New fabric, new design

Dee's mom had LOTS of this great fabric and when she passed away, Dee donated it to the group. I matched it up with some HOT oranges and some grays and created a block that I think represents our signature block (heartstrings) with a 'twist' to it. Can't wait to make more blocks and put this together. I can see hot orange binding, too!

This is the block (thinking of calling it "Berta's block", since her name was Alberta). Dee gave us the gray fabric with the 'trees' in it.

Close-up of tree fabric

 The I made four of them and lined it up to 'audition' them. I like it! (Anyone find the mistake I made? You may have to enlarge the photo) I figured out with directional fabric, you may want to spend some time 'planning' which direction you want it to go in. Thanks, Dee.

Finally First meeting done!!

Well we had a great turnout for our first meeting of 2017. All but two of our members were here- Marilyn and Norma missed! Here are photos of the Jan mtg.
Kathy was busy in the two months that we've not met for.... wow. Just wow.

" Lasagna Rose"

" Autograph Quilt"

"Barnyard Buds"

"Tipsy Tumblers"

"Tipsy Tumblers"- back

 These are two tops that Janet had worked on recently (at home) and brought in for us to see what we might have to put for the backing. We ALL LOVED this one!!!!

Janet's holding her "Wonky Starburst" quilt.

"Blue Crystal Heartstrings"

Dee and Margaret working on "MELA" (Mary Ellen's Last Act). Mary Ellen was one of our members who wasn't able to come to our meetings over the past year or so, due to caring for her husband, but always seemed to donate a quilt, quilt top with backings and bindings, or 'homework' heartstring blocks. Since her heartstring blocks always 'matched', we would put them in the center (or off-center) as a medallion, then build the other blocks around them. 

"Mela"s front peaking out....

Here is one of Mary Ellen's 'medallion' centers, that has the purple 'flags' twirling around them. This was a homework project for the group.

"Green Mono with Purple Flags"

 Yes, I do let them eat lunch... haha. The rest of the lunch crowd must have been in the kitchen heating up their food/ getting their drinks.

This is the front of our beach panel quilt (not named yet). We spent the afternoon working on the backing, which we're piecing together to make it a 2-sided quilt.

And if you don't sew, design or some other duty, we can always use someone to iron! Something for everyone to do.

Kathy ironing the back for "Blue Crystal HS"

Once they re done, they look beautiful on the wood railings near the altar. We place them here to be blessed on Sunday morning.

"Green Geese panel"

Here is "Lasagna Rose", "Sports Arena", "Autograph Quilt".

Green Geese panel further in on railing

Here is "Barnyard Buds", "Blue Bow-tie", "Tipsy Tumblers" and "Back Doesn't Go" (on the piano).

First meeting of the year

While I look forward to our first meeting in the new year (2017), I must say it may get 'delayed'. My dear friend, Sheila,  will be laid to rest on that day and I can't think of a better reason to use our hall, than to honor how special she was to our church, our group (not only as a recipient and benefactor) and as part of our family (she shares the role of Godmother with me) to my grandson, Malakai.
We will reschedule our first meeting to the 14th of Jan, same time, same station.

Sad news...

It is with much sadness that I report the passing of one of our quilters, Maryellen Z. She spent much of the last year at home caring for her husband, so to get word that she passed peacefully in her sleep on Dec 31st 2016 was definitely surprising. Staying away from our meetings never stopped her from creating quilts or blocks that were 'homework' and mailing them or delivering them to the group. Know that you brought MUCH comfort to our recipients and to us. May God hold you in the hollow of his hands.