasurer Reba Seiro, if you aren’t able to attend the meeting and want to contribute. A donation from our Treasury will also be added to the total."In this season of giving, it’s always a pleasure to reflect on the wealth of experiences added to our lives by quilting. The look on the face of someone receiving a brand new quilt, the singular comfort of snuggling under a much loved quilted throw, the peaceful feeling one gets when doing hand work, the creative thrills of designing quilts and playing with fabric, the fun and excitement of quilt classes and vacations, and the companionship camaraderie of guilds, bees and online quilting friends for all of this and so much more, we can thank our shared passion for quilting. Making quilts for others is an amazing act of giving, but quilting is also a powerful way of giving to ourselves." Couldn’t have said this any better so I quoted the editor of McCall’s Quilting. Wishing you a very happy holiday season and hope you join us for socializing and fun at the December meeting. Enjoy the gift of quilting.
Carole Bibeau
General MeetingDecember 19, 2011 Holiday Celebration - Social Come share the joy of the holidays, get to know some more of our members at the round tables. Holiday music will be playing. There are a number of small bears left for us to stuff for little ones. Please bring a treat to share. We’ll provide some-thing to drink. We thought it would be fun to do a quilting/sewing accessory exchange. Some small item that would be helpful to have for under $5. Please wrap it for the exchange.
Remember to Bring: Show & Tell, Library Books, Block of the Month Rita Johnson &
Kathy Callahan,
Co-Chairs Upcoming SpeakersTuesday, January 17, 2012 Aileyn Renli Ecob and Jean Renli Jurgenson (remember this is a Tuesday night meeting)These two sisters from a quilting family are former Guild members. What's it like to be from a quilting family. Come see and hear about their progression as quilters. They will bring quilts to share including their latest works.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Sandy Klop "The American Jane Story in Fabric" (remember this is a Tuesday night meeting)Sandy taught art in the Middle East. She loved the rich colors and patterns in the tiles and carpets there. On returning to the US, she began making pattern samples at a local quilt shop and taught classes. Since 2003 she has been designing fabric for Moda. She also has a line of patterns. http://americanjane.com/index.php
Board MeetingWednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Farm Bureau Building [5554 Clayton Road, Concord 94521] at 7:00 pm. All members are welcome to attend. [If you wish to discuss something, please contact Carole Bibeau to be put on the agenda.]
WorkshopsWorkshops are $15 each and are taught by our talented Guild members. Class size is limited to 10 so there is plenty of time for individual attention (not to mention you can't beat the price!). Workshops are from 9 AM-1 PM at the 'Farm House,' 5554 Clayton Rd., just a few blocks from where we hold our Quilt Show. Workshop policies are posted in our membership directory so please check them out.
Our guild gives its member teachers a pretty nice stipend for their time and effort so, besides sharing knowledge, techniques and fun, your pockets will jingle a bit louder (more fabric!). If you're interested in giving a workshop, or have questions, give me a call or see me at a meeting. Shari Wildschutte
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We're taking sign-ups for both the Block Exchange Group 2011-2012 and a Round Robin group. Sign up at the meeting or contact me, Ann Gimbel Thanks, Ann
MembershipWelcome to new members Mona Trowbridge, Pat Miller, Nona Rukasis, Janet Wilson, and Marguerite Chatigny who joined us in October and November.We have reached our 300th member! Currently the membership books are at the Farmhouse for you to pick up. They will also be available at meetings for you to pick-up.
Terry McNally, Membership Chair
Affiliate Membership Application [ back to top ]
Quilts to ShareWe would like to acknowledge the following for their November donations Bibs: Linda Hiatt (4), Ilka Mullarkey (2), Kathy Schmitz (4), Dianne Slattery (4), and Susan Swindell (4)Pillowcases : Carol Clark, Valleria Furtado (30), Christine Gibson (6), Claire McIvor (7), Waunell Michels (2), Dianne Slattery (3), Alice Smith (2), and Susan Swindell (3)Quilts : Carol Clark, Claire McIvor (2), Ilka MullarkeyBaby quilts: Florence Schnitzel, Genie Sharp, and Lupe Withers (3)Linda Waxman, director of the Contra Costa Hospital, in Martinez received (105) crochet caps and booties, baby quilts, bibs, and small bears. She was very grateful for our generous donations. I thank Kathy Rummel for suggesting a charity to which we could donate our pillowcases and quilts. Friends of Oakley which provide pillowcases to Seniors and packages for the high school age children (their registered families) received 104 pillowcases, 4 quilts, books, tapes, and a few toys. These packages reflect the messages and values of Rachel's Challenge. They also provide a travel pillow with the message "Dare to Dream."Thank you Bonnie Engel for the donation of fabric.On behalf of the Guild, we sincerely thank all of you! Respectfully, Cynthia Allen and helpers Carol and Catherine Smith
Quilt sizes: Remember as always your block size plays a part in your finished measurement. Lap/Crib: width no less than 44" x 56", Twin: 66" x 90", Double 80" x 92". INFORMATION ABOUT QUILTS, ETC. [more information on the Location and Information page] Patriotic Quilts: If you would like to complete a quilt, quilt top, or quilt block, we will be accepting them all year long. The completed quilt or top size should be 50” x 60”. The quilt back size should be 56” x 66”. The quilt block can be any size. Teen Quilt Project : We are continuing towards completing twin size quilts appropriate for ages 13 through 18 to be given to the foster teens. Consider making more than one block of whatever you are working on at the moment and bringing to the Quilts to Share table. Everything is appreciated. Pillowcase Project: WOW! Those pillowcases keep a coming. Aren’t they just so fun! They are totally addicting. Don’t forget to bring those pillowcase kits back next month and pick up a few more. Below is a link to a video that shows how to make a "sausage" pillowcase. It's so easy and everything ends up neat and clean! http://www.qovf.org/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=241&catid=2 We continue to need children’s and teen quilts for several different organizations. Remember the sewing of strips to foundation blocks technique for left over material. Variation of strip sizes and colors make the blocks interesting and then sewing the blocks together is a snap. Have we said thank-you? If not – Thank you so much – you are making many feel better with your generosity.
Handy size guide Bears - We have added stuffed bears to projects. Small bears [Minkee bears] are great size for the Layette project. Larger bears will find other homes. Below are links to bear patterns. The larger bear requires sewing knowledge with assembly of all the pieces. The smaller bear is flat and can be loosely or fully stuffed.
Also for details on sizes please see the Quilts to Share Guidelines area under the Information [ back to top ]
Patriotic Quilts
Your Patriotic Team is so grateful for
every stitch
of time, stash & talent you have donated to honor the women and men serving
to protect our precious freedom. 2011 accomplishments include over
50 quilts/tops and a new relationship with the Martinez Veteran’s Hospital (thanks to Ellen Heathcote). "Dear Members, On behalf of the Veterans and staff at the VA Northern California Health Care System, I want to extend our thanks for your thoughtfulness demonstrated through your donations of wheel chair bags, Foley bags, pillow cases and quilts. The kindness, time and talent you shared contribute to the quality of care we want to provide our Veterans. These items are very useful and greatly appreciated. It is community members like you who remember our Veterans and take the time to make good things happen by allowing us to achieve a higher level of care and comfort for our patients. Sincerely, Maria Almes, Chief of Voluntary Services, Department of Veterans Affairs" November donations include: Completed quilts by Lupe Withers and Mary Morrow/youth group. Block contributions: Valleria Furtado (4), Dianne Slattery (1), MaryAnn Hruska (1), Jackie Seidell (1), Catherine Crowell (1), Joan Manning (1). VA Hospital Bags: Waunell Michels (21), Ardith Plamback (9), Sandy Mowrer (1), Becky Styles (1), Anonymous (2). Pillow cases: Ellen Heathcote (6), Penny Gustafson (2), Karen Morones (2). Quilt top made from blocks donated by Claire McIvor and assembled by Audrey McInerneyPlease check out the first 2012 block pattern attached. [link to pdf is below] Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from your Patriotic Team; Monthly patterns can be found at the Patriotic table at monthly meetings, in the newsletter and below. Please check out our corner table each month, where you can pick up kits & patterns. **Reminder! We want to personally thank you, so please remember to include your name with your contribution. Thank you for supporting the brave men & women defending our freedom. Your Patriotic Team: VA Hospital Bag Project pattern 2011 Blocks February & March April & May June & July August/September 2010 Blocks July/August Block September Block November Block December10/January 11 Block When printing the templates for the Dec/Jan BOM remember do not shrink page to fit. Print at full size. It will still print on letter size paper. Blocks – prefer 12 ½” unfinished but will accept other sizes Tops – prefer not larger than 50” x 60” (cost too much to mail) Below is a link to a video that shows how to make a "sausage" pillowcase to go with that patriotic quilt. http://www.qovf.org/index.php?option=com_seyret&Itemid=241&catid=2 Article about Quilts of Honor and Gail Belmont
Don't have time but know of a child who wants to learn, please let us know! We have women who would love to pass the tradition of quilting on to them!
NCQC Corner = Northern California Quilt CouncilThe next meeting will be January 18, 2012, at 10:30 am at the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles. NCQC is planning an outing there with a special guided tour by the curator. The meeting is open to all Guild members at no charge. [Our guild is a member of NCQC] This would be a great opportunity to visit the museum. Kathy Callahan / your Northern California Quilt Council Representative Visit the NCQC website for all kinds of information: http://www.ncqc.net Note: On the NCQC site you can find information about member quilt shops, teachers. The calendar lists quilting events. Be sure to bookmark this site to find out all kinds of information. [ back to top ] SunshineIf you know of a guild member who needs a note of cheer or sympathy, please call me. Myrna
Rutkas
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Newsletter InputNewsletter input for the February 2012 newsletter is due to Becky Styles by noon Thursday, January 26, 2012. Send email to: Newsletter. We welcome submissions from all members and publish as many as we can. If you wish to change how you receive your newsletter, please let me know. Appropriate advertisements are accepted for the monthly newsletter. Contact me for rates. Becky Styles [ back to top ]
Quilt Show
Quilt Travel Coordinator We need 4 members to display and sell Opportunity Quilt tickets: Contact Kathy Kluever
2012 Challenge Fabric packets for the 2012 Challenge, "Simply Samplers" will be available at the general meetings. Packets will be $5.00. Beverly Spurs
Well.....decorations may be up, shopping has begun and Santa is ringing his bell at Kmart....but some of us are starting to think of spring and our 2012 QUILT SHOW! Your country store committee is already beginning to collect donations. Are your fabric drawers too full? Did you make too many pin cushions for gifts? Did Aunt Martha clean out her stash and give you too many yards of baby flannel? What about the bunch of quilt squares that sister Sophie just can't set together? Or the plastic bobbin box that won't fit in your new sewing machine cabinet? Tired of appliqué and need to get rid of the books? Ribbons and embellishments that don't fit your style anymore? Need to deal with your button hoarding issues? WE CAN HELP YOU! Just bring your donations to the next meeting OR drop them off at the farmhouse (there are bins in the back corner of the room) OR give Kathy or Phyllis a call or email. The sooner we start prepping your donations for the store, the happier we will be. Thanks! Kathy Snyder, Phyllis Nishimori, Fran McNamee, Eileen Limberg
2011 Viewers' Choice Winners [See the quilt show page]
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Work is starting on our 2013 opportunity quilt, blocks are out for paper piecing. The borders will have appliqué. Claire McIvor
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Miscellaneous InformationFarmhouse/Classroom All meetings and activities held in the classroom are open to the general membership. In the case of paid workshops, only those registered can attend. Please see the schedule in the newsletter for the times that the classroom is open. If you have a special need to use the classroom, please check the calendar in the classroom or call me, Raynell Coleman to make arrangements for the classroom to be opened.
There is a folder at the Farmhouse with information about our Guild. Also Board minutes will be available at the sign in table at general meetings. Members can read the minutes there if they chose. Be sure to pick up your membership card and directory at the next general meeting. This will save the expense of mailing it to you. Newsletter Ads & Announcement Policy The following policy was adopted by the board at the September meeting:
Fee schedule for newsletter ads will be as follows: $10.00 for business card size ad EMAIL POLICY
LOPCided Quilters The LOPCided Quilters meet at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, in Room 202 on Thursdays from 1-3. We invite you to join us in making quilts for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery. Bring your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies; we have fabric and batting. We also have fabric that is already cut and ready to sew. Several members of the guild are also in the group. We hope to have you join us. If you'd like more information, contact Ann Gimbel Cleaning for a Reason If you know any woman currently undergoing chemo-therapy, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a blessing to someone and pass this information along. http://www.cleaningforareason.org/
Opportunities - Check here for any current requests for help or opportunities to share your talents!
**** If you make quilts for others, i.e. memory quilts, T-shirt quilts, etc. and would like to share your talents with others, please let me know so that I may pass your name on to those that email the guild for help. Kathy quiltkathy@aol.com [ back to top ]
Places To Go and Things To Do!Check out the NCQC Calendar for information as well! http://www.ncqc.net/events.htm
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AffiliatesOur Affiliates
- Please patronize these members of our guild
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Newsletter Archives - Current and Past Newsletters in .pdf format These are pdf files which require Acrobat
Reader to display them. This is a free download.
2011 Newsletters February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August 2011 September 2011 October 2011 November 2011 December 11-January2012 2010 Newsletters February 2010 March 2010 May 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010 September 2010 October 2010 November 2010 December10-January2011 2009 Newsletters February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 09-January 2010 |
