My Blog List
Monday, December 7, 2009
Dec 15 meeting
Quartzsite Quilt Show will be Feb 12 & 13, 2010
Just a reminder that the pot luck has been moved to Dec 22. We will also do a gift exchange of a $5.00 item, quilt related please. If you bring and gift you will get a gift.
Dec 15 will have a class with Lisa of the crooked nickle. It will be at 1:30 at the Mountain View Resort club house. The location has moved because we have to charge a fee for this class.
Happy Holiday to all!
Just a reminder that the pot luck has been moved to Dec 22. We will also do a gift exchange of a $5.00 item, quilt related please. If you bring and gift you will get a gift.
Dec 15 will have a class with Lisa of the crooked nickle. It will be at 1:30 at the Mountain View Resort club house. The location has moved because we have to charge a fee for this class.
Happy Holiday to all!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
tall canning jars
I just found an awesome piece of fabric in my local quilt store.....and was wondering if anyone else in our group has been dreaming about a canning jar wall hanging? Let me know if you would like to swap some fruit or veggie novelty fabrics. The tall jars require a 5 1/2 X 8 inch cut of fabric. I don't know about the small jars.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
ear rings
Okay, okay....I have not been near my sewing machine. This is what I have been doing. I had an order for 25 pair. Just finished. Now I can get back to sewing.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sept 2009 newsletter
September 2009 Newsletter
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get back to Quartzsite and get out my sewing machine. I have so little time to do anything in the summer, Arizona is a wonderful break. And not just because I don’t waste time there cleaning house!
I did not get any reports about members entering their county fair so you will have to listen to mine. I entered 13 craft items and won 13 ribbons. 3 of the projects you saw in Q. We had great weather and a great time. I am also in the garden club so was working there too.
We have one of the few county fairs here that is actually growing. We have lots of hard working people to keep things going. This year they added an energy park. Of course I was very excited because my son was a speaker. He works for” Next Generation”, a wind turbine company in Pipestone MN. There were 6 other experts from the local power company, a regional power company, MN State Clean Air, a state rep. and a congressman. They had a wind turbine, solar panels and hybrid cars on display with sales reps to talk to.
I see a lot of us are on facebook. The funny part is that we are not talking about quilting. Well that’s okay too. We have to have some time away from our machines. But, for those of you online, www.quiltposium.com is a free on line quilt magazine starting in Sept. Check it out.
News from the President, Barb Mitchell:
• I don’t know where the summer went. It has been rather hectic with my husband’s health and all. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.
• The first meeting will be Oct. 13 9:00 AM-3:00PM. One Tuesday a month we still have to be out early for the Center’s board meeting. We will find out which one it is.
• I will be out of town on Nov. 3rd which is the first Tuesday. So the first actual business meeting will be November 10th.
• Please remember that membership of $10.00 is payable at the first business meeting Nov 10thth or the day of your first Meeting. Please note any address or phone number changes at that time. You are welcome to mail your dues to the treasurer Dee Falcon, P O Box 4821, Quartzsite AZ 85359.
• We will have many new members this year as some ladies have been getting together this summer and others from the Senior Citizen have became interested in quilting.
• Be sure to bring your new ideas and things you have learned in your quilting groups back home.
• If you have extra sewing stuff that you are tired of and want them to go away, bring them with you. I have a couple fun ideas for them. If there are any questions about this please give me a call.
• I will be talking to Bonnie (fabric lady) about coming twice this season and enough notice given so everyone will be ready. To the best of my knowledge she will not be down until after Christmas.
• If anyone has any ideas please call me or send an e-mail and let me know so that we can plan ahead. Barb M
Reminder from a Quartzsite Quilter…What do we get for our $10.00 in dues? Well Louise says in her town we would have paid $35.00 for the disappearing nine patch class that Marilyn taught us for a simple “thank you Marilyn!”
+++++ News about classes +++++
For those of you that talked with Marilyn Summers about this years quilt class. she says “ It is a Pat Sloan design. It is a good one to learn appliqué and machine quilting. ...It's just an applique'd wall-hanging that I was going to teach only if they committed to finishing the whole thing including the machine quilting. If they are interested have them call or e-mail and I'll give them the details.
Barb Williams will have her paintstiks. She just got a video of paintstik “Inspirations!” for her birthday, but is not allowed to watch it until this newsletter is done, err , well almost done. I can fold the printed letters while I watch the video, RIGHT? So bring your paintstiks. If you have oil pastels we will try them too. Even color crayons will do some of the techniques.
Peggy has a new stack and whack for us to try. We don’t know how to describe this except to say it is sorta like a rail fence. Now it gets even better. How much fabric? Well you will be cutting rectangles and the length of the fabric has to be 4 repeats of your pattern. (9 ½ inch repeat?) The fabric must have sharp contrast to work. You will need about 1 ½ yards of a single color from the print for the sashing. You can always call Peggy Barnes for more info.
We had talked about fabric dying with the vendor that was at our quilt show. If we do that I think she would bring every thing. We just need money as always, so bring lots of that too.
Although all our classes are exciting I am really looking forward to the class by Ladyhawk. She gave us classes about 3 years ago and she is absolutely great!! We are so lucky to have her in the area. The date will be shortly after the quilt show. In 2000, Julie was awarded the national honor of ‘Teacher of the Year' by Professional Quilter magazine. She teaches and lectures at many shops and quilt guilds around the country.
For her class you should have a zig zag machine for best results. A featherweight may not do everything you want in this class, so check first. Supplies are available to purchase. But if you have light weight water soluble stabilizer, a thin hoop that will fit under the darning foot, embroidery needles, pearl cotton , ribbons, and pretty threads, yarns etc for couching. Bring them with and it is less you have to buy latter.
A little background on Julie of LadyHawk Designs, taken from her web site.
In the Spring of 1997, after more than 20 years of quilting for myself, my family and friends, I began teaching at a nearby quilt shop. One of the classes I taught was a landscape wall hanging I designed for my home. The class and the pattern were a huge success, and LadyHawk designs™ was born.
Workshops
LadyHawk designs workshops are usually a one day workshop. They are focused around the techniques applied to the various LadyHawk designs quilts and wearable art, and are packed full of new and innovative ways of manipulating fabric and thread, as well as tips that will help you be a better seamstress and quilter. The workshops are hands on, designed to demonstrate and explain each technique thoroughly, and then time is allotted for students to practice the techniques in a supportive environment.
They are structured with several demonstration periods, each followed by ample time for students to experiment with the techniques first hand. There are pockets of time filled with creativity, designed to inspire you to 'try something new'. You may take the classes in any order you wish.
I will be happy to design a 'custom' workshop to suit your needs if you desire - just give me a call. I think this is what we are doing???maybe???? A combination of both classes I hope…since some of us have had #3.
TextureScapes 3
One session - 6 Hours ~ $50.00 per student- minimum 10, maximum 20 students.
Skill level: Confident beginner
This is the workshop of your dreams. It is the perfect place to learn new techniques that you've been afraid to try. It is my most popular class - it always proves to be a fun-filled inspirational day!
This technique class addresses the 'embellishing' aspect of my designs. In this workshop, we start with the basics of free motion stitching, so it is not necessary to have free motion experience before you come to class. From the basics we will move forward at warp speed, exploring several different techniques that will enable you to create dozens of embellishments. I use this method in some way on almost all of my designs, to create plants or animals that have a realistic, dimensional appearance. We will also incorporate several uses for bobbin work, including straight stitch and free motion bobbin work, two easy methods of couching fibers, and countless ideas for employing these methods in your projects. You'll leave at the end of the day with your head full of new and exciting ideas - more fun than adults should have!
3-D Thread Drawing New!
One session - 6 Hours ~ $50.00 per student
Skill level: Confident beginner
This workshop targets improving your free-motion skills in the spirit of adventure!
This intensive study in free-motion embellishing will start with a short review of the basics, just to refresh your memory, and then we will branch out in several different directions, taking embellishments to the third dimension. We will create embellishments and designs that really ‘stand out’! I’ll bring samples of a few items, and I’ll demonstrate everything for you, then we’ll spend the rest of the day just playing! Interaction between students is very much encouraged as we try out new ideas in class.
Don’t worry if your free-motion skills aren’t what you wish they were – Trust me, this class will really help you improve all of your free-motion skills, from embellishing to quilting. If you have a BASIC understanding of free-motion stitching (i.e. quilting, embellishing, free-motion embroidery or just darning your jeans) you are ready for this class!
===============================================================
Motto for the day: “Don’t worry ‘bout nuthin’
========================================================
Dates to remember
Oct 13th, our first meeting at the Senior Center 9 A.M.
Nov 6 & 7 Havasu Stitchers Quilt Show…link http://havasustitchers.com/oddsnends.html
Jan5-9 2010 Havasu Stitchers Retreat….link http://havasustitchers.com/oddsnends.html
Feb. 12 & 13 2010 Quartzsite Quilters Show.
________________________________________________________________
Cherry Coke Salad Submitted By Sandra
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) cherry gelatin
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 3/4 cup cola
Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set fruit aside. In a saucepan or microwave, bring pineapple juice and water to a boil. Add gelatin; stir until dissolved. Stir in pie filling and cola.
Pour into a serving bowl. Refrigerate until slightly thickened. Fold in reserved pineapple. Refrigerate until firm. Yield: 10-12 servings.
Chicken Enchiladas from Sandra Prep time 15 min.
1 or 2 cans 12.5 oz chicken breast-drained
1/2 chopped onion
2 cans 10oz each Enchilada sauce
8 oz shredded cheese
1 pkg. 9" tortillas about 12
1 can refried beans
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread refried beans on the bottom of 13” x 9” pan.
Break up chicken breast with a fork.
Combine chicken with onion, 1 can sauce and 4 oz shredded cheese.
Lay out tortilla on the counter, fill each tortilla with mixture, roll up and place seam side down on top of refried beans. Pour remaining can of sauce on top of rolled tortillas, sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve with shredded lettuce and sour cream.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get back to Quartzsite and get out my sewing machine. I have so little time to do anything in the summer, Arizona is a wonderful break. And not just because I don’t waste time there cleaning house!
I did not get any reports about members entering their county fair so you will have to listen to mine. I entered 13 craft items and won 13 ribbons. 3 of the projects you saw in Q. We had great weather and a great time. I am also in the garden club so was working there too.
We have one of the few county fairs here that is actually growing. We have lots of hard working people to keep things going. This year they added an energy park. Of course I was very excited because my son was a speaker. He works for” Next Generation”, a wind turbine company in Pipestone MN. There were 6 other experts from the local power company, a regional power company, MN State Clean Air, a state rep. and a congressman. They had a wind turbine, solar panels and hybrid cars on display with sales reps to talk to.
I see a lot of us are on facebook. The funny part is that we are not talking about quilting. Well that’s okay too. We have to have some time away from our machines. But, for those of you online, www.quiltposium.com is a free on line quilt magazine starting in Sept. Check it out.
News from the President, Barb Mitchell:
• I don’t know where the summer went. It has been rather hectic with my husband’s health and all. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again this year.
• The first meeting will be Oct. 13 9:00 AM-3:00PM. One Tuesday a month we still have to be out early for the Center’s board meeting. We will find out which one it is.
• I will be out of town on Nov. 3rd which is the first Tuesday. So the first actual business meeting will be November 10th.
• Please remember that membership of $10.00 is payable at the first business meeting Nov 10thth or the day of your first Meeting. Please note any address or phone number changes at that time. You are welcome to mail your dues to the treasurer Dee Falcon, P O Box 4821, Quartzsite AZ 85359.
• We will have many new members this year as some ladies have been getting together this summer and others from the Senior Citizen have became interested in quilting.
• Be sure to bring your new ideas and things you have learned in your quilting groups back home.
• If you have extra sewing stuff that you are tired of and want them to go away, bring them with you. I have a couple fun ideas for them. If there are any questions about this please give me a call.
• I will be talking to Bonnie (fabric lady) about coming twice this season and enough notice given so everyone will be ready. To the best of my knowledge she will not be down until after Christmas.
• If anyone has any ideas please call me or send an e-mail and let me know so that we can plan ahead. Barb M
Reminder from a Quartzsite Quilter…What do we get for our $10.00 in dues? Well Louise says in her town we would have paid $35.00 for the disappearing nine patch class that Marilyn taught us for a simple “thank you Marilyn!”
+++++ News about classes +++++
For those of you that talked with Marilyn Summers about this years quilt class. she says “ It is a Pat Sloan design. It is a good one to learn appliqué and machine quilting. ...It's just an applique'd wall-hanging that I was going to teach only if they committed to finishing the whole thing including the machine quilting. If they are interested have them call or e-mail and I'll give them the details.
Barb Williams will have her paintstiks. She just got a video of paintstik “Inspirations!” for her birthday, but is not allowed to watch it until this newsletter is done, err , well almost done. I can fold the printed letters while I watch the video, RIGHT? So bring your paintstiks. If you have oil pastels we will try them too. Even color crayons will do some of the techniques.
Peggy has a new stack and whack for us to try. We don’t know how to describe this except to say it is sorta like a rail fence. Now it gets even better. How much fabric? Well you will be cutting rectangles and the length of the fabric has to be 4 repeats of your pattern. (9 ½ inch repeat?) The fabric must have sharp contrast to work. You will need about 1 ½ yards of a single color from the print for the sashing. You can always call Peggy Barnes for more info.
We had talked about fabric dying with the vendor that was at our quilt show. If we do that I think she would bring every thing. We just need money as always, so bring lots of that too.
Although all our classes are exciting I am really looking forward to the class by Ladyhawk. She gave us classes about 3 years ago and she is absolutely great!! We are so lucky to have her in the area. The date will be shortly after the quilt show. In 2000, Julie was awarded the national honor of ‘Teacher of the Year' by Professional Quilter magazine. She teaches and lectures at many shops and quilt guilds around the country.
For her class you should have a zig zag machine for best results. A featherweight may not do everything you want in this class, so check first. Supplies are available to purchase. But if you have light weight water soluble stabilizer, a thin hoop that will fit under the darning foot, embroidery needles, pearl cotton , ribbons, and pretty threads, yarns etc for couching. Bring them with and it is less you have to buy latter.
A little background on Julie of LadyHawk Designs, taken from her web site.
In the Spring of 1997, after more than 20 years of quilting for myself, my family and friends, I began teaching at a nearby quilt shop. One of the classes I taught was a landscape wall hanging I designed for my home. The class and the pattern were a huge success, and LadyHawk designs™ was born.
Workshops
LadyHawk designs workshops are usually a one day workshop. They are focused around the techniques applied to the various LadyHawk designs quilts and wearable art, and are packed full of new and innovative ways of manipulating fabric and thread, as well as tips that will help you be a better seamstress and quilter. The workshops are hands on, designed to demonstrate and explain each technique thoroughly, and then time is allotted for students to practice the techniques in a supportive environment.
They are structured with several demonstration periods, each followed by ample time for students to experiment with the techniques first hand. There are pockets of time filled with creativity, designed to inspire you to 'try something new'. You may take the classes in any order you wish.
I will be happy to design a 'custom' workshop to suit your needs if you desire - just give me a call. I think this is what we are doing???maybe???? A combination of both classes I hope…since some of us have had #3.
TextureScapes 3
One session - 6 Hours ~ $50.00 per student- minimum 10, maximum 20 students.
Skill level: Confident beginner
This is the workshop of your dreams. It is the perfect place to learn new techniques that you've been afraid to try. It is my most popular class - it always proves to be a fun-filled inspirational day!
This technique class addresses the 'embellishing' aspect of my designs. In this workshop, we start with the basics of free motion stitching, so it is not necessary to have free motion experience before you come to class. From the basics we will move forward at warp speed, exploring several different techniques that will enable you to create dozens of embellishments. I use this method in some way on almost all of my designs, to create plants or animals that have a realistic, dimensional appearance. We will also incorporate several uses for bobbin work, including straight stitch and free motion bobbin work, two easy methods of couching fibers, and countless ideas for employing these methods in your projects. You'll leave at the end of the day with your head full of new and exciting ideas - more fun than adults should have!
3-D Thread Drawing New!
One session - 6 Hours ~ $50.00 per student
Skill level: Confident beginner
This workshop targets improving your free-motion skills in the spirit of adventure!
This intensive study in free-motion embellishing will start with a short review of the basics, just to refresh your memory, and then we will branch out in several different directions, taking embellishments to the third dimension. We will create embellishments and designs that really ‘stand out’! I’ll bring samples of a few items, and I’ll demonstrate everything for you, then we’ll spend the rest of the day just playing! Interaction between students is very much encouraged as we try out new ideas in class.
Don’t worry if your free-motion skills aren’t what you wish they were – Trust me, this class will really help you improve all of your free-motion skills, from embellishing to quilting. If you have a BASIC understanding of free-motion stitching (i.e. quilting, embellishing, free-motion embroidery or just darning your jeans) you are ready for this class!
===============================================================
Motto for the day: “Don’t worry ‘bout nuthin’
========================================================
Dates to remember
Oct 13th, our first meeting at the Senior Center 9 A.M.
Nov 6 & 7 Havasu Stitchers Quilt Show…link http://havasustitchers.com/oddsnends.html
Jan5-9 2010 Havasu Stitchers Retreat….link http://havasustitchers.com/oddsnends.html
Feb. 12 & 13 2010 Quartzsite Quilters Show.
________________________________________________________________
Cherry Coke Salad Submitted By Sandra
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 packages (3 ounces each) cherry gelatin
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 3/4 cup cola
Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set fruit aside. In a saucepan or microwave, bring pineapple juice and water to a boil. Add gelatin; stir until dissolved. Stir in pie filling and cola.
Pour into a serving bowl. Refrigerate until slightly thickened. Fold in reserved pineapple. Refrigerate until firm. Yield: 10-12 servings.
Chicken Enchiladas from Sandra Prep time 15 min.
1 or 2 cans 12.5 oz chicken breast-drained
1/2 chopped onion
2 cans 10oz each Enchilada sauce
8 oz shredded cheese
1 pkg. 9" tortillas about 12
1 can refried beans
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Spread refried beans on the bottom of 13” x 9” pan.
Break up chicken breast with a fork.
Combine chicken with onion, 1 can sauce and 4 oz shredded cheese.
Lay out tortilla on the counter, fill each tortilla with mixture, roll up and place seam side down on top of refried beans. Pour remaining can of sauce on top of rolled tortillas, sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Serve with shredded lettuce and sour cream.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
july newsletter 2009
July 2009 Newsletter
Sorry to be so slow. I took 4 days off and went to Duluth with a grandson. Since he is from AZ I wanted to show him something totally different. We took a harbor cruise and saw several cargo ships come into the port. We also toured a retired ore carrier. It was a great trip. Now if I can just get back to quilting. Although I have not done much quilting, I have started a quilt for the new grand-daughter due in Oct. Having a job, a part-time 12 year grandson, family wedding and I now have a new puppy. Those of you with computers may have seen face book. I have seen some of your names on my screen. I too am trying to learn how the darn thing works.
Phyllis tells me that she and her DH are putting a manufactured home on a foundation in Shelley, ID., 7 mi S of ID Falls. I Hope they don’t stay there too late this fall. She is practicing her appliqué and learning to do seed beads. Way to go Phyllis!! We have a lot of “beaders” in our group now. Will there be more beaded quilts at the show this year??
Natalie has been sewing prom clothing again. I will have a photo on the internet if I can get it to work. The rest of you will have to see her pictures in Q.
Janice, I have not heard from you. So I have not gotten a schedule for our winter classes. It should be ready for the Sept newsletter. Hint, hint. Peggy B. has a new stack and whack for us to try. They are always fun and easy. (Unless your like me and do things backwards) If you have any other ideas be sure to get with Janice.
I plan to have my paint sticks with me and more painting with thread. Hope you bring yourpaint stiks if you have them or even color crayons. Paint sticks were on the TV program Quilting Arts last spring. I picked up several new ideas. Did anyone else see it? I don’t have cable or anything like that so I enjoy visiting people that do. I also have a paint stick video to share. Well I will after my Birthday next month. My mom has bought it for me. It’s great when some one asks you what you want. BUT, It is so hard to wait!
Quilting TIP………
How to Choose the right batting, from “All People Quilt” July 2009
Batting is the soft layer between the quilt top and the backing. It gives the quilt dimension and definition as well as offering warmth. Because it comes in various thicknesses, it can make a quilt flat or puffy, stiff or drapable. It is available by the yard or packaged to fit standard bed sizes.
Historically, quiltmakers used whatever natural fibers were on hand for the quilt’s middle layer. Today’s quilter can choose from natural and synthetic products that have a variety of characteristics.The batting you choose should complement the nature and use of your finished quilt. The following pages will help you compare batting products and choose the one that will work best for your project.
Batting Qualities
These terms will help you compare the various types and features of batting products.
Drapability: The density or sparseness of the quilting and the loft of the batting will affect the drape, or relative stiffness or softness, of the finished quilt.
Grain line: The lengthwise grain is stable and doesn’t have much give; the crosswise grain will be stretchy.
Loft: This term describes the thickness of the batting. Different loft levels result in different appearances in a finished quilt.
Resiliency: This is the batting’s ability to regain its original shape--how quickly it can spring back when unfolded and how it resists creasing.
Warmth: Cotton battings absorb moisture, making them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Wool battings provide warmth with little weight.
Washability and shrinkage: Polyester and wool battings resist shrinking, while cotton can shrink from 3 to 5 percent. Some quilters prefer the puckered, antique look that results when batting shrinks.
You have to Compare the pros and cons of each type of batting and make the best choice for your needs.
Alice A. sent me this recipe to share:
TRY THIS AS A SUMMER DIP.....UMMMMMMMMMM LOVE ALICEThis is an excellent dip and you can use canned shrimp “men love it....”
Shrimp in Hollowed out Pineapple
8 oz. pkg cream cheese - soft
1/2 pt. sour cream (1 cup)
1 can cream of shrimp soup
#2 1/2 can crushed drained pineapple
1/2 lb small cooked shrimp (Or more)
Grated onion to taste
Tabasco sauce to taste
Combine and serve in a hollowed out pineapple Make several hours ahead for flavor to be the best.
Keep refrigerated. Serve with crackers. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I have an email from Connecting Threads.
They remind us that their material is raised in the U.S. and woven and printed in North America. That may be as good as we can get these days with every thing being imported.
Reminders:
Happy Birthday to all the summer birthdays.
.Have you started your charity quilt??
. Have you finished your block for Louise’s challenge?
. Louise are you going to teach us how to make quilted post cards??I’m ready to learn… maybe I’ll paint you one!
. Is your round robin block in the mail if you signed up??
. Have you started your quilt for the quilt show?
. Have you entered a quilt in your local county fair?
.Have you sent Barb your ideas for show ribbons? I saw a picture of the ribbons from the Paducah show. Wow were they great!
. Do you have news for the next newsletter??
. Have you cleaned and oiled your sewing machine?
The people that do not have email received a copy of Cathy's letter and pictures here that you have below on the blog.
That's all
Barbara W
Sorry to be so slow. I took 4 days off and went to Duluth with a grandson. Since he is from AZ I wanted to show him something totally different. We took a harbor cruise and saw several cargo ships come into the port. We also toured a retired ore carrier. It was a great trip. Now if I can just get back to quilting. Although I have not done much quilting, I have started a quilt for the new grand-daughter due in Oct. Having a job, a part-time 12 year grandson, family wedding and I now have a new puppy. Those of you with computers may have seen face book. I have seen some of your names on my screen. I too am trying to learn how the darn thing works.
Phyllis tells me that she and her DH are putting a manufactured home on a foundation in Shelley, ID., 7 mi S of ID Falls. I Hope they don’t stay there too late this fall. She is practicing her appliqué and learning to do seed beads. Way to go Phyllis!! We have a lot of “beaders” in our group now. Will there be more beaded quilts at the show this year??
Natalie has been sewing prom clothing again. I will have a photo on the internet if I can get it to work. The rest of you will have to see her pictures in Q.
Janice, I have not heard from you. So I have not gotten a schedule for our winter classes. It should be ready for the Sept newsletter. Hint, hint. Peggy B. has a new stack and whack for us to try. They are always fun and easy. (Unless your like me and do things backwards) If you have any other ideas be sure to get with Janice.
I plan to have my paint sticks with me and more painting with thread. Hope you bring yourpaint stiks if you have them or even color crayons. Paint sticks were on the TV program Quilting Arts last spring. I picked up several new ideas. Did anyone else see it? I don’t have cable or anything like that so I enjoy visiting people that do. I also have a paint stick video to share. Well I will after my Birthday next month. My mom has bought it for me. It’s great when some one asks you what you want. BUT, It is so hard to wait!
Quilting TIP………
How to Choose the right batting, from “All People Quilt” July 2009
Batting is the soft layer between the quilt top and the backing. It gives the quilt dimension and definition as well as offering warmth. Because it comes in various thicknesses, it can make a quilt flat or puffy, stiff or drapable. It is available by the yard or packaged to fit standard bed sizes.
Historically, quiltmakers used whatever natural fibers were on hand for the quilt’s middle layer. Today’s quilter can choose from natural and synthetic products that have a variety of characteristics.The batting you choose should complement the nature and use of your finished quilt. The following pages will help you compare batting products and choose the one that will work best for your project.
Batting Qualities
These terms will help you compare the various types and features of batting products.
Drapability: The density or sparseness of the quilting and the loft of the batting will affect the drape, or relative stiffness or softness, of the finished quilt.
Grain line: The lengthwise grain is stable and doesn’t have much give; the crosswise grain will be stretchy.
Loft: This term describes the thickness of the batting. Different loft levels result in different appearances in a finished quilt.
Resiliency: This is the batting’s ability to regain its original shape--how quickly it can spring back when unfolded and how it resists creasing.
Warmth: Cotton battings absorb moisture, making them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Wool battings provide warmth with little weight.
Washability and shrinkage: Polyester and wool battings resist shrinking, while cotton can shrink from 3 to 5 percent. Some quilters prefer the puckered, antique look that results when batting shrinks.
You have to Compare the pros and cons of each type of batting and make the best choice for your needs.
Alice A. sent me this recipe to share:
TRY THIS AS A SUMMER DIP.....UMMMMMMMMMM LOVE ALICEThis is an excellent dip and you can use canned shrimp “men love it....”
Shrimp in Hollowed out Pineapple
8 oz. pkg cream cheese - soft
1/2 pt. sour cream (1 cup)
1 can cream of shrimp soup
#2 1/2 can crushed drained pineapple
1/2 lb small cooked shrimp (Or more)
Grated onion to taste
Tabasco sauce to taste
Combine and serve in a hollowed out pineapple Make several hours ahead for flavor to be the best.
Keep refrigerated. Serve with crackers. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
I have an email from Connecting Threads.
They remind us that their material is raised in the U.S. and woven and printed in North America. That may be as good as we can get these days with every thing being imported.
Reminders:
Happy Birthday to all the summer birthdays.
.Have you started your charity quilt??
. Have you finished your block for Louise’s challenge?
. Louise are you going to teach us how to make quilted post cards??I’m ready to learn… maybe I’ll paint you one!
. Is your round robin block in the mail if you signed up??
. Have you started your quilt for the quilt show?
. Have you entered a quilt in your local county fair?
.Have you sent Barb your ideas for show ribbons? I saw a picture of the ribbons from the Paducah show. Wow were they great!
. Do you have news for the next newsletter??
. Have you cleaned and oiled your sewing machine?
The people that do not have email received a copy of Cathy's letter and pictures here that you have below on the blog.
That's all
Barbara W
Monday, July 13, 2009
Hi Barb:
Just thought some of the group would be interested in seeing the Western quilt I was working on just before the end of the season. Some of them helped me lay it out & pin it for quilting. I finished it while we were travelling home and gave it to my daughter-in-law for her birthday. I did another Western quilt for my step-daughter's birthday in May but forgot to get a picture of it!
Also wanted to show off one of the Fairy panels I bought at the show in Phoenix. After I got home, I ordered the co-ordinating patterned fabric and found a couple of solid blue fabrics to match in my stash. I just finished it in time to give to my granddaughter for her 9th birthday this past weekend. I surprised myself and got it done in less than a week. Quite an accomplishment considering I'm working full time this summer and could only work on it in the evenings. I thought it would be quicker if I machine quilted it and everything went fairly well except my machine jammed a couple of times and I almost ran out of thread almost causing a panic attack! I was still sewing the binding on the way to the birthday party but I got it done! I have 2 more fairy panels and 2 more granddaughters. Thank goodness their birthdays aren't until September & December!
I was going to do quilts for a couple more daughters birthdays in July but I'm having 2nd thoughts about that now! I still have some kids quilts to finish up for the Family Motor Coach Assoc. convention in July. Hope I can find the time!
Hope your summer is going good. Other than having to work, I'm having a good one!
Kathy Chesher
Just thought some of the group would be interested in seeing the Western quilt I was working on just before the end of the season. Some of them helped me lay it out & pin it for quilting. I finished it while we were travelling home and gave it to my daughter-in-law for her birthday. I did another Western quilt for my step-daughter's birthday in May but forgot to get a picture of it!
Also wanted to show off one of the Fairy panels I bought at the show in Phoenix. After I got home, I ordered the co-ordinating patterned fabric and found a couple of solid blue fabrics to match in my stash. I just finished it in time to give to my granddaughter for her 9th birthday this past weekend. I surprised myself and got it done in less than a week. Quite an accomplishment considering I'm working full time this summer and could only work on it in the evenings. I thought it would be quicker if I machine quilted it and everything went fairly well except my machine jammed a couple of times and I almost ran out of thread almost causing a panic attack! I was still sewing the binding on the way to the birthday party but I got it done! I have 2 more fairy panels and 2 more granddaughters. Thank goodness their birthdays aren't until September & December!
I was going to do quilts for a couple more daughters birthdays in July but I'm having 2nd thoughts about that now! I still have some kids quilts to finish up for the Family Motor Coach Assoc. convention in July. Hope I can find the time!
Hope your summer is going good. Other than having to work, I'm having a good one!
Kathy Chesher
Saturday, May 30, 2009
newsletter 2009
Hello Everyone.
Well I missed the Rotary Cutter Anniversary in May.
The orginal OLFA rotary cutter. |
According to the people at OLFA, Mr. Okada's inspiration was a rotating automobile tire. From that simple motion, he developed a cutter that would cut fabric safely, accurately and easily. This simple tool revolutionized quilting. Quilters could cut multiple layers at one time using a rotary cutter, a ruler and special cutting mats. No more marking and cutting individual pieces of fabric for simple shapes. The rotary cutter was also easier on the hands than cutting with shears or scissors.
Today there are many manufacturers of rotary cutters. You can find them with ergonomic handles, in different sizes and in right- and left-hand models. You can also find them with different safety features. A variety of blade types are available -- scrapbookers and card makers often use this type of blade. Go to Clotilde.com and type 'rotary cutters' in the search box to find several different models of OLFA rotary cutters and replacement blades.
It is that time again. I have not got much news, so I assume that everyone is great. It sounds to me like the last of the snowbirds went home when the temps made it up to 100. It has been so cold here in Minnesota. We had winter until about one week ago. Then we had a couple days of August weather. It went from 50’s to 84 in one day. Sorry to tell you that I am a wimp. I like spring and fall. Now we are back to cold, so I had to turn the furnace back on.
Okay. Who was sending me the cooking recipes? I am still waiting. Maybe I will share one of mine at the end of the page if there is space.
Let’s see, what do I know??
Natalie has been sewing prom dresses again. Good for you. I wish I had the courage to do that. I have only been making water bottle covers.
Well Janice has had a problem with her phone company so she changed companies. They would not let her have her old number so the new one is one different. These are not her exact words…I had to edit them, but the number is 250-919-7402
I was surprised to hear that Janet N. is in Flagstaff AZ. This must be a big change for you, Janet.
Tip of the Day Get Rid of Stitch Whiskers After ripping out a seam, there are often little whiskers of thread that need to be removed before re-stitching. Now, I don't need to rip very often (NOT), but sticking them onto tape or picking those little tufts of threads one by one is simply a pain, and leaving them in and re-stitching is worse because they'll be stuck like that forever. These days, I simply reach for my eraser... Run (don't rub) the eraser over the whiskers and they'll come out of the material where they can be easily brushed away. I've been sewing (and unsewing) for 35+ years and this is the best idea since rotary cutters. --Marilyn Gore from about.com
Tip of the Day Make Your Mitered Binding Corners Perfect Every Time When you apply mitered binding, stop sewing before you reach the corner of the quilt, ending the seam the same distance from the approaching quilt edge as the width of your seam allowance. Lots of instructions tell you to end the seam 1/4" from the edge, and that's fine if your binding seam is 1/4" wide, but it isn't correct for narrower or wider seams. Follow that simple rule and your mitered corners will always be tidy.
Now for a little song: Lets' all sing along as you read the rest of this letter.
“Take Me Out to the Quilt Shop.”
Take me out to the Quilt Shop.
Take me out to the Mall.
Buy me some Moda and a Stack-N-Whack.
I don't care if I never get back.
I will shop, shop, shop for the new quilt.
If it takes all day, that's a shame.
For it's one, two, three yards and more at the old quilt shop!
From Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting
Trim Triangle Tips to Match-up Your Patchwork Edges
By Janet Wickell,
When you assemble patchwork, you'll often need to sew the long edge of a right triangle to the side of a square. The triangle's edges will always overlap the side of a square due to the extra seam allowance we added to compensate for the angles.
One way to deal with the difference is to fold both pieces and crease at their midpoints, matching up the midpoints when you sew them together.
Another way to solve the problem is to trim away 3/8" from the tip at the end of the two long sides of the triangle -- tips often referred to as the "dog ears." Align your rotary ruler as shown, adjusting it to remove 3/8" along each side. Now the side of your triangle should match the side of the square or rectangle that it's being sewn to. I can't get the picture to print, but you can lay your triangle on graph paper and make a template using the lines. Try it with paper first if you'd like to experiment.
Have you finished the challenge block yet? Louise has received several already. Sorry to say that I have not started mine. I work best under pressure so think I will do mine after Christmas. They will be on display at the 2010 quilt show. I know I can have mine done by then.
If I get bored for new ideas, I go down to my local quilt shop. Any time that she doesn't have a class you may bring your machine and sew at her place. I get lonesome here with no sewing pals to chat with, so this works for me. I always come home with lots of ideas. Yea, that's where I bought the pattern for the fish shaped water bottle holder. I hope to have pictures on the blog soon. I am thread painting on the fins. The next one will have fins made of fussed scraps from my trimming bag. She has wonderful fun fabrics and she also loves chickens. I get most of my wako chicken ideas here. Her new website; http://www.dawnsquiltshop.com/ if you have time and a computer. She would gladly sent you a package in the mail.
Please send me news for the next newsletter. I love getting emails too. Yes, I know I'm hard to get a handle on. I am working at the grocery store and sometimes forget to turn my phone back on. The rest of the time I'm working on my yard. Oh, did I tell you that my favorite niece is getting married on July 4? No I'm not making her dress but I am doing the veil and making cream cheese mints. I am so excited for her!
Keep all your stitches in the ditch and keep in touch.
Barb
Homemade Ranch Dressing
½ cup reduced fat buttermilk
½ cup light sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 TBSP chopped chives
2 TBSP chopped parsley
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 tsp lime juice
coarsely ground pepper
Combine in a bowl and whisk well. Makes 1 ½ cups
Friday, March 27, 2009
Show and Tell
Barb M. brought this to the last meeting for show and tell. Wow This is great! I love the topic.
Let me know any time you have a picture to share. We are all only an email apart.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
class March 10 2009
Taco Pillow case class taught by Marilyn S. March 10; Peggy B. will teach us to do a "Down and Dirty" table runner. In addition to your regular sewing equipment, you will need 2 pieces of coordinating fabric 1/4 yard and 1/2 yard each.
The fabric vendor, Bonnie, will also be selling fabric so bring some extra cash.
March 17 Marilyn S. will show us how to do prairie points, triangles and cutting continuous seam binding.
A budget committee is being formed. Call Barb M if you wish to join.
We are going to buy more pipe for the 2010 quilt show. Don reported that we will then be able to hang 60 quilts! A BIG "Thank you" to Don and all his helpers for all the hard work they do to get our quilts ready for viewing
.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
March Classes 2009
Class for March 3 Paintstiks by Barbara W.
Shiva® Artist's Painstiks® are oil paint in a crayon form. They are made of wax, a small amount of low-acid linseed oil, and pigment. When the paints are not in use, a thin film or skin forms over the paint and keeps the paint from drying up. Once the protective film is removed, paintstik colors are the consistency of a lipstick or grease-paint. Paintstiks are solid, but softer than a pastel or crayon. The solid form of the paint makes them unique in the paint world. You can use the paint directly on fabric or paper (or any porous service) or apply the paint with a brush.
Please bring a scissor to cut paper pattern
stencil brush
PREWASHED fabric light color or muslin min. size 8X8
pen or pencil to trace your pattern
$2.00 donation to cover the paints
I will bring the rest of the supplies, plus muslin for those that do not have any with them. We will start at 9:30
March 10th will be Peggy's class, Down and Dirty Table Runners. This is a great gift item. You will need 2 pieces of fabric, I/4 yard and the other 1/2 yard, plus regular sewing equipment. It is best if you prewash this fabric.
March 17 class will be Prairie Points and triangles by Marilyn S., supply list next week.
For those not taking either class, bring black thread and help on the raffle quilt for next year. It is really looking great.
Shiva® Artist's Painstiks® are oil paint in a crayon form. They are made of wax, a small amount of low-acid linseed oil, and pigment. When the paints are not in use, a thin film or skin forms over the paint and keeps the paint from drying up. Once the protective film is removed, paintstik colors are the consistency of a lipstick or grease-paint. Paintstiks are solid, but softer than a pastel or crayon. The solid form of the paint makes them unique in the paint world. You can use the paint directly on fabric or paper (or any porous service) or apply the paint with a brush.
Please bring a scissor to cut paper pattern
stencil brush
PREWASHED fabric light color or muslin min. size 8X8
pen or pencil to trace your pattern
$2.00 donation to cover the paints
I will bring the rest of the supplies, plus muslin for those that do not have any with them. We will start at 9:30
March 10th will be Peggy's class, Down and Dirty Table Runners. This is a great gift item. You will need 2 pieces of fabric, I/4 yard and the other 1/2 yard, plus regular sewing equipment. It is best if you prewash this fabric.
March 17 class will be Prairie Points and triangles by Marilyn S., supply list next week.
For those not taking either class, bring black thread and help on the raffle quilt for next year. It is really looking great.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feb 17 2009
We have 2 upcoming classes for Feb. 17 2009
Janet N will lead a class in applique
Supply list....don't panic if you do not have all the supplies we will share.
12 x 12 inch light colored background fabric
finger nail file
glue stick
heat resistant template material
canned spray starch
small iron
ironing surface
sharp needle #9 or #10
sharpie pen
paint brush or q-tip
Peggy B will demonstrate the construction of her" Down and Dirty "Table runner
If you wish to make one bring your regular sewing supplies plus
two pieces of prewashed fabric that will coordinate, one being 1/4 th yard the other, one third yard. It is lots of fun. I have made several.
Don't forget it is a pot luck lunch.
Janet N will lead a class in applique
Supply list....don't panic if you do not have all the supplies we will share.
12 x 12 inch light colored background fabric
finger nail file
glue stick
heat resistant template material
canned spray starch
small iron
ironing surface
sharp needle #9 or #10
sharpie pen
paint brush or q-tip
Peggy B will demonstrate the construction of her" Down and Dirty "Table runner
If you wish to make one bring your regular sewing supplies plus
two pieces of prewashed fabric that will coordinate, one being 1/4 th yard the other, one third yard. It is lots of fun. I have made several.
Don't forget it is a pot luck lunch.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Complete Election Results
With my rush to put out the news....I didn't have all the information. I just received the complete list.
President ...................Barbara Mitchell
Vice President............Sandra DeYoung
Secretary......................Carly Bates
Treasurer......................Dee Falcon
non-elected positions:
Newsletter and blog.............Barbara Williams
historians...............................Barbara Williams and Louise Cheever
Education..............................Janice Templeton
Craft shows..........................Natalie Schneider
Raffle quilt 2011.................Marilyn Summers
Barb M has asked me to say "Thank you for voting for her. She is looking forward to an exciting two years". She is excited to be taking office on the same day as Barack Obama.
is excited to be taking office the same day as Obama .
President ...................Barbara Mitchell
Vice President............Sandra DeYoung
Secretary......................Carly Bates
Treasurer......................Dee Falcon
non-elected positions:
Newsletter and blog.............Barbara Williams
historians...............................Barbara Williams and Louise Cheever
Education..............................Janice Templeton
Craft shows..........................Natalie Schneider
Raffle quilt 2011.................Marilyn Summers
Barb M has asked me to say "Thank you for voting for her. She is looking forward to an exciting two years". She is excited to be taking office on the same day as Barack Obama.
is excited to be taking office the same day as Obama .
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
2009 Election
Election results from the meeting on January 13, 2009 are as follows:
President Barbara M.
Vice President Sandra D.
Treasurer Dee
My notebook also shows that the quilt group in Brenda will be having a quilt show Jan 17 and the Yuma quilt show will be Jan. 23 and 24th.
Have you got your quilt entry form to Barb M yet?
That's all I know for sure.
President Barbara M.
Vice President Sandra D.
Treasurer Dee
My notebook also shows that the quilt group in Brenda will be having a quilt show Jan 17 and the Yuma quilt show will be Jan. 23 and 24th.
Have you got your quilt entry form to Barb M yet?
That's all I know for sure.
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