October 2016 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S LETTER - Stephanie Braskey

October is here.  Leaves are changing and color inspiration is everywhere.  Are you looking for inspiration to make a mini quilt (16" x 24")for the quilt show?  I just paged through the latest issue of Quiltmania magazine and have tabs everywhere with mini quilt ideas. Now if I could only lock myself in my sewing room for a day!

I'm really looking forward to our October speaker, Erin Underwood.  I call her the Tuffet Lady.  If you made one of her tuffets, why don't you bring it for show and tell next week?

See you on October 10,

Stephanie

Programs - Robin and Rita Marie
Erin Underwood - From Then to Now, A Trunk Show of my Quilting Life

Membership - Carolyn and Jamie 

We had 46 members (two new ones!) at the September meeting and 2 guests. As a reminder, we are using orange name tags to note guests and new members will have a florescent sticker on their name tag. Please be sure to socialize with any new members or guests!  Updated directories are being finalized and will be sent out shortly. 

October Birthdays

1 Denise Blake

8 Marsha Paczok

12 Pat Gallagher

12 Christine Harkins

12 Patricia White

13 Rob Lori

19 Susan Longnecker

26 Elaine Egan

Hospitality - Angel 
The new year has started off great at Penn Oaks. Not only did everyone scheduled bring in a snack but they were exceptional and obviously a lot of caring and thought went into it! The list for October is: C. Davis, I. Dutton, E. Egan, K. DeCarli*, R. DeCarli, S. Doonan, E. Dusinberre, J. Fox*, P.Gallagher.Please bring a drink for the group instead of a snack if a star follows your name.If you cannot attend the meeting switch your responsibility with a friend so we aren't short of snacks. 

Mystery Box
We had a great response to our new Mystery Box last month and this will be your last chance to get a ticket. We will be announcing the winner at the end of the meeting this month.
To see all the goodies check out the September Newsletter HERE!

Challenge

Rikki Newlander and Marti Campbell 

We are giving you almost a year to do the challenge for 2017. Because of the flexibility, we should have 100% participation. It gives you a chance to make something you have been meaning to make or want to make but just haven't gotten around to it.
 
> Portray any thing you love to do other than sewing or quilting. Any format; pillow, purse, pillow cases, baby blanket, place mats etc.
 
> Ideas such as bird watching, cooking, sports events, wine tasting, traveling, volunteering, reading,drawing, shopping, etc

Any size, up to a baby quilt size. We have to watch out for space at the PO Quilt show, so an apron because you love to cook can go on a mannequin.
A tote for gardening, shopping, the farmers market will fit nicely.
If you love to volunteer at the senior center, something(s) that you make for them.
Pillowcases because you love to watch your grandchildren. 
Placemats with lobsters, wine, cheese because that's what you love to eat.
A sun hat
A blanket for your pet Possibilities are endless.
 
> Categories for awards could be:
> Most original portrayal
> Most fun hobby
> Challenge that no one could guess whose it is

Something New for this Year!!!!!

*****Fat Quarters*****

Fat Quarters Stash
October-----
Bring in any Halloween , Thanksgiving, Fall Theme , orange or yellow fat Quarters to see if you can win a stack.
November-----
Christmas theme ,red or green fat quarters.
For every Fat Quarter you bring in you will recieve a ticket. I will put together a stack or stacks depending on how many we get then pick a number for a winner or winners.
Any question just ask. Hope a lot of people bring in fat quarters.

Rikki Newlander 

Member Profile - Sara Borr

When did you first start quilting?

1. Around 1985. My first class was at Grandmother's Patches with Dot Key on sparkle Amish quilts.

What is your favorite part about quilting?

2.Picking the fabrics and hand quilting. I find hand quilting to be relaxing.

What is your favorite color?

3. Orange and many may find this strange, brown is my second favorite.

How many quilts have you made?

4. I have made about 20 full size or bigger quilts and numerous other items. I used to make clothing but haven't in recent years.

What are you working on now?

5. Penn Oaks challenge. Have my idea, now have to get going on it after I finish the baby quilt I am working on.

What is something that the members may not know about you?

6. I am the proud owner of a limited edition 1991 British racing green Miata. I own number 3926 of 4000. I have driven laps at the Pocono Race track, Indianapolis Speedway, and Daytona race track. Also the new members probably don't know that I, along with Marie Kline, were the  co-chairmen of the first three Penn Oaks quilt shows.

Write as Desired

I think about quilts.

I spend much time thinking about quilts.

I probably spend more time thinking about quilts than                         actually making quilts.

Today I began thinking of words about quilts.

And so, fellow quilters, I am asking you, to finish this thought

   A Quilt Should Be_______? ___________

                 In One or Two Words

There are no right or wrong answers but you can use

Only One or Two Words.

Email your selected words to ChristineCHarkins@Gmail.com

I can’t wait to see your ideas and share them with you!

Chris Harkins

Ronald McDonald House Snacks
I am again collecting snacks for Ronald McDonald  House families. I am looking for any individually wrapped snacks and goodies. Such things as small wrapped packs of crackers,   candy bars,  popcorn,  and all the things that your kids (and grand kids) would like. You don't have to do anything to them except bring them to the October meeting. You will help to make a difficult situation for these families just a little bit better.

Thanks,
Jean Zubert
jzbeachchair@aol.com    484-369-8706

Quilt Show

Progress on the show is moving right along. Please keep working on your little quilts and your show quilts. One other thing, please think about how we can get more visitors. Thanks!

Carolyn Davis and Jamie Loncaric

Quilt Show Publicity - Suzanne Doonan
Thanks to all of you for distributing flyers at the September quilt shows. I put out several packets for the Oaks show. When I got there Sunday, they were all gone! I put some out for Sunday, but did not have many takers. At our October meeting, I'll have packets for the Berks and Brandywine shows. We'll take a break and then gear up in the spring. I'll have packets ready for quilt shops, retirement homes, quilt shows and community venues. All of your ideas are helpful. Please email me with your ideas for places to leave flyers.suzannedoonan@verizon.net Or see me at our meeting. Thanks!

Quilt Happenings

Lancaster Modern Quilt Guild - Quilt Bazaar Premiere 
...And Modern Log Cabin Workshop with Shannon Page (9AM - 1PM)
October 1, 2016
Ridgeview Mennonite Church
3723 Ridge Rd
Gordonville, PA 17529
Click here for more details

Quilt Show and Artisan Boutique
October 7-8, 2016
Sponsored by: Needlechasers of Chevy Chase
Kensington Armory
Kensington, Maryland
Click here for more details

Brandywine Valley Quilters Quilt Show "Quilting, What a novel idea!"
October 15-16
Brookhaven Municipal Building
2 Cambridge Road
Brookhaven, PA 19015
Click here for more details

Kent Sussex Quilt Show
October 21-23, 2016
Sponsored by: Delmarvalous Quilt Guild, Georgetown
Helping Hands Quilt Guild, Dover Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild, Milford
Milford Senior Center, 111 Park Ave, Georgetown, DE
Click here for more details

The Valley Forge Quilt Show
October 21-22, 2016
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 132 E. Valley Forge Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406
Click here for more details

Quilt Marketplace
October 22, 2016
Sponsored by South Shore Stitchers'
10-4
Upper Twp. Community Center, 1790 Route 50, Tuckahoe, NJ
Free Admission
Click here for more details

September 2016 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S LETTER - Stephanie Braskey

It is September!  I want to say ALREADY!  I don't know how you feel but my summer flew by. I love spring and summer.  I look at September as a new beginning, similar to January. Children are going back to school, weather is changing, and it often sparks a desire to start something new.  Speaking of new, the board and I have some plans for some new ideas as well.  You'll have to read the rest of the newsletter to find out about some.

There is a lot happening with our guild this year. Robin has a fantastic year of programs planned for us and the quilt show in May will be here before you know it.  Don't forget to work on your raffle quilt.  Remember, do your best.  We want the visitors to be excited about our mini quilts.

And how about that August Bee and Auction?!?  It was such a wonderful evening with many members enjoying stitching and chatting but the big kudos go to Diana Smyrl. She did such a great job of organizing all of the goods for the auction that there was very little one could resist. I didn't hear a final number for the evening yet but there wasn't much left at the end of the night. A big thank you to Diana as well as everyone who helped set up and clean up.

Now read the rest of the newsletter and then go stitch something.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the September meeting,

Stephanie

MEMBERSHIP
Keep the membership renewals coming! There are still a few people left to renew. We will have forms at the meeting and I will ask Kelly to resend the form via email. Thanks to everyone who already got them in!

September Birthdays
Busy month for birthdays! Happy Birthday to all!!

1 Sue Williams
5 Nancy Rubinelli
7 Rikki Newlander
12 Debbie Becker
13 Maureen Carlson
19 Suzanne Simmons
20 Martha Hopkins
23 Lee Paylor

Programs

In September Carol Singer will be speaking to us and her topic is World of Color.

HOSPITALITY
The snack list for September guild meeting is:A. Barchi, D. Becker, D. Blake, S. Borr, S. Braskey*, J. Brown, M. Campbell, M. Caporale, M. Carlson*. Those with a star after their name should bring a beverage for the group instead of a snack. It's important to switch your responsibility with a friend if you cannot attend this meeting and let me know. Angel

SILENT AUCTION

Thanks to all the members who contributed and bought items

at the Silent Auction in August.  A special thank you to all who helped

set up for the auction and distributed to charity the left overs.

I am pleased to announce we raised $300.25 for the Penn Oaks Quilt Guild.
Diana Smyrl

***thanks Diana for doing such a great job organizing all the items and storing them all year long!***

CHALLENGE

Rikki Newlander and Marti Campbell 

We are giving you almost a year to do the challenge for 2017. Because of the flexibility, we should have 100% participation. It gives you a chance to make something you have been meaning to make or want to make but just haven't gotten around to it.
 
> Portray any thing you love to do other than sewing or quilting. Any format; pillow, purse, pillow cases, baby blanket, place mats etc.
 
> Ideas such as bird watching, cooking, sports events, wine tasting, traveling, volunteering, reading,drawing, shopping, etc

Any size, up to a baby quilt size. We have to watch out for space at the PO Quilt show, so an apron because you love to cook can go on a mannequin.
A tote for gardening, shopping, the farmers market will fit nicely.
If you love to volunteer at the senior center, something(s) that you make for them.
Pillowcases because you love to watch your grandchildren. 
Placemats with lobsters, wine, cheese because that's what you love to eat.
A sun hat
A blanket for your pet Possibilities are endless.
 
> Categories for awards could be:
> Most original portrayal
> Most fun hobby
> Challenge that no one could guess whose it is

MYSTERY BOX?

It's no longer a mystery!!!! Come prepared for a wonderful surprise. There could be more......

Penn Oaks 2017 Getaway
Our Getaway  will again be held at the Amish View Inn and Suites in Bird-in-Hand from Wednesday February 15th through Sunday February 19th. The number of attendees will be limited to 28 due to the size of the sewing room. Make plans with your roommate, but please submit only one form per room listing all roommates.  A deposit of $100 will hold your room. As in the past reservations will be on a first come, first served basis and will be accepted at the September meeting. Reservations will not be accepted prior to the meeting.  Due to the terms of our contract the final date to register is December 14th and the balance of your room charges will be due at that time. After the new year we'll collect the sewing room fee of $318.00 divided equally among all the attendees. 
Any questions - check with Ellen or Pat. You'll receive a separate email with the Getaway registration form approximately one week prior to the September meeting. We're looking forward to another great Getaway!
Ellen McMillen and Pat Sherman

MAKE A MARCIE QUILT

Many of you have participated in Patches of Love projects in the past.  We have made pillowcases, baby quilts, Quilts for the Linus Project, Dresses for African Orphanages, Teddy Bears for local hospitals, the list goes on and on.  I would like to start a new initiative in honor of my Friend Marcie who I recently made a quilt for to comfort her during chemotherapy.  Marcie is doing great by the way and I included a photo of her quilt.  

I was fortunate to receive a large stash of fabric from a local quilter named Bobby Votaw.  Bobby passed away from cancer and I think she would love it if we used her stash to make quilts for other women who are suffering through chemotherapy.  The fabric is very feminine and would make lovely, comforting quilts.  I included a picture so you can see the fabric I have.  If you would like to make a Marcie Quilt for someone who is struggling with cancer and chemotherapy please contact me and I would provide the fabric for the top and you would provide the back and batting.  
Email me at robin_mcmillen@yahoo.com.  I suggest you come up with a simple pattern including yardage requirements before you contact me then we can make sure we are efficient with our fabric usage. 

-Robin McMillen

Robin McMillen

http://sewwhimzy.wordpress.com

(610)836-1363

(610)873-2950

Quilt Show
We have finalized the entry form for the show. Kelly will send it out before the September meeting. Things are moving along. Our insurance cost will be about twice what we paid in the past when we were under the NQA umbrella. We need more attendees. I would appreciate assistance from those of you with contacts in retirement living locations. We would like to offer discount, pre-sale tickets for those places which provide transportation to residents.

September will be a busy meeting. I don't want to take up too much time but welcome suggestions and participation.
Carolyn and Jamie

QUILT HAPPENINGS

Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza
September 15-18
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue
Oaks, PA 19456
Click here for more details

Boyertown Area Historical Society Quilt Show
September 16, 17, 18
45 S. Chestnut Street
Boyertown, PA
Click here for more details

Harvest of Quilts XIII
September 24-25, 2016
Pine Bush High School
Pine Bush, NY
Click here for more details

Lancaster Modern Quilt Guild Bazaar
Saturday October 1 10:00 to 3:00
Ridgeview Mennonite Church
3723 Ridge Road
Gordonville PA

Quilt Show and Artisan Boutique
October 7-8, 2016

Sponsored by: Needlechasers of Chevy Chase
Kensington Armory
Kensington, Maryland
Click here for more details

Brandywine Valley Quilters Quilt Show "Quilting, What a novel idea!"
October 15-16
Brookhaven Municipal Building
2 Cambridge Road
Brookhaven, PA 19015
Click here for more details

Kent Sussex Quilt Show
October 21-23, 2016
Sponsored by: Delmarvalous Quilt Guild, Georgetown
Helping Hands Quilt Guild, Dover Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild, Milford
Milford Senior Center, 111 Park Ave, Georgetown, DE

August 2016 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Is it August already?  I don't know about you but my summer is just flying by. We've had lots of family activities and good times.  I've done a little sewing too but never enough.

I'm hoping we get a great turnout for our August Bee. If you're not familiar with it, it is on our regular meeting day, August 8, from 4:00 until about 8:00.  We don't have a regular business meeting but this year, we will be having our annual auction which was postponed from June.  It's a great time for picking up some extra quilting goodies as well as making a contribution to the guild.  Bring something to work on and you may bring a snack or dinner if you'd like. 

I'm going to hold a board meeting during the bee at some time.  I'm not choosing a time, whenever everyone gets there and is settled, we'll gather off to the side somewhere.    

You know the rest of the routine...work on your raffle quilts (only 16" by 24"), challenge quilts, quilt show quilts, etc.  Quilt show activity will be ramping up and May will be here before we know it.

Now go sew something.  But first, read the rest of this newsletter!

Stephanie

16" x 24" raffle quilt

MEMBERSHIP

We had 35 members at the June meeting. Memberships are due now. So far, 36 members have renewed.

July Birthdays:
Delores Holzwarth on the 6th, Sara Borr on the 13th, and Pat Smith on the 19th - hope you had great celebrations!

August Birthdays:
Eileen Mincarelli (4th), Esther Dusinberre (5th), Linda Kerschner (8th), Suzanne Stiverson (12th), Betsy Moses (15th), Helen Hofbauer (25th), Kathy DeCarli (26th), and, Jean Zubert (27th).

Quilt Show
I will be scheduling another meeting in August so we can update everyone in September. Hope you are all working on your 16 x 24 inch raffle quilts. I have made one. I also made another one, however, you know how you start an appliqué using a bigger background than the piece will be? Yes, I did that but it was way bigger than I needed. Too big for the raffle. Oh, man! I will show you in September.

2017 Getaway
It's time to start planning for next year's Getaway. We'll be gathering again at the Amish View Inn and Suites from February 15 until February 19.  There will be a $3.00 increase in the room rate per night. As in the past registration will be on a first come, first served basis and will be accepted at the September meeting. More information to come as we get closer to September. We're looking forward to another fun time!
Ellen McMillen and Pat Sherman

Write as Desired

July…… daylilies, hydrangeas, daisies, swimming pools, ice cream, barbeques….                                       Christmas?

I am a very seasonal quilter.  By that I mean that I am inspired by the colors that we are so blessed to have each season. If it is summer, I want to work with the summer colors of aqua and peach, if it is fall I am inspired by the colors of the autumnal leaves, as well as winter whites and the fresh greens of spring.  So the idea of Christmas in July doesn’t usually go with my quilting mentality.

I am fully aware that starting a Christmas quilt in July means that there is a greater chance that it will be completed for Christmas. (Which Christmas I am not saying). After all, having some lead time may relieve the quilter of that last minute rush.  Sounds like a plan, but let me tell you my most recent way of dealing with the Christmas themed quilt.  I start the week after Christmas!  “Oh” but you say “Christmas is over by then! You missed it!”  Let me explain.

The Christmas season is so front loaded these days that there is no time for quilting.  Decorating, gifts, baking, cooking, entertaining, etc.……where does the quilting fit in?  So after Christmas when the house looks great and the baking is done and the mood is right, I sew something Christmas.  It may be big, it may be small.  It does not matter.  That small window of time when all is right is my Christmas inspiration.  If it is not finished then that is ok too.  Grab that unfinished project in the beginning of the next December and finish the binding or label.  Done for Christmas!  I understand that there are some of you who must finish a project to the very end before starting another (really?). That this may not fit your work ethic but it has worked for me.

The idea of giving Christmas items and quilts is wonderful but the reality is that we quilters are thinking of giving year round.  There are wedding quilts, birthday quilts, anniversary quilts, memory quilts, baby quilts, soldier quilts, and just because quilts. We are working at giving year round. So in the midst of all that giving, if you squeeze in a Christmas quilt in July, you deserve to have some Christmas cookies!

Chris Harkins

QUILT HAPPENINGS
Boyertown Area Historical Society Quilt Show and
Sale, September 16-18, 2016,
www.boyertownhistory.org.

PA National Quilt Extravaganza, September 15-18,
2016, Oaks, PA, www.quiltfest.com.

Quilts in the Mill, Stockton, NJ, September 30-
October 2, 2016, www.courthousequilters.org.

Berks Quilters Guild Quilt Shoe 2016, October 14-15,
www.berksquiltersguild.org.

November 4-13, 2016,
Quilters’ Quest Shop Hop, Maryland and Northern
VA, www.quiltersquest.org.

Lebanon Quilters Guild 10th Annual Exhibition of
Quilts, Nov. 11-13, 2016,
www.lebanonquiltersguild.com.

July 2016 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Hello everyone!

Ah, summertime!  Are your days lazy and hazy or crazy?  In either case, I hope you're enjoying these days and finding at least a little time to sew.  I'm trying to finish up several UFOs that have been lurking in my sewing room and catch up on some BOMs.  I also want to get started on my mini quilt for the auction at the quilt show.  Don't forget, 16" by 24" and, best yet, the project is totally self serving!

Even though we will not meet in July, there is a lot going on behind the scenes.  Diana Smyrl is busy getting ready for the Auction at our August Bee. I hear there are lots of goodies to be had.  Carolyn and Jamie are still collecting membership renewals so be sure to get yours in if you haven't yet.  Robin has a great lineup of programs for the coming year and we also have our annual challenge to be thinking about. 

The Quilt Show Committee has realized there will be some added expenses incurred at the next show. Maybe the bee in August would be a good time for an informal discussion about the show, our goals, etc.  Please try to be there if you can to support both the Auction and the discussion. There is no business meeting so bring something to work on and a snack or dinner.

So, read the rest of the newsletter and then go sew something!  See you at the Bee!

Stephanie Braskey

PAST PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Hello Everyone,

Old habits die hard, including responding to Kelly's newsletter request!

I want to thank everyone for a fun two years. The Board and Chairpersons have done a wonderful job and I thank them for their help. I thank everyone else too. We all do something to contribute to the group.

Please be sure to thank the Volunteers of the Year, Delores and Angel. Delores for all she has done over the years for the Guild and her huge contribution to the soldiers' quilts program. We wouldn't be able to have our hospitality break without Angel. She handles the kitchen well. Excellent job, both of you!

I didn't think you could top the cat blocks, but the friendship blocks are outstanding! I love them. I read all the messages and appreciate all of your comments. Great job! My turn now. Time to sew them together!

Thanks and have a great rest of the summer!

Les

CHALLENGE 2017

Rikki Newlander and Marti Campbell 
We are giving you almost a year to do the challenge for 2017. Because of the flexibility, we should have 100% participation. It gives you a chance to make something you have been meaning to make or want to make but just haven't gotten around to it.
 
> Portray any thing you love to do other than sewing or quilting. Any format; pillow, purse, pillow cases, baby blanket, place mats etc.
 
> Ideas such as bird watching, cooking, sports events, wine tasting, traveling, volunteering, reading,drawing, shopping, etc

Any size, up to a baby quilt size. We have to watch out for space at thePO Quilt show, so an apron because you love to cook can go on a mannequin.
A tote for gardening, shopping, the farmers market will fit nicely.
If you love to volunteer at the senior center, something(s) that you make for them.
Pillowcases because you love to watch your grandchildren. 
Placemats with lobsters, wine, cheese because that's what you love to eat.
A sun hat
A blanket for your pet

Possibilities are endless.
 
> Categories for awards could be:
> Most original portrayal
> Most fun hobby
> Challenge that no one could guess whose it is

SMALL QUILT RAFFLE

We are planning another small quilt raffle at the quilt show in May. For our new members, in lieu of a large raffle quilt every member is encouraged to make a small quilt. Attendees of the show can buy tickets and take a chance on any quilt(s) that catches their fancy. This has been a great fund raiser for us and we hope for it to continue with your beautiful creations.

Size 16" x 24" (16" across and 24" down) like this:

My small quilt in progress for the auction

Any subject matter your little heart desires! We have had a great variety in the past which helps as not everyone is in love with flowers etc. Think sewing, kitchen decor, holidays.....

Please use good quality quilt shop fabric and do your best work

The only exception is no cheater cloths

All quilts must be quilted and finished.

You can start your quilts and hand them in at any time, you can even make more than 1! Summer is a great time to start getting your ideas together before the holiday sewing begins.

Please do not hesitate to send me an email or call me if you have any questions.

Kelly Meanix    Kellymx@aol.com

NEWSLETTER

I am hoping for more news in the August newsletter. Anyone can send anything they want, just send it to me! kellymx@aol.com