March 2015 Newsletter

President's Letter

Did it stop snowing yet? It is almost spring, so I am told. I can't tell because it is about 10 degrees today. It is that time of year when I look out at the landscape and feel like the leafless trees are permanent features and the only green we will ever see again is fabric in our quilts. Then, boom, everything is green again. The sunlight in my sewing room is getting brighter and that is a good sign of warmer times to come. In the meantime, please do a clear weather dance for our next meeting. We don't want to miss any more. We are out of winter reschedule topics and we need to plan the show.

Please take a look at Kelly's email with the show schedule. There are still many openings. Please sign up to help wherever you can.

My favorite meeting is coming! The challenge is always a lot of fun. We have a creative group and the entrees are fun to see. I also expect a lot of pent up demand for show and tell! After canceling two meetings in a row and then the getaway, I bet we have a lot to show for it. 

We are now full speed ahead to the show. Raffle quilts to be finished, entries to bound and photographed...we're ready for it.

See you at the March meeting - think positive!

Leslie

Programs Suzanne Doonan and Betsy Moses

Bob DiCarli has graciously bowed out of speaking this month so that we can devote some much needed time to show preparation and planning.  Missing two meetings in a row has brought showtime much closer than we think.  Of course, we're still having our challenge.

Also, I am pleased to announce that our speaker for June will be Rachel Derstine.  I met her this fall at the GoggleWorks Arts Festival in Reading ("google" GoggleWorks...well worth it) and fell in love with her work!  She will be presenting a lecture, "My Quilting Journey: Boundaries and Beyond", as well as a small trunk show of her work.  Her website is http://www.rachelderstinedesigns.com  Be sure to check out her bio, too.

Challenge

The "Cliches Challenge" is due in March.  Remember the size should be 16" x 20", design can be vertical or horizontal.  Need help in finding a cliché?
For ideas, Google:  ClicheSite.com.  When the challenge is turned in print the cliché you chose on a piece of paper and attach it to the front of your challenge with a straight pin.  DON'T IDENTIFY YOURSELF, cover your name up if it is on the back. Bring your quilt to the meeting in a bag to keep it a secret.
Due date:  March 9, 2015.

Questions, contact:  Myrna Paluba or Fay Ann Grider. 

Membership: Ellen McMillen/Rita Marie Smith 
Please chant with us - "No ice, no snow, we will have a March meeting!" Hope to see you all there. 

March Birthdays 
Fay Ann Grider                6-March 
Pat Sherman                   10-March 
Jan Zwizanski                 15-March 
Marti Campbell             26-March 
Many happy birthday wishes! 

HOSPITALITY - Angel Henderson
Snack list for the March guild meeting is: E. Mincarelli, B. Moses*, R. Newlander, L. O'Brien, D. O'Connor, M. Paczok*, H. Hofbauer*, D. Holzworth, M.Hopkins, M. Kline, R. McMillen. 
A star after your name means you bring a drink instead of a snack for the group. Remember to switch your responsibility with a friend if you cannot attend and let me know. 


PLEASE BRING YOUR "do not touch the quilts" challenge quilts from 2014 to the March meeting. We will be collecting them to use for the quilt show.
Please also bring your mini(18 x18) raffle quilts to the March meeting. I will still accept them at the April meeting but it would be nice to get them early hint hint.....

Acorn Shop - Pat Smith

Please bring all your acorn shoppe donations to the meeting.  Don't worry if you've not finished getting your things together you can still bring to the April meeting!  Please call me concerning large items  Pat Smith 610-321-0631   If you would rather you can also drop off at my house if you don't want to drag them to the meeting..


ITEMS NEEDED TO BE DONATED FOR THE RAFFLE BASKETS AT THE QUILT SHOW
I hope everyone is finding items that would be suitable to put in the raffle baskets for the quilt show.The baskets will be put together with sewing projects items hopefully  suitable  for a project.  Also theme baskets are popular.  Use your imagination.   Example:  child's project,  movie night ,  cookie baking time with children. 

I will be collecting these items at the next meeting.  Last chance will be the April meeting.  I hope to be able to put together ten baskets, ladies, so start inventorying your sewing/quilting stashes.    Jean 

Quilt Show Entry Forms 
I've not received any entries to date. Please make every effort to submit your forms as soon as possible. The form is available on our website. Your quilt does not have to be complete at the time you submit your entry form. You only need a picture of the quilt top and the quilt measurements. Please keep in mind that the entry deadline date is March 28th.  
Bob DeCarli will be signing copies of his book "Remarkable Rectangles" at the show. If you have a quilt in this book please enter it. Take care to reference Bob and his book in the description area on the entry form. Any questions please call or email me. Thanks!  Ellen    610-363-5956  ejmcmillen@verizon.net
  

Fabric Swap

This month's fabric is "novelty fabrics". Please bring (23) 10" squares in a ziplock type bag with you name on the inside. Please remember to choose fabric that is not older than 2 years old. If you are not going to be at the meeting please contact me. Please bring your "low volume and polka dot blocks" from the last 2 months also that we missed because of the weather. I will bring 3 sets of blocks for you in April. When you show up at the March meeting you should have 3 sets of blocks with you. Call if you are confused.

Next month's blocks will be "black and white". Please pay special attention to the size, make sure they are 10" squares and please make sure you have 23 blocks, count them twice! I have bought just a bit more fabric to allow for a cutting mistake. To make it easier on yourself, cut off the selvedges before you cut your blocks.
Kelly----questions?    kellymx@aol.com or 610-873-7211

     

Quilt Show 2015

Hi Guild,

Wow, after the POQ getaway, I am on my way to having quilts for the show.  My 18” quilt is ready to quilt.  Hope you are all finishing up your quilts for exhibit and judging.  You only have two months to finish.  Remember March 28 is the deadline for the quilt entries.  Ellen McMillen needs the measurements and a picture.  It can be a picture of just the top.  She’ll be sending out information.

We now have 11 of 12 of our vendor booths booked. Penny Marble Quilt Designs has pulled out because of family circumstances.  The booth fee is non-refundable so we have 12 spaces paid for.   Timberline Patchwork; The Quilt Block; Pottstown Sewing (3 spaces); Jackie’s Woolens; Happy Valley Quilting; Donna’s Quits and Prims (name change); Ribbonsmyth (ribbons and embellishments); The Bead Lounge; and Alchemy Textiles are our vendors.  We’ve got a great mix of vendors so please save your money and support these vendors.  Go to our website:  www.pennoaksquilters.org    to see what they vend.

Since Robin has taken on the food chairpersonship, I need a volunteer to help on the floor to help vendors—make sure they are happy, help them at the end to load up and anything else that comes up involving them.  It is not full time, but is very necessary.  Please raise your hand.

We had a Quilt Show committee meeting February 12 and we are good to go.  Robin brought samples of the carrot cake we will be selling at the show.  Delish!!!!!!!  She will need helpers other than the normal sign-ups, so watch for the list from her.

We really need you to sign up for tasks at the show.  Remember, you cannot attend free if you do not participate and give time.  We still need  volunteers in the Acorn shop; a few for registration and the small quilt raffle;  many for white gloving and a few are needed for raffle baskets.  Clean up during the show amounts to emptying the vendors’ trash boxes, disinfecting the food tables with wipes and checking the bathrooms for supplies.  A number of slots are open there.  For set up we still need floor set-up and tear down help from husbands, brothers, sons and you.  We need some strong guys (males) for Show Set up day—Thursday April 30 all day.  Please start talking to your family to chip in.  It is too hard for most of us to move the heavy tables and items.  Would love a few tall teenagers to help hold quilts during judging.  We have a lot of openings for the judging staff and scribes;  and for taking in the quilts and handing them back.  The list is attached for your convenience.  I will also be bringing it to the March and April meetings.  Just send me an email or fill in the blanks at the meetings.  The preferred times are filling up.

Please start having your friends put this great show on their calendars.  Attendance what the make the difference—bringing in raw revenue, folks to buy our raffle tickets, help our vendors and our Acorn Shoppe.  Each year we come down to the same results; we need attendees. 

Of course your contributions, work on committees and support are critical, but do remember this is our FUND RAISER for the next two years.

Help Diana Smyrl get ads for our program brochure by giving suggestions.  The same goes for Pat Sherman, who is getting the door prizes.  If you know people or businesses (long-arm quilters, local companies, etc.) please get their phone information so Diana or Pat can contact them.

The website is being updated with newest information on the Quilt Show.  Maureen will continue updating the Vendor and door prize lists on line.

Raffle mini-quilts will be 18”X18”.  PLEASE START WORKING ON YOUR QUILT AS THEY WERE TERRIFIC FOR PUBLICITY.  TURN THEM IN TO KELLY MEANIX AS SOON AS THEY ARE DONE.  WE ARE ASKING EACH MEMBER TO DONATE AT LEAST ONE MINI-QUILT TO RAFFLE because this was a major fund raiser at our show.  Remember that the deadline is the April Meeting.

Quilt Show Chair:                                             Suzanne Stiverson                                                                    

Floor Plans/Set- up/Tear Down                 Bob DeCarli

Acorn Shoppe:                                                  Pat Smith and Helen Hofbauer

Props:                                                                   Pat Smith

Small Quilts Raffle:                                           Kelly Meanix

Door Prizes (letters--email):                        Pat Sherman

Raffle baskets/Door prizes:                         Jean Fox

Basket Delivery                                                 Marsha Paczok

Lancaster Area Vendors:                               Pat Sherman 

Vendor letters:                                                 Suzanne Stiverson

Vendor on-site chair:                                 

Registration/Admission:                               Denise Blake

Quilt Judging/forms                                        Ellen McMillen

Quilt Check in/out chairs:                             Jean Zubert & Cindy Vognetz

Ads for Programs:                                            Diana Smyrl

Program Brochures:                                        Rita Marie Smith

                                                                                Carolyn Davis

Publicity/Flyers                                                 Suzanne Doonan

Quilt description/signs:                                 Myrna Paluba

Viewer’s Choice Ballots                                 Myrna Paluba

Signage inside and outside venue:           Elaine Egan

White Glove:                                                     Marti Campbell

Clean-up:                                                            Marti Campbell

Food Chair                                                          Robin McMillen

Food Handler                                                     Robin McMillen

Our show will be here sooner than you think.

Keep on quilting…..

Suzanne Stiverson

Mystery Box 

Will return at the April meeting and the June meeting. 

Happy Quilting,
Jan

Quilt Happenings

Lancaster Quilt Show
Lancaster, PA
March 11-14, 2015
www.americanquilter.com

Lancaster Quilt Show
March 11-14, 2015
Continental inn
Lancaster, PA
www.lancasterquiltshow.com

Three Rivers Quilters Show
March 26-28, 2015
Pittsburgh, PA  15203
www.threeriversquilters.org

The Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar - featuring Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson
April 16-18, 2015 (Thursday Evening, Friday and Saturday)
University of Delaware
Newark, DE
Ricky Tims Information

Mid-Atlantic MOD A Modern Quilters Retreat April 23-26, 2015 Lancaster, PA midatlanticmod.blogspot.com

Pennsylvania Relief Sale

March 5, 6 and 7, 2015

Thursday and Friday 9:00 am to 8:00pm

Saturday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Material Resources Center 

517 W Trout run Road

Ephrata PA  17522

717-733-2847

Pa Relief Sale Auction

April 17 and 18, 2015

Harrisburg Farm Show Complex

www.pareliefsale.org

Getaway 2015 Pictures

Martha

Angel

Marti

Marti

Marti

Marti

Jean

Jean

Cindy

Our new spacious room!

Denise

Denise

Rikki

Ellen

Suzanne

Sara

Sara

Debbi

Diana

Maureen

Maureen

Robin

February 2015 Newsletter

President's Letter

During the dark, dreary, gray days of winter, I am especially glad I am a quilter. We have our colorful fabric stashes and brightly colored projects to keep us mentally stable. Sort of. As stable as one can be in the middle of winter in our part of the geography. I hope we are all distracted by the many projects we have going. I'm sure we are all busy with our challenge, the raffle quilt, our entries for the show, and the random projects that we all make just because we want to because the picture on the pattern or the sample in the shop looked pretty.

We canceled the January meeting due to the weather. We moved most of the program to the February meeting. We will enjoy Betsy Moses' trunk show and Jan's presentation of the new tools available at the Quilt Block.

Watch for news and information about the quilt show. It will be May before we know it. Please help spread the word. We need attendance. Tell everyone you know, put it on your facebook page and social media. The success of the show depends on us. 

Speaking of the show, have you, or a group of your friends, thought about taking over as show chair in 2017? Suzanne Stiverson has done way above and beyond for the show and we thank her for all her hard work. We need a new chairperson or chair committee. More than one chair will work. Co-chairs? Tri-chairs? Quad-chairs?  Please consider it. It is our only way of raising revenue to support our meeting programs.

I am getting the 2015-2016 nominating committee together. They will become active soon and they may call you! One of the Guild positions may be perfect for you. Please consider signing up for one of the many varied tasks that keep the group going. 

Keep warm and keep quilting!

Leslie

Programs

Submitted by Suzanne Doonan

Our February program features some of our wonderfully talented guild members.   Betsy Moses will offer a trunk show of a variety of quilted items and will demonstrate her favorite hand applique method.  Kelly Meanix will present Tips and Tricks for Curved Piecing, one of the hot topics in quilting right now.  Jan Brown will show us new tools and ideas for these topics.

Another talented quilter in our guild, Bob Decarli, is mentioned in the latest issue of Quilters Newsletter.  His latest book Remarkable Rectangles is featured in the Staff Picks section.  Bob is coming up in March with a tour of EQ7.

Hospitality
Jamie Loncaric, Susan Longenecker, Elaine Mayer*, Ellen McMillen, Robin McMillen and Kelly Meanix* Remember to switch your responsibility with a friend if you cannot attend the meeting and let me know. A star after your name means you bring a beverage for the group in lieu of a snack.

Membership: Ellen McMillen/Rita Marie Smith
February Birthdays
Robin McMillen            15-February
Ellen Lance                      21-February
Angel Henderson         26-February
Many happy birthday wishes!
We hope to see you all at the February meeting.

Fabric Swap

This month's fabric is "polka dots". Please bring (23) 10" squares in a ziplock type bag with you name on the inside. Please remember to choose fabric that is not older than 2 years old. If you are not going to be at the meeting please contact me. Please also bring your "low volume blocks" from last month that we missed because of the weather. I will bring 2 sets of blocks for you in March.

Next month's blocks will be "novelty fabric" it can be anything you want any print size or colors! Please pay special attention to the size, make sure they are 10" squares and please make sure you have 23 blocks, count them twice! I have bought just a bit more fabric to allow for a cutting mistake. To make it easier on yourself, cut off the selvedges before you cut your blocks.
Kelly----questions?    kellymx@aol.com or 610-873-7211

Challenge

The "Cliches Challenge" is due in March.  Remember the size should be 16" x 20", design can be vertical or horizontal.  Need help in finding a cliché?
For ideas, Google:  ClicheSite.com.  When the challenge is turned in print the cliché you chose on a piece of paper and attach it to the front of your challenge with a straight pin.  DON'T IDENTIFY YOURSELF.
Due date:  March 9, 2015.

Questions, contact:  Myrna Paluba or Fay Ann Grider. 

Quilt Show 2015

Hi Guild,

Boy what a winter.  Hope you are all finishing up your quilts for exhibit and judging.  Remember March 28 is the deadline for the quilt entries.  I can honestly say I am so behind with the shoulder replacement and trying to get over the winter cold, cough crud.  But the good news is that we still have 3 months to get ready.  Please start having your friends put this great show on their calendars.  Attendance what the make the difference—bringing in raw revenue, folks to buy our raffle tickets, help our vendors and our Acorn Shoppe.  Each year we come down to the same results; we need attendees.

Of course your contributions, work on committees and support are critical, but do remember this is our FUND RAISER for the next two years.

Our next  committee meeting will be Thursday, February 12 at 11:30 held at the Riverstone Café in Whiteland Town Center.  We really need all committee heads there and also reports from those who cannot attend. 

As you know, all 12 of our vendor booths are now booked..  Timberline Patchwork; The Quilt Block; Pottstown Sewing (3 spaces); Jackie’s Woolens; Happy Valley Quilting; Donna’s Quits and Prims (name change);, Ribbonsmyth (ribbons and embellishments); The Bead Lounge; Penny Marble Quilt Designs and Alchemy Textiles.  We’ve got a great mix of vendors so please save your money and support these vendors.  Go to our website:  www.pennoaksquilters.org  to see what they vend. 

Robin is doing a great job taking on the Food Vendor portion of our Show.  She has a 5-member team, achieved her Food Handler’s License (15+ of study), is learning recipes for chicken salad and carrot cake from her church and had a great menu planned. 

Help Diana Smyrl get ads for our program brochure by giving suggestions.  The same goes for Pat Sherman, who is getting the door prizes.

Website is being updated with newest information on the Quilt Show.  Maureen will continue updating the Vendor and door prize lists on line.

We need strong guys (males) for Show Set up day—Thursday April 30 in the A.M.  Please start talking to your family to chip in.  It is too hard for most of us to move the heavy tables and items.  Would love a few tall teenagers to help hold quilts during judging.

In February, I’ll be distributing a sign-up sheet for committees—so critical for us to make this work.

Raffle mini-quilts will be 18”X18”.  PLEASE START WORKING ON YOUR QUILT AS THEY WERE TERRIFIC FOR PUBLICITY OVER THE YEAR.  TURN THEM IN TO KELLY MEANIX AS SOON AS THEY ARE DONE.  WE ARE ASKING EACH MEMBER TO DONATE AT LEAST ONE MINI-QUILT TO RAFFLE because this was a major fund raiser at our show.

Quilt Committee Leaders Filled:  Now we need you to sign up for committees in February.

Quilt Show Co-Chairs:                                    Suzanne Stiverson & Robin

                                                                    McMillen

Floor Plans/Set- up/Tear Down                 Bob DeCarli

Acorn Shoppe:                                                  Pat Smith and Helen Hofbauer

Props:                                                                   Pat Smith

Small Quilts Raffle:                                           Kelly Meanix

Door Prizes (letters--email):                        Pat Sherman

Raffle baskets/Door prizes:                         Jean Fox

Basket Delivery                                                 Marsha Paczok

Lancaster Area Vendors:                               Pat Sherman  Distribution of flyers

Vendor letters:                                                 Suzanne Stiverson

Vendor on-site chair:                                     Robin McMillen

Registration/Admission:                               Denise Blake

Quilt Judging/forms                                        Ellen McMillen

Quilt Check in/out chairs:                             Jean Zubert & Cindy Vognetz

Ads for Programs:                                            Diana Smyrl

Program Brochures:                                        Rita Smith

Publicity/Flyers                                                 Suzanne Doonan

Quilt description/signs:                                 Myrna Paluba

Viewer’s Choice Ballots                                 Myrna Paluba

Signage inside and outside venue:           Elaine Egan

White Glove:                                                     Marti Campbell

Clean-up:                                                            Marti Campbell

Food Chair                                                          Robin McMillen

Food Handler                                                     Robin McMillen

Our show will be here sooner than you think and I am getting revved up.

Keep on quilting…..

Suzanne Stiverson

RAFFLE BASKET REQUEST
It is time to give some thought of what you might have in your collection which could be donated for use in putting together the raffle baskets for the quilt show.   Remember one  type of basket is a theme basket such as a movie basket,  a wine basket  or any thing you think would be appealing for the basket sales.  Also, I will be putting together baskets for a possible quilt  or a child's quilting basket so donations would be useful for these.   You can start bringing your donations to the next guild meeting.    Our baskets have always been very good and the winners have always been very pleased so lets not disappoint them this year.  Thanks    Jean  

Acorn Shop   

As you are cleaning your sewing area..think acorn shop  donations will start to be collected at the February meeting....all the extra in the way things! Questions  call Pat Smith 610 321 0631.  Money from the acorn shop helps provide programs for the guild.


Quilt Show Entry Forms and Judging
I'd like to encourage you to submit your quilt entry forms as early as possible. The form is available on our website. Your quilt does not have to be complete at the time you submit your entry form. You only need a picture of the quilt top and the quilt measurements. Please keep in mind that the entry deadline date is March 28th. If you have any questions please contact me.

This year I'm hoping that more of you will volunteer to help with the judging process. It is a great way to get first hand experience of how a judge determines a prize winning quilt and how the process works. This year we will be working with only one judge, Mary Zesiger, who has judged numerous Quilt Odyssey at Hershey shows. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Pauley has had to withdraw as she is having a hip replacement. I would like to have three scribes, one which will be an alternate to provide relief for the other two as needed. In addition volunteers are needed to hold up the quilts for the judge to view, transfer judged quilts to the hanging team and arrange quilts for the next category to be judged.  Ideally I would like to have twelve volunteers to work in teams of four for a two hour period.  The judging process can be tiring. I believe this can be solved by working in two hour shifts which will also allow more of you to be involved. We'll begin at 10 am and likely finish by 4 pm.  Call or email me with any questions.
Thank you!  Ellen  610-363-5956  ejmcmillen@verizon.net

Write as desired……

The Project List

I am not usually one for making New Year’s resolutions.  Resolutions always seemed to be senseless to me; lose weight, get in shape, make ten quilts.  Always the same and never accomplished.  I have changed my mind this year.  I am going to try ... but with some caveats. I am going to make my objectives clearer and more doable.

I am a list maker.  I make lists and if I do something not on the list I write it down just to scratch it off. On January 5, 2014, I made a list of the quilting projects that were actually physically in some state of being worked on.  Now some of these projects have been hanging around for quite some time and others were just beginning.  There were 10 projects on the list. In addition I listed my idea bundles.  These are bundles with fabrics chosen and possibly a pattern or ideas for the project all tied up and ready to go.  On January 5, 2014, I listed 4 of these. On January 5, 2015 I reviewed my list and there was not one project on the list that I could scratch off.  Not one project was totally and completely finished.

Now you may be thinking, “What did I do all year?” Was this the beginning of the end of my quilting period of life?  Indeed, 2014 was a hard year; unemployment, extended family obligations, and many house projects kept my attention out of the sewing room. On the flip side, I replaced my antique sewing table and reorganized my entire space but the project list was stagnant.

I also have a list of finished projects.  As you may have imagined, this list is rather short but it does have items not on my original list of unfinished projects.  One must allow for the creative inspiration to take over in spite of all the unfinished projects. My finished in 2014 list includes the red scarf I knitted, one pillow, little wallet type gifts for Christmas, and a fun summer wall hanging. Not that bad but I did not crack that project list.

The limitation with the “Finished Project List” is that, well, quilts must be finished.  Here we get into a gray area for us quilters.  Can we define a quilt as finished if the top is complete or must it be bound and labeled to get on the coveted Finished List?  As much as my heart wants to put the finished top on the “Finished List” I cannot.  So there it still remains as a testament to my inability to finish quilts, on the unfinished list.

Back to the resolutions.  This year, I am going to break down projects listed into more manageable tasks that will hopefully give me a sense of accomplishment and a desire to move on.  To just say finish the “fall quilt” is not working for me. It is tantamount to telling a child to “clean their room”.  He looks at the room, moves the clothes from the floor to the laundry basket and says done.  So before I look at the piles on my sewing room floor, and separate the piles into lights and darks, I need to see where each project is and where it needs to be headed.  As a former systems analyst, I broke down computer system projects into smaller tasks.  Thus my New Year’s resolution is to become a project leader of my own quilting.

Therefore my task list for the “fall quilt” is something like this.

Fall Quilt                                                                                               Date Accomplished

     Select quilting design

     Select threads, batting, needles, and machine setting

     Layer top

     Quilt

     Select binding and method

     Attach binding

     Finish binding

Here I have 7 things I will accomplish instead of 1!

We quilters know each step to take to get to the finish line, but why not have a little fun and acknowledge how much we really did on that quilt to get it on the “Finished List”.  Maybe keep track of the time spent on each step.  Do what it takes to keep your momentum going and in the end throw the *!!!!!* lists away!

Mystery Box
Reminder that the Mystery Box will be at the next meeting.  Be sure to bring 
those extra dollars from your coat pockets and I take quarters too.  You will 

never know what will be in the box maybe something for the getaway.  

Remember you have to play to win, $1.00 for one ticket or $5.00 for Six 

tickets.  See you at the meeting.
Jan

Book Shelf

We are adding a new section to our newsletter. Please feel free to send us you book picks, quilting or otherwise. You can give a review or a recommendation. Remember too that you can get almost any novel through your local library. If they don't have it they can get it for you from one of the other libraries in the system, just ask!

I found a good quilt pattern book this month called Simply Fat Quarters by It's Sew Emma.  I love it because she names the fabric collections that were used and they seem to be available, the instructions are for four different sizes of each quilt, and each of the ten different designs are not difficult but still stylish and come with a cutting diagram for the fat quarters. The one I chose to make could actually be made with half a layer cake and an extra half yard of fabric for the binding!  

Review from Betsy Moses

Ordinary Grace - William Kent Krueger

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion - Fannie Flagg

The Shoemaker's Wife - Adriana Trigiani

The Light Between Oceans - M. L. Stedman

The House at Tyneford - Natasha Solomons

Recommendations by Delores Holzwarth

I am in a book club and we recently read a classic and one of my favorite books, The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. I highly recommend it.
Recommendation by Kelly Meanix

One of my favorite mystery writers is Louise Penny. Her protagonist is Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Quebec homicide unit. Her writing is wonderfully descriptive, her plots engrossing and her characters real and complex. There are currently 10 novels in this series. While each book is complete in itself I believe you'll find her work more rewarding if read in order beginning with "Still Life." Try it, I think you'll like it!   Recommendation by Ellen McMillen

Quilt Happenings

Lancaster Quilt Show
Lancaster, PA
March 11-14, 2015
www.americanquilter.com

Lancaster Quilt Show
March 11-14, 2015
Continental inn
Lancaster, PA
www.lancasterquiltshow.com

Three Rivers Quilters Show
March 26-28, 2015
Pittsburgh, PA  15203
www.threeriversquilters.org

The Ricky Tims Super Quilt Seminar - featuring Ricky Tims and Alex Anderson
April 16-18, 2015 (Thursday Evening, Friday and Saturday)
University of Delaware
Newark, DE
Ricky Tims Information

Mid-Atlantic MOD A Modern Quilters Retreat April 23-26, 2015 Lancaster, PA midatlanticmod.blogspot.com

January 2015 Newsletter

President's Letter

Happy New Year! Did we break any of our resolutions yet? Did we promise ourselves to finish more projects, keep our sewing rooms cleaned up, get our quilts ready for the show? Hang in there and don't try to be perfect. Improvement counts!

As we move into January and the heart of winter we are ready for the the weather. Thanks to Ellen, we have the emergency call list ready. Let it snow! If the weather looks bad or is threatening to snarl traffic on one of our Monday meeting nights, watch for a phone call from the phone chain. Since we meet at night and many of us aren't keen on driving in winter weather, we err on the side of caution and will cancel if it sounds like road conditions won't cooperate.

Our winter meetings highlight and make the most of our Guild's talents. The next couple of months will bring trunk show and demos by our members.The programs committee has an exciting lineup for us. Do you have a special quilting skill to share? Be sure to make the programs committee aware. You may be the subject of a meeting some day. 

The challenge is coming up soon. Do you have your favorite cliche captured in quilt art yet?

The show will be here before we know it. Are your quilts ready or on track to be ready by May? What about your mini-quilt for the auction?

Lets get 2015 started right! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on January 12 to get the next quilting year going. This is the year of the quilt, isn't it? Isn't every year the year of the quilt? 

Happy 2015!

Leslie

Programs
From Suzanne Doonan
Our January meeting will be full of quilting inspiration from Jan Brown and Kelly Meanix. Jan will show us new things, tools, techniques, and/or patterns. The Quilt Block will vend, too. Kelly's venue will be a trunk show of her distinctive quilts. If you haven't figured out what cliche you're featuring in the Challenge in March, you're sure to find inspiration from these two extraordinary Penn Oaks quilters. 


Membership: Ellen McMillen/Rita Marie SmithThirty-five members enjoyed the December holiday meeting. Best wishes to all for a healthy and happy 2015!
January Birthday
Diana Smyrl                  25-January
Many happy birthday wishes to you!

Hospitality
From Angel
I am adding  an extra person to the list. It means some people will be bringing three rather than two per year but maybe it will cover if someone forgets. The snack list for January is: H. Hofbauer, D. Holzwarth, M. Hopkins*, M. Kline, E. Lance*, M.Lewis, R. Lodi.  Remember to switch your responsibility with a friend if you cannot attend the meeting and let me know. A star after your name means you bring a beverage for the group in lieu of a snack.

Challenge

The "Cliches Challenge" is due in March.  Remember the size should be 16" x 20", design can be vertical or horizontal.  Need help in finding a cliché?  
For ideas, Google:  ClicheSite.com.  When the challenge is turned in print the cliché you chose on a piece of paper and attach it to the front of your challenge with a straight pin.  DON'T IDENTIFY YOURSELF. 
Due date:  March 9, 2015.

Questions, contact:  Myrna Paluba or Fay Ann Grider. 

Fabric Swap

This month's fabric is "low volume". Please bring (23) 10" squares in a ziplock type bag with you name on the inside. Please remember to choose fabric that is not older than 2 years old. I will have your "small florals" set of swap blocks at the meeting. If you are not going to be at the meeting please contact me. 

Next month's blocks will be "Polka Dots" any size or colors! Please pay special attention to the size, make sure they are 10" squares and please make sure you have 23 blocks, count them twice! I have bought just a bit more fabric to allow for a cutting mistake. To make it easier on yourself, cut off the selvedges before you cut your blocks.
Kelly----questions?    kellymx@aol.com or 610-873-7211

Quilt Show 2015

All 12 of our vendor booths are now booked..  Timberline Patchwork; The Quilt Block; Pottstown Sewing (3 spaces); Jackie’s Woolens; Happy Valley Quilting; Donna’s Quits and Prims (name change);, Ribbonsmyth (ribbons and embellishments); The Bead Lounge; Penny Marble Quilt Designs and Alchemy Textiles.  We’ve got a great mix of vendors so please save your money and support these vendors.  Go to our website:  www.pennoaksquilters.org to see what they vend.  
Whew, thanks to Robin for her tenacity in getting Ribbonsmyth.  I think this is the biggest hurdle in getting our show off the ground—getting vendors.  I think this is the earliest we’ve done this since we started at Griffith Hall in 2009.

Help Diana Smyrl get ads for our program brochure by giving suggestions.  The same goes for Pat Sherman, who is getting the door prizes.

Website is being updated with newest information on the Quilt Show.  Maureen will continue updating the Vendor and door prize lists on line

Robin McMillen is getting her food handler’s license and will lead the food committee.  She is looking into prices and possible vendors.  Keep the ideas coming. 

We need strong guys (males) for Show Set up day—Thursday April 30 in the A.M.  Please start talking to your family to chip in.  It is too hard for most of us to move the heavy tables.

Raffle mini-quilts will be 18”X18”.  PLEASE START WORKING ON YOUR QUILT AS THEY WERE TERRIFIC FOR PUBLICITY OVER THE YEAR.  TURN THEM IN TO KELLY MEANIX AS SOON AS THEY ARE DONE.  WE ARE ASKING EACH MEMBER TO DONATE AT LEAST ONE MINI-QUILT TO RAFFLE because this was a major fund raiser at our show.

Next Meeting will be in February 2015 at a deli or restaurant on a Friday.  Date, place and time to follow.

Quilt Committee Leaders Filled:  Now we need you to sign up for committees in January.

Quilt Show Co-Chairs:                                    Suzanne Stiverson & Robin
                                                                    McMillen

Floor Plans/Set- up/Tear Down                 Bob DeCarli

Acorn Shoppe:                                                  Pat Smith and Helen Hofbauer

Props:                                                                   Pat Smith

Small Quilts Raffle:                                           Kelly Meanix

Door Prizes (letters--email):                        Pat Sherman

Raffle baskets/Door prizes:                         Jean Fox

Basket Delivery                                                 Marsha Paczok

Lancaster Area Vendors:                               Pat Sherman  Distribution of flyers

Vendor letters:                                                 Suzanne Stiverson

Vendor on-site chair:                                     Robin McMillen

Registration/Admission:                               Denise Blake

Quilt Judging/forms                                        Ellen McMillen

Quilt Check in/out chairs:                             Jean Zubert & Cindy Vognetz

Ads for Programs:                                            Diana Smyrl

Program Brochures:                                        Rita Smith

Publicity/Flyers                                                 Suzanne Doonan

Quilt description/signs:                                 Myrna Paluba

Viewer’s Choice Ballots                                 Myrna Paluba

Signage inside and outside venue:           Elaine Egan

White Glove:                                                     Marti Campbell

Clean-up:                                                            Marti Campbell

Food Chair                                                          Robin McMillen

Food Handler                                                     Robin McMillen

Our show will be here sooner than you think.

Keep on quilting…..

Suzanne Stiverson