March Newsletter From Dee

Happy March!  Hopefully all the dreadful winter weather is behind us and we can get on with it.  Since the Oak Ridge Schools were called off, so also was our February meeting, so we have a full agenda for our March meeting. 

First, our guest will be It's Sew Mary Jane, who will be set up so you can take a look at the new products, etc. she has to offer.  We will take about 15 min. or so after her presentation for shopping, as well.

Next, we will try to catch up from last month with Cora giving a quick demo on best way to deconstruct a men's shirt for using the fabric in quilting.  The April block will be made from the fabric shirt plaids, so bring one to swap parts with your table mates.  You can bring your scissors and shirt and do it during the demo.  Parts to be swapped can be the 2 sleeves, the 2 fronts and the back should yield at least 2 useable pieces.  She will distribute the pattern to be used.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  I have at least 4 shirts to share if you don't have a chance to raid your husband's, Dad's, or brother's closet, or forage the Goodwill Store where I found mine.

Our fat quarter swap is bright spring colors.  Yellows, pinks, greens, purple, etc.  (Think of Easter eggs.)  Bring 3 and we will have more than one winner for sure.

Narda will be passing out the clue for the Mystery quilt.

Guidelines for the Hospitality quilt will be available as described by Celia in January.

UFO Challenge - You can still enter the UFO Challenge.  Just bring your $1. and 2 fat qtrs. entry fee, fill out the form (some will be available at the meeting, some people could not get the attachment to print) and make time to work on those unfinished projects!

Be sure to check out our upcoming workshops:  First one is April 25th, a  Selvedge bag by Sassy Foster.  Cost is only $10.    Supply list:  about 85 selvedges, 1 1/4 yds. 60" canvas or duck cloth (or 3/4 yd. plus 1/2 yd contrasting color for handles and pocket) glue stick and machine w/normal accessories.  The next is a zippered pouch with Julie Niles and Paper piecing by Pat Lakers.

We are so fortunate to have not only so many experienced quilters in our guild, but also experienced instructors and professional hand and long arm quilters.  If any of you has a pattern or idea you are willing to teach, please contact me or a member of the PCW committee.

Also, ladies, if you think of a class or project or even some step in the quilting process, start to finish, you would be interested in learning, please share it with us.  Good examples would be  a.  keeping your quilt squared, b. border skills/ideas, c. binding methods, d. combining precuts such as layer cakes, charm packs and jelly rolls, or e. options for adjusting a pattern to the size that fits your needs. 

Since Feb. was cancelled, you can pay your dues at this meeting, and still be included in the membership book.  They will be available online by the end of March and printed copies available at the April meeting.

See you soon

Dee