Author: Heart in Hand

President’s Message

Greetings Sisters of the Thread!

The past few days have actually felt like winter is finally upon us, though our storms have been rather short-lived without much action to speak of.  We sure could use the rain.  The colder temperatures entice me to stay warm inside stitching happily at a sewing machine…any sewing machine.  If you haven’t guessed, I like to rotate from one to another.

My two-toned Singer 301 Slant-arm machine (Heddie) got a workout last month on my President’s Challenge quilt.  Some of you might recall the story I shared of my true President’s Challenge and my incredible shrinking ugly fabric.  I likened it to the Wicked Witch of the East when her feet shriveled up under Dorothy’s house.  My fabric just shriveled up and disappeared under the iron, causing the need to pick apart 17 of my 25 blocks to replace the original ugly fabric.  Amazingly, I had fabric in my stash that is almost unrecognizable as “different.”  I’ll be sure to share it with you all at the upcoming meeting.

This past week I’ve been putting my black Singer 301, Virginia (purchased from a man on Virginia Street in Prescott) through her paces, as I not only stitched up my February blocks of the month, but I also created a table topper with my January “Black-eyed peas” blocks.  I just felt compelled to do something with all of those little half-square triangles we created, as I just couldn’t throw them away.  There are a handful of us who like to gather to work on our blocks, and we make additional blocks to trade amongst four of us.  In turn, I have been attempting to make something each month with those extra blocks as a remembrance of our Block of the Month projects.  Thus far, I have been tremendously successful at adding to my UFOs and “Ladies in Waiting” piles.  Whose idea was this anyway, Rosemary?

Linda Morriston was the lucky recipient of the “Black-eyed Peas” blocks, so 2018 is going to be a very good year for her, I’m sure.  She’s off to a good start.  Thank you again, Carol Sweeden, for adding to the fun.  I’m anxious to see all those red disappearing four-patches on the TBQ design wall!!

I had announced at the December meeting that Diane Belveal was stepping down as Community Service chairperson at the end of December.  This includes and is largely made up of what we do with Handmade Hugs each month.  We are in need of a chairperson to take on this commitment through June.  Please contact me if you are interested in filling this position.

I featured the Singer Featherweight (Model 221) at the January meeting.  This little gem was introduced by Singer at the 1934 Chicago World’s Fair, and continues to enchant quilters today, with its adorable cuteness and ease of portability.  And it is the demand from us quilters who keep the prices high…in some cases, higher than the original purchase price.  The free-arm model 222K has been known to sell for well over $1000.

What is great about these little wonders is that they are extremely easy to maintain, without the need for our beloved “sewing machine repair guys.”  I was even able to demonstrate at the afternoon workshop how easy it is to troubleshoot and repair a thread nest under the bobbin hook assembly, as well as adjust a very sluggish foot control pedal to give it some “get up and go.”  I am a firm believer in the statement: “Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman who can FIX a sewing machine!!”

Our attendance was down last month, as were our donations to St. Luke’s Community Cupboard food campaign.  Please keep those less fortunate in your thoughts and remember to bring an extra can or two.  The need is always there, even when it’s not the holiday season. Whatever we contribute is truly appreciated.

Clearly FLU season is upon us, and several members have been hit very hard, much like the rest of the state and the country.  Please keep our members recovering from illness, surgeries, undergoing treatments, caring for ill family members, and coping with loss of loved ones in your thoughts.  We wish you all a speedy recovery, and hope that you are back with us soon.  Our kindest regards to each of you.

Let’s see some Show and Tell gals!!  We all need some inspiration to start of the New Year.  I am so looking forward to our next gathering!!

And Sew it Goes…Pedal on, Girls!
Find Joy in the Journey!

Rosemary Carr, President
Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild

Handmade Hugs

 Handmade Hugs workshops will be held on the fourth Monday at St. Luke’s from 9:30 am to approximately 2:30 pm.  If you want to sew, bring your machine and your sewing kit and let’s put the pedal to the metal.  We need help with backing, binding, and putting together “quilt kits.”  Come join the fun!  Bring a lunch if you can stay.  A microwave and fridge are available in the kitchen for our use.

Mark your calendars with the following dates:
February 26
March 26
April 23
May TBD (this is Memorial Day)
June 25

We have several quilts available for pick up at the TBQ meeting to be quilted and bound.  If you can’t make it to a workshop, won’t you consider helping on the finishing end?

Programs

Plan to join in on the fun!

February 12th – “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Crazy Quilting”. Our own member, Pam Jones, will give a lecture and trunk show featuring her collection of Crazy Quilts.

March 12th – “Inking Your Fabric” with Lura Schwarz Smith.  Lura will present a lecture/trunk show with her award-winning art quilts.  Lura has been producing art quilts since 1975 receiving awards both in the US and abroad.  She is sure to inspire even the “non-artist”.

April 9th – Kaari Meng is returning!  Kaari began designing jewelry for Bergdorf Goodman in 1992 using vintage glass beads, buttons and notions.  In 1997, the business evolved into French General, selling a French inspired life style that includes textiles, notions and ephemera.

Kathleen Bond
Program Chair

Workshops

February 12 ~ Crazy Quilting Workshop @ $5.00 

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Pam Jones will be giving the program on Crazy Quilts.  Kathleen Bond and Carolyn Edwards will be offering a workshop on Crazy Quilting.  We aren’t experts, but we will share what we know!  Sign-ups for this workshop are closed. We have a full house!  Supply lists have been distributed.  If you have questions, please call Carolyn.
March 12 and 13 ~ Lura Schwarz Smith @ $55 – “Inking Your Fabric”
nbsp;
1 1/2-day class
Yavapai Hills Clubhouse
3/12 – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
3/13 – 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Currently there are 18 signed up for this class.  We can take a couple more students.  Your $$$ will guarantee your space in class!

CLASS DESCRIPTION
 
Learn successful tracing, shading and inking onto fabric, working from your own photographic paper prints. Fun, effective drawing exercises enhance your skills. Using textile inks, markers, pencils, and other surface design materials, discover how to achieve realistic imagery in your art quilts.

No prior art experience necessary, but those with an art background will learn specific applications for achieving beautiful imagery on fabric.

STUDENT SUPPLY LIST

8 ½ “x 11” or 8″x 10″paper prints of your photos, or drawings of a similar size (your own, to avoid copyright issues) in any subject matter, for drawing and shading with inks on fabric. Bring a variety of images – choices are good! Our exercises in shading work best with a face at least 4” or larger, if working on a person.

• Use the clearest, best prints you can to get the best information. If working from smaller, vintage photos, scan these and bring prints of the larger size, for ease in tracing — bring originals for reference.
• Do not bring framed photos as the glass makes it difficult to trace detail accurately.
• At least 4 sheets of 8 ½” x 11” non-bleed muslin pressed to freezer paper (note Dot Test instruction page for testing fabrics for bleed ability). Bring another fat quarter or half-yard of muslin for spare, in case needed.
• OPTIONAL: other fabrics such as commercial prints that you wish to ink or mark on, in colors that suit your project. (Check fabrics with Dot Test!)
• Pencil and paper (computer paper is fine)
• Sharpie Ultrafine Black Marker
• Lightbox (students may share)
• OPTIONAL: We will be working a great deal with the Tsukineko All Purpose Inks, with the Fantastix applicators, as well as the Fabrico Textile Markers made by the same company. If you already have them and wish to bring them, you can bring them or any Prismacolor colored pencils, textile markers, etc. that you may have. This is OPTIONAL as I bring enough to share in class, but sometimes it’s nice to have your own. The basic kit fee will still apply as I supply many materials as well as the class inks, markers, etc. to share.
• Supply Fee: $8 Kit: includes sample Fantastix applicators, Prismacolor pencil, sample non-bleed muslin, write-on transparency, instructional handouts, and use of class inks, etc.

April 9 and 10 ~ Kaari Meng — Advance information…

• Monday afternoon, April 9, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ St. Luke’s Episcopal ~ Kaari is designing a special sampler for Prescott.  This will be a handwork class.
• Tuesday all day, April 10, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ Yavapai Hills Clubhouse – Korean Pojagi Quilting.  This also will be a handwork class.

More details will be available at the February meeting.

 
Carolyn Edwards
Workshop Chair

Block of the Month

 Linda Morriston has started her new year with a win, the Black-Eyed Peas Blocks for January, congratulations and we can’t wait to see what you make with them.  It was a fun block and of course it can be made with a big variety of colors.

February is of course a red and white block but not a Heart ❤ Block, we are doing a “Disappearing Four Patch” don’t be put off by the name it’s really a very easy block, and there are You-Tube videos online you can view if any questions, or you can contact me.

Stay well, and have fun stitching….don’t forget to bring your completed blocks to have a chance to win them all.

Carol Sweeden
Block of the Month Coordinator

 
 
Newcomers

 Newcomers will meet in February at the home of Patti Taber on Tuesday, February 20, at 10:00 am.

Norma Kurr
Newcomers Chair

 
 
Friendship Groups

 
A new friendship group has started:
Embroidery Group will meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the Villages at Lynx Creek in Dewey.  The address is 12200 E. Route 69.  The meeting will be from 12:30-4:00.  Feel free to bring your lunch, snacks and drinks in a cooler.  Contact Linda Craig for more info.

Laura Stone
Friendship Groups Chair
 

Prescott Adult Center Exhibit
 

Happy New Year, one and all!  Hopefully this New Year brings you all things bright and beautiful…like exciting new ideas for quilts to make!  Re-arrange your quilting “to do” list and make sure the one on the top has F.U.N. written all over it!  If you need some inspiration, head on over to the Adult Center at 1280 Rosser Street and check out the new One-Woman Quilt Show by Norma Kurr.  It’s a fabulous display!  That woman is a quilter-extraordinaire!  WOW!  It will take your breath away!  Let Norma know your favorite quilt!  And know that it’s really a thrill to hang TEN of your quilts at the Adult Center!  Norma is the sixth One-Woman Quilt Show that we’ve hung in the ten years we’ve been ‘decking the halls’.  Think about it.  Maybe you could be up next for next year!

Norma’s quilts will be up until around the middle of March, and then the Spring quilts will go up.  (Norma’s quilts are pretty much all about Spring, so the viewing audience may be challenged to recognize that the quilts have been changed!  That’s never happened before!)  If you have Spring quilts that could fit into this display–cheery pastels or baskets or butterflies, birds, or flowers, let me know.  There is already one on my list…but we’ll need NINE quilts.  Give me a ringy-dingy!

Quilt Sizes Needed:
LARGE:  from 60″ to 90″ wide, any length.  (Need SIX.)
SMALL:  from 45″ to 60″ wide, any length.  (Need FOUR.)

Chamber of Commerce Exhibit

Come and enjoy the new display of quilts at the Chamber of Commerce this month. Quilts have been on display continuously since April of 2009 and is a shared task between Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild and Mountain Top Quilters’ Guild.

Kay Wentworth
Chamber of Commerce Quilt Coordinator

 

 

President’s Message

Greetings Sisters of the Thread!

Blessings of the Season to all of you! Are you full of resolutions for the New Year? Hopefully they include tackling that pile of accumulating UFO’s. I found it difficult to prioritize which two I wanted to focus on for our January Program challenge, P.I.G. (project in a grocery bag) that Kathleen Bond has in store for us at January 8th meeting.

Our holiday party, “A Chocolate Affair”, as promised, was indeed a fun time. The soups were catered by Bonn-Fire in Chino Valley, and I didn’t hear one bad review. Some even went back and had a small taste of each. I opted for the creamy butternut squash soup, and was not disappointed. Congratulations to Kathleen Bond, who chaired the committee, and all the members who made it such a success. Thank you, to each and every one of you. Congratulations to all the door prize winners, especially to new member, Anne Marston, for winning the Mongolian Quilt Center table runner that we all had contributed to during Maggie Ball’s trunk show in October.

Keep in mind, those members listed as Hostesses for the July meeting make up the committee for the annual TBQ Birthday celebration held that month.

I think December marked the largest “Show and Tell” exhibition yet this guild year. We certainly have a talented group of quilters amongst us. Remember, as you show your quilts, then get your pictures taken, you are encouraged to spread your quilts out on the tables near the Company Store so others may take a closer look. The extra tables are provided for that purpose and will be available this month.

As I had mentioned in prior newsletters, you can bring in your completed President’s Challenge Ugly Fabric quilts any time for Show and Tell, as we’d love to see your progress. Thank you Sharon McAllister for bringing in your quilt. Did I mention to you that your really ugly fabric came from my stash? It certainly wasn’t one of my favorites. She did miraculous things to make it look so good. Sharon indicated she was donating her completed quilt to Handmade Hugs, which is wonderful. Just a reminder, gals, before you donate your quilts, please hang onto them for the mini quilt show and members’ choice voting to take place at the May meeting.

And speaking of Handmade Hugs, workshops will resume on the 4th Monday in January. We’ll be back at St. Luke’s on January 22nd in the area where the Company Store resides. Bring your machines to sew, or plan on sorting fabrics for kits, or cutting batting and backings for completed tops. There is plenty to do for everyone who attends. I want to thank Diane Belveal for the tremendous job she did in the first half of the year. She made the workshops fun, and offered (out of her own pocket, I might add) great little incentive rewards to those of us who participated. We are in need of a Community Service chair to finish off the remainder of the guild calendar year (through June), so see me if you are interested in helping out.

Suzie Fields was the lucky recipient of the Block-of-the-Month paper-pieced Christmas wreaths. She shared with me that the 16 completed blocks will make a darling wall hanging when they are pieced together. Perhaps the paper-pieced challenge reduced the number of participants last month. I’m working on my “black-eyed peas” block as I write this, however, I would much rather eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day, having strong German and Polish roots!

I received a phone message from the church sexton, Tom Ghan, the day after the Holiday Party. I wrote it down so I would remember to share it with you all, and this is how it went:
“Hi Rosemary, this is Tom Ghan from St. Luke’s church. We want to thank you and the members of Thumb Butte Quilters for your contributions to the area food banks this year. Your donations this month totaled 220 items. That is over 1100 items for the 2017 fiscal year, for a total of 1160 donated items. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and Merry Christmas, Rosemary”

Keep it up, gals! This is so very much appreciated! By the way, our Christmas gift to Tom was $170!! Thank you to all who contributed. I’m sure he was surprised.

The Singer Featherweight will be showcased at the January meeting. I’ll be giving another little tidbit of history about the machine, followed by a maintenance workshop after the meeting. I’m sew looking forward to it all!!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!
And Sew it Goes…Pedal on, Girls!

Find Joy in the Journey!

Rosemary Carr, President
Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild

Holiday Party Memories

“a chocolate affair”

Programs

Here come the P.I.G.’s!

January is always a time for resolutions and a time to get organized and make a list of the projects you would like to get done for the year. If you are in the category of Quilters who are making plans for your next project, have we got a Challenge for you!!

Plan to be a participant in TBQ’s P.I.G. Challenge. P.I.G. = Projects In a Grocery bag. Participants bring 2 UFO’s, show them and explain what is needed to complete each project. The members vote on the one they think you should finish – usually the most difficult one. These will be documented, and you will have one year to finish.

Start rummaging through your UFO’s. Think about projects you want to get finished.

Here are the rules:

1. Bring TWO unfinished quilt projects to January’s TBQ Guild Meeting -each one should be in its own grocery bag.

2. During the meeting, all participants will be asked to tell the Membership about each of their two P.I.G.’s. (Explain what it is, when you started, why you started, why the project is still worth finishing, etc.)

3. The Membership will vote on which of your two P.I.G.’s they want you to finish.

4. After that decision is made, our Recorders will document your P.I.G.

5. At the December Guild Meeting, you will be asked to display your completed
P.I.G.

There will be prizes for participants and finishers and each of you will receive a commemorative label.

Start rummaging through your UFO’s. Think about projects you want to get finished. A project box full of quilt parts is the typical P.I.G. A quilt top can be considered a P.I.G.!

Plan to join in on the fun!

February 12th – “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Crazy Quilting”. Our own member, Pam Jones, will give a lecture and trunk show featuring her collection of Crazy Quilts.

March 12th – “Inking Your Fabric” with Lura Schwarz Smith. Lura will present a lecture/trunk show with her award-winning art quilts. Lura has been producing art quilts since 1975 receiving awards both in the US and abroad. She is sure to inspire even the “non artist”.

April 9th – Kaari Meng is returning! Kaari began designing jewelry for Bergdorf Goodman in 1992 using vintage glass beads, buttons and notions. In 1997, the business evolved into French General, selling a French inspired life style that includes textiles, notions and ephemera.

Kathleen Bond
Program Chair

Workshops

January 8 ~ Featherweight Maintenance Workshop

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

This workshop is FULL! If you are in this workshop, Facilitator Rosemary Carr, has been in touch with you. Bring your lunch and your machine, its case, the owner’s manual, everything that came with the machine, plus all the other things listed on the Featherweight Maintenance Workshop Supply List. Pointers will also be given on how to give your original case a facelift. You and your Featherweight will go home happier after this workshop!

February 12 ~ Crazy Quilting Workshop @ $5.00

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Pam Jones will be giving the program on Crazy Quilts. Kathleen Bond and Carolyn Edwards will be offering a workshop on Crazy Quilting. We aren’t experts, but we will share what we know! Sign-ups for this workshop began at the December meeting, and are currently at 7. Supply lists will be available at the January 8th meeting.

March 12 and 13 ~ Lura Schwarz Smith @ $55 – “Inking Your Fabric”

1 1/2-day class
Yavapai Hills Clubhouse
3/12 – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
3/13 – 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Currently there are 13 signed up for this class. We are still taking sign-ups.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Learn successful tracing, shading and inking onto fabric, working from your own photographic paper prints. Fun, effective drawing exercises enhance your skills. Using textile inks, markers, pencils, and other surface design materials, discover how to achieve realistic imagery in your art quilts.

No prior art experience necessary, but those with an art background will learn specific applications for achieving beautiful imagery on fabric.

STUDENT SUPPLY LIST

• 8 ½ “x 11” or 8″x 10″paper prints of your photos, or drawings of a similar size (your own, to avoid copyright issues) in any subject matter, for drawing and shading with inks on fabric. Bring a variety of images – choices are good! Our exercises in shading work best with a face at least 4” or larger, if working on a person.
• Use the clearest, best prints you can to get the best information. If working from smaller, vintage photos, scan these and bring prints of the larger size, for ease in tracing — bring originals for reference.
• Do not bring framed photos as the glass makes it difficult to trace detail accurately.
• At least 4 sheets of 8 ½” x 11” non-bleed muslin pressed to freezer paper (note Dot Test instruction page for testing fabrics for bleed ability). Bring another fat quarter or half-yard of muslin for spare, in case needed.
• OPTIONAL: other fabrics such as commercial prints that you wish to ink or mark on, in colors that suit your project. (Check fabrics with Dot Test!)
• Pencil and paper (computer paper is fine)
• Sharpie Ultrafine Black Marker
• Lightbox (students may share)
• OPTIONAL: We will be working a great deal with the Tsukineko All Purpose Inks, with the Fantastix applicators, as well as the Fabrico Textile Markers made by the same company. If you already have them and wish to bring them, you can bring them or any Prismacolor colored pencils, textile markers, etc. that you may have. This is OPTIONAL as I bring enough to share in class, but sometimes it’s nice to have your own. The basic kit fee will still apply as I supply many materials as well as the class inks, markers, etc. to share.
• Supply Fee: $8 Kit: includes sample Fantastix applicators, Prismacolor pencil, sample non-bleed muslin, write-on transparency, instructional handouts, and use of class inks, etc.

Carolyn Edwards
Workshop Chair

Mentor’s Table

I will be demonstrating how to do fusible raw edge appliqué without the fusible web. Interesting and fun.
Shirlee Smith
Mentor’s Table

Block of the Month

Congratulations to Suzie Fields, winner of the BOM December Wreath. Time to decorate inside!

Now we are going to start the year off by way of the old tradition of having “Black Eyed Peas”. You can serve them for luck for your New Year kickoff, but it’s our January 2018 BOM block.

We will be using only Black for the corners units, and a White with a Black Print for the “X” units. The pattern will be emailed out shortly, watch for it!

As mentioned, please! do your best work; cutting correctly, 1/4″ seams, pressed, just think of it as being a judged block. We do not put our names on the blocks, but the winner sure appreciates them being the correct size and constructed well. You may be the next winner.

I hope it’s fun to participate in this program, and it doesn’t take much time. If you have suggestions for a future BOM, please contact me.

Happy New Year one and all!

Carol Sweeden
Block of the Month Coordinator

Prescott Adult Center Exhibit

Do they know it’s Christmas every day? Yes, it’s still Christmas at the Adult Center…at least until around the middle of January! So, if you need just another little dose of Christmas, you still have time to go see the Christmas quilts at 1280 Rosser Street! OR, if you put it off long enough, you can go see the new exhibit–a One Woman Quilt Show by Norma Kurr. Norma, an Arizona native, says she was born wanting to sew, and has been quilting since 1956. WOW! That’s 62 years! Her first quilt was a whole cloth nylon baby quilt made for her daughter. That quilt was loved to death. Then she really became addicted to quilting when she took a class from Rhoda Jensen at Rhoda’s Quilt Shop in Flagstaff…and there’s been no stopping her since!

The display after that (around mid-March to mid-May) will consist of all things Springtime Flowers and pastels. So, if you have a quilt that fits this category, let me know!

And, oh–it’s the start of our 11th year of hanging quilts at the Adult Center. Woohoo! Yea, Team!

Quilt Sizes Needed:
LARGE: from 60″ to 90″ wide, any length. (Need SIX.)
SMALL: from 45″ to 60″ wide, any length. (Need FOUR.)

Quilts for Sale

Continuing with the effort initiated last TBQ Guild year by Pat Armstrong, if you have a quilt or quilts you’d like to sell, we are working on making that happen. When the TBQ website is up and running again, a “QUILT FOR SALE” form will be on-line. Until that time, Carolyn Edwards will have forms available. Just get in touch with her. A 4” x 6” photograph will be needed in addition to the completed form. The completed form along with the photograph will be kept in a binder at the Reception Desk at the Adult Center. Your Quilt for Sale does not have to be hanging in the Atrium in order to be for sale. You will name your asking price, and all proceeds will go to you.

Carolyn Edwards
Adult Center Quilt Coordinator

Greetings Sisters of the Thread!

It was so good to see so many of you arrive early to shop at the Company Store and to visit.  Again, the room was buzzing with conversation and anticipation.  Lorraine Owen reported to me that there was quite the surge of business at the Company Store prior to the meeting.  Clearly, the activity centralized around the refreshments tables at break.  Did you see the book at the Mentor’s Table that our own Carolyn Edwards is published in?

I’m sure many of you will join me in saying how much I really enjoyed learning of friendship and signature quilt history from our guest lecturers, Lenna DeMarco and Anne Hodgkins.  They shared beautiful quilts from our past.  What treasures!

We, as the Executive Committee, understand that change takes some adjustment, and isn’t always comfortable.  I truly appreciate the feedback I received about the November meeting, both at the meeting and through email.  After considering all input, we (your EC) consciously placed Show & Tell as the final agenda item not only to dedicate ample time to Show & Tell, but to allow members time after the meeting to approach those who shared their quilts, to take a closer look, to ask questions, and to commend the beautiful workmanship for which they are so proud.  As you show your quilts, then get your pictures taken, you are encouraged to spread your quilts out on the tables near the Company Store so others may take a closer look.  The extra tables are provided for that purpose, though with the party, the set up will be a bit different.  The partition may not be open.

As I had mentioned in prior newsletters, you can bring in your completed President’s Challenge Ugly Fabric quilts any time for Show and Tell, as we’d love to see your progress.  Sue Weisshaupt did just that with her whimsical quilt titled, “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road”.  Just to let you know, she had just picked up a brown bag at the October meeting, and as the result of being the first to share her finished project at a meeting, received a certificate for a free TBQ workshop of her choice.

We had several new faces at the October Handmade Hugs workshop on the 4^th Monday, and machines were humming.  Several quilts received personalized Handmade Hugs from TBQ labels, and Diane Belveal reported to the guild that 19 quilts, along with several pillowcases were delivered to the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) office that Friday.  Remember, with the holidays in November and December, our workshops won’t resume until January.

Falling Leaves fell upon one of our newest members, Lari Reger, as our recipient of the November blocks of the month.  Congratulations Lari.  I went ahead and made up 10 of these blocks for myself to create a table runner for our holiday table.  It’s still in its flimsy state at this point, so maybe I’ll have it ready by next fall.

I was talking with my sis, Pat (Hopgood – you see her in the kitchen at the meetings) Tuesday following the meeting, and I see on my caller ID that it is an incoming call from St. Luke’s.  I tell Pat, “This is St. Luke’s, I’d better take this…hold on.”  On the line was the church sexton, Tom Ghan, who so kindly sets up the parish hall each month for us.  He was so excited, he couldn’t wait to let me know our canned food count:  204 ITEMS WERE DONATED BY TBQ MEMBERS AT THE NOVEMBER MEETING!!!  I don’t know if we can top that for December, but in the spirit of giving this holiday season, we can certainly try!!  Keep it up, gals!  This is so very much appreciated!

I featured the Singer 66 at the November meeting.  These were one of Singers most popular models, and were manufactured between 1902 and 1956.  I brought in a 1910 Red Eye treadle, which I had pulled from its cabinet to share.  As an early model, it had no numerical guides on the thread tension, or the stitch length regular, nor did it have a reverse.  I also shared a 1941 crinkle finish machine (also pulled from a treadle cabinet), which I had temporarily converted to a hand crank machine with a reproduction crank, which are readily available today.  The third machine was the traditional plain black machine, with simple filigree decals.  It dated to 1951.  All three are straight-stitch only machines, with the latter two having reverse stitch capabilities.

Our holiday party, “A Chocolate Affair” promises to be another fun time.  Though I didn’t originally plan to bring machines to our December gathering, I have been asked to do so.  Look for something a bit different this month, a little something unexpected, and another bit of sewing machine history.

And Sew it Goes…Pedal on, Girls!
Find Joy in the Journey!
Rosemary Carr, President
Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild

 Congratulations on accepting the TBQ President’s
2017-2018 Brown Bag “Ugly Fabric” Challenge!

Before starting, take a photograph of the fabric.  You’ll want to attach a 4”x6” photo (copy paper print is fine) to your completed quilt.

LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!

Guidelines:

• • • You must incorporate your entire ½ yard of “ugly fabric” into your completed quilt top.
    • The “ugly fabric” cannot be used in the binding or on the backing of the quilt.
    • Quilts can be completed any preferred method (piecing, applique, etc.) of quilting.
    • Must be a minimum of 45”x45” (or 40”x50”, etc.) Crib size.
    • Maximum size not to exceed 65”X65” (or 60”x70”, etc.) Lap size.
    • Must be completed (quilted and bound) by the May 14, 2018 TBQ meeting, with photo of original “ugly fabric” attached, in order to be included in the Members” Choice voting.
    • Top awards will be presented at the June 11, 2018, meeting.

  Programs

  The December Hostesses are planning a great Holiday Party with the theme “It’s A Chocolate Affair.”  We will play the game “Left Right Center” using 2 1/2″ strips, so, bring 9 – 2 1/2″ strips of fabric in Christmas colors and you can play “LRC” 3 times.  Be sure to bring your quilts for Show and Tell including any Jelly Roll quilts or quilts made using 2 1/2″ strips.  During lunch, we will draw for door prizes.  Join us for a fun day!

  Here come the P.I.G.’s!

• January is always a time for resolutions and a time to get organized and make a list of the projects you would like to get done for the year.  If you are in the category of Quilters who are making plans for your next project, have we got a Challenge for you!!
  Plan to be a participant in TBQ’s P.I.G. Challenge.  P.I.G. = Projects In a Grocery bag. Participants bring 2 UFO’s, show them and explain what is needed to complete each project.  The members vote on the one they think you should finish – usually the most difficult one.  These will be documented, and you will have one year to finish.
  An example of what is involved in the P.I.G. Challenge will take place at December’s Meeting.  Start rummaging through your UFO’s.  Think about projects you want to get finished.Kathleen Bond
  Program Chair

  Workshops

  January 8 ~  Featherweight Maintenance Workshop

  1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

  We have a full roster of attendees for this workshop.  For those who have signed up, here is a reminder:  Do you need new accessories?  Check your Featherweight belt and shoes now.  If you see small cracks in the rubber when you twist the belt, it needs to be replaced.  If your original gray feet are cracked, smashed or missing, they need to be replaced.  Rosemary Carr will place an order for replacements.  You will be charged for actual cost.  You need to let her know by December 15.  Reminder:  bring your machine, its case, the owner’s manual, and everything that came with the machine.  Pointers will also be given on how to give your original case a facelift.

  February 12 ~ Crazy Quilting Workshop

  1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

  This is a new workshop!  Pam Jones will be giving the program on Crazy Quilts.  Kathleen Bond and Carolyn Edwards will be offering a workshop on Crazy Quilting.  We’ve been crazy quilting for 12 years.  We aren’t experts…but we will sure share what we know!  Most everything we know we learned from Geo Mickelson!  Workshop sign-ups will begin December 11th!

  March 12 and 13 ~ Lura Schwarz Smith @ $55

  1 1/2 day class
  Yavapai Hills Clubhouse
  3/12 – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  3/13 – 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  We don’t really have a definition of this class yet, but she’s such an art quilt guru, there are 10 folks signed up already!  It’s all about Tsukineko inks, and everything you can do with them!

  Workshops are offered to members and when space is available, classes may be offered to others outside the guild membership. When you sign up for a workshop, carefully read the instructions for fees and supplies. Fees are due and payable on the date of signup to hold your space. No refunds will be made for cancellations. If you find you cannot attend the class, you must ask the Workshops Chair if there are people on a class waitlist who can take your place. If not, then you must find your own replacement.

  Workshops are held at the Yavapai Hills Clubhouse, 4975 Hornet Drive, Prescott. When the class is on a Monday after our regular meeting, the class will begin at 1 p.m. and run until approximately 4 p.m. Whole day classes start at 9:30 a.m. (arrive by 9 a.m. for setup) and usually run until 4:30 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch break.
  Carolyn Edwards
  Workshop Chair
   

  Membership

  We just added 2 new members and 1 reenrolling member:  Welcome back Angie Christy, and welcome Judy Lundquist and Anne Marston.

  Linda Craig
  Membership Chair

  Community Service: Handmade Hugs

   I delivered 19 quilts this month and attended the adoption ceremony where 25 adoptions took place. It was very rewarding to see the children of all ages choose a quilt to take home with them to commemorate their very important day.

  I have quite a few more completed quilts that Maryann Conner just sewed labels on and they will be delivered in early December. No Handmade Hugs workshops this month or next. Enjoy the holidays and all the activities they bring, with family and loved ones and know how special these quilts are to these children and their families. Thank you for all your contributions of fabrics, time, sewing assembling kits and quilting for this very rewarding project.

  Diane Belveal
  Community Service Chair

   
  Block of the Month

   Well Quilter’s, we had fun in the Pumpkin patch and raked up some Leaves, so it’s time to go inside and decorate for Christmas with a Holiday Wreath…paper pieced.
  Congratulations to Lari Reger for winning the BOM blocks for November!
  Remember, if you are interested in the free pattern for the leaf block, go to:
  http://www.clothworks.com/media/productmedia/2045/forestfloorquilt.pdf

  If you have a suggestion for a future BOM, please contact me anytime. Thank you

  Carol Sweeden
  Block of the Month Coordinator

  Prescott Adult Center Exhibit

   Merry Holidays, everyone!  The Christmas Quilts will be hanging at the Adult Center on Monday, November 27, and will be there until mid-January.  There is reason to celebrate!  If you have friends and family coming for the holidays, be sure to take them to see the quilts!  That’s 1280 Rosser Street in Prescott.  We have Pam Calhoon, Rosemary Carr, Marti Harbour, Jane Holland, Susan Joy Noyes, Kathleen Semerau, Carol Sweeden, and Sue Weisshaupt to thank for sharing their quilts during the holidays.  There are new quilts that haven’t even been home for Christmas yet!  And new member Kathleen Semerau has thrown THREE quilts into the mix!  Wow!  Big THANK YOU’s to everyone!

  If you have exhibit ideas, please let me know.  After TEN years of this, it’s a bit of a challenge keeping theme ideas fresh.  Help me out here!

  Quilt Sizes Needed:
  LARGE:  from 60″ to 90″ wide, any length.  (Need SIX.)
  SMALL:  from 45″ to 60″ wide, any length.  (Need FOUR.)

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Chamber of Commerce Exhibit

 Come and enjoy the new display of Fall quilts at the Chamber of Commerce this month. Quilts have been on display continuously since April of 2009 and is a shared task between Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild and Mountain Top Quilters’ Guild.

Quilts by: Patti Taber

Kay Wentworth
Chamber of Commerce Coordinator
 

President’s Message

Greetings Sisters of the Thread!

I took a moment at our last gathering to just observe all the interaction amongst everyone prior to the start of our meeting.  What a sense of community in the air. It just felt good.  I like to take this time before the meeting to get around to greet as many of you as possible. Several of you have come to me to share new vintage machine acquisitions, or stories of your first machine, which you still have.  I really enjoy this.  We also had the opportunity to visit with Maggie Ball, our guest speaker, shop the Company Store, visit, have a cup of coffee, and settle in for our meeting and program.  I appreciate all of you being flexible with our “on the fly” flip-flopped agenda, and apologize to those committee chairs who should have had the opportunity to speak prior to our break.  By a nearly unanimous show of hands, we will be featuring our guest speakers prior to our break from this point forward, and the agenda will be adjusted to accommodate this planned change.

I wasn’t able to attend the Handmade Hugs workshop in September, but as of this writing, look forward to seeing several of you at the 4^th Monday October gathering.  For beginner quilters of the Guild, this is a great opportunity to learn a few quilting basics.  We’ve got some real simple patterns available that are fun to make, with a quick turn-around time, so you get immediate satisfaction in a completed project.  For me, that has been a great way to offset the time spent with some of my more complicated quilt blocks.  After recently spending over an hour on one block, finishing an entire top in 90 minutes was quite gratifying, especially knowing it would go to a young child in need of a warm hug, which made it even more rewarding.

57 of you have now committed to the “President’s Brown Bag Ugly Fabric Challenge.”  What a tremendous response.  You all continue to amaze me.  For those of you unable to be at the September or October meetings, you will still have an opportunity to participate.  Bring your ½ yard of “ugly” fabric to the November meeting, and we’ll get you into the mix.  Remember, if you just aren’t in love with your quilt once the voting takes place in May, it can always become a Handmade Hug.  We still have brown bags available.  Don’t forget, completed quilts are due at the May 2018 meeting to be included in the “Members’ Choice” voting, but you can bring in your completed quilts any time for Show and Tell, as we’d love to see your progress.  The rules are noted later in this newsletter.

What a great pumpkin festival we had last month with our Block of the Month.  High five to Carol Sweeden.  Cute block.  Becky Cook and Tina McCowan were dancing with Snoopy, Linus and Charlie Brown in the pumpkin patch.  Congratulations to our winners.  November brings us falling leaves.  I’m anxious to see who the lucky winner (or winners) will be.  This has always been on my “want to make” list of quilts.

Well, we did it girls…we exceeded September’s food bank contributions with 179 items contributed.  Way to go!!!  That is so awesome!  I text Tom at the church the day after the meeting and ask for a count (for those of you wondering – no I don’t stay after the meeting and count them myself).  He sends a big “THANK YOU!!!” from St. Luke’s. With Thanksgiving this month, let’s consider additional items for the big meal.  Please remember to buy a few extra cans of veggies and pie filling or boxes of stuffing when you shop.

I featured the Singer 128 hand crank at the October meeting.  These ¾ sized vibrating shuttle machines were manufactured between 1912 and 1962.  The three I displayed were all from 1919 and 1920, two of which were from the Kilbowie, Scotland plant designating the machines as models 128K (K for Kilbowie).  All three are straight-stitch only machines without a reverse stitch.  All three have a very nice stitch, and are great for piecing quilts “off the grid.” Though portable, they are quite heavy.  Attempting to carry one by the handle on the cover of the bentwood case could result in less than desirable results.  Keep that in mind, for those of you owning one of these vintage cases.  You’ll want to carry them from underneath.

I again look forward to sharing another member of my “choir” of Singers at the November meeting.  Plan to come early.  Get a cup of coffee or tea, view the machines, check out the DVD library, visit, and shop, and experience for yourselves our tremendous sense of community.

And Sew it Goes…Pedal on, Girls!
Find Joy in the Journey!

Rosemary Carr, President
Thumb Butte Quilters’ Guild

Congratulations on accepting the TBQ President’s
2017-2018 Brown Bag “Ugly Fabric” Challenge!

Before starting, take a photograph of the fabric.  You’ll want to attach a 4”x6” photo (copy paper print is fine) to your completed quilt.
LET’S HAVE SOME FUN!!
Guidelines:

• You must incorporate your entire ½ yard of “ugly fabric” into your completed quilt top.
• The “ugly fabric” cannot be used in the binding or on the backing of the quilt.
• Quilts can be completed any preferred method (piecing, applique, etc.) of quilting.
• Must be a minimum of 45”x45” (or 40”x50”, etc.) Crib size.
• Maximum size not to exceed 65”X65” (or 60”x70”, etc.) Lap size.
• Must be completed (quilted and bound) by the May 14, 2018 TBQ meeting, with photo of original “ugly fabric” attached, in order to be included in the Members” Choice voting.
• Top awards will be presented at the June 11, 2018 meeting.

 Programs

December 11
The December Hostesses are planning a great Holiday Party with the theme “It’s A Chocolate Affair”.  We will play “Left Right Center” using 2 1/2″ strips (provided by you), enjoy Show and Tell, eat lunch, and draw for door prizes.
Everyone will leave with a favor, a chocolate buzz, and good memories.

January 8
Here come the P.I.G.’s!
January is always a time for resolutions and a time to get organized and make a list of the projects you would like to get done for the year.  If you are in the category of Quilters who are making plans for your next project, have we got a Challenge for you!!
Plan to be a participant in TBQ’s P.I.G. Challenge.  P.I.G. = Projects In a Grocery bag.
An example of what is involved in the P.I.G. Challenge will take place at December’s Meeting.  Start rummaging through your UFO’s.  Think about projects you want to get finished.

February 12
“Crazy Quilts” Lecture with Pam Jones

March 12
Lura Schwarz Smith’s Lecture entitled “New Journeys of An Art Quilter” – Inking your fabric

Kathleen Bond
Program Chair

Workshops

Pictures from Maggie Ball’s Workshop

“Beautiful kaleidoscopes coming to life… ”

Workshops are offered to members and when space is available, classes may be offered to others outside the guild membership. When you sign up for a workshop, carefully read the instructions for fees and supplies. Fees are due and payable on the date of signup to hold your space. No refunds will be made for cancellations. If you find you cannot attend the class, you must ask the Workshops Chair if there are people on a class waitlist who can take your place. If not, then you must find your own replacement.

Workshops are held at the Yavapai Hills Clubhouse, 4975 Hornet Drive, Prescott. When the class is on a Monday after our regular meeting, the class will begin at 1 p.m. and run until approximately 4 p.m. Whole day classes start at 9:30 a.m.  (arrive by 9 a.m. for setup) and usually run until 4:30 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch break.

November Program:  Lenna DeMarco “When This You See Remember Me” ~ Two Centuries of Friendship Quilts.  Lenna DeMarco, President of the American Quilt Study Group, will bring her collection of Friendship and Signature quilts to share with us.  Where would we be without our friends and our quilting?!

If you have friendship quilts, please bring them for Show & Tell.

Carolyn Edwards
Workshop Chair

Mentor’s Table
 

Shirlee Smith will be demonstrating signature block writing utensils and fabric techniques.

Shirley Smith
Mentor’s Chair

Membership

We’d like to give a special welcome our new TBQ members:
Cheryl Bouquet, Gayle DeBoom, Gerry Healy, and Erin Sullivan

Linda Craig
Membership Chair

Community Service: Handmade Hugs
 

Handmade Hugs will meet at St Luke’s Episcopal Church on Monday, October 23,
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM – come for all or part of the day. Feel free to bring your sewing machine or mat and rotary cutter. We will be also sewing “Handmade Hugs” labels on finished quilts (By hand) to get the them ready for delivery. Lots to do so come and join in on this very rewarding community service. Bring a snack or lunch if you’re planning to be there for a while.

Diane Belveal
Community Service Chair

Block of the Month

We had fun playing in the PUMPKIN PATCH for the October BOM!

Reminder, if you forgot to bring your completed block to the guild meeting, or if you wish to make one to contribute to the winners, please bring it any month and I will see that they are given to the monthly winner or in the case of October the lucky 2 winners.

Yes, Tina McCowan and Becky Cook were the lucky winners, and they split the 40+ blocks, including the Black Cats!

November the Falling Leaves BOM pattern is now out, and I hope ya’ll enjoy this fun block.  Bring your completed block or blocks to the November TBQ meeting, for each block you bring please put your name on the back of a ticket and we will see who gets to “rake them up”….

Carol Sweeden
Block of the Month Coordinator

 
Prescott Adult Center Exhibit

The collection of Fall quilts now hanging at the Adult Center really blends in well with the pumpkin color of the walls in the atrium.  Yum!  There’s no doubt about it, “Fall is in the Air”!   Here’s hoping you’ve had a chance to stop by 1280 Rosser Street to check out this Fall’s Quilt Show!  Warm and wonderful quilts will be hanging through the third week of November.

And then we will be ‘decking the halls’ with the holiday quilts!  If you have promised me a Christmas quilt or two for this display, it would be easiest for everyone if you could hand them over to me at the November TBQ meeting–that’s the 13th.  If you haven’t promised me a Christmas quilt, why haven’t you??  Let me know if you have a quilt to share…or if you have questions.  Can you believe we’re nearing the end of our TENTH YEAR of sharing quilts at the Adult Center?!  When we were changing the quilts on September 27th, we were again assured by the Adult Center Staff that they are thrilled to be surrounded with our beautiful quilts every day!  Oh yes…and they take surveys to determine the favorite quilts!  Woohoo!

Quilt Sizes Needed:
LARGE:  from 60″ to 90″ wide, any length.  (Need SIX.)
SMALL:  from 45″ to 60″ wide, any length.  (Need FOUR.)