MLQG 2012 Holiday Party

Guild members enjoyed a very nice evening filled with food, friends, and fun...

Click on the photos for a larger view...

Look at all the great gifts ready for the fabric exchange...

December Meeting Reminder

The MLQG December meeting will be the annual holiday party on Monday, December 17th at the Tokishi Building on NYPUM Drive in Wellsboro (behind Truck-Lite). The party starts at 6:00PM; if you are decorating a table, please come a bit early. Those attending should bring a dish to pass and their own table service. If you choose to participate in the gift exchange, please bring two fat quarters (quilt-shop quality fabric, please) wrapped as one gift.

Members are also asked to bring their completed surveys (it can be found here). And if you are signed up for the January 12th workshop, you may pay Anya T. on Monday evening.

Hope to see you all there!

December Open Sewing

Just a reminder that all MLQG members of all ability levels are welcome to come to the Beyond Jane open sewing session at the lake house on Tuesday, December 4th (that's tomorrow). We start at 10AM and finish up around 3PM. Come anytime.

Bring your projects (this would be a great chance to work on those Christmas gifts you're working on), your lunch, and any supplies you need. Spend some time with fellow guild members who understand your passion about quilting. It's cheaper than therapy and a lot more fun!

If you need directions to the lake house or have questions, contact Anya T. or Susan McC.  (contact info can be found on the guild roster or newsletters), or just leave a comment on this blog post.

Hope to see you there!

A Message From Ami Simms!

Ruth and I just priced your quilts today. They will have BUY buttons on them and be up on the sale page as well as your newly created group challenge page probably by the end of the day.

 

Please ask your membership to tell their family and friends---that's the best way to sell these quilts and convert them into research dollars.

 

Please give everyone a hug from me.

Ami :)

 

As Ami mentioned, the quilts from our Polka Dot and Plaid Competition now have their own webpage on the AAQI website and will soon be available for sale (if they aren't already).  The following link will take you directly to the Polka Dot and Plaid Competition page... http://www.alzquilts.org/molaquguwpa.html

Guest Speaker -- Valeria Hill

The guest speaker at the guild's November meeting was Valeria Hill, who spoke about the process of fabric dyeing and about the use of hand-dyed fabrics in quilts. She brought along some of her quilts for all to see in person.

For more info on Val and her quilting, check out her website.

Thank you, Val, for an inspiring evening!

2012 Exhibit Winners

Some of the 2012 exhibit viewers' choice winners were at last week's meeting to get their ribbons in person!  

Congratulations to all the winners!

You can see a slideshow of all the winning quilts here.

Hurricane Sandy Relief

Interested in donating a quilt or quilt block to hurricane victims?  Listed below are links to several places collecting quilts for hurricane victims.  Please read all of the instructions carefully, especially those pertaining to size requirements and mailing deadlines.

Quilting Gallery: Sandy Quilt Block Drive -  http://quiltinggallery.com/quilters-fun/sandy-quilt-block-drive/

Bumble Beans Basics - http://bumblebeansbasics.com

EQuilter Quilt Relief - http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/quiltrelief.html

Project Linus, New Jersey - http://www.quiltviews.com/storm-relief-where-to-send-quilts

Help Hurricane Sandy Pets - http://www.quiltpatternmagazine.com/program/KennelQuilt/

2012 Exhibit Viewers' Choice Winning Quilts

Congratulations to all!

Reminders

MLQG members are reminded that dues must be paid by the November 19th meeting in order to remain on the roster and to receive the monthly newsletter and membership benefits.

Members are also asked to fill out the survey that was included in the November issue of the newsletter and bring it to Monday's meeting. The survey can also be found on the guild's website here.

If you are participating in our president's UFO challenge, please bring your completed UFO #3 to Monday's meeting.

Viewers' choice awards from the MLQG 2012 Exhibit will be presented on Monday evening, so be sure to come and cheer the winners!

MLQG Mini-Retreat November 3, 2012

Guild members having a great time...

(click on photos for a larger view)

Passing On News

Correction -- Sunday, November 4th, not November 2nd as written earlier --

FYI -- the initial meeting of the Ithaca Modern Quilt Guild mentioned in the previous post has been rescheduled to Sunday, November 4th at 1:00PM at Quilter's Corner quilt shop on State Street in Ithaca, NY.

More Quilting Opportunities

Have you heard of Modern Quilting? Interested in finding out more? Here are two upcoming opportunities in the Twin Tiers --

From the Quilter's Corner (Ithaca, NY) newsletter --

Ithaca Modern Quilt Guild forming!
First meeting, Tuesday October 30, 5:30-7:30

Modern quilting is a rapidly growing new movement in the quilting world. The Modern Quilt Guild developed out of the thriving online community of modern quilters and their desire to start meeting in person. The first guild was formed in Los Angeles in October 2009. There are now over 100 chapters, with one of the newest being our own Ithaca Modern Quilt Guild. Quilters Corner is very excited to encourage and promote this movement, and has offered our roomy classroom as a meeting space. Modern quilting is characterized by bold, graphic, functional quilts, often with simple piecing, large-scale prints and solid fabrics. Influenced by modern art and architecture, it embraces simplicity and minimalism. Modern quilters tend to be relaxed about rules and enjoy experimenting. The open spaces in the quilts highlight the quilting stitch as an important design element. Like quilters of all eras, modern quilters use the colors and styles of their time to express themselves creatively while finding friendship and community along the way.

The first meeting of the new Ithaca Modern Quilt Guild will be at Quilters Corner on Tuesday, October 30 from 5:30-7:30 PM. All are welcome and encouraged to bring quilts to show and tell. Those attending will decide on future meeting times and frequency.

And from the Endless Mountain Quiltworks (Tunkhannock, PA) newsletter --

What is Modern Quilting?
Slide Show Presentation and Wine and Cheese Social
Thursday Evening, November 1 at 7pm at Endless Mountains
Quiltworks.  Doors will open at 6pm.  $5.  Reservations please.
Come and find out what Modern Quilting is all about.  Learn more
about this movement that is sweeping through the quilt making
world.  You will be surprised to learn how deeply rooted in tradition Modern Quilting really is.  Be inspired to try something new
and discover how it can fit in your family’s lifestyle.  Sponsored by
the Endless Mountains Modern Quilt Guild (newly named).
Please call 570-836-7575 to make your reservation.

Want to join our Modern Quilt Guild?  We have a new name and a new meeting time.  We will meet for the last time on Sunday afternoon, October 14 at 1pm to finish planning our November 1st Wine and Cheese Social.  Then we will move to a regular first Thursday of the month at 7pm (doors open at 6:30) time slot.  Membership is free.  Everyone is welcome!

Board Meeting Today

Just a reminder that there will be an MLQG board meeting tonight at 7:00PM at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center in Wellsboro. All committee chairs are encouraged to attend. The meeting is open to all MLQG members as well.

2012 Raffle Quilt Winner

Congratulations to Sally Grega (MLQG member and former newsletter editor) for winning the 2012 MLQG raffle quilt!.

In the photo (L-R) -- Sally Grega (winner), Darlene Webster (raffle quilt chair), Pat Loux (raffle quilt machine quilter).

A big thank you to everyone who sold tickets and to those who bought them. The money raised will be used by the guild to share the love of quilting with the community. Be sure to come back in 2014 for chances to our next fantastic raffle quilt!

Cock-a-Doodle-do Congratulations

Congratulations to Barbara A., the winner of the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild's Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative Polka Dot and Plaid For Progress Competition!  Barbara was inspired to make her quilt, Cock-a-Doodle-do, by her neighbor's fancy chickens that crow all day long!  Her quilt was dedicated to her in-laws who both suffered from Alzheimer's symptoms in their final years.
 

Slideshow of MLQG 2012 Exhibit

A Few Reminders

The awards for the 2012 exhibit viewers' choice winners will be presented at the MLQG meeting on Monday, October 15th.

If you wish to participate in the MLQG president's UFO challenge (see your October newsletter for details), be sure to bring a list of your six UFOs to give to Brenda (and keep a copy of your list for yourself).

If you have signed up for the November 3rd mini-retreat at the Masonic Lodge, payment is due at the October 15th meeting. The cost is $5 for those who just want to come and sew, $10 if you also want to have pizza for lunch.

The MLQG Outreach Chair will be collecting Quilts of Valor blocks at the October and November meetings. For details, check the blog post from October 2nd.

Annual membership dues of $15 were due at the September meeting. If you wish to continue as a member and receive membership benefits such as the monthly newsletters and reduced rates on classes/trips/retreats, you must pay by the November guild meeting.

Polka Dot and Plaid for Progress

The Polka Dot and Plaid for Progress Priority: Alzheimer's quilts have been registered and shipped off to the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative!  My sincerest thanks to all those who submitted a quilt for donation!

12214 - Daisy Triangle by Nancy Cooledge
12215 - Cock-a-Doodle-do by Barbara Allis
12216 - Little Flag by Lynn Grant
12217 - Flowers Of Hope by Dianne Kuhns
12218 - Sailing by Carol Barvinski
12219 - Home Is Where The Heart Is by Peggi Jo Smith
12220 - Let's Twist by Peggi Jo Smith
12221 - Dare To Be Different by Kathy Plumley
12222 - One Lucid Moment by Nancy Sidell
12223 - Happy by Deb Dom
12224 - Falling In Love by Deb Dom
12225 - Dotsy Doodle by Peggi Yacovissi
12226 - End Of Summer by Donna Runyan
12227 - Ripple Effect by Susan McConnell
12319 - Polka Dots, Pleats & Plaids by Sylvia Wynkoop

To learn the status of a quilt, click on the registration number to visit each quilt's webpage on the AAQI website.

Most quilts are offered for sale on a first come first served basis.  If you would like to purchase a particular quilt, check the quilt's status regularly so that you know when it is offered for sale.   

Blocks for Quilts of Valor

These two quilt tops for Southern Tier Quilts of Valor were assembled at the guild's September Charity Quilting day.  The group had so much fun putting these two together that we would like to make more, but we need help making blocks!  Break out your red, white and blue scraps (NO flower prints, please!) and make a 12 1/2" unfinished quilt block.  Any block pattern may be used (stars, 9-patch, log cabin...) as long as it finishes as a 12" block.   

Need a free pattern for a 12" finished block?  Check out the massive list at The Quilter's Cache!  This project is the perfect excuse to try a new block or technique without committing to a whole quilt! 

Blocks will be collected at the October and November guild meetings.

Contact Susan Mc., Outreach Chairperson, with any questions.

A Few Reminders

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild Exhibit at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center closes tomorrow (Sunday, September 30th) at 5:00PM. Guild members must pick up their quilts (bring your receipt) after the exhibit closes 5:00PM - 6:00PM . If you are unable to pick up your quilts at that time, you may send someone else to do it, but they must have your receipt with them.

The Beyond Jane open sewing session will be held at the lake house on Tuesday, October 2nd, 10:00AM - 3:00PM. All guild members are welcome to come and enjoy the company of fellow quiltoholics. Bring your stitching projects, your machine, and lunch. Come for an hour or all day. For directions, contact Anya T. or Susan McC. (contact info is on your roster), or just comment on this post and we'll get back to you.

Thank YOU For Helping!

Thanks to all of the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild members who donated a block, helped stitch or made whole quilts for CareFirst (formerly Southern Tier Hospice) this summer!  On September 12th I delivered 18 quilts and blankets that will give comfort and warmth to hospice patients this fall! 

 

Thanks again for helping!

Susan Mc., Outreach Chairperson

Charity Sewing Wednesday September 26th

Charity Quilting will be held this Wednesday, September 26th at the lake house 10:00AM - ?

The project this month includes working on Quilts of Valor. All guild members of all ability levels are welcome -- no need to bring fabric, just your sewing machine and a willingness to help. Stay for an hour or stay the entire time. Bring a lunch. Even if you've never attended one of the MLQG charity sewing sessions before, you can join us anytime!

For directions to the lake house, contact Susan McC., Dori S., or Anya T. You can find their contact info on the guild roster...or if you can't find your roster, just leave a comment on this post and we'll get the info to you.

Local Quilt Shop News

MLQG members visiting the Endless Mountains Quilt Guild show in Athens, PA this weekend report a couple of new shops have opened up in the area -- Shores Quilt Stop in Wysox and Friendship Star Quilt Stop in Sayre.

The last we heard, The Village Sampler in Big Flats may re-open with the new owner sometime in October.

And for those who may not have heard yet, Needles Quilt Shop in Wellsboro now has a new owner as well.

When you're out and about, be sure to visit and support the various great fabric shops that we have within easy driving distance (two hours or less) in every direction from Tioga County. To see a list of these shops, please visit the guild's website and click on the "links" page.

If you know of shops that are not on the list, please put the info in the comment section of this post.

Exhibit Opening Reception -- September 7, 2012

Some of the yummy goodies

As usual, it was a packed house!

Guests enjoying the show

More guests enjoying the displays

Gmeiner Director Anna W.

MLQG President Brenda E.

MLQG 2012 Exhibit Chairperson Dianne K.

Another Quilt Show in the Area

The Endless Mountains Quilt Guild will be having their show this upcoming weekend in Athens, PA. Click here for info. This was the show that was cancelled in 2011 due to the devastating flooding, but they're up and running this year!

Thank You!

A big thank you to Sue Knapp, owner of O'Susannah's Quilt Shop in Watkins Glen, NY, for a great program at the guild meeting last night. She showed us lots of new and exciting products and projects that she carries in her shop. Lots of inspiration. To see more, be sure to visit the shop sometime! It's just an hour away from Wellsboro.

September Guild Meeting

The September meeting of the MLQG will be held on Monday, September 17th at 7:00PM at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center in Wellsboro, PA. The guest speaker for the evening program will be Sue Knapp, owner of O'Susannah's Quilt Shop in Watkins Glen, NY. As part of the program, Sue will have items for sale, so be sure to bring your wallet!

Guild members are reminded that the new membership year starts in September, so please be sure to pay your $15 dues promptly. If you do not pay by the November meeting, you will no longer receive the guild newsletter or benefit from reduced member rates for workshops, etc.

Another Opening of Another Show

Tonight's the night. 7:00PM at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center -- Be there or be square!

Hard At Work

Some of our great volunteers working on getting the exhibit programs ready....

Tomorrow evening these tables will be filled with yummy food, punch, and wine...

The reception opens at 7:00PM, with a gallery talk at 8:00, followed by the winning of the door prizes! Everyone welcome! It's the social event of the season!

Three Days and Counting

 Just three more days until the opening of the MLQG 2012 Exhibit at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center in Wellsboro, PA. Everyone is welcome to attend the gala evening reception on Friday, September 7th, 7:00 - 9:00PM and view the gorgeous quilts. Door prizes and refreshments included!

A big "THANK YOU" goes out to all MLQG members who submitted entries, helped with registration and hanging, and assisted with any other aspect in preparation for this year's exhibit. Our guild is such a success mainly because of our dedicated volunteers who help with all sorts of things throughout the year.

And to entice you to come see the exhibit...here are a few photos of the preparations....

Hmmm...maybe a little bit to the left...no, a little to the right...

I'm taking this one home with me...no, you're not, I am...no, I am...

Are we done yet?

After several long hours, the volunteers start to act silly...no names given to protect the innocent.

Sneak Peek

The first few quilts to arrive...

and then quite a few more....

The walls of the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center won't stay empty for long...

The exhibit opens Friday, September 7th with a gala reception 7 - 9 PM. Door prizes and refreshments! And of course, gorgeous quilts on display! Free admission -- everyone welcome!

Quilt Drop Off Reminder

MLQG members are reminded that drop off for quilts entered in the exhibit is scheduled for 5-6PM this Saturday, September 1st at the Gmeiner Art and Cultural Center. All of your entries must have a sewn-on sleeve. A securely-attached label with the title of the quilt and the exhibitor's name is also required.

When you drop off your quilts, you will be asked to proofread the info label(s) which will be displayed with your quilt(s). Please be sure to read them carefully and check for corrections to be made.

If you cannot be there for the drop off, you can have someone else do it for you. You (or your designee) will receive a receipt for all of your entries, which is what you (or a designee) will need when you pick up your quilts on Sunday, September 30th.

The exhibit opens with a gala evening reception on Friday, September 7th, 7-9PM.

Bonnie Hunter's 'My Blue Heaven' Workshop

As promised, here are some photos from Bonnie's "My Blue Heaven" workshop in Wellsboro...

Thank you, Bonnie, for coming to visit the Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild!

Guild members -- if you've made any quilts using Bonnie's patterns, feel free to post photos of them on the guild's Facebook page!