I don't know if ya'll know this, but Google's set me up so's I can see how many of ya'll are visitin' me a day (over 500 hits a DAY! Wow!!). I just also found out that I can see where ya'll live ... not your actual address, o'course, just the city ya'll hang your hat in. And guess what! I'm gettin' a lot of people from my own little town (well, not so little, thanks to the condo developers and Mtv) of Panama City Beach! :-)
So, now I'm dyin' to know who in PCB is visitin' me (50 unique visitors from PCB and PC!!)! 'Specially 'cause I might know you ... I don't s'pose any of you neighbors'll come forward and let me know we're just a hop, skip and a jump away from each other, would ya'll? I'm picturin' a few minutes of gabbin' at the next St. Andrews Quilter's Guild meetin' ... mayhap gettin' together for a bee? Or how's 'bout lunch over at Hook's? Or J. Michaels? I'll even settle for a quickie lunch at Sonic's! :-)
I'm hopin' some of you will holler at me and let me know who you are!! I'm so excited and so ... curious!! I feel almost like I'm on a scavenger hunt - but for future quilty friends!! Yippee!! Now this is a wonderful way to start the day!! Imagine! Next person I chat up at the grocery store could be a subscriber or visitor!! Wow! That just really boggles my mind! Sort of like meeting someone in your thirties in a new town thousands of miles from where you grew up and finding out that you were in school together, but always had different classes! Yay!!! :-)
Alrighty, I just had to get all giggly over that ... it just tickled me to no end!! :-)
Back to the patterns!! :-)
Until next time (later on today, I'm sure - hubby told me I was in a gabby mood this mornin'!!) ...
Big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
Showing posts with label guild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guild. Show all posts
I've been jawin' on about charitable causes and whatnot all mornin' so why should this post be any different? :-)
I'm goin' to talk about "Critter Comforts" right now ... it's a wonderful organization run by Jill, an amazin' woman - she takes fabric that ya'll donate and uses it to create beautiful, cuddly quilts for critters in need!
Sew far, she's made (with a li'l help o'course) over 500, yep, I said FIVE HUNDRED critter quilts!! Each one of those quilts goes to an animal in desperate need of knowin' that they have two-legged friends that give a woof. Or a meow.
Now, are these critters pampered pooches? Finicky felines? Nope, these are abandoned critters ... four-legged friends needin' a home of their own. Some of them might be puppies that the owner just decided they didn't want. Some of them might kitties that were just abandoned on the side of the road, left to fend for themselves. All of these sweet animals have two things in common: a desperate need for a home, and Jill.
But Jill can't do it alone ... she needs YOUR help! She'll take that help in the form of fabric (practically any kind'll do), thread, batts, and Hobbes Batting UPC codes (those li'l proofs of purchase on the batts you buy that you weren't goin' to do anything with anyway) ... just anything that you think might help her keep these poor critters comfy. I don't know 'bout you ... but I'd prefer a cuddly quilt to a cold, cage floor any day o' the week. And with your help, Jill can provide just that - comfort to an animal who needs it.
So, please, please, ya'll ... give Jill a holler and ask her what you can do for her wonderful, selfless, cause. If you don't, who will?
Before you make your decision, go on over to her web site and see the sweet li'l face of some of the animals that she's helped so far - and some precious critters that need a good home. Believe me, my dear quilty friends, once you see those sweet faces, you'll be mailin' fabric and such to her the next day! If not sooner!
To make the deal a bit sweeter in ya'lls favor ... if'n you donate something to Jill, I'll send ya'll a packet of patterns (exclusive! - they won't be posted anywhere else!) of animal-themed patterns. Dogs, cats, birds, cows ... and more! All yours if'n you just take the time to send Jill a much needed squishy! If'n you like my patterns NOW, I can assure you that I'll be takin' extra time and care to make sure that these patterns are WONDERFUL!! :-)
Big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
I'm goin' to talk about "Critter Comforts" right now ... it's a wonderful organization run by Jill, an amazin' woman - she takes fabric that ya'll donate and uses it to create beautiful, cuddly quilts for critters in need!
Sew far, she's made (with a li'l help o'course) over 500, yep, I said FIVE HUNDRED critter quilts!! Each one of those quilts goes to an animal in desperate need of knowin' that they have two-legged friends that give a woof. Or a meow.
Now, are these critters pampered pooches? Finicky felines? Nope, these are abandoned critters ... four-legged friends needin' a home of their own. Some of them might be puppies that the owner just decided they didn't want. Some of them might kitties that were just abandoned on the side of the road, left to fend for themselves. All of these sweet animals have two things in common: a desperate need for a home, and Jill.
But Jill can't do it alone ... she needs YOUR help! She'll take that help in the form of fabric (practically any kind'll do), thread, batts, and Hobbes Batting UPC codes (those li'l proofs of purchase on the batts you buy that you weren't goin' to do anything with anyway) ... just anything that you think might help her keep these poor critters comfy. I don't know 'bout you ... but I'd prefer a cuddly quilt to a cold, cage floor any day o' the week. And with your help, Jill can provide just that - comfort to an animal who needs it.
So, please, please, ya'll ... give Jill a holler and ask her what you can do for her wonderful, selfless, cause. If you don't, who will?
Before you make your decision, go on over to her web site and see the sweet li'l face of some of the animals that she's helped so far - and some precious critters that need a good home. Believe me, my dear quilty friends, once you see those sweet faces, you'll be mailin' fabric and such to her the next day! If not sooner!
To make the deal a bit sweeter in ya'lls favor ... if'n you donate something to Jill, I'll send ya'll a packet of patterns (exclusive! - they won't be posted anywhere else!) of animal-themed patterns. Dogs, cats, birds, cows ... and more! All yours if'n you just take the time to send Jill a much needed squishy! If'n you like my patterns NOW, I can assure you that I'll be takin' extra time and care to make sure that these patterns are WONDERFUL!! :-)
Big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
For those of you who'll be in the San Francisco Bay, California area the weekend of September 22-23rd, you're in for a TREAT! You've got two, count'em, TWO quilt shows to choose from!! Yippee!! Boy, am I envious! :-)
The first is the Diablo Valley Quilters quilt show in Danville (California, o'course). If you went to their show last year, you'll be pleasantly surprised - they've expanded their venue and DOUBLED their size from last year! Did I already mention that I was envious of all of you that'll get to go to show? And Pauline, a friend of mine, and a DVQ member who'll be workin' the show, says that if you get a hankerin' for wine, you can always visit the wineries nearby! Yum! :-) If that sounds sew good to you (as it does to me!), mosey on over to their web site for more skinny on the happenin's.
After you've visited the Diablo Valley Quilters' quilt show, be sure to take a side trip to see the "Quilting in the Garden" quilt show in Livermore ... Alex Anderson (yes, THAT Alex Anderson - I love her, too!!) takes part in that show every year - why would this year be any different?! If you want to find out more about gettin' there, what to see and sew forth ... visit their web site and see what there is to see! :-)
And we can't forget the Alameda Quilt Show, who's proceeds will go to benefit the Humane Society of Alameda (if we don't help these potential QIs, who will?). For more details, give their web site a look-see. Try and make it if you can and support their wonderful cause!! They're only asking a $5 donation to get in and see the beautiful quilts and all the vendors' goodies! :-)
Alrighty, if anyone's got neat announcements to make about THEIR upcomin' quilt show, give me a holler and I'll help get the word out! You know we quilters LOVE to travel and when we do, what do we love to see more than quilts?? Other than fabric to MAKE quilts! :-)
Take a peek to the left-hand side in the next couple of days ... I'll have a new section over there (where the polls are now) givin' ya'll info on upcomin' quilt shows and wonderful opportunities to help your community!
And remember to give Pauline a big ol' hug from me when you see her! :-)
'Til next time, big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
The first is the Diablo Valley Quilters quilt show in Danville (California, o'course). If you went to their show last year, you'll be pleasantly surprised - they've expanded their venue and DOUBLED their size from last year! Did I already mention that I was envious of all of you that'll get to go to show? And Pauline, a friend of mine, and a DVQ member who'll be workin' the show, says that if you get a hankerin' for wine, you can always visit the wineries nearby! Yum! :-) If that sounds sew good to you (as it does to me!), mosey on over to their web site for more skinny on the happenin's.
After you've visited the Diablo Valley Quilters' quilt show, be sure to take a side trip to see the "Quilting in the Garden" quilt show in Livermore ... Alex Anderson (yes, THAT Alex Anderson - I love her, too!!) takes part in that show every year - why would this year be any different?! If you want to find out more about gettin' there, what to see and sew forth ... visit their web site and see what there is to see! :-)
And we can't forget the Alameda Quilt Show, who's proceeds will go to benefit the Humane Society of Alameda (if we don't help these potential QIs, who will?). For more details, give their web site a look-see. Try and make it if you can and support their wonderful cause!! They're only asking a $5 donation to get in and see the beautiful quilts and all the vendors' goodies! :-)
Alrighty, if anyone's got neat announcements to make about THEIR upcomin' quilt show, give me a holler and I'll help get the word out! You know we quilters LOVE to travel and when we do, what do we love to see more than quilts?? Other than fabric to MAKE quilts! :-)
Take a peek to the left-hand side in the next couple of days ... I'll have a new section over there (where the polls are now) givin' ya'll info on upcomin' quilt shows and wonderful opportunities to help your community!
And remember to give Pauline a big ol' hug from me when you see her! :-)
'Til next time, big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
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Well, goodness, if I didn't forget something important, here! I swear, sometimes I think I've only got two brains cells left - and durn if they hardly ever manage to rub together to make a spark! :-/
I MEANT to say earlier that if any of ya'll have any charitable organizations that you support or any charitable or community projects that you're workin' on, I'd LOVE it if you'd holler at me about'em. 'Specially if they're quilt related (or can be made quilt related). Sew, if you're workin' on (or your guild is or you know someone who is) a special quilt for a cause you feel strongly about, please let me know and I'll post a link to your organization or just provide info t'other quilters on what THEY can do to help. Or if you're auctionin' off a quilt to help a cause, or need help STARTIN' a quilt to help a cause, I'll help you get the word out on it.
As you can probably tell, I'm fair big on givin' back to the community - I've probably seen "It's a Wonderful Life" too many times! LOL! But it's somethin' that's always been close to my heart. We see such terrible stories in the news every day ... it's a real blessin' when you can do somethin' to offset the tragedy or heartache of others.
I'm also a big supporter of the "Pay it forward" principle. Doin' good things for others can only bless us in return. And it feelin' so good to do good for others doesn't hurt none, does it? :-)
Sew, please, if you have a project or cause that benefits your community (or anyone elses' o'course), please holler at me and let me know so I can help get the word out! There's others out there who'd love to help!! Let's get YOU and THEM together and let the blessin's increase!! :-)
Big ol' quilty hugs to you ALL!!
Connie :-)
I MEANT to say earlier that if any of ya'll have any charitable organizations that you support or any charitable or community projects that you're workin' on, I'd LOVE it if you'd holler at me about'em. 'Specially if they're quilt related (or can be made quilt related). Sew, if you're workin' on (or your guild is or you know someone who is) a special quilt for a cause you feel strongly about, please let me know and I'll post a link to your organization or just provide info t'other quilters on what THEY can do to help. Or if you're auctionin' off a quilt to help a cause, or need help STARTIN' a quilt to help a cause, I'll help you get the word out on it.
As you can probably tell, I'm fair big on givin' back to the community - I've probably seen "It's a Wonderful Life" too many times! LOL! But it's somethin' that's always been close to my heart. We see such terrible stories in the news every day ... it's a real blessin' when you can do somethin' to offset the tragedy or heartache of others.
I'm also a big supporter of the "Pay it forward" principle. Doin' good things for others can only bless us in return. And it feelin' so good to do good for others doesn't hurt none, does it? :-)
Sew, please, if you have a project or cause that benefits your community (or anyone elses' o'course), please holler at me and let me know so I can help get the word out! There's others out there who'd love to help!! Let's get YOU and THEM together and let the blessin's increase!! :-)
Big ol' quilty hugs to you ALL!!
Connie :-)
Wow! I'm really blown over by how many of you decided to learn quiltin' all on your own! Talk about bein' adventurous! It just goes to show you that quiltin' isn't just a hobby - it's a state of mind. And I think we're talkin' about some VERY creative minds! I think it's just awe-inspirin' how so many of you just put your mind to it and then DID it - most of you, I'll bet, just taught yourselves!
My first quilt (which I'm fair sure I've already jawed on about) was for my Gramma - an amazin' and wonderful woman. She had made a quilt for every single one of her grand-babies for every occasion imaginable (weddings, births, graduation ... you name it!) and still managed to raise fine children (my dear Daddy bein' one of them!!). So, I wanted to make one for her - for the woman who managed to find the time to touch sew many lives and never expected anything back.
Well, my first quilt was so horrible that, yep, it deserves a paragraph of it's own (consider it a "booby prize" LOL!). I didn't know doodly-squat about fabric (mine had just about every type of fabric - cotton, brocade, polyester ... just to name a few!), much less how to put striped fabric in a quilt! Can ya'll say diagonals here and there?? In my house back then, "fussy cutting" was an attitude, not a technique! If you could have heard the frustrated blue words comin' out of my mouth when I tried to get the striped fabric to look right! Well, let's just say that the average outlaw didn't have nothin' on my vocabulary (or temper)! :-)
And I sure as fire didn't know a durn thing about stitchin'! I knew that and joined a local guild (desperate to know why my quilt wasn't even a shadow of how lovely my Gramma's were) ... and one kind quilter took me aside and gently informed me that I didn't need to use a double strand of thread to quilt! No wonder it was such a chore pulling the thread through the sandwich! At the point that that lovely quilter had given me that valuable (and time and wrist saving) advice, I had only the borders left to quilt! I ended up using 3 spools of quilting thread (I'm not jokin' by the way) on a single wall-hanging size quilt! If you could have been a fly on the wall while I was strugglin' to pull the needle through the sandwich ...! :-)
Alrighty, I didn't just tell ya'll my greatest shame and embarrassment just so's you could laugh at me (well, maybe just a little bit). I really did have a point to make ... now if I can just stop laughing at myself and get my cheeks to stop flamin' ...
Oh ... yes ... my point ... those of you who are teaching yourselves to quilt: you're an amazin' bunch of people! It's not easy ... despite the bounty of books, videos, and such, out there, it's a pains-taking process. No book or video can make your quilting stitches smaller ... no seminar can make your stitches more even and consistent. It's all ya'll's own tireless (well, maybe not tireless - Lord knows quilters do sew much they've GOT to get tired sometimes!), endless pursuit for perfection. A journey in and of itself. And the destination isn't just so's you can pat yourself on the back or give yourself praise (or hear it from someone else) - it's to do the best you can and give your creative spirit a voice.
The one thing that can really depress the doody out of me is whenever I hear a quilter bash her (or his) own work and progress. Too many times (usually from the self-taught quilters) I hear "My stitches aren't small enough!" or "My stitches just aren't even!" or some such nonsense. And I call it nonsense because they got THAT far all on their own! No one took them by the hand down to their local LQS or fabric store and picked out the pattern, fabric, notions, etc ... no one put their blocks together for'em. No one assembled the top for'em. THEY did that all on their own!! And certainly, no one handed them their creative spirit.
Sew, all you self-taught quilters, give yourself a pat on the back (or at least, let ME give you one!) and remind yourself, those of you who have just started to quilt, that it's a journey. And each quilt you make is a single step towards that destination. Each quilt an opportunity to stretch your creative wings, expand your horizons, and learn somethin' new. The more quilts you make, the more steps you've taken! And you've got to face it, with each quilt, you've learned somethin' new! A new technique (or an improvement on an old one), a new concept, or a new way of distilling your vision into fabric and thread! You are an amazin' bunch of dedicated people!! Ya'll took a chance on a new creative outlet!! Kudos to ya'll!! Yippee for you!! :-)
And if ya'll will let me, I'd be most honored if you let me join you on that journey. :-)
Okay, ya'll, I'm done preachin' for the moment. I'm off to get more patterns finished and uploaded! :-)
Big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
My first quilt (which I'm fair sure I've already jawed on about) was for my Gramma - an amazin' and wonderful woman. She had made a quilt for every single one of her grand-babies for every occasion imaginable (weddings, births, graduation ... you name it!) and still managed to raise fine children (my dear Daddy bein' one of them!!). So, I wanted to make one for her - for the woman who managed to find the time to touch sew many lives and never expected anything back.
Well, my first quilt was so horrible that, yep, it deserves a paragraph of it's own (consider it a "booby prize" LOL!). I didn't know doodly-squat about fabric (mine had just about every type of fabric - cotton, brocade, polyester ... just to name a few!), much less how to put striped fabric in a quilt! Can ya'll say diagonals here and there?? In my house back then, "fussy cutting" was an attitude, not a technique! If you could have heard the frustrated blue words comin' out of my mouth when I tried to get the striped fabric to look right! Well, let's just say that the average outlaw didn't have nothin' on my vocabulary (or temper)! :-)
And I sure as fire didn't know a durn thing about stitchin'! I knew that and joined a local guild (desperate to know why my quilt wasn't even a shadow of how lovely my Gramma's were) ... and one kind quilter took me aside and gently informed me that I didn't need to use a double strand of thread to quilt! No wonder it was such a chore pulling the thread through the sandwich! At the point that that lovely quilter had given me that valuable (and time and wrist saving) advice, I had only the borders left to quilt! I ended up using 3 spools of quilting thread (I'm not jokin' by the way) on a single wall-hanging size quilt! If you could have been a fly on the wall while I was strugglin' to pull the needle through the sandwich ...! :-)
Alrighty, I didn't just tell ya'll my greatest shame and embarrassment just so's you could laugh at me (well, maybe just a little bit). I really did have a point to make ... now if I can just stop laughing at myself and get my cheeks to stop flamin' ...
Oh ... yes ... my point ... those of you who are teaching yourselves to quilt: you're an amazin' bunch of people! It's not easy ... despite the bounty of books, videos, and such, out there, it's a pains-taking process. No book or video can make your quilting stitches smaller ... no seminar can make your stitches more even and consistent. It's all ya'll's own tireless (well, maybe not tireless - Lord knows quilters do sew much they've GOT to get tired sometimes!), endless pursuit for perfection. A journey in and of itself. And the destination isn't just so's you can pat yourself on the back or give yourself praise (or hear it from someone else) - it's to do the best you can and give your creative spirit a voice.
The one thing that can really depress the doody out of me is whenever I hear a quilter bash her (or his) own work and progress. Too many times (usually from the self-taught quilters) I hear "My stitches aren't small enough!" or "My stitches just aren't even!" or some such nonsense. And I call it nonsense because they got THAT far all on their own! No one took them by the hand down to their local LQS or fabric store and picked out the pattern, fabric, notions, etc ... no one put their blocks together for'em. No one assembled the top for'em. THEY did that all on their own!! And certainly, no one handed them their creative spirit.
Sew, all you self-taught quilters, give yourself a pat on the back (or at least, let ME give you one!) and remind yourself, those of you who have just started to quilt, that it's a journey. And each quilt you make is a single step towards that destination. Each quilt an opportunity to stretch your creative wings, expand your horizons, and learn somethin' new. The more quilts you make, the more steps you've taken! And you've got to face it, with each quilt, you've learned somethin' new! A new technique (or an improvement on an old one), a new concept, or a new way of distilling your vision into fabric and thread! You are an amazin' bunch of dedicated people!! Ya'll took a chance on a new creative outlet!! Kudos to ya'll!! Yippee for you!! :-)
And if ya'll will let me, I'd be most honored if you let me join you on that journey. :-)
Okay, ya'll, I'm done preachin' for the moment. I'm off to get more patterns finished and uploaded! :-)
Big ol' quilty hugs!!
Connie :-)
I'm really sorry, everyone ... I've been so focused on getting the eZine done that I've not yet had time to upload any more patterns! And I've been absolutely SWAMPED with wonderful e-mails - everyone's been so supportive and encouraging, I'm just ... well, overwhelmed! :)
I'm almost done with the eZine! Yippee! I'm waiting only for a few product companies to send me their images (for the new products spread) and to take pics at our featured quilt shop. I've got a few more articles to format (okay ... and finish writing! LOL) and then, the debut issue should be sent off to everyone's e-mailboxes! Did I already shout "Yippee?!" :)
For those (and there have been a LOT) who've asked for the hummingbird and egret pattern pieces, rest assured, they will be in the newsletter. As it is right now, I have 3 crazy quilt paper-piecing patterns, two applique patterns, AND the egret & hummingbird patterns (all separated & full-size) in this issue.
Also included is plans for a BOM quilt ... 12 blocks (so, I'm committed to 12 issues, LOL!). So start choosing your fave fabrics NOW while you can! :)
But what I had intended to be a "quickie" newsletter (3-4 pages) has quickly evolved to approximately 24 pages (and counting). Due, mainly, to the overwhelming response I've gotten from ya'll! And nope, that's not a complaint! :)
But what I still DESPERATELY need are questions for "Ask Miz Sew-and-Sew" - please, please, if there's anyone out there with a question or a comment - or even a pattern request, please holler! I need to get this page filled!!
Also, if anyone has any info on their guild or local quilt shows, please share! Your guild deserves to be spotlighted! If I had the proverbial nickel every time that I heard someone say that they wanted to join a guild, but didn't know where to start ... Listing YOUR guild would not only help to encourage the next generation of quilters, but create opportunities to make new friends! And give others a wonderful creative outlet!
I'll admit, I have illusions of grandeur when it comes to this eZine ... I want it to be much like a favorite quilty friend - or an awesome guild meeting. Something you can turn to for ideas, inspiration, comraderie, tips on making your life easier, and just FUN! And call me an optimist, but I think that, considering how amazing the quilting community is (and those who inhabit it) we can do this together!
And lastly, I want to thank EVERYONE who sent me e-mails with well-wishes for my family. Having a rotavirus isn't fun by any means, but your kind e-mails and lovely wishes made it so much more tolerable! Ya'll's e-mails were Gatorade for the soul! :)
Please keep coming back ... I WILL have more patterns uploaded once I finish all I can with the eZine. By this weekend, it should be a "waiting game" for pics only and I can get some more patterns up (though, separated pattern pieces will only be available via the eZine).
Until then ...
Happy quilting & quilty hugs!!
Connie :)
PS - For those of you who've e-mailed me and not yet received an answer - I'm VERY sorry. I haven't forgotten you and I'm not ignoring you. You'll be getting a reply SOON! :)
As I mentioned above, I am literally SWAMPED with such GREAT e-mails that I'm having a hard time keeping up! :)
I'm almost done with the eZine! Yippee! I'm waiting only for a few product companies to send me their images (for the new products spread) and to take pics at our featured quilt shop. I've got a few more articles to format (okay ... and finish writing! LOL) and then, the debut issue should be sent off to everyone's e-mailboxes! Did I already shout "Yippee?!" :)
For those (and there have been a LOT) who've asked for the hummingbird and egret pattern pieces, rest assured, they will be in the newsletter. As it is right now, I have 3 crazy quilt paper-piecing patterns, two applique patterns, AND the egret & hummingbird patterns (all separated & full-size) in this issue.
Also included is plans for a BOM quilt ... 12 blocks (so, I'm committed to 12 issues, LOL!). So start choosing your fave fabrics NOW while you can! :)
But what I had intended to be a "quickie" newsletter (3-4 pages) has quickly evolved to approximately 24 pages (and counting). Due, mainly, to the overwhelming response I've gotten from ya'll! And nope, that's not a complaint! :)
But what I still DESPERATELY need are questions for "Ask Miz Sew-and-Sew" - please, please, if there's anyone out there with a question or a comment - or even a pattern request, please holler! I need to get this page filled!!
Also, if anyone has any info on their guild or local quilt shows, please share! Your guild deserves to be spotlighted! If I had the proverbial nickel every time that I heard someone say that they wanted to join a guild, but didn't know where to start ... Listing YOUR guild would not only help to encourage the next generation of quilters, but create opportunities to make new friends! And give others a wonderful creative outlet!
I'll admit, I have illusions of grandeur when it comes to this eZine ... I want it to be much like a favorite quilty friend - or an awesome guild meeting. Something you can turn to for ideas, inspiration, comraderie, tips on making your life easier, and just FUN! And call me an optimist, but I think that, considering how amazing the quilting community is (and those who inhabit it) we can do this together!
And lastly, I want to thank EVERYONE who sent me e-mails with well-wishes for my family. Having a rotavirus isn't fun by any means, but your kind e-mails and lovely wishes made it so much more tolerable! Ya'll's e-mails were Gatorade for the soul! :)
Please keep coming back ... I WILL have more patterns uploaded once I finish all I can with the eZine. By this weekend, it should be a "waiting game" for pics only and I can get some more patterns up (though, separated pattern pieces will only be available via the eZine).
Until then ...
Happy quilting & quilty hugs!!
Connie :)
PS - For those of you who've e-mailed me and not yet received an answer - I'm VERY sorry. I haven't forgotten you and I'm not ignoring you. You'll be getting a reply SOON! :)
As I mentioned above, I am literally SWAMPED with such GREAT e-mails that I'm having a hard time keeping up! :)
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Nothing inspires a quilter like fondling fabric, seeing what others are creating, and socializing with talented quilters! Today, I ventured into my LQS (local quilt shop, for those not familiar with that acronym), Quilting by the Bay (NAYY - other than being a VERY satisfied customer) located in humid-but-wonderful Panama City, Fl. I picked up a lovely bundle of Moda FQs from the "Allspice Tapestry" collection, designed by Joanna Figueroa and already have the quilt planned (and completed - in my imagination, that is!).
The fabrics were awesome (obviously - though sneaking them in the house was another matter entirely!) but the BEST aspect was meeting the shop's owner, Sandy, and speaking to Bonnie, a SABQG guild member (who's lucky enough to work there!!). If you ever have the chance to attend a guild meeting (much less join one) I highly recommend it. The benefits are boundless! I'll be attending my first SABQG meeting the week after next (which, I'm sure I'll ramble on endlessly about) ... and I'm so excited (especially after meeting Bonnie)!! I've been counting the days ...
For those that don't know the amazing benefits of joining a quilt guild, let me describe what most guilds offer:
Receive discounts in LQSs.
Often, shop owners know that quilt guilds are excellent client bases and will do what they can to encourage guild members to frequent their shops. This may include discounts, gift certificates, meeting space, or BoMs (Blocks of the Months). And considering that our beloved art isn't cheap (despite that being the reason for it's conception), any discount is a welcome discount! It gives us just one more excuse to buy more fabric!
Go on a retreat.
Most guilds organize local retreats. A retreat, for those not in the know, is usually a very low-cost weekend trip to another town or city (usually fairly close by) where all you do is quilt & socialize. Usually, the affair is catered, so your biggest worry is how much fabric to bring and packing your sewing machine! It fosters friendship, creativity and learning from your fellow quilters. If you have a technique that's been eluding you, this is your chance, short of taking a class, to find out new methods or tips on getting the job done.
Looking for a Book?
Try the Guild Library. Most guilds have what's called a "guild library" - this is a collection of books that have either been donated or purchased with guild funds (oftentimes from the revenue collected from the guild's quilt shows) that are available for check-out to members. In most cases, you can keep them out for two weeks (and in some cases, "re-check" them out if needed). It not only saves you money, but is also a better assortment than carried by most public libraries.
Keep in the know even if you miss a meeting.
Most guilds offer a newsletter, either downloaded from the internet or mailed to your home. It'll contain news about upcoming events, "Sunshine & Shadows" which is a quick update on fellow guild-members trials & joys, a book review or two, product reviews, a pattern or two, and even members' favorite recipes. Consider it a small, personalized magazine, worth it's weight in gold.
Participate in a quilt show!
Most guilds put on their own quilt shows. While your local guild may not be big enough (or rich enough) to put on a show to rival Paducah or Houston, it'll be a fun experience with plenty of local (and distant) vendors, food, classes, exhibitions, etc. And, for the record, it's a lot less intimidating to enter your local quilt guild's show than it is Paducah's or Houston's! You'll not only have the opportunity to hang out with people you already know from your guild and LQS, you'll also have the opportunity to share your interests with others from out-of-state (Oh, believe me, there are those that will drive for 4 hours to get to even the smallest quilt show!), or new to the area. This is your time to meet new people, see new techniques, and of course, BUY FABRIC! :)
Attend a class!
Most guilds offer teaching "programs." Meaning, Sue Smith, a fellow guild member, will share a technique that she's perfected, or even teach a basic, quick seminar on piecing, quilting, or choosing fabric. Or your guild might offer a special class on a weekend. Again, it's your chance to learn something new, make friends, share experiences and tips - and just have FUN!
Want to do a BoM?
Most guilds offer BoMs (Block of the Months). You'll receive a block pattern (or applique pattern - depending on the current program or focus) that you can complete at your own leisure, at your own pace. Since most guilds have what are called "opportunity quilts" (quilts that members make to sell and/or raffle off and generate revenue for the guild's operations), you may also receive fabric to make a block for the opportunity quilt! Helping out with the opportunity or raffle quilt is optional - but it's a good use of your time. It not only helps the guild run smoothly in terms of finances, but also might help buy that book you've been eyeing online for the guild library. Everyone benefits when members volunteer!
Community Service Projects.
No, I don't mean pulling a Naomi Campbell ... I mean doing a project (or projects) that benefit your community. Some guilds will create "Ugly quilts" - quilts made from donated fabric for the homeless. Or, as I was lucky enough to do, "Infant Bereavement Quilts" - quilts made for parents who've lost a baby. You have the opportunity to touch lives in your community. To make others aware that they're not alone. To give comfort in times of loss or need. And isn't that sort of love and compassion what quilting is all about?
*For more information on these projects, please visit Uglyquilts.org and/or Bridging People (for Infant Bereavement Quilts - patterns and tips on how to get involved!) Or, alternatively, use your favorite search engine for more information.
Round robin?
Round robins are quilts that others help with. Sue Smith might want a quilt for her bed, and she'll ask if anyone will help her ... then Jane Doe might take the quilt home one night and add a block (usually with a theme), then pass it off to Polly Patchwork, who'll add another block and pass it on to Rita Rotary Cutter, and so on. Until, at the end, Sue has a lovely new quilt gracing her bed! Many opportunity quilts are also put together and finished this way.
*And don't worry - everyone will know who has the quilt - your quilt won't just up and disappear!*
As a cautionary to any new round robin participant, NEVER, EVER put a quilt in a garbage bag. Yes, I know, a garbage bag is large enough to fit a quilt and can protect it from moisture, Quilt Inspectors, spills and dust, but learn from another person's mistake! :
Where do I find a local guild?
If you'd like to look for a guild in your area, try this Quilt Guilds database (please note that this list is by no means exhaustive. These listings depend on a member of the guild posting them!) ... and remember to contact the Go-to person in the listing. Since most listings are provided by the guild's publicity chair, and publicity chairs come and go, the information may not be up-to-date (they may meet on a different day, different place, etc). But this site is an excellent place to start.
Wait a sec! I didn't see my town listed!
If you don't find a guild listing there, ask at your local quilt shop or fabric store. Even the chain fabric stores, like JoAnn's or Hancock's will have info on local guilds and clubs. And the bonus? You can walk away with some fabric! After all, if you're already going to be there asking about guilds anyway .... why not get some fabric for your next project?? :)
Nope! I'm still out of luck! Now what?
If for some chance, your city or town doesn't have a local guild, consider starting one! Most guilds belong to larger guilds ... f'r'instance, my old guild, Southern Maryland Quilter's Guild belonged to the National Quilting Association (and by default, I was a member of that guild, too! Two memberships for the price of one!). That being the case, a larger guild will be more than happy to assist you in starting a local chapter. They'll give you tips on recruiting members, finding a suitable meeting place (most guilds meet at local churches), and will provide marketing materials to help you set up your local chapter!
Hopefully, I've outlined a few good reasons for joining a quilt guild (or starting one, if need be). The benefits, as I said, are boundless. Not only do you get the tangible benefits, you als0 get to meet people who share your love of this timeless & beautiful art. You'll make friends with which to share fabric obsessions and conquests, patterns, techniques, tips, trials, and joys.
The fabrics were awesome (obviously - though sneaking them in the house was another matter entirely!) but the BEST aspect was meeting the shop's owner, Sandy, and speaking to Bonnie, a SABQG guild member (who's lucky enough to work there!!). If you ever have the chance to attend a guild meeting (much less join one) I highly recommend it. The benefits are boundless! I'll be attending my first SABQG meeting the week after next (which, I'm sure I'll ramble on endlessly about) ... and I'm so excited (especially after meeting Bonnie)!! I've been counting the days ...
For those that don't know the amazing benefits of joining a quilt guild, let me describe what most guilds offer:
Receive discounts in LQSs.
Often, shop owners know that quilt guilds are excellent client bases and will do what they can to encourage guild members to frequent their shops. This may include discounts, gift certificates, meeting space, or BoMs (Blocks of the Months). And considering that our beloved art isn't cheap (despite that being the reason for it's conception), any discount is a welcome discount! It gives us just one more excuse to buy more fabric!
Go on a retreat.
Most guilds organize local retreats. A retreat, for those not in the know, is usually a very low-cost weekend trip to another town or city (usually fairly close by) where all you do is quilt & socialize. Usually, the affair is catered, so your biggest worry is how much fabric to bring and packing your sewing machine! It fosters friendship, creativity and learning from your fellow quilters. If you have a technique that's been eluding you, this is your chance, short of taking a class, to find out new methods or tips on getting the job done.
Looking for a Book?
Try the Guild Library. Most guilds have what's called a "guild library" - this is a collection of books that have either been donated or purchased with guild funds (oftentimes from the revenue collected from the guild's quilt shows) that are available for check-out to members. In most cases, you can keep them out for two weeks (and in some cases, "re-check" them out if needed). It not only saves you money, but is also a better assortment than carried by most public libraries.
Keep in the know even if you miss a meeting.
Most guilds offer a newsletter, either downloaded from the internet or mailed to your home. It'll contain news about upcoming events, "Sunshine & Shadows" which is a quick update on fellow guild-members trials & joys, a book review or two, product reviews, a pattern or two, and even members' favorite recipes. Consider it a small, personalized magazine, worth it's weight in gold.
Participate in a quilt show!
Most guilds put on their own quilt shows. While your local guild may not be big enough (or rich enough) to put on a show to rival Paducah or Houston, it'll be a fun experience with plenty of local (and distant) vendors, food, classes, exhibitions, etc. And, for the record, it's a lot less intimidating to enter your local quilt guild's show than it is Paducah's or Houston's! You'll not only have the opportunity to hang out with people you already know from your guild and LQS, you'll also have the opportunity to share your interests with others from out-of-state (Oh, believe me, there are those that will drive for 4 hours to get to even the smallest quilt show!), or new to the area. This is your time to meet new people, see new techniques, and of course, BUY FABRIC! :)
Attend a class!
Most guilds offer teaching "programs." Meaning, Sue Smith, a fellow guild member, will share a technique that she's perfected, or even teach a basic, quick seminar on piecing, quilting, or choosing fabric. Or your guild might offer a special class on a weekend. Again, it's your chance to learn something new, make friends, share experiences and tips - and just have FUN!
Want to do a BoM?
Most guilds offer BoMs (Block of the Months). You'll receive a block pattern (or applique pattern - depending on the current program or focus) that you can complete at your own leisure, at your own pace. Since most guilds have what are called "opportunity quilts" (quilts that members make to sell and/or raffle off and generate revenue for the guild's operations), you may also receive fabric to make a block for the opportunity quilt! Helping out with the opportunity or raffle quilt is optional - but it's a good use of your time. It not only helps the guild run smoothly in terms of finances, but also might help buy that book you've been eyeing online for the guild library. Everyone benefits when members volunteer!
Community Service Projects.
No, I don't mean pulling a Naomi Campbell ... I mean doing a project (or projects) that benefit your community. Some guilds will create "Ugly quilts" - quilts made from donated fabric for the homeless. Or, as I was lucky enough to do, "Infant Bereavement Quilts" - quilts made for parents who've lost a baby. You have the opportunity to touch lives in your community. To make others aware that they're not alone. To give comfort in times of loss or need. And isn't that sort of love and compassion what quilting is all about?
*For more information on these projects, please visit Uglyquilts.org and/or Bridging People (for Infant Bereavement Quilts - patterns and tips on how to get involved!) Or, alternatively, use your favorite search engine for more information.
Round robin?
Round robins are quilts that others help with. Sue Smith might want a quilt for her bed, and she'll ask if anyone will help her ... then Jane Doe might take the quilt home one night and add a block (usually with a theme), then pass it off to Polly Patchwork, who'll add another block and pass it on to Rita Rotary Cutter, and so on. Until, at the end, Sue has a lovely new quilt gracing her bed! Many opportunity quilts are also put together and finished this way.
*And don't worry - everyone will know who has the quilt - your quilt won't just up and disappear!*
As a cautionary to any new round robin participant, NEVER, EVER put a quilt in a garbage bag. Yes, I know, a garbage bag is large enough to fit a quilt and can protect it from moisture, Quilt Inspectors, spills and dust, but learn from another person's mistake! :
Several years ago, in my "old" guild, a member working on the opportunity quilt put it in a green garbage bag for safe-keeping (she was Spring cleaning and didn't want to allow dust to soil it) and left the bag in her sewing room (where she thought it would be safe since her family didn't venture in there). Well, her DH decided to be a nice guy and empty her trash while she was out ... Yep! You guessed it. He took the bag to the side of the road where the garbage men collected it! 6 months of work by 12 different guild members ended up in a landfill! Needless to say, the quilt was lost and had to be restarted.
Where do I find a local guild?
If you'd like to look for a guild in your area, try this Quilt Guilds database (please note that this list is by no means exhaustive. These listings depend on a member of the guild posting them!) ... and remember to contact the Go-to person in the listing. Since most listings are provided by the guild's publicity chair, and publicity chairs come and go, the information may not be up-to-date (they may meet on a different day, different place, etc). But this site is an excellent place to start.
Wait a sec! I didn't see my town listed!
If you don't find a guild listing there, ask at your local quilt shop or fabric store. Even the chain fabric stores, like JoAnn's or Hancock's will have info on local guilds and clubs. And the bonus? You can walk away with some fabric! After all, if you're already going to be there asking about guilds anyway .... why not get some fabric for your next project?? :)
Nope! I'm still out of luck! Now what?
If for some chance, your city or town doesn't have a local guild, consider starting one! Most guilds belong to larger guilds ... f'r'instance, my old guild, Southern Maryland Quilter's Guild belonged to the National Quilting Association (and by default, I was a member of that guild, too! Two memberships for the price of one!). That being the case, a larger guild will be more than happy to assist you in starting a local chapter. They'll give you tips on recruiting members, finding a suitable meeting place (most guilds meet at local churches), and will provide marketing materials to help you set up your local chapter!
Hopefully, I've outlined a few good reasons for joining a quilt guild (or starting one, if need be). The benefits, as I said, are boundless. Not only do you get the tangible benefits, you als0 get to meet people who share your love of this timeless & beautiful art. You'll make friends with which to share fabric obsessions and conquests, patterns, techniques, tips, trials, and joys.
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