Greetings Brothers and Sisters of the Thread & Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Hanukkah season, and ready as we jump into 2022. I, for one, am happy to start a new year and a fresh start on many projects that have been neglected…cleaning out closets, drawers, cupboards, and the garage.
We have so many events to look forward to, including March’s Quilt Camp, new AccuQuilt and applique Friendship groups, and the Guild’s Opportunity Quilt. Plus, getting together each month for Community Service and Handmade Hugs, Saturday, January 8 at the Stoneridge Community Center. Please contact Faith Chaney if you would like to participate in the sewfest and fellowship of Handmade Hugs.
We want to welcome all of our new members, and invite these Newcomers to our monthly get together. January’s Newcomer’s event will be Wednesday, January 12 at Mary Vaughn’s home. An email with all the info will be forthcoming from Dawnell Muecke, the Newcomer’s Chair.
Great News! I have been to the Elk’s Lodge and they are ready and waiting for us to return on Monday, January 10! The Bingo room is so bright with fresh painted walls, and new tile floor. I turned in the set up diagram this morning so the room should be ready for us when we arrive! For new members, the Elk’s Lodge #330 is located next to Antelope Bowling Lanes at, 6245 2nd Street, Prescott Valley, or just a block up and on the left from Quilt & Sew!
If you were not aware, we will be losing one of our local quilt shops, Turquoise Threads, in the new year. If you have not had an opportunity to stop in, there are some great sales as the store is closing, and is liquidating its inventory. Dagmar, Phillip and Carie will be greatly missed and we wish them the best in 2022.
Well, I think I hit the high spots for January and a brief glimpse of what is in store for our Guild in 2022. With workshops, the development of our Opportunity Quilt and guest speakers we have a lot to look forward to in the coming New Year.
Blessings to you all,
Nan DeChant, President
Programs
See above tab, “Programs and Workshops”, for more photographs of our Merry Holiday Party!
ways and means
Opportunity Quilt
The opportunity quilt for next year is a beautiful pattern from French General titled “La Rosaraie” or The Rose Garden. The fabric is from their La Rose Rouge collection by Moda. It will be 84” x 96” finished. We thought to quilt it by hand and we will need volunteers. I would like to meet with anyone interested in helping after the meeting in January to discuss it further. See you then!
Claire Bell – Chairperson
Hostesses
January hostesses are: Judith Dobke, Lois Doerr, Dianna Dunn, Lola Dyroy, Karen Eads, Julie Eastman, Carolyn Edwards, and Jean Ehlers
Birthdays
Birthday celebrants – When it’s your birthday month, please bring a wrapped gift suitable for a quilter, something you would like to receive, with a value of at least $10. Also note that the December birthday celebrants should also bring a birthday gift to the January meeting.
December Birthdays – Sharla Peterson, Karen Adams, Catherine Ericsen, Phyllis Byrnes, Carol Wright, Linda Craig, Nancy Lefler and Iris Lacey.
January Birthdays – July Brungardt, Sherrye Loveland, Yvonne Blitch, Kathleen Bond, Jamie Davis, Susie Opdahl, Pam Jones, Karen Eads, Kate Browne, Shirley Kelliher, Claire Bell and Sue Weisshaupt.
community service
Adult Center
Well…we’ve missed the window for Christmas quilts at the Adult Center. So, we’ll now CALL FOR “first quilts”. Do you have your first quilt…or an early quilt you’ve made? Let’s “Show Off” those first quilts!!! Let me know if you have a quilt to share! Call me! They hang “safe”…and will be up for a month or so. Let me know if we can include your FIRST (or early) quilt in the next display at the Adult Center!
Carolyn Edwards – Chairperson
Handmade Hugs
Reserve the first Saturday of January through June from 9 – 1 at Stoneridge Community Center (turn right at 89 & Culvers). There will be a cutting table and setups for several machines. Bring machines, pins, rotary cutter, and scissors.
Mats & rulers will be provided. We will be working on teen quilts and self binding baby blankets. There will be space for 15 – 18 people. Please email faith.chaney77@gmail.com if you can be there.
Do you ever dread the holidays, knowing the words ‘rest and glad tidings’ won’t necessarily be the focus for the next 30 plus days? Especially as you search for a parking space at Costco or other popular store location.
Do you realize at some point, buying a 9-foot tree to decorate sounded good at the time, but ended up being a nightmare to decorate, knowing in a matter of a few weeks it will need to be undecorated, boxed and stored? Or, how about all those recipes you have been collecting for great holiday treats and goodies actually don’t turn out to look like the picture posted with the recipe? And, hours of baking actually cut into your already overbooked calendar? Well, welcome to December, 2021!
Not sure about you, but I for one, will be happy to see 2021 in my rearview mirror. This has been a tough year for our family, but even when we silently ask, “Why me, Lord?” the rational response is, “Why not me, Lord?”
When we watch the news we are so blessed to live in a safe community where we daily celebrate our country’s freedoms, have great healthcare, sunny days and sisters and brother to share our talents of quilting with. We support one another as we battle with sharp points, geese flying straight. and smooth curves on wedding rings. We mourn when our sisters have passed and will no longer share their latest creations. COVID has taken three of our talented and beloved quilters Rachael Severance, Lynda Ruiz and Norma Kurr. We are blessed to have met and known these three wonderful women and shared their talents in our love of quilting.
We are also blessed with many new and existing members. Dawnell Muecke will be taking over Newcomers, and Joy Swartz has stepped up and will assume Show & Tell at the monthly meetings. Thank you, ladies, for seeing the need and filling it.
What a fun meeting we had in November with Caroline Wright of Wright Fabric! I know I added to my stash and projects list! I think it is accurate to say, a fun time was had by all!
I hope everyone will be able to join us for the December 13 meeting for TBQG Holiday Brunch and meeting. And, please remember to bring 3 fat quarters for a jolly good time! Bring your appetites, as there will be a sit down brunch following an abbreviated meeting. Vegetarian options will be served.
We also have a chair for the 2023 Opportunity Quilt, Claire Bell, and if you would like to assist in this endeavor, please contact Claire. Remember this is a BIG fundraiser for the guild, and will be awarded to the lucky winner at our 2023 Quilt Show!
Also, starting January 13, 2022, we will return to the Elk’s Lodge in Prescott Valley for our monthly meetings, the Lodge will reopen to Lodge members early December after many months of restoration and improvements.
Our December Newcomer’s gathering will be at my house in Stoneridge, December 15 at 1 p.m. 7333 E Cozy Camp Drive, Prescott Valley. Newcomers is for any member who has joined in the last 12-18 months. An email will be sent prior to, but mark your calendar to reserve the date. We had a wonderful time at the November gathering at Dawnell’s home! My goodness, I think we all left with sewing room envy, and learned how to hang our quilts with one simple magnet and curtain rod! Thank you, Dawnell, for hostessing our Newcomers group!
Faith Chaney, co-chair of Community Service has scheduled/reserved a room in the Stoneridge Community Center for the first Saturday of each month to work on Handmade Hugs projects. See Community Service below for more information.
One last note before I close. Many of us have our fur babies who often are our quilt companions, non-judgemental sans makeup and styled hair, and our loving four-legged children. We had one in particular that left us this past weekend, Daisy, our 12 year old Lab/Aussie Shepard mix. Those who have entered our home know she was there, along with her Springer Spaniel sister, Zoe, to greet all who arrived. She would spend hours in the sewing room with me, of course, laying right where I needed to walk or stand. Daisy will be missed in our daily lives, but forever in our hearts. I was right by her side as she made her journey across the Rainbow Bridge. You are forever our sweet, sweet girl.
Blessings, as we enter this Christmas & Hanukkah season,
Nan DeChant, President
Programs
Hello Ladies – hope this finds you well.
A reminder of our CHRISTMAS PARTY on Monday December 12th. Sit down style brunch. Come hungry! There will be an UGLY sweater contest. We will play the “Right, Left, Center” game ( please bring 3 fat quarters). Lots of fun, food, friends and gifts! Don’t miss it!
January 10th is our Trunk Show with Sandy Mitchell, Pat Noel, Joy Swartz and Kay Wentworth. Something for everyone to see and learn. We will have an all-day workshop on Tuesday the 11th. “Face It”. Material list is under Programs & Workshop on the website.
February 14th, we have Patti Pearce lecture on “Table Talk” and an all-day workshop on the 15th, “Vintage Linen Table Runner”.
Looking into March of 22, we will he holding our QUILT CAMP. March 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Cost is $125.00 per person, includes lunch daily and snacks. Bring your UFO’s or anything you have been wanting to start. It’s a great time to work together, no interruptions, games and prizes! So much fun and productivity. Limit of 20 openings. Sign up soon. Can’t wait to see you there and spend some time together. For more information see Cathy Day or Kristine White.
Cathy Day, Chair
Hostesses
December hostesses are: Faith Chaney, Trish Charity, Maryann Conner, Linda Craig, Karen Danknick, Suzy Davidson, Jill Davis, Jamie Davis, Cathy Day, Gayle Deboom, Nan DeChant
Birthdays
Birthday celebrants – When it’s your birthday month, please bring a wrapped gift suitable for a quilter, something you would like to receive, with a value of at least $10.
December Birthdays – Sharla Peterson, Karen Adams, Catherine Ericsen, Phyllis Byrnes, Carol Wright, Linda Craig, Nancy Lefler and Iris Lacey
Be sure to stop by the Birthday table to purchase your chance to win a birthday gift bag.
Community Service
Handmade Hugs
Reserve the first Saturday of January through June from 9:00- 1:00 at Stoneridge Community Center (turn right at 69 & Culvers). There will be a cutting table and setups for several machines. Bring machines, pins, rotary cutter, and scissors. Mats & rulers will be provided.
We will be working on teen quilts and self-binding baby blankets. There will be space for 15 – 18 people.
I would like to first off welcome our new members to the guild, and remind all new members, in the last 12-18 months, to join us at the Newcomers’ coffee, Wednesday, November 8. Our Newcomers’ chair, Norma Kurr will be sending out the details in an email. We had a wonderful time and fellowship at October’s gathering, so please plan on joining us for November’s event.
Years ago when we were looking forward to moving to Gig Harbor, WA, a friend commented that she went to bed when it was summer, and woke up, and it was Fall. I thought she was joking, but it is so true!
A couple of weeks ago, I went to bed and it was summer, and woke up to that crisp morning air of Fall in the High Country. We also govern Fall by our maple tree, in a matter of a couple of weeks, it has gone from green to amber to gorgeous red leaves.
I love Fall and the colors it brings to the landscape, and sends the message that Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.
How are you preparing for the Fall festivities? Do you have pumpkins and fall leaves in your table centerpieces? I think my pumpkin patch in the dining area has a very authentic feel with the dust accumulation on the table top. Is it just me, or does dust accumulate at a rapid rate here in the High Country? I think someone needs to create a furnituroomba.
Anyway, I love working on Fall and Holiday theme quilts. I have three quilts needing binding for upcoming events. Three down, two more to go before December 25.
It seems everyone enjoyed the enthusiastic presentation of Suzi Parron at our October meeting. One has to love the excitement and joy she brought to the journey through the rural countryside of beautifully decorated barns, and I loved the stories she had for each design.
Our November meeting is Monday, November 8 at the Freeman Building. It looks very promising that we will be able to return to the Elks Lodge for monthly meetings beginning January, 2022.
As a reminder, full day classes will be held at the Aztlan Masonic Lodge on Willow Creek going forward. The room we will use is on the third floor and has an elevator to transport us and our machines. Kathleen Bond & Cathy Day will have all the details when sending out info on the upcoming classes.
Save-the-date for December 13 TBQG holiday party and lunch. More details to follow.
The final item before I conclude, if someone is talented or willing to take meeting minutes for the November and December guild meetings, please contact me.
Our secretary, Julie Eastman, has been called away to California until the end of 2021. As many of you know Julie is a retired school principal, and was asked to return to her position due to a dire medical circumstance of her successor. Julie, being our sweet Julie, saw the need and agreed to the request. Our temporary loss is her school’s gain, and we look forward to her return in January.
Blessings,
Nan DeChant, President
block of the month
Congratulations to Pam Calhoon, winner of the September Block of the Month.
Be sure to bring your completed October BOM to our next meeting. Instructions are on the website under Block of the Month.
Programs & Workshops
Hello ladies, just a reminder of what’s coming. November is Carolyn Seagraves-Wright. Lecture “The Wright fabric” workshop “piecekeeper” project bag. What a great gift idea!
December is our Christmas party. Get ready for a great day!
January is our trunk show and we will have a workshop called “Face It”. Workshop is $25.00 for a full day. The photo is an example of what the class is about. Hope you all are having a wonderful month.
Cathy Day, Vice President
Hostesses
If you cannot attend the meeting when it is your turn to be a hostess, please arrange to trade with someone. Plan to arrive early for set-up and stay for clean-up as needed.
November hostesses are: Cheryl Bouquet, Kate Brown, Carol Brownlow, Phyllis Byrnes, Pam Calhoon, Gerry Carr, Debbie Casali, and Carrie Casto.
Birthdays
Birthday celebrants – When it’s your birthday month, please bring a wrapped gift suitable for a quilter, something you would like to receive, with a value of at least $10.
November Birthdays – Pat Little, Azalene Allen, Laura Stone, Erin Sullivan, Olivia Turnham, Sharon Watt, Karen Danknick, Patty Brownsberger, Jeanne Dunk
Be sure to stop by the Birthday table to purchase your chance to win a birthday gift bag.
Community service
Handmade Hugs
Faith Chaney and Phyllis Byrnes have been working hard to get kits ready for you to take and complete. These kits are for receiving blankets and teen blankets. Everyone who receives these are so very appreciative. Thank you for all who have contributed.