NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, AUGUST 16TH

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30 PM

PROGRAM: SIT-N-SEW

Bring your own project or come and check out what other members are working on. Lu says she will be available for help on Swedish Weaving if anyone is interested. Pot Luck refreshments (always lots of goodies!)

JULY MEETING NOTES

We had 4 July birthdays, Ann, Lu, Evelyn and Edie but I was so busy eating my birthday brownie I didn’t get any pictures. Apologies to the other birthday quilters and I’ll try to do better next time.

Show and Tell included some YoYo’s from our Friday morning gatherings at The Core. Dinah has put some of her YoYo’s together into a placemat or table runner–She hasn’t quite decided. The scrappy look with lots of different fabrics is really pretty.

Edie put some of her YoYo’s together as the yoke of a summer blouse. No problem in the wash, no ironing needed, and a fun way to use those scraps.

Joyce has been making pillow cases for a special project of the Bandera Quilt Guild to donate to children at local hospitals. She has found some fun fabrics to brighten up those hospital beds.

Tammy brought two Christmas in July ideas that are available on her web site www.BOMquilts.com.

And Kat brought a beautiful quilt made for the mother she so recently lost. The quilt included memories from all the people who shared in her mother’s final days.

Tammy brought the project idea for support for the Medina Vacation Bible School program.  Medina Quilters are requested to make simple cotton teddy bears with pinked edges for the children to decorate and stuff. The bears are to have decorative fabric appropriate for a child on the front and plain fabric on the back. We are asked to each make 10 and take them to the library or The Core by Friday, August 13th. Tammy had a simple paper pattern for each of us to use and she used her own special “design board” to show us how to put them together.

The bears will go to Peterson Hospital  for children there.

Edie presented a Border Mania Trunk Show with lots of ideas and discussion of ways borders can be added to your quilts to enhance the design. Tammy took pictures of some samples but I don’t have them to add to this newsletter.  Maybe later.

I look forward to seeing all of you on Monday. Edie

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, JULY 19TH

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30 PM

PROGRAM: EXPLORING BORDERS

EDIE WILL BRING IDEAS AND HANDOUTS

JUNE MEETING NOTES

We had visitors from the Food Pantry to say thank you for the donation of $181 and 2 boxes of food. The food pantry  has assisted as many as 32 families in a month in the Medina community. The Medina Quilters contribution will assist them in coming months.

Birthdays were celebrated for Gayle, Nickie, and Lisa.

Members from the Medina Vacation Bible School discussed their project for this summer with a request for assistance. The dates are August 16-20 and they plan to make blankets and pillows for chilren patients at University Hospital in San Antonio. They are requesting donations of fleece and cotton fabrics in patterns and colors that are appropriate for children. They will be contacting us with more specific information.

SHOW AND TELL was very busy with many members projects.

Margaret had completed a quilt for her grandaughter with a “crazy quilt” piecing for the back so it is pretty and colorful on both sides:

Theresa has been busy lap quilting two quilts;

 And Nickie brought a quilt made from fabrics she found on a trip out west. She liked the colors and the birds in the border fabric..

Evelyn brought two projects. Her Swedish weaving table topper and a quilt top of star blocks from a class at Sew Special.

Lisa is working on an embroidered crib quilt for her nephew. And Edie brought a quilt she started piecing in 1997. The beautiful quilting was done by Michele in her own design of butterflies and hearts. Michele has gone west for the summer but plans to return in the fall with more ideas for long arm quilting–she e-mailed a message that she hopes for many projects to be waiting when she returns.

Tammy brought us a wonderful program on paper piecing. She had a design and fabric for each of us to complete a small block during the meeting.  We were very busy following her instructions step by step and it made a lot more sense by the time we had our little project to take home.

It was a fun and busy evening. We also continue our informal Friday morning coffee and stitching at The Core. Some folks just stop by to watch and visit, some are busy on hand projects and we all have a good time, so join us if you can. See you Monday.

Edie

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, JUNE 21ST (FIRST DAY OF SUMMER)

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30PM

PROGRAM: PAPER PIECING WITH MAGGIE

MAY MEETING NOTES:

It was a Sit-n-Sew night with no formal program but we made up for it with lots of good food  show and tell from members.George Ann and Evelyn have been making organizers from placemats. They say they are fun and quick to do for gifts or fundraisers.

Joyce won the purse that Katie made last month and gave as a gift to our group.

And modeled the block of the month blocks she has completed. She says she is making a “scrappy” throw and will joint them with a binding.

Edie brought the practice blocks and the wall hanging block she is working on. The project was started at the retreat she went to in March to improve her machine quilting skills.

Tammy brought the completed gift quilt she had created to replace the quilt that disappeared at the school during cheerleader tryouts.   

Donna has completed another Downy donation quilt for children. Michele did the long arm quilting and found a really cute pattern with cars to go along with the quilt theme.

Margaret had a stained glass quilt which she said was more challenging than she expected. The group thought it was well worth her efforts. She talked about the challenge of fabric selection to fit with the stained glass theme. 

Dinah has been hand quilting a beautiful feathered star quilt that she pieced as a challenge to herself. She said she used a technique from Marsha McClosky that helped her to work with all the small pieces and keep her points intact.  She also said she isn’t going to be in a hurry to do another one.

And only Tammy could take a picture of food that looks like a beautiful water color quilt!

I started to show the YoYos I have been learning to make when a storm blew in and the group scattered for home to avoid a hail encounter.  I wanted you to know I have come to terms with the flowered yoyos that have been such a challenge. They still take much longer than the circles but make cute imbellishments. Check out the caps on Elda and Heidi in the snapshots from the Core.

We are still gathering at the Core on Friday mornings for hand work projects and sharing. We get there some time between 9-9:30 and diffenent folks come and go during the morning.  Susan from the Library joined us this past week and many folks stop by to visit and see what we are doing.

Mark your calendars now for the next meeting on the 21st.  Edie

Well, here I am at last to try out Tammy’s updated newsletter system. Since I am so late in posting the meeting notes, I am going to focus on pictures and see how I make out.

We had lots of Show and Tell to show how busy out members have been.Evelyn brought her own version of the Swedish weaving we have been learning to do. And She and George Ann have also been working on the Block of the Month blocks from Tammy’s website.

 Donna brought her second Downy donation quilt that had been quilted by Michele. And Edie brought her Prarie Sampler block of the month from 2009 which is completed and quilted by Michele. Completed block of the month blocks for 2010 by Tammy can be made into this throw or expanded as you like.

Tammy had a replacement for the gift quilt she had been workin on. This quilt disappeared from a table at Cheerleader tryouts and original has not been turned in to lost and found or returned to Tammy. 

We finished out evening with a wonderful program by Katie Comer on construction of purses and bags. Katie had lots of helpful hints and beautiful purses to inspire us to try this ourselves.  I hope these pictures bring back memories of a wonderful meeting full of fun, laughter and new quilting ideas.   Edie

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, April 19TH

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30PM

PROGRAM: Purse Making with Katie Comer

March Meeting Notes:

While Edie was off enjoying a quilted weekend retreat, my trusty assistant Ann (who was helping me gather info) and I documented the meeting highlights:

The March meeting was scheduled to be a Sit-n-Sew, but we also had Lu showing us more information on Swedish Embroidery. 

First up, though, was show-n-tell while we ate delish food!

Donna P. shows us the Swedish Embroidery afghan she made.

Gayle did a marvelous job on our 2009 “Pioneer Sampler” BOM quilt.

Donna A., Tammy, Gayle & Evalyn proudly displayed their bowls that they finished from last month’s “Longarm Michele’s” program.

Donna A. shows off her 2009 “Pioneer Sampler” completed quilt, too!

Donna A. knitted a soft and luxurious small lap robe.

Tammy showed off a new BOM quilt she made with Pat Sloan’s “Georgia” fabric line.  The FREE six-month BOM pattern can be found at www.bomquilts.com.

Tammy also received a REALLY early birthday gift from Linda at www.AbbiMays.com of Texas wildflower fabrics.

Evalyn brought her daughter George Ann, and she displayed her (adjusted) Turning Twenty quilt top.

Evalyn has that GO TO IT quilter’s spirit and has kept up with the 2010 BOM quilt “Santorini Stars” from www.BOMquilts.com.

Joyce has also completed the two blocks from the www.BOMquilts.com 2010 block of the month quilt with some bold colors!

George Ann brought along a colorful purse made of gum wrappers that she picked up in Mexico – so festive!

March Birthday Celebration:

This month, we celebrated Kat’s birthday! 

March Swedish Weaving Program Photos:

Lu gave those who were interested a handout she had put together on Swedish Weaving, which included new information as well as the information that Joyce gave us the last time we learned this fun craft.  Here are photos of the works-in-progress and some completed projects by others in our group:

Kat begins!

One of Joyce’s completed Swedish Weaving projects.

This is the way we start to weave, start to weave, start to weave … this is the way we start to weave…

Donna A. is getting the hang of it!

And no Newsletter of ours Would be Complete Without an Ooh-Laa-Laa Showing of Evalyn’s SOCKS!

Hope to see everyone on April 19th!

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, MARCH 15TH

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30PM

PROGRAM: SIT-N-SEW

AND AS AN ADDED ATTRACTION: Lu will be doing an update on Swedish Embroidery for those who are interested.

SWEDISH EMROIDERY WORKSHOPS

 MATERIALS:

1 large eyed yarn needle, bodkin needle or lacet needle (Lu will furnish needle)

½ yard for Table Runner OR 2 ½ yards for Afghan of Monk Cloth Fabric, 60 inches wide.   (Fabric can be found at Walmart, Home Town Crafts in Kerrville, and Gone Quilting in Bandera)

1 – 3 ½ oz Skein of 4 ply acrylic yarn in variegated color for Table Runner or 2 Skeins for Afghan

1 – 3 ½ oz Skein of 4 ply acrylic yarn in solid contrasting color for Table Runner or 2 skeins for Afghan

1 Medium to large safety pin.   Lots of smaller safety pins for helping mark designs.

 PREPARING MATERIAL:

Pull a thread to even the end of material.  Measure up to where you want your fringe to start for an Afghan, most Table Runners do not have fringe – unless you want it.  Machine stitch both ends of material to keep it from fraying.  Fringe ends if you want it.

Machine wash and dry material to pre-shrink.

Using a dark thread baste a line down the middle of fabric lengthwise and crosswise.

 We will start off with Joyce Kennedy’s pattern (she taught us this back in March 2008).  If you have something started and want to add a different design please bring your fabric and we will try to get you started on another pattern.

FEBRUARY MEETING NOTES:

We had a wonderfully busy meeting but started off with chocolate brownies for the  three birthday members and then lots of great food to sustain us while learning about basket making.

Michele had prepared a great class on baskets from fabric and rope. She had made a starter kit for each of us so we could actually make a beginning while she was there to help.

First a demonstration.     

There were lots of sewing machines so we could get started.

And still time to visit 

and have fun. 

A big Thank You to Michele for all her hard work to make this meeting a great learning experience and a good time.  

We hope all of you who have worked on your basket will bring it to the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30 PM

PROGRAM: MAKING CLOTHESLINE BOWLS

Michele has planned a real “hands on” class and hopes everyone will be able to complete as small bowl. She sent out an e-mail  with a supply list for the class that is below.

sewing machine and “A” sewing foot and open toe foot

needles size 90/14 or 100/16, or jeans needles 14 or Microtex sharp 14

an extension table for your machine if you have one

scissors and basic sewing supplies

tweezers,

tape measure

Michele has done a lot of preparation for this class so we can all have a good time and bring home a finished bowl. Here are some samples of her work.

JANUARY MEETING NOTES

It was Loretta’s birthday month  complete with brownie and candle.

We had lots of show & tell.

Maggie was able to be with us to show her first “real” quilt top. Her husband was able to help her by suggesting a change–Maggie said the light came home and she realized what is ment by “scant” 1/4 inch seam. Michele offered to quilt it for her.

Gail brought a Tshirt dress she made for her granduaghter.

Evalyn has designed a crochet dish drainer and wore more of her special socks.

Edie brought a wall hanging quilt her daughter found at a community fundraiser.

and her finished beaded wall hanging collage, but no picture–sorry.

And the block of the month project that she is making into a tablecloth for summer picnics.  

 Tammy showed us her Christmas in July design which is available on line at her web site with fabrics available from AbbyMays. She also had a new idea for block of the month–Santorini Stars–which is available at BOMquilts.com. This is raw edge applique and she promises it is much easier than it looks. More information is available on e-mail to members.

We had a visitor from the Kerrville Quilt Guild, Katie C. who brought several items to share. A purse   a jacket, and  a throw made with a Kaffe Fasset pattern and embellished with machine embroidery. Katie has promised to return for our April meeting with more information on making a quilted purse.

And after all that we still had time to put together a program list for 2010. Some programs are still in the process of being developed, but below is the draft list of things to come.

February:  Basket Making 101 with Michele

March: Sit-n-Sew night

April: Making a quilted purse with Katie

May: Sit-n-Sew night

June: Paper Piecing with Maggie

July: Quilting w Myrna (may be changed to September—details to come)

August: Sit-n-Sew and for those who are interested Lu and Joyce will revisit Swedish weaving with some new patterns.

September: What to do with “Ugly Duckling” fabrics by Tammy

October: Jana Osborn will do her annual program and Edie will intro Borders, Binding and Mitered Corners.

November: Sit-n-Sew

December: Christmas Party

January 2011: Planning Meeting

Lu may have an update for us soon but I hope this has you interested in the fun to come. And for those of you who asked–yes, some of us are still gathering at The Core on Friday mornings for coffee, visiting and sometimes we even work on our projects.

See you soon.  Edie

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, JANUARY 18TH

6:30 PM

MEDINA COMMUNITY LIBRARY

PROGRAM: PLANNING FOR THE YEAR

BRING YOUR IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS

DECEMBER MEETING NOTES

It was party time at the cozy Craddock Cottage of Medina United Methodist Church. We started with a small bit of end of the year business–to deliver a thank you quilt

to the Medina Library for them to use any way they want. Two representatives from the library joined us to receive the round robin quilt

which had started life as a great idea from our own Tammy

 and been worked on my many members of the group.

We had “Show and Tell” with Margaret bringing a very unusual crochet necklace–beautiful and very delicate–that she found from a concessionair at the Kerrville VA.And Michele brought a unique basket that she has learned to make using a Jelly Roll–or two.  After that we started the serious partying with lots of food and presents. The group presented Baskets of Love to Tammy, Lu and Edie as a thank you for special group support in the past year. And Abby Mays sent a speical gift bag full of quilting goodies for each of us. You can see lots of creative ideas at www.abbimays.com .

Lu asked me to include the following message from her in this newsletter:

“I would like to thank all of you who were so wonderful to surprise me with a “Basket of Love” at our Christmas Party. I have had a lot of fun going through each package and trying to decide where to put each item. Everyone of them was a useful product and I am enjoying them daily. Thanks for being such a generous and wonderful group of women. I did not feel deserving of this because all of us contribute to the monthly meeting-but I do thank you!!!! See you around the quilt frame. Love to all, Lu.

Tammy asked me to add her message, “Yeah, what she said! Thanks for the LOVE! Tammy.

I just want to add that the love from the group and the basket full of goodies has kept me warm through all the cold weather. I am thankful to be able to participate in all the Medina Quilt Group activities. P.S. I haven’t used my “duck” potholder yet but I will just as soon as I learn how to cook. Thank you all. Edie

Well, I’m not through with this newsletter yet because the “sock” competition continues. Led by EvelynSeveral other members have joined in the fun.

But naughty Santa stole the show…..

See you all on the 18th for the start of another great year. Edie

P.S. A small group of us have continued to gather at The Core for coffee, quilting and just fun visiting on Friday mornings about 9-9:30. Bring your lap work or just come for the sharing. EJ

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY DECEMBER 14TH

6:30 PM

CRADDOCK COTTAGE

MEDINA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

(please note change from usual date and location)

PROGRAM: CHRISTMAS PARTY

PLEASE BRING A COVERED DISH, GIFT FOR QUILTERS GIFT EXCHANGE, AND BE READY FOR A GOOD TIME!

NOVEMBER MEETING NOTES

We started off with food and two birthdays.

And quickly went on to “Show & Tell”

Edie mentioned that several members had gathered at The Core on Friday morning for coffee, visiting and to work on projects. The folks there were very welcoming and Edie plans to try to continue being there on Friday mornings for a little more quilting time with anyone who is interested. More at the next meeting.

Joyce has completed piecing the block of the month project and is saving it for the next great-grandchild.

The colors are so bright and cheerful for either boy or girl.

Tammy shared her new Krazy Krakow quilt. There is a free pattern on BOMquilts.com .

 And Lu brought her completed Swedish Weaving which has gone beyond the basic pattern we learned at our workshop.  She was asked to share the new patterns with us at a future meeting.

 and guess who was there with another pair of fun socks?

Then we began working on out teacup pincushions.

Everyone made one.and they really were quite pretty (as well as useful).

See you at the Christmas Party.

P.S. Edie (that’s me) will be at the Core Friday morning, Dec. 11th at 9am. Have to leave early to take my Mom to a Red Hat lunch in Kerrville. Hope any of you who have been enjoying the informal quilters gatherings, or are interested, will come and I’ll see you there for coffee and you can stay as long as you like. They really seem to enjoy having us there.

NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH

MEDINA LIBRARY

6:30 PM

PROGRAM: TEACUP PINCUSHION

Bring a teacup (not a family heirloom as we’re going to hot glue the pincushion into the cup) and your favorite embroidery needle. Tammy will provide batting, fabric and embroidery thread…as well as the glue gun. It’s all handmade, so not machines needed. It sounds like a fun gift to make for special sewing friends.

OCTOBER MEETING NOTES

Jana Osbourn, County Extension Agent gave an interesting program with handouts on “Cleaning Green”.

For some of us, the ingredients were associated with childhood memories–the good old products our mothers used are back in style, environmentally friendly, and still work.  Thanks to Jana for an interesting program.

We had one birthday girl to enjoy Lu’s special “cake”.

And Evelyn added to the decorations with some of her special socks.

 Show and Tell included Margaret with a child size Raggedy Ann doll she is making for a granddaughter and Linda with a Grandmother’s Garden quilt she is building.

 Tammy brought one of the finished chair backs that we tried to start at our last meeting (see October meeting notes).

Since that meeting enough backs have been completed for the whole class. The students and teacher are very happy with them. Joyce will finish 5 more as extra’s in case of need. Tammy also had good news about the last fundraiser quilt. Her friend Melanie who has a long arm machine will quilt it for us without charge.

Instructions for the last two blocks of our block of the month project were handed out along with instructions about fabric placement in the block for  #12.

 Hope that helps. Tammy suggested looking at “Moda Basics” fabrics for border and sashing if you want to separate the blocks when you put them together.

Hope to see you all next week.

Edie