March 14th, 2007
North Iowa Quilters Guild
Founded 1980 Celebrating 27 years! © Vol.19 No. 8 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: $3 Membership: $15 Clear Plastic Bags: 50 ¢ NIQG Pins: $5
For information: send SASE to: NIQG Box 1163 Mason City, IA 50402 or
Newsletter editor-Jenny Schlutz:1468 2nd S E- Mason City, Iowa 50401 641-424-9068 stevejen@mchsi.com
9AM-noon: Morning Workshop:
‘Swirly Quilt’ (approximately 40” x 60”)
presented by Kathy Flippin
Kathy Flippin hails from Rochester, Minnesota! She will be showing us an easy ‘iron on appliqué’ of swirls onto blocks that will create a very unique and vibrant wall hanging quilt! Kathy will provide the pattern. This is a great quilt to use the decorative stitches on your machines. Don’t miss out on this fun workshop! There is no charge for the workshop; however, you may give free will if you so choose to help offset the costs. I can hardly wait! See you there!
Supplies needed for workshop are:
Sewing machine with at least a zigzag stitch.
Cutting tools/self-healing mat and iron/board.
Heat and bond or Steam a Seam.
About 12-15 fat quarters of bright solids-such as red, black, green, yellow, blue and etc or Batiks would work nicely too!
2- 3 yards for sashings and backing.
Kathy will also present an afternoon trunk show!
Potluck at noon! We will continue serving our delicious foods from the kitchen counters. This way the gals that are sewing in the usual area for workshops have more ‘Sewing Time’!
Luncheon following Meeting and Program
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
Web Mistress/Publishing-Kelsey Jones- -424-3519
2007 Raffle Quilt-Jenny Schlutz & Marie Senne
Be sure to contact Cathy Knowles,
of any news about our members! 641-454-2014
Have questions?
Ask any one of these gals for help!
Chinese Auction
Each ticket is only 25 cents! Thank you to everyone who has donated and or purchased items on the Chinese Auction! $25.25 was collected last month!
2008 Raffle Quilt Committee
Marie Senne and Jenny Schlutz
Our Favorite Quiltmaker-Susan McCord
By Sunflower Pattern Co-operative
This wonderful book is now available at the
Bee Hive Quilt Shoppe!
Our next raffle quilt will be made from a compilation of Susan McCord quilt blocks called Shade Garden Sampler. Kits will be available soon. In each kit the patterns will be cut and ready to needle turn appliqué. We need you to help get the blocks appliquéd and then quilted. Thank you!
Please continue to make charity quilts and bring them to guild meetings. Even if you only make tops that is great!
Lottery block this month is Green Fat Quarters! Each FQ entered gives you the chance to win them all!
Challenge Quilt 2006-07! The Challenge is on!
22 members are sewing up a storm!
Did I say storm? Well after the last ice storm and another headed our way as I write this… I pray that everyone is safe and has electricity to run their sewing machines and have good lighting to see by! Good thing we have lots of quilts to keep us warm!
With this icy and snowy winter weather I just know that the quilts are near completion because it is too nasty to go any place but to your sewing machine! Right Girls?
You have until June 13th to finish! The rules are simple. Make 12 of any one block in any one of the 3 sizes on your sheet. You may arrange them in any fashion be they sashed or set on point or any way that suits you. You can appliqué on top of these blocks or leave them as is. They may be color coordinated or scrappy. You can add borders of your choice.
Quilts will need to be finished by June 2007.
Members who have joined the challenge are: Cathy K., Jeroldene S., Barb D., Marilyn M., Kaye K., Dorothy F., Laurie S., Carlene D., Margaret M., Betty D., Sue H., Kelsey J., Ruth W., Gwen M., Minerva W., Nancy M., Marie S., Pat K., Betty N., Nancy Traeger, Marlene Oswood and Jenny S.
One prize will be awarded in each category of 6”, 9” and 12” size blocks used in a completed quilt.
Now for another ‘challenge’ if you don’t loose your pattern sheet there may be another prize…..
Good luck Quilters!
Comfort Quilts are folded and in a clear plastic bag in the back hall at the Masonic Temple. There is a blank signature label on each quilt so that they are ready to go when we need them for our members. There are 5 quilts ready for members at this time.
A Comfort Quilt was presented to Minerva Wagner at our last meeting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Minerva, and your family.
Frayed Jacket by Favorite Things June Workshop, presented by Nancy Malmin. Nancy says that if you find the pattern here to buy it now. Or she will have a sign up sheet to order it. She says that the pattern tends to run a little large, so keep that in mind when buying the pattern. You can find this pattern at this website for $10.
http://www.favoritethings.net/patterns/wearables/the_frayed_jacket
It’s not too early to be thinking about becoming an officer or board member! Please say yes when asked to serve! You never serve alone!
There is always someone there to help!
Invitation from the Cedar Valley Quilt Guild!
On behalf of the Cedar Valley Quilt Guild members of Osage, We would like to invite you to our April 30th, 2007 meeting at 7PM. Our featured speaker will be Ann Zemke, (owner of Crocus Lane Quilts) who gives a 60 minute presentation using a very special quilt she made in memory of her grandmother Marjorie Peterson, orphan train rider. The admission is free. Come early for a cup of coffee and refreshments. Our group meets at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 402 State St., Osage, Iowa. Members can go on Ann’s website for additional information. Hope to see you all April 30th!
Jane Rowe 641-832-2349
Quilting Tips for Beanies and Old Hats
Change machine needles often and always use the proper needle for each different project!
Using an empty boutique style tissue box is great portable waste container! If it tips over the contents will stay inside!
Before binding your quilt-take the time to hand baste the edges. This will help eliminate waves or puckers!
To keep that sewing machine foot from traveling around- put an old mouse pad down!
A clear plastic ‘over the door’ shoe organizer works great for storing quilting supplies when you have limited space!
A foam backed carpet remnant can come in handy-just place in under your sewing machine-helps prevent slipping and protects the table top and softens noise!
Workshop and Programs Group News!
I know that some of you may be thinking why is Jenny putting this page in month after month? Well the reasoning is that we sometimes need to be reminded of what groups we are in so that there are no surprises. It also keeps us updated to any changes that may occur month to month. When there are changes, I try to alert you to these. New members have been added to groups. Be sure to check out which group you are in. If I have left anyone out please let me know.
There has been a suggestion concerning the Christmas Party and Charity Day months. Since there are no groups scheduled for those months it was suggested that the groups take these over. For instance Group 1 would be responsible for Dec 2007 and Group 2 will be responsible for Jan 2008 and so on with the regular schedules. This will eliminate finding people to chair the Christmas party and to have a luncheon & clean up crew for Jan. It is just something to think about. We can certainly leave things the way they are too. We can take a vote on it later this spring. All Feedback is welcome!
All Groups are responsible for helping the Program/ Workshop gal to unload and reload her things, luncheon and clean up in kitchen. 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 8 AM. That means one or two gals of your group needs to be at the Temple no later than 8:15-30 AM 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
All programs or workshops that cost more than $100 needs to be approved. Some workshops and programs need to be planned months in advance!
March 14th, 2007-Cathy Flippin-morning workshop and afternoon trunk show –no charge (freewill donation)
April 11th, 2007-Pat Vsetecka from Material Magic- New Hampton-Kaleidoscope 4 Patch- $10 fee-workshop
May 9th, 2007- Lucille Keeling- Mini Work shop & afternoon trunk show- $10 fee-workshop
June 13th, 2007- Frayed Jacket-pattern required. Nancy Malmin will have the order sheet with her. Free workshop.
July 2007-there is no meeting-newsletter only
Aug. 8th, 2007-annual picnic-place not yet determined-flea market
Sept. 10th, 2007-Denise Sprain from Iowa Falls-$10 workshop fee. Afternoon program by Denise.
Oct. 10th, 2007- Kelsey Jones-paper piecing magic
Nov. 14th, 2007-Christmas project- Jenny Penny Designs
Dec. 12th, 2007-Christmas party
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, Sharon Weckwerth, 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 Hamawalt, 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 Trager, Dixie Schaer, Jenny Schlutz, Jeroldine Stricker, Ruth Ward, & Phyllis Wright, Marie Albers
Carlene Davis has agreed to be our 2008 Quilt Show Chair! Thank you very much for leading us to a successful
Quilt Show!
Kelsey’s Korner
Surviving Fabric Selections
Shopping for fabric is fun while shopping for a specific fabric for a quilt design can be difficult, especially when it is a mystery quilt.
I don’t know how may quilts I have designated for give-it-away-quick pile in the last ten years. I’m sure it’s in the dozens. Each time I swear I am going to do better at fabric selection. Each time I approach the task with trepidation.
I boost up my self-confidence and go to the fabric store. As I walk in the sight and sound of fabric assails me. Oh, yes, fabric has a sound. The thump of bolts being pulled for selection hitting the bottom of the cart, the rustling of it as it is laid out on the counter, the crunch of yardage being cut, and of course the cries of outrage from fabric not selected.
I make several color choices; fold them together so I can see them all playing together. I put them away in their new home (a clear plastic bag or box) and watch them carefully for fights. Is one dominating over the other? Do they play nicely? Is one picking a fight with another?
After several days of watching them carefully and swapping out the malcontents, I begin cutting the fabric to specifications, feeling confident in my choices. I begin sewing the pieces together and laying out the blocks to view. As the quilt begins to take form on the board I realize to my horror that I have made a huge mistake. The fabric sprinkled liberally throughout the quilt that played so nicely with the other fabrics when it was a big piece, could not longer defend its-self against its more dominant playmates. Another quilt for the give-it-away-quick pile has just been created.
Then it hit me as I was paper-piecing a project. Why not create a block designed for testing the compatibility of color choices? So that is what I did. I designed a paper-pieced block called Iowa’s Windmills. This block can be used to test the compatibility of three, four and five color choices.
Now, I purchase 1/8th of a yard of the fabrics I think will work. I paper piece the block in just minutes. Then, I pin it up on my bulletin board and look at it often. Usually within minutes or hours I can tell if the colors will play nicely. If not, it only takes a few minutes to create another test block.
Sometimes when I have a number of choices, I will create a block for each color choice. With each block I create I write on the paper pattern the name of the pattern and the fabric, where and when I purchased it. When the quilt is complete I either use the block for accent on the label or I add it to my reference pile.
Sadly my pile of give-it-away-quick quilts has dwindled to a precious few. They will be going to my favorite charity soon. Penguin Place Studios Kelsey Jones
Katrina Keech asks for help! Katrina is actively involved in rounding up charity quilts for Four Oaks School (formally known as Gerard) for kids in need. It is her wish to provide 48 children aged 5 to 14, a quilt of their own all at the same time. There are currently 37 boys and 11 girls residing at the home. Four Oaks is both a home and school for ‘troubled’ children. It is run by a company and not by the State, therefore they are in need of many items. The building is made of concrete. No matter how much heat is used, it is still chilly. The quilts or double fleece blankets will be used for TV time and etc. The quilts and blankets will also go with the children when they return home or placed somewhere else such as Foster Care. The challenge is to make one of the lap quilts or blankets for each child by May. On the back of each blanket or quilt the words ‘Jesus loves you or You are loved’ will be sewn on. Katrina wants the kids to know there are people who care about them. Katrina was presented with 5 quilts last meeting. If you would like to donate a quilt or double fleeced blanket please contact her or bring them to guild and we will see that she gets them. You may contact Katrina at 641-736-4062
Other items that you may wish to donate are:
Basic needs-towel, wash clothes, pillows, pillow cases
Basic hygiene-toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap and brushes
Toys-cards, board games, legos, dress up clothes (no stuffed animals)
Movies-G & PG for VHS and DVD Note: donations do not have to be new. But clean and in good shape.
***Lenore Forbes passes along a tip that she read in the Fons & Porter magazine! Buy a cheap florescent light from a hardware store. Be sure light has an on/off switch. Place light on table and place a clear plastic container bottom side up over light. Save yourself $40 for a light box! Lenore finds this method easier than using her windows! Thanks Lenore!
Be sure to check out our website as Kelsey is revamping it!
www.niqg.org
Snowed in? Let me encourage you to quilt!
Well March has come in like a lion and it is too dangerous to travel anywhere! What better time to catch up on quilting. As the snow just keeps on coming, I find myself thinking about all the quilts that I want to make before I die. I will have to live to at least the ripe old age of 154 just to get the current ones finished in my mind! And that doesn’t include the ones I have started on paper or the ones that I know I will have to create as soon as I see something that has picked my interest! I think about all the patterns, pattern books and magazines, sketches and pictures of inspiration that I have and it just drives me crazy to get at them and made into quilts! Boy! What an infliction that we quilters suffer from! However it is a nice sickness! Don’t you think?
This is a good time to organize all those inspirations that we have piled by our chairs, on tables, in our sewing baskets, travel bags, on the ironing board and under it and those over flowing shelves. This is a good day to sort out the magazines that you no longer really need and pass them on to a fellow quilter. She will be thrilled and when she has scoured them and written herself notes and even makes a quilt or two using them, she will give them to the next gal. The magazines have a life all their own it seems. Someone will always be able to use them for some project.
It is time to go thru all those patterns that have accumulated over the last 30 or so years and weed out the ones that you know someone else may really enjoy creating. You may even find that special one that you forgot you had and make another quilt before letting it go. Sit down and surround yourself with the memories of the quilts that you made from these patterns. “That quilt went to my best friend, this one went to my sister, and my cousin really smiled when she received this quilt.”
This is a great time to actually sit down in your favorite chair with an old movie in the VCR or DVD player and really go through that stack of pattern books and get motivated again to finally sew up that quilt. Finding that little wall hanging that you have been meaning to get to and maybe even have the fabric cut out will give you great pleasure to see it together! Oh! You should have your favorite beverage with you and don’t forget cookies, because, you are so immersed in your pattern books! We want you to stay alert while you are pondering the next sew session!
These snow filled days are also a great stimulator of finally unfolding and ironing that UFO, sandwiching it and take it to the machine to quilt or better yet…sit down in your favorite easy chair, put your feet up and hand quilt till the cows come home! Forget about supper and order a pizza! I hear that during bad weather the pizza joints are the busiest and never close! They love to deliver pizza in all types of climate conditions!
When the weather has cleared and you are able to get out, head right away to your local Quilt Shop or Quilting group to share your newfound incites. Purchase that fabric and get those quilts finished! Have enough fabric? Well then use it! It can’t become a quilt setting day after day on those shelves or tucked into tubs! Saving that one chunk that you absolutely love for a future quilt is just plain silly! Use it now in a project so that you can enjoy it now!
Well I hope I have put a stir in the weeds and motivated you to get to quilting! I can’t think of a better way to get enthused than to surround yourself with all your patterns, books and magazines and occasional calls to like friends. You never know what you will learn by gabbing!
Always quilting something---Jenny
With the snow storm growling like an old hungry Lion, I thought it might cheer everyone up with a springy Tulip Block by Macia Hohn. (don’t forget to print page 2!) This will make a great charity quilt for any of our causes.
