Welcome to PSQG! We value our new members and are anxious for you to feel at home. Sometimes we forget how it felt to be new to the Guild. Please ask questions when we get going too fast or forget to explain something. To help you learn our language, here are some terms you might hear. If there are others, please bring them to the attention of the membership hostess (person who sits by the door) and we will add them to future lists for the benefit of new members! 

Banquet – We have a banquet in April or May. The banquet chairperson is in charge of organizing the event. 

Bee Teas – A “bee” is a small group of quilters who meet regularly in whatever format they choose. PSQG periodically plays matchmaker by holding a Bee Tea (or get together) to try to bring together interested quilters. 

Bylaws – A copy of the current bylaws is included in your new member packet and is available on our website at www.prairiestar.net. 

Chapter Meetings – In order to serve the scheduling needs of our members, we have an Evening Chapter (always meets on the 4th Monday evening of the month) and a Daytime Chapter (always meets on the Tuesday morning after the Monday night meeting). Each chapter has its own set of officers. The Executive Board oversees both chapters. The executive Board meets monthly (on the first Tuesday night of the month) at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL to address the Guild’s administrative details. 

Children at Meetings – Children who have a serious interest in quilting are encouraged to attend the picnic in August. 

December Meeting – There is NO December meeting or newsletter. Education Table – There is usually an educational display or demonstration at every chapter meeting describing a new or interesting aspect of quilting. 

Executive Board – The governing body of the Guild. See Chapter Meetings for a little more information and see the diagram of our structure in your new member packet. 

Free Membership – If you host a speaker during her stay or you serve on the Executive Board, you get your membership free the next year. 

Guest Fees – We are currently charging $5.00 for guests to attend a meeting. If the guest decides to become a member during that meeting, the $5.00 will be credited toward her membership dues.

Lunch Bunch – Often the Daytime Chapter organizes a lunch outing after the Tuesday meeting. Details will be given at the meetings. Everyone is welcome! 

Name Badge – We encourage you to wear a name badge so we can get to know you. You can order a permanent PSQG name badge or make the mini Prairie Queen Block. (The directions are in this packet.) 

Picnic – We traditionally have a potluck picnic in August at our usual meeting place. 

Quilt Show AKA Quiltfest – Traditionally this biennial quilt show has been our main fund-raiser. It is a huge undertaking and requires the hearty involvement of the entire Guild. As a member, you are automatically expected to work a 2-hour shift, but it is hoped that you will choose to take on a more active roll. 

Raffles – Sometimes we hold raffles as a fun little money raiser. 

Service Project – One of the goals of PSQG is to provide quilts or sewn items as a charitable service for shelters and hospitals. It is hoped that each member will make a significant contribution every year. Listen at meetings and check the newsletter for details to how you can participate. 

Show and Tell  – Members are encouraged to bring projects to show everyone during our meeting. 

UFO’s (UnFinished Objects) - These are projects that are not yet completed. Workshops – Frequently our speakers will offer a workshop(s) in addition to their lectures. Members may register to take these workshops within a three-month period before the workshop. Information is always available at meetings and in the newsletter.