New Friends Quilters

Special Challenge for 2012

2012-01-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

New Friends members have been asked to participate in the national Quilts of Valor project. Judy E. and Lorna H. have accepted the chairmanship of this project and have provided us the basic guidelines:The home page for Quilts of Valor can be found at www.qov.org and a gallery of donated quilts can be seen if you need inspiration.

Quilt Celebration 2012

2012-01-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

Annual Community Service Sew In
to commemorate National Quilt Day March 17th
American Fork Sr. Citizen's Center basement 54 East Main
9 AM to 4 PM
Potluck soup or salad lunch--bring your choice
(bread , drink and utensils provided)

We're going to stitch bowtie and 4-patch blocks and stitch them into quilts for area infants and children in need through Project Linus (www.projectlinus.org)
Bring sewing machine, basic sewing supplies, and any fabric you wish to donate (cotton or firmly woven blends of quilt quality only)

Come as you can during the day! Everyone is invited to come and assist us!

We need group assistance to help us prepare for this event. You can:
1. Cut squares from your scrap fabrics to be used in quilts.
4-inch, 3-1/2-inch, 3-inch, 2-1/2-inch and 2-inch squares
Cut the largest squares you can, and then cut smalleruntil all scrap is cut up. Keep sizes separated in plastic sandwich bags.
We will need background lights as well as feature prints.

2. Cut strips of fabric in the above widths if using yardage instead of scrap
Keep strip widths separated in plastic sandwich bags. We will use these to create strip sets, or cut into squares later if needed.

3. We'll be using some quilt-room donated fabric. If you can help pre-cut some of this fabric, let Carmen know and fabric and instructions will be provided to you.

4. Contribute fabric for quilts, especially for backs. a 45 x 60-inch piece of fabric will back one quilt. Baby quilts will us a shorter length.

5. Look for quilt designs using 4-patches or bow ties to share with the group. Inspiration is always needed.

6. Share the word with friends and neighbors. We'll love to have them join us!

These dimensional bow tie blocks show sizes from 4-inch squares down to 2-1/2-inch squares.

These quilt tops are some of those donated to Project Linus at the 2011 Celebration. They were enveloped and prepared for school students to tie to complete the quilts.

String Along With Me

2011-02-10T04:35:00.000-08:00

Quilt Celebration Sew-In

Area residents are invited to celebrate National Quilt Day on Saturday, March 19th, with a Sew-In to create quilts for Project Linus. Peggy Narhuminti, area coordinator for Project Linus, is often invited into area schools to provide community service opportuniites to children. The students tie quilts which are then donated to hospitals and other organizations which serve seriously ill or traumatized children. Up to 30 pre-sewn quilts are required for each school. visit, thus there is a constant need for these quilts

New Friends Quilt Circle Celebration, "String Along With Me" will feature a day of instruction and sewing of string quilt designs for quilt blocks and quilt tops for Project Linus. Strings are strips of fabric, often leftovers from other sewing projects, which when assembled make multicolor quilt blocks. Displays of string quilt designs will be available. The event will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM at the American Fork Sr. Citizen's Center basement, 54 E. Main St. A potluck soup and salad luncheon will be held mid-day. This project is part of the American Fork City Day of Service which ends April 9th.

Donations of quilt-quality fabric, especially for quilt backs, and quilt batting are greatly appreciated. Project Linus also accepts hand-made quilts, blankets and afghans which follow the national guidelines. For information and patterns for these donations, contact www.projectlinus.org.

It is suggested that string strips be cut 1-1/2, 1-3/4, or 2-inches wide. Long lengths are used for diagonal pieced designs, shorter lengths for spiderweb designs, and triangles or little odd ends are used for corners of blocks. Fabric should be of quilt-quality fabric. No denims, sportweights, or knits, please. Please put separate fabrics or colors into ziplock bags to keep raveling to a minimum.

Base squares are cut from muslin, used sheets or other suitable fabric. We are cutting them 7-1/2-inches square. This fabric will not be seen in the finished quilt. We need 48 squares to make one quilt top.

Please bring a sewing machine, if possible. Some are avaible, and we work in teams so three people work together with one machine. Remember your cords, foot control and an extension cord. Bring your basic sewing supplies--scissors, thread, extra bobbin, seam ripper, etc.

A display of string quilt design variations as well as instructions for them will be available during the day. Sewing will be ongoing, with a break for lunch. A POTLUCK lunch (soup or salad) will be served mid-day. Drinks and bread will be provided, as well as dishes and utensils.

We are cooperating with American Fork City in their Day of Service. Please keep track of the time you spend preparing materials. If you are making a quilt or other donation, please keep track of your time and report it at the Celebration or to Carmen Martinez, Celebration Chairman, and it will be reported to the City with the hours for other participants. The reporting ends April 9th for this project.

We encourage families to participate together in this project. Children coming should be able to stay on task to either sew at the machine, trim threads and fabric ends or help pin strips in place for the next row of stitching.

Additional sewing time will be scheduled after the Celebration to pre-bind the quilts for Project Linus using a quick-turn method. Please call Carmen, or sign up at the Celebration to help complete the quilt tops.

If we have not answered all of your questions, pleas email your questions.
tooquilts4u@comcast.net.

Quilt Celebration 2011 STRING ALONG WITH ME

2011-01-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

We'll be celebrating National Quilt Day on Saturday, March 19th with our annual Quilt Celebration. We will be holding a day-long sew-in making quilts for Project Linus, preparing them for the children in our local schools to tie as community service projects.

This year we will be learning to make a variety of designs of "string" quilts, using up odds and ends of fabric scraps cut into strips. These strips will be sewn onto a base fabric making pretty blocks which will them be sewn into quilt tops.

You will hear more about this project in the next few weeks. Right now we would like you to start routing out your scraps of cotton quilt fabric for donation to this program. It will be helpful if scraps are cut into strips from 1-1/4-inch wide to 2-inches in width. Straight cuts are helpful! Lengths can vary. Place cut strips in a plastic bag and fasten so that edges don't unravel all over each other.

Follow-up sessions will be held to envelope (quick-turn) the quilts so they will be ready to tie in the schools.

We have made application to American Fork City to be included in their Week of Service to be held the first week of April. We hope to encourage the public to donate supplies or to make quilts in their homes, as well as help with the Celebration. We'll learn more about this later.

For those who want to make quilts on your own to donate, we need to follow Project Linus guidelines. Talk to Peggy, or check online at projectlinus.com. They include patterns and information at their web site.

Community Service Block of the Month

2011-01-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

This year we are adding a new feature to our regular last Tuesday community service. At the monthly meeting you will receive a pattern or perhaps a kit, and during the month you will make a block or as many blocks as possible. At the following monthly meeting you will bring your blocks . They will then be used to create a quilt (or more than one) at the end of the month. Then you will receive another pattern to be sewn during that month. The style, technique and size will change from month to month. Sometimes the color scheme will be specific,. sometimes scrapbag. We hope you will enjoy this project and it will let us see a design complected more often.

On January 4th the first pattern was given out, a 4-patch variation. Click on the photo to enlarge it.

This is a finished 6-inch block. I think an additional 1/4-inch in the cutting of the triangles is helpful, and I would like bright prints used for the four- patches. Remember how great the bright prints looked in our stars? We need 48-60 blocks to make this quilt, so making as many as possible will be very helpful

I discovered a little tip while stitching the block. When joining your seams at the middle of the block, press the top seam toward you and the bottom seam away from you. This is opposite of the way we usually like to join seams, but it does have a purpose. When you finish your seam, hold the block with the sewn edges at the top. Take a seam ripper and release the two or three stitches above the seam you just stitched. Turn it over and do the same on the other side. Now finger-press all the seams so they are going the same way--around in a circle. You are not going to pay attention to which color is darkest. Carefully press the center open and you will find you have a mini 4-patch in the center! This is an Eleanor Burns technique that is very helpful with this block. Now if your triangles are pressed to the dark, all of your seams will butt and match . I also noticed that with this center release technique you can join lots of units together because the seams are always apposing Try this technique. I think you will enjoy it. I drew a little diagram that I hope will help. It's not the best drawing, but I hope it serves the purpose.

If you complete blocks before the next meeting you are welcome to bring them to the quilt room. I am truly looking forward to this project!

We have other quilts to work on and there will be plenty to do on Community Service day in January . We appreciate your suppor with our new plans.

Our Love to Jeani

2011-01-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

With heartfelt sorrow we express our love to Jeani and her family in the loss of their son and his sweetheart on Christmas day. It is impossible to even imagine their grief on a day which is an expression of joy on a birth. Our only consolation is the knowledge that the celebrated birth opened the gate through which we are assured we will be reunited with our loved ones again Our love to you all at this difficult time..

2011 Brings New Project Plans

2011-01-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

At the January meeting of New Friends, the following ladies accepted assessment (by election) to serve as board members for the next year:
Christina as President
Carol V. as Vice President/President Elect
Peggy (with Ruth B. as helper) Secretary
Carmen as Treasurer
Carrolee as Librarian; assistant Treasurer
Cathie and Marianne as board members
Judy B. as baby challenge chairman
These board members work hard all year to make all of our planned programs successful. Several members have accepted chairmanship of the beg events of the year and are planning some exciting adventures in quilt-making this year. Welcomed Board Members!

Our group is now officially chartered with the Utah Valley Quilt Guild as well as the Utah Quilt Guild. Thank you, Peggy.

SECOND WEEK PROGRAM
This year we are going to take a break from the regular second week block of the month, and begin a color study program. This program was introduced to some members several years ago in a special study group, and it was very helpful to all who participated. Some of us didn't finish all the projects, so this will be a good beginning for us, as well as new participants.

We will be using the book "Color from the Heart" by Gae Perry. Christina will have book availability information at our next meeting. There are seven lessons with a project for each one that helps you practice the concepts introduced in the lessons. They are not large projects and those who completed them were very rewarded for their efforts. Board members will take turns giving the lessons during the year, with a couple of months taken off during the summer.

THIS WEEK Cathie will be conducting the first lesson which will include information on fabric styles. She will give information on future class supplies. For our first project we need 2-inch squares of many colors, styles, print scale, and values. You need 80 squares, no more than two of each. If you want to exchange squares with others you can 4 squares from each of 20 fabrics. You will keep two of each and exchanged for the other half of the squares you need. The exchange is a good experience, and it is highly recommended.

CRAYON BOX CHALLENGE
The first challenge of the year was introduced by Cathie at the January meeting. It is a volunteer challenge concerning color, our group theme for the year. It goes like this:

From a basket you will draw two crayons. These two colors will be used to create a quilt-work of your choice at least 18-inches in size. You may use your choice of white, cream or black to go with your two colors, but only one fabric choice. You may add one additional color fabric as well.

Finished works are due in mid-June and will be in a special exhibit at the Steel Days Quilt Show this year. Cathie reports that 8 members have signed up for this challenge so far.. We encourage all members to participate and make this a successful project.

Year Ends with Holiday Event

2011-01-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

The year 2010 ended the 21st year of New Friends at our annual Christmas party. Good food, visiting, gift exchange, making greeting cards for non-attending friends, and the great show and tell ended the year. Many drawings were held to climax the UFO project of the year with loud encouragement to continue the plan into the next year. Board members and committee leaders were honored with a gift of calendars--probably to be used to track more assignments for the coming 2 years

Peggy shared her 2010 block of the month quilt top --the most finished of all of us.

2011 brings the promise of more completed UFO's, new and exciting projects and educational opportunities.

Potholders

2010-12-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 9th we had a workshop on quick potholders. The following week member's brought their creations to show. Notice how nicely orphan blocks turned into useful items with just a few quick seams. The string piecing we learned is well represented as well as some whole-cloth versions.Today I finished my 26th one in several variations. I hope they will be enjoyed by friends and family this holiday season!

Although I do not have photos, a lovely and enjoyable workshop was conducted by Nancy teaching us how to make two pincushion variations. She had cut kits for everyone and brought all the finishing supplies. Thank you, Nancy. It was an great morning!

Retreat update:

2010-12-01T13:47:00.001-08:00

Wendy's challenge was left out of the show and tell page.

At the retreat Judy worked on this lovely autumn wall quilt. She's been working on mastering machine quilting. She shared her quilt the following Tuesday at group meeting.

New Friends Retreat

2010-12-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

On Nov. 12th our annual retreat was held with the Pineapple Blossom block by Bonnie Hunter the featured block. Cathie, the leader, presented the block and a fabric strip exchange was held. A wonderful meal (aren't quilters wonderful cooks?) started the festivities. Everything was so interesting that photo-taking was almost forgotten, and sadly, we have no pictures of the wonderful creations that were begun that night.

The feature show and tell that night was the sharing of items made for the fall challenge--to complete a UFO or begin a new fall item. Several ladies took the challenge:

A great evening was had by all!

Local Quilt Shops

2010-11-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

A new shop has opened in our area and conveniently, in the same block as the PG library where we hold our monthly meetings. We wish them well in their business and we are delighted to have them in the neighborhood.

It is good for us to patronize the local shops as we keep them in business as they keep us supplied with the great fabrics, patterns and notions that we enjoy.

Gift and Decorating Ideas

2010-11-02T03:55:00.000-07:00

The monthly meeting today is a show and tell of holiday items. I ran across this site, and thought you might enjoy a little exploring of your own. Click HERE

Nine days left until the retreat! Remember your autumn UFO (or new) project for show and tell to be in on the drawing for participation in this project.

Most important...VOTE today!

Passing of a New Friend

2010-10-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that we must say good-by to a dear friend Eileen Lively. Her love of quilt-making and her natural artistry will not soon be forgotten. Her cheerfulness and sweet smile have been missed while she has struggled through this aggressive illness. Our condolences go to her family members.

Pineapple Blossom Quilt at November Retreat

2010-10-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Hunter, a nationally known expert, teacher, designer, blogger, newsgroup leader and more has featured her interesting design on her website. Many variations are available with her easy design. I have posted some photos from her instruction page as those exchanging jewel tone fabric strips want to know what the quilt would look like. These quilts are made in a scrap-fabric style, but you can get an idea of how the design would present in darker and perhaps less patterned fabrics. If you want to go to Bonnie's instructions, click HERE

For the retreat quilt you will select your own background fabric. Christina did a sample, and reported that she felt that black (her choice at the time) was too dark and took on a life of its own. Most of the examples on Bonnie's page feature very light fabric values. You may want to audition fabric values a bit before you make your final selection Notice the different values of cream and ecru colors in the center photo. I personally like the look of the darker ecru in the quilt.

If you are planning to participate in the jewel tones fabric exchange, please sigh up at the quilt room. Each person will bring strips of three different fabrics( in one color choice at sign up) to avoid color duploication.

Cathie will be our leader at the Retreat, and she suggests that we consider pineapple as an ingredient in our potluck dish. That can be a creative experience in itself! One of my favorite holiday cookie recipes contains crushed pineapple. We'll leave the decision of menu choice to you.

Fall is Official

2010-09-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

The day before the official start of fall we were found working on some Cathedral Window ornaments--the quick way, with folded squares. Cathie led us in this project on Tuesday. Next week, the 28th, we'll work on community service and I expect that we will be seeing "stars."

I thought you might be interested in this page from Nancy's Notions: Click here

I was recently thumbing through some old magazines and came across this Quiltmaker design from last fall's edition called Autumn Dreams. What an excellent idea of how to use the l seasonal pre-prints available to us. Magazine back issue information is available at quiltmaker.com.

Sneak Priewview of Fall Challenge

2010-09-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

I'm off to a good start on my fall challenge project. I'm using hand-dyed fabrics made a few years ago with the night group. Remember to file a goal in the quilt room file for your project to be eligible for the prize drawing at the retreat in November.

Geralyn Powers is a Utah designer who has a cute line of patterns she calls "long and lean" which are perfect for hanging over a door or in narrow spaces. Her holiday designs are whimsical and include a bit of dimension too. See her Halloween design here:
I purchased my pattern at Elaine's Quilt Block. They were out of the pattern, but they mailed it to me as soon as it came in. I appreciated that extra service! I enjoyed the samples of these quilts on display at the store. The series is charming!

Trunk Show Inspiring

2010-09-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

Julie Seville provided a most interesting trunk show last Tuesday. She has been quilting for only a few years and machine quilts all of her own work on a domestic machine. Her love of nulti-fabric quilts and her artistry in managing to create pleasing designs with lovely quilting was very evident.

Julie's work reminds me of the reason that I carry a camera with me. She was not only willing to share her work, but expressed a desire to answer questions and for us to take a close-up look at her quilts. Photographs will serve as inspiration for months to come. Thank you, Julia, for your sharing.

Autumn Inspirationn

2010-09-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Look at the newest Autumn offerings by Clotilde here

This company offers notions and patterns for the sewer and quilter that just aren't found anywhere else. Her site is worth a quick browse,

Giving Thanks

2010-09-05T14:14:00.000-07:00

I was watching Sewing with Nancy this afternoon and enjoyed the introduction of a new book by Jennifer Chaverini along with the description of a charity project of quilt blocks that represent thankfulness. See the project and read the stories here

I was very attracted to the quilt set with the triangles on the sides of the blocks. And while you are viewing this interesting site, think about what we are learning about color. Enjoy!

Designer Inspiration

2010-09-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

Pam Bono was one of the national teachers at last year's UQG Quilt Festival. You can see more of her designs and receive pattern purchase information at www.PamBonoDesigns.com .

2010-08-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

Autumn UFO Challenge for New Friends Members

It's the last day of August. The air is cooler and children are back in school. The pace of summer activity is slowing along with the rate of garden production. It's time to think of the autumn season again.
Do you have an autumn theme UFO that is begging for completion? Do you have a pattern you've been wanting to try out? Do you have an idea for some new home dec item to set the mood for the season? Need a fall handbag, table runner or hot plate mat?
We're extending a challenge to you to create something for fall. Show and tell for this challenge will be at our Retreat in November. A special prize drawing will be held that night for all challenge participants.

To be eligible:
1. Complete a goal page for your project/s and file in the UFO file quilt room
2. Bring your item to the Retreat for Show and Tell

You are welcome to complete a UFO or start something new. The choice is yours.
To give you some autumn inspiration, check our blog frequently for ideas and url's.

Don't forget to check off your progress on your other UFO projects. We want to award lots of UFO prizes before the end of the year.

I came across this lovely table runner and thought it would be a great creative stimulation to get you thinking "fall." What fall fabrics do you have in your stash that are calling to be used?

Workshop on Tuesday

2010-03-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

Karen, one of our most popular class leaders, will be guiding us through the making of a great fabric bag. She has received permission from the designer to share the internet design. See below for the basic supply list. Potluck lunch that day, too. Join us March 23rd for a fun filled day!

Karen suggests that a bit of heavy interfacing to reinforce the magnetic snap would be advisable. Choose some exciting fabric and stitch up a great variation of your own.

Barbara Ostler Trunk Show

2010-02-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Barbara shared quilts representing part of her personal quilt-making history in a wonderful trunk show on February 2nd at our monthly meeting. From her first quilt to the one just quilted the day before, she shared part of what she has learned through the years about fabric selection, color and design. Like most of us, lessons learned on the way (including many not-to-do's) have motivated her into many colorful creations which she generously has shared with her family. Children and grand-children have been blessed with her warm comforts as a result of her beautiful workmanship.

Thank you, Barbara, for an inspiring presentation.

Annual Baby Quilt Challenge

2010-02-03T07:15:00.000-08:00

Leslie and Jeani have accepted the chairmanship of our annual baby quilt challenge. To join the challenge we purchase a pre-selected fabric fat quarter and create a baby quilt from it. Quilts are donated to area hospital NICU departments to be used with seriously ill and premature infants.

This is the fabric selected for this year. Is it not the most delightful ever? Jeani and Leslie share sample quilts that they have made for the challenge.

Fat quarters are $2. each and are available at the quilt room until the supply runs out. There is NO MORE fabric--they purchased all that is available in our market. For more information on the project contact these ladies. Completed quilts are due the last week of June and will be shown at our annual Steel Days quilt show in July.

Annual Quilt Celebration

2010-02-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

Our Miss Peggy has announced plans for the Quilt Celebration which we hold in commemmoration of National Quilt Day. The following information was given at our February 1st meeting concerning the event:

Peggy would love to have us come in 1940's costume in keeping with her theme, and she has some fun things planned for the day to keep us "in the mood."

The public domain blocks will be enjoyable to piece as they are large scale and will be simple to make. Please share this information with your friends, as this day is a fun event and a great way to share a hands-on experience along with our own love of quilt-making . You are free to choose your own color scheme. Remember how large-scale prints worked so well in our quilts from last year? These blocks are "Fat Quarter Friendly" (no, this does NOT mean a pat on the behind), so go through your stash and pick out some fun fabric to work with.

UFO Project for 2010

2010-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

Following our theme of Victory Quilts, we are calling our project

From Here to Destination--An Odyssey of Victory

Whether you have PIGS or UFO's, or even brilliant ideas for a new project not yet started but well in mind, we have a plan for you. The following pages of information have been given out to the group. If you missed it, e-mail Carmen and we'll send you a PDF file so you can print it out for yourself.

The drawing for January completions was held at our Feb. 1st monthly meeting and the winner was Eileen. Goal or project completions this month applause goes to Leslie (2), Necia, Arlene, Nancy, Peggy, Cathie, Judy, Karen and Carmen.

All of the tickets turned in this month will be placed in the quarterly prize drawing. Sharpen your needles, and get in for the drawing in February.

Block of the Month for 2010

2010-01-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is the Block of the Month project selected by the board for this year. Commemoration of the war years in the 1940's, each traditional block was selected by Ms. Burns for its significance to those who experienced this era. We all were touched by this era as we experienced it personally or through our parent's lives.

The instruction book is excellent, with very detailed step-by-step illustrations for each block. If you are having difficulty finding a copy, please contact Christina.

This is the page of fabric requirements as shown in the illustrated quilts in the instruction book . This line of fabric is 2 years old, and members have found some of the given prints. Choose your own palette of fabrics as you like. As you can see, the blocks are sized for 12-inch and 6-inches. The instruction book gives a large variety of quilt styles and sizes, so there should be a layout that is pleasing to you.

There are twenty blocks, and there will be two blocks presented each month. The board members are taking turns with the teaching. They will also be constructing an extra block so that we will have a fundraising quilt in progress for next year.

The blocks that were presented by Peggy (prepared by Carrolee. who was ill) were Silent Star on page 34 and Victory Block on page 182. Thank you, Peggy, for kicking off this great project. You did a great job!

2010 Plans for New Friends

2010-01-21T11:13:00.000-08:00

The theme for 2010 is VICTORY QUILTS.

Plans have been made by your new board of directors which we hope will help you become "victorious" in your quilt-making this year.

As you can see by the new schedule of events, we have tried to provide a nice variety of activities for our group. Board members have accepted assignments for the special events through the year. We hope you will all be pleased with our plans.

Peggy has accepted the assignment to continue with the e-mail announcements. Many will also be given here so that they can be referenced through the year as needed. If you will sign up as a follower of this blog you will be notified by e-mail when additions have been made to this page.

Board members this year are Carrolee as President, Christina as VP, Peggy as Secretary, Carmen as Treasurer, and Cathie and MaryAnne as board members. Jeani and Leslie are assigned committee members for the Baby Challenge Quilt project for this year. The board was accepted by member vote at our January meeting. We are starting this month with our new yearly schedule of January to December membership and elected board instead of the former May-April. Membership of $10. is now due.

Second Tuesday Project

2009-08-09T18:20:00.001-07:00

From the Center Out – Border of the Month
Round 1 – August 11
Round 2 – Sept 8
Round 3 – Oct 13
Binding – Nov 10
Fabric Requirements:
Center (17.5" sq. unfinished) –
12" square cream fabric
(2) 9" squares setting triangle fabric
Fat quarter med to dark green fabric
Fat quarter light to med green fabric
Scraps pink or red fabric for flowers
Scrap yellow or gold fabric for centers
Round 1
(2) 9.5" squares off white fabric
(2) 9.5" squares red fabric
Supplies:
Heat and Bond Lite (or similar iron on adhesive)
Pencil
Light Box
Scissors
Rotary Mat & Cutter
Quilt Rulers (min. 12" sq. & 18" long ruler)
Sewing Machine
Basic Sewing Kit

This is the second Tuesday project for the next few months. Thank you, Christina, for the information. It was not easy to transfer the photo, so it is not the best image, but will give you all an idea of what we'll be working on. Check your e-mail for contact information if you have questions.

July Community Service

2009-07-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

All of the donated quilts have now been photographed with the help of Judy who helped pin them up and hold them out. The photographs may not be perfect, but we have documentation of our creativity and kindness. There are almost 60 baby quilts. The lap-size quilts have not been counted. A big hug is deserved to all who have been so generous.

Claudia brought back the "Many Trips" quilt that she has been quilting on, and with the finished binding it looks GREAT! Workshops on this design were held with both day and night groups, but many of the ladies seeing the finished quilt did not recognize the design. I cut the width of the strips down to 2-inches from the designer's width of 2-1/2-inches, and added the black as one of my strips so that the design would have a focal point. I also tried to use a lighter value strip on each side of the black, although I am sure I was not consistent with that. A closeup of the multiple of fabrics that were used shows that there is no color scheme planning here. I think the black keeps the design from being a hod-podge with each block being different and few repeats of color to carry the eye through the design.

Judy brought in her Debbie Mumm quilt top, ready for the outside borders. Good work, Judy.

Emily, visiting grandma Peggy, has been making her own quilt using a print of postcards from California as the main print. She proudly (and justifiably so) shared her progress with us.

We received a donation of 3-inch squares from the Lora Myers estate, and our members cut muslin background and black solid to make some butterfly blocks. Kits for blocks were sorted out, and many went home to be stitched up. Here are some that were completed. Embroidered feelers will finish the blocks, and we'll get them stitched up into some cozy quilts soon.

Quiltroom Update

2009-07-26T15:46:00.000-07:00

The past few months have been difficult for your blogger as visual difficulty has kept me from computer work. Though the vision is not improving much the glare is less, so perhaps we can get back to more regular visits.

Our Steel Days quilt show was a great success. Low turnout on quilt receiving day was relieved when Peggy and Carrolee called everyone they knew and asked them to bring quilts. The numbered entered doubled! We all owe a great debt of gratitude to both of these ladies for overseeing the pre-show work, the setting up and the judging, plus the hostess assignments. Peggy stumbled on with a broken foot and out-of-town visitors to care for with no complaints. We are in the process of organizing the photos and we'll soon have them on the quilt room computer so you can view them.

Cathie has presented the last block in the Block of the Month sampler. She shared several group lady tops which showed us a great variety in the colorways used. You can see one of the two Cathie is doing on her blog (click on at right), and here is Eileen's. Love the color!
Isn't the joy of changing the color scheme shown in this quilt--from Christmas to all-season. A few block design changes have been made as well, making this a personal work of art rather than a recipe-book copy. The quilts of Christine and JoAnne were lovely as well. I was just too slow with the camera to catch them. Thank you for sharing with us, ladies.
The community service quilt donations were so numerous at the quilt show that it was impossible to place them so they all could be shown. They all have new labels on them and the contributors need to sign the labels before donation. Individual pictures are being taken of each quilt as the entire collection has not been viewed by our members yet. Thank you all so much for your generosity in our ongoing projects.

The last Tuesday of the month is our community service day. Please come and help out with the quilts that are in progress, as well as some new surprises!

On August 3rd (I think--no calendar nearby) on the first Tuesday we are going to carpool to Springville for the annual museum quilt show with lunch following. We're meeting at the AF Center. Hope everyone can be with us for this wonderful event.

A new group project will be unfolded by Christina to replace the block of the month. Instructions will be available for preparation and will be given out this week. This border challenge will be a great one to participate in. We all can learn much with this project.

Don't forget to bring your completed UFO projects for show and tell so your names can be in for the quarterly drawing in another month. Marge W. has brought the most projects of anyone in the group. Her work is inspiring. Now we need to get perspiring!

Make it and Take it April 21st

2009-04-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Carrolee will be sharing this great chicken pincushion. She has some 1-inch strips to share, but for those who want controlled colors, you can bring your own strips. She suggests that everyone bring one 1-inch strip x wof to add variety to the selection she has available for group sharing.

From Carrolee:

"For the chicken pin cushions, if they want specific colors they should bring 1" strips. They will need about 30 but they need 6" or less of each one. Scraps work well. They also need a 5 1/2" square and stuffing. I will bring my draw of 1" strips and collection of 5 1/2" squares and everyone is welcome to use mine. I also have scrap batting that I will bring and red felt for the comb. We might not have enough machines for everyone so some people should bring there own."

April Showers

2009-04-08T09:59:00.001-07:00

We were showered with treats for the eyes at our monthly meeting in Pleasant Grove. Carrolee was conducting and we had a grand show and tell of Spring Quilts, First Quilts and In-Progress Now quilts.

Center stage seems to be very difficult for many members, and a quick showing of a quilt in a dark corner of the room, and with movement too fast for my camera to catch, a great deal of the quilt photos are out of focus or just missing. However, I hope the viewer enjoys what I was able to capture. Delma is working on this reproduction of an antique quilt, including the coloration. The tiny squares are 3/4-inch in size. The back side of this top is as beautiful as the front with perfect pressing of opened seams. She plans on a red border although the original did not have a border.

Marge W. treated us with her recently completed UFO projects--a Century Sue (patterns available in the quilt room for 10 decades for those of you interested); this darling turtle quilt, and a stack and slash for her 14th great-grandchild whose arrival is awaited. Sorry they are so blurry, Marge. Marianne H. shared a first quilt which she made as a commemoration of the dedication of the new Nauvoo Temple. Beautifully hand quilted, the viewers gasped in admiration.Cathie shared a quilt using an early Eleanor Burns QAID publication, one which was made for her son. Another coloration was made at the same time for a daughter--it's in Texas now. She shared a bit of her early quiltmaking history.

Anne K. proudly shared her first quilt made from a quilt top kit she got from her mother's drawer. This beautiful quilt was hand-quilted by her mother. Anne will treasure this quilt forever. She also proudly shows her Mystery quilt. Her border treatment is delightful. The workshop was only two weeks ago. She has been busy!

Maxine made the baby quilt for the first child of a daughter using units left from a wedding quilt. She added machine embroidery to personalize this quilt for the next generation. The denim quilt was made from squares she received and was told to make a quilt from them any way she liked. Marge B. shared her creation from a set of strips she desired to use. Her original border sets off the pretty stars.

Rayetta's first quilt was spread on the floor and a curved needle was used to tie the quilt. What women will go through to achieve their dreams. The backing on this quilt is smooth and tight--not a ripple. Thanks for sharing the memories!

Though many of the beautiful quilts and otherwise treasured memories were not captured, the meeting was delightful and we appreciate everyone who participated.

Next month will be our 20th birthday party. More information will be coming

March is Over! Are Winter Blues?

2009-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else just too tired of waking up to snow on the ground? Winter blues seemed to have escaped Ruby as she shows her recently completed "Railroad Crossing" (good work, Ruby) and Peggy who completed her "mystery" quilt from last week by sashing her blocks with her challenge fabric. Some lucky baby will soon be cuddled up in this cute quilt.

Marianne Hampton has contributed the recipe for the salad she shared at the luncheon on the Mystery Quilt event.

Blue Goose Pasta Salad --- Marianne Hampton

1 pkg shell macaroni
4 c chicken, cubed
¼ c scallions or green onions, minced
2 c apples, diced
2 c seedless grapes, red or green
2 c celery, diced
1 c crushed pineapple, drained (I use a 20 oz. can)
1 c mayo mixed with 1 c coleslaw dressing
½ c cashews (to taste)

Mix all together and chill.

Ruby shared the mystery quilt block she has made, and Eileen, who was not able to attend, showed the block she made using the instructions Ruby shared with her. Can you tell who made each block?

Necia has completed three more darling quilts for the NICU, and has another on the way. She has made significant contribution to our baby quilt project this year.

Peggy has the top completed from her Quilt Celebration project.

Next week is our monthly meeting in Pleasant Grove. Carrolee is in charge (Peggy is traveling again, lucky lady) and will be sending information so check back soon

Spring Mystery Quilt

2009-03-26T01:39:00.000-07:00

Claudia led an enthusiastic group of ladies through a great mystery quilt project on Tuesday. Your reporter was not able to attend, but details and pictures can be seen on Cathie's blog--click on link to your right. Thanks to you, Claudia, for a great and fulfilling day.

March Madness

2009-03-16T01:51:00.000-07:00

New Friends have had a flurry of activity during March, quite like the weather we have been experiencing of late.

March 3rd we had a great presentation from Jill Finley of Alpine.This photo, taken from her blog, shows her standing in front of one of the great quilts she shared with us, all of which are now patterned and available at her website: http://www.jillilystudio.com/.

Jill shared the new applique glue she has had developed and is now marketing. She showed us how she uses freezer paper (3 layers ironed together) for templates, spray starch applied to the seam allowance, and the pressing with an iron to press the seam allowances over which gives a smooth and crisp edge for applique. Her glue is placed with tiny dots to the seam allowance and then placed on the background fabric, thus holding it in place without pins!Many more pictures of her quilts were taken at the meeting but they can best be seen on her web site, so go take a look for yourself.

March 10th Cathie presented the next two blocks for the month. Shown below are the two blocks in one of the two quilts Cathie is working on.

These two variable star blocks will be quick and easy to stitch up for this month.

Our annual Quilt Celebration in commemoration of National Quilt Day was held on the 14th in the Sr. Citizen's basement. We had a day long sew-in of sampler blocks to create a 12-block sampler, with demonstrations of block construction each 40 minutes during the day. Several styles of quilts using the sampler block were on display. Jane brought several quilts using our baby challenge fabric and the sampler blocks to share.

After working hard for 3-1/2 hours, the potluck lunch was very welcome. Better than any buffet in our area (each dish had a great measure of love in it), the tasty food was enjoyed by everyone

An afternoon of stitching followed. Everyone was busy and very involved, even those who were visiting with friends we have not seen for a long time!

At the end of the day our youngest stitchers were proud to show off the result of their day of concentrated labor (of love).

Appreciation must be expressed to all the women who participated in this event from the planning, the setting up, the mentoring of those attending, and the final clean up, plus to those who take the time to come and join with us during the day. Thank you to all!

Coming up is our "DO YOUR OWN THING" next Tuesday, and on the 24th will be the Mystery Quilt by Claudia. The last week will be community service day.

Tuesdays in the Quilt Room

2009-02-18T00:24:00.000-08:00

This week information was given out about our annual Celebration to commemorate National Quilt Day. The PDF file containing the supply list and cutting instructions for the blocks will be e-mailed to you. You can download and print out your instructions in color and that will help you in your fabric selection. This picture is upside down, but the blocks will be taught throughout the day by the board members of New Friends. A soup and salad potluck lunch will be held with bread and drinks provided.

These big blocks are beginner easy, and we hope you will invite your friends to come and stitch with us on Saturday, March 14th. Mark your calendar now!

Peggy shared with us the creating of fabric Chinese take-out boxes for our workshop this week. The variety of prints that members used was interesting and will make for a delightful show and tell as these boxes take shape.

Cathie shared some cutting information to enhance what was given last week in the Block of the Month instruction. This month our challenge is to improve the accuracy of our cutting. Thank you, Cathy, for going the extra mile.

The quilt basting held on our last Community Service day has resulted in all of the baby quilts being finished. A few are still in homes to be bound. Tree quilts are also underway in the quilting process.

Come help us next week, as many hands make light work--and lots more quilts.

Group Update

2009-02-15T23:43:00.000-08:00

Can it be six weeks since the last post? Winter weather has curbed your editor's activities away from home. We all hope the worst is over.

Reports of serious health problems of several group members has concerned all of us. Our love and support go out to all of you, and wishes for a great recovery for all.

Peggy recently shared her Block of the Month quilt. Her theme was Family & Friendship, and she included many photos of family members and verses that support her theme. It was so enjoyable to see the creativity she put into her qhilt which will be cherished by her family for some time to come.

Marilyn has completed this quilt featuring original drawings of a great-grandson and is ready to hand-deliver it to him. Carmen helped her scan the drawings and they were sized to fit the quilt blocks. Peggy helped her mount them to the fabric with a dry press which does a better job than the home iron on such a large image. Carmen helped with the setting design, and Marilyn executed the rest of the quilt with her choice of fabrics and her own border design.

Our UFO P's and Q's are sure to unveil many other treasures in the months to come. Great work, ladies.

To see some of the February monthly meeting, click on Cathy's blog (ro your right) where she shares some of the applique technique that was taught.

There will be much activity in the group during the next month.

This week is a Make it & Take it session taught by Peggy--a fabric covered Chinese take-out box. Potluch lunch will be included with this project.

Community service week will follow. The March meeting will be a guest designer. Block of the month will feature blocks 5 and 6--we'll be halfway home! Claudia will be teaching a "mystery quilt" on the third Tuesday.

Look for updates on our annual Quilt Celebration in commemoration of National Quilt Day which will be a 12-block sampler quilt with new blocks being taught all through the day. Soup and salad potlock lunch will be included with bread and drink being provided. The date is Saturday, March 14th from 9-4 (come earlier to be set up before instruction starts) with block designs being taught by NFQC board members. This would be a great time to bring friends and family and introduce them to quilting. The public will be invited to participate. This is a hands-on sew-in. Mark your calendars now and clear your schedule so you don't miss this great day.

If you have not received the e-mailed materials list for the upcoming workshops, check with Peggy.

Tuesday Meeting

2009-01-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Snow cancelled the meeting last week. One look was enough for some of us to eagerly agree that staying home and quilting the day away was a good idea.

President Peggy sent the following e-mail:

"It looks like we will have good weather to meet this tuesday in American Fork.
Block of the Month is by Cathie Denney. If you have not gone to the web site to print out your pattern here is it again.
http://www.debbiemumm.com/ go to Project Archives, then to to Year Long Sampler Quilt Project and hit on 2008.
Bring you so and tell and what you have finished over the Holidays. See you all there."

Here is a photo of the quilt for the block of the month for this year:

Cathie has some great ideas about how to help us make great fabric selections for the quilt, so bring what you have pulled together this week.

I (Carmen) plan to make this year's sampler a special challenge--to get the top finished this time--with some block additions and changes to make it especially challenging for my own development. Come and join us for the fun!

January 6 2009 Meeting

2009-01-04T01:06:00.000-08:00

From Peggy, our President, comes the following:

Tuesday Jan. 6th is our first meeting of the New Year. Please remember that it is at the Pleasant Grove Library. Remember to bring your first or oldest quilt for show and tell ( you can bring your mother's or grandma's quilt too). We will also have our show and tell of quilts you finished during the holidays.

We will have Pot Luck there, so bring your finger foods.

UFO Rewards Plan

2009-01-04T00:52:00.000-08:00

Necia has accepted the assignment to create an awards program for 2009 to inspire us to complete those UFO (Un-Finished Objects) or PIGS (Projects in Grocery Sacks) that are begging for attention. She has proposed the following rules:

NAME: UFP's&Q's (Unfinished Projects and Quilts)
RULES :
1. You must have started the project at least 2 months previously.
2. No rules on how much time or effort or size needed to complete the project. (Sorry it doesn't seem fair, but how can we measure those things?)
3. You may enter your name in the Kitty for each project finished any week during the month. When you show the project, it would be fun to hear the history of the project.
4. There will be a drawing at the first meeting of each month on the projects finished the previous month.
5. At the end of each drawing all names will be put into a larger container. There will be a drawing from these names every 3 months.
6. There will be a final GRAND PRIZE drawing at the Christmas Party in December.

Depending on the amount of projects shown there may be more than one drawing each month.

The recent member survey requested this program, and it has been designed with your request in mind. We should all receive a renewed burst of enthusiasm toward dusting off those grocery bags and storage boxes and getting our quilts on the tables, walls and beds!

2009 Block of the Month

2009-01-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

From Cathie comes the following:

Happy New Year to all the New Friends members!

It soon will be Jan and we will be starting the Block of the Month (BOM) for 2009.
The board picked an easy one for you that will allow you to sharpen your quiltmaking skills and also if you have a friend or family member who says they want to learn how to quilt this is a GREAT opportunity to learn with lots of support from the group members.
http://www.debbiemumm.com/Projects/QuiltBlocks/2008/

Just click here to see the quilt blocks and the fabric requirements.
Just would like to use the BOM not to race through each block and make it "fast and dirty" but really work on improving a skill each motnh as we go along! Keeping points nice and sharp and not cut off, having all the "sides" of the block even and straight, work on really improving your skills and maybe learn something new to you!
I know it would be very easy to print off all the block directions and have the whole thing done by the end of Jan. but I hope you will jump into the spirit and really stretch your skills and make this year the one that you really find ways to improve!
I have attached a sample of MY fabric choices and as you see they are very much NOT Christmas at all but I intend on making a fun quilt and go outside my normal choices, maybe you can too!
Enjoy the rest of your holiday and see you in Jan at our Monthly meeting in PG!

Carmen adds: I hope group members appreciate the motivation and appreciation that comes from seeing others work in progress. We learn so much from each other as we see member's work a bit at a time from the color and print choices to the technical skills that are developed. I encourage each of us to participate in the block of the month for 2009 and be responsive to the request to bring your fabrics and blocks so that we can all learn together to improve our skills. Let's look at this project as a PROCESS rather than just making another quilt. We can all add so much enrichment to every member's expeirence if we ALL participate.

I hope we are all thawed out and ready for the group experience again on Tues. Jan. 6th in Pleasant Grove. See you there!

The Last Tree Quilt Top

2008-12-15T04:48:00.000-08:00

Carmen finished using ALL of the tree blocks by piecing a few extra to go with the leftovers. Some were too small, so were squared up to 9-inches. Adding a border to this smaller tree set makes this top the same size as all the rest. Nine quilts were the result--or will be when they are quilted.

Holiday Season Begins

2008-12-08T11:34:00.000-08:00

Judy and Santa well express the joy of the season, and I hope that all your holiday wishes come true!

The annual Christmas party was an enjoyable event for all that were able to attend. To view a report of the evening, click on Cathie's blog in our member blog list. Our frundraising quilt was drawn for, and our 2008 New Friends year has ended. However, the quilt room will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather cooperating, so come on in to finish up a project or just to visit. Otherwise, have a great holiday season and we'll meet again January 6th.

Don't forget to check the blog for announcements for the coming year events. Peggy has a great meeting planned to start the year, so watch for updates! Did you know that we're almost at our 20th year?

Trees

2008-11-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

On the last community service day of the year we worked on setting tree quilts. We had five to set, and all were sewn and pressed ready for basting that day. Carmen reports that the leftover blocks have been squared up and an 8th quilt top is set. The final four blocks have some new friends cut out and ready to be sewn, and this will make 9 quilt tops in all.

It was a busy day in the quilt room with everyone sharing the pinning, sewing and pressing, and it is impressive to see the quilts all lined up together.

It is interesting to note that many of the fabrics used to make the trees were not "tree" fabrics, but they worked well in the design, and have made an impressive project.

Good work, Ladies! We'll have projects ready to be completed in the new year.

Remember that the Christmas party is on Tuesday the 2nd at 6:30. See you all there!

More Tablerunners and Centerpieces

2008-11-29T18:54:00.001-08:00

Here are the lasted projects of our group ladies"

Necia did some Broderie Perse to complete this piece. She reports that she has made 40+ table runners for Festival of the Trees. You're amazing, Necia!

Here is Claudia's star.

Maryanne

More spirals

Hiding face of the mystery quilter.

Christina

Recipe from Judy

2008-11-27T10:53:00.000-08:00

Makes 10-12 servings of Veggie Cassarole

1. 6 C. thinkly sliced zucchini. (about three large)
2. 6 C. " " yellow squash (about 5 medium)
3. 4 C. broccoli florets
4. 2 C. grated carrot (about 3 large)
5.....1 red bell papper, chopped
6.....1 large onion, chopped
7......21/2 C. shredded Swiss cheese
8......1/2 C. butter
9.....2 C. sour cream
10......2 large eggs, lightly beaten
11......2 tsp. salt
12.......11/2 tsp ground black pepper
13.....1 (6 oz) box savory herb stuffing mix
14......2 C. French fried onion rings.

Preheat oven 350" Lightly great a 3-qt baking dish. combine 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. and water to cover.
Boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Drain well.
In a large bowl combine drained mixture..7.and 8. stirring until melted. Add 9. 10. 11. 12. stirring until combined
Add 13 . stir well. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish; bake 20 minutes. Sprinkle casserole evenly with onion rings. Bakke 10-15 minuteslonger or until hot and bubbly. Serve immdiately. It was really good.

Shared Recipes

2008-11-14T10:30:00.001-08:00

From Kenna Jean Hammaker:
This is the recipe for the salad I made at the retreat.
Ingredients:16 oz bottle favorite ceasar Dressing1 to 2 pounds cold cooked chicken8 oz grapes8 oz fresh spinage chopped16 oz package of bow tie pastaPreperation time take about 30 mins.1- Cook pasta a cording to direction on box. Drain, and then mix 2 oz of the dressing on the pasta. Refrigerate until cold.2- When chicken and pasta are cold mix the rest of the salad dressing with the pasta. Add grapes and spinage. Serve cold

From Arlene Sorenson

Cranberry Chicken

2 tab honey 1 (16-oz.) can whole
2 tab orange juice cranberry sauce)
1 tea grated orange 4 chicken breasts, boned
peel skinned
1/2 tea ground
allspice

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix honey, orange juice,
orange peel, allspice and cranberry sause in a small
bowl. Remove all visible fat from chicken breasts.
Put chicken in 9 in. square oven proof container
( or simmilar size container). Pour 1/2 of mixture over
chicken breasts. Bake 15 minutes. Turn chicken pieces:
pour on remaining sauce. Continue baking another 30
to 35 minutes.

(My changes: I use more of the orange peel and most
of the juice from one orange. I add 1 tab cornstarch to
thicken it because my husband likes to use this over
baked potatoes. It is a prettier color without the cornstarch.
I cook it about 1 hour total.)

It makes the house smell so good while it's cooking!

November Meeting

2008-11-13T19:54:00.001-08:00

Our Pleasant Grove meeting presentation was a trunk show by Jan Olson, assisted by Diana Long, members of the Dog Kennel Girls quilt group that meets in Highland. Peggy sent me the pictures so we could share them with you.

More Table Runners

2008-11-13T19:30:00.000-08:00

Necia is on a roll. She is working on 30 runners for Festival of the Trees, plus lots more that have been on order from members of her choral group. She still found time to introduce another applique technique for our November 11th technique day--a scribble edge applique.

Here are some photos of some more of the table runners that group members are creating. Enjoy!

Note the different edge finishes in these completed samples. Many of the runners have been made with stripe fabric. Four tops can be made with 1-1/4-yard of fabric.

October Retreat

2008-11-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

What could be more enjoyable than an evening of uninterrupted sewing, visiting with friends and excellent food? Almost NOTHING, and that was what we participated in on the evening of October 24th at the Jacob's Senior Center in Pleasant Grove. We were ready to set up after driving a herd of girl scouts in Halloween costumes carrying painted pumpkins out to the parking lot to waiting parents. Electrical cords, machines and fabric were set up and we were decidedly ready for the start of the evening.

There were so many delicious temptations it was hard to decide what to choose. Salads, veggies, main dishes, soups, breads and naturally, desserts. We requested the ladies to submit their recipies so they could be shared on our blog.

Visiting about every subject possible continud throughout the meal as we sampled everything we could.

Necia was our instructor for the evening and as soon as she shared her beginning instructions, strip sets were stitched and pressed to begin our project for the evening, a table centerpiece star

Necia directed the cutting of the strip sets and it was not long before partial stars began to appear on table tops.

For the non-stop sewers, some star tops were finished that night, while others have been brought for show and tell. Aren't they wonderful?

Other projects were worked on during the evening by some of the members.

Kits for this Halloween witch were given to each participiant, as well as "cupcake" pincusions, a goodie bag containing the required chocolate, as well as many great doorprizes including books and quilt kits. It was a great night for all, and great appreciation goes to Christina for the organization and Necia for the teaching.

Let's do this again!

Spiral Table Runner Workshop

2008-10-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

How does this

Get to this--

--in just a few short minutes? Karen was the instructor for this workshop and helped us get from strip set to tablerunner with quick and easy spiral technique. The strip set is sewn in a spiral method, one side is cut so the spiral lies flat, and with a bit of trimming the beautiful table runner top is done! Necia likes to "envelope" finish her tops, and Karen likes the contrast and finish of binding.

My (Carmen) runner finished like this after the spiral was sewn and the trimming was done. My strip set started different than the basic instructions. So many variations are possible as a change in strip color and width changes the entire project. What an enjoyable time we had! In future posts I will add pictures of other tablerunners that were brought for show and tell and those stitched up at the workshop.

Table Runner Workshop and RETREAT!

2008-10-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, Oct. 21st, a tablerunner workshop will be held with plenty of "teachers" who assure us that one can be completed in one hour! Using a spiral seaming technique, one strip set magically turns into a whole diagonally pieced top. Necia brought several to show us last week, and you just will not want to miss seeing them all (plus what she will probably stitch up during the week--she says she is hooked on spiral piecing) when we gather on Tuesday.

You need to cut and have ready:
One 8-inch strip of main print--if using a large print, this is the place to use it
Two 2-inch strips of contrast color
One 1-inch strip of contrast color
Cut all the strips across the width of the fabric (42-44-inches long)

This table runner can be completed by the quick-turn method, so bring lightweight batting and backing fabric as well.

Please bring what sewing supplies you need. Remember, there are only 4-sewing machines available, so PLEASE bring your own if possiible.

The annual retreat will be on Friday. Supplies were given in an earlier post. Christina has the patterns for you and you will get them at the retreat. There is a $5. charge for the building rental. Christina also wants to remind you of the potluck for dinner that evening. Get your supplies together and join us for a great evening (midnight - morning?)

Technique Week on Tuesday

2008-10-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Necia has a great new applique technique for us for this month. Our pieced block will feature working with trapezoids--you know, those decapitated triangles. The block pattern will be trees that can be used for the autumn and winter holiday seasons.

Remember your yo-yo's and to bring your completed surveys if you have not turned them in.

See you at 10 AM on the 14th.

October Monthly Meeting

2008-10-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

It was our great privilege to have Helen Butler, current president of the UVQG, share with us the basket quilt which she designed and created as the BOM for last year's guild project. She told about the influences for the decisions for the designs and fabric selection in her creation. I have had camera problems, so was quite frustrated not to be able to get quality shots of the many things she had prepared for us. However, what I was able to get I am sharing with you, and you can take the good with the bad.

Helen showed a beautiful quilt that was at the Springville show this year, with elegant hand applique and beautiful hand quilting with trupunto motifs that she did after the quilt was finished with a hand needle and yarn. We all jawed a bit about judging comments and standards, but no one in the room, including Helen, could question the beauty and perfection of her workmanship. She shared several works in progress that were very notable. Her table runner that was designed from an embossed platter, a truly exciting version of Northwind from a class, and another elegant applique quilt upon which she is making border decisions. Then Helen must decide on hand or machine quilting. With her skill at both, either way the quilt would be a great show-stopper and a tribute to her workmanship. No amount of thank you messages would ever be enough to express our appreciation to Helen for her ideas that she shared as well as the appreciation we all felt for the privilege of viewing her masterpieces. It is so nice to know that we have such great artists living among us.

Our group show and tell was also wonderful, and I am so sorrowful for the camera glitches! Marilyn shared two wonderful baby quilts as well as Swedish embroidery that will be given to her most recent great-grandchildren. Wren shared some wonderful quilts that have been brought to her for the quilting, sharing because they were so lovely. Maryanne shared a wonderful 9-patch from a block exchange and her backwork which included orphans from another project. There were other items--the woe of not having the camera memories! Thank you all ladies--this is all what makes our monthly meetings so special--YOU!

Interest surveys were completed by half of the group. We really need the rest of them turned in right away so that your desires will not be overlooked in our planning for next year.

I've added some links to other blogs that you may want to read. Cathie has some nice notes about the monthly meeting that you may enjoy, as well as a blog about the Civil War Love Letters group, so click on in on her site, too.

Yo Yo's for the Christmas Party

2008-10-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Last week Ruth brought fabric for yo-yo's and we all pitched in to start stitching for the make-it and take-it that will be done at the party. Many ladies brought the Yo-Yo makers by Clover--most never having used them. With a fumble-fingered demo by me, Carmen, the ladies got the hang of it and whipped up a pile. The photo shows the ones I did at home while watching the LDS conference sessions this weekend. I went to a web site to look up a pattern that Christina had used for a bag (more after this) and found a wonderful demo of the yo-yo makers by Clover that is colorful, very step-by-step, so it will be worth your time to take a look at it. It is at http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/ and the site also features the lazy angle ruler that we used a few years ago when it was just new on the market. There is a quilt pattern, too, as well as the bag.

Christina made me this darling bag using the great chicken prints, magnetic closure, and even a zipper opening on the back. Not shown is the great hardware she used for the shoulder handle. I have truly loved this bag and have it where I see it all day long. Right now it is holding some hand-quilting supplies for a quilt I am working on, but have used it for the checkbook and credit card for shopping as well. The site is at the Lazy Girl Designs site (see above) so click on in and take a look around.

On the completed interest surveys that were turned in at our meeting today there were several mentions of doing a yo-yo project with the quilt group. Maybe the site will give you some ideas of how and where they can be used. Have fun--and keep stitching!

Retreat Update

2008-10-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Necia has shown her sample strip set from which she planes her next topper. She says she has discovered that if the strip sets are arranged with dark on both sides of the set she gets a dark outside edge all around. As shown above, the dark red outside edge would be light if the colors had been arranged from dark to light in both colorways. Think about that when you select your colors

Christina has the patterns that were ordered and they will be given out the night of the retreat. The supply list for the retreat follows:

7 fabrics (for 36-inch) or 8 fabrics (fir 42-inch) 1/4-yard of each MUST be 42" long.

Choose any color/s you like, but watch the scale of the prints. Small scale is best.

1-1/4 yard (for 36-inch) or 1-1/2-yard (for 43-inch) backing fabric and cltton batting

Rotary cutter and mat; 12-1/2-inch square ruler or "Setting Triangle Ruler" by Little Foot Ltd.; long cutting ruler

Thread, safety pins, masking tape and other basic sewing supplies

Sewing machine (don't forget the control), extension cord and portable light if desired.

Next week at our meeting at the Pleasant Grove Library we will have a trunk show by Helen Butler. We also have an interest survey that will be important for you to complete so that your board can finifh the planning for next year. Also under consideration is a change in our calendar year which will require a by-law change if members approve. No change in elections this year would be required. Learn all about it at our meeting next week.

Community Service

2008-09-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, September 30th, we will be making yo-yo-s for a make-it and-take-it project that will be done at our annual Christmas party in December. Ruth has the fabric ready and needs willing hands to help with the preparation. If you have the new "yo-yo maker" tools, please bring them. This will be a great opportunity for you to learn how to use them if you have not tried them out before. In addition, you get time to just visit with friends as you stitch!

Peggy has scheduled a pre-planning board meeting that day. If you have ideas for quilt group activities, please share them with the board right away so your interests can be planned for, too. She has also asked for ideas for a yearly "theme" and is offering a great prize for the winning idea. Look through your idea file--books, magazines, scrapbooks, someday files--and please jot down any ideas for projects or themes that can be used to stimulate the next year or two programming. We all would appreciate your input.

Show and Tell

2008-09-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Necia won the quilt top at UGQ Festival last year at Orphan Block night. She bordered the quilt, had a friend quilt it, and she is donating it back to UQG for one of their charitable projects.

Jeanne Adamson created this quilt using the pink ribbon print for the center panel, and it is being donated to UQG for the cancer awareness program.

Leslie donated this lovely baby quilt, made as this year's challenge quilt. She said she is trying to master her machine quilting, and we think she is quite successful.

Tuesday, the 23rd, several edge finishes will be taught. This is a workshop day, so will be a "hands-on" day. Look for an e-mail with supply information for the methods being taught.

Photos at last!

2008-09-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

Dalene's lovely quilt is off to the quilter to be ready for her daughter's wedding. Lovely job, Dalene. We all appreciate seeing each other's special projects!

Marilyn brought her latest Ruth Jensen design, the darling bear quilt, to show the group. A diversion from frogs and dogs, she claims that this is not the easiest of the three, but her workmanship is lovely, as usual.

The completed sawtooth star in a star blocks that were brought for show and tell are pictured here. This quilt design has many disguises when the value placement is changed in the block. Thank you for sharing your blocks, ladies.

This week we'll learn the last star technique of the year using a partial seam. See you at meeting!

New Friends News

2008-09-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

This week our brave President is off on a vacation which includes horseback riding. We wish her a pleasant trip and a soft tush! Dalene has finished the quilt for her daughter's wedding and it is off for a quick trip to a quilter. Carmen's husband is recovering from shoulder surgery and all is going well so next week we'll be presented this month's technique block which uses a partial seam technique. Cathie is recovering from her daughter's move and minor illness in her family which "forced" her to spend more enjoyable time with her grandson. Anything else important?

We received news that the Pleasant Grove Heritage Festival is tomorrow in the building next to the recreation center. The quilts are being received between 8 and 10 AM and will be taken down at 5 PM. They would appreciate support of this show.

Night group ladies worked on the Debbie Mumm quilt they have chosen for this season's block of the month project. The next two blocks will be presented in October. The quilt can be seen at www.debbiemumm.com

Following the instruction given by Christina on needle-turned applique, we're hopeful that you are finding something interesting at home that you can try this method on . Cathie took pictures of the show and tell in the quilt rooom on Tuesday. As soon as they are available we'll get them up for you. In the meantime, get ready for next week's "do your own thing" day so you can show us what you are working on., as well as learn the partial seam technique. The following week is an edge-finishing workshop. Several ladies are preparing to attend the UGQ festival being held in Ogden. Don't forget there is a great show and vcndor's mall, so if not attending classes you may want to take a day's field trip to the Convention Center and take in the sites.

Christmas Club will be back in sesson on Thursdayl We hope to see you then, too. Happy Quilting.

Centerpiece for UGQ Quilt Fest

2008-09-05T04:14:00.000-07:00

Peggy delivered this wonderful tropical paradise centerpiece made up of a wodden cabinet filled with tropical prints and drawers holding quilting notions, a CD of Hawwian music and the items shown above. Thank you all for your contributions. It will be auctioned off at Quilt Fest in Ogdem later this mont.

Peggy took our fund-raising quilt to UVQG in August and we received more contributions on it. Thank you, Peggy, for your dedicated service to the group.

Our 1st Christmas Club meeting was yesterday, Sept. 4th. Carmen got a good start on the Christmas quilt she is working on. Next meeting is Sept. 11th.

Tuesday, Sept. 9th, Christina is sharing a great method of needle-turned applique that gives great results, especially for beginners in needle-turn method. Carmen will share a partial-seam technique in block construction with a new sampler block design.

Macey's Little Theater

2008-09-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

What a great day we had at the Pleasant Grove Macey's Little Theater where there was a generous sharing of food-fruit-vegetable-related quilt projects! The door prize of a great pieced and embroidered quilt was awarded to Jeanie shown here with Peggy. Smiles also greeted us from our hostess who shared some yummy recipes and cooking tips. Even the first snow on the mountain tops didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the ladies today!

Special Interest Groups

2008-08-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

CIVIL WAR LOVE LETTERS QUILT group meets the first Tuesday of each month from about noon to 1:30 PM following the NFQC monthly meeting. Christina N. is the hostess of the group for this month, and this week the meeting will be held at her home. Taking turns each month, the hostess will give piecing instructions for six blocks as well as sharing the letters that accompany each block. Cathie D. is the organizer for this group, so contact her for further information. They would love to have you join them.

CHRISTMAS CLUB will start meeting on Thursdays starting this week. Remember all those projects you said you would finish last year that you didn't finish? Or that new pattern you got and have not started yet? Grab an empty suitcase and put your projects, patterns and fabric in it, and join us on Thursdays for some incentive and cheers for progress that will help you accomplish your goals. Carmen is starting a Santa applique' and plans on doing some holiday pillow cases. What's in your bag?

I SPY FABRIC EXCHANGE has been requested by Leslie. Peggy has announced an exchange on September 19th of 9-inch squares, so gather your fabrics and get prepared for this exchange. If you have questions, direct them to Peggy.

August Community Service

2008-08-27T03:31:00.000-07:00

Hard-working ladies cut and stitched the rows for another mock-barjello style quilt this week. Again, using quilt room stash fabrics, we worked on a 3-fabric arrangement. Carmen stayed in the afternoon and used the leftovers for a baby size quilt which also is in progress.

Signups for the patterns for our October Retreat are taking place. They will be ordered soon, so be sure you get your name on the list!

Next Tuesday we will be meeting at the Macey's store in Pleasant Grove for our monthly meeting. There will be door prizes, recipes, and show and tell. Bring your "food" theme quilts this month. There will be a special presentation by the Macey's staff. Someone will be at the front door to direct you to the auditorium which is near the pharmacy. This is sure to be a grreat event for all of us; We'll see you there!

Retreat News

2008-08-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

Christina has announced plans for our annual retreat that will be held in October. Shown here are the two pieces that Necia has made with the pattern that will be available for $7. Be sure to order your pattern from Christina so you will not miss out.

This beautiful centerpiece is made from strip sets, and can easily be finished in one evening. Necia displays the red and blue on on her kitchen table. The piece in blues and lavendars was made from fabrics left from a wedding quilt that went as a gift to the bride from Necia. Supply list information will soon be out so that you can select your fabric and have your strips cut prior to the retreat.

On August 19th the group ladies went over all the magazines in our library and have removed duplicate copies. These duplicate copies will be available to members next week. Any remaining magazines will be donated to UVQG for their book sale in November. We appreciate the time spent by the ladies in helping us to organize the library collection.

Looks Great!

2008-08-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here is one of two lap-size quilt tops that were pieced during our July community service day. There were only two rectangles of one fabric and two sets of two rectangles sewn by the group that were left following the setting of the two tops. Some quilts are just meant to be made! One quilt has been basted with a cozy flannel backing and is ready for quilting. The second will follow shortly. Thank you, ladies, for your participation with these quilts.

In August we are going to work on another variation of this quilt design using more of the fabrics that have been donated to us for our quilt projects. If you can bring a machine it will be helpful. We'll be cutting, seaming, pressing and everyone is invited to participate.

Christina has announced the project for the retreat in Octover which is a strip-pieced star. She and Necia will be co-teaching. This would make a perfect centerpiece for seasonal decorating, or for a gift for the upcoming holidays. It can be completed in one session so watch for updates on pattern availability and supply requirements.

Springville

2008-07-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

A trip to the Springville Museum of Art quilt show yesterday was very inspiring. When I go to quilt shows I try to focus on one aspect of quilt-making and see what I can learn from the exhibits. This year I chose to focus on borders. What a great variety I found, and took many photos for inspiration. When considered as the frame to the central design, I found great diversity in how the artists used color and fabric for this purpose.

Another subject of study is the way quilting design is used. You will just have to see Judy Dixon's quilt (winner of the Steel Days Best of Show and People's Choice awards) for which she won a ribbon for her hand quilting. Machine quilting has taken over the quilt world, for better or worse, but a beautiful example is illustrated in the photo of the beautiful bird quilt-sorry, I didn't take note of the artist-that shows how machine quilting can be used to showcase the applique' rather than take on a life of its own.

New Friends day group will see the show on our annual field trip August 5th, and night group will go the next week on Wednesday evening. Be sure to take in the show as it is well worth the trip.

Also two beautiful quilts were entered by JoAnne Abel (President of the Night Group) which showcase the creativity and skills in her quiltworks. My pictures of them were not very good, so didn't want to post them as they don't do the quilts justice. Don't miss them when you view the show.

Tuesday Meeting

2008-07-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today was "Do your own thing" day, and we had quite a few ladies there. Peggy received help with packing up of the quilt show supplies and taking inventory. Several exhibitors came for their quilts today. A few more to go, and the quilt show is really over?

Marilyn shared a cut puppy quilt she has made for a great-grandchild. And Nancy arrived so we could sing "happy birthday" to her on her special day.

Carmen recived a phone call from Elaine Beer this morning, and she has donated her whole collection of whole-clath quilt designs for our library . She also brought books and drawings of quilting designes that will be a great resource for all of us. Elaine is well, but age is slowing her down and she doesn't do as much quilting as she did in the past. We enjoyed a short visit with her and her daughter, Necia, from Arizona who is helping Elaine clean out the stash. Elaine also donated some fabric and batting for our community service projects which is greatly appreciated.

Next week's meeting is our Community Service week. Peggy hopes that everyone who has not completed their "fabric challenge" quilt will bring them so they can receive help in finishing them. Last month we started cutting for a "London Stairs" quilt, so Carmen plans ongetting us started on stitching it up, too. Peggy will e-mail information on the challenge quilts.

Quilt Show Ocer

2008-07-20T13:59:00.001-07:00

The people's choice award and the best of show award went to the same quilt artist this year, the first time this has occurred in the 18 years of the Steel Days quilt show. Judy Dixon is the proud owner of the two prize-winning quilts. Thank you, Judy, for sharing your artistry with us and congratulations to you.

All the cummunity service quilts for Project Linus were picked up by Judy Cox, project coordinator. The baby quilts are packed and ready for delivery as soon as Necia and Claudia get together for the trip to Provo.

We received a surprise visit to the doll and quilt show by Caleb Warnock, writer for the Daily Herald. He asked for a tour of the quilt show, and Sunday morning the article appeared in section three of the paper. It was especially surprising for the Martinez Family, as a report of Coleman and his birthday quilt appeared in print. He happily slept is first night under the quilt, and immediately spread it out to find again his "favorite" square!

Grandma's do have privilege, don't they? Thanks goes to caleb for his informative article.

July 2008

2008-07-18T22:18:00.000-07:00

It is so exciting to see the large display of quilts at the annual Steel Days quilt show. After tomorrow all these quilts will be donated to the NEO-NATAL unit at UVRMC and to PROJECT LINUS. Although not shown (as they were all hung,) the Challenge quilts for this year are wonderful and will be a special gift to the receiving agencies.

Much thanks is due to Peggy N. for her chairmanship of our annual show, and appreciation to all who contributed as exhibitors, helping with the setup, hostess duties, and the take down. It has been very popular with the public this year. Sales of our tickets on the beautiful fund-raising quilt which was set by Christina and quilted by Wren have been brisk, and should be great sucess this year.

We finished 11 rag-edge flannel quilts which were all on display. July 29th will be our next community service day, and we will be working on some new projects. Be there at 10 AM for a drawing from the "Goodie Box."

July 22 is the 80th birthday of member Nancy D. Congratulations to you, Nancy! She recently commented that a year ago she did not believe she could ever make a nice quilt by herself. Her two beautiful exhibits at the quilt show showcase her talents. Great work, Nancy!

In August we'll have another applique' and piecing technique day, and we'll also be taking a trip to the Springville Art Museum show. We'll see you all soon!

March Update

2008-03-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

The first quilts of the baby quilt challenge are in! The quilts will be on exhibit at the Steel Days quilt show in July. Don't miss out--get your challenge fabric from Claudia if you do not have it. Thank you Nancy, Jane and Peggy.

The March meeting will have the theme of Nostaliga featuring keepsakes paired with quilts. Signature quilts, keepsake linens and similar ideas will be shared. Remember your Show & Tell--March 4 at 10 AM in Pleasant Grove.

A special workshop in April with quilt show award winner Terry Young has been scheduled, and we will be learning to make Lone Star quilts. She will teach us the strip-piecing method of construction. Look for supply information n the near future. Terry's clear instruction and success oriented methods will be appreciated by everyone attending the workshop.

The pieced block for technique week will be a traditional pieced tulip--just in time for spring, The featured technique will be half-square triangles. This will give you a second spring flower block to go with your paper-pieced crocus from last month. Necia will have another applique tecnique ready to share on March 11th. Be sure to bring your blocks from last month to the technique day workshops. You may receive something from the "goodie box" if you have done your homework. Carmen has corrected the size of the crocus block, so get your corrected pattern at the quilt room or the March 4rh meeting. Sorry for the inconvenience.

We were able to complete tops for 4-1/2- flannel rag-edge quilts at the February community service day. In March we will finish the quilts with batting and backing. Several baby quilts are out for quilting and binding by group members now. The donation shelf in the quilt room is starting to fill up. Thank you all for your assistance with these projects.

Remember Thursdays are available for you to use the quilt room and receive help on your projects. Contact Carmen to be sure of available instruction time.

February Monthly Meeting

2008-01-29T13:58:00.000-08:00

We will honor the past presidents of New Friends at our meeting at 10 AM in Pleasant Grove on Tuesday, February 5th. We are now in our 18th year of our organization, and many wonderful women have led our group. Come and see some quiltworks of these great women as we honor their service.

Our yearly "Baby Quilt Challenge" is underway, lead by Claudia J. If you have not picked up your fabric yet, be sure to come prepared to do so at the meeting. Some wonderful designs are underway by group members, and it will be exciting to see them on display at the Steel Days quilt show in July. Be sure to get in on the fun. Claudia has promised a different idea for using the print panels at each meeting, so is herself more than meeting a challenge goal. Just think of all the babies that can sleep under one of the member's creations!

Remember to bring your own show and tell--a favorite part of each meeting. If you completed your monthly technique blocks, bring them to share, too. We all gain so much from this exchange and appreciate the encouraging of our efforts by group members. We all need each other, so let's share our progress.

New Friends Night Group

2008-01-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

The night group is starting a new project--a seasonal wall hanging series as shown in the pictures from the Holiday Auction 2007. The designs for each month are placed in the quilted "frame" for seasonal decoration. Each member is requested to purchase the instruction book by Utah designer Janet Selek, and the group instriction will by by Cathie D. Everyone is invited to participate in this project which will be ongoing for the next few months as a block of the month project. We meet at 7 PM the second and last Tuesdays of each month.

Log Cabin and Snowman Blocks

2008-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

With the extremely cold weather we're experiencing now, we hope you are finding plenty of time to sew. The first two block techniques were shared at group meeting last week. Necia shared some ideas for raw- edge applique' with a cute snowman block to celebrate the winter season. She shared a quilt top she had previously done as a block of the month quilt which had all been done with this applique' technique. Carmen shared lob cabin technique, and provided a pre-cut kit for a block to practice on. Also she shared several variations for a 9-inch block. Remember to bring back your completed block so you're elegible for the "surprise."

I was asked by a group member if she had to make her own log cabin block as well as the one in the kit. Well, there are really only two things you HAVE to do in this world; be born and to die. In between there are a lot of things that we find helpful to accomplish, but it is your choice as to which choices you make. The reason for this assignment was an excellent check on the accuracy of your seam allowance. Sometimes we "think" we are accurate, but in this project we can learn more about our seaming practices. My first blocks were great, then on the 4th and 5th I had to take out a couple of seams. I also learned that I really need to pay close attention to the ending of my seams, as I tend to sway out to the cut edge at the end of the seam, making the final corner of my block quite crooked. I intend to pay much more attention to this little detail in the future.

Another question that members have is what the final result of their block making will be. There is no "planned" project this year, but during the year we will be sharing ideas as to how your blocks can be used. This week I made a snowman table runner with log cabin ends, using both of the techniques presented this week. I'm in the process of making a quilted background block upon which I can showcase my 9-inch blocks during the year, with plans to place the snowman block in the "frame" for the winter season. I'll be sharing those ideas at upcoming meetings. Peggy N. is searching the internet for pictures of samplers and saving the pictures on her computer. She's looking for color schemes she likes as well as ideas for setting her blocks. She is also scanning magazine pictures that she finds appealing to add to her file. Good work, Peggy!

Necia brought in a CD from the Holiday Auction which I have on the computer at the center so you can all see the pictures now. There is one picture of a sampler that I thought quite interesting and might give an idea of how your blocks could be used:

The multicolors in this quilt are successfully used together, and the multicolor print in the border brings them all into harmony with each other. This illustration could be a good start for your own collection of ideas. A right click of the mouse will allow you to save it. Watch for future additions of ideas.

Tuesday Jan. 22, Christina will be working with us on making 8-inch basket blocks for the fund-raising quilt for this year. Civil War style prints are suggested. She will have patterns for you to trace. We hope to see all of you participating in this great project.

Get those January blocks completed, and bring them for show and tell. See you Soon. --Carmen

Supply List

2007-12-29T20:17:00.000-08:00

Peggy e-mailed me and suggested I post a picture of the quilt we are making. Sorry--it has not been made yet! We are making blocks in both applique technique and piecing technique that will be sized for 9-inch blocks, which can be used for a sampler quilt, table runners and toppers, or seasonal wall quilts. Sorry that I didn't make that clear.

So ladies, choose fabric/s you like so that your blocks will all go together at the end of the year, or select a few fabrics in prints that you like that can be used for one season only, or one holiday only, or those that can be used through the year. Right now I am thinking of blues as I have a whole collection of blues--mostly small sample pieces--that might be fun to work with. If I add a few oranges I have a complementary color scheme. Or I can use blues for a winter theme quilt, or I can start with blues, and add other fabrics as I go along to add interest to them. On the other hand I have a floral print that I like a lot and maybe I'll just choose some prints to go with it so that all my blocks will have similar coloration in all of them. You see, it really doesn't matter so much right now--just collect some things you think you might enjoy working with and be ready for the first lesson we'll have in January.

Through the year I'll have illustrations of how these blocks can be used in different projects, so this blog will be useful in helping you to see some of the ideas. We're focusing in mastering techniques this year so you may not end up with the same project even though you start with the same blocks.

Have a great New Year weekend, and we'll see you in Pleasant Grove on the 8th! Carmen

Technique Week Supplies

2007-12-25T19:45:00.000-08:00

At 7:50 PM on Dec. 24 I put in the last stitch and did the final thread trimming on the 6th Christmas qilt (the one for me) so I met my major goal of finishing before Christmas--barely! I hope your holiday plans were successful too, and that you had a great day.

There are six more days before your last quarter of QEMU is over. Gradiation plans are in process, and you don't want to miss out! Get your records ready so you can turn in your hours at the first of the year.

Supply list for the blocks for Technique Week projects for 2008:

Approximately four yards of a background fabric/s. They should be light in value in comparison to the focus fabrics you will use.

One half to 1 yard of main print fabric--the one you will use for the main part of most of your blocks. You will want more fabric if you want to use it for a border.

Fat Quarters of fabrics to go with your main print fabric. A "sparkle" fabric to accent your main print should be added to your selection. I suggest about six FQ's , as this will give you a good start. As the project moves along you can add more fats to your collection as you need or wnt them. (See shopping information below). If you have smaller pieces that go along with your selection, add them as the applique' blocks can use small amounts of fabrics in many cases.

Special tools for specfic projects will be suggested in specific month's supply lists that will be e-mailed to you by Peggy.

I suggest you get a special container to hold all your fabrics and supplies for this quilt I find a small travel suitcase perfect, especially if it has wheels, and I love the snap-on lid containers made for food storage to keep small things together so they don't bounce around inside the larger container. I like to keep my cutting and sewing supplies together in a snap-on lid container so I can use them at home, but can quickly be put back in for taking to class. A list of the contents taped inside the lid can help you quickly assess if everything you need is there. A quick check can save you the agony you feel when something is missing when you get to class. (Ask me how I know).

Shopping Information:

As it is the end of the year, most quilt shops are having their seasonal clearance sales, which often includes FQ's. See the sales at http://www.floydsewingmachines.com/, http://www.thematerialgirlsquilting.com/, on line. JoAnn Fabric New Year's Sale Dec. 29-Jan. 1 is having their cut FQ's for $1.00, and their Country Classic Solids for @1.99. Also sewing and quilting cutting tools are 40% off, quilting notions are 50% off, and thread is 50% off. Hope you get to pick up some bargains this week. See you soon--Carmen

Round Robin

2007-12-16T11:11:00.000-08:00

I received my Round Robin quilt yesterday. To my disappointment, o one had made notes on the log page, so I have no idea whom to credit for their fine workmanship! The picture does not do it justice. Thanks to all who participated.

If you have a picture of your round robin, please e-mail it to me and I'll add it to the post.

2007-12-12T00:25:00.000-08:00

New Friends Quilt Circle

2008

Welcome to the new blog created just for you! Visit often and see what's new with us and what we'll be doing at group meetings.

Our 2008 theme is Seasons.

We are looking forward to a new year of mastering quiltmaking skills in 2008 with quilt group members. We're introducing a "technique" week which will be our new "block of the month" format. We hope you will enjoy this new plan.

Necia will be preparing a sample of the applique' techniques presented in the book some of you have purchased, (sorry, I don't have the book, so can't give you the name of it now) and will teach you a different form of applique' each month. There will be a demonstration of a quilting tool that is on the market currently, and you will learn how to use it--a different tool each month. Carmen will be teaching a piecing technique each month to help you master your piecing skills. You will make sample blocks of applique' and piecing which we have scaled to 9-inch blocks so at the end of the year you will have blocks for a quilt, seasonal wall hangings, table runners, or project of your choice. We have chosen this format for the block of the month so that everyone can accomplish the goal of making two blocks a month while learning and mastering basic techniques at the same time. For some of us it will be a review while for others it will be an introduction of the planned techniques, but we all will benefit from the practice with the planned blocks.

Technique week will be the second week of the month, following our group meeting in Pleasant Grove. The third week will be workshops, development of designs based on the technique presented on technique week, and on working on your own projects.

The last week will be Community Service as uaual. We're ready in January to set the blocks we have been stitching into quilts.

Peggy will be sending out the usuald e-mail notices. Carmen will keep up the blog for more detailed information, pictures, and news for group members.

We will have some great workshops during the year, with four seasonal wall hangings and some guest instructor workshops as well. Our annual retreat is being planned by Christina, and is sure to be fantastic!

Our January meeting will be the second week as the first week of January is New Year's Day. We will meet in Pleasant Grove and the planned meeting is a trunk show from a quilt shop in Payson. We'll have a lot of news to share about our next year projects, so we look forward to seeing you on January 8th.