Quartzsite Quilters Sept newletter

Listen. Do you hear that? I'm pretty sure you can actually hear crickets on our blog site right now. Doh! In case you were wondering, the answer is no. I was not abducted by aliens. I was, however, abducted by my grandkids, my dog, my flowers and the great summer season. What? People blame seasons for allergies so why not blame them for our absences? Greetings to every one!!! I hear that some of you are already packing for the trip south. Since I absolutely love fall in Minnesota, it is way too early to think of the packing. Remember we do not have rattlesnakes here!!! I am sure they are just laying, waiting for me to come back to Q. so they can get revenge. I am absolutely sure of it. What have you all been up to?? Have you been thinking of ideas for the Next 2012 raffle quilt??? We will start it as soon as we get enough people to come to an agreement. If you are coming in later....get your ideas to someone. Let's see where are my notes? Sorry to say I have more bad news then good. First is that Nancy had a stroke in the hospital when she came out of surgery. I just talked to her and she is recovering well and sounds good. Nancy says a big THANK YOU to all for sending cards and prayers. She is still in physical therapy for her thumb and fingers. She is very eager to get back to quilting in Quartzsite this season. Chuck hopes to be on the pavement mid October. I am enclosing her recipe for bran muffins for those of us that missed it. One day after talking to Nancy about her stroke....my Dad has one. He was very luck because it turned out to be a TIA and he came out of it very fast. Thank you Nancy for having talked about this with me. It was still scary, but I knew more about what to expect. My dad is having troubles taking his pills. Mom just got him one of those big pill boxes with 4 rows. I guess we are all getting older. This gives new meaning to "Live every day to the fullest!" I am so lucky to have a computer to add and delete things as they happen. I have more unhappy news to insert. Just had a phone call from Abby Wednesday night. She has breast cancer. Sept 10 she will be having a bilateral mastectomy. She will NOT be having radiation or chemo. Abby is eager to be back with her friends this winter. Alice A. is in Redmond OR staying with her daughter while she awaits news of her biopsy on her eye and lip. Let us add both of them to our prayer list and send them a card to show our support. Their addresses will be at the end of the newsletter. Old news, I called Abby a month ago but where did I put the note??? Abby's message is the same as last time, but to remind you: 1. Bring one of your first quilts. No she is not asking us to put our first quilt in the show...just bring it to a meeting to share. I did find one of mine and will bring it if there is room. Remember prizes are needed for the show. I think she is doing some "guy" pillow cases. Does anyone wish to do a bed turning??? Sorry I had to look this up. You have several quilts on a "bed" and someone talks about each quilt as they turn them over to reveal the one underneath. Hope that is at least close to correct. I plan to see one Sept 11 at a near by quilt show, just so I will know. Bring your quilt, wall hanging, household and quilted clothing ready for the 21011 show. Next week end I am going to a small quilt show in the next town from here. It is called "Quilts along the trail". They will hang the quilts outside along the bike trail in their town. So guess I had better check it out. Maybe find a quilt of mine to hang too. No judging, no ribbons, no stress....just show. I don't think there will be any quilt shop vendors, just demonstrations and some flea market type vendors. Of course those are the best kind! As I said the blog has been silent. Quartzsitequilters.blogspot.com The egroup is doing better. We have 18 members counting someone twice. Hummm do you wish me to delete one of your memberships? Let me know or you can do it yourself too. It is a private group and "I" have to approve you. Talk about a power trip! Actually I will accept any Q.Q. So don't be afraid to sign up. Apply at groups.yahoo.com/group/quartzsitequilters or just send me an email and I can add your name. Quilt Fabrics 101 Choosing your fabric is possibly the biggest job when making a quilt. There are so many colors, styles, patterns, fabrics and textures it is hard to know where to begin! Remember when you are cutting up material for anything, be it for mending a shirt, making a book bag or even designing a pillow case, make sure to keep all the left over scraps as they will make wonderful little feature pieces in any quilt. Whatever you don't use this time can always go into the next quilt! Tips for choosing quilt fabrics Should you be making a quilt from scratch and buying all of your fabric or even a portion of your fabric there are a number of things to consider: Is the fabric colorfast? You don't want the color to run when you wash it! If you are not sure then always wash the fabric before you use it (this is advisable with all fabrics). Wash it on its own that way if the color does run, the other fabrics or clothing won't be ruined. Is the weave tight enough? The fabric needs to be strong enough to withstand years of love, washing and use. If you choose a loosely woven fabric this may cause big problems with rips, tears and overall damage. If you are planning on using the quilt in your everday lifestyle it is better to choose a moderately dense/woven fabric. If the fabric is too dense or tightly woven it may prove to be very difficult to quilt. You can't really go wrong with 100% cotton! That is all that needs to be said! If you are an inexperienced quilter I would recommend using this fabric before moving onto other more complex materials. Remember when using patterned fabric to make sure you cut all your pieces the same way up. There is nothing worse than finding out that you have cut the pieces on their side and there is no more material left! Refer to the How to make a quilt section for more details. Remember color theory when choosing fabrics. This sounds easy enough, however there are so many people who don't spend enough time making sure their quilt has the desired depth or balance. Always keep in mind that blues based colors are cold and red and yellow base colors are warmer. Black and White will have very different effects when placed next to the same color, generally black will dim a color whereas white will brighten it. Take into account the responses people have to color and materials. This will be very important if you are giving a quilt to someone as a present or intending to use the quilt in a personal area such as a bedroom. As a general rule warm colors make people more active and excited, where cool colors such as green and blue make people calmer and more relaxed. Remember to purchase backing material that is similar weight and color to the top of the quilt. It is always a good idea to try and use the same types of material for the top of the quilt as it will be difficult to sew through uneven levels of material. Always buy a little more fabric than you think you need! As I said before you will always find somewhere else to use it, however if you run out and can't buy anymore it could throw out the overall balance and feel of your quilt. Synthetics and mixes can be more difficult to deal with than 100% cotton. They have a tendency to pucker along seams, however if you are a more experienced sewer you may choose to use them as there are many more options and the colors are more vibrant and exciting than plain cotton. Try to avoid knits, stretch and crepe as these materials are quite difficult to sew with, so unless you particularly want to use them it is best to steer away. Quilt Sizes - Bed Sizes Deciding on what size quilt to make is a first step in planning a new project. Wall quilts can, of course be any size you choose. But, if you are making a quilt which will go on a bed you need to make decisions.  Will the quilt just fit the top of the bed? Will it hang over and by how much? Will the quilt have to cover pillows at the top? Quilt book authors have different opinions on the sizes of quilts for different standard bed sizes. I've gone through a number of quilt books and have collected some of the numbers for you to compare. First, what size are the standard mattresses: Crib Twin Double Queen King CAL King 26" x 48" 39"  x 75" 54" x 75" 60" x 80" 78" x 80" 72" x 84" Note: Crib mattress sizes vary, check on the new baby's bed size if you can. Also, don't forget to think about the height of the mattress as well. This will affect how much overhang you choose to add. Standard mattresses are 8-10" thick, but some extra thick ones may be as high as 16-18". Remember to allow for "shrinkage" when you do your quilting - most quilts lose about 5 percent due to quilting shrinkage. The more densely you place your hand or machine quilting, the more shrinkage you'll see happen. Donna Poster from her Stars Galore book for finished quilt sizes Crib Twin Double Queen King 50 x 53" 75" x 98" 83 x 106" 90 x 106" 107 x 108" Hargrave & Craig from their Art of Classic Quiltmaking book 1st row sizes - based on commercial comforter sizes 2nd row - bedspread sizes with longer drop Twin Double Queen King 65" x 88" 80" x 88" 86" x 93" 104" x 93" 81" x 107" 96" x 107" 102" x 112" 120" x 112"   Raisin Bran Muffins from Nancy Whitney Mix together the following and beat for one minute. 1 cup oil 4 eggs 3 cups white or brown sugar Mix the following together in another bowl 5 cups flour 5 tsp soda 1 ½ tsp salt then add alternately to the first ingredients with 1 qt. Buttermilk mix well then add 7 ½ cups raisin bran, mix well This recipe makes approximately 5 dozen muffins. It may be kept in the refrigerator for about 6 weeks. Let cold mixture sit in muffin pans about 30 min. to come to room temperature before baking. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 min. If you choose to put a tsp of jelly on top of each muffin before baking, it will end up in the center of the muffin for an added touch. Abby Weaver                       6432 S Cedar ST                           Littleton CO 80120                        303-794-0245                                 Alice Aichholz P O Box 4223 Quartzsite AZ 85359 email arizonalice@mailbug.com

july 2010 newsletter

JULY 2010 Newsletter Okay, I am so easily distracted....I'll admit it.  I was watching Quilting Arts on PBS (the only channel I really ever watch) while I put address labels on the envelopes to mail this letter out.  The next program was Gary Spetz with WatercolorQuest.  Now I do paint but I can not water color to save my life, but I had to watch it.  We was in Alaska "looking" for  pictures to paint.  So it was a travel-log about Alaska too, all the while he was talking about design rules, color and color placement with the landscape.  I kept thinking "wow" that works in quilting too.   Plus,  I still want to go to Alaska .  It was a great program. But now I'm back on track to write something about quilting.   Janice has sent me the following line up for winter classes.  Remember we are not guaranteed a class every week.  There are days we will have to entertain ourselves.  We have planned some work days were we will all work on charity quilts, make items for sale on the craft table, and charity pillow cases. Here is the list, no dates yet. Sheri will show us how to do quillows with embellishments on the front (pillow) panel. Wanda will do more Brazilian embroidery. If we talk real nice Janice will do more silk ribbon embroidery ( because we need it to go with Wanda's stitches) Pam from Pocket Change….do we want a class on dying???  Let Janice know if enough are interested she will talk to her.  She is one of the vendors selling fabric at our quilt show. If there is interest I will do more with Paintstiks.  I just bought an oak leaf stencil and the star builder from Laura Murray (check her web site)  because there is no way in heck I can sew a star so I am going to paint one. Dee will repeat the 6 minute circles. Email Janice and let her know…she likes to hear from you too.  Sewlady_canada2001@yahoo.ca   February 11 and 12 2011 are the show dates for our Quilting from the Hearts Show.  Committees are you ready??   Yes, we have started our ribbons. I was taking a photo of the raffle quilt before I left Q. but forgot where it is.  I think I have a block picture some where. It should be quilted by now.  Get ready to start selling tickets.   Abbie would like us to bring and early quilt that we have made.  I don't want to scare anyone, but, I saw one of mine at my parents' garage when we were doing a garage sale.  I was afraid to look…but maybe it could come if you don't laugh too hard.  I made it for my kids out of scrapes from all the PJs I had made them.  I wonder what I used for batting? Most likely it is an old blanket.  I had no money.   Hope many of you have had a chance to go to a quilt show or a new class.  There are so many new ideas out there. WOW!   I had so much fun at the Minnesota Quilt Show in June. I worked too selling tickets.  The reward is a special quilt pin that says Volunteer across the quilt block pattern.  It was so much fun.  Next year it will be farther from home but I hope I can take a class.  The teachers were all great! Of course I wanted to bead on a crazy quilt.  I know that Janice and I can figure that one out for ourselves. If you have a quilting DVD bring it with.  Maybe we can watch it in small groups.  I have one on paintstiks.    I have some extra block patterns from my guild here in MN.  Is anyone interested in a block of the month???  How about a fat quarter exchange?  We also did an orphan (ugly) fat quarter exchange and you had to made something and bring it back the next month.  Mine was simple.  I went through my scrap box and found some colors that coordinated and did a quilt as you go placemat.  Of course now I have to make 3 more, but it was fast and easy.  Plus, I could use some new placemats.   I have not heard from Candice.  I asked if we could do more then one challenge block since last time I saw her she had lots of them left.  Then we could have more then one chance to win.  Of course mine is not done yet.    Remember I still have the whole Douglas County invited to look at my gardens July 11th.  Today is a rest day. I have a country look garden which I call a "plunk it" garden.  I plunk it in the ground.  If it doesn't grow there I dig it up and plunk it somewhere else. Doesn't country mean that I can let the rest of the weeds?  Will I survive?  Will the flowers Survive?  We finally got some rain, but more would be better.  Oh yes, you are all invited too.  A dear friend has offered to bake fresh cookies for me.  WOW, is she ever a friend! I know I can stir up lemon aid.      As some of you know I will not be doing the newsletter next year.  I am just too busy, doing too many things.  So if you would think about taking over….I send out 34 paper newsletters and around 60 emails.  Yes it is work.    Did you know that I have started an egroup. We have 15 members. You may  subscribe at :www.  quartzsitequilters-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. OR <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/quartzsitequilters/join">   Maybe that would be a better way to communicate at least for the ones that have a computer.  It is a private site where you register and I have to approve you.  There is more for me to learn about it, lucky they have a help menu.  J.N. and I both had a problem figuring out if we were responding to the group or to the person.  We are doing better and we WILL learn, someday.   It is a great way to keep in touch and you don't have to email everyone.  I thought face book would be good, but alas I have a daughter-in-law that thinks it is her private blog and fills it up so that I can't even find my friends unless I have a half hour to spare. which I don't)  Am I the only person with this problem?? SO if I am a friend on face book…you may not see me any more.  Not to worry.    I am still working on the pictures from last years quilt show.  If you have any the I don't I can always use more.  You can still see them on the blog.  WWW.quartzsitequilters.blogspot.com  Boy I have not had to type that for a while.  Shortcuts are great!   Anyway…. They are finally all printed and I will get them in the Album.  Yes, I am historian too!  Don't let me volunteer for anything next year.  I am just going to have fun and sew. I am trying to slow down  Kathy and think of your words often.  Thank you.   Let's see what else do I know???  I sent a fast note to people that I thought could provide me with more news.  As they say, "no news is good news".   DID YOU KNOW A recent study indicated that fabric gives off certain pheromones that actually hypnotize women and cause them to purchase unreasonable amounts of fabric. When stored in large quantities in enclosed spaces, the pheromones (in the fabric) cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome. Therefore perpetuating their species, and not having a population loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others. Sound tests have also revealed that these fabrics emit a very high-pitched sound, heard only by a select few, a breed of women known as  "quilters" When played backwards on an lp, the sounds are heard as chants, "buy me, cut me,  and sew me". In order to overcome the so called "feeding frenzy effect" that these fabrics cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility (quilt shop) and use ear plugs to avoid being pulled into their grip,(one must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a quilt shop, with wwII army gas masks and head phones, this is a bit extreme!) Studies have also indicated that aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects that these fabrics have on the human population.  they are called ...fabric store clerks...it's also been experienced that these same pheromones cause a pathological need to hide these fabric purchases when taken home (or at least blend them into the existing stash carefully), and when asked by significant other if the fabric is new, the reply is "I've had it for awhile." Thank you To Cathy H and Alice..   Quartzsite is expecting 112 degrees today. It is 86 here.     This letter was sent to me from Mary Huntley from Quartzsite.  She is a member of our guild. What are your feelings about this???  It could be fun. I think I posted this on the blog so some of you have seen it.   It was great to get the newsletter from the club, as I was in the process of drafting a letter regarding the Arizona 2012 Centennial. I volunteered to be on the Committee and my area deals with Education. We are however contacting as many organizations and clubs within the community to enlist their participation, of course the Quilt and Art Guild along with the schools were at the top of the list.   My proposal is; do you think the guild would be interested in making a quilt to raffle off as one of the fundraisers? Naturally I was thinking places around the State but especially around Quartzsite would be nice to feature. I was also thinking that along with the 2012 Centennial Quilt Show, you could showcase maybe machines made in 1912 to the present day. Many of you have made period quilts, have patterns and material from these early years. We are not only trying to have as many events during the year but 'We would like them to be as educational as possible. If the Quilt was complete by the 2011 show, we could sell tickets at all events for the full year, finally raffled at the 2012 finally. Anyway this is a little of what has been bouncing in my head, will be interesting to see what the other members think, and their ideas.   The various events that will be fund raisers, monies will be spent on the cost of foods etc. for the specific event. All leftover funds will be placed in an account, than we hope to do something called a "Lasting Legacy". This will be up to the business and schools in Town to submit ideas and the public will vote. What can this Town do as a whole to leave a lasting imprint on the Town of Quartzsite with these monies? This can be anything from a Memorial Park to a Victory Garden, or another water feature in the Park. Who knows what great ideas will be presented.   Well guess this is all can come up with, maybe it's a little too much to digest, but let's see how the Guild responds. If anyone has any questions they can write me, my address is below. Hope everyone is enjoying their families. Tell them they are missing the most beautiful weather below normal for this time of year. Have a super summer everyone.   Mary Huntley P O Box 1890 Quartzsite AZ 85346       Did you know that a fat quarter has fewer calories than a hot fudge Sunday? Keep stitching.  Bye for now. Barb

I have started an egroup.

We have 15 members now.  Give it a try.  It is private

and I will need to approve you as a member so it takes

a little time. 

Maybe you will find it easier to use.  Barb

       style="border: 0px;"
       alt="Click to join quartzsitequilters"/>
  Click to join quartzsitequilters

Quartzsite Quilters newsletter

This letter is a little early because I will be on a one month rock hunting trip.  I chose to send it early rather then late.  I will be in OR, Utah and Nevada .  Sure hope to never see another rattle snake.  Quartzsite was scary enough….right next to my house no less!!!!   The Bad news first.  Dee broke her wrist April 24th.  They are operating on it on May 7th.  She will be slow at answering emails and quilting with one hand...They had planned to leave Q. on May 1, but now who knows.   If you are wondering where your address book is....the club decided not to mail them out unless you request it at your cost.  Dee has them and will send them out when she is able, after the surgery.   For the updates only she needs $1.83.  The whole book, for new members will cost you $2.33??? I wrote the number down somewhere .  Her Q. address is P O Box 4821 Quartzsite AZ 85359 .  I assume her mail will be forwarded when she heads to CA. email KINACK123@cs.com   Have you started your charity items?  This year we will also provide quilts to the Quartzsite Police Department.  The Quartzsite preschoolers received quilts last year and were very happy.  We have pictures of them and thank you letters.  A BIG Thank you to Natalie and Abbie for the time they put in on this project.   When life throws you scrapes, make a quilt   Julie A.  will not be back next season.  She and her father will be going to KOA in Mesa .  The 5th wheel at Q Mountain is for sale.  I think it is a 32 foot with 2 slides.  $10,000 obo. Her father was sick this past winter and had heart surgery.  We will miss her.   I hope some of you have time to make the pillow cases Rosemary suggested.    They can go with the quilts or to any charity and still be counted in the million pillow case challenge.   We are planning a work day for charity quilts....maybe we would also do a day of pillow cases.  I am sure that there are several of us that can help teach the taco style pillow case.   I will enclose the pattern later because my scanner will not scan at this moment.  I'll work on that later.   Candice is leading the challenge block this year.  If you have not got one she had several left last time I saw her.  Give her a call or email.   Next Quartzsite Quilt Show is February 11 and 12.  Get your quilts ready.   If I stitch fast enough does it count as an aerobic exercise?   Hope all the round robin people are doing well.  I got a note from Kathy C. She is enjoying hers. She signed up for two groups so gets double the surprises in her mail box.  She was having great weather 2 weeks ago.  I wonder what it is like there now since I am freezing in Minnesota .  We had light snow fall last night and of course frost warnings.   .      She who dies with the most fabric, wins.    She who dies with the most fabric, dies.  When is the estate sale? ( Okay that is sick…but I still had to laugh.)       The only notes I have for next years classes are as follows: Sheri Dean ….quillows Dee Falcon…..repeat 6 minute circles Barb Williams….more paintstiks now that some of us are hooked on them. Wanda…Brazilian embrodiary at least we hope for an other new stitch   I know Janice will have a  list in Sept so you can have a better idea on what special things you will need.   Not to worry, Connecting Threads gave me permition to copy their instructions for the newsletter.   Opps… almost forgot  the note from Abbie. Please try to bring your first ever quilt next year. What fun it can be to see how much we have all learned.  (Do you want these for the quilt show Abbie, or just show and tell?)   Don't forget to bring one or two items for the drawing basket, craft table and or for the  Quilt Show.  The craft table items must be all hand made and sewing or quilting related please.  For those of you that are new to computers....I have sent the basic bias binding instrutions as an attachment.  You may have to right click on the paper clip to open it.  Some computers will open it automatically.  Remember, any time is stitching time. Barbara Williams

Rosemary's pillowcase idea

Quilt news

Today's Meeting Next week get your name on the committe of your choice.  There are lots of good spots left. Here is what /I wrote down...... Abbie will be in charge of next years quilt show. Abbie and Natalie will continue taking the charity quilts. Barb W.        on the ribbon committee. Copy machine......? Budget.......Rosemary Membership....Vice Pres Diane Greeter....Jean inventory of suppplies..... Raffle Quilt......? Education......? QIA Sale........? SHow Venders....Janice T.( I hope) Hobo Stew next week....March 2.  Bring a can of stuff and your bowl and spoon . Barb's painting class starts at 9, Marilyn's will start about 10. No Meeting March 9  Quartzsite Election. Those that did not get their fabric from Bonnie, she will be in Bylthe the 9th at Camile's 919 E. Murphy St.....use the back door from the alley.  9 o'clock A.M. until ????CALIFORNIA time*****10 AZ. Cindy Hopkins broke her ankle last week in a quad accident...She has a plate and 11 pins now...   She is home in Q. but will leave for home after her doc visit on Friday. Remember   www.quartzsitequilters.blogspot.com Hope I got it all!   Bye  Barb W.

show 2010

Click here to see the quilt show 2010.

News

Quilting News Classes: Feb 23 Janet will teach an applique class.  You will be learning the technique not making a block.  Bring as many of the following as possible, but don't run out an buy a bunch of stuff now.  We can share.  Janet will give you her favorite threads.  Background fabric and a couple scrap fabrics for a leaf and a heart, Iron, Ironing surface (I hope you were listening to Rosemary's "TOOL TIME", spray starch, emery board, size 9 or 10 sharp needle, mylar for pattern, sharpie pen. March 2.....2 classes Marilyn will teach her easy swirl table topper.  You saw it at the show and for show and tell.  You need 5/8 yard of focus fabric and 1/3 yard background. Barb W will teach paint stiks.  Oil paint in a crayon form.  We will cut out freezer paper to make a stencil and iron it to the fabric.  you will then learn how to paint a awesome cactus. donate Barb a dollar and she will bring everything you need.  Can we start at 9?  Then Marilyn can start about 10ish???  So many people are leaving so we are trying to do both clases the same day. Mach 16th  Bonnie and Ken will be here for the last time this season.  If you were going to pick up fabric on the 10th at Brenda.....at the Desert Gold, the time is 1 o'clock.  The 9th she is in Blythe. Linda has found us some great people to take over as officers until the new election in January.  Thank you everyone!! Pres: Nancy Whitney vice Pres:  Diane Phillips Co-Secretaries:  Sue Hickman and Lee Skelton President Nancy wishes to start March out with a HOBO STEW pot luck.  For those of you that do not know what this is...we each bring something to throw in the pot.  Please no products with MSG.  I promise not to bring any pinapple (althought it is great) Bring a can of something or something fresh or rice etc. , but be sure to peel or cut it if necessary. Nancy's DH (dear husband) will do the stirring.  Bring a bowl, spoon, beverage and be ready to enjoy!!! Bonnie Morgan and I (barb W) will have a proto type landscape ribbon to show for the next meeting.  We will  get a group together to make them.. Well I am ready to push the send button.  Hope I did not forget too many things.  Did you get the link to the show pictures???? I have not edited them or got names.  Have you got the new Desert Messenger???  Wow look at us! BarbW

Raffle quilt winner

Quilt Guild member Neta Welsh Has won the raffle quilt. Hopefully a picture will be posted soon. Check the winning quilt pictures at