February 2016 Newsletter

President's Letter

Happy New Year Guild!

I know we all did it. We changed out our 2015 quilt calendars and we now display our new 2016 quilt calendars. There must be an online quiz somewhere that tells us our quilting personalities based on the kind of quilt calendar we choose.

First question - what kind of calendar do you display? Sue Spargo? NQA? Quilts of the Amish? A Year of Applique Quilts? A Year of modern Quilts? other?

Next - Is it a full size wall calendar, an oversize wall calendar, a daily, weekly, monthly, or purse size calendar?

Next - Do you own a quilt block perpetual calendar that you keep out forever?

Next - Do you keep your old calendars or throw them away? Really? How can you throw all those pretty pictures away?

Next - Do you have more than one quilt calendar? If so, how many? 2, 3, 4, 5. or more?

I'm sure the answers to those questions reveal something. The most important thing revealed? We are quilters and like all different kinds of quilting and sewing. That is why we have a guild. That is how we share our favorite quilts and techniques and enjoy our sewing as a group.

Should we start a name cycle for quilting techniques for the years? Instead of the year of the chicken or the monkey, or the lion, this could be it the year of the applique... or something else.

Happy Quilting Year 2016! Just have fun quilting.

See you this month! 

Leslie O'Brien

Programs

 Kelly Meanix will be presenting a lecture and trunk show.  Kelly is an active member of Penn Oaks, Calico Cutters in West Chester and most recently, Modern Quilt Guild in Lancaster. She is a very creative quilter who shares her passion for, not just quilting but gardening, decorating, cooking and most of all, family through her blog,http://pinkadotquilts.blogspot.com/ Kelly will share her experiences and challenges that come with writing a blog and hopefully has a few items to show us that she hasn’'t given away yet (she is known for her generous spirit!) I’'m sure we all want to know how she does it all.

Membership
We had 37 members and 3 guests at the January meeting.
We also had one new member, Linda Kerschner!  Welcome!

February Birthdays

15 Robin McMillen
16 Kimberly Leadbetter
21 Ellen Lance
26 Angel Henderson

Hospitality
Snack list for February guild meeting is: J. Zwizanski, A. Barchi, D. Becker*, D. Blake, S. Borr, S. Braskey*, J. Brown, M.Campbell, M. Caporale; a star after your name means you should bring a drink for the group instead of a snack.  Please switch your responsibility with a friend if you cannot attend the meeting so we don't run short and let me know.  The snacks last month were awesome!!

4 Patch Swap

The aqua 4 patches are due at the February meeting, please remember to let me know if you will not be at the meeting. Remember we are swapping 12 blocks, please put your name inside the bag.
The color for March is green, any combinations you want to sew!
Kelly Meanix       kellymx@aol.com 610-873-7211

Silver Screen Challenge March 2016

Create a quilt inspired by a movie that is significant to you in some way.  It could be your favorite movie or it could be a movie you watched with your children or it could be the first movie you saw with your spouse.  There will be an award for both the best applique quilt and for the best pieced quilt.  Be creative when piecing, for example you could use the storm at sea block for The Poseidon Adventure or Titanic or corn and beans block for Field of Dreams. 

Here are a few other suggestions my Miranda and Charlotte came up with

• Finding Nemo - I spy Quilt
• Pretty in Pink - a pretty pink quilt
• A Native American Pattern for Last of the Mohicans
• Rear Window - Attic Window Block
• You get the idea

The Rules:

·         Perimeter must be less than 100 Inches 

·         Bring your quilt in an anonymous brown paper bag

·         Attach an explanation to your quilt including the title of the movie and an explanation of why you chose that film.  

    We will also, in addition to voting for favorites, have the membership guess the movies and there will be a small prize for the member that guesses the most correct matches of quilts to movies.  Please consider making a quilt for the challenge it would be great to see some newer members participate.  The more quilts, the more fun! Quilts are due at the March meeting.

-Kathy DeCarli and Robin McMillen

 Robin McMillen

(610)836-1363

(610)873-2950

Getaway

Last year I forgot a bunch of things for the getaway. Here is a list that might be helpful. 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_NnmpTjM1uxcHgxU1lpamR6UW8/edit


Member Profile - Jean Fox

How many years have you been quilting?

I was given a needle, thread, and fabric when I was three years old to sew pieces together. Sometimes,  I would stand on my grandmother's chair behind her back and leaned over her shoulder to watch her make either dress for me or quilt blocks.  My quilting was rather limited through the years until  about 1964 because I was sewing doll clothes as well as clothes for me.  I took some classes at a quilt shop at that time but really did not do a lot as I was working and in a couple of years from then had my son.  Again clothing for him and me were my primary sewing projects. In the late 90's I quit  working at my regular job.  I was offered a part time job in a quilt shop teaching guide  lessons on the Bernina sewing machine and teaching some quilting. The many techniques  of needlework have always been a very important craft for me also so because of this I was not getting as much quilting done as I would like. Now I do most of my quilting in the day time and spend the evenings doing needlework.

What is your favorite part of quilting?

My favorite part of quilting is the cutting and sewing together the blocks.  There have been times when I spent all day cutting with plans so sew it all together later.

What is your favorite color? 

I do not really have a special color although I do lean toward blue.  I just like working with groups of color that look well together  depending on the subject of the project.

How many quilts have you made?

I couldn't begin to say how many "quilts" I have made.  I make mostly wall hangings and smaller things.  It depends on a design or item that I like. Many times what I make depends on who I am going to give it to which Is where most of my things go.  I have also been fortunate to sell a lot of things with a group who do this together in the fall at the Brandywine Museum Fall Market Place.

What is your next project?

I am seriously thinking about making  some things using men's ties. They will probably be mostly wall hangings  I have a very  large selection of ties and recently found a very good book with many designs made using ties.  I don't know how much I will get made because using this type of material makes it necessary to using a lightweight backing on all the fabric.  This makes it twice the amount of work than using regular cotton fabric.  Along with this I have a quilt started for  my newly wed (3 yrs. now) son which I hope to get finished some time this year.  So far I have only made smaller things for them.

Tell us something the member may want to know about you.

I have been a member of Penn Oaks from the beginning at which time I was the first president.  It is a very important  group of people in my life.  Other wise, my life consists mostly with being active  in the quilt guild, the embroiderer's guild, my church's women's board and trying to keep up with the house work and my husband.

Write as Desired……

BREAKING NEWS

I have declared the year 2016 to be the Year of the Stash.

I have declared this privately, to a few close friends and now to the world!

This is the Year of the Stash and I have already begun!

        With this declaration, I have decided to write about my experience in short articles that I hope will compile into a small book.  My goal in writing will not be to give stash busting patterns but rather to explore the art of the stash in defining who I am as a quilter.  I also hope that you are inspired to look more deeply at your own work and your stash with me.   You started building your stash because you wanted to make more quilts but did your stash get out of hand along the way?   Has your stash become more of a burden than a source of inspiration?   Do you have a love/hate relationship with your stash?

            I started quilting about 30 years ago.  My first quilt was made with 6 fabrics that I purchased from my teacher in her basement.  I did not know that quilt stores existed. When I did find a quilt store, I timidly bought 2 solid colors – a pink and a blue – to add to the 6 prints I had.   And then the fun began.  I started to build a stash. 

From that first king size sampler with the polyester sashing, I was hooked, but dare I say that I was hooked more on the fabric than the quilting.  Years went by when I did not have the time or energy to make a quilt but I kept on building that stash! Sure I used my stash when I made quilts but the stash burgeoned.   There was no stopping it.

And so last year, I had come to address the elephant in the room and hall and closet.  What was I going to do with this collection of what I call “rags”? Little pieces of fabric all stacked up.  Totally worthless if not sewn up, or woven or something.

I did not back off.  I did not put more containers in the basement.  I faced it head on.  And so 2016 is The Year of the Stash.

In exploring my stash, I am going to invite you to explore yours.  I am going to explore ideas such as

Listening to your stash

Friendships

Temptations

Supporting your local quilt shop while using your stash

Core Collections

The Compost Heap

Storage

And Stash’s sister Scraps!

I will try to keep you posted in this journey.  Some of you may be ahead of me in your journey and some of you may be behind but isn’t that the joy of it.  Using what we have in the best way we can, at our own pace, and discovering something about ourselves and our craft in the process.

Now I know I have another pink somewhere……..

Chris Harkins

Plexiglass Templates

At the January meeting, I showed two plexiglass templates that I use to rotary cut the custom dance skirts I make. I realized that plexiglass is perfect for a shape that we need to cut a zillion of for a project. I love my rotary cutter so anytime I can use it is a time saver. The possibilities are endless and it is an inexpensive way to save time which is precious in our busy lives. 

 C &R Glass 

5 Westtown Rd 

West Chester PA 19382

610-696-5611

( they are on the short section of Westtown Rd between Market and Gay street)

I provided them the paper pattern that I designed and the plexiglass is perfect thickness for the rotary cutter. The 4 skirt patterns (like I showed at mtg) which are about 12"X12" and piece 2 1/4"X 24  were $25.00

Allie Barchi

Pet Beds 
Patricia Sherman, and Dana O'Connor are taking fabric and batting scraps. They will be for dog and cat beds.  Debbie Becker will pass them along to Pat and Dana if they are not at the meeting.

Quilt Events

New Quilts by Kaffe FassettMichener Art Museum
November 14, 2015 - February 21, 2016
Doylestown, PA  18901
www.michenermuseum.org

2016 Nature's Prism: A Quilt Display
January 8, 2016 - February 7, 2016
Devon, PA
Jenkins Arboretum
www.jenkinsarboretum.org

FibreWorks Winter Retreat 
Workshops and Gathering
February 26 -28, 2016
Harrisburg-Hershey Sheraton Inn
Hershey, PA
www.gatheringofguilds.com

American Quilter's Society
March 16-19, 2016
Lancaster Convention Center
Lancaster, PA
www.americanquilter.com

Celebration of Quilts 2016
York Quilter's Guild
May 20-21, 2016
Grumbacher Sport & Fitness Center
York, PA
www.celebrationofquilts.com

Quilt Odyssey

July 23-26
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Hershey, PA
www.quiltodyssey.com

January 2016 Newsletter

President's Letter

Happy New Year to All!

I hope all your Christmas dreams came true and I wish everyone the best in 2016. May you be able to spend lots of time with those you love and spend time doing things you love - that means quilting!

I want to take time at the beginning of the year to thank everyone for their contributions to the Guild. You know who you are! You are Board Members, Committee Chairs, Volunteer Quilters and donors, Volunteers of the Year, and individuals who donate items to raffle and auction for the benefit of the Guild, and of course, loyal members. Without all of you we wouldn't have a Guild.

I  welcome all those who became members in the last year. You also know who you are! We are happy to have you aboard and look forward to getting to know you.

While it is cold and wintery, if it becomes cold and wintery that is, remember to get a head start on those show quilts. Next year, which will be here before you know it, is a show year. The planning has begun and it will get more intense as we go. Thank you, Caroline Davis, for taking the show chairperson position from the longtime chair, Suzanne Stiverson. You have big shoes to fill, but we all know you will do fine!

Happy New Year!

Leslie

Programs

How to Prepare Your Quilt for the Long Arm Quilter

Considering having your quilt sent out to a long arm quilter? Guild members Carolyn Davis and Jamie Loncaric have recently started a hand-guided long arm quilting business. Having completed over 40 quilts for customers, they are anxious to share what they’ve learned about prepping our quilts for this type of service. They will have examples of potential pitfalls and things to consider when choosing a design as well as where to look for potential designs.

Holiday Show and Tell

Before you pack away your holiday decorations, save out your favorite one for this special Show and Tell.   It could be something you made, or that someone special made for you!

Talk to you soon.  Happy New Year!

Betsy 

Membership
We had 30 members at the December meetings and 3 guests. We also added a new member, Kimberly Leadbetter. Welcome!

We have one birthday in January.

Diana Smyrl's birthday is on January 25.

Hospitality

Snack list for the January, 2016 meeting is: P.Smith, R.Smith, D. Smyrl, M. Stevenson*, S. Stiverson, C. Vognetz*, P.White, S. Williams, J. Zubert. If there is a star after your name, please bring a beverage for the group instead of a snack. If you cannot attend the meeting, kindly switch your responsibility with a friend so we don't run short and let me know.

Member Profile- Jamie Loncaric

How many years ago did you start quilting?

I started quilting when my son Logan was born and he just turned 7 at the end of October.  I had been laid off just as I was going to return to work after he was born and we made things work so I could be a stay at home mom and save daycare costs.  My mom had been quilting and I wanted to find a hobby.  Now that he is in school for a full day, it has really opened up my quilting time!

What is your favorite part of the quilting process?

I love to walk around and look at all the fabric choices.  It's really easy at the "shopping for fabric" phase to imagine gorgeous, effortless results.  Reality is certainly more challenging!  As I was making the Super Mario quilt I had in our last guild show, I also realized I really enjoyed creating something that looked like something.  I like batiks and beautiful patterns but seeing something familiar come from something I created was a lot of fun.  Maybe I just appreciated the instant gratification it provided.

What is your favorite color?

I love love love blues.  So many gorgeous different choices.  Batiks are my favorite fabrics.  I like how they often have blended colors and patterns going on.

How many quilts do you think you have made?

I think I've made a little over 20 quilts.  Many have been given away as gifts but we have a few to use on chilly days on the couch. 

What is your next project?

I'm working on a Legend of Zelda video game quilt that will be a wedding gift for my husbands cousin in October 2016.  I am enjoying it a lot and have to keep telling myself that it will be a gift and not to get attached.  Not sure I could stomach making another one for myself after.  Too many 1 1/2 inch squares!

Tell us something the members may want to know about yourself.

The nerd/geek streak runs pretty strong though my household.  If you are ever considering an electronic purchase (or video game quilt patterns!), feel free to ask any questions.  There is a good chance I've got something in my household for reference and I'm always willing to help. I am still very much a novice quilter though so I will look to the other members for support!

Block Swap

The blue 4 patches are due at the January meeting, please remember to let me know if you will not be at the meeting. Remember we are swapping 12 blocks, please put your name inside the bag.
The color for February is aqua, any combinations you want to sew!
Kelly Meanix       kellymx@aol.com 610-873-7211

Sewing Machine Raffle
Please let everyone know Betsy Moses won the sewing machine raffle!

Thx

Denise Werkheiser

Upcoming Events

New Quilts by Kaffe Fassett

Michener Art Museum
November 14, 2015 - February 21, 2016
Doylestown, PA  18901
www.michenermuseum.org

2016 Nature's Prism: A Quilt Display
January 8, 2016 - February 7, 2016
Devon, PA
Jenkins Arboretum
www.jenkinsarboretum.org

American Quilter's Society
March 16-19, 2016
Lancaster Convention Center
Lancaster, PA
www.americanquilter.com

Celebration of Quilts 2016

York Quilter's Guild
May 20-21, 2016
Grumbacher Sport & Fitness Center
York, PA
www.celebrationofquilts.com

December 2015 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

The holidays are here! The decorations are up, the 24 X 7 holiday tunes are on the radio, and the black Friday specials have begun. We have our Christmas quilts on display. It is that time of year!

The next meeting is our annual December party. Check the hospitality list to see if it is your turn to bring a treat. The party will be low key this year. Just sit and sew and eat, or just sit and eat. Take time to socialize. Don't forget the block exchange. You may exchange as many blocks as you wish. The more you exchange, the sooner you will have enough to make a quilt. 

I hope everyone has a great holiday. Remember, if you are feeling stressed all you have to do is sew for a while. It has been proven that sewing lowers stress. Of course, we all knew that before "the study" was done. Enjoy friends and family and the fun the season brings. 

Don't forget to check email and facebook if the weather is threatening since we don't have the phone chain this year. Odd to think about that today when it is sunny and 60 degrees, but winter will eventually show up. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All,

Leslie


PROGRAMS
We will be celebrating the holidays this month with a party and "mini bee".  Bring your ufo's or choose one of Leslie's kits.  Don't forget your favorite seat cushion!  If you would like to participate in the holiday block exchange, bring one or more holiday blocks, 12-1/2" unfinished and individually wrapped and exchange for the same number of blocks as you bring.  Sign your work, please!  There should be no shortage of tasty treats and great conversation.

MEMBERSHIP
We had 40 members and 3 guests at the November meeting. 
We will be sending out an updated directory shortly as well.

December Birthdays
9 Denise Werkheiser
13 Kelly Meanix
30 Marianne Caporale

HOSPITALITY
Snack list for the December holiday meeting is: E. Lance, M. Lewis, R.lodi, J. Loncaric, S.Longenecker, E. Mayer, E. McMillen*, R. McMillen, K.Meanix, E. Mincarelli, B. Moses*, R. Newlander, L. O'Brien, D. O'Connor, M. Paczok, M. Paluba, L.Paylor, N. Rubinelli, P.Sherman*, S. Simmons.  A star after your name means you bring a beverage for the group instead of a snack. If your name is on this list, mark it on your calendar so you don't forget and please ask a friend to switch with you if you can't attend the party and let me know @ 610-350-7688. 

Block Swap
The red 4 patches are due at the December meeting, please remember to let me know if you will not be at the meeting. Remember we are swapping 12 blocks, please put your name inside the bag.
The color for January is blue, any combinations you want to sew!
Kelly Meanix       kellymx@aol.com 610-873-7211


2016 Getaway
The final room reservation payment for the Getaway is due at the December guild meeting. Ellen will send you an email letting you know your balance due about one week before our meeting. The fee for the sewing room and Saturday evening dinner is not due until January. The cost will likely be around $19-20 per person, specific amount to follow. Thank you.
Ellen McMillen and Pat Sherman

Member Profile--Marian Stevenson

When did you first start quilting?

I started my first quilt when I was 16.  Our next door neighbor was making one and she encouraged me.  My Mother sewed very well, I sewed, not well.  The quilt was of squares and the plain squares were cut from a new peach colored cotton sheet.  This quilt did not get finished until I was expecting my third child and I got it done for him.  It was tied and I learned how hard it was to tie through sheet fabric.  I believe he still has it and I did mend it once.

What is your favorite part of quilting?

My next start on quilting was in 1980 when I took a class with Sonja Schaeffer (sp?) and have been doing it since.  I think my favorite part is deciding what I want to make and gathering up the fabrics (shopping).  Next is cutting out.  The hardest part is settling down and finishing.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite color is blue, followed by red, and actually bright colors.  

How many quilts have you made?

I have not kept count of the quilts I have made.  I know I made 5 for the family and one for a Mother-in-Law and after that many tied quilts for the Spanish Mission in Kennett Square, through our church group "Magic Needles".

What is your next project?

My next project is to finish up some started projects:  2 Halloween wall hangings, a fidget quilt and two wall hangings to go out to be quilted.

What is something you want the group to know about you?

I am the person who comes with a cart for balance and a cane.  I have benign familial tremor which I inherited from my Father.  (The man who lives across the hall from us has it and inherited it from his Mother.)   We have now lived at Maris Grove five years coming up this January.  I do like to bake cookies and you all have my recipe for Swedish Oatmeal Cookies.

Upcoming Events

New Quilts by Kaffe Fassett

Michener Art Museum
November 14, 2015 - February 21, 2016
Doylestown, PA  18901
www.michenermuseum.org

2016 Nature's Prism: A Quilt Display
January 8, 2016 - February 7, 2016
Devon, PA
Jenkins Arboretum
www.jenkinsarboretum.org

American Quilter's Society
March 16-19, 2016
Lancaster Convention Center
Lancaster, PA
www.americanquilter.com

Celebration of Quilts 2016

York Quilter's Guild
May 20-21, 2016
Grumbacher Sport & Fitness Center
York, PA
www.celebrationofquilts.com

November 2015 Newsletter

President's Letter

Autumn is in full swing and we have a lot happening.

Do you ever wish you knew how to make the New York Beauty blocks or just needed that nudge to start a project? If yes, then join the workshop the day of the November meeting. Catch up with Betsy Moses if you want to join us. 

We have many active charitable activities. One of them is bound to fit your style of giving.  If you don't see something you want to do, then create something and we'll do it! In the meantime, keep bringing wrapped snacks for the Ronald McDonald House. Thank you to all of those who contributed last month to the Ronald McDonald House and to those who made cat creations for the Cat Angels' auction. 

Did someone say "Christmas and holiday party?" Have you started your Holiday Block Exchange block yet? It isn't too early to create a 10 1/2 block to swap with other members. You don't have to make just one. You can swap as many as you like. Plan to buy the Guild fundraiser tickets for the sewing cabinet. The drawing will be held at the holiday party. It would make a great gift for you or someone in your sewing family. 

I can't believe I am saying this already...Happy Thanksgiving!

Leslie

Programs

Our own Bob DeCarli will be sharing his enthusiasm for the Electric Quilt 7 software with us this November in his unique and humorous style.  EQ7 is a quilt design software for quilt designers of all skill levels and promises to be the most user-friendly yet.  Check out all the different possibilities for this software at www.electricquilt.com .

This should tie in nicely with our New York Beauty workshop that day.  I pinned a great example of what you could create by using this paper piecing  technique and design software.  You can see this stunning quilt at https://www.pinterest.com/betsymoses/ on my "Quilts Board".  It is black and white with a touch of pink.

Let me know ASAP if you decide to join us at the workshop.  There's plenty of room and still time to order the necessary supplies.
We will have a party in December, including a holiday block swap - 12-1/2" unfinished; a mini bee - bring your almost finished holiday project or a make-and-take, courtesy of Leslie; and, of course, plenty of great snacks!

Hospitality
Snack list for November is: FA Grider, C. Harkins, A. Henderson, D.Hill, H.Hofbauer, D. Holzwarth, M.Hopkins*, M. Kline, L. Lakitsky*.  A star after  your name means you bring a beverage for the group instead of a snack. Please remember to switch your responsibility with a friend if you can't attend and let me know. April

Membership

We had 34 members at the October meeting and 1 guest with intentions to
join!

Here are the November Birthdays!
8    Allie Barchi
13  Dena Corry
28 Jamie Loncaric

Block Swap
The yellow 4 patches are due at the November meeting, please remember to let me know if you will not be at the meeting. Remember we are swapping 12 blocks, please put your name inside the bag.
The color for December is red, any combinations you want to sew!
Kelly Meanix       kellymx@aol.com 610-873-7211

New York Beauty Workshop Update

Deadline to order book, template/stencil set and paperpiecing paper from the Quilt Block is tomorrow!  They are offering us a great deal, so even if you can't attend the workshop, you may want to order for your own library.  New York Beauty Diversified is $18.50 ("Simplified" book is $19.50),  Template/Stencil Set is $22.00 and a 100 page package of Carol Doak's paper is $11.65.  You can use other brands of paper if you have them.  I tried tear away paper on a roll, but found it a little hard to remove completely.

 I will be teaching a workshop at the Frazer Mennonite Church on November 9th on one of Linda Hahn's New York Beauty Diversified patterns, "Bensonhurst Blooms". A sneak peak inside this book is available at https://shop.americanquilter.com/media/peekinside/files/264/1251.pdf.  This will be a full day workshop from 10:00 to 4:00. Cost is $15 plus materials.  I can wait until day of workshop to collect fee.  You will need a copy of either of Linda's New York Beauty books and a set of acrylic templates and stencils.  I used New York Beauty Diversified, but the technique can also be found in New York Beauty Simplified.  Feel free to contact me for additional information.  I will have a complete supply list ready for attendees by next week.  It's pretty basic, so don't worry.  I may not have time to quilt my sample, but I think it will be a better teaching tool if you can see the back.

Hope you can join us.  This is not a difficult technique and I know we can all master it and have great samples for Show and Tell that evening!

See you there,

Betsy Moses

Member Profile ---Ellen McMillen
When did you start quilting? 
When reading Leslie's response in the September newsletter I remembered that I made a very simple hand-tied baby quilt for a friend's first born and he is now 44 years old. However I did not really begin quilting until about eleven years ago when Kathy introduced me to hand applique. 

What is your favorite part of quilting? 
Oddly enough my favorite part of quilting is also a difficult one for me. I enjoy selecting fabrics and colors for a project but frequently second guess myself. I need to develop more confidence in this area.

What is your favorite color? 
Blues - from lights to cobalt, blue-greens, aqua, teal. Rose too and I'm getting into more greens. I can't limit it to one color.

How many quilts have you made? 
Very few. As many of you know I'm terrible at finishing projects and have a large number of UFOs and planned projects in my head.

What is your next project?
I'm attempting to design a quilt for the Challenge. I also have a piece to do for my granddaughter's high school graduation. And the millefiori quilts popping up on Facebook are calling to me and I'm trying hard not to succumb!

What is something you want the group to know about you? 
I love animals. My cat is family too. I look forward every year to the arrival of fawns and deer in our yard, although it especially annoys my husband when they nibble on his asparagus patch or venture into the garden.

If you would like to be our next Member Profile, just email me and I would be happy to highlight you! kellymx@aol.com

Penn Oaks Getaway - February 17th-21st, 2016
We have four open slots for our Getaway which will be held at the Amish View Inn and Suites in Bird-in-Hand, www.AmishViewInn.com. If you are interested in filling one of these slots or would like more information please contact Ellen (610-363-5956) or Pat (717- 517- 8018). We will have reservation forms at the November meeting; $100.00 will reserve your room. Final room payments are due at the December 14th guild meeting. Ellen will notify you of your remaining balances. Thank you.
Ellen McMillen and Pat Sherman

Antique Sewing Machine Raffle
Denise Werkheiser will be selling tickets, 1 for $2.00 and 12 for $5.00 for the antique sewing machine she is donating to our group. All proceeds go to the Penn Oaks Quilters. Denise is even offering delivery to the lucky person. We will pull the ticket at the December meeting.

Upcoming Events 

New Quilts by Kaffe Fassett
Michener Art Museum
November 14, 2015 - February 21, 2016
Doylestown, PA  18901
www.michenermuseum.org

Vintage Memories
November 6-7, 2015
Martha Washington Quilters Guild
Washington, PA  15301
http://www.marthawashingtonquiltersguild.com

Every Quilt Has a Story
November 21, 2015
Mainline Quilters Guild
Mainline Unitarian Church
Devon, PA
www.mainlinequilters.org

American Quilters Society
March 16-19, 2016
Lancaster Convention Center
Lancaster, PA
www.americanquilter.com 

October 2015 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Hello Guild!

Ok. I have to say it now. Happy Autumn. It has been quite a month for everyone in the area. If Facebook is accurate, there were a lot of weddings going around. Congratulations to many family and friends of Guild members. The Pope's visit invigorated many, even those who aren't Catholic. Again, lots of great photos going around. Some real, some staged, some totally fake! What a great event for the Philadelphia area. There was a blood moon, for those of you who could see it through the clouds. The Eagles finally won a game. Lots of inspiration for our quilts. 

Last month's speaker ushered in the season with many lovely wool quilts. This year is off to a great start.

I appreciate the invigorated desire to help others in need. We have several projects in the works right now. Please remember to bring in snacks for the Ronald McDonald house snack project. I'm sure many of us can eek out a project using cat fabrics for the Cat Angels. Look for more info on the very cool antique sewing machine cabinet raffle. Can't you just see it in your house as a side or end table? And, as always, the pillow cases and Quilts of Valor. Many thanks to all of those who work on our charitable projects.

See everyone in October!

Leslie


PROGRAMS
We are excited to have Bethanne Nemesh as our speaker this month.  She will be presenting her lecture, "Walk a Creative Path", which includes a variety of interesting quilts from her past to the present.  Bethanne will have her design books available for sale. 

I will be teaching a workshop at the church on November 9th on one of Linda Hahn's New York Beauty Diversified  patterns, "Bensonhurst Blooms".  A sneak peak inside this book is available at https://shop.americanquilter.com/media/peekinside/files/264/1251.pdf.  I will have a sign up sheet at the October meeting.  

This will be a full day workshop from 10:00 to 4:00.  Cost will be $15 plus materials.  You will need a copy of either of Linda's New York Beauty books and a set of acrylic templates and stencils, both of which are available at AQS's website.  Feel free to contact me for additional information.  I am  making great progress on my sample and hope to have it ready for October Show and Tell!  Follow me on Facebook to see my progress (I started with the sun blocks and love the results.)

This will be a great segue to Bob DeCarli's lecture on EQ7 that evening.  Both Linda's books and the EQ7 software have a creative component of rotating blocks to create something completely different!

Betsy Moses and Robin McMillen

MEMBERSHIP

We had 41 members, 3 new members, and 2 guests at our September meeting!Please welcome to our guild Patricia White, Sue Williams, and Suzanne 

Simmons         (welcome back).  

There are still a few members who haven't renewed yet. Please bring 

your forms to the October meeting or mail them to Jamie Loncaric at 

1 Hunters
Hill Drive
Morgantown, PA  19543

October Birthdays
1  Denise Blake
8 Marsha Paczok

12 Patricia White
12 Pat Gallagher
12 Chris Harkins
13 Rob Lodi
19 Susan Longenecker
26 Elaine Egan

HOSPITALITY

The October snack list is: M. Carlson*, C. Davis, K. DeCarli, B. DeCarli*, S. Doonan, E. Dusinberre, E. Egan, J. Fox, P. Gallagher. 
A star after your name means you bring a beverage for the group instead of a snack.  Remember to switch your responsibility with a friend if you can't attend the meeting and let me know so we won't be short that night.

4 Patch Swap

The color for the month of October is pink. Please remember to bring 12 blocks to swap in a baggie with your name inside.
The color for November is yellow. 
Questions? Email kellymx@aol.com

MYSTERY BOX

The box is back!  Bring your ones or fives for the first Mystery Box of the year.  You never know what will be in the box so be sure to join in this month.

One dollar will get you one chance and five dollars will get you six chances.

See you all at the meeting,

Jan B.

Snacks for Ronald McDonald House

I am collecting snacks for the families at Ronald McDonald House. They are looking for single packaged items - like the small size of peanut butter crackers (4 or 6 to a package) , cheese curls, pudding snacks, pretzels, protein bars. Anything that is a single serve portion. The families like to take a surprise snack over to their child. I will have a market bag on the bench at the far side of the room at the October meeting.

Any questions -- jzbeachchair@aol.com    484-369-8706

Thank you,

Jean ZubertPenn



Oaks Getaway - February 2016

27 of our available 30 spots have been reserved. $100.00 will hold a spot for you. Final payments are due by the December 14th meeting. Call myself at 717 517 8018 or see Ellen McMillen or myself at October 12th meeting. Pat Sherman

September 2015 Newsletter

President's Letter

Welcome to the 2015-2016 Guild year! We have a lot of great speakers and activities planned. You are in for a great year!  There is something about fall that feels like "new years." Maybe it is the memories of starting a new, fresh, school year. Now we are starting a new, fresh, quilt year. 

I hope everyone had a great summer and spent some quality time in your sewing rooms. Please bring your summer creations and finished objects to the meeting so we can have a robust show and tell.

Did you start your challenge quilt yet? Have you been watching your favorite movies for inspiration? Or, just watching your favorite movies for no other reason than to just watch them!

I look forward to seeing everyone at the first meeting in September!

Leslie O'Brien

2015-2016 Programs

We have a fabulous line up of professionals for this fall, beginning with Gretchen Gibbons who will be presenting her lecture, "My Quilting Journey" and Working with Wool.  Visit her website, gretchengibbons.com and prepare to be wowed!  Gretchen has two best-selling books and many lovely kits so don't forget to bring your mad money.

Our October speaker is the illustrious Bethanne Nemesh whose expertise is ever evolving.  She has a very entertaining lecture and will be bringing some of her award-winning quilts among others.  Our own Bob DeCarli has a new lecture for us in November, "Tiptoe through EQ" which promises to be informative and humorous.  We also are planning a full day workshop for that day which we'll discuss further at the September meeting.  And last, but never least, Jan Brown and Cynthia West will show us what's new at The Quilt Block in December.  Be prepared to shop AND party!  What a great combination!  

The 2015-2016 programs that have been confirmed are now listed on the Penn Oaks website ( www.pennoaksquilters.org).  The line-up sounds great so take a look and pass along the information to your non-Penn Oaks quilting friends.  Guests are always welcome!

Membership

There are still a few members who have not renewed for this year.
Please bring the forms to the September meeting!  Form will follow in a 

separate email.

September Birthdays

5    Nancy Rubinelli

7    Rikki Newlander
12  Debbie Becker
13  Maureen Carlson
20  Martha Hopkins
23  Lee Paylor

 
 Hospitality

The snack list for September is: A. Barchi, D. Becker, D. Blake, S. Borr*, S. Braskey, J. Brown, M. Campbell*, M.Carlson, M. Caporale.  If a star follows your name, please bring a beverage for the group instead of a snack.  If you are unable to attend, please swap your responsibility with a friend and let me know.


Penn Oaks 2016 Getaway
It's time to think about our next Getaway.  It will be held at the Amish View Inn, Bird-in-Hand, PA.  The Getaway dates are Wednesday, February 17 through Sunday, February 21. 
The number of attendees will be limited to 30 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. We'll be accepting your reservation 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 15th and the balance of your room charges are 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. We're looking forward to another great Getaway!
Ellen McMillen and Pat Sherman

Silver Screen Challenge Spring 2016

Create a quilt inspired by a movie that is significant to you in some way.  It could be your favorite movie or it could be a movie you watched with your children or it could be the first movie you saw with your spouse.  There will be an award for both the best applique quilt and for the best pieced quilt.  Be creative when piecing, for example you could use the storm at sea block for The Poseidon Adventure or corn and beans block for Field of Dreams. 

The Rules:

·         Perimeter must be less than 100 Inches

·         Bring your quilt in an anonymous brown paper bag

·         Attach an explanation to your quilt including the title of the movie and an explanation of why you chose that film.  

-Kathy DeCarli and Robin McMillen

Special Raffle Item

Swap

This year we will be swapping 4 patches. I have a few people interested and will have a signup sheet at the meeting. The actual swap will start in October.

Questions? Email Kelly Meanix at kellymx@aol.com

We are starting a new thing this year. I will be emailing you all eventually with some questions so everyone can get to know you better!

Member Profile - Leslie O'Brien

When did you start quilting?

That's a hard one! I started sewing at about age 5. The rest is a blur of stitches. I started quilting at least 30 years ago. Long before Alyn arrived and she is 22!

What is your favorite part of the quilting process?

That's easy. Designing and creating the tops and the artistic part of the items I make. After that, the longarmer is my best friend.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite color. All of them. Let's do it by elimination. I'm not fond of yellow, but it has its place in a design. blue is nice, but not at the top. Citrus green is good to make colors pop. I like salmon pink/orange. Purple and grayed lavender are good. As you can see, I can't pick just one.

How many quilts have you made?

Good questions. I just found out from a close friend that I made a dinosaur quilt for her son when he was a baby. He is now 26. I forgot all about it! I remember her daughter's quilt. It was based on Disney picture on a Bloomingdale's bag. I still have the bag. Let's just say, a lot! Mostly smaller pieces, but there are a lot!

What is your next project?

You must mean projects! I'm finishing a lap size quilt from wine themed fabrics. I've collected row by row rows from here and NY so I have to start those. I have to start the life size photo quilt of Alyn based on her senior lacrosse photo. Something about is causing me to hesitate. I think it is one of those projects I want to be perfect and I really need to jump in and get it started.

What is something the group might like to know about you?

Another hard one. How about things the group should know? I like summer. Winter is too cold and I hate going out in the snow. Christmas is my favorite holiday. I've been married to Jim 36 years. We have one daughter, Alyn, age 22.  I love cats. I love the beach. I thought I didn't like eggplant until I made a really good eggplant Parmesan last night. It isn't my favorite food, but it is tolerable now. Although I eat a lot of vegetables and belong to a local CSA, I never turn down a good prime rib. I like artsy things.


Snacks for Ronald McDonald House

I am going to be collecting snacks for the Ronald McDonald House at the Oct meeting.  The families really like to take a snack or goodies to their children that are in the hospital. Especially other children in the family like to take a "surprise" to a sibling.

They are looking for individually wrapped cookies and  crackers, fruit snacks, puddings, small bags of pretzels, chips, Doritos, etc. Single sized Twix, Hershey products and Reeses.  Something that would brighten a child's otherwise tough stay in the hospital.

I'm not going to put one more thing on your list to remember for Sept. (if you have something, I'll take it) but plan for the Oct. meeting.

Thank you,

Jean Zubert 

jzbeachchair@aol.com


Raffle Opportunity! 

Denise Werkheiser has offered to give our guild this sewing machine to use as a raffle. Stay tuned for more details at the meeting.

Upcoming Quilt Shows
Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza XXII—Sept. 17-20 Greater Philadelphia Expo Ctr., 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA (GPS USERS: 100 Station Avenue, Phoenixville, PA or 1601 Egypt Road, Phoenixville, PA) Hours: Thurs.-Sat., 10 am - 6 pm; Sun., 10 am - 4 pm

ColorBurst - October 9 & 10. Presented by the Keystone Quilters Guild at Quakertown Christian School, 50 E. Paletown Rd, Quakertown, PA. Fri 10 AM to 6 PM, Sat 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission: 1-Day $7; 2-Day $10. www.keystonequilters.org

Lebanon Quilters Guild Exhibition of Quilts—Nov. 13-15
Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon, PA
Hours Fri. 12-6, Sat. & Sun. 10-4.