Founded 1980 Celebrating 26 years! © www.niqg.org
Cookbooks: $4 Membership: $15 Clear Plastic Bags: 50 cents NIQG Pins: $5
For information: send SASE to: NIQG Box 1163 Mason City, IA 50402
Newsletter editor-Jenny Schlutz:1468 2nd S E- Mason City, Iowa 50401 641-424-9068 stevejen@mchsi.com
9AM Morning Workshop
Create a Pretty Box
By Cathy Knowles & Betty Werle
Come join us for a fun morning! These cute boxes can be used to decorate any room in your home and can be used for gifts filled with special things.
Needed for Box Making:
Basic sewing kit
Zig-zag sewing machine
Iron and ironing board to share
Large Box: 2 cotton fabrics- 22”x22”-coordinating or contrasting with matching thread.
Medium Box: fat quarter & matching thread
Stiff interfacing
Fusible web
Rulers- 15” for large box & 12” for medium box
Cording or size 3 Crosheen thread
Fabric markers-your color
No. 3 shank button
Ribbon for embellishment
Have questions? Call Cathy at 641-454-2014 or Betty at 641-454-2135.
(image placeholder) Potluck at Noon (image placeholder)
1PM-General meeting followed by:
Program presented by Marla Zbornik!
Memories of Feed Sacks!
Marla hails from Rudd, Iowa. She is one of Iowa’s premier storytellers and performance artists! Marla and her husband own Iowa Entertainment, which is located in an old storefront in Rudd. They have 2 sons named Layton and Travis. Come and enjoy this wonderful program about the famed ‘Feed Sacks’!
Hostesses for afternoon lunch are:
MaryAnn Johnson, Bev Adams, Cathy Knowles, Betty Neel, Betty Werle, Mary Jane Allen, Marilyn Harrington and Marlene Oswood.
Sewing News!
Pattern Exchange!
A pattern exchange will take place this month. The pattern must not be older than 5 years! Bring a pattern/s. These patterns will be placed on a separate table. The number of patterns you bring will determine the number of picks you get! When you bring a pattern/s you will draw out a number/s. this will determine the order of picking out new patterns for you! What may be old hat to one may be a treasure to another! To make this speedy you will have 30 seconds to pick your pattern out.
So be ready, set, GO!
Mystery Quilt 2006-2007
An awesome and fun Mystery Quilt!
Clue number five is included in this newsletter! Its time to start sewing your cuts! Remember to sew with accurate seams. Have fun! ( instructions on 2 pages)
Wool Flowers 2006-2007 27” x 36”
Pattern # 4 is the Cone Flower and included in newsletter. Bring your blocks as you get them finished! We would love to see them!
Challenge Quilt 2006-07!
The Challenge is here! Every member is encouraged to take part in this project!
It is not too late to get in on the Challenge 2006- 2007! You will have the choice of 3 different sized quilts using 12 blocks. Quilts will need to be finished by June 2007 to qualify for prizes! There will be 3 winners- one in each of 3 sizes. See Sue Hansen or Jenny Schlutz as you arrive to get your pattern! We hope this will get your creative juices flowing!
Chinese Auction this month!
Have something to donate? Please bring it early!
Thanks! Money goes to treasury!
2008 Raffle Quilt Committee
Marie Senne and Jenny Schlutz
Marie and I have been thinking about the next raffle and have come up with an idea of a county styled quilt. This quilt will have appliquéd blocks as well as pieced. We will need several members to volunteer to make these blocks as we get them ready. And we will need someone to help hand quilt it or machine it. Please say yes when asked to help. A sample of the quilt will be coming soon.
However if there is a quilt that you think would be better please bring your suggestions! We would love to hear from you! WE NEED YOU!
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please read!
All Groups are responsible for helping the Program/ Workshop gal to unload and reload her things, luncheon and clean up in kitchen. Tables need to be set up in the morning for classes and programs. The tables are heavy and one person cannot set them up by themselves. They also need to have the tables and chairs put away or around the tables at the end of day. This group should also help man the sign in table. For New Members and Visitors to enjoy their first visits they need to be guided and that cannot happen if no one is at the sign in table.
The Temple is open at 8AM.
That means your group needs to be at the Temple no later than 8:15-:30AM to help out.
If you cannot be at the Temple in the morning let your group know or have someone there in your place. If you have to leave early let your group know! The more we work together the more fun we will have!
On another note:
When classes are being held and paid for it is courteous to allow the teacher to teach members her project during the morning hours. If you arrive early that’s ok. You can take care of your potluck and visit quietly in the lounge area or kitchen until class is over by usually 11:30 for winding down and packing up projects. Thank you everyone! We want everyone to have a good time and welcome all members to come each month to sew and share good cheer and of course eat potlucks!
Upcoming Workshops & Programs! Program Chairlady-
Nancy Malmin 641-732-432
1IMPORTANT NOTICE:
All programs or workshops that cost more than $100 needs to be approved. Some workshops and programs need to be planned months in advance! If you need help in planning your month please contact Nancy and she will be happy to assist you.
There will be at minimum $10 fee to attend workshops given by professionals. Thanks to all of you for participating to make the guild run smoothly!
December 13th, 2006 Christmas Party
It’s a Snowman’s Christmas!
A gift of a ‘make and take’ Snowman Christmas Ornament project will be ready for you. All you will need to bring for this project are embroidery needles and scissors. Floss will be provided in your kits.
There will be a limited number of really cute felt wool sewing kits in the shape of gloved hands & felted hat pincushions to purchase during the party. If you purchase a kit, there will be a box of laces and ‘what nots’ for you to choose from donated by Millie Shroeder. She will have samples of the Gloved Hands Sewing Tote for you to see. These simple and fun projects are great to take along with you wherever you go.
Potluck at Noon!
There will be general meeting at 1.
We will have a pretty Christmas Fat quarter lottery!
Also a grab bag exchange of something nice and sewing related. These could be-threads, scissors, rulers, fat quarters or anything you would like to receive yourself. Please keep the cost under $10.
Marie Senne will be bringing her famous silver Christmas Tree! If you have any Snowmen characters for the tree and our center table to display we would love to use them for the party! Just don’t forget to take them home with you afterwards. Marie is also planning a short game. We will also need someone to bring juice. A potluck will be held at noon. Doors open at 10AM for the make and take project. All members are welcome! Come celebrate the season with us!
Jan 10th, 2007-Charity Quilts Day
February 14th, 2007-Betty Bus from the Bee Hive Quilt Shoppe will be presenting a Project of Crazy Hearts Quilt!
Clean your cutting board! When cutting fabrics over and over, tiny miniscule threads get trapped in your cutting mats especially if using a dull blade in your cutter. To help get rid of this lint, use a Lint roller and just sweep across the mats till lint free! Using a sharp blade will help prevent this malady!
Additions to your Membership list
Nancy Trager- 1291 190th St Hampton, IA 50441
Marjorie Odden- 204 11th St N Northwood, IA 50459 641-324-2298
Katrina Keech- 1293 410th St St. Ansgar, IA 50472
Betty Neel- 24767 Lark Ave Manly, IA 50456
Sharon Hays- 830 14th St Mason City, IA 50401
Calico Hutch- PO Box 482 Hayward, MN 56043
Patty Miller- 600 J St. charles City, IA 50616
Jo Ann Johnson-2550 S Benjamin, MC 424-4397
Corrections:
Mary Alexander-641-816-5933
Carlene Davis- acdavis@msn.com
Jo Best- jqbest@netins.net
Please check your info on list. If not correct let Ruth Ward know. Thank you! Ruth Ward-641-423-2908
Dixie Schaer would like to thank everyone
for sending her cards and showing support
after the loss of her husband Lloyd.
Our thoughts are with you Dixie!
Officers and Chairpersons
2006-2007 Officers
President- Marie Senne-319-267-2705
Vice Pres.- Kelsey Jones- 641-424-3519
Secretary- Joan Chandler-641-982-4986
Treasurer- Jean Payne-641-423-5041
2006-2007 Board Members:
Marilyn Meinecke-641-357-0773
Kay Klukow-507-265-3466
Marion Andersen-641-424-4007
Barb Deboer-641-775-3474
Cathy Coverdale-641-458-9855
2006-2007 Chairpersons:
Membership-Ruth Ward-641-423-2908
Newsletter Editor-Jenny Schlutz-641-424-9068
Programs-Nancy Malmin-641-732-4321
Patterns- Jenny & Sue Hansen-507-567-2502
Historian-Phyllis Wright-641-423-3196
Library-Marie Senne-319-267-2705
Sunshine-Cathy Knowles-641-454-2014
Habitat for Humanity-Jo Best-641-357-3084
Hospitality-Program groups
Linus, Northern Lights, Crisis Inter Center
Mary Jane Allen-641-696-3308
Marion Hoit-641-423-7340
Mary Ann Johnson-641-592-3348
ABC Quilts-Jo Best-641-357-3084
North Iowa Fair-Dixie Schaer-423-8846
Kelsey Jones-Web Mistress/Publishing-424-3519
Be sure to contact Cathy Knowles,
of any news about our members! 641-454-2014
Attention: New Members added!
Check to see what month you are responsible for. Work together and plan ahead! Meet at the Masonic Temple or wherever you like. Let Nancy Malmin know what you have planned.
Need Help? Call Nancy! 641-732-4321
Current Group Members 2006- 2007
Nov 2006-Group 1: MaryAnn Johnson, Bev Adams, Cathy Knowles, Betty Neel, Betty Werle, Mary Jane Allen, Marilyn Harrington, Marlene Oswood.
December 2006-It’s a Snowman’s Christmas!
January 2007- Charity day- ABC, LINUS, Crisis, Wrap a Smile, Northern Lights & Habitat for Humanity
February 2007-Group 2: Margaret Berge, Elaine Hill, Marjorie Odden, Thelma Bohn, Jan Martin, Laurie Schwarck, & Millie Schroeder.
March 2007-Group 3: Minerva Wagner, Nancy Malmin, Lavon Dorsey, Kay Klukow, Sue Hansen & Katrina Keech, Carolyn Matson, Kathleen Coverdale
April 2007-Group 4: Joan Chandler, Bette Koeff, Dorothy Climber, Beverly Schabacker, Nancy Trager, Sharon Hays, Jan Pralle, Beverly Lattimer
May 2007-Group 5: Barb DeBoer, Mary Alexander, Audrey Dix, Betty Debner, Bev Brinkman, Marie Senne, Betty Hendrix, Gwen Mathews, Patti Miller
June 2007-Group 6: Margaret Hanawait, Darlene Alexander, Marion Anderson, Marjorie Bahnsen, Margie Brandl, Jo Best, Vivian Bugbee & Betty Buss, Arla Loeffler.
July 2007: No meeting-newsletter mailed.
August 2007-annual picnic-place to be determined.
September 2007-Group 7: Dorothy Birch, Arlene Christensen, Carlene Davis, Dorothy Fagerle, Lenore Forbes, Marian Hoit & Bev Humphrey, Harriett Klein, Jo Ann Johnson
October 2007-Group 8: Pat Klinger, Margaret McMullin, Alice Lenze, Jeanne Moorehead, Ardis Nicewarner, Jean Payne, Marilyn Meinecke, Florence Hagstrom & Kelsey Jones
November 2007- Group 9: Nancy Reid, Dixie Schaer, Jenny Schlutz, Jeroldine Stricker, Ruth Ward, & Phyllis Wright, Marie Albers
If I have inadvertently left your name off please contact me so as to update Program List. Thank you!
Jenny 641-424-9068
Kelsey’s Korner
Is This Art?
Because the written works of dictionaries and encyclopedias seem to hold sway over society’s definitions of what art is, I began research for this article at the dictionary level to see what Webster’s definition of art is. What I found was not a simple explanation but a complex series of definitions:
1) “Art is the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful, or of more than ordinary significance. 2) The class of objects subject to aesthetic criteria. 3) Any field using techniques of art.
4) Illustrative or decorative material. 5) The Craft or Trade using these principles or methods. 6) Skilled workmanship, execution or agency as distinguished from nature.”
And fine art is defined as: “visual art considered primarily in relation to aesthetic criteria or judgments of beauty and meaningfulness (specifically painting sculpture, drawing, watercolor, graphics and architecture.)”
On the surface it seems that art is defined by the onlooker's taste and opinions. In order to try and understand the definition of art a little better I turned to Funk & Wagnall’s encyclopedia which starts out it’s 13 ½ page treatise on art with this statement:
“…designation applied in its most general sense to the products of imagination, taste and skill. Although art may refer to a skill or ability, such as the art of cooking or the art of debate, the term usually connotes the expression of beauty for its own sake rather than for some utilitarian purpose. Thus, art in its usual sense refers to the works of art produced on the basis of aesthetic purposes, by an artist who seeks to convey emotions and ideas. Art carries the connotation of quality or value, worthy of preserving. . . .Fine arts include the visual arts such as painting, drawing, sculpture, and architecture, and the non-visual arts, such as music and literature. The applied arts include activities and products of crafts such as commercial art, industrial design, weaving, furniture making, glass making and ceramics. Works of applied art may be useful objects but may nevertheless be treasured and preserved as works if art in the basis if their aesthetic value.”
In order to understand where quilting fits into these categories it is important to understand society’s views on quilting historically, today and our views for the future of quilting. It is also important to understand the changing nature of art as society grows and changes lifestyles.
Historically quilting was a means of creating warmth in clothing and bedding as well as a modicum of protection under armor from blows received during battle. By layering pieces of fabric with filler and sewing a series of linear designs to hold them in place the creator was able to bring a measure of comfort to the wearer. Certainly at its beginnings quilting was not considered and art form. But, neither was architecture at this point.
Somewhere along the way (and it is pretty hard to pinpoint just exactly when the turning point is!) women began to ad more decorative stitching and design elements to the quilting process. While still considered utilitarian during the mid seventeenth century to mid- twentieth century the expression of emotion and political values of America became a part of quilting. During this time literature and architecture had become part of the fine arts category because aesthetic value was irrevocably part of the design. A building was only considered for purchase if it was pleasing to the purchaser’s taste as well as for its ability to keep the purchaser safe, dry and hold his belongings. Literature not only had to convey information but, also had to entertain and be aesthetically pleasing to the reader.
By the mid-twentieth century blankets were being manufactured at such low cost that it became unnecessary for individuals to have to make quilts for use at home, thus relegating the making of handmade quilts to the category of unnecessary skills. However, the skills have continued to blossom at an exponential rate. Makers of quilts found new ways to express the emotions and political values of America in their needlework.
New techniques have been developed that allow quilt makers to create visually stunning pieces that defy the words craft and utilitarian value. These pieces were clearly made with skill not present in normal population. Clearly quilts are no longer viewed as ordinary!
Quilts today are an expression of beauty and ideas. Quilts convey movement, color, and most of all quilts convey a sense of personal and national values. Quilts today are thought provoking and emotional. Quilts have social significance. Quilts have been known to bring as much at auction as many paintings do thus establishing monetary value. Quilts are preserved, treasured, and placed in museums to be viewed by many who pay for the privilege of seeing them.
While some critics argue that quilting is not a part of the visual arts, it is only a matter of time before society will quell those few rumblings and declare that quilting has indeed become a part of those visual arts listed in dictionary and encyclopedias.
So when is a quilt not art? A quilt is not art when it has not been made lovingly by hands that wanted to create something of beauty to enhance someone’s surroundings. I cannot ever imagine that happening, can you? --Kelsey
Neck Coolers
needed:
- 1 yd cotton fabric (at LEAST 42" wide) -- this will make 8 coolersplease prewash the fabric to remove any sizing
- 1/2 - 1 tsp polymer granules per cooler (see resource at end)
- sewing machine or serger
rotary cutter and mat (makes for quick cutting)
here are some objects that have been reported as useful when filling the pockets with crystals:
- a 2 ft length of 1" PVC Pipe
- a long-neck funnel (check your local auto supply store)
Marie Senne brought a couple of neck coolers for show and tell last month. Since I am hot all the time she let me wear one for a while. I was amazed at how it truly seemed to cool me down. I was lucky enough that she let me take it home to use! This would be a perfect gift to send to our troops over seas. Also for gifts to our family and friends! You can find the crystals at your local hobby stores or floral shops. Thank you Marie for sharing this simple and neat project with us! http://www.p2designs.com/ShipCooler.htm
Secretary Minutes October 11, 2006
Marie Senne opened the October meeting. The morning workshop was with Jenny Schlutz working on a wall hanging of ‘Tom’ the turkey.
Dixie Schaer’s husband passed away. Cathy Knowles’ mother is having by-pass surgery.
Two ‘vintage’ North Iowa Quilt Guild banners will be auctioned off to NIQG members at the November meeting.
Ten quilt photos will be sent by Kelsey Jones to AQS museum in Paduca. The Bee Hive Quilt Shoppe is sponsoring a bus trip to Chicago show in April. Marilyn Meinecke won the Halloween Lottery Blocks.
Afternoon program was presented by Barb Snitzer and Marian Lenz on civil war quilts.
Respectfully submitted-Joan Chandler
HAPPY FALL Y'ALL
Tumbling leaves of red and goldAre drifting from the treesA shifting of the seasonsWill bring a cooling breeze.
Pumpkins in the cornfieldsGold among the brownLeaves of rust and scarletTrembling slowly down
Birds that travel southwardLovely time to playNothing is as pleasantAs an autumn day!
By all these lovely tokensOctober days are hereWith summer like weatherAnd autumn's best of cheer!
HAVE A WONDERFUL FALL!
Logo Quilts will be auctioned at November meeting!
Fast is not always better!
I love hand quilting large quilts. It is soothing to the soul and feels so good to the touch. When hand quilting an appliquéd quilt I can see each character, seam, color, flaw (always striving to quilt out) and an occasional perfect point. If the quilt is to be a gift, I often think of that person and family as each stitch goes in. I can hardly contain myself in my eagerness to see the look on that person’s face. I know that quilt will be loved.
I also love making small wall hanging quilts. And since I feel I have to make at least a half dozen of each pattern I find myself sometimes becoming impatient to get them done and move on to the next pattern. One way to speed up the process in making these quilts is machine quilting them instead of hand quilting. I have dabbled occasionally during the early quilt years stitching in the ditch-albeit without a walking foot. What? Without a walking foot! Well my old machine didn’t have one and I didn’t know that such a thing existed. So those first quilts were certainly NOT gems by any means. One thing that those experiences taught me was always to sew in the same direction for the whole quilt. Other wise I would end up with some God-awful puckers! Those quilts went to the kids to play with and the dog to sleep on. I chalked it up to experience.
I went back to hand quilting.
After a couple of disasters I mentioned my problem to Bobbie Meggars. She of course asked me if the walking foot was faulty. What? I said. I soon bought a walking foot. This worked out great! I also loved the looks of free motion quilting and hooked up the darning foot, as that is what I was told to use. I didn’t know about dropping the feed dogs at that time. It was tough going until, of course, upon asking questions of fellow quilters…’you have to drop your feed dogs or cover them’. My first old Elna had a cover. (I discovered that by finally reading the instruction book.) So I covered the dogs and proceeded to experiment and practice my moves. I really didn’t like it much. With the cover on it was very hard to move the quilt as the space was greatly reduced between the foot and machine. I even lessoned the foot pressure but still not the best.
I went back to hand quilting.
After hundreds or perhaps thousands of miles of stitching on this old Elna, I purchased a newer model. Well this machine had some fancy dancy stitches on it! About 20 if I remember right and the feed dogs dropped! With that problem solved another one cropped up. The threads would break often enough that I had become discouraged. I worked with the tensions….my own and the machine’s. I had heard never to use hand quilting thread in your machines. But being frustrated I thought that since it was stronger it has to work better! Well I fiddled and faddled with the thread and with the tensions and used regular thread in the bobbin. This worked ok but I was not satisfied and knew that had to be something easier.
I went back to hand quilting.
Six years later after practice sessions here and there and at least a million miles on that Elna I traded in the old girl and bought my new bigger super duper Pro Quilters Dream Elna. I had seen a few girls with theirs and heard their comments on the machine. Wow! Were they ever right! The head is much deeper which allows more room for quilting larger quilts. I found I could comfortably machine stitch up to a full sized quilt. But I was more interested in the fancy stitches and other perks of the machine. The needle down, cutter, leg lift, embroidered lettering and of course the stitches really did me in! I had so many awesome stitches to choose from to decorate my quilts!
But I was still having problems with the thread breaking until one day; Bev Humphrey said to me that my needle must not be correct-not the right one for what I was attempting to do. That got me to thinking about needles. I hadn’t really given them much thought as I used the ‘universal’ needle for everything. Off to the fabric store I went. I scoped out all the different types of sewing needles and there right before my eyes was Schmetz quilting needles! Whooheee! This is exactly want I needed! Since putting these needles in I seldom break threads any more. It is only when I am speeding like a women going on a shop hop that I have any problem at all. I just have to slow down. Now I free motion quite often. I have learned by trial and error to always keep calm- sit up straight (still working on that) and learn the word ‘patience’. Even though I do machine most of my small quilts my favorite thing about quilting is hand quilting those beautiful large quilts, even if they do take lots of time, love and patience.
Fast is not always better!
Jenny Schlutz
Being as we all live in the farming communities of Iowa and Minnesota I thought you all might enjoy this little piece sent to me from my dear x-Sister in law Judy whom I still consider my Sister.
I remember as a little girl staying at my Gramma Rowe’s farm and actually using the ‘House Behind the House’. It was situated between the laying hens house and the garage. It was a ‘three holer’ with one small for kids and 2 larger ones. I remember it was not very pleasant during the summer months (remembering the wasps, flies and odor) and darn cold in the winter! And a big deal for my Dad and uncles to clean out!
Maybe that is why when I turned 10 or 11 they were able to convert a room in their farmhouse to a modern bathroom. I remember my Gramma was thrilled not only to have a commode in the house but a sink and bathtub too in the same room!
Maybe this will bring back memories to you too!
The House Behind The House
One of my fondest memories As I recall the days of yore was the little house, behind the house, With the crescent o'er the door. 'Twas a place to sit and ponder With your head all bowed down low; Knowing that you wouldn't be there, If you didn't have to go. Ours was a multi-holer, three,With a size for every one. You left there feeling better, After your job was done. You had to make those frequent trips In snow, rain, sleet, or fog-- To that little house where you usually Found the Sears-Roebuck catalog. Oft times in dead of winter, The seat was spread with snow. Twas then with much reluctance, To that little house you'd go. With a swish you'd clear that wooden seat, Bend low, with dreadful fear You'd shut your eyes and grit your teeth As you settled on your rear. I recall the day Ol' Granddad, Who stayed with us one summer, Made a trip out to that little house Which proved to be a bummer. 'Twas the same day that my Dad hadFinished painting the kitchen green. He'd just cleaned up the mess he'd made With rags and gasoline. He tossed the rags down in the hole Went on his usual way Not knowing that by doing so He'd eventually rue the day. Now Granddad had an urgent call, I never will forget! This trip he made to the little house Stays in my memory yet. He sat down on the wooden seat, With both feet on the floor. He filled his pipe and tapped it down And struck a match on the outhouse door. He lit the pipe and sure enough,it soon began to glow.He slowly raised his rear a bit And tossed the flaming match below. The Blast that followed, I am told Was heard for miles around; And there was poor ol' Granddad Sprawled out there on the ground. The smoldering pipe still in his mouth, His eyes were shut real tight; The celebrated three-holer Was blown clear out of sight. We asked him what had happened, What he said I'll ne'er forget. He said he thought it must have been The pinto beans he et! Next day we had a new one Dad put it up with ease. But this one had a door sign that read: No Smoking, Please! Now that's the story's end my friend,Of memories long ago, When we went to the house behind the house,because we had to go. (image placeholder)
Appliqué using old dryer sheets- save all your used dryer sheets-rinse them in clean water to make sure no residue is left. Iron them. Place your appliqué piece face up and lay dryer sheet on top of it. Sew all the way around- slit sheet back and turn out. Ideal for leaves and petals.
1 yard of cotton weighs about 4oz!
4 yards of fabric weighs 1 lb!
