National Shows 
and Challenges

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(**Includes local shows and shop hops)

On-going 
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Member Notes & 
Fabric Donation Sites

Links - Members
and Shops

Resources &
References

Officers &
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By-Laws
(adopted 3/05)

Tuesday, Jan. 24 -  Machine Needles and Threads by Margie Hays

Here are notes about the meeting from Kim:
Hello all you Sharp Needle-Knowers,

I heard many people say that they learned so much on Tuesday night about sewing machine needles. Margie did a wonderful job of explaining the finer 'points' of needle selection. For those of you who couldn't attend, we have extra pamphlets for you. I forgot to mention something about used needles: I use them to hang quilts on the wall. They go right into plasterboard leaving only a very tiny hole and you won't believe how strong they are. (My husband is very glad that I'm not pounding nails into the walls anymore.) We also made beautiful Bobbin Blossom Brooches. THANK YOU, MARGIE, FOR A WONDERFUL PROGRAM!

There were some lingering questions about the new Block of the Month program. I'm afraid I didn't do a terribly good job of relaying the information Tuesday night, but luckily, it is all written down in the document I sent in the January Reminder email. (I was a bubble off of plumb Tuesday night, if you hadn't noticed. My insomnia has been kicking up again.) If you want the pattern instructions sent to you via email, let me know and I'll put you on the list (if you didn't already sign up.) I don't want to clog up everybody's mailboxes with large, unwanted files, so I'll just send them to the interested parties. January's assignment is to gather all your fabric and get it cut up. Kathy Weagraff had a great suggestion for getting together to work on the BOM. Instead of trying to meet on Saturdays, maybe we could meet at the church a couple of hours before the doors open for guild meetings. I will try to make arrangements with St. Bernadette's and let you know what I find out. (Karen and Joanie...is that feasible?)

 

Guess who won the fat quarter lottery this month? Me, me, me, me, me!!! I took home 20 beautiful hand-dyed and batik fat quarters. I already cut up two of them for my current quilt project. Next month's theme is circles/swirls. If you're out shopping for them, remember I like teal and coral;-)

I handed out the 2012 calendars, but am attaching the file to this email in case you didn't get a hard copy. The programs are subject to change, of course, but the dates are correct.  Click here to see the new 2012 calendar!

 

I am looking for volunteers to help with February's binding workshop. Please contact me if you would like to run a station on how to: 1) cut straight and bias binding; 2) sew binding onto your quilt, especially the mitered corners; or, 3) hand stitch the binding down.

I am also sending along links to the websites for the upcoming quilt shows that we discussed. If in doubt, call Gail at 425-2889. She often has bus trips to the venues or is vending herself, so she's got the scoop. I highly recommend the Farmpark Vendor's weekend:

 

Farmpark Quilt Exhibit: http://lakemetroparks.com/programs/quilts2012.shtml#Quilts_Workshops

Ross Township Quilt Show: http://www.npqg.org/index_files/Page2646.htm

Three Rivers Quilt Show: http://www.threeriversquilters.org/quiltshow.html

Until we meet again, enjoy the mild weather and change your sewing machine needle!!!

 

Your Chief Bottle Washer,

Kim

 

Kim Templin
kim@theTemplins.com
814-789-4023

Tuesday, Dec. 13 - Christmas Party and Chinese Auction
Good food, good fun, and a holiday spirit prevailed!
Kim announced that the 2012 Raffle quilt will be chaired by Joanie O'Donnell, Chris Grubbs, Debbie Myers and Peggy Wehrle, and that it will be started in January.
Small Alzheimer's Quilts will continue to be accepted throughout the year.  There is now a webpage for our group - click here to visit .  It's great to see so many pretty quilts there!

It was announced that International Fabrics shop in Fairview will be closing - sad day!

Everyone had fun with the Chinese Auction, and proceeds were donated to Ruth's granddaughter's fundraiser for "Conquering Childhood Cancers" - part of the Penn State Dance Marathon being held Feb. 17 to 19th.  Look here for inspiring stories!  Since 1977, Penn State students involved in this event have raised over $78 million for the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital!  (THANK YOU, from Ruth and her granddaughter, Katie Hissick, for your wonderful support!  You raised $229. to add to this cause!)

And one more note from Kim:

Our dear Opal will turn 97 a couple of days before the January guild meeting. If you'd like to participate in a surprise card shower, bring a card to the meeting. Opal also devours reading material - especially happy-ending, light novels, feel-good biographies, local histories (especially about Franklin and Oil City where she grew up), or stories involving quilts. She also enjoys used quilt magazines. If you have anything in your stash that you're done with, there will be a collection basket at the door. Please don't go out and buy anything. Nothing makes Opal happier than recycling!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - Make and Take Felted Wool Mittens
Here's a letter from Kim with a summary from the meeting:

Wow - my new wool mittens are sweet! They're so warm and soft. Thank you, Bev, for teaching us how to make them. I know what my kids are getting this Christmas this year! If you want to see a video of the mittens being made, the website is listed on the instructions Bev handed out. Here it is: http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=61&sid=4456414. The patterns is also available for download at the website. Just a note: Bev told us to adjust the pattern slightly by adding 1" in length to Pattern Piece #2. If you finish your mittens, please bring them to December's meeting for show & tell.

 

Here is a message from Homespun Treasures: Gail Baker is giving FSQG members a special discount of 35% off everything in the store this Saturday, Nov. 19th. Guess where you'll find me this weekend. What a great time to take care of the quilters on your Christmas list or for buying backing for a quilt top! How about stocking up on next year's fat quarter lottery fabrics? (Next month's is Black & White fabric. 2012's themes are listed below.) Thank you, Gail, for extending this generous invitation to us. Her 20% sale is good through Wednesday, Nov. 30.

 

Also, as reported last night, a Sneak Preview for The Quilter's Escape 2012 featuring Peg Bingham will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 30th at several local shops including Homespun Treasures and The Needleworks. There will be door prizes. Tickets to next Spring's event will be available. Curious? Check out Peg's Celtic pieced patterns, go to http://www.pegspatches.com/index.html.

 

During last night's business meeting, I forgot to give the details for December's Tureen Dinner. The date is December 13 (not the usual 4th Tuesday of the month.) The doors will open at 5:30. Dinner will begin promptly at 6:00. The guild will provide table service and the meat entree. Please bring a tureen with a serving utensil.

 

For those of you not dining, we should be finished with our meal by 6:30 so please come then and enjoy the Chinese Auction which will start about 7:00. Speaking of which, please bring items for the auction to the meeting. I am looking for 3 volunteers who can set up the auction tables and sell tickets. (Email if you can help.) As usual, members get their first 5 tickets for free. Extra tickets will be sold at 5 for $1.00 or 35 for $5.00. Any suggestions as to whom we should donate the proceeds this year?

 

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for having so many quilting friends. Thanks for making my life so rich.

Kim
kim@theTemplins.com
814-789-4023

 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 - Zippy Roses and felting old wool sweaters
Here's the update from Kim from our October meeting:

Hello Quilting Ladies,

Here is the information that I promised you:

First, welcome to our newest members, Patty Kennedy and Linda McNamara. That bring our membership up to 62! The luckiest of those 62 members is Debbie Myers who not only won a basketful of plaid fat quarters plus another prize for knowing which plaid is which, but she also won the 2011 Seminole Raffle Quilt! As it turns out, she and her friends, (Joanie O'Donnell, Chris Grubbs and Peggy Wehrle) had already volunteered to coordinate the 2012 raffle quilt project. I guess the unwritten bylaw is still in effect - if you win the raffle quilt you must co-chair the next one! Congratulations, Debbie. It couldn't have happened to a more worthy member.

 

Thank you, Cheryl Weiderspahn, for teaching us how to make flower pins out of zippers. There was some beautiful jewelry made Tuesday night. How about we all wear our pins at November's meeting? (If you want to thank Cheryl personally, just vote for her husband for County Commissioner in November!)

Louise Silk, a quilt artist from Pittsburgh, will be at Allegheny College from Nov. 3 through Nov. 5. Two lectures and one workshop are scheduled. All the information is at the bottom of this email if you are interested. If you want to attend the free workshop on Saturday, you must register. The contact information is listed in the article. The Meadville Tribune posted this information in Wednesday's paper, so you should probably register ASAP if you're interested.

 

Speaking of fabric related events, I couldn't find any information on the Vintage Clothing event scheduled @ the Bank in Meadville - possibly November 17. If any of you has information, please let me know and I will share it with the rest of the guild. If it is indeed on the 17th, we will have one more guild meeting before that date to announce the specifics.

Here's the scoop -- -  2nd Harvest Food Bank Event - @The Bank - 940 Park Ave., Meadville Vintage Style Show and Christmas Open House - Thursday, Nov. 17  Open house from 5:30 to 8 pm, Style Show begins at 6:30 pm. The main attraction of the evening will be a Vintage Style Show presented by Mary Alice Monda - "Fabulous Fashions of the 1920's to the 1970's" Come meet resident business owners @ The Bank, and share with them the gift of giving to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank.  Admission is 2 non-perishable food items.

 

Oh, yeah, that reminds me...November's meeting is not the 4th Tuesday of the month. Due to the holidays it will be held on November 15. December's meeting is also moved up to December 13.

At the November guild meeting, we will be making mittens from the wool sweaters that you will be felting in your washing machines between now and then. (If you missed the meeting and want to know how to felt old wool sweaters, I've included the instructions ala Bev Rappa at the end of this email.) You will need to bring a sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. You may share a machine between two people. I will give you the specific list of items to bring on the November Reminder email. (Bev, if you're reading this, I have lost saved messages during a recent email mailbox fiasco. Please let me know - once again - what we'll need. Sorry!)

 

The 2012 guild calendar is now being planned. A sign-up sheet was passed around at the meeting asking members to adopt a month. If you have a specific craft, quilting technique, or speaker, that you can teach or arrange, please let me know as soon as possible.

 

If you visit a quilt shop in the near future, keep your eye out for striped fabric and black & white fabric. They are the next two fat quarter lottery themes. Until next time, keep quilting...

 

Your fearless leader,

Kim

How to Felt Wool Sweaters (courtesy of Bev Rappa):

Make sure your sweater is at least 60% wool. You get the best results with 100% wool. Wash the sweater in hot water with a tiny bit of detergent. Use a medium to long wash cycle. You can add old tennis balls in the washer and dryer to help compress the fibers. Dry the sweater in a hot dryer for 1 hour or more.

 

If you have an old washer/dryer, you may want to go to a laundromat because there will be a lot of excess fibers coming off the sweaters that could cause problems in older machines. Even if you have a newer dryer, clean the lint out often. You may want to go to the laundromat if you own a front loader too because they may not provide enough agitation to compress the fibers.

 

P.S. It was suggested that the sleeves of the sweaters and even ribbed cuffs off of old sweatshirts work well for mitten openings. You may want to bring some.

 

Fabric Artist Louise Silk  Returns to Allegheny  for Workshop and Slide Presentation

 

Oct. 24, 2011 — Award-winning fabric artist Louise Silk returns to Allegheny College for a residency from Nov. 3-5 as part of the college’s Year of Sustainable Communities. In addition to showing a documentary on quilt making on Thursday, she will present a slide talk at the Meadville Council on the Arts on Friday and a quilting workshop at Allegheny College on Saturday. The events are free and open to the public.

Silk’s visit to Allegheny will begin on Thursday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. with a screening of the documentary “The Quilters of Gees Bend” in Carnegie 212 on the Allegheny campus. A small rural African-American community in Alabama, Gees Bend is known for the quilts that the town’s women make featuring a distinctively bold design based on simple patchwork patterns reminiscent of Amish quilts and modern art. The documentary explores the lives of the quilters as it documents their art.

Silk will present a slide talk, “The Sound of a Needle: The Quilt Maker’s Voice,” on Friday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Meadville Council on the Arts. From traditional quilt patterns like the Log Cabin with its story of hearth and home through the quilts of Gees Bend, Silk will demonstrate the varied ability of quilts to voice stories, share views, engage social change and memorialize loved ones as the artist speaks through cloth.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, Silk will conduct a quilting workshop, “Log Cabin Variations in the Spirit of Gees Bend,” from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the college’s Campus Center. Participants will plan and begin the execution of a quilt using the free form design and construction principles inspired by the quilts of Gees Bend. Pre-registration for the workshop is required: contact Elizabeth Weiss Ozorak at eozorak@allegheny.edu or 814-332-2394 to register and to get a list of supplies that each participant will need for the workshop.

Silk has been creating art that combines aesthetics and functionality with meaning and memory for over 40 years. She describes her work as “quilt-centered, utilizing spiritual themes, photo transfers, recycled fabrics from old clothing, and embroidery.”

She began quilting in 1971 after being inspired by an article in Ms. Magazine about quilt making as a woman’s art form. Over the past 30 years, her work has been included in the National Biennial Exhibition of Contemporary Quilts as well as many private corporate collections. In addition to commissions and exhibitions, she lectures and teaches.

More information on Louise Silk and her work can be found at www.silkquilt.com.

Note from Kim on Sept. 29 -

Hello again..

I knew I forgot something. Thankfully, Shelly Smith reminded me that I said I'd post a link to the website that shows how to fold fabric into flowers. Actually the video instructions are for folding napkins, but it is the same thing we did for our "Cootie Catcher Flowers" except that there is one more step at the end. They pull out the flaps around the bottom at the end of the process. You can do that with a fabric square too, but you will have unfinished edges since it's not a hemmed napkin.

 

http://www.brightsettings.com/napkin-folding-Rose.html

Tuesday, Sept. 27 - Zentangle and Folded Flowers
Here are notes from President Kim:

Hello friends,

I don't know about you, but I had a great time Tuesday night. You are such a fun group of women. Did you have fun doodling and making folded fabric flowers? For those of you who were absent, let me introduce you to our four newest members (yes, four!) Joining us are Darlene Ross, Janet Owens, Tia Weagraff, and Linda Higby. Welcome to our guild, ladies. Get ready to have some fun with fabric and fiber!

 

The Alzheimer's Quilt Project garnered several quilts last night. (See photo, san Ruth who had to get her puppy home.) If you have an alzheimer's quilt partly done (or still rolling around in your head), you can bring it to any guild meeting. We have our own page on the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative website and can add quilts to it anytime. Thank you Nancy Leech, for heading up this very worthwhile program.

The winner of the 2011 Raffle Quilt will be chosen at October's meeting. If you have not already returned your stubs and money, bring them to the next meeting or get them to Joanie O'Donnell (or another guild member) if you think you might be absent. We are looking for someone to coordinate the 2012 Raffle Quilt program. Please let me know if you are willing and able. We need NEW BLOOD for volunteer positions. (Maybe that wasn't the best choice of words, eh?) This is a relatively easy chairmanship and Joanie needs a little break from her duties. Maybe you and a friend can co-chair the position.

I am attaching a scanned file of the Sisters In Stitches application in case you're interested in joining Merna Hilkert and Charlotte Newhard at Chautauqua next fall.  Click here to see the application form.

Ruth Prest would like to invite you all to attend "The Haunting" - a Halloween Party for Dogs - to be held at the Bark Park on Saturday, October 22 from 11 - 2. The event benefits Canine Partners for Life, Paws Hand Delivered, and the building fund at the Bark Park. Watch for details in upcoming newspaper articles. If you don't have a dog, come anyway for a chance to get a "puppy fix" at the Puppy Kissing booth. (I love puppy breath, don't you?)

There will be a community garage sale to be held at St. Bernadette's social hall the first weekend in November. I will get back to you with the details. They are looking for donations of nice items for the sale which will benefit local families in need. This is a great way to support the community that supports us.

Linda Higby is selling her 4-year old Handi-Quilter long-arm machine (HQ-16). If you want more details, let me know and I will put you in touch with Linda.

Anne Dolecki left her cutting mat/pressing board in the church parking lot last night. If you found it, please let me know as soon as possible. (Anne, sorry I didn't call you back last night. I went straight to bed!)

On a sad note, Peggy Wehrle's husband passed away this afternoon. If you wish to send a card, her mailing address is 16107 St. Hwy. 86, Saegertown, 16433. Peggy, when you get a chance to catch up on your email, please know that we are sending prayers and sincere sympathies your way. You are in our thoughts.

If any of you think of something I forgot to post in this email, let me know and I will get the information out as soon as possible. In the meantime, enjoy the autumn weather by snuggling under a handmade quilt.

Your proud president...

Kim

Tuesday, July 26 - Crafternoon and picnic at Kim's house!
Here's Kim's summary of the day!  Sounds like a great time!

Hello dear friends...

Wow, what a glorious day we had yesterday. The picnic was perfect - except for the wind. Of course, after everyone left last night, the weather was as calm as could be. Maybe it was tired (like me) after blowing around all day. Well, as my grandpa used to say, my dogs were barking last night, but I'm raring to go this morning and already thinking about what crafts we should do next summer!

I've been ordered to relax all day by my friend Annette, so I will abide. I started out by having a brownie for breakfast. (Calories don't count on birthdays, do they?) I still haven't decided where I want Marc to take me out to dinner tonight, but I'm leaning toward some exotic ethnic restaurant. Taco Bell maybe?

Here is the website where I bought the Cyanotype fabric:  http://www.blueprintsonfabric.com/  Maybe next summer we can try some different colors, eh? Please bring your square to the next meeting for display - especially if you put it in some kind of project!

Some of you wanted to know where the ribbon factory is located. You go through Titusville and when you start coming out the other side, you'll see the Titusville High School football field with the big rocket statue on the right hand corner. Turn left there. That is Brown Street. Travel a couple of blocks and where the street ends, there it sits. (It's sort of behind University of Pit.) The address is 600 North Brown Street, Titusville, 16354. You can call them at 866-827-6431. They have a website, although it's not very helpful. http://www.ribbonfactory.com/  I recommend taking a little pair of scissors on a lanyard with you. You can stuff a bag which they provide for $5. I also recommend eating lunch at Perk Place. It is located on Spring St, the one-way street you'd probably be traveling on your way to the other side of town. Sounds like a nice little day trip, eh?

 

Don't forget the Civil War Era Quilt Exhibit running now through the first week in August at the Baldwin-Reynold House Museum. They are open Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 4. Also, the Crawford County Fair is fast approaching. I will be the demonstrator in the home show building on Monday. I'm not sure what other featured guests are scheduled, but I'll be there with my Double Diamonds!

 

Was there anything else I promised to pass along? Now that I'm 50, I must be excused for any errors of omission! Thank goodness that postage is cheap on these mailings!

And one more bit of news from Marsha Waite:

The Country Charms Quilt  Guild is inviting any member of Free Spirit to their Trunk Show on August 17th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Homespun Treasures.  Cindy Oravecz from Cortland, Ohio will be giving the trunk show.  She ownes Quilters Fancy and here is her web,  http://www.quiltersfancy.com    She specializes in all kinds of ribbon flowers and many other things as well.  Check out her site.  She is bringing quilts and many other things to show how they can be embellished.  She is alot of fun and down to earth.  It will be a fun night.  No cost.  Thanks,  Marsha

 

Have a wonderful day!

Kim

Tuesday, June 28 - Quilt As You Go, and Hanging Triangles
Kim and others told about their trip to the Vermont Quilt Show.  Sounded like an exciting time.
Reminders that the little Alzheimers Quilts (this year's Guild Challenge project) are due at the September meeting.  See details for making these mini-art quilts on the Alzheimer Quilt Art Initiative page here -  http://www.alzquilts.org/paq.html  Quilts must not exceed 9" x 12" - smaller is OK.  See Nancy Leech with any questions.  We are hoping to have a good number of small art quilts to donate to this worthy cause by the Sept. meeting.

The 2011 raffle quilt is completed and  tickets are available to sell.  Tickets are $2.00 each or 3 for $5.00.  Proceeds will benefit St. Bernadette's church.   It's a beautiful Seminole quilt!           Nice work, ladies!

See news about "upcoming shows and shop hops" here.
See news about guild meetings coming up on the Calendar page.

Nancy Leech and Kim showed how to make hanging triangles for displaying smaller art quilts.
Kim demonstrated how to prepare the backing and batting and assemble the seminole strips so that once the strips are attached, the quilting is finished.
Finished Seminole quilts should be brought to the August meeting to be eligible for prizes.
Hope to see many of you at the Annual Summer Picnic and "Crafternoon" at Kim's on July 26!
Details here about what's happening and what to bring!

Tuesday, May 24 - Molas and Reverse Appliques
The tickets for the 2011 Raffle Quilt were distributed, and each member is asked to sell 12 - $2. each of 3 for $5.
Please bring in metal zippers for a project at the July picnic.
There is a new monthly "prize" for "I Have A Notion" - drawn from the membership.  Must be present and have name badge to win.  May prize was won by Jill Hubbard.
The Book Sale in May raised over $200. for the treasury.
Elli Tinko and Molly Keenan presented a wonderful program on Molas, complete with a display of many samples.
Agendas for coming meetings:
June 28 - Program will be Quilt As You Go (Seminole) and Triangle Hanging Sleeves for the Alzheimers' Quilts (2011 Challenge)
Fat Quarter Lottery - Kaffe and Amy Butler or any Westminster fabric
July 26 - Program will be "craft afternoon" at Kim's home.  
Fat Quarter Lottery - Primary Colors
August 23 - Program will be George Nowack talking about the "Artisan Trail", also info on Folding and Storing Fabrics
Fat Quarter Lottery - Earth Tones

At the May 24 meeting, there will be a sale of library books,, a Quilt As You Go Seminole demonstration, and a discussion of Molas and Reverse Applique.

Congratulations to Trisha Maloney who will be designing fabrics for Northcott!  Way to go!!  Very exciting!

See the Quilting Events page for a listing of local and area shows coming up!

Jagged Edge strip of the Month was shown, and there were outstanding examples completed.  Next month’s strip is Fraternal Peaks.  Kim Templin won the drawing for completed strip this month.

Margie Hays demonstrated a quick and easy way to make labels for your quilts using various methods such as stencils, crayons, and colored pencils to name a few.  Everyone was given a sample to complete with one of the easiest ways to create a label.  Ideas ran wild!

Dusty Farrell reminded members of the various quilt shows going on and showed his piece for competition.  It was truly AMAZING with countless threads creating a forest scene with deer, trees and snow.

Marsha Waite went into more detail about the Vermont Quilt Festival 6/23 thru 6/26.  The Country Charm Quilt Guild is sponsoring a bus trip.  For details contact Wanda Minich 724-253-3276.  A trip to Keepsake Quilting in NH will be just one of the highlights of the trip.
(Special thanks to Peggy Acker for the minutes!)