February 2006
Issue No 173.
Web Address: http://www.aaqg.net
Web Address: http://www.aaqg.net
Mailing: Ankeny Area Quilters' Guild, P.O. Box 961, Ankeny, IA 50021
"Sharing a common thread!"
"Sharing a common thread!"
There will be a board meeting Tuesday, February 7th, 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
Laura Wasilowski will present So Many Chickens, So Little Time: Diary of a Serial Quilter. Explore the artist's quirky mind with this lecture about quilt making in a series. Enjoy the revelation that one chicken quilt will surely lead to a second, third or fortieth. And discover what drives a person to create multiple quilts about a blue chair, garden implements, or unsung kitchen appliances. All is revealed in this exposé, the Diary of a Serial Quilter. After the lecture, which includes dramatic renditions from Songs of the Fuser, Laura will display her small quilts ("mini-series quilts") and offer a trunk show of hand dyed fabric and threads from the ARTFABRIK dyers.
The guild is still collecting gently used suitcases to donate to Children and Families of Iowa. If you have one or several to donate please bring them to a guild meeting. They will be put to good use.
Secret sister participants: You can bring your gifts to the meetings, but please make sure it has been picked up before you leave.
I always like the month of February, I think because Valentines have such cheery colors: red, pink and white. (I did buy a valentine kit with intentions of having it pieced for the holiday!) The winter becomes not so dreary, quilt shops start carrying spring fabric, catalogues are arriving with spring clothes, and the days are getting longer minute by minute. I'm trying to work on my New Year resolutions, I haven't cleaned my sewing room yet but I have done a good amount of sewing for the first month of the year! These are the months to take advantage of being indoors, remember? I am starting to brainstorm about a country store item to donate and I have a donation quilt to get the binding on. Now is the time!
Keep on sewing!
Jenna
Retreat sign up begins at the February guild meeting and will continue at the March meeting also. Registration forms will be printed in the March newsletter. The dates are April 6-9,2006, and will be held in Newton.
We have a wonderful facility, but please remember you will be sharing queen size beds. Also the menu is being planned by the staff now so we eat what they fix us. I have been assured it will be good!
The fees are: 3 day-2 night=$85 or 4 day-3 night=$115.
Bring lots of project to work on. See you at retreat!
The meeting was called to order by President Jenna Ingle. She introduced Judy Kramer from Richmont Creations--Judy's company does photo quilt squares through a home party plan--She had a table set up with examples and was available to anyone interested in getting information about her business. Kim reminded us about the Sew Nite @ Quilters Cupboard this Fri. 1/13. Country Store items will be worked on. Donation quilt kits are available and look for batting in Feb. Kim's Donation Quilt Kick-Off is 30 by 3/30. The Quilting Trip to Algona has room and Pat Lucas has sent patterns on display tonight. Pat would be happy to cut a kit for anyone interested. Trip cost $50-plus one meal. Kris announced that we have a Quilt Show Chair Elect--Denette Stoll. The Quilt SHow committee will meet @ Benchwarmers--Jan. 12 @ 6:30pm. The Raffle Quilt made by the group "Chatter Blocks" was shown. It is beautiful, made of 30's fabrics and was quilted by Irene Kirkvold. Pictures and tickets will be available March and April. We were reminded to pick up our directories by Marlene and she talked about future programs. Bob and Carla from APQS were introduced and they gave an information program on long-arm quilting. The members were able to get some hands on experience with APQS quilting machine. APQS has a showroom in Clive on University Ave., Mon-Fri, 8-5, and is open to anyone interested in seeing what a long "long arm" can do. The website www.apqs.com is also available. Show and Tell and refreshments concluded the meeting.
Submitted by C. Stordahl, Secretary
The meeting was called to order and minutes were read and approved. Meeting attended by Jenna, Kim, Kris, Susan, Celeste, Linda, Nan and Charlotte. We are happy to announce that Denette Stoll has volunteered for Quilt Show Chair Elect. Unfortunately because of a new job commitments, Therese Lumley has had to resign as Director at Large. Retreat Report from Nan was the sign-up for this year's Retreat will be at Feb. meeting and the dates for 2007 are March 29-31. Marlene gave her report for programs from Sept. 2006 -- June 2007. They are tentative but may include Karen Stone and Carmens Flowers, Libby Lehman, Jan Krentz and a motivational speaker. She is getting information on some great programs. Donation quilt kits are available and batting will be in Feb. Kim said the response to members taking donation quilts has been awesome and she eagerly awaits the finished quilts for our March Kick-Off of 30 by 3/30! (Donation quilts turned in.) There will be a Quilt Show Committee Meeting on Jan. 12. Sewing Day Jan. 13--Quilters Cupboard 5pm-11pm.
Algona Trip is planned for Feb. 17-19. Kim has offered her sisters house for sleeping, bring pillow and sleeping bag. Lodging is also available for people who would like that. Meeting adjourned.
Submitted by C. Stordahl, Secretary
Checkbook Balance as of 12/31/05 $1,962.44
Plus January Deposits $140.00
Total $2,102.44
Less January Expenses $923.45
Checkbook Balance as of 1/20/06 $1,178.99
A new small group will be meeting at the Catholic Church during the day. If any one is interested please contact Sandy Verbeski at 965-0050.
Many, many thanks to Denette Stoll who has agreed to be our Quilt Show Chair elect! If you see her at a meeting, be sure to polish up her tiara and tell her how much we appreciate her volunteering!
Be thinking about the next Quilt Show Chair elect position. Wouldn't you love to have us polishing your tiara, too? Think about it!!
Gloria Ross has agreed to complete Therese Lumley's term as director-at-large. Thanks Gloria!
The guild members have been challenged to make 30 donation quilts by our March meeting! The response from all of you to take a donation quilt kit or two has been unbelievable! Thank you!!! We are working on getting a roll of batting to help you finish those kits and hope to have it available at our February meeting. It will be given away on a first come basis so get there early! And you don't have to use the kits we supply. You can donate any crib, lap, or full size quilt that you wish. All donation quilts received will be displayed during our annual quilt show before being donated to the Children and Families of Iowa organization.
Each year during our annual quilt show we set up a Country Store booth where the public can bid on items donated by our guild members. Thanks to your generosity, last year we had a record number of items donated! This is a big moneymaker for our guild and we are hoping to break last year's record, this year. For each item donated, your name goes into a drawing for a really cool quilting-related prize to be won at the quilt show wrap-up meeting in August 2006. Please remember to attach a small label or piece of paper with your name so you get credit for your donation.
Items donated in the past include, but are not limited to, tablerunners, wallhangings, lap quilts, purses, vests, quilt hangers, etc. As you go through your stash of fabric and patterns, please keep the Country Store in mind. It's a great way to try new techniques, practice your machine or hand quilting skills and help the guild at the same time.
December 2, 2005
Dear Friends,
During this holiday season, we are so thankful for your generosity and attention to those in need. Your in-kind gift of handmade quilts and suitcases are truly making a positive difference in the lives of the children and families we serve. Thank you, so much, for helping us, help others.
Sincerely,
Sheila Kinman
Director of Development
Children & Families of Iowa
She will present a lecture titled "Me, Myself, and I". A slide show/lecture/trunk show covering her progression from a traditional quilter to the present. Topics touched on will be inspiration, color choices and belief in one's own self and your sense of "style."
Permission to Play, a non sewing workshop, by Mickey Depre
Description: A true "free form" creativity class with no pattern other than "gentle" instruction. Workshop will focus on each individual student creating their own form fitting drawing and then taking this drawing to the next level of creation. Raw edge-iron applied appliqué will be utilized to keep this workshop at a "NON SEWING" level. Class will focus more on creativity rather than technique.
Cost: $30
Where: Fairfield Inns and Suites, 215 NE Delaware Avenue, Ankeny, Iowa 50021 Phone: 1-515-965-8400
For more information, contact Sherie at 965-9064
The Ankeny Area Quilters' Guild monthly meeting will host Angela Lawrence of Creekside Quilting. She will present a lecture/trunk show on color. We hear it every day: "Choosing fabrics for my quilt is the hardest part. I'm just no good at it!" We know what we like when we see it, but aren't always able to visualize it ahead of time. Angela will explain the basics, and have a trunk show.
Information will be available soon about the May challenge quilt. Watch the next newsletter for details!
Catherine Litwinow will speak on quilt history.
There is no regular Guild meeting. Come to the 15th Anniversary Floral Fantasy Quilt Show!
Hello everyone! My name is Cyndee Davis. I joined Guild the same day I started quilting, September 1999. In fact, I joined Guild to learn HOW to quilt. My great-grandmother and my husband's grandmother quilted, and I always wished I knew how. I have done nearly every other needle art (except tatting). A friend, fellow church member and Guild member, JoAnn Dyar was frequently bring beautiful quilts to church. I told her I'd like to learn to quilt and she told me about the Ankeny Guild. I went to my first meeting and was so inspired by the gorgeous quilts I saw, I went home that night and made my first "quilt" - my name tag. I took my first quilting class a month later from Karen Baker, and was hooked! My favorite fabrics are brights and batiks. I just bought a Nolting Handi Quilter; hopefully my long-arm quilting will improve with practice.
I have been active in Guild since I joined, being on the Board 5 out of the 6 years I have been a member. I served on the Quilt Show Committee 5 years, and was Chair in 2004. I served as Retreat Chair in 2005. It's true that you get out of Guild what you put into it, and I have been blessed with many new friends. I also go to Quilting Connection in Ames twice a month for Viking Club and Embroidery Club, and have met a number of friends there as well.
Rainbows quilt, a runner-up in the Sullivans Quilt Challenge
Even though my quilting "career" is rather short, compared to other Guild members, I had a small quilt which I named "Rain Bows" (Bow Tie blocks made in the colors of the rainbow published in the March 2001 issue of Quilt Magazine. I also won first place in a block design contest sponsored by the Polyfil company last year. I have a block entered this year, but they haven't been judged yet.
Believe it or not, I do have a life outside of quilting. I have been married almost 34 years to my husband Gene. We have 2 grown children, Kelly and Adam, 1 grand daughter and 5 step-grandchildren. I have a pug named Chopper, 2 cats: Kitty Long Stockings and Whiner, and a 4½ foot long iguana named Sigi. I am Lay Leader, Administrative Board Chair, and Communion Steward of Marquisville Methodist Church. I have been President of Starbase 17, a science fiction club for 23 years. I worked at Broadlawns Hospital 15 years, and have owned my own private practice, Mental Health & Assessment 10 years.
Where the Sun Never Sets by Cyndee Davis
P. S. I just learned today (1-20-06) that my 2005 block entry called "Where the Sun Never Sets" to the "Bright Light in the Big City" contest of the Fairfield Company won first prize, $25 and a box of Fairfield products.
To be eligible to win the monthly door prize you must be wearing your nametag and your membership dues must be paid.
Kris Brighton, Trina Kirkvold, Jenny Gruenwald
Cyndee Davis
We did not have a birthday winner in January.
Submitted by Cyndee Davis
Here's some really useful information from Sharyn Craig. Carefully box up those dull rotary cutter blades and ship them off to the Century College Orthopedics & Prosthetics Program where they will be used by students to cut leather. They don't have time to acknowledge your gift, but you'll know it is going to for a good cause.
Century College Orthopedics & Prosthetics Program
Stan O'Connor, Director
3300 Century Ave North, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Little Amana Holiday Inn
I-80 Exit 225
Sunday, Feb. 19, 2006, 10-5
Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, 10-5
On Presidents Day Weekend 10 Vendors will be offering books, fabric, notions, and kits for sale.
Participating Merchants: Rainbows and Calico Things, Williamsburg, The Quiltmaker's Shoppe, Manchester, The Cottage Rose, Marion, Adel Quilting and Dry Goods, Adel, Merry's Stichins, Jessup, Heritage Designs and Needlework, Amana, The Backstitch, Elkader, Expression in Threads, Le Claire, Seems to Me, Algona, Nolting Long Arm Quilter, Hiawatha.
For more information call: Barb-(319)-668-1977 or Kathy-(563)-927-8017.
Submitted by Marlene DaRos
APQS has decided not to order any new Simply Quilts shows. You can help change their minds by signing an online petition and sending a letter. The APQS website has the details. http://www.apqs.com/savesimplyquilts.htm
Letters should be sent to Scripps, 321 Walnut St., 2800 Scripps Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm unless store hours are normally longer
Quilt Nest at Clarinda
Knits &other Notions at Creston
Fabric Creations at Greenfield
Ben Franklin at Winterset
Fons &Porter Quilt Supply
Vande Lune Fabrics at Pella
Betty's Gifts &Quilt Shop at Chariton
The Sampler at Chariton
Quilt with Us at Lucas
Harvest Table at Norwalk
"
January brought an APQS demonstration and trunk show to our guild meeting.
I just finished reading Lisa Boyer's newest book and have been smiling ever since! "Stash Envy" was every bit as much fun and entertaining as her previous book "That Dorky Homemade Look!" In the 34 chapters of this new book Lisa covers such things as:
This book is a sure cure for the mid-winter blahs!!
Judy Martin has given us permission to print her new pattern in our guild newsletter. This pattern was developed to celebrate Judy's new line of fabric, Rhapsody. This queen-size pattern is perfect for showing off the new fabric line and you may view a block in both the red and blue versions on her website.
Only the basic pattern information is in the newsletter-because of space limitations. (See the next page in your newsletter.) However, visit her website to print additional instructions. There is a full page pattern for Windy City Star paper piecing, optional rotary cutting directions and Windy City Star templates.
Judy has asked us to only have the website link available for one month so if you are interested go get the pattern details now!
Windy City Star Pattern by Judy Martin
Have you been to Quilting Connection in Ames lately?
It had been quite awhile since I had been to the Quilting Connection and I was in for a real treat!! I loved all the quilt samples displayed on the walls and the hundreds of batik bolts seemed to be calling my name. But before I shopped we talked to Quilting Connection owner Jeanne Allen about her quilting business.
Jeanne opened her shop in 1998 and in the past 8 years it's grown a lot - and changed locations as they have grown. Currently, Quilting Connection has 12 employees in the shop and a few additional teachers giving classes and workshops. They now have over 5000 bolts of fabric and carry Husqvarna Viking sewing and embroidery machines. Quilting Connection carries sewing tables, lamps, embroidery cards, notions and books. They also have an entire room devoted to Thimbleberry fabrics and books.
Some other special offerings at the Quilting Connection include: The Harvest Spice line, preprinted panels alternating with pieced blocks and border fabric in gold, red, purple and green, and the Bold over Batiks line, hand dyed batiks with extraordinary designs. Additionally, they have a very large collection of oriental fabrics.
The Quilting Connection offers many, many classes. The store features a huge classroom on its lower level. (I think there might even be more than one classroom downstairs). Special offerings include "Mini Retreats" on Friday & Saturday. Come and sew on your own project until 10 pm on Friday, a pizza supper is included, and sew again all day Saturday! Doesn't that sound like fun?!! The lower level may be used by small groups that just want to "get away" and sew.
Look, touch, and enjoy at Quilting Connection!
Jeanne Allen welcomes you to the Quilting Connection
Jeanne shared some quilting advice with us that I thought was great - and I think it will give most quilters something to think about! She said anyone can quilt. Anyone can enjoy the process of quilting. To plan and dream about your unmade quilt is the process. The act of going out shopping for patterns and fabric is the process. You can enjoy a piece of fabric - even if it is never used in a project.
Looking at fabric gives quilters enjoyment, touching fabric gives us enjoyment. Fabric can be therapeutic--looking and touching fabric at a quilt store can change a bad day into a good day! (Come on - we all know this is true!!) Don't feel guilty about acquiring the fabric. If you make something out of it, then that's Step 2. The analogy she gave was one of a stamp collector. Stamp collectors don't use the stamps they collect - and they don't feel guilt about it! They just enjoy the process!
Here's something else of interest - the Central Iowa Spring Shop Hop will be March 30, 31, and April 1st. Would you like someone else to do the Shop Hop driving? Quilting Connection has arranged for a Herta Bus to chauffeur you from shop to shop with plenty of time to visit each store. Call for details and to sign-up, space is limited. There will be goodie bags for everyone to take on their journey.
It's all part of having fun and enjoying the process!
Address: 238 Main Street, Ames, IA
Phone: 515-233-3048/ 515-956-4550
Website: www.iaquilts.com
Hours: Mon.&Thurs. 10 am-8 pm, Tues., Weds., &Fri. 10 am- 5:30 pm, Sat. 10 am-5 pm