Prairie Star Press, September 2008
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear quilting friends,
Is this the end? Say it isn't so! We celebrated Labor Day on Monday, and now on Wednesday the temperature is only 70! It's been a great summer, but I'm not ready to give it up just yet.Everyone had a wonderful time at our picnic in a different month this year. July was a much more kid-friendly time, and from personal experience, I can tell you it's much more teacher-friendly also. We loved having the child-guests who love quilts as much as we do, and showed some real talent, by the way. It's guild policy, however, that the age limit for children at monthly guild meetings is 16 and should be observed for the enjoyment of the members, the speaker, and the child involved.We all like to share our quilts with others and I know that Show-and-Tell is one of everyone's favorite part of each meeting. I think we could all appreciate each quilt even more if every quilter agreed to limit the quilts at Show-and-Tell to three quilts per member. With the quilt show coming up, we're all producing and finishing our most beautiful quilted items. I'm truly impressed with everyone's creations and can't wait to see them displayed at the show.
Which reminds me: Have you signed up to help with the show? Part of the fun of belonging to a group with a common focus, is to participate at many different levels. The kitchen could use more help, especially in the middle of the day. Read the Quilt Show column to find out where else more help is needed.See you in September (sounds like the title of a song from the 50's).
Gail Myers
FROM THE EVENING VICE PRESIDENT
Wow! Did you all hurry home and get your worms and stashes in order? Some century I'll get around to it ... Maybe ... NOT! Gives me a constant goal anyway. Hope you enjoyed all that Debbie Caffrey had to share with us, even if we can't all be so organized. Thanks, Deb, for the challenge!
This month of September is a very busy one as we get ready for our wonderful upcoming show. There is much yet to do for Prairie Treasures 2008, so be sure to read this newsletter carefully -- paying attention to directions given -- to make things run as smoothly as possible. In addition,we look forward to gifted speaker and teacher, Sharyn Craig, coming to teach us and share her knowledge. Remember to help where you can, smile and say hello, and have a good time. See you all at 7 pm on the 22nd!
Susie Wing
FROM THE MORNING VICE PRESIDENT
Happy September! This is my favorite time of year and not just because the school year has begun and my job as personal chauffeur and special event planner for our nine-year-old daughter has ended (thank God!). Fall to me means cooler days and crisp nights where I can leave the bedroom windows open and snuggle until a warm, cozy quilt. I can also pay far less attention to the appearance of my legs and feet (no more shorts and no more sandals) and far more attention to sewing (shaving and toepainting are so overrated!). And this year, fall also means I get to be inspired by all of my fellow quilters as we put our quilts on display and share our love of quilting with the community at the Prairie Treasures Quilt show.
The last time the Guild show was held, I was new to the guild and let me tell you … I was blown away by the quality and attention to detail that went into this spectacular event -- from the raffle baskets and silent auction to the food and, of course, the glorious quilts. I believe that the Guild Show gives us an opportunity to show off a little and give back a lot! Introducing young people, really ALL people to quilting and keeping the tradition alive is so important in this day and age where technology seems to be replacing the need for creativity and technique. Oh, and if we have some fun in the process, all the better. So, if you haven’t already, make sure to sign up to volunteer, plan to attend and bring LOTS of friends. We’ll need everyone’s help to put on the best show ever! See you there!
Bonita Deering
630-406-6771
info@prairieshopquilts.com
PSQG
2008-09 Executive Board Officers
| President | Gail Myers |
| Program VP |
Marty Jacobsen*, Sherrie Letzter*, Sherena Titus* |
| Daytime VP | Bonita Deering |
| Evening VP | Susie Wing |
| Treasurer | Jan Sharpless |
| Secretary | Liz Fitzgerald |
| Newsletter Editor | Jennifer Neuman* & Mary Winegar* |
| Education | Diane Swaney-Smith & Kathy
Pool |
| Membership | Liz Coleman & Diana Knight |
| Contracts |
Lynn Murphy* & Susan Jensen |
| Nominations | Karen Wolfer |
| Public Relations |
Deb Figved |
| Activities | Caron Carlson |
| Library | Kathy Kocunik |
| Bee Keeper | Marcia Cameron |
| Charity Projects | Jeanette Moll |
* indicates co-chair
WANTED: QUILTERS INTERESTED IN JOINING A QUILT BEE
What is a Quilt Bee? A group of 5-10 quilters who meet on a regular basis (usually in members’ homes) to quilt, create, share ideas & projects, support each other in many ways, and becomefriends! Currently, Prairie Star has 17active bees!
Qualifications:
● An interest in sharing a love ofquilting with like-minded quilters
● Skill level of quilter can be:beginner, intermediate or long-timequilter
● Interested in learning new quiltingtechniques
● Willing to share knowledge & ideas
● Likes to laugh and have fun
● Likes to be creative
● Loves fabric & color
● Enjoys socializing, making newfriends, & eating (chocolate)
We are working on establishing the following new bees:
● Art Quilt Bee
● Saturday Bee
● Evening Bee
● Daytime Moms Bee
● Long-arm Quilters Bee
● Another “Regular” Daytime Bee
If you are interested in joining a bee or just want more information, contact:
Marcia Cameron, PSQG beekeeper
(847)-742-2963
There will also be a sign-up sheet at the September guild meetings. Once we have a minimum of 6 interested people in a particular bee, we will set up a first meeting and get you started. If you have an established bee and are willing to accept new members, please let the Beekeeper know.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership sign-up is going well. We currently have 203 members with 4 new members joining us last month. Thank you. The membership dues will continue to be $25.00 until March when they will be reduced for the remainder of the membership year.
Please note: As of August 1, per the
Executive Board, the new US mail fee
must be $10.00 to cover increased
mail fees for newsletters. You can still receive newsletters by email without extra charge. There were several folks who added just $5.00 for mailed newsletters. You can correct that at the next guild meeting or mail the difference to me. Updated membership lists should be available at the next guild meeting and your membership cards will also be available.
Liz Coleman
826 Kate
Elgin, IL 60123
Have any quilt-related news to share with the guild? Email or call me and I'll put it in the next newsletter. Deadline for the next newsletter is October 9th ... thanks!
Jennifer Neuman, Editor
jenniferneuman@wideopenwest.com
(847) 608-4323
Get in on the fun!
Prairie Shop Quilts' first ever
Mystery!
First session October 4th
If you’ve never done a mystery quilt, here’s
your chance. If you have, you know how much
fun they are! 2 sizes, lap & queen
See Prairie Shop’s website
or call for more details
www.prairieshopquilts.com (630) 406-0237
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
REMEMBER TO SIGN UP AND PAY EARLY! Don’t forget the early sign up
incentive. By signing up early you can
save money on each workshop!
Checks made payable to PSQG for any of
the classes can be mailed to Marty
Jacobsen, 6N047 E. Ridgewood Dr., St.
Charles, IL 60175 or send an e-mail to
Marty at marty.jacobsen@yahoo.com.
**ALL SUPPLY LISTS MAYBE FOUND ON PSQG WEB SITE**
**FOR WORKSHOPS THAT OCCUR DURING THE LUNCH HOUR, LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR A SMALL FEE**
SEPTEMBER
Sharyn Craig is our guest speaker for September. This will be Sharyn’s last year to be traveling and speaking. We are fortunate to have her come to PSQG. She has written many articles in “Quilter's Newsletter”, “Quilting Today”, and “American Quilter” magazines. Visit her web site to learn more about her.
www.sharyncraig.com
Lecture: September 22 & 23
“SETS EDUCATION” is based on Sharyn's book, “Setting Solutions”. She will bring a suitcase full of quilts, and walk you through some problem blocks and their quilt solutions.
Workshops:
Sunday, September 21, 11:00-5:00, Kane
County Extension.“GLORIFIED NINE PATCH” . This workshop is full.
Monday, September 22, 9:00-3:00,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church.“BACKGAMMON FOR QUILTERS” is a six hour workshop for the quilter who is looking for a fast, easy, new quilt to make. This quilt pattern was inspired by the common Rail Fence but on-a-skew. The resulting blocks look very much like a backgammon game board. Cost: $50
OCTOBER
Lecture: October 27 & 28
“CELEBRATING QUILT SHOW 2008”
We will be celebrating the success of the show, showing off the prize winning quilts and their makers.
Workshop:
Tuesday, October 28, 1:00-4:00,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church. PSQG member Deb Figved has a great pattern for making bags. It may become your very own “GREEN BAG” or embellish it into a bag of style. Jeanette Moll will also have charity projects available to put together. Just bring your sewing machine and supplies and spend a fun afternoon with your quilting friends. Cost: $10
NOVEMBER
Lecture: November 24 & 25
Sharon Pederson of British Columbia,Canada, will be presenting
“STORIES FROM THE ROAD: A TRAVELING QUILT TEACHER'S ODYSSEY.” Check out her website to discover for yourself what beautiful work she offers.www.sharonquilts.com
**The following workshops were reversed in the previous newsletters. We apologize for any inconvenience. The following is the correct information.**
Workshops:
Sunday, November 23, 11:00-5:00, Kane County Extension.
“DOUBLE WEDDING RING QUILT”. You will be working on a wall size quilt, using Sharon's machine appliqué technique. Templates will be available for $12.00 or you may make your own. Look on page 46 of her book, “Machine Appliqué for the Terrified Quilter” for a better idea. Cost: $40 if paid by October 28; $50 after October 28Monday, November 24, 9:00-3:00, Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
“SENSATIONAL SASHIKO” is a process workshop, not a project one. You will make five small samples - four on a quilt “sandwich” and one on two layers of fabric (minus the batting). Cost: $48.00 if paid by October 28; $58 after October 28.2009 SPEAKERS
JANUARY
Lecture: January 26 & 27
Tammy Tadd from Sycamore, IL, will be presenting her lecture
“INSPIRATION, PERSPIRATION, & A LOT OF CHOCOLATE” Come travel with Tammy as she shares her designer story. She will tell what inspires her, where she gets her ideas and how she incorporates them into her designs. She'll share the early days of Tammy Tadd Designs: triumphs and wonders (there were a few), errors and blunders (there were many). Her accompanying trunk show highlights her vivid use of color and you'll get the chance to enjoy her designs up close! If you're lucky, there may even be some chocolate in your future. www.tammytadddesigns.comWorkshops:
Monday, January 26, 9:00-3:00, Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Our own PSQG member, Barb Vlack, who is also a nationally and internationally known lecturer and teacher, will be offering
“BEGINNING SURVEY COURSE FOR EQ6”. This six hour workshop will enable quilters an opportunity to become familiar and more confident in applying EQ6 to their quilting experience. Cost: $34 if paid by December 23; $44 after December 23Tuesday, January 27, 1:00-4:00,Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Barb Vlack will offer
“CUSTOMIZED QUILT DESIGN EQ6”. This is for quilters who have been enjoying using EQ6 and would like to go beyond their current knowledge of the program. Cost: $27 if paid by December 23; $37 after December 23
FEBRUARY
Lecture: February 23 & 24
Susan Cleveland is visiting us from Minnesota. Her quilts have been shown in international-level competitions since 1997 and have received many awards. She bases her designs on traditional patterns then adds specialty threads, prairie points, piping, and great binding techniques. Susan is inventor of the Groovin' Piping Trimming Tool which is used to trim piping seam allowances. In her lecture, “MY ECLECTIC QUILT PAGEANT,” she will show her pieces which are simple but made special by using innovative products and her special binding techniques.
www.PiecesBeWithYou.com
Workshops:
Monday, February 23, 9:00-3:00,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church. “PIPING HOT CURVES-MACARONI” Every detail of binding and tiny, perfect piping will be covered in class with step-by-step demos and printed instructions. Students work on their practice piece to achieve making perfect piping, preparing the quilt, applying binding, mitering corners, joining tails, and finishing for a show-quality back. Cost: $47 if paid by January 27; $57 after January 27
Tuesday, February 24, 1:00-4:00,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church. “PLAIN AND PERFECT BINDING” In class you will learn everything you need to know to get a simple, smooth plumb binding on your quilts. Topics include preparing the quilt, mitering the corners to perfection, joining tails (Susan's special technique), adding a sleeve, and finishing the back. Curvy edges & other variations will be discussed. Cost: $27.00 if paid by January 27; $37 after January 27
MARCH
Lectures: March 23 & 24
Valli Schiller lives in Naperville where she is an active member of the Riverwalk Quilter’s Guild and the Professional Art Quilt Alliance. Valli’s quilts have been exhibited internationally and has received many honors. Her work has also been featured in many publications . Valli’s
Monday night lecture is “A FIELD GUIDE TO A QUILTER’S HABITAT”. We will go with Valli on a lighthearted photo safari through sewing “habitats” of approximately 20 ardent quilters.Tuesday’s lecture, “MY LIFE IN QUILT YEARS”, is a trunk show of approximately 20 of Valli’s bed and wall quilts and the stories behind them.
Workshops:
Sunday, March 22, 11:00-5:00, Kane
County Extension. “PIPED SHELL EDGING” In this hands-on workshop, participants will use a combination of machine and hand techniques to bind a small (approx. 14”) square with this impressive edge. Cost $42 if paid by February 24; $52 after February 24
Monday, March 23, 9:00-3:00, Bethlehem
Lutheran Church. “CONFETTI NINE PATCH” This cheerful quilt is a great way to have fun with your fabrics. Participants will learn several methods for rotary cutting and machine piecing scrappy nine patch blocks with speed and precision. Cost: $37 if paid by February 24; $47 after February 24
MAY BANQUET
Monday, May 18
Kaye England “MEMORIES OF A QUILTER”
www.kayeengland.com
Workshops:
Tuesday, May 19, 9:00-3:00, Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
“CHECKS & CHICKS” A fun new class using fabrics from the 40’s or 50’s (or any fabric you like) making simple and fun, easy projects. You can choose from anything in the book and use any fabrics. Lots of nifty techniques using specialty rulers to make your life simpler. Cost: $60 if paid by April 28; $70 after April 28Wednesday, May 20, 9:00-3:00, Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
“PLATES, WEDGES & MORE” Using specialty rulers you will make quick work of those pesky fan blades, plates, tumblers, and much more. A great stash buster as well as having a super time. You will need to use special rules for this class. Cost: $60 if paid by April 28; $70 after April 28
A stitch in time is right before the quilt show deadline.
QUILT SHOW
It's almost that time!! Can it be September already? Now, if I can only get the binding done on my last quilt entry! A big thanks to everyone who has contributed to the magazine/book sales, raffle baskets, volunteers, etc. See you at the show.
Georgia Rodney
RAFFLE BASKET CHAIR
Good news! Ginny Wright has recovered from her surgery and is back in the saddle with the raffle baskets. Since she still shouldn't lift anything heavy, her bee is willing and able to lend helping hands. Should you have anything for the baskets, please contact Ginny via e-mail or phone so she can finalize the baskets.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Raffle tickets sales have gone very well thanks to the membership. You will only be able to drop tickets off at the September meetings. If you would like to buy anymore, see you at the show!
QUILT SHOW SCRAPS
Thanks for all the scraps given at the August guild meetings. We will be accepting scraps again at the September meetings. We have changed the rules a bit. The fabric will be bagged to allow for less confusion and easier shopping. We will have larger pieces marked and sold by its yardage. If you have questions, call Marty Jacobsen.
PHOTO DISC OF THE SHOW!
We will offer at the show a photo disc of all the quilts and some candid show photos. These will be taken on professional cameras, can be viewed on a TV as well as a computer, and should prove to be very high quality. The postage paid price at the show will be $10, but members will be able to buy them at the subsequent meetings for $8.
Caron Carlson
(630) 879-0983
EDUCATION REPORT
What could be better than a quilt show? Hundreds of spectacular quilts, a mall of only quilt vendors, delicious food, fun people, good friends ... is this heaven??? Well, we call it Quilt Fest. You won't want to leave any too soon. For me, attending a good quilt show is a “marathon event.” Here's what I've found to make the day most successful:
● Comfortable shoes -- a must. Gel insoles can revive an old pair of shoes -- and tired feet.
● Jeans, or pants, with a maximum of pockets.
● A shirt, or vest, with pockets.
● A large, lightweight bag for a purse & carryall -- or none, just use the pockets.
● Cash, checks, debit/credit card.
● Address labels for raffle tickets. Bring lots. Some vendors have drawings, too.
● Small water bottle.
● Camera with batteries charged.
● Shopping list. There are more vendors than you'll find on a Shop Hop, and the goods so mesmerizing, I find it hard to remember all my shopping “needs” unless I have a list.
● Small pill box with Tylenol. Helps the feet, knees, hips, back, if I overdo; or get a headache because I got too busy to eat on time. ● Collapsible cart on wheels. Patterns, books, fabric, quilts and notions get heavy. You'll be tired after the show, so make getting back to your car as easy as possible. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a glass of wine, a soak in the tub, and reminisce about what a wonderful show it was! See you at the Prairie Treasures Quilt Show.
Diane Swaney-Smith
Elizabeth Coleman Owner & Worker-Bee
PRAIRIE QUILTING
A Long-Arm Quilting Service
847-931-9440
The Deadline
by Dallas Reed
T'was the night before the quilt show,
and at the sewing machine;
was the biggest organized clutter,
that you have ever seen.
There was fabric on the table.
Fabric on the chair,
Fabric on the floor,
There was fabric everywhere.
I couldn't find my rotary cutter,
couldn't find my mat;
I couldn't find my scissors,
And I'm wondering where they're at.
It's an hour before the show,
Then I'll get up and leave.
All I need is a few more stitches,
The binding ... and the sleeve.
But I'm not about to worry,
Everything is going to be fine.
I'll get it done in time -- But,
I really hate a deadline.
BEFORE YOU DROP OFF YOUR QUILT…
A few things to remember …
1. Label your quilt! Your label must include your name and the date the quilt was completed (month and year is sufficient). If you had someone else quilt it for you, you should indicate that on the label also.
2. When you deliver your quilt to the drop-off house in September,
you must bring it in a fabric bag. This can be an old pillowcase or a bag that you’ve made from leftover fabric. Your name should be on the bag, too.3. While you are at the drop-off house, you will stitch a colored piece of fabric onto your quilt and onto the fabric bag that will give your quilt an assigned number. This helps us to keep track of your quilt and deliver it to the appropriate
area for the quilt show.4. You will receive a receipt for your quilts from the drop-off hostess indicating what quilts you left with her, their assigned numbers, and if someone other than yourself will be picking them up after the quilt show for you.
This receipt must be presented after the quilt show before any quilts are returned to their owners and/or the friend picking them up for you.5. Attach a hanging sleeve to your quilt! This sleeve should be 4” wide. If your quilt is 36” square or less, you can apply a 2” sleeve. Very small quilts (24” or less) can be pinned to a background and do not require a sleeve.
Enjoy beautiful quilts displayed throughout blooming greenhouses at
Countryside’s
9th Annual Quilt Show
Saturday & Sunday,
September 20 & 21
Countryside
Flower Shop, Nursery & Garden Center
5301 E. Terra Cotta Ave, Crystal Lake
(Route 176, ½ mile west of Route 31)
(815) 459-8130 www.countrysideflowershop.com
For information on displaying your quilts, please contact Marcy by email to
marcy@countrysideflowershop.com or by phone at (815) 459-8130
QUILT DROP-OFF HOUSES (REVISED)
Sunday, September 21, 2008 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Suzanne Pottker 805 Red Barn Lane Elgin 847-697-7161
Anne Wray 851 N First St. Geneva 630-232-4130
Caron Carlson 1150 McKee St. Batavia 630-879-0983
(Judged Quilts Only)
Diana & Kathleen Kocunik 427 Grand Avenue Aurora 630-892-0537
Susan Bresnahan 1279 Sussex Lane Wheaton 630-681-9884
Carol Andermann 29W121 Lakeside Naperville 630-420-7230
Susan Kirby 408 Bryant Ave. Glen Ellyn 630-858-0494
Marion Schlindwein 251 N. Cambridge Dr. Geneva 630-232-0833
Sherrie Letzter WILL COLLECT QUILTS ONLY AT THE 630-876-1564
“GLORIFIED NINE PATCH” WORKSHOP
Teresa Kasch 856 Meadowlark Dr. West Chicago 630-876-1612
Rita Pennington 2041 Garden Road Aurora 630-897-7469
Dixie Riley 5N875 Mill Stone Dr. St. Charles 630-377-3103
Kay Brynelson 1112 Adare Court St. Charles 630-513-4665
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(Check the body of the newsletter for more details.)
September meetings
Evening Guild, Mon., Sept. 22, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Morning Guild, Tues., Sept. 23, 9:30 am
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Quilt Show, Sat., Sept. 27, 10 am – 5 pm
and Sun., Sept. 28, 10 am - 4 pm
Prisco Community Center, Aurora, IL
October meetings
Board meeting, Tues., Oct. 7, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Evening Guild, Mon., Oct. 27, 7:00 pm
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Morning Guild, Tues., Oct. 28, 9:30 am
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
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