Ankeny Area Quilters' Guild

Meeting was called to order by President Tamara Watts-McPhail.  There were 57 members and 4 guests present.  New members and guests were recognized.  Tamara reminds us the Quilt Show has a new date this year, July 6^th and 7^th.  She announced there is a retreat at the Polk City Library on Saturday, 4-14-2012 from 10-4.  The retreat is titled, Quilts of Valor, and has a $10 fee.  There is another retreat available in Emmetsburg, Iowa on 3-30-12 to 4-1-2012 focusing on embroidery.

Vice President Jenna Ingle encourages us to contribute to the donation quilt project.  She has 20 so far and would like to get at least 100.  She has patterns available if you need some inspiration.

Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson calls us to the Friday night sewing on February 17^th.  The last Friday sewing will be held March 16^th.

Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady has set up a shop hop during the retreat to be held April 19 – 22.  The shops participating are:  Gingerbread House – Webster City, Tilly’s Quilts – Fort Dodge, The Family Quilt Shop – Fort Dodge, Lee’s Quilt Shed – Jolley, Quilting on Main – Pocahontas and Towne Square Quilt Shop – Lake City.  She has arranged for a massage therapist to relax your tired muscles at the retreat.  Sign up for your time.  Registration will now be opened up to non-members.  If you have a friend that would like to go to the retreat with you, contact Connie.

Director-At- Large Sharon McCarthy and Debra Dickerson announced the fat quarter lottery this month goes to Ann Kruse.  By membership vote, Janet Neuschwanger won the President’s Challenge.  Door prizes were awarded to:  De Tapper, Brenda Wilder and Kay Huntimer.  February birthdays were celebrated.  Show and tell was appreciated by all.

Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger tells us The Woolen Needle from Williamsburg will be showing us their Trunk Show in March.  Tonight we welcome Stephanie Brandenburg from Cedar Rapids, sharing with us “From Concept to Quilts”.  Stephanie began designing fabrics in 2005, with the goal of making her fabrics unique.  The Fern Hill Iris was her first collection.  She took us through her process of what happens from the idea to getting it onto fabric.  Her Dandelion Days was inspired by her daughters.  Who doesn’t have fond childhood memories of dandelions?   She painted the picture for us of standing out in her front lawn with her paints and canvas creating the next line of fabric with luscious colors.  Stephanie announced her exciting news of her own fabric company, Frond Design Studios.  We will be looking forward to many more fabric lines to come.  Stephanie brought fabrics and patterns for guild members to purchase.

The meeting was adjourned and ended with treats and fellowship.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Evers

Members present were Tamara Watts-McPhail, Connie Lovelady, Jenna Ingle, Janet Neuschwanger, Janeen Pearson, Debra Dickerson, Jan Hart, Marilyn Cory, Sharon McCarthy, Anita Allwood, Deb Pierschbacher, Linda Schlenker and Kathy Evers.

Meeting was called to order by President Tamara.  The secretary minutes were read.  A motion to approve the minutes was made by Jan Hart and seconded by Marilyn Cory.  Motion carried.

Treasurer Jan presented the treasurer’s report.

Feb. Treasurer’s Report

REVENUE

QS Vendor booth fees                             1075.00

Retreat deposits                                      1465.00

Member dues                                           150.00

Guest fees                                                 60.00

Total Revenue                                          2750.00

EXPENSES

Holy Trinity rent                                         125.00

Door Prizes                                                 17.97

QS Advertising WRBG, Inc.                        108.50

Programs – Jan Patek                                 476.00

Total Expenses                                         727.47

Ending Bank balance                                11118.89

Money Market                                           8646.95

A motion to approve the checks over $100 and the treasurer’s report was made by Sharon McCarthy and seconded by Anita Allwood.  Motion carried.

Vice President Jenna said she has 15 donation quilts so far.  She will encourage more to be donated from the guild members at the meeting.

Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson advised she has 8 vendors so far for the July quilt show.  Haines Woodshop and Nolting Long arm are both new vendors this year.  Janeen is using the Quilt shop navigator web site for advertising this year. Their website is:   http://www.wrbqinc.com/ .  This is the organization that actually publishes directories that quilt shops sell.
In the directory and on the website will be information about our quilt show.  The information on the posters includes our sponsors:  Tracey’s Tables, Quilting Connection and The Quilters Cupboard. For a fee of $108 the show will be on their web site and we will receive 308 posters to put up.  The quilt show will also be advertised in the Country register in March, April, May and June for $179.  Bookmarks with the dates and classes offered during the quilt show will also be printed and distributed at local fabric stores.  At the March guild meeting, the sign-up sheets for volunteers will be available.  February 17, 2012 will be the next Friday night sewing at the church. It will be sponsored by Quilting Connection from Ames. The last UFO night will be March 16^th.  That one will be sponsored by Adel Quilting and Dry Goods.  Janeen will get the guild’s gambling license in March, so that we can begin selling raffle tickets.  Debra Dickerson has volunteered to be in charge of the ticket sales again this year.  There will be three baskets available for adoption for the quilt show.   Ticket prices for both the quilt show and raffle tickets will remain the same. ($1 for 1 ticket, $5 for 6 tickets and $5 admission fee for the quilt show)  There was some discussion about the vendors requesting longer hours to set up their booths.  Additional volunteers will make the time frame a little longer and Janeen will let the vendors know.

Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady said the last private room has been filled for the retreat in April.  There are 23 members signed up so far.  After next week’s meeting, the retreat will be opened up to non-members as well.  They could handle up to 60 quilters.  Connie has organized a shop hop for the retreat with 6 shops participating.  The shops are in Webster City, 2 in Fort Dodge, Jolly, Lake City and Pocahontas.  The information about the shop hop is also on the web site.

Quilt Co-Chair Elects Janet and Connie advise that the 2013 raffle quilt is in progress.

Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger will have supper with the speaker next Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Guadalajara’s.  February’s speaker is Stephanie Brandenburg.  The string piecing class to be held this Saturday is lead by Shelly Berge.  It will be from 9-4 at the church.  In March the Woolen Needle will present a trunk show.

There was some discussion about programs for next year’s meetings.  Program Co-Chair Elects Anita and Marilyn have lots of ideas.  They are working towards getting the programs lined up before the quilt show so that bookmarks can be distributed there.

Director at Large Sharon McCarthy reminds us the fat quarter lottery for February is Pink flowers and March will be green flowers.

Retreat Chair Elect Deb Pierschbacher is looking at places for the next retreat.

President Tamara asked if there had been any comments about the trivia game on the web site.  No one had heard any comments.  The president’s challenge is due next Tuesday.  Sharon McCarthy and Debra Dickerson will help with getting the projects numbered and hung for guild members to vote on.  The board retreat in Conrad was voted a success.  There will be 2 board meetings in June; June 5^th and June 26^th.

There was discussion about moving the quilt show to a bi-annual event.  Janeen made a motion that a committee be assembled following the 2012 Quilt Show to gather facts and information that can be presented to 2012-2013 Board for discussion on the future of the Quilt Show—whether it should be annual or bi-annual event.  Jenna seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Evers

REVENUE

QS vendor booth fees                           1075.00

Retreat deposits                                      1465.00

Member dues                                            150.00

Guest fees                                                     60.00

Total Revenue                                         2750.00

EXPENSES

Holy Trinity rent                                     125.00

Door prizes                                                   17.97

QS Advertising – WRBG, Inc                108.50

Programs – Jan Patek                              476.00

Total Expenses                                           727.47

Ending bank balance                              11,118.89

Money Market                                             8,646.95

Submitted by Jan Hart

Happy 2012 everyone!

I hope the New Year is treating you well and you are having a wonderful time planning and creating in your sewing rooms.  As we discussed (and a reminder for you) at the January meeting, our annual quilt show has been moved up a week and is now the first week in July and will NOT be held in conjunction with Ankeny Summerfest.  This is a change from previous years; so please be certain to mark your calendars.

Many thanks to those of you that entered the trivia contest last month; I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am.  Look for this month’s trivia question…

Shelly Burge is teaching a class Saturday, February 11th and there are still openings for the class.  If you are interested, please contact Janet, our wonderful program chair and she’ll see that you get all the information you need to join this fun class!

Our next Meeting is Tuesday, February 14th; don’t forget to bring your completed President’s challenge (Window to the West – original design with embellishment(s); no size limitations but please have your entry completed.)  Please bring your entry to the meeting in a bag of some type so we can hang them and do a viewer’s choice vote.  I can’t wait to see what you all have been creating!

The guild has received an email reminding us of the Kalona Quilt show and sale is scheduled for April 26th through April 29th; located in the Kalona Community Center, on the corner of 6th and D Avenue in Kalona, IA.

The board is traveling to Hen and Chicks Studio in Conrad for a mini retreat!  It should be a fun time quilting, eating, and shopping.  Hopefully, we will also have a couple laughs alone the way!

As always, thanks so much for all your support!  Take care and see you at the February meeting, if not before!

Tamara Watts-McPhail

Meeting was called to order by President Tamara Watts-McPhail.  There were 61 members present and 6 guests.  Tamara reminds us that next month is the President’s challenge, Window to the West.  There is a change in the date for the quilt show this summer.  It is July 6th and 7th – At Faith Baptist Bible College.  This is the week BEFORE Summerfest.  There are several shop hops coming up in February.   Tamara reminds us if we want to sign up for the upcoming workshop in February, we need to do it tonight.  It is only $25 and is taught by Shelly Berge, String Piecing on February 11th.   The trivia drawing was done.  This is promoting members to use the web site, so be sure to check next month for the new trivia question.

Vice President Jenna Ingle said she has 6 donation quilts so far.  Last year there were 100 quilts donated.  She wants to encourage members to make donation quilts.  The places chosen for the donation quilts this year are:  Children and Families of Iowa and Youth Homes of Mid America.  Right now there are 18 youth at the Youth Homes of Mid America, with one of the young women pregnant.  Jenna would like to be able to give a quilt to each of them along with one for the baby.  If you were not aware, the scraps that people bring to the guild meetings go to My Brother’s Keeper through Linda Schlenker.

Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson announced the Friday Night Sew for January 13th – this Friday.  It will be sponsored by Platte Branch.  Janeen has 2 classes set up for the quilt show and 1 lecture.  The classes will each be about 2-3 hours and will not require that you bring your sewing machine.  Heidi Kaisand will teach English paper piecing and Kathy Sanders will teach wool appliqué.  On Saturday Virginia Berger will give a lecture on “My Grandmother’s Quilts”.

Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady showed some samples of classes for the retreat to be held April 19th-22nd.  You will need to sign up soon to reserve your spots.  If the places are not all reserved by our guild members, she will open the registration up to other guilds, so remember to sign up soon.

Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger shares that the February speaker will be Stephanie Brandenburg, “The Future of Quilting”; March’s meeting will be The Woolen Needle Trunk Show from the Amanas.  Tonight we welcome Jan Patek with “Quilts as Refrigerator Art”.  Jan is from Cameron, Missouri.  Janet tells us that Jan is very organized because she only made final ‘contact’ with Jan last Friday to remind her of our upcoming meeting.  Jan knew we had our meeting in January, but wasn’t sure of the date.  Once Jan got here, despite the problem with her car’s battery, she did not disappoint!   She has been designing for Moda for 18 years.  She and her husband both worked jobs in Kansas City, an hour away, in her early years.  When their children grew enough to join activities, she knew that she needed to do something closer to home.  Quilting became her answer!  They live on a farm outside Cameron and many of her quilts reflect that background.  They tell the story of her life.  She delighted us with stories of each of the quilts she brought to share with us.  We were able to purchase some of Jan’s wares after her presentation.  Jan also generously gave patterns to 3 lucky winners as door prizes.

Director at Large Sharon McCarthy welcomed our guests.  Elaine Kimberly won the January fat quarter white flower lottery.  Lois Harmon won the quilt calendar door prize.  There was only 1 January birthday to celebrate.  The evening finished out with Show and Tell, treats and fellowship among quilters.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Evers

Members present were Sharon McCarthy, Debra Dickerson, Denette Stoll, Marilyn Cory, Anita Allwood, Connie Lovelady, Janet Neuschwanger, Janeen Pearson, Tamara Watts-McPhail, Jan Hart and Kathy Evers.  President Tamara called the meeting to order.  She reminded us there will be two board meetings in June.  (June 5th and June 26th)  The secretary minutes were read and approved.  Jan Hart presented the treasurer’s report.  It is as follows:

Treasurer’s Report January, 2012

Item                                 Category                            Amount

REVENUE

Dues                            Dues                                      60.00

Retreat fees                Retreat fees                         400.00

Dutch auction              Garage Sale                         486.00

Vendor Booth              QS Vendor Booth fees       1200.00

Expressions in Thread,

Quilter’s Portable,

At the Heart of Quilting,

Nolting Longarm

Total Revenue                                                         2146.00

EXPENSES

Holy Trinity Church    Rent                                        125.00

Postmaster                Post Office Box Rent                 42.00

Total Expenses                                                          167.00

Starting Balance                                                      7117.36

Ending Balance                                                        9096.36

Money Market                                                          8646.61

Treasurer’s report was approved.  Communication Chair Denette Stoll advised there were 42 members that did not join this year.  She prepared a list for each board member.  The board will contact these previous members to ask if they would like to join now.  President Tamara checked on our liability insurance.  She found out that if a person is a member of our guild and in a small quilt group that meets at the church it is covered under our liability policy.  There was discussion if the guild has enough members to have a quilt show.  We usually have 100 quilts at the show.  The possibility of going to a bi-annual quilt show was discussed.  Sharon McCarthy moved to postpone the quilt show for this year.  The motion was seconded by Janeen Pearson.  The motion did not carry.  Debra Dickerson will draft a letter to be sent to the members for a vote to change the quilt show to every other year.  It will be reviewed at the next board meeting.  President Tamara has started a trivia question on the web site to encourage members to use the web site.  There will be a prize at the guild meeting done by a drawing with all who have the correct answer to the trivia question.  The board retreat is the end of January in Conrad, Iowa.  Eight – ten are planning to go.  Tamara wants to insure that everyone is safe.  She requests that if the weather is questionable, please call her to confirm our travel plans.  Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson shares that she has 2 classes lined up so far for the Quilt Show.  Kathy Sanders will teach wool appliqué and Heidi Keisand will teach English paper piecing.  She is working with Virginia Berger for a third class on antique quilts.   The next Friday night sew will be held on January 13th, with Platte Branch Designs acting as the sponsor for the event.  Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger says the January speaker will be Jan Patek. She is from Cameron, Missouri and designs quilt patterns.   February 11th will be the string piecing workshop with Shelly Burge.  In February our speaker is Stephanie Brandenburg from Fern Hill – Amana Colonies. Program title is “The Future of Quilting”.  March Program is The Woolen Needle Trunk Show. Program Chair Elects Anita Allwood and Marilyn Cory are considering a program with the next December’s pot luck.  Marilyn also suggested that anytime there is money to count, it should be done with two people to verify the amount.  Director at Large Elect Debra Dickerson reminds us the Fat Quarter lottery for January is white flowers, February is pink flowers, and that June is the Quilt Guild Challenge month.  Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady has eight members that have paid for the retreat so far.  There have been 11 total members that have signed up.  The retreat is April 19 – 22nd.  Connie is working with local quilt stores to have a shop hop during the retreat.  A copy of the finalized budged will be sent to the members. Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Kathy Evers

January Treasurer’s Report

REVENUE

Dues                                                                $60.00

Retreat Fees                                                   400.00

Garage Sale                                                   486.00

QS Vendor booth fees                               1200.00

Total Revenue                                            2146.00

EXPENSES

Rent                                                                   125.00

Mail Box rental                                               42.00

Total Expenses                                              167.00

Starting Balance                                           7117.36

Ending Balance                                              9096.36

Money Market                                                8646.61

Submitted by Jan Hart

The December meeting of the Ankeny Guild was the annual pot luck.  There were 39 members present.  We have a lot of good cooks in our guild, and they did not disappoint us. There was lots of delicious food!  Everyone had plenty to eat.
The Dutch auction was such a success.  There were over 60 items brought to the meeting for bidding.  There were a couple of items that had lots of attention.   As usual, our members were very generous with the items that were donated.  The final amount raised will be shared in the next treasurer’s report.
Deb Pierschbacher conducted the business meeting in the absence of the President.  We all enjoyed the fat quarter lottery, birthday celebration and show and tell.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Evers

Merry Christmas everyone!

I’m a little late getting my ‘column’ out on the website. Where has the month of December gone? I feel like it is wheezing right by me, but yet, I don’t feel like it should be time for Christmas! Guess it must be the lack of snow! (Don’t get me wrong, I’m not wishing for any snow. I’m not up for any shoveling!) J

Thanks so much for the wonderful potluck we had in the December meeting and for the competitive bidding on the Dutch auction. I heard some amazing stories about how some people were not going to give up on take some precious items home with them! Thanks again to Deb taking over the meeting for me.

You will notice something new on the website; a trivia contest. If you have the answer for the trivia question; please write your answer on a piece of paper, along with your name and all the correct answers will placed in a drawing for a wonderful prize! Good luck!

Don’t forget the President’s challenge is due in February, 2012. This must be an finished project that is an original design and uses some type of embellishment….no size limitations! The possibilities are endless!! I hope inspiration strikes you!

It isn’t too early to start thinking about your entries for the 2012 Window to the East Quilt Show…what will you enter??

Hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends and we’ll see you in 2012!

Tamara Watts-McPhail
President

Members present were:  Tamara Watts-McPhail, Janeen Pearson, Kathy Evers, Deb Pierschbacher, Denette Stoll, Debra Dickerson, Sharon McCarthy, Connie Lovelady, Janet Neuschwanger, Anita Allwood, Jan Hart and Jenna Ingle.
Meeting was called to order by President Tamara.  Secretary Minutes were read.  A motion to approve the secretary minutes was made by Connie Lovelady and seconded by Sharon McCarthy.   Motion carried.
Communication Chair Denette Stoll will do an email to the members for the upcoming guild meeting.  January 13th is the next Friday night sew.  February 11th is Shelly Burge’s workshop.
Quilt show Chair Janeen Pearson advised that she has sent emails to the vendors this week.  She is considering options for thank you gifts to the members that volunteer at the quilt show.  One option is shirts.  She would like the board to take a look at some shirt possibilities.
Treasurer Jan Hart presented the treasurer’s report.
Treasurer’s Report December, 2011
Item                                                          Category                                            Amount
REVENUE
Dues                                                   Dues and Guest Fees                               $330.00
Retreat Fees                                         Retreat Fees                                             460.00
Booth fees Iowa Falls Sewing                QS Vendor Booth Fees                       300.00
Total Revenue                                                                                                       1090.00
EXPENSES
Holy Trinity Church 11/8                          Rent                                                     125.00
Darlene Zimmerman                              Programs/Workshops                          534.60
Treasurer – State of Iowa                       QS Sales tax                                           130.00
PIA Printing – directory                           Printing                                                     81.41
Total Expenses                                                                                                          871.01
Starting Balance                                                                                                      6898.37
Ending Balance                                                                                                        7117.36
Money Market                                                                                                         8646.25
Motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s checks and report by Denette Stoll and seconded by Janet Neuschwanger.  Motion approved.
The guild’s liability insurance is due in June.  The question was raised whether small groups are covered under the guild’s liability insurance policy, particularly if they have their meetings at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  We will check with our insurance agent to find out the answer.
Director at Large Sharon McCarthy tells us the December fat quarter is red flowers; January will be white flowers.  June will be the month for the guild challenge project.
Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady has posted all prices and registrations forms for the retreat on the web site.  She continues to work on getting prizes for the retreat.
Vice President Jenna has decided to add Youth Homes of Mid-Iowa to our places that we will place our donation quilts. The home is formerly known as YMCA Boys Home.  The purpose of the home is to provide troubled youth and their families a part to independence.  The home presently has 18 youth in the program.  One is pregnant.  Her plan is for each youth and the baby to receive a quilt.  We will continue to donate to Children and Families of Iowa.
Program Chair Janet reminds us that the December pot luck will start at 6:30 pm.  At the January meeting will be speaker Jan Patek.  The February speaker will be Stephanie Brandenburg.  On February 11, 2012 we will have a workshop with Shelly Burge.  She will teach about “String Piecing.” The cost is $25.
President Tamara discussed the Board retreat in January at Conrad.  Each board member will pay for their own expenses.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate.  We look forward to the President’s Challenge in February.  Tamara thanked all the board for their help with what they do.
Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Evers

REVENUE

Dues                                                 330.00

Retreat Fees                                 460.00

QS booth fees                               300.00

Total revenue                            1090.00

EXPENSES

Rent 11/8                                      125.00

Program 11/8                              534.60

Sales tax                                         130.00

Printing – directory                     81.41

Total expenses                            871.01

Starting Balance                          6898.37

Ending Balance                          7117.36

Money Market                             8646.25

Submitted by Jan Hart

Meeting was called to order by President Tamara Watts-McPhail. There were 54 members present. Members Anita Allwood and Marilyn Cory have offered their services as Program Co-Chair Elect. A motion was made and seconded to elect Anita and Marilyn to the board. Motion carried.

There will be a Dutch auction during the December pot luck meeting. Members are encouraged to bring items to sell. Perhaps you could clean out your sewing room of fabric you have forgotten its use, or a yummy plate of goodies, or something else you create. During the meeting, there will be bidding done, with the highest bidder taking home their prize. We request that food for the potluck be brought by the following breakdown: A-F Drinks, G-L Soups, M-Q Salads/Vegetables/fruit, and R-Z Desserts.

Tamara announced her President’s Challenge to be due in February, 2012. “Looking to the West” is the theme of the challenge. There are only 2 rules: It needs to be an original design and use embellishments on the project. There are no size restrictions.

Vice President Jenna Ingle is starting to collect donation quilts. She will be giving some to Children and Families of Iowa, but would also like to hear from the members about where they want the quilts to go. There are kits from Jenna’s stash that members can “check out” and complete for the Quilt Show’s Eastern Star Store. She also encourages you to bring in kits for others to complete if you have them. Jenna received information about a woman that has a wool stash of 40 lbs that she is ready to part with. Contact Jenna if you are interested.

Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady has opened the registration for the April 19 – 22, 2012 retreat. Spots for the retreat are reserved on a first come, first paid basis. The prices for the retreat are 3 days/2 nights private room $150, semi private $130 and 3-4 to a room $115. The prices for the retreat for 4 days / 3 nights private room are $195, semi private $180 and 3-4 to a room $155. All meals are included in the price. Connie has a form that needs to be completed. By Connie’s timing, the time from Ankeny to the retreat is 1 hour and 30 minutes. There are several quilt shops in the area and she is working with the shops to set up a shop hop. The earliest check in time is 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. The retreat theme is “Tool Time”. Several demonstrations will be done during retreat. Join in the fun!

Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson is gearing up for this Friday’s Sew Night. Since it will be 11-11-11, they will sponsor the sewing from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Quilting Connection from Ames will be the sponsor for the event. Remember you need to bring power strip and cords for your electrical use. Members can come and go during the day as it suits your schedule.

Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger reminds us to be creative for the December Dutch auction. In February Shelly Burge will be presenting a workshop on String Piecing. The workshop is on Saturday and only costs $25. Be sure to see Janet to sign up for this.

Our speaker for this evening is Darlene Zimmerman, presenting from “Ho Hum to WOW”. Darlene is from Belle Plain, MN and is the author of 7 books. Darlene loves the whole process of quilt making. She shared with us some ideas on how to bring our projects back to life. What a difference color can make! Darlene had several quilts in different colors that emphasized the color impact. (Pineapple quilt done in blues, reds and 30s fabrics) Some other suggestions Darlene offered were to using sashing to set off blocks, sashing can become invisible if made from the same color as the background fabric and try setting your blocks on point for some additional interest. Borders, curved and notched, are another way to change up the quilts you make.

Darlene ended her talk by sharing a poem written by Bonnie Hunter. I think we can all relate to it.

How Many Quilts?

by Bonnie Hunter

May 9, 2004:

After having been asked how many quilts I’ve made, who I’m making this one

for, or that one for or why, and how many quilts do I think I need….

I came to the following conclusion:

I am a creator, an artist, just as much as a painter is…

Does anyone ask a painter who he is painting for or why he is painting yet

another landscape? how many pictures/portraits he has painted? How many

canvases or paintings he needs?

NO!

Does a painter stop wanting to paint because he has reached some number that

symbolizes the end of his need to paint? “okay, that’s #100, I’m done now…”

I create because I am driven to create. My medium just happens to be fabric

and thread, instead of oil or acrylics on canvas..but I create for the same

reason..to express myself, to share myself, to experiment…

Even if the quilt doesn’t have a purpose, a recipient, a reason.

Quilting is my voice.

I Quilt, Therefore I Am!

Director at Large Sharon McCarthy drew Kathy Evers’ name for the fat quarter lottery. Door prizes were donated by Darlene Zimmerman. The books and patterns went to: Karen Hugen, Sharon McCarthy, Deb Pierschbacher, Kelly Snyder, Linda Northwick and Lois Harmon. Show and tell and refreshments finished out the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Evers

My name is Jenna Ingle, AAQG Vice President, and I am in charge of collecting and delivering donation quilts made by our members.  Our traditional charity of choice is Children and Families Services of Iowa.  Every year we donate approximately 100 quilts (yeah!).  We are planning on following tradition and donating to this organization again, but I am branching out…. looking for others in need in our area.

With the help of AAQG member Susan Body, we have discovered another place who can use our quilts. It is called Youth Homes of Mid-Iowa ( which is a local chapter of Youth Homes of Mid-America, formerly YMCA boys home).  This program takes in troubled youth who have no family support system and provides them with skills and services they need to live independently. This local youth home currently has 18 youth ( 16 boys and 2 girls) ages 16-18. We are looking to collect throw quilts for the kids to cuddle in when they watch movies or full-bed size quilts.  ( Also, one of the girls is pregnant and is in need of a baby quilt).

My 1st goal is to collect 18 quilts, one for each child being serviced currently ( and the a baby quilt, of course). My 2nd goal is to collect extra ( above the 18) to help build a ‘stash’ for future kids being serviced with this home. I will gladly collect these quilts at our monthly meetings or can make pick-up arrangements if you aren’t able to make it to a meeting. Please contact Jenna Ingle with any questions:  ingle.jenna@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Members present were Denette Stoll, Sharon McCarthy, Connie Lovelady, Marilyn Cory, Tamara Watts-McPhail, Janet Neuschwanger, Jan Hart, Janeen Pearson, Debra Dickerson and Kathy Evers.
Tamara called the meeting to order.  The secretary minutes were approved.  There was discussion regarding a membership drive.  Sharon McCarthy made a motion that the board call previous members to encourage them to join.  Janeen Pearson seconded the motion.  This will be discussed further at a later meeting.  Motion was approved.
Jan Hart presented the Treasurer’s report.  Checks written for over $100 for the month of October were:
$166.32 Linda Hungerford 10/11 Speaker
$125.00 Holy Trinity Church
A motion was made by Sharon McCarthy and seconded by Janeen Pearson to approve payment of the checks over $100.  A deposit of $805.00 was made from membership dues.  The checking account balance is $6898.37.  The money market balance is $8645.87.    A motion was made to approve the treasurer’s report by Debra Dickerson and seconded by Denette Stoll.  Motion carried.
There was discussion on paying the church extra for the Friday night sew nights held this year.  It has already been approved in the budget.  The board will send a thank you to the church in March after the last sew night.  There was discussion whether we should continue to be a member of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce.  Janet Neuschwanger made a motion and it was seconded by Marilyn Cory not to join the Chamber or Summerfest committee this year.  That will save the guild $225.  Motion approved.
President Tamara reminded the treasurer that the liability insurance for the guild is due in February.  We will need to file a 990N tax form to preserve our tax exempt status.
Communication Chair Denette Stoll advised she sent a manual to all the board members today showing website instructions via email.  Any pictures that need to go on the web site need to go through Denette.  There is a special way to link them to the web site so that people with dial up service can still see them.
Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson will be sending letters to the vendors for the Quilt Show this week.  The fees for the booths will be $300 for a double booth and $175 for a single booth.  The next Friday night sew night is 11-11-11.  Since this is such a special date the sewing will last from 11a.m. to 11 p.m.  The Quilting Connection will sponsor the event.
Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger reminds us the speaker for the November meeting is Darlene Zimmerman presenting “From Ho-hum to WOW”.  Please join Janet and the speaker for supper before the guild meeting on Tuesday at Okoboji’s Grill in Ankeny at 5:00 pm.  Just contact Janet to let her know you will be coming.  December’s guild meeting will be the annual Pot Luck supper and Dutch auction.  She is challenging us to bring something interesting for the auction.  The members are requested to bring items for the pot luck using the following guideline:
A-F –bring Drinks
G-L –bring soups
M-Q– bring Salads / veggies / fruit
R-Z –bring desserts
Janet and Tamara will bring the paper products for the meal.
January’s speaker is Jan Patek presenting “Quilts as Refrigerator Art”.  February 11, 2012 we have a workshop presented by Shelly Burge.  The fee for the workshop is only $25.  It will be from 9-4 p.m. on Saturday.
Director at Large Sharon McCarthy advised the fat quarter lottery for November is Orange Flowers.  December will be Red Flowers.  There were four new members that signed up to be placed in small sewing groups.  Sharon contacted these members to give them options.
Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady has received the signed contract for the retreat at Twin Lakes to be held April 19 – 22, 2012.  The theme for the retreat is “Tool Time”.  Costs for the event are:
3 day / 2 nights
Private room $150
Semi-Private (2/room) $130
3-4 people/ room $115
4day / 3 nights
Private room $195
Semi-private (2/room) $180
3-4 people / room $155
Check in will be at 10 a.m. and check out at 4 p.m.  Each person attending the retreat will get their own 8 foot table.  You can reserve your spot when your fee is paid.
President Tamara read the report from Jean Taft, who did an audit of the guild’s books.  The report noted no deficiencies and gave a satisfactory audit report.
The By-Laws were discussed.  A motion by Debra Dickerson and seconded by Sharon McCarthy was made to make NO changes to the By-Laws at this time, so no mailing is necessary.  The motion was approved.
President Tamara announced she will offer a President’s challenge for February, 2012.  Details will be presented at the November guild meeting.
Meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Evers

Thank you so much for venturing out in the dreary, wet, and rainy November night for our meeting this week. What a surprise to wake up on Wednesday and discover the rain had turned our world into a winter wonderland! I think hearing Darlene Zimmerman’s talk was well worth the time! She was a wonderful speaker and her quilts were just beautiful! I’m really enjoying all my treasures that I purchased from her!

Also thank you to Anita and Marilyn for volunteering to be our Program Chair Elects! They will learn a lot from Janet and I know they are eager to get started. If you have any ideas on who would like to see give a program at the guild, please let them know. Who knows, you dream might come true! J

Don’t forget we are having a sew night/day at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church this Friday, 11.11.11 starting at 11 am and going until 11 pm for 11 + 1 hours of sewing, fun, laughter and maybe some projects will get accomplished also! I know there will be prizes handed out so come ready to have fun! Also don’t forget to bring everything that you will need to bring everything with you – extension cords, irons, cutting mats, snacks, etc because nothing will be furnished. We are so lucky that the Lutheran Church is letting us use their wonderful facility!

Jenna, Janet, Sharon, and I will not be able to make to the December membership meeting so Deb has graciously offered to lead the meeting that night. Thanks Deb, I truly appreciate you doing this!

Hope to see a lot of you at the sew night this Friday night. Take care and stay warm!

Tamara Watts-McPhail
President
Ankeny Area Quilter’s Guild

Hello everyone!

Looks like whether we are ready for it or not, the wonderful fall weather we have been enjoying has decided to leave us and winter has arrived. I still had flowers blooming outside on November 1st; what a totally different story on November 2nd! I don’t think they knew what hit them!

Your board has been working hard to make the meetings fun and enjoyable for you and any guests that you choose to bring with you. We hope you can make it to the guild meeting next week to hear all about the fun plans for our next sew night; the spring retreat, the yummy treats and of course, the fun program! Who knows, there might be a fun activity where you get to meet some new people!

We would like to thank Marilyn and Anita for agreeing to co-chair the Program Elect position! Officially we still need to vote them into office (and we will do that next week at the November meeting) and hopefully every member will be as thrilled as I am to have them in that position. Marilyn and Anita will be working closely with Janet to learn the ropes and being to schedule their series of programs! I can’t wait to see what they come up with! Thanks again Marilyn and Anita for volunteering to do this position!

Just a reminder, if you haven’t paid your dues, please do so. We have several exciting things planned for the upcoming year and we would hate for you to miss out by not being a member!

Don’t forget the fat quarter lottery for November is orange flowers! What a fun fabric idea to be looking for; and for all of those who plan ahead, in December the fat quarter drawing will be RED flowers!

I’ve been talked into presenting a president’s challenge so I will be presenting the game plan at our November meeting. I hope you will it to be a fun and worthwhile project.

Hope to see everyone next week at the November Meeting. Come ready to have some fun!!

Take care and stay warm!

Tamara Watts-McPhail
President

REVENUE

Member dues and visitor dues                              $805

Donations                                                                           180

Sewtique payment                                                            50

EXPENSES

Rent 10/11/11                                                                125

Speaker 10/11/11                                                          166.32

Starting balance                                                            6191.34

Ending balance                                                             6898.37

Money Market                                                             8645.87

Our next Friday Night Sew event will be taking place 11/11/11 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny.  Since 11/11/11 is such a unique date we wanted to have some fun with it and will be opening the space in the church from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm for a mini retreat.   Please feel free to come and go as you please.  You do not have to stay the full twelve hours.  It is a unique opportunity to have some additional time together and to work on a few projects.   Maybe someone will be able to get 11 projects done.

Quilting Connection in Ames will be our quilt store sponsor for this event.  Will advise at a later time when they will be available.

If you will be attending please be sure to bring everything you need regarding sewing supplies.  That includes power cords, strips, irons, etc.

Meeting was called to order by President Tamara Watts-McPhail.  There were 47 members present.  We also had 3 new members and 1 guest.  New members introduced themselves.  All of the members learned one new thing about their neighbor as the meeting starter.  There will be a sign up sheet for anyone interested in joining or starting a small sewing group.  This is a great way to learn new things from other quilters.  Tamara would like to continue the Mary Conkel award.  She is interested in ordering more pins, but would like to find out where the previous pins were done.  If you have any information about this, please contact Tamara.
Vice President Jenna Ingle will be in charge of collecting donation quilts this year.  She will continue donating to Children and Families of Iowa, but is also interested in finding out where you would like to see our donation quilts go.  Please let Jenna know if you have a place in mind.  Jenna has been going through her stash and discovered she has some kits that she will not find time to make.  She is asking guild members to “check out” a kit and return it in time for donation to the Quilt show. If any members have some fabric in their stash they are willing to donate, we can put it to good use either for donation quilts or for My Brother’s Keeper program.  Linda Schlenker is kind enough to pick up the fabric for that each month.  We now have two program Chair Elect volunteers- Marilyn Cory and Anita Allwood.   Some programs have been done by Janet Neuschwanger so their task will be easy.
Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson announced the theme for the quilt show is “Window to the East”.  The 2012 quilt show will be the weekend BEFORE Summerfest this time.  The dates are July 6th and July 7th, 2012.  Be sure to mark them on your calendar.  There will be five Friday night Sew Dates this year:  October 14, 2011, November 11, 2011, January 13, 2012, February 17, 2012 and March 16, 2012.  They will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Remember that you need to bring all your own supplies, including extension cords and power strips.  It would also be great to bring a snack to share; quilters get hungry when working so hard on their quilts.  The raffle quilt for the 21st Quilt Show was unveiled tonight.  It is beautiful.  The quilt was made by Janeen and Tamara and quilted by Linda McGhee.  Janeen is looking for your photos to put on our web site and facebook pages.  We are all interested in what you are working on.
Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger introduced our speaker for tonight, Linda Hungerford with Stichin’ Mission.  Linda is a teacher and author of books and patterns.  She won 2 Blue Ribbons at the State Fair this year.   She read a book called, Purpose Driven Life that inspired her to reach out to help others.  Seven years ago she decided to lead a group at her church to make donation quilts.  The idea is to recruit “newbies” to learn to make beginner quilts.  Linda acknowledges that she can’t do this mission alone and she calls her helpers her Rebekas.  They are the experienced quilters that help with the process of making the quilts.  There are 5 weeks of lessons:  1) Shop for fabric (all fabric is donated).  2) Choosing a pattern and Rotary cutting.  3) Layering, Basting, sewing and tying the quilt.  4) Binding 5) Labels, show and tell and celebration party.  It is inspirational work.  Perhaps we could consider a Stitchin’ Mission in our guild.  .  .  She shared with us the way she folds her quilts on the bias to keep the fold lines from her quilts.  If you missed this, ask a member who saw her to share it with you.  Linda is a member of Modern Quilters in Des Moines.  They meet at 6:30 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of the month, usually at the Des Moines Library.  The next meeting is October 20th at 6:30 p.m.  Check it out at DSMMQG.web.com   Linda has a blog at Floursishingpalms.blogspot.com.  You may also want to take a look at www.stitchinmission.org and spoonflower.com.
Program Chair Sharon McCarthy presented door prizes.  The prizes were books donated by Linda Hungerford called First time Quilt Making.   The four winners were:  Linda Northwick, Barb Paghetti, Debra Dickerson and Martha Coil.  Birthdays were celebrated.  The fat quarter lottery was won by Louise Whitlow.
Show and tell and refreshments finished out the meeting.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathy Evers

10-4-2011 Board Meeting

Present at the meeting were:  Tamara Watts-McPhail, Connie Lovelady, Janet Neuschwanger, Debra Dickerson, Sharon McCarthy, Jan Hart, Janeen Pearson, Denette Stoll, Deb Pierschbacher, Janeen Pearson, Jenna Ingle and Kathy Evers.

Secretary minutes were read by Kathy Evers and approved.
Jan Hart presented the Treasurer’s report.  Checks written for the month of September were:
$111.95 to Fairfield Inn
$125.00 Holy Trinity Church
$245.00 to Heidi Kaisand

A deposit of $1440 was made from membership dues.  The checking account balance is $6191.34.  The money market balance is $8645.87.  We will need a table at this month’s guild meeting for members to pay their dues.  De Tapper and Sharon McCarthy will help at the table.  A motion was made to approve the treasurer’s report by Sharon McCarthy and seconded by Debra Dickerson.  Motion carried.

Communication Chair Denette Stoll will be sending out an email with instructions on how to enter items on to the web site.  Any further questions or assistance needed can be directed to Denette.

Vice President Jenna Ingle introduced herself and shared that she will do the best she can to attend as many meetings as possible this year.  She plans to accept donation quilts for Children & Families of Iowa.  She will be asking members about what special projects they are interested in.  A survey will be done to find out what members would like.  Jenna has some items/kits that she would like to donate to the Sewtique.  Her kits are not completed yet, but would like to have guild members sign up or check out a kit and return it completed for donation.

Quilt Show Chair Janeen Pearson introduced the quilt theme for next year’s quilt show.  It will be Window to the East.  She is challenging our members, “What is your window to the East?”  She hopes to see Japanese inspired fabrics.  Janeen will hand out fortune cookies at the next guild meeting to inspire interest in the new theme.   Eastern Market will be the name of the country store this year.  She is planning smaller, shorter classes for this year’s quilt show.  We will be having the same food vendors.  The cost for the quilt show vendors will go up $25, making a single booth $175 and a double booth $300.  The dates for next year’s show are July 6th and July 7th, 2012.  This is the week BEFORE Ankeny’s Summerfest.  The vendors contacted are pleased with this date as not many people are able to get to the show when the parade cuts off the traffic flow.

The Friday Night Sew dates for this year are:
10-14-11
11-11-11
1-13-12
2-17-12
3-16-12
Each person attending will need to bring an extension cord, power strip, and a snack to share and your project to work on.  Janeen stresses that the tables can NOT be moved during the Friday Night Sew.

Program Chair Janet Neuschwanger lets us know the speaker for the October meeting is Linda Hungerford, “Stichin’ Mission”  Hunder4d@earthlink.net .   Linda will have patterns available for purchase after her presentation.  It is possible we will host a “Stichin’Mission” here.  Please join Janet and the speaker for supper before the guild meeting on Tuesday at Hu Hot in Ankeny at 5:00 pm.  Just contact Janet to let her know you will be coming.  The November speaker will be Darlene Zimmerman, “From Ho-hum to WOW”,  www.feedsacklady.com .  December will be the annual pot luck and Dutch auction.  The Guild challenge will be in June 2012 this time.

Director at Large Sharon McCarthy has put both the guild treat sign up and the fat quarter theme on the web site.  We are still in need of more members to share their baking skills for treats.  Please consider signing up to help with this.  The fat quarter theme for October is Gold Flowers.  November’s theme will be Orange flowers.  Sharon plans to ask our speakers to offer a donation for the door prizes.

Retreat Chair Connie Lovelady is working hard on making our retreat a success this year.  More details to come as soon as they are available.

President Tamara Watts-McPhail received a letter from Gloria House.  She returned her winnings from the quilt show and asked us to put the money towards programs to continue to make our guild great.  Tamara has also returned her quilt show winnings to the guild.  Be sure to thank these members for their thoughtfulness to the guild.  That is what makes us a great organization.
There was discussion about the budget report that was sent to the guild members.  Tamara will address questions she received regarding workshop fees, miscellaneous fees and whether we should continue to have a quilt show each year.
A discussion was held regarding a board retreat at the new Conrad shop opening.  Each board member would pay for their own fees.  A possible date of January 27th was chosen.
Jean Taft is currently conducting an audit of the books of the guild.
Tamara would like to continue the Mary Conkel Award.  She is willing to purchase the pins herself and would like to find out where the previous pins had been purchased.
Next board meeting we will discuss the By-Laws.

Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Evers