Stitch

Januray 2012 Show and Tell

2012-02-09T16:51:00.006-06:00

Show And Tell December 2011

2011-12-30T16:36:00.005-06:00

Ellen was our lucky door prize winner!

Show And Tell November 2011

2011-12-30T16:05:00.005-06:00

2011-10-29T12:41:00.003-06:00

I would like to thank Ann Titus for all of her hard work in creating this blog. I have volunteered to post to the Quincy Quilt Guild blog for her. I will publish new quild information after the next meeting. Let me know if there is something special you would like me to post. Ann Pflibsen simplysewinginc@comcast.net

Show and Tell November 2010

2010-11-19T09:46:00.005-06:00

Sissy's postcard pillow

Susan shows the results of a recent workshop.

Rose Marie's baby shower quilt

Margie is making doll quilts for her great grand daughters.

Margaret introduces us to the evening's project: folded fabric Christmas ornaments

Santa's helper, Lois, with some of the tote bags she'll be giving this year.

Darlene with her Halloween wall hanging.

Catherine and her wavy table runner

Carole has learned how to make a purse.

Carla's quilt for her grandson.

Arlene finished the Fractured Quilt top from last month's program.

Carol Dennis

2010-03-07T12:06:00.001-06:00

Show and Tell From February 2010

2010-03-07T11:37:00.007-06:00

So many beautiful things this month!

Stars Over Hannibal Show

2010-03-07T11:36:00.001-06:00

The Hannibal Quilt Guild is looking for quilts to put in their show on April 10 and 11. They must receive the form by March 16th. They ask that a picture be sent in as well but will accept the form without the picture at this time. Picture to accompany the quilt. Ellen Gerhing has the forms and will get them to you as needed. I know there are some beautiful quilts out there that everyone would love to see. Contact Ellen as soon as possible. Time is running out.

National Quilt Day

2010-03-07T11:34:00.001-06:00

NATIONAL QUILT DAY WORKSHOP

COME JOIN THE FUN

When: SATURDAY, March 20, 2010

Where: Curtis Creek Retirement Living

823 S 36th

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

We will celebrate National Quilt Day with a sewing workshop. We are making quilts to donate to the Lionus Project. Bring your sewing machine and fabric scrapes. We will make 9-patch blocks with 5" strips or squares. Put together with or without sashing. For those of you who can not drag out the machine, I am sure we will need people to cut and press.

for those of you who wish to eat lunch at Curtis Creek. The cost will be $8.00 per person. I must have your reservation by Wed, March 17. (You do not have to eat there)

I have been working on the door prizes and have some exciting stuff to give away. Coffee and donuts will be waiting in the morning. Treats for the rest of the day will be available. Come help us celebrate,have a good time and work on a worthwhile project.

For lunch reservations call:

Margaret Brunier

DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN CALL TODAY

Show and Tell from December 2009

2010-01-11T16:39:00.002-06:00

A Striped Tote

Simple and Elegant

Ready for the Carry In

Winner Takes All!

Show and Tell from September 2009

2009-10-06T20:25:00.003-06:00

A special note on this quilt because Carla's Hubby made this!

Free Motion Quilting

2009-10-05T20:35:00.001-06:00

Check out this blog: lots of ideas for free motion quilting PLUS video of her actually doing the quilting for lots of different designs.

Show and Tell from July 2009

2009-09-08T18:03:00.004-06:00

And just so you know, Susan is holding two quilts that her daughter Clare made. Way to go Clare!

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

Great Ideas

2009-07-16T08:59:00.003-06:00

Great idea Number One

Making flowers from recycled quilts. And you would not have to use old quilts: just dig into your stash.

Great Idea Number Two

Carla and I saw a quilt at the Lewis County Fair last week that had a great back. The quilter had used a lovely floral border print that was manufactured to make children's skirts and dresses. You know the kind: a pretty, summery print where the pattern changes about 10 inches from the edges to form a natural border. Margie, you would have loved it. And no piecing required.

Pin Cushion/Thread Catcher

2009-07-08T14:28:00.002-06:00

The instructions for this darling pin cushion/thread catcher is here.

Show and Tell: June 18, 2009

2009-07-08T14:20:00.003-06:00

Susan has been cutting up Nine Patches.

Margie's Pinwheels

Carla made a table runner.

Ethe's all tied up.

Cancer Blocks

2009-07-08T13:38:00.001-06:00

In case you wanted to make a block for the Blessing Cancer Center quilts that refer to a specific type of cancer, here is a website that provides a list of colors that have particular meanings:

http://www.bumperstickermagnet.com/cause-awareness-by-color.html

April Meeting

2009-05-08T11:23:00.003-06:00

The April meeting was just one WOW! after another. Guild members were asked to bring one of their first projects and one of their most recent projects. Take a look.

Lois with an early quilt.

Lois with a more recent quilt. (That's hand applique!)

Ethel with what appears to be a VERY early quilt.

Ethel with a recent quilt for her brother.

Rose Marie with one of her first projects, a sampler.

Rose Marie with a more recent quilt.

One of Margie's first quilts.... but wait, what did she put on the back even then?

Lucky for us, some things never change!

Margie with one of her newest creations.

Jolane with one of her early quilts.

And Connie with the latest masterpiece from the quilters a the Good Samaritan Home.

Arlene is "stylin" for her trip to Paducah.

And then there was Carla. What can I say. She has such a wonderful ability to transform all those vintage textiles that get parked at garage sales, auctions, and thrift stores into stunning works of art. Her offering this month left us all speechless.
She appliques vintage doilies (and who among us does not love them) to fabric and then does her magic quilting for texture, texture, texture.

Mea Culpa

2009-03-15T11:49:00.004-06:00

It's been way too long since I've posted and I apologize for that. But from the photos you can see how our members have been spending THEIR time. We saw lots of wonderful quilts at our February meeting. And our Box Lunch auction was another huge success.

Diana with a very "englebreitish" piece. Just adorable.

Carla's been cutting strips! Wow!

Jeanette did a lovely job with the gradations on this table runner.

What can I say. This quilt by Ethel is fabulous.

Setting up for the silent auction.

Shop Hop Recap

2008-09-14T11:04:00.004-06:00

The Shop Hop in August was loads of fun. The fabrics, the food, the fun all contributed to a great day. The highlight for me, however, were the STORIES. And Ellen, I'm talkin' to YOU!

We were served a refreshing frozen punch at Piece to Peace Treasures in Macomb. They were gracious enough to share the recipe with us.

Frozen Punch

4 mashed bananas
1 can crushed pineapple
Blend and add
2 cups sugar
1 large can frozen orange juice
Blend again and place in punch bowl with
1- 2 liter 7-up

And several of you were interested in the shopping bags that I brought along. Here is the website for Envirosax. I also found them for sale at Amazon.

July 2008 Meeting

2008-09-14T10:46:00.005-06:00

More wonderful quilts...

From the December Box Auction:

And the always amazing Show and Tell:

SHOP HOP!

2008-07-02T18:39:00.003-06:00

View Larger Map

Here is a map of our SHOP HOP on Saturday, August 2. Beginning at Quincy, traveling to Macomb Pekin, Washington, Morton, Bloomington, Springfield and back to Quincy. Bring a large bag to carry home all your goodies!

June 2008 Meeting

2008-07-02T14:21:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to Ethel for the wonderful information on using the internet for quilting projects and shopping. Anyone joined the shop hop?

And what a great night for show and tell!

One of several quilts from Carla's collection, featuring her own block design.

Margie's charming scrap quilt.

Carol's edition of Ruth's Garden.

The perfect summer quilt from Ethel.

Susan made this as a wedding gift.

And, the mystery quilt is revealed! Too sweet!

Show and Tell May 2008

2008-06-11T07:12:00.005-06:00

Busy, Busy

The end product

Susan's quilt for a lucky teacher.

Ellen with her log cabin star quilt.

A very cozy cabin from Joyce.

String Quilts, continued, from Marcia.

Show and Tell April 2008

2008-04-26T09:46:00.004-06:00

"Eureka" Arlene!

So cozy, Margie!

Did you say it was made from ties, Ethel?

There are some very lucky Red Hat Ladies in town, Margaret!

All that by hand, Lois!

Program for our April Meeting

2008-04-15T15:17:00.003-06:00

Ellen has very graciously volunteered to present our program again this month on String Quilts. For a peak at what string quilts are, take a peek at this website. It's quite inspiring!

See you on the 17th.

Ruth gets credit...

2008-04-04T21:29:00.004-06:00

I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago, but better late than never! Ruth completed this quilt for her son while she was in Arizona for the winter. It was sent right off to him, but she took a picture as proof that she got it finished. Great job, Ruth!

It's a mystery...

2008-04-01T15:28:00.002-06:00

Free For All!

2008-03-28T11:03:00.001-06:00

In today's Quincy Herald Whig

Footnote

2008-03-27T20:52:00.003-06:00

Fancy Footwork by Margaret.

2008-03-27T20:44:00.003-06:00

Ellen gave a wonderful presentation on a reversible, quilt as you go technique. It would be the perfect project for vacations as it's very portable. Everyone is to bring their completed block to the April guild meeting and we'll put them together as a charity quilt.

Thanks again Ellen!

March Show and Tell

2008-03-27T20:26:00.004-06:00

Margie jump started our Spring with this sunflower quilt.

Carla with her stunning blue and yellow quilt.

Jeanette holds up her mini block pin cushion. (Look at those points!)

Arlene has the luckiest friends: this four patch posie goes to one of them.

Ethel is teaching herself to machine quilt.

A pocket full of posies in Ellen's quilt.

March Program

2008-03-24T18:24:00.002-06:00

Ellen Gehring will be presenting the March program on "Reversible Quilt as You Go". It's a oldie but goodie method of piecing and quilting individual blocks into a quilt. And it should provide some good practice for hand quilting!

Show and Tell, February 2008

2008-03-24T18:16:00.002-06:00

Margaret got this baby quilt done just in time: First Mate Grayson arrived a bit early!

Glenda finished a lovely table runner.

Lois shared the story of her quilt, celebrating the anniversary of her church.

Hand Quilting

2008-02-12T15:16:00.000-06:00

The February Program will be on hand quilting. Ann will bring several practice pieces of fabric for people to try their "hand". She asks that quilters bring a quilting needle, a thimble (if they have and use one) scissors and a hand held quilting hoop. Also, if you are hand quilting a project now, bring it for show and tell and/or helpful advise.

Mystery Quilt 2008

2008-02-12T15:04:00.001-06:00

I bought my fabric yesterday! Do you have yours? Send me a picture and I'll post it on the blog.

How to Succeed in Business...

2008-02-12T14:55:00.000-06:00

Just ask Alaine! She's come up with two terrific ideas and has been selling her wares on eBay.

Cashing in on the Webkinz craze, she is sewing sleeping bags and bean bag chairs for little critters.

Absolutely brilliant! A bobbin holder from elastic! Patent is pending.

Show and Tell January 2008: Quilts for the People We Love.

2008-02-12T14:41:00.000-06:00

Dianna's "We are always with you" quilt for her daughter, who will soon be serving in Iraq.

Ethel's wall hanging for her mother who loved to watch the birds.

Susan's "Sorry, sweetie, but here's a puppy for you" quilt for her daughter.

Lois and the Illini quilt for her children.

January 2008 Quilt Guild Meeting

2008-01-14T21:50:00.000-06:00

The program for the January 2008 meeting will be presented by Jeanette Geise who will be introducing the Mystery Quilt for this year. Hope to see you all there!

Welcome Quilters!

2008-01-14T21:47:00.001-06:00

John Wood Community College will host an Open House, introducing the quilting classes to be offered this winter and spring on Tuesday, January 15 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 in room D022/23.

Come meet some of the instructors, see class models, and register for classes!

Black and White and Red All Over Challenge

2008-01-14T20:46:00.000-06:00

Here are the results of the challenge made to the guild by Lois to create something from a piece of red fabric, adding only black and white fabrics. We saw some wonderful quilts and several unique projects. Thanks for participating and thanks for the challenge, Lois!

Information on Hand Quilting

2007-10-30T11:05:00.000-06:00

Recently posted: information about how to hand quilt from Ann Titus. Download the information page before printing and be sure to check out the movie!

Show and Tell from the October 2007 meeting

2007-10-29T08:45:00.001-06:00

Lois received this gift of African fabric from her future daughter in law.

A new quilt for the new baby in Glenda's family.

Is it "April Fresh" Ellen?

We all loved this cheerful quilt by Ethel.

Bag Lady #1

Bag Lady #2

It's no mystery now, Jeanette!

Quilt National

2007-10-12T21:24:00.001-06:00

Noriko Endo Sylvan Ambience #2
Quilt National 07 Best of Show

In case you hadn't heard, Quilt National is currently on exhibit at the Foundry in St. Charles, Missouri until October 26, 2007.

Hand Piecing...Part 1

2007-10-12T18:58:00.000-06:00

We ran short of time during last month's program and I was a bit rattled that night. So here are the instructions for drafting the Maple Leaf block, for making templates for the block, and for cutting fabric for the block. Just click on this link: Hand Piecing-Part one

I was really confused that night about how the block gets put together. So you will note some changes and I stand corrected.

If you have time to cut your own fabric pieces before Thursday night, bring them along with hand sewing supplies: a needle, thread, a thimble (if you use one), scissors, and straight pins. If you are not able to cut any fabric, bring those sewing supplies and your template pieces, a lead pencil, fabric scissors and a piece of sandpaper.

See you then!

Show and Tell September 2007

2007-10-12T15:33:00.000-06:00

Here is just a sample of the fabulous quilts we saw at the September 2007 guild meeting!

Hey Jeanette, what's black and white and red all over?

Ethel made this adorable airplane quilt.

Margaret finished this wonderful charity quilt.

A wedding quilt from Ellen to her son and daughter-in-law.

Eight across and four down, M-A-R-G-I-E

Glenda plans to use her marbled fabric
with the fabrics she dyed last year.

Carla's Japanese garden.

A perfectly pastel quilt shown by Connie to be given to Habitat for Humanity.

We like your centipedes, Diana!

And your box full of cotton candy... just lovely!

Show and Tell from the July 2007 Meeting

2007-08-10T13:49:00.001-06:00

Jeanette made this placemat, and it's reversible!

Connie gave us a sneak preview of Good Sam's Raffle Quilt
When do those tickets go on sale?

Lois brought nephew #2's quilt. Benjamin, you are one lucky young man!

Better than Fireworks...

2007-07-14T12:26:00.000-06:00

We will be marbling fabric at the guild meeting on July 19, 2007. There are several ways to accomplish this lovely effect: we'll be using fiber reactive dyes drizzled onto a bed a shaving cream, stirred, combed and mixed into unique patterns. We'll supply pre-treated fabric. You'll need to bring a can of shaving cream, preferably with aloe, and an old sheet cake pan or the lid off of a plastic storage bins. If you have bamboo skewers, hair picks, or the old fashioned rotary egg beaters, bring those along too. The fabric will still be wet when you take it home so bring some plastic wrap and a plastic bag. You won't want to miss out on the fun!

Show and Tell from the June Meeting

2007-07-14T07:15:00.001-06:00

Margie kept busy during a recent post-surgery recovery by playing with these "paper doll" dresses.

Talk about "shooting stars"! Here's Carla with one of her latest quilts.

Ellen has been tickling the ivory.

And, well, what can I say. Ellen has been tickling our fancy with these boxer shorts too!

Joyce tells about her latest contemporary quilt.

Competition

2007-04-12T15:11:00.000-06:00

It seems that quiltmakers may not be the only people in search of vintage Singer sewing machines. Look at what this artist is doing!

Quilts = Comfort

2007-04-09T21:25:00.000-06:00

Members of the Quincy Quilt Guild got together on March 24, 2007 for a day of collaborative quilt making. Everyone brought fabric and talented teams of Cutters, Designers and Stitchers put together quilt tops. The tops will be given to local groups who provide comfort and services to people in need.

April: Meet You at the Movie!

2007-04-09T21:18:00.001-06:00

The program for the April 19th meeting of the Quincy Quilt Guild will feature a showing of the movie, The Quiltmakers of Gee's Bend.

I know you will be inspired and touched by this documentary film. See you at 7:00 pm at the Curtis Creek Gracious Living Retirement Living: 823 S. 36th Street in Quincy.

I should get busy.

2007-03-26T21:42:00.001-06:00

A friend sent me the link to this website and I let a huge groan. Not because I don't appreciate the idea, it's fantastic. But because I have no window coverings downstairs in my house. And this gallery of Roman shades makes me feel even more guilty!

Will a similar shade turn up on our virtual studio tour?

Oh my, Oh March!

2007-03-18T16:56:00.000-06:00

Show and tell this month was really exceptional.
Here are just a few of the highlights.

Carla Gower has "discovered" hand applique!
She has a entire quilt of the most beautiful baskets.

Glenda Faber shows her darling Dora quilt.

Oh my, Oh Margie!
And it was only a dollar at the UFO auction!

Paper Piecing

2007-03-18T16:33:00.000-06:00

We had a terrific meeting on March 15. Thanks to Diane Germann, we are now much experienced paper piecers! Thank you Diane. You are a wealth of information and a great teacher. We certainly appreciated the information and the kits that you had prepared for us. And thank you too for the extra bonus tips on Electric Quilt.

Diane had mentioned the diva of paper piecing, Carol Doak. She has a fabulous website, full of ideas and inspiration for beautiful projects.

Thank you again, Diane.

March Guild Meeting

2007-03-07T07:32:00.000-06:00

The program for the March 15, 2007 meeting will feature former guild member Diane Germann. Diane will be teaching us how to do paper piecing. You know, how to create those fabulous little blocks with unbelievable accuracy by sewing strips to paper patterns, then flipping, sewing, trimming, and sewing. Or do you flip first, then sew? Or is it trim, sew, and then flip? Help!
Good thing Diane will be talking with us next week!

Diane will be bringing kits for each of us and we'll have several machines set up so that everyone who wants to sew can get started. If you want to bring your own machine that would be terrific!
Also bring sewing thread, scissors, and anything else you find necessary when machine piecing.

It promises to be informative and fun. See you all there.

Ninety eight, ninety nine, one hundred!

2007-02-19T13:15:00.000-06:00

Clare Schmitz chose 100 different fabrics for this wonderful mini-quilt. Her mother, Susan, sewed together the 100 squares for Clare's math project. We love to hear about young quilt makers!

Through Arlene's Window

2007-02-19T12:57:00.001-06:00

The February 15, 2007 meeting featured a trunk show of wall quilts by Arlene Calaway. Arlene's quilts are notable for her outstanding workmanship and her ability to utilize fabrics in ways that enhance her design. But most of all, we were astonished to find that Arlene remembers just where she has purchased every piece of fabric! Thank you Arlene for a wonderful program.
Arlene Calaway's Garden Quilt

Land of Lincoln Quilt Association

2007-02-11T20:00:00.001-06:00

Did you know there is a State quilt guild? Yes indeedy! The Land of Lincoln Quilt Association was formed in 1985. It's meetings are held in February, April, June, August and October at cities around the state.

On February 24, 2007 the guild will be meeting at the Collver Winery in Barry, Illinois. Show and Tell begins at 11 am, with lunch at noon and the program beginning at 1:00 pm. This month's program will be presented by members of the River Road Fiber Artists. They will be discussing their latest challenge and showing the various techniques that they have used to complete their challenge pieces.

The cost of attending the meeting is $10.00 and that includes lunch. Two vendors, Hickory Stick from Hannibal and Sew Unique from Springfield will have booths open for business.

To make reservations, contact Diane Germann before February 16. Call at 217-656-3407 or 217-430-1802 or email at sew4fun@adams.net.

A Memory Lapse

2007-02-11T19:40:00.000-06:00

I forgot to bring the camera so unfortunately I have no images of last month's meeting. And we had such wonderful quilts for show and tell! I apologize and will try to be more prepared from now on.

Many thanks to Barb Parady for speaking to our guild about working with silk. Barb currently is showing her work at the Art Association of Jacksonville at 331 W. College. I attended her opening and was wonderful: live dulcimer music, delicious food, and robust sales. Congratulations Barb!

The February meeting of our guild will feature Arlene Calaway. Each month she astounds us with a bag of quilts for show and tell. This month she'll be bringing a trunk show... a treat you don't want to miss.

And I promise to remember the camera!

And the Winner Is...

2007-01-11T15:38:00.000-06:00

Linda McCuean has won the top prize at the $100,000.00 Quilter's Challenge with her white on white quilt "Bella". Our regional favorite, Millie Sorrells was a finalist in the top 10, recognized for her hand quilting. Congratulations, Millie!

Fiber Exhibit

2007-01-11T15:25:00.000-06:00

BJ Parady

2007-01-11T14:19:00.000-06:00

Old Growth
BJ Parady

We have a very special program planned for January 18, 2007. Fiber artist BJ Parady will be talking to our group about working with silk. Barb, who lives in Hamilton, Illinois has been dying, painting, burning (yes, I said burning) and stitching silk into her artwork for a number of years now. Come and see why she enjoys this fiber so much and get the latest tips for working with silk.

For a peek at Barb's work visit her weblog http://bjparady.blogspot.com/ and her website at
http://www.bjparady.com/

See you in March, Carol!

2007-01-11T14:05:00.000-06:00

Guild member Carol Dennis emailed me to say that she'll be staying in St. Louis for the next seven weeks while she undergoes chemotherapy treatments. Carol was diagnosed with cancer before Christmas. Nothing is stopping her from quilting, however. She reports that she's caught up with the mystery quilt and working on a quilt for the Needleworker's show this Spring! And I'm fairly certain nothing's going to stop her infectious smile, either!

November Meeting

2007-01-11T13:51:00.000-06:00

Joyce Riggs tells about her Underground Railroad Quilt
at the November 2006 guild meeting.

The program for the November meeting featured guild member Joyce Riggs and her presentation on Underground Railroad Quilts. It was interesting to imagine how the quilt patterns that we love so well might have played such an important part in our country's history. Thank you so much, Joyce!

Report from Houston

2006-11-13T20:43:00.000-06:00

Several of our guild members had the pleasure of attending the International Quilt Association's quilt show in Houston at the end of October. Here is Margaret Brunier's report. We will want to hear details at the November meeting!

The Houston International Quilt show was fantastic. It took one whole day just to cover the vendors and then I went again to get some stuff I didn't get the first day. I saw Arlene both days I was there. Ellen Gehring and I traveled home on the same flight. The quilts were intimidating. They were so perfect and so detailed. Threads and beads making everything sparkle. The quilt that won best of show was only the third quilt this woman had ever made. It was fantastic. It was out of a children's book she used to read when she was young.
Margaret Brunier

Mother Earth and Her Children
by Sieglinde Schoen Smith of Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Vote for Millie

2006-11-13T20:27:00.000-06:00

Millie Sorrells is one of 40 finalists in the $100,000.00 Quilting Challenge! If you saw Millie's trunk show here in Quincy several years ago, you saw this amazing quilt in it's early stages. You can vote for your favorite at the website www.quiltingchallenge.com or vote by paper ballot. We'll be bringing ballots to the guild meeting Thursday night.

Tri-State Quilting Angels

2006-11-12T14:14:00.000-06:00

Plaque at Blessing Hospital's Cancer Center

Three local quilt guilds have collaborated to create memory quilts for Hannibal Regional Hospital's Cary Cancer Center and Blessing Hospital Cancer Center. Called the Tri-State Quilting Angels, members of the Hannibal Piecemakers, The Knox County Kut-Ups, and the Quincy Quilting Guild have been making signature blocks for patients and their family members. The blocks are then returned to the guild members who complete the quilts.

On November 9, 2006 two quilts were presented to the Blessing Cancer Center. Organizers at Blessing were thrilled to see the quilts and graciously treated participants to refreshments and music.

This program is ongoing and we continue to need 14" blocks for the quilts. Many thanks to the quilters who are making this memorial possible.

Members of the Quincy Quilting Guild at
the November 9, 2006 reception

November 2006 Guild Meeting

2006-11-07T16:32:00.000-06:00

The Quincy Quilt Guild will meet Thursday, November 16th, 2006 at 7:00 pm. You won't want to miss this program: Joyce Riggs will be presenting her program on Underground Railroad Quilts. Joyce has put together an informative and entertaining talk on the quilt blocks that supposedly represented coded messages to African-American slaves on their escape to freedom in the North. Joyce has been "touring" the area with her program and we are thrilled that she will be presenting for our guild. See you on the 16th at Curtis Creek!

Mud Pies?

2006-11-07T16:21:00.000-06:00

They aren't mud pies, but it was just as much fun! At the October 2006 meeting, guild member Alaine Baugher taught us how to hand dye cotton... in paper plates! With a squirt here and a squirt there, we were on our way to some sensational fabrics. Many thanks to Alaine for her time, her fabulous tips on technique and especially for her enthusiasm!

Cancer Center Quilts

2006-11-07T16:09:00.000-06:00

The Quincy Quilting Guild will be presenting two memory quilts to the Blessing Hospital Cancer Center on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 6:45 pm.

Please join us for this celebration of hope!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-30T11:36:00.000-06:00

Halloween block by Carol Dennis

Now Showing!

2006-10-19T12:41:00.000-06:00

Martha Jane Pettway
Housetop variation, 1920
Wood, corduroy and cotton 72 x 67 inches
Collection of the Tinwood Alliance
Photo: Stephen Pitkin, Pitkin Studio, Rockford, Il.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art is now exhibiting seventy quilts from the Gee's Bend collection. The exhibit opened on October 8 and will run until December 31, 2006. We'll be watching a documentary film on the quilts and the women who made them later this Spring.

October Guild Meeting

2006-10-09T21:14:00.000-06:00

Alaine Baugher will be presenting the October 19th guild meeting. Alaine will be showing us how to hand dye cotton fabric. She will be providing enough supplies for each of us to try our own "hand" at dyeing. All you'll need to bring is a white T-shirt and/or a piece of white fabric, up to one yard. Both need to be 100% cotton and both should be washed before you dye them. If you need a T-shirt, Ted's Shirt Shack has a variety of sizes.

One of Alaine's tie dyed t-shirts...Grooooovy!

Alaine has been dyeing shirts with her children and their classmates and has perfected some strategies that make it easy enough for a five year old. We all love the story of Alaine's business venture. She has sold large, hand dyed pieces of cotton to photographers to be used as backdrops. Better yet, this busy mom uses her children's swimming pool as the dye vat! What a great example of using available materials!

A backpack Alaine made to match her daugher's swimsuit

Weather permitting, we will be working outside at Curtis Creek. To take advantage of the available daylight, we will be starting the meeting early: the October 19, 2006 meeting will begin at 6:00 pm.

See you there!

Quilting with the Historical Society

2006-10-04T14:39:00.000-06:00

Arlene Calaway, Connie Franke, Pauline Retzinger, Ann Titus and Avery Titus have been volunteering at the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. Each year, the Historical Society invites third graders to the Log Cabin, located just to the east of the John Wood Mansion, to learn about pre-settlement life along the Mississippi. This year the students have been learning a little bit about quilting. Many thanks to Arlene, Connie, Pauline and Avery for their participation!

Avery Titus in her "prairie" dress

It Takes All Kinds...

2006-10-02T14:20:00.000-06:00

It takes all kinds of quilters to make a successful guild. Each member brings her own style, expertise, and interest to the group.

For example, our guild has the OVER ACHIEVERS: the people like Margie Bernhardt who starts a project one month and brings it completed (or nearly completed) the next month. They encourage us all to get busy and find the time to finish all the projects that we start.

Margie showing the quilt top made from her Four Patch Kaleidoscope

And then we have the RESCUERS. Doris Wierschem found the kit for this dogwood applique quilt at a garage sale. RESCUERS remind us to never throw anything away!

Doris and her Dogwood Quilt

We mustn't forget the INNOVATORS. Here is Lois Hendrickson's quilt, using digital images printed onto fabric sheets. INNOVATORS encourage us to try new techniques and to stretch our imaginations.

Lois made this wall quilt from a digital image
she captured in the Rocky Mountain National Park

And finally, we have our TEACHERS. They are the members who generously share their knowledge and skills. At the September meeting, Margaret Brunier presented a wonderful lesson on making three dimensional flowers.

Margaret holding her fancy bag, cinched with two fashion belts

Hmm, wonder what the OVER ACHIEVERS, the RESCUERS, and the INNOVATORS will do with the lovely roses that we made? Thank you, Margaret!

Just in case...

2006-09-21T21:06:00.000-06:00

Just in case anyone else asks, the word "quilt" is derived most recently from the Middle English word "quilte". That places first use of the word in English somewhere between the 11th and 15th centuries. And just in case anyone was interested in Middle English, here's a very famous sample:

The following is from the first sentence of the Prologue from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Whan that Aprill with his shoures sote

The droghte of Marche hath perced to the rote,

And bathed euery veyne in swich licour,

Of which vertu engendred is the flour;

Whan Zephirus eek with his swete breeth

Inspired hath in euery holt and heeth

The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne

Hath in the Ram his halfe course yronne,

And smale fowles maken melodye,

That slepen al the niȝt with open ye—

So priketh hem Nature in hir corages—

Than longen folk to goon on pilgrimages,

And palmeres for to seken straunge strondes,

To ferne halwes, couthe in sondry londes;

And specially, from euery shires ende

Of Engelond to Caunterbury they wende,

The holy blissful martir for to seke,

That hem hath holpen, whan that they were seke.

September Guild Meeting

2006-09-01T19:57:00.000-06:00

Fabulous Folded Flowers!

Guild member Margaret Brunier will be doing a program on Folded Flowers at the September 21, 2006 meeting. Margaret says that simple folding techniques are used to create the stylish, three dimensional rose shown above. She will be teaching us how to make the roses and will include instructions for setting them into a patchwork pillow. Margaret will bring muslin for us to make a rose that evening. I'm already thinking I'd like to try one in silk too!

As an added bonus we'll get to see this wonderful quilt, featuring a three dimensional sunflower. Margaret will be bringing instructions for that technique as well.

See you there!

Quincy Historical Society

2006-08-31T14:06:00.000-06:00

Our guild will be participating in craft demonstrations for the Quincy Historical Society this Fall. On Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning September 20 and ending October 19, the Historical Society will welcome third graders to the Log Cabin behind the John Wood Mansion. Local craftsmen and women will be demonstrating crafts from the 1835 period for two 90 minutes sessions each of those days: from 10:00 am - 11:30 and from 12:00 noon - 1:30pm.

We will be hand quilting, using a hoop, as space is too limited to set up a frame. We will also be demonstrating English Paper Piecing using hexagons. http://www.cddesigns.com/PaperPiecing/what.htm

"Mosaic" patterns and more specifically the "Honeycomb" pattern was popular at that time and English Paper Piecing was one of the ways youngsters learned to quilt.
http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/mosaic.htm
http://www.rockymountainquilts.com/files/antiquequilt_q8311.php

I'll schedule a time for anyone interested in participating to come to my home and learn to paper piece. It's really fun and REALLY easy.

Please let me know if you'd like to work an 90 minute session, quilting and/or paper piecing

Two examples of English Paper Piecing
using hexagons. The set on the left is seen
from the front. The set on the right shows
the back. Some of the paper pieces have
been removed from the back while others
remain and show as white in the image.

Back to School Time!

2006-08-24T11:59:00.000-06:00

I used to LOVE this time of year! I know, I was less than enthusiastic about the propect of returning to school, but more importantly it meant a new box of crayons! There was nothing better than those lovely colors all sharp and tall. And even new notebooks and pencils gave me such thrill. I would pack and repack my pencil box. I guess that's why I still love to frequent the office supply store.

So aside from fabric (that's a given) what "Back to Sewing" supplies are you stocking up on?
What notions are finding their way to your sewing rooms?

Who'da Thought!

2006-08-20T10:54:00.000-06:00

At our July 2006 meeting, Carla showed us a new interpretation of the basic Four Patch. With some calculated cutting and a few simple twists, we created some sensational kaleidoscope blocks. I can't wait until September to see some completed tops!

About STITCH

2006-08-20T10:40:00.000-06:00

Welcome to STITCH. This is a weblog by the Quincy Quilting Guild, a group of quilting enthusiasts living along the Mississippi River. This is a place to catch up, look back, and plan ahead. Enjoy yourself!