Our quilting bee

Here we are at George Washington Carver last weekend. It was fun, but miserably hot and humid. We were working on Paulette's friendship quilt. Didn't get much done. The quilters of old must have been much, much faster than us.

Passing of a founding member

Early this week one of our founding members,Loma Oxendine, passed away. .
In the early 1980’s, Betty Bridges ran a quilt shop in Webb City. When she decided to close her shop, she invited several of her loyal customers to her farm near Purdy, MO, for a meeting. These 12 women decided to continue meeting together in each other’s homes each month. After several months it was decided to find a name for the group and elect officers and become official. Loma was one of these women. In October 1985, at a meeting at Betty’s farm, Town & Country Quilters Guild was born. The group continued to meet in each other’s homes every October for the next 4 years. As the group increased in number, they met at various places until finally they started meeting at the First United Methodist Church at 4th and Byers, Joplin, Mo. In 2008, the group moved to its present location at the First Presbyterian Church, 6th and Pearl, Joplin, MO. The group has now grown to over 70 women.

Quilting Bee and period costume

So glad to see someone posting to the blog. What would we do without Gig - she is a wonderful T&C Quilt Guild member and an all around swell person.

Today I'm trying to create a reasonable, (but comfortable) outfit to wear for the quilting bee at George Washington Carver Park on Saturday. It's going to be fun and I hope lots of people come by. Not used to wearing dresses -- and certainly not used to a sunbonnet! We'll have a real quilting frame set up and some people are bringing antique quilts to display.

Thank You.

Thanks for the web site I found exactly what I was looking for on the first time. gig

I need a pattern

I was wondering if any one had a pattern for a medium [about 40 pounds] size dog bed. My husband retires the 1st of Nov. and we plan to take " perfectly precious Petey" with us. Has any one made a traveling dog bed? any hints about traveling with dog? I know this is way off the subject of quilting, but Marilyn and Janis don't have dogs. Thank you, gig

Pittsburg Show

Hope as many of you as possible will find your way over to Pittsburg this weekend for the Little Balkan's Day show. 189 entries this year and some really amazing quilts. 9 -5 Saturday and 12-4 Sunday in the basement of Memorial Auditorium. Hope to see some of you!

More on the Cookbook

Would it be cheaper to create our own cookbook, using some software program, and just have someone make copies? I don't think so, because it would involve a lot of typing. We just need to do some research and compare prices. Thanks, SewCalGal for your offer to help.

I know we'll have a lot of recipes. Just at the board meeting, there were a dozen dishes mentioned - that is, those that have been brought to the luncheon in the past. Of course, everyone knows that Gloria was a professional chef so she's got some great recipes.

Kay says we have a healthy budget, but with the upcoming year being "between quilt shows", the money in the treasury right now needs to last a while. This cookbook might be a good way to raise money.

And then there's the matter of testing and tasting --yum!

Board Meeting, Recipe request

Had the Town & Country Quilters board meeting today. Coming up to the end of our year with membership dues due in October. The new board will take over at the November meeting.

One item of interest in the group was the creation of a cookbook with all the great recipes we all enjoy at the meetings. Sounds like a great project. Still in the early stages of planning. How many of you would be interested in contributing recipes and/or helping?

Des Moines AQS Show

Got an email from Lynne:

"The Grand Lake O’the Cherokees Quilt Guild in Grove, OK is planning a bus trip to the 2009 AQS Expo & Contest in Des Moines, Iowa. This is the second year for the AQS sponsored show. The show runs October 28-31, 2009. It’s a 3 day trip: Travel to Des Moines on Oct. 27 (Tues), attend show, special events on Oct. 28 (Wed-opening day) and return home, Oct. 29, Thursday.
We estimate the price could range from $176.63 to $205.66 depending on number of travelers and people per room, etc. Since the bus originates from Joplin, we could arrange to pick up and drop off travelers in Joplin."

I'll put the details in the newsletter, but if you want more info now call Lynne.

Kansas Traveler

I have been out and about. Made a trip to Wichita and went by Needle in a Haystack. That's the shop close to Severy. I used to live not far from there and took a few classes. This was about 15 years ago. They had just started. Somewhere around that time the new road (Hwy 400) was completed and they had to move the building back away from the highway. Looks like it's a quilt store and consignment shop now but back then it was only fabrics and classes. They always have something different. Have you noticed that every shop has it's own "personality"?

Can you believe the nice weather we are having?! Here it is only the first of September and so nice and cool. Time to revitalize the lawn.

Fabric for borders or backing need not be expensive

I guess Myra found a website that she likes for buying fabric.
She says:
"I was looking for a certain fabric and found it at: www.marshalldrygoods.com A lot of their fabric was $3.99/yd. They are in Arkansas so there was no tax. I paid $5.99 shipping but on 4 yards of fabric, it made my fabric
$6.50/yard---still cheaper than buying it at a fabric store."

And, off the topic - if you haven't seen it already - go see "Julie and Julia". It is a hoot. The scene with her and her sister is priceless.

Off Topic - Garden

We are having so much very hot wind today. I have been trying to water everything since it's been such a while since we had a good rain. Last May we had a really bad storm here in Joplin. Not a tornado, but almost. We lost several 20-30 ft. shade trees in our yard and in the adjacent empty lot. Therefore, it's been all sun this year. This poor potato vine (that's just one plant) is really struggling. I'm giving it extra water but can't stop the wind.

Guild budgets

Hey Barbara, you've brought up a great new topic - fund raising.
We seem to have a healthy budget - that is, until we look at what it costs for anything - such as our poll/racks for hanging quilts at the show. And/or the cost of having a national speaker. Our main money-maker is the Quilt show but that's just every other year. Wonder what other guilds do?
I think the comments about the library are on target. I typically buy books either on impulse at the shop or sometimes on Amazon for a specific project. Once I decided to do a Bargello quilt. Couldn't find a book locally (is this a passed fad?)but found one in the guild library. Checked it out and read it and decided I really didn't want to do it. So that worked out to my advantage.
Got to run. Every month after I finish the newsletter I take it over to Gloria and we proofread it and see if I left anything out or if there are any "glaring" mistakes. There usually are a few minor ones that slip through. It seems a little skimpy this month. A lot of people are out of town. Is it August that makes us sluggish? Or is it just me?

Guild library

I was talking with the librarian for the Guild and she seems a little disappointed that not that many people are interested in checking out books. We have an extensive collection. If you are like me, you only need a book for a little while or maybe only need a chapter or two. It's expensive nowadays to buy these books as they are usually over $20. Of course, we do buy them -- for the latest and neatest techinques and tips and especially inspiration. But the oldies are always goodies! Well, anyway, I can hardly wait to see what she's done with the book she checked out last month. It's a baby quilt and she'll have it on display back in the back at the library table.

I'm back!

Hello everyone, I've been on vacation and then the day after I got back, had carpal tunnel surgery so haven't been in the computer room too much lately.

Today the Guild board met; our usual monthly meeting. Still talking about the poles for hanging quilts at the next show. Seems like it's going to be a rather large expense to purchase them, but maybe that would be the best choice. I believe that Grove Guild rents theirs for their show, but that, too, is expensive. We need some input. Kay did some research online for us but said she didn't find out anything conclusive. Hope someone comments on this.

The Four Corners Quilters are inviting us to join them at their yearly camp and retreat. It's $58.00 per person for the entire weekend, Sept 25, 26, 27. Meals provided, and beds. Will need to bring your own bedding, sewing machines. You may work on something of your own or help with donation quilts. There will be a contest and prizes. I'll put this in the newsletter with the phone number of the contact person. Don't like to put phone numbers in the blog without permission. It's Cathy S - maybe she'll see this and comment. Not sure where this is held. Debra, you know where don't you? If you see this post would you comment on what it's like?

Our Guild in Action

I was just playing around to see if I could put on a slideshow and it looks like it worked. These are just some random pictures from different times

Guild Board meets

The guild board met yesterday. What a great group. We were a little short-handed as several are off on vacations.
Our bank account is healthy, Kay reported. Maybe it would be nice to get some input from the members on how to spend our money.
Donna's head is spinning about the 2011 Quilt show. Obviously, we need more display racks for next time.
Myra told us all about the upcoming August meeting with Kathy, her daughter, who is a long arm quilter and quilt designer in Jeff City. I, for one, am anxious to see that Accucut machine demonstrated.
Am finishing up the newsletter for this month. Want to get it out before we go on vacation. Have a lot of pictures and always worry that it will be too large to easily e-mail.

Quilt Retreat

Kathy writes:

I was sitting here playing around with my computer and found this place by the Harrisonville exit on the way to K.C. I took the virtual tour. 12 beds in a bunk house with dressing rooms. I thought you might like to look at it.

http://www.libertyhomestead.com/information1.aspx

Gloria's Favorite Salad

Gloria just sent me this recipe to beat the heat:
Medium cucumber seeded and grated or shredded ( I like the long English cucumber because it has no seeds and I double the recipe to use all of it) 1 - 3 ounce lime gelatin ,1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 cup boiling water, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup cottage cheese, 1 small onion grated.
Pat the shredded cucumber dry. In bowl combine gelatin, boiling water and salt. Add mayonnaise and cottage cheese along with cucumber and onion. Oil a 5 cup mold or any bowl, you don't have to oil bowl as you will be scooping it out

Shooting Star Block

I am working on a quilt called “Shooting Star” using a pattern by Laundry Basket Quilts. The petal-like pieces are cut out using a template, then machine sewn right sides together. Was not happy with the looks of my points when I turned them so developed this little trick. (I don’t take credit for it – may have learned it in 7th grade home ec on turning a collar.) I leave a long thread at the point, (and backstitch.) Trim the seam. Then, I turn it halfway through. Thread a needle with the thread tail and then gently work the needle thru the point. Complete the turning and then pull the thread and pop out the point. I think it makes a nicer looking point. This “star” is then hand appliquéd to the background. The circle is also applique.
Here’s a picture of one block: (I am referring to the dark blue petal-shaped pieces. The white points are just inset.) Five blocks done and seven more to do. And all in different fabrics. Sort of fun to do.

Salute to the Flag

And here is Fourth of July Sam, also by Gig.

Happy Fourth of July (a little early)

Just got this picture from Gig to put in the newsletter even tho it will be coming out after the fourth. I love this. She is such a wonderful artist and quilter!
Click on the picture to enlarge it.

Friendship quilt top

Here's the top all finished. I'll take it to Debra next week some time.

My scrappy quilt

This is the last quilt I finished. I thought it was interesting how similar it was to what Mary just posted yesterday. For a while all I used was off-white and beige as background, but I love the bright white with these colors.

Rabbit's Lair in Rogers

Just received an e-mail from the Rabbit's Lair in Rogers, AR. Their latest newsletter is available on their web-site:

Rabbit's Lair

Charm Square Exchange

This from Brenda J.:

Now making plans for the charm square exchange. It will be 12 people exchanging 5" squares twice a month from 4 different fabrics for 11 months. The fabric must be all cotton - quilt shop quality - washed. All the same fabric in each 12 squares to be exchanged - no duplicates. If they begin the exchange must finish - I will keep records. I'm looking at an afternoon meeting/exchanging time, but can be flexible. Rules will be finalized at the first meeting.

I would like to begin in August and finish in May if we get this going.
I don't want to set a date yet, I just want to know who is interested at this point. If we get more than 12, we'll start another group.

The way it works is: each person chooses 4 different fabric, cuts each fabric into 12- 5" squares, therefore, bringing 48 squares to each meeting. At the end we'll have over 1000 charm square with no duplicates - our goal. Some call this a 'beggars' quilt, since we need to get friends to share fabrics

Gloria talks about California trip

Just received this from Gloria:

Yes, most of my fabrics do come from California because when I bought the book which shows where all of the quilt shops in Calif were my husband was working out of town and you know the old saying "when the cats away the mice can play". Well I went up and down the coast from where I lived in Carmel, Cal. and filled up the entire car, trunk. backseat, front seat and floor boards until it was full. Every night I took some bags into the motel and petted the material and dreamed what patterns I would sew when I arrived back home. I had taken my little dog with me and on my return trip she was almost touching the roof of the car perched on all of the bags. This was a glorious highlight of my life and I was hyperventilating on my return home. Thus my email address: Quiltaholic.

More about our President Gloria:
Here

Here's a picture of Gloria's quilt that she showed at the last Guild meeting.
"I love the feel and bright colors of the Japanese fabrics and will finish another to show and tell next Guild Meeting"
You should be able to click on the picture to make it larger.
Oh, and BTW, it looks like you need to sign in to post but not to comment.

For sale or wanted Bulletin Board

Did everyone see our newest information project, the What's New bulletin board?
You can apply your ad to buy and sell to the board with magnets, paper, and pens that are available on the table by the sign in sheet. It will cost you $1.00 per month and your ad, notice or item will appear in the newsletter also. Whatever item you want to announce will be accepted here, such as: sewing machines,books and patterns, yard sales, grandbaby photos, vegetables, church picnics announcement, etc.
Looking forward to your contributions to our bulletin. Gig is doing this and the proceeds go to the Guild Library.

Hey Town & Country Quilters, do we want to get a group together and go to the Missouri Quilt Guild Conference? It sounds like a good time! I'll drive, it doesn't bother me. I'm always up for a "field trip".

Friendship blocks quilt design

Here's the design I chose to do for the maple leaf blocks in my Friendship Quilt. I stumbled through Electric Quilt to create it. More borders on the real thing. Had the quilt top all put together and then - noticed that I have two blocks that are facing the wrong direction! Does this ever happen to you? Guess I'll just have to wait to take it to Debra because that will just drive me crazy, am going to have to rip those two out and redo.

Missouri State Quilters Guild

The State meeting and Fall Retreat is scheduled for September 25, 26, 27, 2009 at the Inn of the Grand Glaize, Osage Beach Missouri. Registration opens July 1 and ends August 15.
Some of the classes that intrigued me were: the Chenille Sweatshirt Jacket class (altho Gloria could probably teach a class for us), Silk Flower Mystery (no machine required), and Waltzing Flowers (learn how to make a circle block without pins, templates or rotary cutter and not appliqued). Is this like what Myra did?. Billie Lauder is the keynote speaker and she is teaching a class called Tea Time which uses a foundation paper method. It's a table runner and I could use a nice table runner.

More information available on their web-site, which is www.msqg.org

Well, I'll try again. I guess this could be useful.
B

Creating a local listing

I am going to be creating a listing of local quilt related links - quilt stores, quilters, organizations, and anything else that I can come up with for quilters.

If you have any links that I could add let me know - including other professional quilters in the 4 state area - if they have a web site I will add them.

Great blog Alta

Debra

Friendship Quilts

Next Monday is the big week-long sale at Country Store for the guild members. Terry said if you bring your guild membership card you get 25% off all fabric in the store. I just finished up the quilt top made from all my Friendship blocks, so need to run over and find some backing fabric. I was so pleased with all the maple leaf blocks I received from my fellow quild members. What a great group of ladies.

Friendship blocks are given to each member in the order they have joined the Guild. Each member that makes a block is asked to sign it, so it's a good way to remember our friends. The latest member to receive a block is Barbara F. Can hardly wait to see what she makes with this block. It is irregular in shape, and looks complicated but if you carefully follow the pattern shouldn't be too hard. Barbara's quilts are easily recognized because she uses soft, summery colors and her stitching is meticulous. Maybe you can read this scanned copy of her pattern.

Library displays Tuesday Group's quilts

The Tuesday Stitch Group started a nine-patch challenge beginning Sept. 2007 and ending 2008.There was a total of 198 nine-patch blocks which the group exchanged and used to put together into their own quilts. It was amazing to see how different each one is, to see the different colors and arrangements for the same nine-patches. These quilts were exhibited as a group at the 2009 Quilt Show at Joplin Museum April 2009 and are on display in the Joplin Public Library through this month.

A new means of communication

Just decided it was about time for us to get on board with our own blog for the Quilt Guild. Am hoping that there will be many entries and we can all use this, not just me.

We enjoyed a full day at the June guild meeting this week, with a large attendance in the afternoon. In the morning we had a workshop with Billie Lauder. She demonstrated some of her Quilting tricks - such as how to quickly make a scrap quilt of four-patches and also how to push that four patch into a nine patch, quick as a wink. Since I have lots of small amounts of fabric, I feel a bit guilty buying the layer cakes or charm packs or such; but if you buy packs of coordinated fabric it does guarantee color success. And also, there is little or no waste, so maybe it would be justified.

Billie Lauder is a lot of fun and an easy person to be around. Her trunk show was great - a real inspiration. I have some pictures but not sure how to post those yet.