Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

Speaking for Jewels and me, I send best wishes for a healthy, happy 2010 your way with lots and lots of contented hours working on things you love. See you at the January meeting soon!



Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Message

Christmas Day will be here before you know it. We hope everyone is prepared for the holidays and that you have time with your loved ones. Hopefully someone will fulfill that Christmas Wish for a new sewing machine, fabric, quilting tool...whatever you asked for... And as we wind down to the end of the year, we wanted to wish you all the best for 2010.
May all of your ups and downs in life be with a needle and thread!
Happy Holidays to our Blogging and Quilting Friends.
Fun Old Hag and Jewels

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Our Christmas Dinner

Here are some of the Q2ers patiently awaiting time to go to the buffet and fill their plates!

It was good! Dinner was at Pat and Jerry's in Auburn and for the first time in three years there was no snowstorm - at least until after everyone was home! This morning it looks just like Christmas out there!

There was a nice collection of food for the food drive of Our Redeemer Church for the students of Floyd Elementary School. The Round Robins were shown and redistributed to the participants for the next row.
After dinner, there was a great show and tell which you will find on the sidebar. I do want to single out Amanda's amazing scrap quilt! She is our youngest member (I think I am right on this and, if not, I know I would be right if I said "one of our youngest members"). You will see it in the slideshow - there are over 8000 little triangles in the quilt! Way to go, Amanda!!
Have a lovely Christmas season, fellow quilters!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

December Meeting Details


Just a reminder for those of you joining us for dinner this Tuesday night:

Location: Pat and Jerrys, 963 West Midland Street Auburn,(989) 662-6223

Time: 5:30 Social, 6:00 Dinner

If you are interested, please bring food for the collection we are doing.

There will be a Door Prize and Fat Quarter Draw

Feel free to bring Show and Tell to...

See you there!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Special Note

We will have the Fat Quarter and 50/50 drawing at the Christmas Banquet. The Fat Quarters will be Holiday Fabrics(Reds, Greens ). Karen Gruber is providing the Door Prize, Thank You!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Christmas Dinner Food Drive


Like previous years, we would like to take the opportunity during our December Meeting to give to others. This year it would be much appreciated if you could bring food items to support the regular collection by Our Redeemer Church for students at Floyd Elementary School. Following are suggested items you might consider donating (all items should be non perishable and keep kids in mind):

Granola Bars

Canned foods like Spaghetti O's, Fruit, Soup

Cereal

Macaroni and Cheese

Juice Paks

Given the needs in our community this year we thought this would be a good place to contribute to. All donations are voluntary.

Thanks and see you all on the 8th!
(p.s. I love the vintage labels above, but I'll be also checking the expiration date ;> )

A Note from Nancy

The Christmas banquet is coming soon. If you haven't signed up and would like to attend simply call any of the folks on the Program Committee before next Friday, the 4th of December. Remember this is a go no matter what the weather.
Nancy S.

Monday, November 23, 2009

To All Our Blog Friends...

...FOH and I would like to wish you ALL a happy, relaxing and safe holiday. We will be going on a little hiatus to be with our families, but still dreaming of all those quilt projects back home (I'm actually going to catch up on some quilting while I'm away). However you choose to spend it, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Jewels

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Here's A Peek at Sit and Sew

Here are some pictures of what goes on at Q2's Sit and Sew on the third Tuesday of the month.
Caroline is finishing her pretty Christmas piece while........................

Marlene gives us a big smile and Deb works on her fabric bowls. In the foreground is a quilt-as-you-go piece that (I hope I don't get this wrong) Nancy has brought along as her project for the day. I had taken other pictures of two of the Seminole pieced quilts that Marcia and Linda had pieced together as tops but don't know why they came out so fuzzy. Regardless, they are beautiful and I am sure we will get to see them at a show and tell soon. Come join the group when you can - you will enjoy it. (Click to enlarge)

Monday, November 16, 2009

Don't Forget!


I should have posted this earlier, but better late than never. Tomorrow is Sit and Sew Tuesday and hope to see you there. If you have been thinking about coming but have not done so yet, it would be a good time to come join the group. You won't be disappointed. Look over to the left in that sidebar for the address, time, etc. It is down toward the bottom of the column. Come when you wish and stay as long as you wish. Bring along a project and lunch if you are so inclined. If you don't want to pack a lunch, there are always some who go out and eat or pick something up and bring it back. An easy bunch!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Take the Drive to Hemlock


Heh - in case you are interested - I've not been but I've heard lots of good things about this shop..

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Seminole Piecing Class

What a fun class - look at the different colorways of the bands we put together. So pretty in
any group of colors or type of fabric. I think everyone had a really good time Monday under the watchful eye of

Carrie Mayday, our genial instructor for the day in doing this time honored method that not many of us have ever done except for maybe doing simple things like checkerboard type blocks.
Tam Premo sent along these pictures and a few more and I took some, also, and they are all in a slide show on the right sideboard under the meeting show. Don't forget that you can just click on the slide show and it will take you to Flickr where you can get a closeup look at all of our pictures. Look around on Flickr - there is a lot to see.
Thank you, Carrie, for a great class and a good time. (Click to enlarge)


November Meeting

Quilters Squared met last night at our new meeting room in Our Redeemer Church on Poseyville Road. A lively group of ladies attended to hear Ann Simanskey from Material Mart give a talk on
Weapons of Mass Instruction pertaining to cloth, thread and needles. Ann also brought along some of the many lovely quilts she has made over the years. Thank you, Ann, for a great presentation.


A lovely quilt done with machine embroidered blocks is shown to the group.

The business meeting was conducted by our Prez, Nancy Stanley. Julie Oman, who heads up our quilt show, talked about the early preparations and asked for members to sign up for helping with the many advance preparations needed for a successful show. Round robin quilts were shown and bags redistributed - looking good, girls! There is a slide show of our November Show and Tell on the right sidebar.
Julie made a beautiful little wall hanging for a giveaway to people leaving comments on the blog. The lucky winner of that drawing was Jean Langrill. I was not allowed to be in the drawing, darned it! :-( You can see a picture of it by going back several posts. I will take my turn and do a giveaway, also, by the January meeting. Will let you know for sure.
Don't forget that next Tuesday will be Sit and Sew - come if you can! The time and place are in the left sidebar.

Monday, November 9, 2009

And The Winner Is...

..ha, sorry but you will just have to come to our Guild Meeting, Tuesday, Nov 10th to find out who won the fabulous Give Away.... We look forward to seeing everyone!

We will also be looking for volunteers for different "pre" Quilt Show activities so be sure to stop by and chat with Julie...

Friday, November 6, 2009

A Second Note from Nancy

My Apologies to Tam Premo, she had sent the newsletter to me at my old email address and having not received it, thought she was not well enough to get it out. So sorry!

You all should have received the Newsletter yesterday . Thanks Tam for your diligence, even while ill.

Nancy S
Prez

Thursday, November 5, 2009

A Note from Nancy

Hi, Ladies, This has been a hard month. Our Secretary, Carrie Mayday's father passed away the end of the month of October. She has obviously had many other things on her list to do. Tam Premo had offered to do the newsletter and has had severe health problems. The end result is you may not receive an October Newsletter.

A couple of things you need to know what to expect at the meeting. First we will have Ann Simanskey from Material Mart for a program. (Note from FOH - see the previous blog posted by Julie).

The Fat Quarter exchange will be Wonderful Neutrals (beiges, creams, white/white).

The board will be doing a ByLaws Review very soon. You will get a copy of the revision and we will vote.

I hope that helps and we will see you Tuesday.

Nancy Stanley
"the prez"



Wednesday, November 4, 2009

November Program


Heh everyone - less then a week before our next meeting! This month Ann Simanskey will be presenting "Weapons of Mass Instruction" - different types of threads, needles and fabrics, and how they can be used (should be interesting - remember our big debate last year during the repair guy's visit on the "worthiness" of Coats thread???). Be sure to bring your Show and Tell, Round Robin and anything else you would like to share. Also, FOH and I would appreciate you returning the form from last month with your blog ideas AND we need those ideas for our Blacksmith partners for next year's Quilt Show (whew, let me catch my breath, that sounds like a lot!).


Finally - don't forget - keep leaving comments - repeat "offenders" have even a better chance of winning our fabulous Give Away! Cheers to those of you who have persevered and figured out how to blog as "anonymous" ;->! See you soon! Jewels

Monday, November 2, 2009

The Kindness of Strangers

Imagine a little boy or girl...

...unsure what is happening
...maybe scared or upset

...needing some kind of comfort to get them through a rough patch.
Imagine that child receiving one of these wonderful quilts..
...from a stranger

...willing to share their talents to make something beautiful
...to help make things less scarey, less upsetting.


Something that brings comfort when a little child needs it most.
That's what I love about our Guild - the kindness members bring through their generous spirit. Last meeting nine bright and colorful quilts were given to me to donate where needed most. The person who did this will remain anonymous (which I think she would appreciate) - but a big THANK YOU on behalf of that little child. Your gift is very much appreciated.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Quilt Show Spotlight

We are going to try some new things next year at our Quilt Show (get those dates on your calendar, April 30th - May 2nd 2010). Over the next few weeks we will share how plans are going and get your input including the following!!!!
Great news for hubbies and others who tag along with our "show goers"! Did you know that The Carriage House features an amazing collection of horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, and is home to mid-Michigan’s largest functioning blacksmith’s shop! We will be partnering with the Max Carey Blacksmith Guild, who have graciously agreed to have their shop next door to our Quilt Show open during the show! They will be demonstrating their craft, which FOH and I think is pretty neat. Here is some information about their Guild.

*************************************
The Guild was informally begun in the late 1970s by a few men who were passionate regarding the craft and art of blacksmithing. They were led and taught by Max Carey, who had earlier generously donated his extensive collection of horse-drawn vehicles and blacksmithing equipment to the Midland County Historical Society (MCHS) and whose generosity was the primary reason for the construction of the Carriage House in 1975. Soon the group began meeting weekly, and they chose the group's name out of respect and appreciation for the skills, generosity and dedication of Max Carey.

Today the Guild has dozens of members consisting of men and women who carry on the skills and vision of Max Carey, who was so dedicated to continuing the craft of blacksmithing. The group meets most Wednesdays at the Carriage House and welcomes visitors and members to stop by. In addition to creating items of beauty and function for themselves and others, Guild members also assist the MCHS in a wide variety of ways including teaching classes, volunteering for special events and programs, forging items for the MCHS - including the outstanding fencing, arches, and trellises located on the Historical Sites grounds.

**************************************

This is where we need YOUR help. The blacksmiths have agreed to make items for our Silent Auction to be held during our show (another new event!). They are looking for suggestions of things they can make - especially if it relates to quilting. If you drop by the MCHS main building you can see some of their work on display (really beautiful stuff). So put on your thinking caps and bring ideas to our November meeting - if you have pictures that would be even better as it gives the blacksmiths something to work from.
ALSO as a reminder - comment on any posting before our next meeting and you could win a FABULOUS prize ;-> Post as many times as you like (the better chance of winning)!
Look forward to seeing all of you on the 10th! Jewels

October Sit and Sew

Barbara sent along some pictures taken at the sit and sew held about two weeks ago. Here are Nancy and Shirley at the closet where the quilts of valor are stored.
Marsha is getting her binding done - sit and sew is a good place to do your handwork if you don't want to lug your sewing machine. Or it's a good place to just come and sit and visit!!

Joanne is working on the machine buttonhole applique block she made in my class. Good job, Joanne.


Deb is busy at her machine. Later she did a bowl like the ones done in Ami Simms class. Once all the rope is covered with fabric and the actual sewing starts, it looks as if you can have a bowl in no time.

Helen is concentrating on her project for the day. She has done so many charity projects - lots of pillowcases, the charity quilts. You don't find anyone nicer than this little gal! Always has a big smile on her face.


Here's the old hag with a casserole cover that she made. Still has to put the beads on the end of the wooden dowels.
Come join us on the third Tuesday of the month. Look to the left sidebar for time and place. It's a nice day!
And, a reminder!! Comment on this post or the previous one and any that are posted before next meeting and you will be in the drawing for the darling fabric collage that Julie made. It is pictured in the previous post.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Give Away!


Jewels: Heh Fun Old Hag!
FOH: Yes Jewels?
Jewels: I’m thinking we need to kick start our Blog.
FOH: What did you have in mind?
Jewels: I thought we could do something really rad for our Guild peeps.
FOH: I’ll have to ask my granddaughters what that means!
Jewels: You know, do something really excellent for our Blog followers.
FOH: That sounds like fun!
Jewels: Yes, I thought of doing a Give Away, but nothing from my inheritance …
FOH: What do you mean?
Jewels: You know – when you came to realize I was a long lost love child of yours that you decided to officially adopt and leave me all your quilting stuff
FOH: Hmmmm seems I have a lot of those in the Guild – I must have been unconscious those 9 months.
Jewels: Dang, well I thought we could tell everyone that they can leave as many comments as they want until November 8th and then we would announce the winner at our next Guild meeting.
FOH: What is the prize?
Jewels: This lovely fabric collage




FOH: Sounds pretty rad to me!
Jewels: Oh and sorry, you can’t leave a comment – knowing your luck you’d win!
FOH: Oh double Dang!
************************************************
For our Guild members – just leave a comment on any posts between this one and our next Guild meeting on Nov 10th! If you choose Anonymous to leave your comment, please leave your first name and last name initial so we can figure out who you are – or send one of us an email saying you left a comment. We look forward to hearing from you. And if this goes well we will DEFINETLY have more Give Aways in the future.


Have Fun! Jewels (aka Julie) and Fun Old Hag (aka Carol)

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Making Fabric Bowls

Tam sent along some pictures from the class Ami Simms taught in September on how to make fabric bowls. Pictured above is Ami giving Linda some tips on this method.
Some of the pretty bowls made that day.
Marlene is thoroughly enjoying the process of making the bowls.
And Deb is also.

Another happy bowl maker is Barbara. Good job, girls. Anytime you have some pictures you think would be fun for the guild members to see, send them along to Julie or Carol. I have some taken at our Sit and Sew on Tuesday that will be posted in a couple of days. (Click to enlarge)

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Don't Forget Sit and Sew on Tuesday!

Tuesday, October 20th, is our next Sit and Sew Day at the Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church, 5501 Jefferson Street. Gather your projects and come enjoy a day of sewing and spending time with a great group of women. If you haven't been there before, please come - it's a great way to get to know your fellow members of Q2. Some bring along a lunch and others go out to eat or go fetch something to bring back. Come any time 10:00 or after and we can stay until 3:00 p.m. There are no rules - come whenever you wish and stay as long as you want to. I am sure you will have good time. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Working on Machine Buttonhole Applique

Yesterday, I (Funoldhag-Carol) taught a class in machine buttonhole applique at the Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church.
The class sample followed by ones in progress by some of the girls taking the class.
Linda doing hers in batiks.

Kathy has hers in hand dyed fabrics and all fused to the background.

I think this is Pam's very pretty block.


Nancy's pretty piece.

Here I am at my Bernina. Fourteen of my fellow quilters turned out to work on this fun method and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and hope they came away feeling like it was time well spent.

Deb concentrates on using a template to draw leaves on fusible web. Linda is tracing part of the pattern.


Sandra hard at work while Jean also uses a circle template to mark the fusible web for the grapes in the pattern.


Shirley concentrates on practice stitching and Johanna is cutting out applique pieces.



Nancy working with the fusible web and Joanne cutting out leaves.


A big smile from Barbara while Judy is really concentrating.


Kathy irons the fused shapes to her fabric and here is Carrie working on her fused block.


Pam is tracing shapes while Tam is working on the practice piece everyone did at the beginning of the class.

What fun to see the different fabrics and colors the girls chose. You can be sure they all pass with flying colors, and I hope they will bring their pieces - finished or unfinished - to the November meeting. (Click to enlarge)