River City Quilt Guild

President's Message January 2012

2011-12-31T14:09:00.000-06:00

Dear River City members,

Boy oh Boy, what have I gotten myself into?? Well folks, we will hit the ground running in 2012 with our first organizational meeting on Jan. 5th. I want your input to set the guild on a smooth path for the new year. There will be an meeting agenda (paper) to follow along and make notes. (Thanks for the suggestion.) A hard copy will be available at the sign-in table and if possible, one will be forwarded to you via e-mail in advance of the meeting.

We are going to start a brand new year with discussions as to programs, events, and quilt community projects. We are expanding in membership and opportunities. Growth requires change. There are some items we will consider setting aside for a while and some favorites that we shall promote and continue. There are some projects that will have a short-term focus of time. I would like to thank everyone for their generosity in sharing ideas, in expressions of support, and for stepping forward to volunteer time and leadership on committees. You have made my job so much easier.

My thanks to vice president, Debbie Hulett, and the board members for their ideas, plans, and options. They are some smart cookies with many years of experience to bring to the table. I am blessed.

Here we go!! I'll see you on Thursday.

Thanks.
Cynthia

Bring to the meeting:

finished Mystery Quilt - we'll vote on viewer's choice
membership application and check for $20
fat quarters for the lotto - Laurel Burch
your fiber name tag
items for the Birthday Table - December and January

Be working on:

2012 UFO List
AAQI Challenge

President's Messages December 2011

2011-12-01T10:10:00.000-06:00

Yikes! It's already time for the River City Christmas Party Celebration. How time flies when you are having fun! I wish I could say that I've caught up on my sewing, but NO. Having my daughter visit from Vienna was a great diversion, so really, it's all good. My machine doesn't even know me - I've been away so long. Well, there's always next year.

We've have an exciting December meeting/party planned for the guild. Valerie Barth and the committee have done an outstanding job of organizing it again this year. It's an event you don't want to miss. Candy and her elves have been hard at work finishing those Christmas Lotto quilts, 12 of them. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my name is pulled this year!

What a surprise for the Design Star Challenge, 13 entries. Apologies go out to those who felt slighted because we didn't have beginner, intermediate, and advanced separations for the challenge. At the October meeting, we only knew of 6 quilts being done. We'll do better next year!

As my last letter as President, I thank each and every one of you for making this a great River City year for me. I've learned a lot and got to know a whole bunch of you better! I discovered that when you have a group of such hard working, kind, and generous folks, we can accomplish great things. I look forward to working as past president with Cynthia next year.

Looking forward to a relaxing 2012, I leave you, Most humbly,

Jo Paula Lantier

I hope everybody had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We were able to spend a wonderful day with my mother in law and extended family. I will not be able to attend the guild Christmas party. A family matter has come up and I'll be in Dallas. However, I know you will have a great time and a lucky few will win beautiful quilt tops!

In preparation for 2012, I need your input. Since I will miss the meeting, I have prepared a form and ask that you please take time to share some of your thoughts about future guild activities. I want our guild to be the best it can be, and the only way to do that is get your ideas and wishes on paper.

Mary Woltmann will hand out the forms at the Dec. meeting. We cannot be everything to everyone, but we certainly can try to provide activities that the majority desires (if possible). A Board Meeting is set for Sunday, 12/18/11 at 2:00 PM at the Jones Creek Library. Any members who would like to join us are welcome to attend. At this meeting I plan to discuss the "suggestions" and make plans accordingly.

I also ask that you consider serving on a committee in 2012. Those of you who have served and agree to stay on into 2012, I want to give you a huge THANK YOU in advance. Serving on a committee is a wonderful opportunity to get to know other members and stretch yourself creatively. Sign up sheets for committees will also be available at the Dec. meeting.

I look forward to a great year. Thanks.

Cynthia McGee

The list of things to bring:

your contribution to the pot luck (with a serving spoon)
a homemade gift to exchange (if you choose to participate)
food pantry donations - non-perishable foodstuffs, infant items, personal hygiene items
fiber nametags

President's Message - November 2011

2011-11-09T21:13:00.001-06:00

Our condolences from the guild are extended to the loved ones of Norma Payne. She was a great quilter and an inspiration to many. The guild will miss her and her many quilted inspirations she brought to show & tell. One fond memory was when she came home from a trip with a purchase of Paula Nadelstern fabric. She was so honest to say that she really didn't have any plans for it, but just wanted to look at it and touch it! I know all of us can relate to that. Thanks Norma, for all your wit and wisdom. We'll miss you but know now that you are sewing up a storm in heaven!

I think everyone can agree that the auction was a complete success. Our thanks go to Jo Doherty and all of her elves for a job well done. $3,115 worth to be exact Joyce will have the break down by department.

The board is excited to unveil the 2011 version of The Board Quilt, actually 2 quilts for your viewing pleasure. Tickets for the drawing at the Nov. meeting will be on sale for $5 each. Remember you must be a RCQG member to purchase the tickets! It is the board's "thank you" quilt to all our members.

In fact, I was inspired by The Board Quilt to purchase some beautiful batiks at Magrieta's Quilt Shop in St. Augustine, FL. Not like I needed an excuse to buy batiks, for that matter, but I do think you will love the board quilt as much as we do ; )

Special congratulations to Cynthia McGee, president, and Debbie Hulett, vice president, for stepping up and volunteering to serve as officers. We know 2012 will be a great year.

Lastly, so many thanks to all of you for making my year as your guild president a pleasant one. I feel like I'm leaving the guild in great hands and look forward to taking a breather and sitting in the bleachers next year. Good luck to all of you.

Remember to see Valerie Barth about the Christmas Party. She and her elves have planned a great event.

Until next time, keep those machines humming.

Best regards,
Jo Paula

Bring list:

Cash for the Board Quilt drawing held this evening. $5 per chance.
Show and Tell - Trash and Treasure from Houston, Thread painting projects, AAQI mini's, and regular stuff. Tell us about the Ponchatoula Quilt Day, GSQA meeting, Stitched -the Movie.
Fat Quarters for Lotto: " Christmas Reds & Greens" Max. number of entries is 2.
Fiber Name Tag: Sign in. You could win a $10 gift certificate or $10 cash.
Birthday Table items
Pet Quilts
Deposit for March Guild Retreat
Design Challenge Quilts
Fabric Exchange Quilt Challenge

President's Message - October 2011

2011-10-03T09:21:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a whirlwind month! If you were inspired by Sherry Herringshaw like I was, you've been busy making small quilts for AAQI. I've made 4 so far. Paper pieced log cabin quilts are too much fun.

We had a great board meeting on Sat., the 24th, and you will really really like the quilts that the board constructed. We ended up with so many blocks that we now have 1 large quilt top and 1 lap size. These quilts will be displayed at the Nov. meeting and will be used as a fund-raiser for future national teachers. The tickets will be sold to members for $5 and buy as many as you like. We have great ideas for national teachers for 2012.

I'm so excited about the upcoming Auction! Infinite thanks to Jo Doherty for her labors to put together a vast collection of lovely baskets. 80% of the proceeds will go to the Parker House and 20% will be retained by RCQG. We will be setting up the auction beginning at 2:00 pm. If you are able to help with set up and/or transporting items from Jo's house to church, please contact her ASAP, (h) 767-4960 (e) jocdoherty@cox.net

A brief rundown of Auction Procedures: When you enter the building:

(1) Members and guests sign in and get a bidder number; that is your personal number for the evening.

(2) You may begin bidding as soon as you register. All silent auction baskets are numbered with corresponding numbered bid sheets and a brief description of the contents. Those sheets stay with the basket.

(3) If you are interested in a basket, simply write your bidder number and the amount of your bid on the sheet. To increase the bid, the minimum increment is $1. Bid more......and bid often......

At the end of the silent auction: Designated runners pick up the bid sheets. A group of clerks will tally the bids for each bidder. There will be stations numbered 1 20, 21 50, 51 75, 76 100, 101 125, etc. When it is time to pay, you will go to the line that corresponds to your bid number. Your total will be calculated for you. When you receive your total form, there will be a runner who will pull your baskets by number and give them to you. This set of operations is to alleviate confusion in distribution of winnings.

In the meantime, while you wait for the tallies to finish, please be seated. (4) The LIVE AUCTION will commence, Suzi as auctioneer presides. After the live auction we will have Show & Tell. (5) During the entire evening, Jo will have a Cash Ticket Table, like the birthday table drawing, you purchase 4 tickets for $1 or use exact change; no change will be made. Please bring your checkbooks and cash - you will need both.

(6) At the conclusion of Show & Tell, queue up at your bid number station and pay for your goodies.

Christmas Party plans are coming together nicely. Valerie Barth and committee will be meeting before the auction to talk about details. If you signed up to work on the Christmas party, please come early (6 pm).

Nominations are open for officers for 2012. It is one item of business that we must take care of before the Nov. meeting (according to our bylaws). If you are interested in serving, please contact Lilly Willis.

We shall suspend guild operations of birthday table, fat quarter lotto, and the name tag drawing until the Nov. meeting.

Hope this isn't TMI!
Best regards,
Jo Paula

Bring to the meeting:

Your friends, your money and your smile
Show and Tell
Your fiber name tag
Wear something for Halloween if you wish
Christmas Lotto Blocks - this is the deadline
Birthday table items

President's Message September 2011

2011-08-27T11:39:00.000-05:00

Good day to all of the River City Quilters!

So sorry I couldn't make the August meeting. There were family commitments and a bit of vacationing. Of course, I thought about all of you while visiting a few quilt shops in Arlington, TX, Colorado Springs and Ft. Collins, CO. The spectacular selection of batiks in Colorado Springs was overwhelming. I convinced my husband to stop at the Moab, UT quilt shop. I found some interesting local themed fabric there. Needless to say, I came home with enough fabric for about 5 quilts. Ridiculous, isn't it?

Besides shopping for fabric, we did a lot of hiking. We visited several national parks: Rocky Mountain, Arches, Canyon Lands, and Mesa Verde! If any of you are traveling folks, the best deal we came across was a lifetime pass for ALL of the National Parks for $10! My husband qualified for the senior discount. It is so worth it.

I heard through the grapevine that Michael Young's presentation was excellent. If we have enough interested people, we're going to ask him to do a workshop for one of our Saturday Sew Ins next year.

Okay folks, I'm slowly knocking out those items on my UFO list. I sent Suzanne Elliot a list of 5, YES FIVE quilts that are finished! Let's try and beat last year's numbers. Remember, I won last year and I'm sewing my fingers to the bone trying again in 2011!

Thanks to Beth for taking care of the business at the meeting. And many thanks to the Nominating Committee for their hard work in finding a slate of officers for 2012. As much as I have thoroughly enjoyed being your guild president, family commitments and health issues will preclude me from continuing next year. Of course, I am more than willing to serve in a support position. Being president isn't a hard job! It is time-consuming but with the great support I have received from the membership, it was easy to accomplish what we set out to do: have fun, learn new skills, and meet friends! Please consider serving if you are asked and if you aren't asked, consider volunteering. The current board has already made some plans for 2012 so all you have to do is step up!

I am looking forward to the September and Sherry Herringshaw's presentation. She has great ideas and techniques for small quilts which will fit in fine with our AAQI involvement. It's amazing how easy it is to finish these small art quilts. And they go to such a great cause.

All I can say is, "WOW," when I read about Candy Bergeron and the Christmas committee's accomplishments on the Christmas Lotto Quilts. Incredible that we had such a great response and returns. If you weren't able to make a block (they are sold out), you still have time to earn chances by sewing with the committee. These quilts are going to be highly sought after at the drawing! So many thanks to all for a job well done!

Well, I must go sew. Those UFOs are calling my name.

Best regards, Jo Paula

Stuff to bring:

non-perishable food for local food cupboards
donations to the auction
quilting supplies for Joplin and/or Alabama
Show and Tell items
Finished Pet quilts
Finished Christmas Lotto Blocks
Fat Quarter Lotto - Kaffe Fassett
Items for the birthday table
Fiber name tag

President's Message August 2011

2011-07-29T13:17:00.000-05:00

Hello Fellow Quilters,

Just a brief message to wish you a happy summer. I don't know about you but this wonderful rainy weather has encouraged me to pull out my UFO basket. I finished 2 more projects. Now, not to set to bar too high, I just want to remind you that I won the UFO Challenge last year and I'm feverishly working to win it again! I have to keep reminding myself NOT to work on some of the new projects that I started from fabrics I purchased on our road trip to Knoxville. Well, that's another story. We visited 15 quilt shops and bought a little here and there, but the best shop, by far, was Tennessee Quilts in Jonesborough. It was easy to see why it was selected as one of the Top Ten shops in Quilt Sampler Magazine in 2011. If you've never been, believe me it's worth the trip. In fact, we almost went 3 hours out of our way on the return trip home, just to go back, but we decided to go through Marietta, GA and visited a few shops there. Needless to say, I won't be going to Houston this Fall.

I wish I could say that I got a lot accomplished on this trip. I had such good intentions, really I did. I brought a few UFOs but the shops in the area were too much fun to visit. It was great seeing our quilts hang in the Ultimate Guild Challenge. We got some great ideas for the next one! Unfortunately, the show is moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, but eventually, it will return to Nashville in the future.

Sorry I won't be able to be at the August meeting. I was so looking forward to hearing Michael Young talk about the Stack and Whack technique. I've had some fabric which is on my UFO list which I purchased for that technique, but haven't felt comfortable jumping in without seeing The Pro work his magic! Oh well, next time.

Anyway, I'm off to Colorado for my sister in law's 70th birthday celebration so I'll see you around the bend in September. Until then, keep on sewing!

Best regards,
Jo Paula

The Bring List:

Stack and Whack Quilts for Show and Tell
We want to see your finds and hear your stories if you've been traveling to quilt shows in Sisters or Knoxville, or anywhere else
Childrens fabrics and brights to donate to Wasted Women for cherity quilts
Finished Pet Quilts
Donations for the Auction - please measure and label your fabrics
Fat Quarters for Lotto - Clouds or rain, in either silver, blue-gray or white
Fiber Name Tag
Items for the Birthday Table
Completed Christmas Lotto Blocks earn 3 chances to win

President's Message July 2011

2011-06-26T09:19:00.002-05:00

Happy Summer Fellow Quilters!

I hope this wonderful Louisiana weather is inspiring you to stay inside and SEW! I’ve been so productive, I amaze myself! Seems like this heat is good for something.

River City has another action-packed meeting on Thursday, July 7th and sure hope you can join us for a Christmas in July party. We’ll be collecting the birdhouse blocks AND we’ll be offering for your viewing and sewing pleasure, the CHRISTMAS lotto blocks! Special thanks to Candy and the rest of the gang for working on this. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!

We plan to have a Red, White, and Green meeting, so please bring your past Christmas Lotto Block quilts to display for the viewing pleasure of our members. I think it will be inspirational! And since it is a mini Christmas Party, we’d like for everyone to bring a little bit of party finger food. It’s pot luck, so we’ll see what turns up. The guild will provide the soft drinks, ice and FUN!

There were several River City guild members who went to Paula Toups’ chenille rug class. What a fun time was had by all. It’s gratifying to start a project and finish it in the same day. The rugs were so diverse and I hope that those who attended will bring their rugs for Show and Tell.

Marie Montalbano wants to me to remind quilters that St. Margaret’s is available for the Tuesday sew days. Suzi will post the upcoming dates. It’s a great way to get projects done and visit with others at the same time. If you can’t seem to get that quilt finished because of laundry, telephones, computers, bring it to St. Margaret’s. It’s stress free sewing and it doesn’t cost a thing!

Hope to see you at Christmas in July, but until then, keep those machines humming!

Best regards,
Jo Paula

Bring:
 Cash to invest in some Christmas Lotto Blocks.
 Finger food for the Party. Sweet or savory, we eats what we gets.
 Tweet-Tweet -- "Bird House" lotto blocks are due
 Payment for Labor Day Weekend Retreat
 Items to donate to the auction
 Completed pet quilts for YELP!
 Fat Quarter Lotto -- Red or White or Green Christmas prints

Norma's Quilt

2011-06-17T14:43:00.001-05:00

Alice Fredlund and Jo Doherty brought Norma Payne's quilt to her today. They said that as soon as they gave it to her, she wrapped it around herself and didn't let go of it the whole time they were there. She was really touched and loves her quilt. They all had a good cry when Alice read the notes to her.

Give her a call sometime or drop by for a short visit!

President's Message June 2011

2011-05-31T21:56:00.000-05:00

Hello Fellow Quilters,

As I say that, I didn't feel much like a quilter this past month. Since early April, I've only managed to put a border on a quilt! I am finally over the jet lag and ready to get back in business. I keep reminding myself of all those UFO projects I listed in January. We best all get busy so we can get those numbers up!

We have another busy month ahead of us during June. Don't forget to bring $3 for a Kumihimo kit. You can pay Joyce. If you want to see more about this technique please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kumihimo and some images http://www.google.com/search?q=kumihimo I have heard reports from members of the old Stitch Witches guild about how much they enjoyed Nancy's program. I know it's a bit out of the ordinary from "quilt related" programs, but thread is part of what we do and it promises to be a very fun and easy project!

AND.... Kathy Brown will display a mini trunk show of quilts prepared from her new book, Strip Smart, before they are shipped out for promotion.

WOW!!! Wasn't The Giving Quilt event spectacular!! It was great to see all those beautiful quilts. My thanks to all of you, for your generosity and volunteer spirit that made it a complete success.

Mark your calendars for Sat., June 11th. That is the new date for Paula Toups' Chenille Rug class.

So not to take away any more time from your sewing and mine, I'll sign off. Until next time, keep those machines humming!

Best regards, Jo Paula

Bring to the meeting:

Birthday Table
Choose JUST any 2 items from your sewing stash/room. Bring them for the AUCTION. Jo Doherty and Co. are ready and waiting in the parking lot to accept your donations. Baskets & containers welcome
YELP project (Lilly Willis) Bring your finished pet quilts
Show & Tell: please bring any quilts made with Kathy's ruler methods - like the ruler class from last year and any summer projects, and regular show & tell.
Fat Quarter Lotto: (See Suzi) "Asian fabrics - any kind - cotton or silk". Max. of 2.
Fiber Name Tag: Sign in. You could win a $10 gift certificate.

President's Message May 2011

2011-05-07T16:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring Fellow Quilters!

Can everyone take a deep breath and say WHEW! What a great start to the Spring season, Judy Laquidara's lecture and classes. Her lecture was fast paced and held everyone's interest. Amazing what removing one piece of fabric or adding a pieced border can do to a quilt.

The board is so pleased that the programs for the rest of the year are offering a wide variety for different skill levels. Suzanne Elliott, Beth Jessup and I will show you the POE block assembly for the program in May. We will have patterns to distribute and should surprise you on how easy these blocks are to make, even though they have a very complicated appearance!

For Show and Tell, don't forget to bring your Judy LaQuidara projects and any great finds from Paducah. Please don’t forget to bring your qBay and Birthday club items to help raise funds for St. Paul’s June installment.

My apologies for not responding to email but I will be visiting my oldest daughter in Vienna for the rest of the month of April, but will see you at the May 10th guild meeting.

Until then, keep those machines humming. Best regards, Jo Paula

p.s. – I'll report that the fabric shops I stopped in while in Vienna, Austria, had fabric for sale at 17 Euros per meter (a little more than a yard), which equates to $24 a yard. Obviously, I didn't find any fabric I just "had" to have!

Bring list:

Birthday Table and qBay - (see Jo Doherty and Mary Wolf) *Remember that proceeds from this month’s birthday table go to the church to renovate the fellowship hall with new carpets, so bring some good stuff!
donations for this year's auction. Jo Doherty and Co. are ready. Baskets and containers
YELP project (Lilly Willis) Bring your finished pet quilts. Any questions call 753 1108.
Show & Tell: Bring your Judy LaQuidara class work and regular show & tell.
Fat Quarter Lotto: (See Suzi) "Batiks in Blue or Purple," like iris in Springtime. Max. of 2.
Fiber Name Tag: Sign in. You could win a $10 gift certificate.

Pictures from Japan Tsunami Relief

2011-05-07T15:58:00.000-05:00

See the pictures.

President's Message April 2011

2011-04-07T15:14:00.001-05:00

Dear River City Quilters:

Wow, I'm so pumped after attending the GSQA class I won last December. Gyleen Fitzgerald was a great teacher and I'm loving the look of this Pineapple Quilt with my Kaffe Fassett scraps. Ten blocks made, twenty blocks to go. Finally, a scrap quilt!

We have a fun-filled meeting on Thursday, April 7. Judy LaQuidara will be lecturing in preparation for her workshops on Friday and Saturday. If you haven't signed up, there are a couple of openings left. Call Beth Jessup for details.

Be cleaning out your sewing room for qBay and Birthday Table items. River City will use the May meeting proceeds to raise funds to have an extra donation to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. We will use the proceeds from qBay and Birthday Club Table to make a love offering for allowing us the use of the Fellowship Hall.

I'm keeping it short this month so I can find time to get more blocks done so I'll have something for Show and Tell in April.

Until then, keep on quilting!
Jo Paula

Bring list:

items for the Birthday Table and qBay
Solids Fabric Exchange
Spring/Pastel quilts to hang
Easter Egg Pastel Fat Quarters (pink, blue, purple, yellow, green)
YELP pet quilts
Items for Show and Tell
Figer Name Tags

President's Message March 2011

2011-03-02T19:43:00.000-06:00

Dear River City Quilters:

Well, February is behind us and we look onward to Springtime. How did you like the taste of what's coming up in the guild for the rest of the year? I hope it wasn't too overwhelming to hear about so many projects at once, but we wanted to get it out there and generate some excitement!!

Barbara Lankford and the committee have really put together our annual challenge for us and I just love Elena　Acosta's idea for the birdhouses for lotto blocks. I can't wait to get a piece of that swatch to start on that birdhouse. Caroline Derbes' love of art really shows in her abstract art quilt designs with solid fabrics.

We are still looking for a coordinator of the Christmas Lotto block committee. (Please, please) I love the pineapple design from Bonnie Hunter and I thank Beth Jessup for throwing together a block on very short notice. As I said at the meeting, there are already folks who volunteered to serve on this committee, we need a point person.

I was elated to get Janet Cundiff back in the guild and even more excited for her to participate in show and tell. Wasn't that a lovely quilt she made in the past year while recuperating. You need to know that she was my inspiration for the mentor program.

Wow, what a lovely array of quilts in the Ultimate Guild Challenge for AQS Knoxville! My apologies for the confusion in the awarding of ribbons. I learned a lot from this challenge and promise that we will have tape measures available at check-in and will have guidelines and rules in writing beforehand and available to all those submitting quilts. Let's keep our fingers crossed that AQS loves those as much as we do and we get into the show! I don't know about y'all, but I'm thinking something floral for the next UGC for AQS!

Beth Jessup and I are teaching an all-day Patch-No-Work class for the Remember Me Quilt Guild on Saturday, March 5th at St. Paul's. There are still a few openings available. If you are interested in attending, please contact Becky Stringer rebeccastringer@cox.net . Places are filling up fast!

We are gearing up for a great presentation in March. Our local quilt pattern creators and celebrities, Paula Toups and Connie Ewbank, will do the program. If you have quilts that were made with any patterns published by Paula or Connie, please bring them for show & tell.

Judy Laquidara's "Connect the Dots" class http://www.patchworktimes.com/ still has space available. Please contact Beth ASAP to sign up (e) bethjessup@cox.net

LA Senator Robert Adley arranged for the Lost Heroes Art Quilt to be on display on the 1st floor of the State Capitol building, March 20-27. I hope you can make it out to view it. http://www.heart2hand4art.com/lostheroesartquilt/firstpage.htm

Beth Jessup and I participated in the GSQA POE (pursuit of excellence) in Kiln, MS, on February 12th. More details about that later.

Until next time, keep on quilting!

Jo Paula

Bring List for Meeting:

Block for Giving Quilt Challenge
Items for the birthday table (see Jo and Mary)
Solids Fabric Exchange (see Caroline)
Lotto Blocks (see Elena)
Quilt or fabric donations for YELP (see Lilly)
Fat Quarter Lotto - Sky Blue and/or Sunny Yellow
Fiber Nametag
Show and Tell - bring quilts from Connie and Paula's patterns

Guild Retreat at Feliciana Retreat Center

2011-02-05T22:47:00.000-06:00

See the pictures

President's Message February 2011

2011-01-31T12:11:00.001-06:00

Hello dear quilting friends,

Well, what a surprise, I survived my first meeting as guild President. Thank you all for bearing with me as my legs wobbled a bit. There was so much information to cover and I hope it was enlightening. We are excited to announce that River City signed up 8 new members at our first meeting of 2011. You probably noticed from some of the presentations that we have a lot of goings on this year!

It was very encouraging that so many of you non board members showed up for the board meeting. We love your input and value everything you offer to the guild. The date and location of the next board meeting is Mar. 15 at 5:30 pm at Café Americain on Jefferson Hwy. and I encourage you to consider coming, contributing to the discussions, and joining in the fun!

I hope you enjoyed Jean Griffin’s presentation of the felted wool (geode) pin cushion. She inspired me by making it look so easy. So much that, Mary Woltmann, Margie Bumm, and I ordered kits on-line from Etsy ! We will bring those later in the year so you can see our handy work. Not sure if our pin cushions will look like Jean’s did, but we’ll give it our best shot!

Many, many thanks go out to Charlene Bertrand, Noreen Mazzaroppi, Candy Bergeron, Connie Day, and Marie Montelbano for setting up and tearing down the meeting room for the January meeting. In addition, they were also responsible for hanging and tagging the Mystery Quilts. You ladies did a great job and you have my sincere thanks for stepping forward and pitching in. We couldn’t have done it without you! AND we still need folks to sign up to help with room set up for the remainder of the year, just sign up for a month, maybe two.

WOW, the Mystery Quilts were beautiful! I was totally surprised that I took the Blue Ribbon. I hope that everyone was inspired by this display to sign up and do the 2011 Mystery Quilt. Thanks to Glenda Parks for taking care of that for the guild. I look forward to see what the next ones look like!

Please don’t forget to bring your wall hangings which are appropriate for “After the Storm” Ultimate Guild Challenge. Remember, we need at least 8 to enter AQS’s Knoxville Show in July. None of us want to get on Nina’s naughty list for not having enough to enter the competition. Remember the Para Challenge in 2009. It made it into the Knoxville show. We can do it again!

In order to give our members enough time to participate in some other challenges, we are unveiling new opportunities in February. (see the program list and meeting info, later in the newsletter.)

I’m looking for a leader! We need someone to chair the Auction committee. This person would need to have a fairly large, unused space in which to house the donated items.

Due to scheduling conflicts, I will be out of town for the February and March Saturday Sew Ins. I’m looking for someone who will be the Keeper of the Keys for those two Saturdays. If you are a regular Saturday sew person, please give me a call.

Please feel free to call me at (225) 767 1004 or (c) 955 5480. You stand a better chance to reach me on the cell. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how we can do it better, please let me know.

Keep sewing, Jo Paula
List of items to bring to the meeting:

2011 Membership Application: if you have not renewed. Annual dues = $20. (see Joyce Perry) Please renew before March. The membership list is revised then. An application is at the end of the newsletter
February Birthday Table - (see Jo Doherty and Mary Wolf)
Bring Animal related fabrics/scraps for "cage comforters" - the YELP project (see Lilly Willis)
Show & Tell: Bring samples from your classes (Flavin Glover and Bonnie Hunter)
Fat Quarter Lotto: "Cremes and Off Whites" Max. of 2 entries. See Suzi
The Giving Quilt Project: Fabric donations for charity quilts (more info from Candy Bergeron)
Fiber Name Tag: You could win a $10 gift certificate.
"Pressing Matters" (Bags o' Scraps) help Sherry Herrinshaw (see explanation in the newsletter under Giving Quilt)

Bonnie Hunter Lecture on Thursday, January 27

2011-01-28T23:01:00.002-06:00

See the Slideshow

President's Message January 2011

2010-12-31T14:21:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year River City!

Dear Quilting Friends, 2011 is almost here and River City’s new leaders take over the helm. I speak for all of the officers as well as committee coordinators when I say, “Wow, we have a lot planned for this year and it’s only January.” We hope that you will embrace new leadership roles so that we all may keep the guild on a robust and progressive track.

Please make plans to attend the meeting on Thursday, Jan. 6. Fellow RCQG member, Jean Griffin, will do the presentation. You will become familiar with one of Jean’s many talents, she creates felted wool pin cushions. These were very popular sellers at the Michael Young Fest! She will demonstrate its construction as well as provide a supply list. Keep this in mind for December gift giving! Jean just might bring some to sell, too.

At last, the infamous 2010 Mystery Quilts will be displayed for your viewing and voting pleasure. We will have Viewer's Choice Award Ribbons and Prizes for the winners. We will also unveil the 2011 Mystery Quilt first installment. Glenda Parks has been busy searching for a new and exciting mystery.

River City is hosting the GSQA meeting on Saturday, January 22nd at St. Paul's! We need coordinators and volunteers to work this event. Flavin Glover will be the key-note speaker.

Classes: Because of the success of all of our fund raising efforts in 2010, we are able to contract with four (4) national speakers/quilters. Please visit their websites for more information on their specialties.
January 21: Flavin Glover, www.flavinglover.com (Innovative Log Cabin Courthouse Steps Workshop at St. Paul's) There are still a few openings left.

January 27 31: Bonnie Hunter, http://www.quiltville.com/

April 7/9: Judy LaQuidara: http://www.patchworktimes.com/

July TBA: Jodi Barrows: http://www.squareinasquare.com/

More details on the classes and registration information for future workshops will appear later.

Bonnie Hunter teaches scrap quilting. Unfortunately, both River City classes are full, Jan. 27th “Cathedral Stars” and Jan. 28th, “Pineapple Blossom,” but we’ve compiled a waiting list. However, Stash Builders Quilt Guild in Gonzales is also offering two of her classes. Those classes will be offered on Sun., Jan. 30th and Mon., Jan. 31st. To sign up, please contact Noreen Mazzaroppi (home 225 673 9847 or cell 225 715 6133 or quiltroomnor@cox.net ).

the Bring List for January:

Mystery Quilts: Bring your 2010 mystery quilts to hang. Voting and prizes. Then bring $ to get signed up for the new 2011 mystery quilt with the first set of instructions. (see Glen Parks)
2011 Membership Application: Forms are available at the January meeting. Please bring a blank check made payable to River City or cash because, we shall discuss and vote to determine if we increase the amount of annual dues. Please renew your application before March. We will revise the membership list then and want you to be included! (see Joyce Perry, treasurer)
UFO List: It is time again to go through your project boxes and prioritize. What do you hope to finish in 2011? More details about UFO's later in the newsletter. (see Suzanne Elliott)
January Birthday Table: Bring your donations and address labels (see Jo Doherty and Mary Wolf)
CAAWS Project: Bring Animal related fabric for "cage comforters" project (see Lilly Willis)
Show & Tell: Bring in projects and Christmas gifts to show to the group.
Fat Quarter Lotto: "Black & White" Max. of 2 entries. See Suzi
The Giving Quilt Project: Fabric donations for charity quilts (see Candy Bergeron)
Your Friends and Family: Bring those who may be interested in becoming a RCQG member
Fiber Name Tag: You could win a $10 gift certificate
Ink pen so you can sign up for some of our wonderful committees!!!

All of the committee chairmen and members are looking forward to working with you during the coming year. We are still adding to the committee rosters. I hope that you seriously consider volunteering for some task. It takes a village or it takes a whole guild to sustain the progress we’ve made in the past year! I know I have a huge pair of shoes to fill and I can only do it with your help!

Best regards to all of you and I am really looking forward to 2011 and all that we plan to accomplish in the River City Quilt Guild!

Sincerely,
Jo Paula Lantier

President's Message December 2010

2010-12-01T16:38:00.002-06:00

Hi to All,

Merry Christmas!!! How can I possibly be typing those words? The days, weeks, and months, just keep flying by. Our Christmas Party is just a few days away December 2rd. It promises to be a great time for all! And we can all agree that River City Quilt Guild has some great cooks! One thing that is certain and that is that our dinner will be delicious!

I was lucky enough to see the Christmas Lotto quilts they are too beautiful! I know that there will be some very happy winners at our meeting.

Don't forget your wrapped gifts, Toys For Tots, and food donations.

A very big thank you to all the participants in our Circle of Life challenge! Your response was wonderful. The talent and creativity of our members continues to be extraordinary!

The board and I would also like to thank you for your great support for our "quilt gift". We raised almost the full cost of Bonnie Hunter's lecture in January ($350). Thank you! And congratulations to Martha Landry, who won the quilt top.

I also want to thank you, the membership, who contribute so much to our guild. Your support of River City Quilt Guild has been invaluable to me for these past two years. I sincerely appreciate your willingness to step forward and serve. We have been able to offer many activities, classes, and community service opportunities because of your willingness to help. Thank you, again! Your talents and efforts not only make our guild a wonderful group, but you also help to preserve the art of quilt making for the future.

In closing, I want to thank you for allowing me to be your president for the last two years. It has been a privilege and I have truly enjoyed it.

Happy Quilting in the New Year!!!

Mary

P. S. - "Jo Paula, Tag -You're It!! And you are going to love it..."

For the meeting:

Wear your Christmas Sweaters & finery
Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag
bring your prepared dish with a serving utensil
bring a wrapped handmade item for -- Gift Exchange (voluntary participation - see Beth Jessup)
bring December birthday table items
bring donated food items for the food bank
bring an unwrapped toy for the "Toys for Tots" gift campaign

President's Message November 2010

2010-11-15T19:53:00.000-06:00

Hi to All,

I had a great time in Houston. So many things to see and to touch and, heaven help me, to buy. The time just sped by me.

Speaking of time flying, my presidency is about to come to a close. It has been a wonderful time. You all have been so good to me, shown me many kindnesses, critiqued my ideas, and you have risen to the call for any and all tasks. The membership has made my two years as guild president so memorable.

As we get down to the end, I want to thank everyone. You have been so great as a group and as individuals. I shall never forget any of these wonderful times. However, I do intend to be a pair of willing hands for new president, Jo Paula and the new officers as they strive to make 2011 a bumper year filled with quilting plans, but I will so enjoy taking a breath and sitting down in the audience with the rest of my stitching sisters (and brothers.) 2011 will be another grand year for River City with classes and projects already on the calendar.

The last challenge of the year is here, the Circle Challenge, so get out your cameras and vote for some lucky, talented quilters to take home some prizes.

Again, our many thanks to Jo Doherty and Joni DeVilbiss and all the auction volunteers for such a wonderful evening last month. $2500 for Parker House - Jennifer Artigue will put it to good use.

So two more meetings and I am done.

Much love to you all and Happy Quilting,
Mary

President's Message October 2010

2010-11-15T19:51:00.000-06:00

Hi to All,

It's October! Yeah !! Halloween and Quilt Festival are just around the corner!! In other words this is a good month! I know we are all looking forward to our big auction meeting this month. Miss Jo has done a wonderful job collecting, sorting, and "packaging" all the wonderful donations for our auction. I heard a rumor that there are even more baskets than last year! This promises to be a wonderful event~~So bring your checkbook and/or cash and a friend!

The proceeds from auction benefit Parker House... a Christian-based organization that provides residential treatment for children, ages 3 13. Care is provided to children who have been abused, neglected, and/or abandoned. Parker House provides a safe haven for these children.

We are also planning on having some simple refreshments (drinks & treats) at the meeting that the guild will provide. I think we shop better when we eat a little caramel corn. All that bidding can be hard work!

With a giving theme in mind, I would also ask you to bring a non-perishable food item for Hope Ministries, a local food pantry, that promotes self sufficiency and dignity. Joyce Perry volunteers there and reports that their supplies are very low.....and that peanut butter and jelly are at the top of their needs list, along with cereal, flour, canned meats, and dried beans. I am sure other food items would be welcome as well.

Please bring your Autumn and Halloween-theme quilts to display. Dress in costume or just "in masque". And don't forget your Christmas Lotto blocks. This is last call for them.

Enjoy this wonderful Fall weather and quilt away!

Happy Halloween, Mary

River City Auction to benefit Parker House

2010-11-15T19:48:00.000-06:00

“Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction Guidelines

Same rules as always, but the tickets are $1.00
Buy as many tickets as you like
Place your tickets in the containers by the items you like
You can put more than one ticket in a container if you so choose
Ticket sales continue until the end of the meeting break.

Silent Auction Guidelines

We will be using bidder numbers rather than names, so sign up as soon as you arrive.
Just sign your name and get a number.
You will get a snack sized paper plate with your number boldly printed on it.
After you get your number, feel free to start placing your bids.
The minimum increment to raise on a bid will be designated on the bid sheet (some may be different than others.)
Silent Auction bidding continues until the end of the meeting break. You may need to enter more than one bid to outbid your competitors.
An announcement will be made when you have five minutes remaining.
A second announcement will be made to halt bidding.
All the bid sheets will be picked up and organized

Agenda for October 2010 Meeting

Pre-Meeting

"Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction Sales
Silent Auction Bidding
Hanging of Autumn and Halloween quilts

Short meeting
Break

“Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction Sales
Silent Auction Bidding

Halt
Drawings for the “Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction will take place and winners will be announced.
Winners will be announced for the Silent Auction items.

We want you to know what you have already spent so you’ll know how much you have left for bidding on the Live Auction items
Treasurer Team will group Silent Auction bid sheets into groups by winner and total the price owed by each bidder.
If you need to leave, you are free to pay at any time after the announcements are made.

Live Auction of special items
Please pay by check or cash before picking up your items.

River City Auction - Thursday, October 7

2010-10-02T21:34:00.006-05:00

“Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction Guidelines

Same rules as always, but the tickets are $1.00
Buy as many tickets as you like
Place your tickets in the containers by the items you like
You can put more than one ticket in a container if you so choose
Ticket sales continue until the end of the meeting break.

Silent Auction Guidelines

We will be using bidder numbers rather than names, so sign up as soon as you arrive.
Just sign your name and get a number.
You will get a snack sized paper plate with your number boldly printed on it.
After you get your number, feel free to start placing your bids.
The minimum increment to raise on a bid will be designated on the bid sheet (some may be different than others.)
Silent Auction bidding continues until the end of the meeting break. You may need to enter more than one bid to outbid your competitors.
An announcement will be made when you have five minutes remaining.
A second announcement will be made to halt bidding.
All the bid sheets will be picked up and organized

Agenda for October 2010 Meeting

Pre-Meeting

“Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction Sales
Silent Auction Bidding
Hanging of Autumn and Halloween quilts

Short meeting
Break

"Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction Sales
Silent Auction Bidding

Halt to bidding
Drawings for the “Not Your Birthday” Ticket Auction will take place and winners will be announced.
Winners will be announced for the Silent Auction items.

We want you to know what you have already spent so you’ll know how much you have left for bidding on the Live Auction items
Treasurer Team will group Silent Auction bid sheets into groups by winner and total the price owed by each bidder.
If you need to leave, you are free to pay at any time after the announcements are made.

Live Auction of special items
Please pay by check or cash before picking up your items.

Labor Day Weekend Retreat

2010-09-03T18:46:00.004-05:00

See what you missed!

Click here.

President's Message September 2010

2010-08-30T18:02:00.004-05:00

Hi to All,

Many, many thanks to everyone for their support as individuals and as groups of the Michael Young Fest...... There were countless hours of volunteer labor: cookies and cakes baked, jambalaya cooked, quilts, bags, table runners, and other items were handmade....and all donated to MYF. It was a tremendous success! It speaks so well of our quilt community.

It would have not been possible without everyone's help! You are great! Thank you! We are still working on the final tally, donations are still forthcoming, but it looks to be nearing $23,000!!! Over $3,800 was raised through the raffle alone.

We are going to have a celebration/thank you party at our September guild meeting. It will be a fun evening....WE are having a Beach Party with an end-of-summer theme....Plan on having some cake and punch, play Quilto (Beach Blanket Bingo), and view the exhibit of beautiful batik swap quilts. It will be a great meeting! Wear your flip flops, big sun glasses, and muu-muus.

And a great big welcome to our newest members! Can you believe eight more people joined our guild in August? WOW!

The nominating committee was selected at our last meeting. They will be announcing the slate of officers at the October meeting. As my presidency winds down, it's been a great 2 years, please be thinking of how you can participate in 2011 and continue to contribute some of your talents. We have a lot of opportunities available. New blood keeps our work and our opportunities fresh and inviting. Many hands lighten the burden for all.

In addition to service as an officer, there are many committees that will need chairs and members: for challenges, education/outside teachers, birthday raffle, Christmas Lotto.....the list goes on.........it gives you an opportunity to get to know other members.

One of the best things about my presidency is that I got to know so many of you, first hand, and be the recipient of your many kindnesses. You all have been so good to me. .....It has been wonderful!

See you then. Happy Quilting, Mary

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE FRONT LOT - Folks, an edict from St. Paul's church officials states that we cannot fill up the front parking lot that faces Old Hammond Hwy. Because the minister and secretary come in and out at all hours and they want their parking spots. However, if you have a handicapped parking tag, you may park in the lot. You have permission to drop off "your stuff" at the front door to the hall where we meet, but please re-park your car in the back lot, asap. It is a small price to pay for such a nice facility. This rule applies to meeting days and sewing days.

the Bring list----

Batik Swap Tops to Exhibit - Joyce Perry will hang these beauties.
Hawaiian or Beach theme quilts, with flip flops, beach umbrellas, tropical drinks, sailboats, fish, lighthouses, or anything with sand, and your regular show & tells
FQ's to play Quilto (1 FQ for each card) – also if you wish to contribute more FQ's, you may, they will be grouped in bundles to serve as the prizes
Fat Quarters for Lotto drawing, "Polka-Dots" - Like that itsy-bitsy bikini in your bottom drawer, that now fits better as a head band. Any color polka-dot fabric will do. Max. of 2 entries.
your Kathy Brown class project (**no pictures, please, Kathy's publisher, Martindale Press, asks that no images come out until the book's release (May - 2011) It's under wraps!!)
Sept. birthday raffle gifts.
$$$$ – there are some great bargains (handmade items) from MYFest to snatch up in case you missed them the first time.
any sold/unsold raffle tickets to return to Suzanne Elliott
Bring your auction items NOW. Baskets, too. October auction!

also:

Christmas Lotto kits are still for sale 2 different blocks $2.50/kit. Return your finished blocks for "2" chances to win. Oct. deadline- one chance. See Beth Jessup and Barbara Lankford.
Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.
Wear Your Beachwear - straw hats, sunglasses, all the kitschy stuff you bought in Gulf Shores! Bring a colorful beach towel to drape over your chair. Be a Bahama Momma for a night!

A Wonderful Day!

2010-08-21T20:59:00.014-05:00

Michael Young Fest - a great success!
See the slide show here.

Thank you so very much to everybody!

The list is long of those to thank. And we could not have done it without each and every one of you.

There were:

Item donators
Makers of homemade items
Parking attendants
Jambalaya makers and servers
Water Sellers
Bakers
Ticket sellers
Ticket buyers
Table and chair movers
Auctioneers
Cashiers
Spotters
Swoopers
Scribes
The list goes on and on and on and on and on.......

President's Message August 2010

2010-08-05T22:22:00.004-05:00

Hi Everybody,

Wasn't our July meeting wonderful? River City members are not only talented quilters but they are good cooks as well! Thanks to everyone who brought the delicious treats to share at our Christmas in July meeting!

Did you know that 7 people joined RCQG that night? I think that might be a new one-month record. And a very special thank you to Daisy Comeaux for teaching us how to make the fat quarter rose stems and bouquets; they are for sale at the MYFest. Thanks to Carol Hilton for demonstrating how to make those great folded fabric Christmas ornaments. With just a few scraps, applique pins, and Styrofoam she made some lovely heirloom gifts.

Our August meeting is going to be just as exciting. Kathy Brown will be superb. She spoke to the guild previously about her work and quilt interests. She is such a busy and productive quilter. We are so fortunate to have her right here in Baton Rouge. She is the creative force behind Teacher's Pet Quilt Block Patterns. She has developed over 125 patterns, created 12 fabric lines, and written seven books. She will speak on her newest book release. She is a featured contributor to quilting books and magazines including The Quilter, Create and Decorate, and Quick and Easy Quilting.

Please remember to contribute to the birthday raffle table----all the proceeds will go towards the purchase of jambalaya ingredients for the Michael Young Fest. Bring your donations and bring your money $$$. It is going to be a fun-filled evening.

Bring your favorite "Easy" quilt(s) to hang on the walls, and tell us all about it at Show & tell. If you still have the pattern or resource info, please share that with the group. See you then.

HQ,
Mary

p.s.:
Michael Young Fest

Wow! It is almost time for MYFest! The raffle tickets for the purple and gold tiger quilt are selling like hot cakes! Melanie designed it and Carol Hilton donated the long-arm quilting. Other donated items continue to arrive. There is some great stuff to bid on! The Saints quilt is quilted with a "Who Dat" design and ready for the auction. Donna Britt will be our celebrity guest at the live auction. People are planning trips to Baton Rouge just to be sure they will be here for the MYF. Don't be left out! Be there on the 21st! We need volunteers! Please contact me if you can help in any way! Thanks! Mary

atta' Girl, to Judy Holley, who got some of the quilts hung at Barnes & Noble Cafe' - great publicity!

2010 Stash Busters

2010-06-06T14:27:00.003-05:00

Stash Busters - a new competition to decrease the amount of yardage in your stash

Between the months of January-November, 2010, tally and record the amount of any fabric yardage that you use, donate, or sew. That yardage amount is then, "BUSTED", liberated from your stash. Get credit for using fabrics. Alice Fredlund, record keeper, will record the amounts as you send them in.

*Use this email address brstashbusters@gmail.com. Some type of prize awarded at the conclusion.

Simple rules from Alice:

1) Give me your full name… (I'm still learning them all.)

2) Each stash amount used, can be as small as a quarter of a yard, (.25), no inches, no fractions.

3) Use decimal points, i.e., 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75, to make it easier on the data compiler.

4) The honor system is in place! I trust all of my quilting sisters! May the best stash buster win!

President's Message June 2010

2010-06-06T13:51:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybody,

With Memorial Day here, I guess it is safe to say that summer has officially started! I have been brainstorming on ways to stay cool and I think I have come up with a winning idea. We should stay inside our wonderfully air-conditioned homes just sewing and quilting! Or, at the very least, do that during those HOT, crispy afternoons!

I know we are all looking forward to the June program with Robin Waller. She loves vintage fibers and quilt history. We are happy for her to share that knowledge with us! You will like her program!

June offers lots of opportunities for us! June 12 is the Rosebud Auction (sponsored by GSQA) at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Metairie. What a great way to spend a Saturday---eating a delicious meal with friends and having chances to win some wonderful auction items! I hope to see you there!

(June 18 - 20) The 13th Biennial GSQA Quilt Show at Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell. I heard there are over 300 quilts! Several of which come from River City! .....do I hear the words, "Road Trip"?

And speaking of extra fun things, how is that fabric busting coming along? E-mail Alice with details at brstashbusters@gmail.com.

Don't forget to bring your "guy" quilts to hang and for show and tell this month!

I hope everyone enjoyed last month's program on finishing steps for your quilt. Many thanks to Debbie, Nina, and Melanie for the wonderful demos! I went home inspired to try out their methods.

I want you, the members of River City Quilt Guild, to know what an absolute treasure you are to me. Your knowledge, your talent, your willingness to give and share with others is unequaled.

Thank you for allowing me to be your president.

Happy quilting!

Mary

President's Message May 2010

2010-04-28T19:03:00.001-05:00

Hi, and Greetings from Paducah!

I am sending my best wishes to all of you from Paducah, Kentucky, the home of AQS, the American Quilter's Society, and the National Quilt Museum. I wish you could be here to share in the experience. You should try to come for quilt week at least once in your lifetime. The area is bustling with quilters of every stripe. Fun, food, fabric, and friends – the 4 F''s.

Congratulations, again, to Melanie West for her AQS Judges Recognition Award from quilt judge, Karen Kay Buckley. Moondance is a fine Asian-themed piece of original work. Melanie will share some of its critique with us.

There are quite a few guild members who went and we will have items for Show & Tell. The program will be "Around the Quilt Top - Techniques to Miter, Border, and Bind." Some folks say that once the top is made the quilt is finished. We are going to go all the way to the "Finish Line." Make it ready to throw on the bed.

A reminder that this meeting on April 29th takes the place of our May meeting.

Loved every minute of it; now I am ready to get home.

Happy Quilting!!

Mary

What to bring:

Floral quilts to hang during the meeting
your Paducah purchases and tells
May birthday raffle gifts
your regular show & tells
Fat Quarter Lotto - Aquamarine/turquoise. Max. of 2 entries
Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - enter in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

We've Got Talent!

2010-04-21T19:56:00.003-05:00

Melanie West's quilt - "Moon Dance", a large wall quilt with Japanese cranes that she made as a commission, has been awarded the Judges' Recognition Award at the AQS 2010 show in Paducah.

Congratulations all around! We are so excited for her.

See pictures of her quilt.

Quilts of Love Challenge and Show

2010-04-13T16:46:00.002-05:00

See the Pictures

President's Message April 2010

2010-03-26T19:53:00.004-05:00

Hi, and a Happy Spring to all!

What a wonderful time of year this is! It's a perfect time for quilting! I know we are all looking forward to our program this month, Paducah 101 by Margie Bumm. From what I hear, River City Quilt Guild could have a meeting in Paducah this year!

A big thank you goes out to Nina and Joyce for their wonderful presentation on the Ultimate Quilt Challenge. The theme, "Out of the Storm", lends itself to many wonderful quilting possibilities. I hope that we have lots of participation in this challenge. You are a wonderfully talented group and I think the quilting world needs to see evidence of that fact!

Seminar was great! I hope it was as good an experience for you as it was for me. I learned a lot! Time spent with other quilters is always time well spent! Bring your class work to show us.

Don't forget that this month's birthday raffle proceeds will benefit our Community Service Quilts. Let's see how much money we can raise!

We have lots of great activities in our guild. Pick one or two or all and join in! You'll be glad you did! And my continued thanks go out to everyone who is making these activities possible.

Happy Quilting!! Mary

This Month's Program - "Paducah on a Shoestring" - With Margie Bumm as your travel guide, learn the ins and outs of this exciting quilt show. Margie, a native-born Kentuckian, will tell you the real dirt on which places are "must-sees" and which ones are just a "pass." Our special guest, Kathy Brown, quilt teacher, extraordinaire, will give a preview of the August jelly roll class and rulers.

-REMINDERS-

Sign-Up Sheets:

Get on the Bus - Houston Trip (see Karen Tabor)
Kathy Brown Workshop (see Suzanne Elliott)
Rose Bud Auction (see Beth Jessup)
UFO Challenge (see Suzanne Elliott)
Mystery Quilt (see Glenda Parks) Cost $1/person at sign up.

The Bring list

your GSQA class projects
work from Beth Jessup's "Patch, No Work" class
April birthday raffle gifts. And non-birthday persons, too. This month's proceeds are donated to the community service quilts project, for supplies
your show & tells
Fat Quarter Lotto, Flowers in bloom. Max. of 2 entries
Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.
a friend, a prospective member, a relative
auction donations, Jo Doherty will have a collection box for the Fall auction.

100 Charity Quilt Challenge

2010-03-05T18:30:00.001-06:00

Our president Mary Woltmann has challenged the guild to make 100 quilts for charity this year.

Norma Payne is heading up a charity committee to work cooperatively on charity quilts. Some do cutting, others do piecing, and still others do quilting. It is a great way to be able to participate without feeling the pressure of completing a whole quilt.

The Wednesday Group is also working as a group doing some sweatshop sewing to produce charity quilts.

Several individual members of the guild are also very active in producing Quilts of Valor, quilts for premature babies, etc.

Kathy Onstead has volunteered to be the Recorder, so if you have done a quilt for charity this year, please send email to Kathy so that she can chalk one up for the guild. Keep those emails coming. The list will contain any and all quilts constructed by the guild in groups or by individuals.

Let's show Mary that we are up to the challenge!

President's Message March 2010

2010-03-05T18:23:00.003-06:00

Hi all!

How can March be here so soon? Didn't January just end? And GSQA Seminar is just around the corner. I hope many of you are taking advantage of the wonderful classes and lectures this year. We are so fortunate that it is right here in Baton Rouge.

I hope you all enjoyed Melanie's Life In Quilts at our February meeting. I just loved it and felt so inspired! I think I would like to be adopted into her family so I would stand a chance at receiving a quilt from her! I also thought that her idea of walking one mile on the treadmill or maybe it was ten miles before you could buy a yard of fabric was inspirational. If I had always done that you might not even be able to see me, I would be so skinny!

I know we are all looking forward to hearing about the theme choice of 2011 Ultimate Guild Challenge at this meeting. Our "Para Challenge" was wonderful and so well interpreted ! And for the guild entry to make it into the AQS show – a dream come true.

There are so many interesting and fun activities this year in our guild. It will be fun to watch as Glenda's mystery quilt unfolds as well as see what quilts will materialize from our Batik Swap. It is a true pleasure to see the results of your wonderful creativity and workmanship in your quilts.

Again, I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time and effort for our guild. River City Quilt Guild would not be what it is without you! Thanks!

Happy Quilting!!

Mary

February 2010 Retreat

2010-02-07T18:41:00.001-06:00

We had a great time at the February Quilt Retreat! It looked more like the River City Sweat Shop in there the way we were churning out finished projects.

13 people + 54 hours = over 30 "Ta-Das"

Check out our Ta-Das! (click here)

Sarah Leblanc, Alice Fredlund, Joyce Perry, Norma Payne, Linda Wiggins, Stella Goodbee, Karen Tabor, Elaine Gosselin, Thelma Berg, Margie Bumm, Caroline Derbes, Joni DeVilbiss, and Debbie Hulett

President's Message Feb 2010

2010-01-30T22:14:00.002-06:00

Hi!

How can it feel like Springtime? Weren't we just dealing with some wintry precipitation?

My sincere thanks go out to everyone who brought their beautiful hand-quilted treasures to share at our January meeting. The workmanship and artistry was inspirational. I know everyone enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to see the quilt jewels. Thank you, again, for giving us such a great start to our new year.

I know we are all looking forward to our February program. It will be a trunk show of Melanie West - A Life in Quilts. This collection is not to be missed! Melanie has won many awards, fulfilled commissions, and transformed simple fiber and thread into magnificent works of art. Not only is it a rare view of her numerous beautiful quilts, but it is a true inspiration to all of us.

Are you working on your UFO challenge list? Have you thought about what kind of community service quilt you would like to make? And don't forget that the announcements for our challenges will be made ASAP.

We have lots of great opportunities this year! Don't miss out!!

Happy Quilting!!
Mary

Stuff to Bring:

your membership application (filled in) along with your check (made out to River City) or cash, ($15). You have until the end of March, then the membership list will be culled.
February birthday raffle gifts.
Your show & tells. We'd sure love to see those UFOs as you finish them.
Fat Quarter Lotto, "Purple, Gold, & Green" for a Happy Mardi Gras. Max. of 2 entries.
Juvenile/baby fabrics and 2.5 inch strips, for use in community service quilts. Norma Payne collects at every meeting.
a friend, a prospective member, a relative.
auction donations, Jo Doherty will have a collection box for the Fall auction.
your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate

Quilt the Swamp 2010

2010-01-30T22:06:00.001-06:00

Check out the fabulous pictures (courtesy of John Hartgerink) of the fiber arts displayed at the Bluebonnet Swamp's Quilt the Swamp 2010. What wonderful works of art! Many thanks to John for allowing us the opportunity to view them through the lens of his camera.

President's Message Jan 2010

2009-12-30T14:10:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone and a Happy New Year to one and all!!!

I am already looking forward to the year ahead of us. 2010 will be teeming with new and interesting things to do. The January program will be a trunk show of Melanie West - a Life in Quilts. This collection is not to be missed! Melanie has won many awards, fulfilled commissions, and transformed simple fiber and thread into magnificent works of art. Not only is it a rare view of her numerous beautiful quilts, but it is a true inspiration to all of us.

Our guild has lots of exciting programs, challenges, and events to talk about in January. We will be competing in the UFO Challenge, again. I think it helped many of us to finish quite a few projects that got moved to the back burner. I wish I could say that all of mine were finished, but... maybe this year!

The birthday raffle will also continue. Maybe, we should issue a challenge --- which birthday month rules??? Which month makes the most $$$? And, we don't want to forget our fiber name tags! Remember that one lucky person could win a $10 gift certificate each and every month just for wearing their fiber name tag! There is lots more fun and excitement happening in River City in 2010!

In closing, I want to thank everyone for my WONDERFUL blocks! I love them so. They are the perfect color and pattern for me! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! My many thanks to everyone who helped with the Christmas party. It was a great event! My thanks to everyone who worked so hard last year. Brace yourself for a new year with great achievements yet to come.

Happy Quilting!!
Mary

Items to bring:

your filled-out membership application and cash or check (made out to River City) to turn in to Beth Jessup. A new membership application is found at the end of the newsletter. Fill in your ideas and quilt ambitions.
January birthday raffle gifts.
show & tells. Quilt-like gifts? What did you buy with your Christmas cash??
Fat Quarter Lotto, "Dark Blue or Black," for the dark nights of wintertime. Max. of 2 entries.
juvenile/baby/youth fabric donations for charity quilts. Also fat quarters, yardage you will never use in 100 years, or any leftover 2.5 inch strips that you will not be using. Norma Payne will have a collection box at every meeting.
a friend, a prospective member, or a relative.
auction donations, Jo Doherty will have a box there for anyone who is cleaning out and straightening their stash (sewing room) and wants to donate items for the Fall auction.
your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.
a list of UFOs - it's time to start your UFO list. Suzanne Elliott will explain the guidelines

Dec 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-12-30T14:07:00.004-06:00

minutes of –Dec. 5, 2009
Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 48 members, 4 guests, Grace Broussard is the mother of JoPaula Lantier. Jennifer Artigue of Parker House came to accept this year's auction donation of $2000 +.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

introduction of guests- Joyce Perry said grace. Dinner.
Thank you's to all who contributed to the party.
Lilly Willis had a questionnaire on Christmas topics, a get-to-know other members ice-breaker.
Name tag winner: Mary Wolf.
Treasurer's report. Norma Payne made a motion to "tithe" 10% of the guild funds to the church for use of the facilities, so the donation was $350. Elaine Gosslin seconded the motion.
Kathy Perovosnik recommended to ask the church about boosting the amount of parking lot lighting.
Saturday Sew In– Dec. 12th 9 to 3. Board meeting at Goodwood Library Dec. 6th.
Retreat news

Brain Storm for Ideas - 2010 Guild Programs

Continue UFO Challenge
Bus charter for extended trip
Play Quilto-Bingo
Baby Loc workshop (new machine technique that looks like quilting)
Another workshop/lecture like Helen Roddy Brown

Birthday raffle netted $51.

UFO Challenge results (Suzanne Elliott) - of the 432 commitments, 129 were completed, or 30%. Cash Prize awarded to Janet Cundiff, who finished 11.

Drawing for fat quarter prizes: Mary Wolf, Mary Woltmann, Nina Delaune, Debbie Huelett, Glenda Parks, Ginger Givens, Beth Jessup, Lilly Willis, Kathy Perovosnik, and Joyce Perry

Pin cushion & wrapped gift exchanges

Christmas Challenge drawings/winners (6 quilts and 1 table runner):

Beth - star quilt
Tommie Morden - trees & stars w/ sawtooth border
Mary Woltmann - trees
Barbara Lankford - stars
Kathy Perovosnik - trees w/ red sashes.
Lorraine Moore - trees & stars in "X" pattern w/ red/green border.
Karen Perron - table runner.

SHOW AND TELL

Beth Jessup- Christmas stocking to give away, monogrammed "Shannon" to Karol Guidry
Alice Fredlund - "Super Chicken" - a super-sized pin cushion
Jo Paula Lantier crazy quilt
Marilyn Halvorsen - blue quilt, Christmas tree skirt
Maureen Miller - Laurel Burch quilt
Marlene Lewis - redwork Christmas wall hanging (3)
Kathy Perovosnik - finished niece's penguin quilt Mary Woltmann - presents gifts to officers. Mary receives blocks from the membership.

Beth reports on Adopt-a-Family details. if you need a tax deduction receipt from the diocese, please contact her.

the end

River City Christmas Party Highlights

2009-12-10T20:25:00.002-06:00

And a good time was had by all......

We had a wonderful time with plenty fo gifts, good food and good cheer. Many thank yous all around for a very successful year.

Some items to note:

Please send your recipes for the food you preapred (or where you bought it). They will be published in the January newsletter.
Sunday, December 6th at 2:00pm there will be a Board Meeting at the Goodwood Library. Please attend for 2010 input, chairpersons and committee members are also asked to attend, if possible.
Saturday, December 12th - Sew-In Saturday, bring your own projects, and Norma Payne will be working to prepare kits to sew for charity. Help is appreciated.
If you joined a committee or group at the Christmas Meeting, or want to help in some way, please check to see if your name appears with a particular committee.
If you still wish to make a president's block for Mary Woltmann, do so and mail it. Let her know that it is "in the mail". She just loved them all.
We bid a farewell to Kathy Perevosnik, who has accepted a new position in Georgia, outside of Atlanta.
The birthday table has been such a success. It has garnered over $500 this year.
The guild made a donation of $350 to St. Paul's for the use of the church hall in 2009.

President's Message Dec 2009

2009-12-10T20:24:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone!

Merry Christmas!!! How can I be typing those words? Where has this year gone? Nonetheless, our Christmas Party is just a few days away -- December 3. It promises to be a great time for all.! Don't forget your wrapped pincushions and gifts.

A very big thank you to all the participants in our scrap challenge! Your response was wonderful. The talent and creativity of our members continues to be extraordinary!

The board and I would also like to thank you for your great support for our "gift" in the Birthday Raffle - the Christmas Package quilt. Several people have asked the name/location of the pattern -- It is from Quiltmaker Magazine -- the November/December 2008 issue -- "It's a Wrap".

I also want to thank you, all the membership, who contribute so much to our guild. Your talents and efforts not only make our guild a wonderful group, but you also help to preserve the art of quiltmaking for future generations. Your support is greatly appreciated.

I want to encourage each of you to get involved with the guild in any way you can. I sincerely appreciate all o fyou who have volunteered to serve on committees next year. The guild still needs a few more people to "raise their hands". (please check the website under committees) Your contributions to the guild are invaluable, not only to the guild, but to yourself. You will find yourself smiling and havnig fun in the new year as an active participant in River City Quilt Guild!

Happy Quilting in the New Year!

Mary

Nov 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-12-10T20:21:00.001-06:00

minutes of – Nov. 5, 2009 - Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 60 members, 12 guests, 4 new members

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
introduction of guests - Auction personnel got thank yous -

UFO Challenge— 91 completed so far out of 432 promises. Deadline is Nov. 15th. Prizes to be awarded.
Retreat news - Christmas Party - Tommie, Maureen, Kathleen Wyble, Beth gets ham for buffet.
Saturday Sew In–Nov. 14th 9 to 3
Reminder of pin cushion & wrapped gift exchanges. 6 quilts and 1 table runner are prizes in Christmas Challenge drawings
Election of slate of officers by motion and voice vote affirmation.
Committees for 2010- review of chairs and participants
Candy Bergeron spoke on Quilts of Love project with Stash Builders Guild of Gonzales. Linda Wiggins is your contact person.
If you wish to make preemie quilts to go home with the baby from the hospital, use fat-quarter size or 24x24 inch baby fabrics, flannel for backing or as batting or make batting very thin. No yellow fabric, babies appear jaundiced. JoPaula is your contact person for Women's Hospital.
"Top of Your Head" - ideas for next year. Write them down. Let Mary know what you think.
Beth reports on Adopt-a-Family. Details were sent to you via e-mail. Bring presents or donations by Dec. meeting.
Paula Toups and Connie Ewbank have trunk shows at Mama's Quilt Shop in Independence.
Norma Payne asks for donations to the charity quilt projects. She plans for pre-cut kits/ with pattern to be made, picked up, pieced, returned, quilted, and bound. The process is broken down into steps with different people undertaking different parts of the process, shared work.
Winners:

Name tag - Ginger Givens
Fat Quarter - Cynthia McGee
"Present" Quilt from guild bd. - Karen Tabor

SCRAP CHALLENGE RESULTS:

Beginners:

Ginger Givens - basket weave called ''Nickel Bricks', a pattern from the book, Loose Change Quilts from Nickels, Dimes, and Fat Quarters by Claudia Plett & LeAnn Weaver.
Lorraine Moore - Helen Roddy Brown pattern, "Montana Scrappy". It was my first challenge to participate in, and while it was a little frustrating at times, I did enjoy finishing the project.
Stella Goodbee - 4 patch- 4 patch, on point - winner in beginner category
Brenda Gauthier - pinwheels

Intermediates:

Joanna Wilson - "River City Scramble," sashed 9-patch - winner in intermediate category --pattern from the "Australian Patchwork & Quilting " magazine, Vol. 16, No. 1 (2007), p. 40, designer Judy Hooworth calls the quilt Moving-House Blues. Scaled down the block to accommodate our small scraps. Added 7 fabrics from my stash, sashing, and borders. Quilt measures 53" square and was a real delight to make. machine quilted by Kaye Baker
Elaine Gosselin - Irish Chain pattern, in value gradation w/white drafted/measured from picture of someone's quilt at a GSQA meeting) then revised placement. More emphasis on values (too much color to cope with). It is composed of 321 (2.5 ") squares plus 108 piano keys for the border. Tea and coffee dyed with pigma pen accents to calm down several very high intensity fabrics. Played with variegated/ombre background remaining half of 5 1/2" squares became piano keys. Both center and key border begin with darks/black in one corner, segued into lights/pastels diagonally in opposite corner. Proved its name: "Value? It's All Relative!" Plan to put most of leftover fabric on back of quilt.
Joni DeVilbiss - 2 quilts, 1 from Lynn Roddy Brown patterns, Texas 2 step. The other from Nickel Quilts book pattern named Sunny Lanes
Mary Wolf - Jewel Box
Tommie Morden - paper-pieced elongated pineapples, a pattern from Quilter's Newsletter magazine

Advanced:

Debbie Ingram - 8-pointed star as center design, with "X" design radiating from center, a zig-zag border. Made by using all the pieces of each of the 168 squares and adding most of the background/lighter fabric and many more squares from a previous nickel swap we had. The pattern is from the Premier issue of "Irish Quilting Magazine," the name of the pattern is "Sensational Scrappy Irish Charm."
Cynthia McGee - Baskets Filled with 4 patches, a center 9 patch block. This was a Lotto block many years ago and I loved it and kept the pattern. It is great for using small pieces of fabric left over from other projects and was perfect for this challenge. My husband loves bed size quilts so I used an alternate block that had dots & circles of many different colors. This alternate fabric helped the many, many different colors, values, and textures in our shared squares compatible with each other.
Barbara Lamb - Fans on Point
Janet Cundiff - Pointless PinWheels - I tried resizing the pattern to fit the 5" fabric squares and something didn't work...Maybe it was the pattern, or maybe the 1/4" seam was off. Mostly the points were slightly squared off...hence, the name!
Glenda Parks -"We Are the World Figures Surrounding Granny's Flower Garden" by Eleanor Burns- (This is a Lost Fabric Story) The challenge began as a miniature snail's trail. I precut all the pieces, put them into a box, and pulled out random pieces. I had about half the squares made. Daughter, Carrie, borrows the box that contains the rest of the scraps. I couldn't find those darned scraps! So I took the blocks apart and remade them into another quilt. After the entire quilt was finished using only about 1/2 the scraps. (I was not eligible for the juried show) Carrie calls, says she has found a bag of scraps in amongst the boxes. I didn't know how to put the found scraps into the quilt. After much thought, I made a long strip of connected scraps and sewed it onto the quilt like a "rope." Then, I attached the rope to the quilt linking the figure's hands together. It is a small world after all.
Connie Ewbank -Framed squares
Linda Wiggins - "Runaway Threads (Spools)" the pattern, the negative/positive of the spools and the scale size change were very appealing to me, suffering from scrap itis. Upon completing the top, I found about 40 extra 2" squares and could not tell if they were supposed to be used in the quilt or not. So, just in case, I made the binding from all 2" squares. And now, after being in Scrap Therapy for a while, instead of being cured, I am a true addict!!!! no longer a recovering scrapaholic!
Beth Jessup - "Tea Leaf"- pattern from “More Quilts from The Quilt Makers Gift” by Joanne Larsen Line. Nancy Clement had shown me an applique technique from Sharon Shamburg, using freezer paper for the design and ironing it to the wrong side of the fabric. Then, you cut out all the designs leaving a ¼ inch seam. Next, you dab on spray starch with a brush on the ¼” seam and iron the seam to the inside on the back. Dab a little Elmer’s glue around on the turned under seam, and place on the background fabric. Then, using invisible thread and a very narrow zig zag stitch, you stitch your design to your background. My first attempt at a quilt with machine appliqué. I really challenge myself to do something I hadn’t done before. I have a quilt that looks like circles. I think the quilt took me the longest of any I have made yet. I spent many a night in front of the TV, iron, cutting out, and gluing. I decided to call the quilt “Getting Round Tuit” as the design appears to be circular.
Nina Delaune - Appliqued Flower Vase w/ piano key border, nicely quilted, winner in advanced category

SHOW AND TELL

A short preview of some of the Christmas Challenge quilt tops (trees/star blocks) for the drawing.
Cheryl Marts -Sea Star
Joni - Safe Stor a unit with (4) 13"x13" drawers and a handle on top. At www.blockboxcompany.com for $32.95. Tentacle Grips adhesive non skid pads you can put on rulers $5.95 online at http://www.graceframe.com. Pattern Also bought myself a challenge, a pattern with curves.
Mary Woltmann - 54-40 Or Fight, stars in aqua, purple and orange, won ribbon in split complementary contest.
Jo Doherty 4 quilts
Maureen Miller - Kaffe Fassett fabrics in red/violet/purple quilt
Margie Bumm Houston finds, coffin quilt made of paper-pieced New York beauty stars.
Joanna Wilson - "Butterfly Kisses," a BOM at Amelia's during 2009. Machine quilted by Pat Klein.
Suzanne Elliott Houston finds - kit
Norma Payne Houston finds - kit, ruler, fabrics
Connie Ewbank - her new book, 9-patch mania, did very well in Houston
Barbara Lankford - LSU table runner and LSU embellished Cat Doll
Nina Delaune - apian theme fabrics, green and red violet, in quilt
Jo Paula Lantier Mardi Gras Mystery quilt
Harry Comeaux - brown quilt, on point, for son; blue charity quilt made with Maple Island pattern,
Jessie Comeaux - several quilts of valor that she quilted on the long arm
Linda Wiggins - LSU X quilt (ruler), winner of GSQA "Holiday" lotto blocks, Halloween and ??
Ginger Givens - T-shirt quilt - for 8 year old grandson, Christopher, made from his collection of team shirts, saved since he was 4 years old.
Debbie Hulett - a whole cloth hand quilted pillow from a GSQA seminar class on hand quilting, taught by Darlene Christopherson. Hunter's Star table runner from a class taught by Cheryl Marts
Elaine Gosselin - Halloween wall hanging kit (included on UFOs). Grand kids think it's weird!
Beth Jessup - Christmas stocking for daughter, Rachel, made with tattooed lady fabrics.
Janet Cundiff - BOM from Amelia's Quilt Shop, 2009

Photo Galleries

2009-12-08T13:32:00.022-06:00

2011

2011-01-06 Jan Meeting

2010

2009

President's Message Nov 2009

2009-11-04T10:44:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

WOW! What else can I saw about last month's meeting? It was wonderful! The auction was great! I know Parker House will be thrilled with the incredible amount of money we raised. The auction garnered over $2100 for this charity that does so much for children in peril. Many, many thanks to everyone involved. Diana and her committee did an outstanding job!! Thanks to everyone who brought food to share, who took up donations, and made everything happen so smoothly. Additional thanks to those who added to the festive Halloween "Spirits" by coming in costume. Kathleen Dabney had a cat costume with beautiful make-up. There were lots of "stitch witches." It was great to see our guild so actively participating with such generosity and working together.

I imagine that this month's meeting will be another "wow" meeting! We are all looking forward to the Scrap Challenge quilts as well as the show & tell from Houston. It promises to be a great night!

Don't forget----there will be a special "gift" on the birthday table from the board ...We are hoping that the membership will want to buy lots of chances!!!

Happy Quilting!!!
Mary

Things to bring to the meeting:

Scrap Challenge Quilts to display (open at 5:30 for hanging)
November Birthday Raffle items
Show and tell items
Houston International Quilt Show finds
Fat Quarters for the lotto - Christmas prints (as many as you like)
Wear your fiber name tag

President's Message Oct 2009

2009-10-01T22:02:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone!

Halloween, it's not just for kids. It's for grown-ups like me, who never loose sight of tricks and treats and dress-up fun, no matter what our age. There's always room in your tummy for more candy corn.

September was a great quilting month! We started with our guild meeting, then the retreat, and then the GSQA circuit teacher class. I hope you enjoyed the activities as much as I did! Our guild meetings are always so inspiring! Our retreat was just plain fun!!! And the GSQA class It was so wonderful to see the class filled with enthusiastic quilters!! River City Quilt Guild members are a wonderful and talented bunch of people!!!

This year's challenge will be just excellent with plenty of participation. And, lots of folks have signed up for the Christmas Present drawing and the handmade Pin Cushion drawing, too. (If you want to participate, see me.)

Remember that this month is THE auction!! Bring cash and your checkbooks!!!! It will be a great evening and don't forget to bring the treats.

Happy Quilting!!!
Mary

Things to bring to the meeting:

bring October birthday raffle gifts
bring your Christmas lotto blocks, this is the deadline.
bring your Halloween quilts to hang. And Halloween treats to eat.
bring your regular show & tells, retreat, plus those from Judy Holley's NY Beauty II Class.
F Q Lotto is ORANGE - like the Great Pumpkin (or Halloween-ish)
Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

The Nominating Committee: Lilly Willis, JoPaula Lantier, Kathy Perevosnik., Beth Jessup, and Melanie West have compiled a slate of officers for 2010 to be announced at this meeting.

September 2009 Retreat

2009-09-08T09:12:00.007-05:00

We had a great time at the September Quilt Retreat! It looked more like the River City Sweat Shop in there the way we were churning out finished projects.

Check out our Ta-Das! (click here)

President's Message Sep 2009

2009-08-28T17:51:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone!

Back by popular demand – hands-on demonstrations. Flying Geese is the method this month. Six volunteers shall share their secrets on how to make Flying Geese blocks - a quick and easy "Scrap Challenge" technique, if you are so inclined. Thanks to Linda Wiggins, Margie Bumm, Cynthia McGee, Suzanne Elliott and myself, who will assist the members with numerous rulers and cutting methods that make "Flying Geese - A Breeze."

I am hearing all kinds of good things about "works in progress" and some, dare I say – "finished challenge quilts"!! This year's challenge will be just excellent with plenty of participation.

I shall be at the church early (6:00-6:15ish)to set up tables for sewing stations and sewing machines. Bring an extension cord, just in case. Please come early if you can, to help set-up.

Thanks to Janet Cundiff for a fabulous color presentation last month! And next month is Halloween!

Mary

Come early, socialize, get seated, and be ready to start the meeting on time at 6:45pm

Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

This month's program – Flocks of GEESE Are Flying All Over
Work stations:

Wing clipper ruler - Margie Bumm
Eleanor Burns ruler ‑ Cynthia McGee
"Fit To Be Geese" ruler ‑ Mary Woltmann
Rotary cutter method - Suzanne Elliott
No Waste Method ‑ handout
Bonus method **Please bring pen and paper to take notes.

Other Things to bring to the meeting:

September birthday raffle gifts
Completed Christmas Lotto Blocks earn you 2 chances if you bring them back this month
DONATION items and baskets for the auction - last chance!
Kids and Juvenile quilts to hang
Regular Show & Tell items
F Q Lotto "Kid Stuff" - pink, blue, or juvenile prints of all kinds, novelty prints
Bring your money for:

Judy Holley class on 9/12, GSQA member =$20, non-members =$30
Christmas lotto, $2.50/packet, Last chance to purchase, deadline for completed blocks is October meeting.

Nomination Committee: 3 appointees and 1 standing officer, other that the president

Your Labor Day Weekend Retreat - begins on Friday, Sept. 4th.

Highlights from August 2009 Meeting

2009-08-07T18:48:00.002-05:00

Saturday Sew-In date, this Saturday, the 8th, at church.

Remember:
This is the tax-free weekend. Maybe it's time to invest in a new sewing machine, embroiderer, or serger. State tax, 4%, is exempt.(Off the first $2500 of the purchase.) You still pay local taxes. Visit your local shops today.

Lasissez Les Bon Temps Rouler Shop Hop
August 14th & 15th - Shop Hop - Get your passport, locally. Then visit Amelia's, Fabric Krazy, Quilt Corner, Quilting Niche, Bright Hopes, Borne Quilter, and Mama's Quilt Shop. All shops will be open 9am - 6pm both days, Friday & Saturday. Passports are $5. You receive a $5 coupon to each shop for purchases over $20. There are (11) prize possibilities if you visit all shops and stamp your passport. (Leave your passport at the last shop you visit.)
Each shop has a basket worth $250.00 to give away your chance is generated when you visit that shop. Come join in on all the fun! Passports are on sale now. Talk up a car pool.

Pay Up: And please confirm your reservation with each contact person, either Cynthia or Mary. They, in turn, will contact you with a list of all the participants in each event.

Pay balance for retreat -
The minimum number has been met. Pay your balance to Cynthia McGee. If you are not going, please let her know so those on the waiting list can pay.

Pay for Judy Holley --New York Beauties II class (Sept. 12th ) Supply list is available.
Pay Mary Woltmann -- GSQA member =$20, non-members =$30

Talk to Mary Woltmann if you want to participate in the Christmas exchange of hand-made pin cushions.

Patchwork Pelicans are having a retreat at the Judson Center, Oct. 5-8th $168.75.
**Contact Elaine Gosselin for information. (wrong contact in the Aug. newsletter)

the new word for today is...... Achromatic: means the absence of color, as in a black and white quilt. Black, white, and grey are terms that represent the absence of hue or color.

which is different from Monochromatic: which means to use different values of the same hue or color in a quilt, ex. green quilt, blue quilt, red quilt, etc.

(Our thanks to Janet Cundiff for a great presentation and hands-on demonstration of color theory and terms). She also recommends: A current magazine, Better Holmes and Gardens Creative Collection: American Patchwork and Quilting, October 2009, 100th Issue, called Get Confident with Color! ($5.99) Her source for some of the information.

Quilt Challenge - a reminder of the deadline.......
The West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 Jefferson Ave., Port Allen, is challenging regional quilters to create quilts using select fabrics, designs, and techniques to commemorate the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial. It will be the site of an exhibition Sept. 27- Nov. 20.
Entries will be juried. Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places and honorable mention. Traveling exhibit will also include 20 other original quilts.
Deadline for entry is Aug. 17, at the museum. Entry fee is $8. Checks are to be made payable to the West Baton Rouge Historical Association. Each entry must also include a color photograph and label. For registration forms or more details, call (225) 336-2422, extension 16 or visit
http://www.westbatonrougemuseum.org

President's Message Aug 2009

2009-08-03T10:18:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone!

Summer is just a flying by and it is way too hot to be outside! So I think we should stay cool and calm and stay inside and quilt! Maybe this could be considered a mental health prescription. You know, quilting for medicinal purposes..... I am surely looking forward to your reports from the Knoxville show. I am just so proud that our guild work was selected. I just cannot say it enough.

Janet Cundiff has developed a power-point presentation on color for us this month that is just spectacular. She demonstrates color on a grand scale and shows how we use color in quilting and in other ways in our lives without really being aware of it and how it affects us.

Our many thanks again, to Joyce LeFleur. Her "life in quilts" was beautiful beyond description and so inspirational! I am sure we all left the meeting determined to do great things! I couldn't believe how many quilts she had to share with us.

Thanks for the many ways you all support the guild and each other! Happy quilting! Mary

Things to Bring

August birthday raffle gifts
Donations for the auction
2-color quilts to hang
Any "Color Tool" quilts for Janet's lecture
Show & tells
F Q Lotto "Just Two Colors" - any two colors in a FQ, Dots, black & white, tone on tone, etc.

For the Meeting Topic

a gallon Ziploc bag of small scraps of all different colors
scissors
glue stick
color tools that you have or use (or CAN'T use)
"What is Your Process?" - share your personal thoughts on how you choose color schemes for quilts
Share your quilts (and tools) where you used a color tool to develop a quilt's color palette. Any questions? Call Janet at 769‑0973.

Your money for :

Judy Holley class on 9/12, 2 class spots available. GSQA member =$20, non-members =$30
Christmas lotto, $2.50/packet [3 chances if you bring your completed block this month]
Labor Day Weekend Retreat, pay balance now.

July 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-08-03T10:08:00.001-05:00

minutes of –July 2, 2009 Meeting - Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 45 members, 4 guests
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- introduction of guests - Thank you's for patriotic quilts and Christmas in July quilts hanging up.
- UFO report by Suzanne Elliott --please call or e-mail her as you finish your projects.
- Scrap challenge report - some quilters have finished their piece, some over-achievers have finished two quilts.
- West Baton Rouge Museum has an Abraham Lincoln challenge (contact details are in the newsletter)
- Several members are going to the Knoxville show. The guild's Para Challenge was accepted there.
- Thanks to all who helped pack and ship the challenge, particularly Thelma Berg.
- New York Beauties II class on Sept. 12 with Judy Holley, see Joyce Perry for payment and supply list.
- Labor Day Retreat updates, pay Cynthia. You can stay on Monday, Labor Day for free, but you provide your own meals. **Participants may stay on Monday, Labor Day for free, but you provide your own meals.
- August Shop Hop info (see newsletter)
- Christmas (Lotto Blocks)- Tree Blocks and Star Blocks (8-pointed stars), all with a common background fabric (a piece of border as color palette guide for coordinating fabrics). The 6 inch center of the star may be any one of a number of traditional pieced designs in hand-out, but not one solid piece of fabric. Unfinished at 14". Will be trimmed by the assembly committee. Return finished block in Aug. for 3 chances, in Sept. for 2 chances, and lastly, at the Oct. meeting for 1 chance (the deadline).
- 2 sign up sheets: Volunteers to bring a wrapped Christmas gift to the party as a door prize (similar to the shower gift door prizes at the bridal reception in June.) Those interested in participating in a hand-made pin cushion exchange. You must sign up to be eligible for the pin cushion drawing.
- For Christmas giving the guild will Adopt-a-Family (Beth Jessup does contacts) Gifts and cash donations from members.
- quillow kits - please take a kit to finish for Parker House
- Please come early, socialize, get seated, and be ready to start the meeting on time @ 6:45 JoPaula makes motion, accepted.
BREAK
- winners: Mary Wolf won both FQ's and name tag gift certifcate.
PROGRAM
Joyce LeFleur - My Life in Quilts - dates, quilts, recipients, and labels are so important.
(Joyce is the mother of Lucy Landry, a local, well-known doll maker and quilter.)
1979 - Sunbonnet Sue/Overall Bill for granddaughter
Iris Applique, quilt teacher was Katherine Watts
Purple/lilac 2-blocks alternating
1930's applique roses and braided borders (made 2 quilts )
Blue/gray/creme Baton Rouge block
2005 Katrina Mystery quilt in Browns
Scrappy Flowers (her own design) w/ flying geese
Cabbage Rose applique
Baltimore Album, cornucopia applique w/ maple leaves
New York Beauty in rich tones
Santa Applique quilt from Willie Holt pattern at the Thimble
Fiber Flowers - art quilt with organza and Shasiko stitching
Flower -Swamp applique piece
Cypress Scene -Swamp piece
Sunday in the Park wall hanging
Santa at the Window applique
Unicorn Tapestry Applique - fashioned after real French tapestry - Joyce drew the pattern
1996 Christmas Nativity scene
Old World Santa in Burgundy Redwork/Toille
Friendship stars w/ applique border
Oriental Birds applique design w/ spool border
Stained Glass Window design w/ apple border
Applique design w/ Bible verses, birds, and flowers
Winding Ways in Civil War fabrics
Court House Steps from silk ties in miniature
Oriental birds
Leaves - made with discharge method using bleach on black (makes copper color)
Four Seasons - blackberry bush, white flowers
(Joyce states, "Value is very important. it makes the picture jump out.") Uses size 80 machine needles
She has made 120 quilts **see these quilts on the guild blogspot

--The guild members gave her a standing ovation and our many thanks for such a wonderful gift to share, a lifetime of quilts, with many more quilts to come.
Joyce received a small thank you gift from Mary.
SHOW AND TELL
Mary Woltmann---2 Americana quilts
Karen Perron---Liberty and Watermelon for All - a red, white & blue, stack and whack design
Joni D--quilted a Turning 20 on Norma's long arm, first quilt WITH a label
Elaine Gosselin--Fat quarter Hobo bag, paper-pieced star quilt w/ log cabins
Connie Ewbank–red/white/blue sampler quilt with snowball borders, friendship star, Ohio star, quilts of valor
Suzanne Elliott - t-shirt quilt for niece - Volley balls in sashing
Debbie Ingram--cat fabric tote bag, cat quilt top (charm quilt, each fabric used once), flag wall hanging
Nina Delaune– 2 UFO's, Storm at Sea, blue/gold leaves, carpenter's star, Ralph Lauren sheeting
Janet Cundiff--black/white/red French Braid quilt
Mary Ann Godso–hand applique Butterfly quilt, "All Dolled Up" pattern w/ shoes, hat, purse, and flowers
Caroline Derbes--purse from Beth's class. cotton theory table runner
Merlene Lewis--5 patriotic quilts: redwork w/ rail fence, bargello flag, 8-pointed star with a smaller 8-pointed stars for center, heart blocks in red/white/blue, friendship stars, vest w/ mom's apple pie and lady bugs, 2 baby quilts: 1 bluework embroidery -elephants, and 1 pink ballerina quilt
Barbara Lankford–table runner, UFO-cheater cloth circus quilt for charity, an Internet source for Featherweight bobbins (see newsletter). a tell - Lucy Landry's Fairy Doll was featured in Art Doll Quarterly magazine
Lilly Willis–took "Right Brain Drawing" class taught by Caroline Derbes (B. Lankford did also), 911 quilt - Sunbonnet Sues - Hearts and Hands - Uncle Sams in red/white/blue
Diana Moreno--Irish star with hearts
Beth Jessup--red, white, and blue "around the World" for quilts of valor
Michael Young--Christmas Tree quilt of elongated log cabins was designed by Michael. It hangs in his home at Christmas and is decorated with garland, ribbons, and ornaments. He has a 2nd quilt still in the box to be finished.
Linda Wiggins– red/white/blue bargello flag quilt - She teaches this class at Amelia's - also in LSU color way.
Jo Paula Lantier--2 antique quilts from a friend in Pennsylvania (no pun intended). She has questions about some way to clean an old quilt. Amelia provided some answers from an appraiser's view point. Cautions of fugitive dyes and ability to manage water/soap solutions.

FYI... Patchwork Pelicans are having a retreat at the Judson Center, Oct. 5-8th $168.75.
Contact Betty Braud for information. 755-4746

Auction to benefit Parker House is to be held at the Thursday, October 1 meeting

2009-07-29T16:54:00.001-05:00

It’s too hot out to do much in the yard. What a great time to go through your stash!

Do you have some fabric that you don’t think you’ll ever use? Donate it to the auction to make room for those winning bids you’ll bring home.

Do you have some notions that you no longer use? Have you replaced your old rotary cutter with a new one or gotten a ruler that you like better than that old one? Have some scissors or a tape measure? A quilting hoop? Patterns? Templates? Have some great books or magazines that you don’t really read anymore? Make room for new ones. You know what they say, “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”.

We also need baskets, tins, and other appropriate containers for the auction.

The auction committee will be collecting donations at the August and September meetings, so get busy and recycle your quilting items for Parker House!

Congratulations Glenda!

2009-07-03T19:38:00.001-05:00

from Glenda Parks -

CyberFriends Quilt Guild, a national internet guild, holds their Annual Spring Quilt Show online each year in June. This year, I entered four pieces and ended up with four placements! It was quite exciting!

1st place in Machine Pieced Miniatures ‑ Journey to the Center of the Earth
1st place in Small Art Quilts (Mixed Media)
2nd place in Medium Art Quilts (Mixed Media) ‑ Valerie Skis!
3rd place in Small Bed Quilts (Machine Pieced, Machine Quilted) ‑ Matt's Baseball Quilt

I have not received my package of winnings, but certainly there will be ribbons and "large" cash prizes!

How the Para Challenge Came About.......

2009-07-03T19:33:00.001-05:00

There were many hands working together for this success:

Margie Bumm, 2008 president, set the wheels in motion by presenting the idea as a guild challenge linked to a group entry into AQS Quilt Show.
Hurricane Gustav ‑ that event pushed the deadline forward to Feb. 2009, and afforded some members extra time to finish it.
Mary Woltmann, 2009 president, who along with Margie, Joni, Kathy Perevosnik, and several others pushed hard to keep the idea alive, filled out and forward entry forms, made digital photos, and did whatever it took to get the Para quilts into the view of the AQS judges.
And, last but not least, the participants:

Paraphernalia ‑ Barbara Lankford ‑ a small wall hanging done as inspiration, finished with beading and embellishments (shown but not judged).
Parasol ‑ Debbie Ingram ‑ (2nd place) used boning to make umbrella edge stand out
Parallelogram ‑ Marilyn Halvorsen ‑ Lone Star block is a parallelogram
Paradiddle ‑ Diana Maloney (3rd place) ‑ a real word, that means a tempo of drum rhythms (with real sound effects devices on the quilt ‑ Wow!)
The Moon Is Making Me Paranoid ‑ Joanna Wilson ‑ (1st place) ‑ a whimsical graphic wall hanging
Paraclete ‑ Joyce Perry (2nd place) ‑ a dove on red cross blocks, representative of the Holy Spirit
A Pair of Paramecium in Parallel Worlds ‑ Janet Cundiff (2nd) ‑ pears dissected with parallel strips
Carter's Playtime Paraphernalia ‑ Debbie Hulett (2nd place)‑ rendition of grandson's toys as applique blocks
Paradise Quilt Shop ‑ Nina Delaune (3rd place)
Paradise or Pears and Dice ‑ Georgia Narrow

P.S.‑‑What about next year??

Pictures of the "Para" challenge quilts are listed in the gallery for the February 2009 Meeting.

President's Message Jul 2009

2009-07-03T19:31:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone who attended the June meeting was pleased with our "wedding shower," that was the surprise theme. The tableau was a takeoff on the movie, 27 Dresses, that we switched to 27 wedding engagements with 27 quilts that reflected the interests of 27 suitors. It was a hoot, particularly when the audience anticipated a "Robbing Peter to Pay Paul" quilt, which the securities broker prospect had absconded with. It was a very special occasion with so many of YOUR Very Special Quilts.

The REAL BIG SURPRISE was the announcement that our "Para" Challenge had been accepted at the AQS show slated for July 22-25, 2009. I could hardly contain my excitement and pride. Such a thrill !! My thanks to all the participants. (a recap of the challenge is found later in the newsletter)

My thanks go out to the wedding planners who helped me with so many details, to secure the food, decorations, and door prizes. Credits go out to Amelia's Quilt Shop (Amelia Beadle), Connie Ewbank, Beth Jessup, Joyce Perry, and Melanie West who baked the cake. My humble regrets if I forgot anyone.

Joyce LeFleur will be our guest speaker this month with a truck show of a lifetime of quilt-making.

See you soon,

Happy Quilting! Mary

Things to bring to the meeting:
~~ bring the July birthday raffle gifts - see Barbara Hoffman
~~ bring your projects from Beth's Kwik Krazy Tote Class
~~ bring money for Christmas lotto, $2.50 each.
~~ bring your patriotic quilts to hang
~~ bring your regular show & tells, plus tell us about the Louisiana Cotton Pickin' Shop Hop.
~~ F Q Lotto "Red, White, or Blue" - in any combination.

June 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-07-03T19:25:00.004-05:00

minutes of –June 4, 2009 Meeting - Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 38 members, 2 guests
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

introduction of guests
UFO opportunity reminder
retreat info
July 2nd, next meeting
Tote Class with Beth, reminder, sign up on June 13th
road trip planned for Friday to quilt shops in Lafayette
South LA shop hop, passports on sale July 7th, $15, available at Amelia's
Introduced Judy Holley, quilt teacher, gave a showing of her quilts. She shall teach a New York Beauties II class on Sept. 12 to the guild, GSQA member =$20, non-members =$30. Her other circuit class: pet portraits.
AQS - our "Para" Challenge had been accepted at the show slated for July 22-25, 2009.
Christmas Challenge Lotto Blocks will be available at the July meeting
Studio M opens in Denham Springs [see info in store listings]
PROGRAM
Memory Blocks - Suzanne Elliott
Decisions to make. What do you want the end result to be?? Wall hanging or what size?? Is it square within a square or on-point, what fabrics? Use white muslin or creme'. Draw seam allowance on block to control where participants write the mementos. Use Kona fabrics for stiffness. Use freezer paper ironed to wrong side. Cut with rotary cutter. Ultra Fine point Sharpies for signatures.
Labels - Joni DeVilbiss
Remember that all quilts have value and part of the value is the history of its origin. Remember the five (5) W's of journalism - who, what, when, where, and why. The minimum info is the name of maker and for whom it is made. This can be a simple 3x5 inch muslin rectangle place on the backing. Other hints: include a narrative on how it was made and washing instructions. Attach label before quilting, then it is nearly impossible to get off. A label protects your quilt from an easy theft. "Write" your name in the quilting. Write your name hidden under the label, under the sleeve, or placed under the binding. Different types of labels: pre-made, cross stitch, machine embroidery, painted, and stamped. Try different permanent pens: Zig, Pigma, archival inks.
Quilt Diaries - use a 3-ring binder with clear page sleeves. Make/print pages with digital images of front, back of quilt, details about construction, close-up photos, designer, blocks, fabric samples, batting
BREAK - A surprise wedding reception/shower was celebrated. There was a "bride" questionnaire that each member filled out by asking questions of fellow members, such as, who eloped, made her wedding dress, married on Valentine's Day (Tommie Morden), married by justice of the peace, saw the movie Father of the Bride?, lots of cute things, plus plenty of cake, cookies, dip, and punch. It was a sweet surprise and a lot of fun. There was a tableau called 27 Dresses. Then there was a drawing for "shower gifts" - recipients were Kathy P., Stella G., Nina D., Pat K., Elaine G., Norma P., Alice F., Kathleen W., Karol G., Suzi M., Caroline D., Linda B., Suzanne E., and Joyce Perry
Birthday raffle winners: Joni, Suzi, Joyce Perry, and Cynthia,
Fat Quarter winner: Beth Jessup
Name Tag winner: Elaine Gosselin
Treasurer's report from Beth J. - the current status of the River City Guild Accounts
Balance brought forward from December, 2008 $2,260.63
+ 922.85
Current Checkbook Balance $3,183.48

2009 Income $4,166.04
2009 Expenses 3,243.19

Currently Ahead from this time last year 922.85
SHOW AND TELL
- Joni - scrap quilti called "Fractured rails" and "Lucky Star"
- Glenda Parks - Carrie's shower quilt, memory quilt of graduation, making a double wedding ring for Carrie (newly wed), and a divorce quilt for a friend (lemons and lemonade)
- Beth - new tote "Potato Chip" bag 4 hours to make, hobo bag
- Nina - a tell about Mama's Bus tour
- Brenda Gauthier - baby quilt applique from coloring book images
- Jo Paula - 1/2 log cabin made from batiks, spool quilt for husband's aunt
- Janet Cundiff - inlaid tile quilt, Lynn R Brown class project in blue and yellow
- Judy Holley - 4 charity quilts made with Wasted Women at Quilt Corner (they take donations) make quilts for Brave heart, Hospice, BR Crisis Intervention; Chinese coins, flower power, bow ties, stars
- Joyce Perry - double wedding ring for mom. a 1st quilt category winner at 2005 GSQA show. made LSU raffle quilt for church
- Elaine Gosselin - 8-pointed star - 500 1/2 square triangles Glory Bound
- Katy P. gifts from secret sister in Ohio guild, wallet and tissue pack. made penguin fabric quilt for new niece
- Valerie Barth - tote, quilt retreat, miniature scene of clothes line
- Linda Baumann - lime, purple, & blue tote
- Marlene Lewis - round robin embroidered centers, chicken blocks from annual retreat with New Jersey friend
- Cynthia McGee - Lynn R Brown class project scrap quilt, 9-patch blocks
Reminder to bring auction items in August.

the end

Thanks Kathy

2009-06-22T09:53:00.002-05:00

Special Thanks to Kathy Perevosnik for sharing her pictures of June's meeting with us.

AQS "Rate-the-Quilter"

2009-06-02T08:21:00.002-05:00

Your skill level as a quilter:

Beginner - made 5 or less quilts
Intermediate - made more than 6 quilts and have tried several techniques
Advanced - can make most patterns using almost any technique
Expert, teacher, designer, or professional.

Give yourself a little credit. We, as quilters, often times underrate ourselves, out of self-doubt or modesty, as to how we rate our sewing capabilities amongst our guild peers. Take a look at the AQS standards and massage your status a little bit. You may be better than you think.

President's Message Jun 2009

2009-06-02T08:16:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

As I was getting ready to write the newsletter, I went to our website‑‑I just wanted to marvel over it one more time! The quilts in the monthly show and tell section are simply amazing‑‑all created by our members! We have such a talented and creative group of members! Every month I leave the meeting filled with inspiration and the desire to create!

I hope everyone enjoyed Lynn Roddy Brown's lecture and class as much as I did! I learned a lot and will hopefully put what I learned in my quilts! We were so fortunate to have her visit and teach! Maybe this will be the start of a new tradition for River City.

Our sharing of quilts each meeting continues. We hope that LOTS of you will bring your memento quilts to share: wedding, anniversary, or special occasion quilts! We would love to see them all!! I am really looking forward to what I will see at this month's meeting!

Happy Quilting!
Mary

Tonight – Very Special Quilts – made for special occasions - Weddings, anniversaries, memory quilts, hand‑made mementos like ring bearer pillows, garters, gifts for the bride, groom, or parents of the bride, and any other sentimental items....AND a program on memory blocks and label making.

Things to bring to the meeting:

bring the June birthday raffle gift - see Barbara Hoffman

bring finds & tells about the Mama's Big Bus Tour

bring Memento quilts to decorate the room and tell us about the occasion at Show & tell.

bring your regular show & tells, plus Lynn Roddy Brown Scrap Quilt Workshop projects.

F Q Lotto "Antique White" -a little something (new) for a Bride to Be. Any white-on-white or creme-on-white fabrics that would go great in a newly-wed memento. 2 entries are the max.

Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

May 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-06-02T08:14:00.003-05:00

Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 51 members, 7 guests

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

introduction of guests
thanks to Barbara Hoffman for the Sewing Studio program
details about the tote class with Beth Jessup on June 13th
new guild website announced, http://www.rivercityquilts.blogspot.com/
guild auction moved to October

BREAK

PROGRAM:
- Lynn Roddy Brown lecture - "Scrap Quilts According to Me"
Question, "Who has more fabric than they can ever use?" A show of many hands. Early in her marriage, she received a scrap quilt from a relative and hated it. It was a dark, medium, light quandary.
Scrap Axioms: A well designed scrap quilt makes you "look across" the quilt, not lingering in one spot. Roberta Horton says, 'a scrap quilt cannot be memorized.'
VALUE: the basis of scrap quilting, the placement of value makes the secondary pattern.
MAKE A DECISION AND STICK TO IT: separate darks and lights and stick to it. Don't mix. Arrange all of your fabrics by value light to dark. Look at the sequence. Make sure there is a noticeable "gap" in the value sequence, between the (lightest) dark and the (darkest) light. Do not use fabric that has large dots, the light spots can throw off the value comparison.
SCRAP QUILT BY COLOR - make a 2 color quilt. All the dark values in one color, and all the light values in the 2nd color. Obey the rule, or mistakes will pop out at you. You can "loose the value" if all the red fabrics are the same value. Reds go a long way!! Solids and batiks are for making edges, lines, or stopping points - a soft place for your eyes to rest. Use big prints for borders or backings.
SCRAP QUILT BY RELATED FABRICS - this could be a fabric producer's line (like Moda charm packs), kids' fabrics, Civil War, Thimbleberries, and Kaffe Fassett. Sale table fabrics, the really ugly ones make great scraps. When using children's brights on a common background (either black or white background), use any color other than black to break it up. The edges get lost.
- Muslin goes with everything. "The worse my Life gets, the more I sew."
STAND ALONE BLOCKS - the block pattern is apparent (like churn dash), lights and darks are easily seen on a quilt.
**In Scrap Quilting, through the placement of light and dark values create an underlying structure (or secondary design) and holds the quilt together.
PURPLE GOES WITH EVERYTHING - particularly as a border. Match the value of the quilting thread to the border. Brassy gold thread (Fons & Porter) makes your quilting show up.
BRASSY GOLD FABRIC - makes a great inner border; a clean break. often on the sale table.
SUNKEN COST - THE MANTRA OF EVERY QUILTER - Sunken cost is the money you expended on something that you will not recoup, i.e. you are the mother of the bride, you spend outrageous dollars on a dress you wear only once. The money is spent. In quilting, you purchase fabric for your stash that you just had to have. Same thing. Once the money is spent on your stash, then any quilt you make is in economic terms, "FREE." I like economics!!
LEAVE YOUR GUILT AT THE QUILT STORE DOOR - UFO's don't matter, (see previous paragraph) they are all free. Start another quilt. If the UFO's make you unhappy or pensive, just give THEM away. It's better for your mental health.
A PLACE TO START - Pick a simple block pattern. Pick out 13 fabrics (Fat Quarters). Differentiate between light/dark fabric. Choose fabrics to make 3 blocks. Place in different spots on the design board. Pick other fabrics from the 13, then repeat. Construct a quilt top by moving blocks into different positions. If using "reds" use 1 red per block. Keep making and moving blocks until pleased.
EVERY QUILT IS A LEARNING PROCESS.
ONE-HALF LOG CABIN - by Sharon Cray has a strong shift in value from light to dark.
SCATTER THESE STRONG COLORS IN THE QUILT: red, teal, and gold
SIZE MATTERS - small and tiny prints add interest.
MAKE THE BORDER FIT - for borders, cut "piano keys" the size the same as the block parts (2.5" or whatever works). Then the borders should fit with the use of "cornerstones."
SORT YOUR STASH. LR Brown's stash is separated by hue, then special categories like stripes, plaids, batiks, children's, 30's, Civil War, whatever your quirk is, etc.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? - view the blocks on your design wall through a reducing glass, peephole, digital camera viewfinder, "from across the room, " or just squint.
CUT UP YOUR LEFTOVERS. Take a little time to cut up leftover project fabrics into 2.5" strips, store by value, use at your leisure. Some folks cut several strips just as soon as the fabric is home from the store. LRB had great examples to show and was a real pleasure to listen to.

Birthday raffle winners: Kathy, Debbie H., Cynthia McGee, Elaine Gosselin

Fat Quarter winner: Linda Wiggins

Name Tag winner: Martha deHoop

President's Message May 2009

2009-04-30T23:10:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I know we are all looking forward to Lynn Roddy Brown's lecture and class. We are very fortunate to have her visit the guild. Scrap quilts seem to be a favorite in our guild members and I am sure that we will learn a lot from her. We can all use some new ideas and knowledge that can work well with our Scrap Challenge quilts. This Fall, the results of our Challenge should be awesome!

Thank you, again for sharing your quilts at the meetings. We all enjoy viewing them. I, personally, love to see the walls covered in quilts. I hope you are, too. I leave every meeting so inspired to try something new! And with that in mind, we are asking that you bring quilts that you have done as a Block of the Month or a "First Saturday" sampler quilts to this meeting. Please remember that we also want to see your "regular" show and tell.

Thank you, too, for participating in all the Guild's activities. All of your talent, ideas, enthusiasm, and warm friendship make our monthly meetings a special treat that I look forward to every month.

Happy Quilting! Mary

Things to bring to the meeting:
~~ bring the May birthday raffle gift - see Barbara Hoffman
~~ bring Block of the Month or "1st Saturday" sampler quilts to hang/decorate the meeting room.
~~ F Q Lotto "Potpourri in Blue" - any fabric with blue on it. 2 entries are the max.
~~ bring your show & tells, plus info from the Paducah Quilt Show.

Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate.

UFO challenge is now open to new members who would like to participate. Talk to Suzanne.

April 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-04-30T23:07:00.002-05:00

minutes of –April 2, 2009
Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 40 members, 5 guests
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- introduction of guests,
- details about the road trip, Robby McHardy on TV, fallen tree caused damage to home and auto
- Para Challenge is mailed to AQS Show – awaiting answer of acceptance
- Reminder about Lynn Roddy Brown lecture and workshop
- Details about Birthday Raffle, New voting style - tweaking of voting methods
- Sew-in date moved to April 18th / Tote Class w/ Beth Jessup on June 13th
SHOW AND TELL FROM SEMINAR
- Suzi M. - free-motion quilting sampler from Ann Johnston's class
- Joyce Perry - wood-burned silk made into leaves (teacher: Judy Simmons)
- Connie Ewbank - went to Pigeon Forge for 2 classes: Becky Goldsmith - reverse applique' and
Nancy Smith, who taught Christmas Pickle technique with slide show
- Cheryl Marts - Harriet Hargrave precision piecing lecture
- Barbara Lamb - Attic Window method w/template
- Elaine Gosselin - Bargello made of ombre fabric strips (teacher: Nancy Klein)
HALF-SQUARE TRIANGLE METHOD - Suzanne had hand-out for method
SOMETIME FOR THE SUMMER - Hands on demos for Flying Geese methods, volunteers needed
LSU wall hanging raffle made by Janet Cundiff and JoPaula Lantier
Lilly Willis has XYZ quilt items to sell
GSQA lotto committee meets about kits during the break
BREAK
$40 was made on Birthday Raffle. Winners: Linda W. won twice, Tommie Morden, Mary Wolf, Suzi, Lilly Willis, (I think I left someone out??)
FQ Lotto winner - Tommie Morden Alyce Lappin won the Name Tag gift certificate

PROGRAM - - "Quilting Spaces for Every Style, Every Space, and Every Budget"
Barbara Hoffman with slide show presentation on Sewing Studio layouts - room size, gadgets, furniture arrangement, ironing surfaces, cutting tables, hybrid inventions, and storage
1) Patti Jarreau 2) JoPaula Lantier 3) Beth Jessup 4) Joni DeVilbiss 5) Thelma Berg
6) Barbara Hoffman 7) Melanie West
GUILD MEMBERSHIP CARDS - handed out, Beth Jessup has the leftovers
New guild WEBSITE - Joni and committee have set up a website where digital pictures and on-line show & tell, links, set-ups, a listing of ongoing projects like Birthday Raffle, Retreat info, annual Challenge guidelines, and upcoming events. It does not replace the newsletter, it enhances it.
The website will be the place to go for constant information about the guild that can be accessed by everyone, near and far.
SHOW & TELL:
- Tommie Morden - scrap quilt for daughter w/center medallion and fantasy jewel box, and an old bowtie quilt (100 years old) given to her by a patient
- Beth Jessup - Sew Cool iron bag
- Barbara Lankford - found $20 Victorian crazy quilt jacket on e-bay, what a steal !!
- Margie Bumm - teaching log cabin and stars block at a twilight retreat at Scrap Happy in Kenner, LA
- Amelia Beadle - 1) quilt from 1992 guild challenge, each block was made from each donated packet. 2) $5 Sat. Sampler in chocolate, civil war fabrics
- Michael Young - wall hanging made of kimono silk, exhibited at the Ikebana Show at the Bluebonnet Swamp
- JoPaula Lantier - disappearing 9-patch made with batiks
- Debbie Hulett - finished UFO, Christmas stars
- Merlene Lewis - 1) chocolate rabbits applique, 2) peony blocks, 3) crayon quilt of ladies faces and hats embellished with embroidery
- Joni DeVilbiss - 8-pointed Ohio stars, "Fishing Under the Sea"
- Lilly Willis - XYZ merchandise to sell for 1st Methodist group
- Suzanne Elliott - Floral trellis from Fons & Porter
- Connie Ewbank - Elinor Burns Underground Railroad series
- Linda Wiggins - 8-pointed stars on-point in civil war fabrics
- Joanna Wilson - civil war fabrics in a block within a block format
- Nina Delaune - 8-pointed star quilt, John Flynn feathered star kit (laser-cut)

President's Message April 2009

2009-03-28T21:01:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone!

I hope everyone has had a good quilting month! I know that I did! I had a full week of quilting and sewing while visiting a good friend in Virginia. We got a lot done, but nowhere near what was on our 'to-do" list!

I think we are looking forward to hear your reports on Seminar--classes and vendors!
March 21st was National Quilt Day - that was the date of our first 2009 River City Guild Road Trip and it was a lot of fun!! Nine quilters visited the Quilting Niche in Houma, Scrap Happy in Kenner, and even a JoAnn Fabrics store. I think we are ready to plan another fun-filled road trip--Lafayette, maybe?

We have a great program!!! Barbara Hoffman will present a slide show on sewing rooms. I can't wait to see it!! Thanks to everyone who has helped make this feature such a success. I think we will enjoy it and get some awesome ideas to implement in our personal sewing spaces.
I will try not to be too envious of all these innovative applications for a sewing studio. --My "sewing room" is a corner of a bedroom, a limited and "shared" space.

For April, we continue our focus on themed quilts. Please bring examples of Civil War and 30's quilts. And, last but not least, a new River City Quilt Guild surprise!!

Can't wait,

Mary

Things to bring to the meeting:
~~ bring the April birthday raffle gift - see Barbara Hoffman
~~ bring Civil War and 30's reproduction quilts to hang for show & tell.
~~ F Q Lotto "Small to Medium florals" - blossoms, blossoms everywhere. 2 entries are the max.
~~ bring your class work and tell us about your GSQA seminar class

Mar 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-03-28T20:53:00.005-05:00

Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 39 members, 7 guests > 5 new members
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- introduction of guests
- a thank-you gift for Thelma Berg
- Retreat news - date set for Sept 4th, 1st weekend in Feb. 2010, this time of year will be established as an annual guild retreat. Cynthia will order Lynn Roddy Brown books for those who want them.
- Kathy Perevosnik has photos of retreat on her computer.
- UFO Challenge
- New voting methods - tweaking of voting methods, 2 ballots, white and orange
- Greeter position - Joni DeVilbiss
- Tote/Purse class info
- Road trip info - to Scrap Happy in Kenner and the Quilting Niche in Houma - sign up sheet
- GSQA classes are still available
- Next month's program - Barbara Hoffman will make presentation on Sewing Studio layouts - if you have some process or useful item to share, please contact her.
- Lynn Roddy Brown workshop - No sew-in date, conflicts with seminar
BREAK
- Scrap Challenge - Packets distributed
- Lilly Willis won the fat quarters drawing.
- Cheryl Marts won the Name Tag gift certificate.
- Birthday raffle - 5 gifts. winners: Merlene, Linda W., Beverly, Tracey, and Mary W.
SHOW & TELL: See the pictures
- Beth Jessup - a black & white quilt w/ turquoise, colorful sewing machine pad w/snippet bag, retreat quilt won best of show and children's choice awards
- Tommie Morden - had her 1st great grandchild, "Paradise Garden", tote, convertible tote
- Barbara Lankford - used Alaskan fabrics in quilt for great nephew
- Margie Bumm - sister-in-law quilt was finished in 4 days - used a new pattern, Turning 20 with sashing. Took class with Cindy Blackburn - an 8-pointed star
- Linda Wiggins - panel quilt for new grandbaby. Flag wall hanging made in purple and gold colors
- Merlene Lewis - blue work and red work quilts w/bow tie borders for grandsons. redwork sweetheart blocks w/heart borders. Sunbonnet Sues, Nursery rhyme fabrics in 8-pointed stars, blocks with ribbon border.
- Joanna Wilson - took a Linda Wiggins sampler class that she entered in GSQA beginner category - won 3rd
- Glenda Parks - 1) Thimbleberry quilt 2) Paula Toups class on Cotton Theory 3) Quilt University on-line class transferred pictures
- JoPaula Lantier - sewing machine mat/snippet bag, Fat Quarter tote, Big block stars quilt
- Janet Cundiff - Swamp Exhibit piece was a spotted Forrester caterpillar, a 2-block batik quilt
- Cynthia Mcgee - pattern: Take 3 w/ fat quarters, Fons & Porter fan block on point
- Thelma Berg - scrap quilt with sawtooth sash and borders, Hunter's star from Gayle Wallace class, Attic Windows with appliqued tigers emerging from panes. Useful gadget - moustache trimmer from Walgreen's used as seam ripper.
- Mary Woltmann - pumpkin quilt
the end

about the Lynn Roddy Brown lecture and workshop

2009-03-28T20:46:00.002-05:00

April 30th -- a national teacher of scrap quilt techniques will lecture (our May meeting) and shall teach a workshop (Sat., May 2nd). Lecture has a $5 fee for non-River City Guild attendees. Workshop is filled. Supply list- see other details from her website www.lynnroddybrown.com

Lynn Roddy Brown Supply list for the workshop - see other details www.lynnroddybrown.com

TEXAS TWO-STEP WILD WEST SHUFFLE - Scrap Lap Quilt

Blocks are 8 inches finished. You will need 35, 36, or 48 blocks depending on the quilt size.

Quilt layout - Set:
5 blocks by 7 blocks (40" X 56" without borders) or
6 blocks by 6 blocks ( 48" X 48" without borders) or
6 blocks by 8 blocks (48" x 64" without borders)

She teaches scrap quilt theory, designing on a wall, and precise piecing. Because the block has a diagonal line, there are many setting possibilities. This is to be a "no pressure" fun day of learning.

She shows four versions (settings) of this quilt. There are many more.

Bring stash fabrics, learn the techniques, learn about fabric selection, then decide if you want to continue with a very scrappy quilt or use another options. Since all the blocks made in class will be scrappy, the blocks could be combined into a donation quilt, if you like. Of course, if you love your blocks, you have an easy-to-piece quilt. Check Workshops at www.lynnroddybrown.com for photo of Wild West Shuffle.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS - All "scraps" used for class must measure at least 5.5" X 20". This is approximately one-third of a fat quarter. Do not cut fabric before class. I want to discuss your choices first. For class you will need 8 light fabrics and 8 medium/dark print fabrics, plus more scraps of different values. Please make sure your choices are 100% good quality cotton, washed and pressed. When selecting fabrics, consider fabrics with different colors and visual textures. The medium/dark fabrics should not have large white or tan spots. Don't bring solids or Moda marbles. Please limit tone-on-tones to those with visual texture. Light fabrics have white, beige or pastel backgrounds. For lights, a small pattern usually works best. Don't try to coordinate your choices.

ALSO:
-Sewing Machine in good working order.
-Seam gauge, if you have one.
-100% cotton thread in either beige or light gray.
-Filled bobbins
-Rotary cutter and mat.
-Extra blades.
-Rotary rulers including a small square ruler with a diagonal line (used to trim half-square triangles). -Usual sewing supplies - scissors, seam ripper, pins, etc.
-Spray Starch (may be shared).
-Simple Strategies for Scrap Quilts (book not required)

April Scrap Quilt Hints

2009-03-28T20:42:00.002-05:00

Send in your helpful hints for scrap quilting by e-mail to montagues@legis.state.la.us and see them in this column thru the year-

Many guild members (28) are participating in the Scrap Challenge, plus even more members are fond of scrap quilting for its diversity of outcomes. Whatever your reason, pass along your favorite scrap quilting hints.

There is lots to learn from "scrap" fiber compositions:

-- Use up bobbins filled with "odd" colored threads. Empty bobbins used in past projects. You will then have more bobbins at your disposal. Yes, even the chartreuse "frog" greens and passion purples will disappear into the seams of scrap quilts.

-- Need a clean place to start? Use the neutral pallette threads: white, all shades of gray, black, and tan. Buy these spools on sale. Buy a lot of them.......

-- Use yellow or white as "highlights"to draw the viewer to an area of interest, a figure, or design.

- - Incorporate the use of a value finder (Ruby Beholder), gray scale and color wheel. These tools will help you learn a lot about value and color. The human eye is easily tricked by the medium shades.

Road Trip !

2009-03-21T20:55:00.012-05:00

Nine ladies attended the quilting road trip on Saturday, March 21 - Margie, Maureen, Thelma, Mary, Melanie, Beth, Joni, Kathy, Patty. We met at the Shoney's parking lot on Siegen Lane at 8:00am and headed out in two vehicles.

First stop was the Quilting Niche in Houma. We descended on that poor store like starving people at a buffet. There was so much lovely fabric to be had. I am sure that Debbie needed a break after we left. I know that she spent at least a solid hour cutting fabric, especially if you consider that we were in the store for a whole two hours.

Next stop was lunch at Griffin's Grill on Tunnel Boulevard. There were sweet potato fries, caesar salads, po-boys, gumbo, cream of crab soup, catfish, and even bread pudding with Captain Jack rum sauce. It was a much needed recharge before heading for our next stop.

Scrap Happy was happy to see us, when we finally got there about 2:00 or so. So much fabric and so little time. More fabric and more patterns and more books, oh my! Thelma demonstrated the travel mustache trimmer and inspired a few converts. Beth was busy helping a lady pick out fabrics to match her inspiration fabric.

A bonus stop at JoAnn's was next. Margie brought coupons for everybody so we each had a 50% off and a 40% off coupon. More parcels and more parcels. It sure is a good thing we had a mini-van with us.

We had to stop at Wendy's for some cold drinks to cool down after that spending workout. Then there was the trip back while we exchanged books and patterns to look over and discuss on the way home.

What a day! You would have loved it!

Next time, make sure you get to go too.

Sew-In Days

2009-03-09T17:22:00.006-05:00

Weekday Sew-in is generally scheduled on the second Tuesday of the month at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church near Siegen and Perkins and starts at 9:00am and lasts until your fingers are tired.

Saturday Sew-In is generally scheduled on the second Saturday of the month. It takes place in the same room as our meetings and starts about 9:00am lasting until 2:00pm or 3:00pm or until the last person leaves.

Some people bring their lunch and others get take-out. There is plenty opportunity to visit and work and learn and ask questions. A good time is generally had by all. Members and guests come with sewing machines and projects they are currently working on. Somebody brings an ironing board and iron as well as risers for the tables to raise them to a standing height useful for basting quilts, etc. Projects can be anything:

a quilt needing to be basted (sometimes you can even find help)
fabric to be cut for a quilt
precut fabric to be sewn into blocks
etc.

People have even been known to drop by without projects just to visit and help out.
Occasionally, we have classes that take place during Saturday Sew-In, but these usually require sign-up ahead of time.

Sometimes Sew-In Days are cancelled because of proximity to a holiday or a prior commitment at the location or something. Be sure to check your newsletter for upcoming events to find out for sure if it will take place.

Feb 2009 Meeting Minutes

2009-03-09T14:53:00.005-05:00

Mary Woltmann, president, welcome, 30 members, 5 guests > 3 new members
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- introduction of guests, Thanks to Beth for teaching purse class
- Lynn Roddy Brown workshop is filled, w/ a waiting list. She shall lecture Apr. 30th and teach a class May 2nd. Workshop is called Texas Two-Step. ($30) Her book $20. Show of hands for book orders.
- No sew-in date, conflicts with retreat
- Retreat news - Cynthia
- Birthday raffle - 8 gifts
- Auction in Sept., collect items and baskets
- Scrap Challenge - Suzanne Elliott. Sign up. Participants will be contacted. Packets distributed at March meeting.
- Nina Delaune and others will prepare the GSQA lotto block kits for April 18th meeting. Volunteers: Debbie, Elaine, Linda Wiggins, Cynthia, and Suzanne Elliott.
- Mar. 21st - Shop-Hop Road Trip to Scrap Happy in Kenner and the Quilting Niche in Houma. Meets where? what time?? (TBA)
- Susan Mueller will lecture in Clinton on Feb. 11th

Click here to see pictures.

PARA Challenge entries:
- "Paraphernalia - Barbara Lankford - small wall hanging done an inspiration done the night before with beading and embellishments.
- "Parasol" - Debbie Ingram - (2nd place) used boning to make umbrella stand out
- "Parallelogram" - Marilyn Halvorsen - Lone Star block is a parallelogram
- "Paradiddle" - Diana Maloney (3rd place) - a real word, that means a tempo of drum rhythms (with real sound effects devices - Wow!)
- "The Moon Is Making Me Paranoid - Joanna Wilson - (1st place) - a whimsical graphic wall hanging
- "Paraclete - Joyce Perry (2nd place) - a dove on red cross blocks, representative of the Holy Spirit
- "A Pair of Paramecium in Parallel Worlds - Janet Cundiff (2nd) - pears dissected with parallel strips
- "Carter's Playtime Paraphernalia" - Debbie Hulett (2nd place)- rendition of grandson's toys as applique blocks
- "Paradise Quilt Shop - Nina Delaune (3rd place)
- "Paradise or Pears and Dice" - Georgia Narrow

SHOW & TELL:
- President's Quilts
Thelma Berg (president in 1987 ) her quilt is still a UFO to be bound. She made bow ties with the extra blocks.
Lilly Willis - Lily Pad blocks made by the members, and hand quilted by the Wed. Group.
Margie Bumm - her president's quilt was a jacket.
Melanie West - cat quilt.
Mary Felder (pres. of Patchwork Pelicans) Sunbonnet Sues appliqued and embroidered.
-Suzanne Elliott - Lady Bugs Picnic for granddaughter, Annie. Red, White, and blue 8-pointed stars.
- Nancy Clement showed a UFO (Tessellated maple leaves) and announced that this was her last meeting. She would join her family in Texas. Thanks to everyone for their sharing and their comradery, and especially Thelma Berg for all the quilt knowledge that she had shared.
- a tell - Karen Perron attended the GSQA meeting - lecturer, Linda Griffith studio suggestions: measure studio space, convert its measurements and furnishings to graph paper, manipulate. Make 3 piles: Keep, Toss, and Donate. Incorporate vertical shelving or magazine racks. Plan for a design wall.
- Beth Jessup - will teach another tote class. County Lines pattern. June 13th
- Michael Young - granddaughters, Heaven and Ember, each will have a twin-size quilt, one is Hanna Montana, the other is Dora the Explorer.
- Mary Woltmann - a UFO, 8-pointed stars in Civil War repo's, a present for a friend, Tracey

Birthday Raffle winners: Barbara Lamb, Cynthia, Suzanne, Karen Perron, Joanna Wilson, Kathy Wyble, and Glenda Parks

BREAK
- After the break the "Not Ready for Paducah Players," (Margie, Mary, Joni, Beth, and Suzanne) presented a tableau on "Busted By The Quilt Police." Beth recited nearly every reason, lame excuse, or whim ever uttered by a quilter as she purchases fabric (whether needed or wanted). Beth noted that trouble starts with an innocent fat quarter purchase and quickly escalates to a "fabric monkey on your back" (like drug addiction), once you start- you cannot stop. The Quilt Police acted with an Intervention / citation. Suzanne as judge sentenced the perpetrators to finish 3 UFO projects before the year is out!! Quite funny.

Lilly Willis won the fat quarters drawing.
Debbie Hulett won the name Tag gift certificate.

President's Message March 2009

2009-03-09T14:53:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a good month! I am sure that our "re-treaters" did! We are all looking forward to retreat show & tell. Many thanks to all who participated in the "Para-Challenge". It was a great success. You are all very talented and creative! I loved all the different interpretations of "Para-." One piece of good news is that we are still eligible for consideration for the Ultimate Guild Challenge at AQS. Pictures and write-ups will be mailed. Keep our fingers crossed!

This month we are going to have a "hands-on" program. We are going to have several different sewing stations set up for demonstrating different ways to make half-square triangles. Best of all, not only will you see the demo, but you will get a chance to try each of the methods. I know each of us has a favorite way to make half-square triangles, but this may introduce you to a new method.

Also, we will have another station set up featuring different ways to store your projects, works in progress, or UFO's. If you have a special storage method, please bring it for the demo.

Continuing our special monthly quilt focus, we are asking you to bring "quilts that you started in a class" for show & tell. I am sure we will see lots of quilts!

Beth Jessup has agreed to teach another purse class! Details are in the newsletter. Thank you, Beth!!

My many thanks for the wonderful participation in the birthday table raffle! It has fun for all and a great success.

One last thing----Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21st----River City Quilt Guild's first shop hop for 2009! We are planning a trip to Scrap Happy in Kenner and to the Quilting Niche in Houma. Makes plans to be there! It will be great fun for all!!

Thanks, Mary

Things to bring to the meeting:

bring the March birthday raffle gift - see Barbara Hoffman
bring quilts "You started it in class" or from seminars, retreats, workshops, (please identify the teacher) to hang and for show & tell.
F Q Lotto "Pinks" - pink blossoms are our precursor of Spring here in Louisiana, Japanese magnolias, red bud trees, azaleas, camellias, and pink dogwoods. Pick from the palest pastel pinks to lusty fuchsias. 2 entries are the max.
bring your Scrap Challenge packets. (Amelia has acquired 28 paper bags from Whole Foods and has offered to provide one for each participant in the challenge. Thanks Amelia, we appreciate it.) reminders from Suzanne Elliott, chairman, "Each participant will bring the fabrics home and will make something stunning. A piece of each scrap fabric provided must be included in the project. Finished projects (finished to the top), will be shown at the November meeting. Any questions? Folks may call at 753‑4312 or e‑mail belliott58@cox.net .
Wear Your (fiber) Name Tag - your name is then entered in a drawing for a $10 gift certificate, awarded at that meeting. At every regular monthly meeting, you have a chance to win. Does not apply to sew-ins dates. Paper tags are not eligible.

Feb 2009 Retreat a Big Success

2009-03-09T14:52:00.000-05:00

The weekend was really nice. The weather was rainy, but not too cold. Sat. night the water was out for 2 hours, but by midnight it was back on. We had several new faces and friends (17). Tommy, Elaine, and Robbie all brought friends, and Sara Leblanc, who came to the Jan. guild meeting. She came with her daughter who beads. At the last minute, Tracy Gallagher, a lady Beth met at Pam French's retreat center, joined us too. They all enjoyed it and hopes that we will have space in future retreats for them! I collected money from everybody. The Retreat Center said they will call me with a total numbers, and bill us (me). They did not want any money this weekend. We obviously have a good reputation with them. As you wanted, I plan to ask them about the possibility of setting a future "annual" River City retreat. I asked around and the majority felt 1st Sat. (weekend) in Feb. would be better than 2nd or 3rd. The next runner up was 2nd Sat. (weekend) like we just had because Mardi Gras will interfere with 3rd weekend. Please let me know your preference.

We all have projects to show at the March meeting. I finished one UFO and have another close to completion. Thelma finished a UFO. Margie put together an entire double Irish chain quilt, finished her batik/black border top, and started a paper pieced Mariner's compass. Kathy made some cute place mats for her two nieces. Several of us made the pin cushion/snippet holders. The directions were pitiful, but with wonderful help Beth and Norma, we were able to complete them. Beth also made an amazing top with a collection of black/white squares surrounded by turquoise blue for her daughter. Charlene worked on tops with scrappy pinwheels, and Norma was battling a complex "Louisiana" block. Joni put together another black/white collection mixed in with red/black blocks. Elaine must have made 500 half square triangles for a beautiful scrap quilt and Robbie made bear paw blocks with the center square as a fussy cut brown bear.

A special thanks to Thelma Berg and Terry Buchanan for donating door prizes at our retreat.
Next Retreat is set for Sep. 4th. Interested?? Talk to me, Cynthia McGee (h) 665‑8720 (c) 921‑3544 quilts_by_design@yahoo.com

Click here to see the pictures.

GSQA

2009-03-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

GSQA - Gulf States Quilting Association
P. O. Box 8391 Metairie, LA 70011-8391

GSQA is a regional network of guilds and individuals who share a common thread, the love of quilts and quilt construction. Its membership resides in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and panhandle of Florida. Its goal is to educate its members and the general public in the artistry of quilt making and the preservation of quilt history in America. This is accomplished through quilting shows, seminars, workshops, and lectures. General meetings are held quarterly during the month of January, April, July, and October on the third Saturday of the month. Each meeting is hosted by a different guild and held in different locations throughout the region.

“Pursuit of Excellence” is an educational workshop activity that is offered to disburse quilt knowledge to its members. Two GSQA members from each guild may attend one of the classes held every other month. There is a kit fee or a supply list that is made available for class participation. There is a P. O. E. chairperson. The guild president asks for volunteers to attend and report on the newly learned techniques.

Circuit teachers are available to tutor GSQA members in a number of different techniques. A workshop is organized with a certain teacher. Optimum class size is about 20. Plans are made months in advance, with a date and space reserved. GSA members from different local guilds may organize a class. Contact the GSQA circuit teacher chairman to schedule classes.

In April, an educational seminar is held in Long Beach, MS. See annual calendar for details.

The guild was founded by Marion Maerke of New Orleans in January, 1984. It was an off-shoot of the National Quilting Association organized to keep alive the interest in quilting generated by the American Bicentennial of 1976. She remains an active participant in its growth and activities. GSQA now boasts a membership of 70 chapter guilds and 800+ members.

In odd-numbered years GSQA sponsors a quilt show. In 1993, the show was held at the Landmark Hotel in Metairie, LA. Quilts were accepted from members and from nonmembers around the country in eight categories. Quilts were judged if requested. GSQA members act as docents. Show activities cover the weekend, Friday until Sunday. There was also a banquet, brunch and fashion show.

Membership in GSQA is not mandatory. As a member of the River City Quilting Guild, you are not required to join GSQA, but you MUST be a member to attend a GSQA-sponsored workshop. Nearly one-half of the River City Quilting Guild are members. Dues are $20, paid annually. A quarterly newsletter is mailed with announcements of upcoming events and meeting notices.

Go to the GSQA website for a membership form and other information.

Community Service

2009-03-09T14:20:00.006-05:00

As a guild, River city prides itself in its pursuit of learning and application of educational skills, offering a forum for discussion and display of a quilter’s expertise. The guild goes one step further in providing volunteer service to the community in hopes of enriching the lives of some of the citizens of the Baton Rouge area.

Parker House

Contact: Darlene Abbot, social worker and coordinator of volunteer services, 578 Caddo Street, Baton Rouge, 928-9398 for any in-kind donations.

What is Parker House?

As a branch of Volunteers of America, Parker House is a local facility for abused children. It is a clearinghouse and clinical treatment facility for children (60) that have become wards of the court through no fault of their own. The immediate solution is to provide a stable home environment at the main facility of Parker House on Caddo St. or through its network of foster care operations. The long-term goal is to either return the child to his parents when it has been determined to be a safe environment or placement in foster care or in adoptive family surroundings. It is not an easy task. Many of this children are “hard to place” due to mental, physical, or psychological handicaps.

The youth population is disbursed into four programs: Parker House (Caddo St.) has seven beds available, Therapeutic Foster Care treats about 20, the balance is distributed between Family-based Services (those at-risk children who may be remanded to state custody) and a new fourth phase, Post Adoptive Care Clinic. The latter phase came into being when it became apparent that children traumatized by abuse often have serious emotional problems that surface at the onset of puberty. Some problems persist even after the child had been placed in a good home environment and had been adopted.

Child abuse is a hurt that seems to linger for a long time. Its effects are long lasting.

Funding is multi-level: Office of Community Services, a state agency, provides 66%, Federal grant monies provide a small portion for clinical time, the other 33% of the operating budget is made up of the United Way, Junior League, Kiwanis, and in-kind donations made by organizations like us. Some of these donations include school supplies, toys, clothing and household items.

What service does the guild provide?

The guild members make quilts to be given to the children involved in the Parker House system. Darlene lets the child select his or her own quilt. It is theirs to keep for always. The population is primarily adolescent, but there are some crib babies. The quilts that are made are usually lap size, machine quilted or tied, sporting juvenile themes such as: cartoons, animals, boy or girl, just about anything. Cheater cloth is fun to use here.

By-Laws

2009-03-09T14:13:00.003-05:00

River City Quilt Guild, Inc. By-Laws

1989-90, Revised June 4, 1992, Revised/approved June 5, 1997

ARTICLE I – NAME

Sec. 1. The name of this Corporation shall be River City Quilting Guild, Inc.

Sec. 2. Hereinafter, “Guild” and/or “Organization” are used interchangeably.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE

Sec. 1. The purpose of this Organization shall be to create, stimulate, maintain and demonstrate an interest in all things relating to quilt and quilt making. This shall be accomplished through sponsoring and supporting community service endeavors, through quilting shows, seminars, workshops, demonstrations and lectures.

Sec. 2. Dues, donations and funds received through such educational endeavors shall be used to further the purpose stated above, Article II Section 1.

a. The Guild is not organized for pecuniary profit and no part of its income shall inure to the benefit of any member, directory (however styled), officer of the Guild, or any private individual. Reimbursement for expenditures or the reasonable compensation for services rendered shall not be deemed to be the distribution of income or principal.

b. In the event of dissolution, all property of the Guild, from whatever source, shall be distributed only to institutions, agencies, and activities engaged in exercising some function with respect to quilting or needlework, as shall qualify as exempt organizations under the IRS Code of United States, and as the Executive Board of the Guild may at that time determine.

c. Funding of projects by the Guild shall be approved by a majority of members voting at a Business Meeting. Projects to be considered shall be recommended to the membership by the Executive Board.

Sec. 3. The Organization shall remain non-partisan.

Sec. 4. There are no stockholders in the Organization.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

Sec. 1. Membership in the Guild shall be by payment of appropriate dues. Dues shall not be refundable.

Sec. 2. Members shall be active in some phase of the art of quilting or genuinely interested in the development and preservation of the art.

Sec. 3. Members must be willing to serve on committees and make payment of appropriate dues.

Sec. 4. Members shall be eligible to vote by ballot on amending of the Bylaws and the election of officers. Each member shall have one (1) vote. Ballots are to be mailed to the membership three (3) weeks prior to the next business meeting. Voting shall be by ballots received by mail prior to the date of the next Business Meeting. The President will abstain from voting by ballot in order to cast his/her vote in the event of any tie vote.

Sec. 5. Prospective members are welcome to attend two (2) meetings after which, if interested in attending further, they will be expected to become dues paying members.

Sec. 6. If a member is delinquent in dues, the member’s record shall be filed as inactive and said member shall have no voting privilege. A member may be reinstated upon payment of appropriate dues.

Sec. 7. No person shall be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex or handicap.

Sec. 8. Membership in the Guild may be revoked by a majority vote of the membership if unethical or improper behavior is consistently displayed by such a member.

ARTICLE IV – ANNUAL DUES

Sec. 1. The amount of dues for the Guild shall be set and can be increased or decreased by majority vote of the membership as recommended by the Executive Board.

Sec. 2. Renewals shall be due in January of each year. Dues will be considered delinquent by the end of February each year.

Sec. 3. Prospective members joining between January 1 and June 30 of each calendar year will pay the full amount of dues. Prospective members joining between July 1 and December 1 of each calendar year will pay hal-amount of Guild dues.

ARTICLE V – ELECTED OFFICERS

Sec. 1. The Officers of the Guild shall consist of President, Vice-President/Program Director, Secretary, and Treasurer. They shall serve on the Executive Board.

Sec. 2. These officers shall be elected by ballot at an election to take place prior to the November Business Meeting. The officers-elect shall be installed and assume their duties in January.

Sec. 3. Each officer shall be elected for a term of one (1) year and shall not serve in the same position for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Sec. 4. Offices which become vacant shall be filled to their expiration date through appointment by the President with the approval of the Executive Board. Terms of office shall run from January 1 through December 31 of each year.

Sec. 5. Any officer or chairperson not performing his/her duties in a proper and satisfactory manner as outlined in the these By-Laws, may be removed from that position following a majority vote of the membership.

Sec. 6. Duties of Officers shall be as follows:

a. PRESIDENT: The president shall preside at all Guild and Executiye Board Meetings, shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except for the Nominating Committee, and shall perform such other duties as are incidental to the office. He/she shall provide general supervision over the business and affairs of the Organization. He/she shall appoint committee chairpersons as needed.

b. VICE-PRESIDENT/PROGRAM DIRECTOR: The Vice-President shall, in the absence of the President, perform all the duties of the President. He/she shall plan and implement programs for all regular Business Meetings which further the stated purpose of the Organization.

c. SECRETARY: The Secretary shall keep the Minutes of all meetings and shall send a copy to the President within seven (7) days following any meeting. He/she shall maintain, for future reference, a permanent record of all Minutes and other materials pertaining thereto. He/she shall conduct all general correspondence and report to the Executive Board all official communications. He/she shall keep a copy of all correspondence and communications on file and accessible to the Board at all times. He/she shall keep a records of all members names and addresses and all subsequent changes, and shall issue updated copies of membership lists to members as necessary.

d. TREASURER: The Treasurer shall perform the banking and maintenance of all financial records and accounts. He/she shall disburse moneys as approved by the Executive Board. He/she shall act as custodian of the funds, collect dues and fees, and present an itemized account of receipts/ disbursements and a copy of each bank statement reconcilement at each Business Meeting. A copy is to be filed with the President within seven (7) days following the meeting. He/she shall have available all records and books and prepare a Financial Statement to be submitted for review by the Executive Board at the close of the fiscal year. He/she shall follow the regulations of the IRS with respect to the operation of a nonprofit, education organization for the calendar year of his/her term of office and see that appropriate forms are filed with the IRS each year.

ARTICLE VI – EXECUTIVE BOARD

Sec. 1. The Executive Board shall consist of the current Officers and the immediate past President of the Guild. Only these members shall have voting privileges at Board Meetings.

Sec. 2. The Board shall manage the affairs of the Guild and shall present all major recommendations for approval by the membership as consistent with these By-Laws.

Sec. 3. All members of the Board shall fulfill duties of their offices without compensation.

Sec. 4. A quorum shall be necessary for any voting procedures and shall consist of no fewer than three (3) members. Each Board member shall have one (1) vote.

ARTICLE VII – COMMITTEES

Sec. 1. Chairperson(s) of Committees shall be appointed by the President as necessary and shall function fo the time required to accomplish the purpose of the committee.

Sec. 2. The Nomination Committee shall consist of three (3) Members-At-Large and two (2) officers. They shall be appointed by the Executive Board in August to:

a. Present a slate of one (1) nominee, with the consent of the nominee, for each office in October for election in November.

b. Accept nominations from the floor during the October Business Meeting, with prior consent to serve from the nominee.

c. Prepare and mail ballots, with stamped/addressed return envelopes, for the election of officers.

d. Count the ballots at the November Business Meeting and present the election results at the

November Business Meeting.

ARTICLE VIII – MEETINGS

Sec. 1. Business Meetings shall be held as needed with at least three (3) days notice to the membership stating the purpose of the meeting. These meetings shall be for the purpose of conducting the business of the Organization, installation of officers, education and fellowship.

Sec. 2. A quorum at a Business Meeting shall consist of no fewer than 25% of the active members. This quorum shall be necessary for any voting procedures.

Sec. 3. The Executive Board shall meet as needed with at least three (3) days notice to the membership.

a. Any active member may attend and participate in any Executive Board meeting but shall have no vote on any matter(s) proposed.

b. A meeting of the Executive Board may be called if recommended by the President, or by two (2) Board Members.

ARTICLE IX – FINANCIAL RECORDS

Sec. 1. All checks must be signed by the Treasurer or, in his/her absence, by the President.

Sec. 2. The Treasurer shall submit the Organization’s financial books and data to the outgoing Executive Board for an annual review between the close of the calendar year and January 15, at any other time there is a change of Treasurer, or at any other time it is deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

Sec. 3. The Executive Board shall approve the Financial Statements of the Treasurer with one (1) copy, so approved, going to the Treasurer for filing, and one (1) copy going to the Secretary for filing with the Organization Records.

ARTICLE X – AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

Sec. 1. Amendments to these By-Laws may be :

a. Proposed in writing by the Executive Board, or

b. Proposed in writing by a member/members, or

c. Recommended by an Ad-Hoc Committee on By-Law Amendments.

Sec. 2. Proposed Amendment(s) shall be submitted to the membership in writing and shall be voted on by written ballot at the Business Meeting next following such written submission to the members.

Sec. 3. Amendments shall be approved by a majority of the members voting and shall become effective upon approval.

ARTICLE XI – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Sec. 1. The Rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised, shall govern the meetings of this Guild in all cases in which they are consistent with the By-Laws.

Guild History

2009-03-09T14:11:00.002-05:00

A Quilter’s Tale

The History of the River City Quilt Guild

By Suzi Montague based on information provided by Pat Hodgin, et al

Once upon a time there was only one quilt guild in town, the Patchwork Pelicans, a close group of about 12. There were other quilters in Baton Rouge who longed for the kinship of quilting. So began their odyssey with a few members from the Embroiderers Guild of America. The group gained focus with Julie Mohr in 1984. What began as a cluster of helping hands, to assist Julie in creating and completing a quilt show for the NQA-GSQA, became the charter membership of the guild.

Julie Mohr is an NQA certified quilting instructor with skills in hand piecing, hand quilting and appliqué. She is a Midwesterner with Mennonite roots and a long family history of quilting.
Names you may recognize from the “good old days” are Ann Crossley, Gail McClain, Pam Rosebrook, Thelma Berg, Ella Wilkinson (Gail Bass’s Mom), Louise Bradford, Marilyn Kelley, Barbara Hoffman, Pat Hodgin, Marsha Dardenne, Lynne Frutiger and Norma McGee to name just a few.

1985 – “Le Fete’ de Piquage” – National Quilting Association. The debut at the Great Hall of the Bellemont Hotel presented a judged show, fashion show, luncheon, and merchants’ mall. Kit Carpenter won Best of Show with a quilt, which later went on to win at the AQS show in Paducah, KY. Veronica Fitzgerald also entered a quilt, which later won Best of Show at Quilt National held in Ohio in 1987.

Guild Name: Suggested by David Kelley, husband of Marilyn.

Original Guild Logo: In 1985, Lynne Frutiger and Norma McGee created a Baton Rouge skyline logo which was appliquéd on docent aprons used at the show.

Present Guild Logo and Pin: Deanna Carney made this design in 1988. She now resides in Norway. Her use of color (blue, fuschia and green) and their placement was to depict azaleas by a body of water.

Guild Banner: Created by Eileen Parent.

Initially, members met in one another’s homes. As the guild grew in number, the Goodwood Library became the permanent meeting place.

1985 – There was a succession of presidents: Marsha Dardenne, Pat Hodgin, then Thelma Berg completed the year.

1986 – 1987 Thelma Berg was president.

Fat Quarter Lotto

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Generally a specific color or group of colors is designated ahead of time. Each person can bring up to 2 fat quarters of that color and put them in the pile. For each fat quarter, you get to put your name in the hat for the drawing. After break sometime, a name will be drawn and the winner gets all of the fat quarters that were brought that evening.

Focus on Name Tags

2009-03-06T14:16:00.001-06:00

Yet, one more incentive !! Has this ever happened to you? During Show & Tell, SOMEONE shows the perfect quilt‑‑it's gorgeous, you love it, you want to make it, but just WHO in the world showed it?? What IS their name?? You really don't want to say "Hey you!." Well, we want to help you past this embarrassment. We shall focus on Name Tags (that way we get to know each other a little better) in 2009. We have lots of members (including me) that don't know each others' names. We know each others' faces, but we can't always put a name with the face. In an effort to get guild members to wear their fiber name tags, the board decided to give a little nudge. At every regular meeting, there will be a drawing for a $10 gift certificate‑‑‑‑one catch‑‑you MUST be wearing your name tag during that meeting in order to have a chance to win. (You can't win with a paper tag "hello, my name is".)

2009 UFO Challenge

2009-03-06T14:15:00.003-06:00

Among the 2009 challenges, the guild will have a UFO challenge. I imagine that there may be a few of us with some UFO's lurking in the closet, so let this challenge be a good reason to start completing them! Here's how it works. At the Jan. and Feb. meetings, (see Suzanne Elliott) everyone who wishes to participate will write down the names of the UFO's and the level of completion. Each person will decide what "completed" means to them. You may decide that for some projects, just completing to the top stage may be your "Yeah, it's DONE!!!" For others, it is all the way -- quilted/bound/finished. What you cannot do is apply 2 levels to one project– Choose one, either: 1) complete top, 2) complete quilting, 3) complete binding. One UFO equals one level of completion.(a pieced top, quilted, or bound). You can mix and match levels for all your projects. Think about kits, sets of blocks, quilt tops, etc. For every project that is completed that person will put his/her name in the hat. At the Christmas party, there will be a drawing for a prize or maybe prizes.

Although Show & Tell is not technically required, it would be GREAT for each person to show their completed UFO at the guild meeting when they put their name in the hat. Inspiration to us all!!!!
Suzanne Elliot has graciously offered to be in charge of this challenge. She will keep the UFO sign up board and the names for the drawing.

It's definitely going to be a challenge!

Welcome New Members

2009-03-06T14:00:00.003-06:00

Ellen Couvillion
Brenda Gauthier
Stella Goodbee
Carol Hughes
Maureen Miller
Kathleen Wyble

Scrap Challenge Guidelines

2009-03-06T13:57:00.005-06:00

:(sign-up required)

March through November

Distribute fabric packets at March meeting. - - Stretch Your Creative self: consider design, color, and theme. Make something special.

Select 6 fabrics to make a specific number of packets. Each Packet: a) bears the participant's name; use adhesive address labels or strips of paper, b) contains 6 squares; one from each selected fabric, each square measures 5½ x 5½ inches.

THE PLAN:

Chairman, Suzanne Elliott (h) 753‑4312. 28 participants. Each participant makes 28 packets for distribution at the March meeting. One packet for each player, including one for yourself.

At the March meeting, have your fabric packets ready, have your tote or paper bag, name attached . Make sure it sets upright. If you cannot attend, have someone distribute packets for you. There are no allowances for late‑players. If your fabric is not distributed, you do not participate. The bags are lined up, each participant goes thru, and drops one packet into each bag.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

Quilt‑store grade fabric 100% cotton that has been washed, pressed, selvages cut off, and cut into generous 5½ inch squares; do no tear the squares. 2/3 yards makes 28 squares (with no cutting errors - so buy a little extra). No solid or tone-on-tone white, cream, or ecru; that is the only color stipulation in the exchange fabrics.

THE PACKET:

Each packet (Ziploc bag) contains one square each of your 6 selected fabrics. That's a total of 6 squares per packet

COMMON CREATIVE ELEMENTS:

The project may be any size or shape: miniature, crib, twin, full, queen, king, king‑plus, wall hanging, or even clothing. Finished to "top" stage at the Nov. deadline.
All exchanged fabrics must to be 100% cotton, washed, pressed, cut, and no selvages.
*Each of the packet fabrics must be used somewhere in the project at least once. Which means some exchanged fabrics may appear on the back of a finished quilt, but those fabrics must be visible. You may use an unlimited number of additional fabrics in your project, anything you wish to use.
**Important ‑ do not bring your project to Show and Tell ‑ it is a secret until the Nov. 5th deadline.

TWO LEVELS OF COMPETITION:
Beginner or Experienced, first and second places in each category, ribbons and $$.

It's certainly going to be a challenge!

Birthday Raffle Gift Table

2009-03-06T13:51:00.000-06:00

At the meeting of your birthday month, you are asked to bring a small unwrapped gift. It could be a few fat quarters, a gadget or notion, candy, note cards, book or pattern, or just anything you think your fellow members would like. Each gift shall be placed on a table along with the name of the giver and a receptacle for raffle tickets ($.25 each). Tickets will be for sale during the first half of the meeting. Guild members may buy an unlimited number of chances, write their name on each ticket, place the chances in any of the receptacles, then a separate drawing for each gift. Winners will be drawn near the end of the evening. Monies from the raffle go into the guild treasury. (No door prizes this year)

Meetings

2009-03-06T13:45:00.007-06:00

Our guild meets at 6:30pm

first Thursdays at

St. Paul's Lutheran Church

2021 Tara Blvd

Baton Rouge, LA

Come at 6:00 to visit before the meeting....