March 8th, 2006
Founded 1980 Celebrating 26 years! © Vol.18 No. 7 www.niqg.org
Masonic Temple-302 1st Street S.E. Mason City, IA. 50401 641-423-9116
Meets the second Wed of every month, except July at 9AM-3PM
Cookbooks: $4 Membership: $15 Clear Plastic Bags: 50 cents NIQG Pins: $5
For information: send SASE to: NIQG Box 1163 Mason City, IA 50402
9AM-Noon Workshop by Betty Buss owner of the Beehive Quilt Shoppe
Appliquéd Wool Felt Needle Case!
Things you will need for this ‘wooly’ class are: Scissors, marking pencils (light and dark).
Kits will be available for $1. You may purchase more if you wish. Needle and pearl cotton are included in kits.
Potluck at Noon and our afternoon program will be about felted wool and wool felt.
(Group 4:Jean Arndt; Joan Chandler; Irene Mullenbach; Bette Koeff, Dorothy Climber, Mindy Prohaski.)
Rhapsody of Hearts 2006 NIQG Quit Show
April 22nd & 23rd, 2006!
Newman High School
Sat 9am-4pm and Sun Noon- 4pm!
Rhapsody of Hearts Raffle Quilt
Our quilt show is coming fast! We need your quilts! Large and small, we need them all!
You may show any finished quilt! We need lots of quilts to make this a good show.
Don’t have a new one? That’s ok! Bring your quilts anyway.
We need to fill the show room and the Boutique.
Please be finishing your quilts! Ask for help if you need it.
There is always someone who can help you get your quilts done!
Large quilts will be shown in the show room and small quilts will be hung around the Boutique! Bring your quilts! WE NEED YOU!
Sign up worksheets are available at meetings! Please be signing up for jobs!
Registry of Quilt Gals are: Jean Arndt, Mindy Prohaski, Kathy Coverdale,
Jan Pralle, Irene Mullenbach & Lavon Dorsey
Don’t forget to pick up your tickets & help out by selling raffle tickets! Get together with a friend for a couple of hours and SELL TICKETS! The sale of tickets funds programs for 2 years!
Unknown Quilters are just friends whose names have escaped us!
February 2006 NORTH IOWA QUILT
GUILD GUILD MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm by President Carlene Davis.
GUESTS – none
NEW MEMBERS – Katrina Keech of rural St. Ansgar. Katrina lives on a farm and has 5 children.
Carlene introduced Heidi Kaisand and Laura Boehnke from American Patchwork and Quilting. Heidi talked about what it takes to please 250,000 people with each magazine and explained how Laura checks each pattern for accuracy and makes a portion of the quilt in a different color scheme. They presented a very inspiring trunk showing many of their quilts. Wonderful!
We had show and tell while Heidi and Laura signed copies of the magazines, books and calendars they gave away.
THE RAFFLE QUILT IS FINISHED! And it is BEAUTIFUL. Much applause to all who worked on it. If you know of a place where we can display it and sell tickets please contact Carlene.
We stopped for treats and birthday cake in honor of Margie Brandl’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Margie. The gals at the morning workshop made Potato Bags and Potholders for sale. Any left over after today will be sold at the Quilt Boutique.
Kelsey Jones typed up a letter for us to use as a guide to write to HGTV to ask that Simply Quilts continue on HGTV. Jenny Schlutz and Carlene Davis volunteered to help Kelsey refine the website she has created. Web address will be http://www.niqg.org/.
There will be forms at the registration table to fill out next month if you are bringing a show and tell item. This will assist Jenny in getting the information in the newsletter.
Jenny Schlutz and Betty Debner volunteered to help Marie Senne by being on the nominating committee and finding people to fill the offices for the new year. They will have the list of names by the April Meeting.
Betty Debner reminded us that the Bee Hive will be our March program. The morning workshop will be to make a small needle case out of felted wool. A trunk show to follow.
There was no interest in Katy Elson’s request to provide demonstrations in the 4-H building during the fair.
The Clear Lake guild has been invited to help us at our fair booth. Hopefully, during the night time hours as most of that membership works during the day. They are welcome to display quilts from their guild, too.
Carlene told us about a quilt show in Iowa City on June 3rd and 4th. We would need at least 42 people to get a bus to take us there.
Marie showed the new Logo Quilt. It is fantastic.
North Iowa Fair
– Katie Elson wants to know if anyone would like to demonstrations in the air-conditioned 4-H building. Carlene will ask the gals during the meeting.
It was decided the guild will give the same as last year to the fair:
$5 plus Membership for Traditional Machine Quilting
$15 plus Membership for Best of Show Overall
$5 plus Membership for Traditional Hand Quilting
The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm.
Quiltingly yours---Jean Arndt
February 2006
NORTH IOWA QUILT GUILD BOARD MEETING
Present were - Florence Hagstrom, Mindy Prohaski, Carlene Davis, Jo Best, Marie Senne, Marion Anderson, Barb DeBoer, Jenny Schlutz, Betty Debner, Kathy Cloverdale, Kelsey Jones, Dixie Schaer, Joan Chandler and Jean Arndt.
Secretary Report – none
Treasurer’s Report - none
Quilt Show – Marie Senne made a suggestion that we have a booth, manned by someone from the hospital, for breast cancer awareness.
It was decided that the Patchwork Peddler bus only be charged $25 instead of the usual $50 to park in front of Newman School during our Quilt Show. Even though our quilt show is bringing customers to them, having their bus parked outside the door of Newman will be an attraction for people that something “quilty” is going on inside.
Misc – Kelsey Jones has created a website for our guild. She would like a committee to help her decide what the site should look like, so that it reflects all of us. A motion was passed to spend $2.99 per year for 5 years to “buy” the domain name of http://www.niqg.org/.
Kelsey will create a book with passwords and any pertinent info in it that will be passed on to the next webmaster. She has made some return address labels and will make membership book with calendars for the guild.
It was decided that there will be forms available at the registration desk to fill out if you are bringing a show and tell item. The form will help Jenny with get the correct info in the newsletter.
A nominating committee needs to be formed to get officers for next year.
Welcome to Kelsey’s Corner!
Since becoming Webmistress (I don’t care what anyone says I am not a webmaster!) I have been very busy creating our web site. Carlene Davis, Jenny Schultz, Ruth Ward and I have been very busy deciding what to include and how our site should look. We hope you like the results! Our address is now: http://www.niqg.org/
So far, these are the pages we will be including:
Our Home Page will have details about when and where we meet, who our officers are, contact information for the guild, projects, Committees and chairpersons, etc.
History Page tells about the history of our guild. If anyone has pictures of our founders please let me borrow them. We would like to include them.
Programs page is not just a list of programs (though that is how it started) but any calendar event we want to remind our readers of. Like the quilt pink day in September and Iowa City Quilt show. Also you will find hostess groups listed so you can check and see what group you are in.
Frequently asked Questions is a page for those new to our guild. They can look there first before e-mailing a question.
Quilt Show Page has all the details about our quilt show. There is also a Raffle quilt Page that has pictures of our raffle quilt.
Show & Tell and Past Quilt Show links take you to our blogs where you can see information from the newest to the oldest available. Each month will remain archived there.
By laws of our guild is being made available on line so if you have any questions about our rules, look there.
Charities page is a listing of charities we give quilts to and will also have the number of quilts we have given to each.
And last but not least is our Newsletter Page where you can get the newsletter info. However our block of the month lottery patterns will not be available as well as some other items.
Well we hope you like it so far and I am sure there will be changes in the future to benefit our members. Meanwhile, each month Kelsey’s corner will bring you a new site to look at that we hope you find informative. Kelsey Jones
The Quilter’s Quill
A Roving Reporter Article
Have you noticed quilter’s are really special people? I have noticed the special bond that women form when they realize they are talking with another quilter. The joy of stitching and companionship all rolled into one package can change lives and has many, many times. The volunteering for projects and working one on one with other women with similar interests forms bonds that last for years.
For instance, when I first moved to Mason City from Racine, Wisconsin, I felt bereft of friends. I had given up my quilt studio and many quilting friendships when I left Illinois to live in Racine with my sister after the loss of my husband. I never did find any quilt guilds in Racine during my year with her.
After my move to Mason City I was determined to create a new circle of friends and begin quilting again. A few months after I was settled in I found a quilt shop near where I live. I was able to obtain a contact name for the North Iowa Quilters Guild. However the piece of paper was small, and as small papers often do it got lost and was not even thought of much as I struggled to learn my way around the city and begin a new hobby/business.
It was summer time when I realized I had let several months go by without getting any closer to finding quilting friends. I had become friends with several women at the Convention and Visitors Bureau but, did not share many interests with them. The North Iowa Fair was in session and I talked my friend Don into taking me out to see if there were any quilts and handwork on display. Imagine my delight when I found not only quilts but also members of the local guild in attendance! I picked up a newsletter with all the information I needed and it was not long before I attended a meeting. I enjoyed the workshop and meeting so much I joined right away!
I have also read of women who beat depression and anxiety by quilting with friends. Someone else who was a quilter once asked me how non-quilters were able to make friends without the ability to network through quilt guilds. I am not sure but, I would assume the join PTA groups, church groups or the red hat society.
Letting newcomers know we are here can be a challenging proposition. Perhaps we could host a beginner’s workshop on a weekend and invite interested non-members to come and enjoy our hospitality. One thing is for sure, creating a web site is a good step in the right direction. The Convention and visitors Bureau has agreed to place a link on their site to ours and we will soon be listed on the Iowa guild lists. However they find us we will welcome them with open arms as long awaited friends. ------------------Written by Kelsey Jones
Needed: Christmas Party chairs for 2006. You can create the party any way you choose. Please volunteer for Christmas Party 2006! Let me or Marie know!
Brown Baggers!
This is it! We are done! You should have 12 completed blocks in your bags! Can’t wait to see them all!
Lottery Block
Is Roman Stripes by Marcia Hohn and very simple! Make as many as you like. The more you make the better your chances of winning all the blocks! Have fun!
Picky Swappers!
23 members have signed up for this fun project. Each member will make a particular block in certain colors for each member on her list. All blocks will them be swapped in June!
Thank you!
To Kelsey Jones for creating nametag labels for the Logo Quilt being pieced by Marie Senne! Both gals have worked very hard to complete this new quilt that will represent us at the Quilt show, NI Fair & other events.
‘Quilting Tocatta’ Quilt Show
March 31-April 1, 2006
Allen College Barrett Forum
1990 Logan Ave Waterloo, IA 50703
Admis: $3 info: Laurie Plum-319-226-2016
Friday 10-6 Sat 9-4
New Member!
Welcome new member Katrina Keech!
Please add her to your Members list!
See regular newsletter for her information.
Elections in June!
We will need members to replace current Officers, Board and Chairpersons! Please say yes when you are asked to fill these positions. Marie Senne, Betty Debner or Jenny will be contacting you soon.
I don’t have hot flashes…
I have short private vacations in the tropics!
Flea Market in August!
Bring anything you want to sell. You are responsible for your own sales.
April Book and Pattern Sale!
Time to clean out that stack of Quilt books and patterns. What may be old hat to you may be some ones’ treasure! That Quilt day we will have a Pattern Books and Patterns Sale! Please bring any books or patterns that you would like to donate for sale and give these to Marie Senne or Jenny Schlutz in March. If you forget in March, bring them to us as soon as possible! If you bring magazines please have them bundled! All monies will go to the NIQG Treasury. Books and patterns will be laid out for you to pick and choose.
Boutique News:
Forms are ready to pick up if you are selling items in Boutique. Please make sure that all items are priced clearly and that your name or initials appears somewhere on price tag.
Sign up sheets are now available to work the Boutique. We need at least 2-3 people at all times. The worksheet will be a sign in tables.
Concerning selling quilts on the show room floor:
Any quilts that you wish to sell will have a special card pinned on them. You must let the Boutique People know ahead of time so that cards may be made in advance. However if you choose to sell the day of quilt show that is ok. Just come talk to us so that we can help you.
No quilt may leave the show room until the end of show on Sunday. You, the seller is responsible to see that the buyer receives their quilt.
5% of all Sales, goes to the NIQG Treasury.
NIQG will not be responsible for lost or stolen quilts or quilt items.
Quilt Retreat in Austin!
Holy Moly! Just got back from my first Quilt Retreat in Austin! What can I say! We had so much fun! It was a 3 day/2 night sewing filled party! There were about 130 of the most friendliest quilters I have ever met and 1 Scrap Booker (my oldest daughter Kari) that filled a huge room all equipped with machines, putting out the most beautiful quilts in all sizes, colors and styles. There were several types of Ott lights providing perfect lighting so as not to miss a stitch and have less ripping. Who has time for ripping when quilts need to be made!
There were 4 wonderful vendors stocked with the latest fabrics and patterns! Ok I know you all want to know what I spent! I would tell you but I can’t bring myself to admit it. Let’s just say that it barely fit into my suitcase and I had to use the charge card a few times…AND if upon my arrival, my husband did not do the dishes or the wash I wouldn’t be mad at him. I would just greet him with a big smile and hug and worry about the bill when it comes next month.
The food was so good and I ate way too much each time but I didn’t care. After all we need our vitamins so that we can sew into the night! And sew into the night we did! The first night Kari Scrapped Booked and I sewed till 11PM! Whew! Then up to our room to visit till 12:30AM! Slept till 9 which was a real treat and then off to sewing and some shopping. Ok Let’s get real…a lot of shopping.
Lots of visiting and sewed again until 11:30! Wow I was in Heaven! But we have to have rest too so I reluctantly went up to visit with Kari and to bed. Got up early this time and just as I walked into the big sewing room the vendors announced that they were having a big sale! Hooey! What a mad house as quilters maneuvered around and thru all the goodies! I think we all were in Heaven! What fun as we all laughed and hauled our purchases around.
In the evenings there were door prizes that were given away and on the second night I won a door prize of 3 patterns and a little ruler! I was thrilled! We also had Show and Tell. There were so many beautiful quilts, bags, table runners and wall hangings shown. Even a couple of quilts not quite together got to be seen as 2 ladies stood high up on ladders and adorned themselves with the blocks so we all could see! Yes it was quite an experience that I will definitely be attending again and highly recommend to you all to enjoy the quilt retreats that are available. You will make many new friends and gets lots of sewing in too! Still on cloud nine…Jenny
