We need to borrow a hand quilting frame!

Can you help us out?  

We are getting ready to hand quilt a beautiful quilt to donate to the fund-raising efforts of the Stan Cassidy Foundation.    We need to borrow a set of 4 quilt stand/frames and rails so that we can have 6 or 7 people quilt around the frame starting in January.  The quilt is queen size just in case you have multiple sets of rails. We will return the frame after the quilt is done.

If you can helps us out, please leave us a comment or contact Sue Robertson.

Fabulous Felted Wreath

At our recent guild Christmas Social, Ann Vanwart showed this fabulous felted wreath she made from a tutorial she found here.  Isn't it fabulous.

Did you do any new DIY decorations this year?

A Tutorial - Elegant Rag Garland Lights by Ann VanWart

At our recent guild's Christmas social, we were so impressed with Anne's Elegant Rag Garland that she displayed at our Show and Tell.

Ann says to be sure to scour your local fabric store for great deals on remnants of fancy fabrics in any white, off white, cream, taupe and light browns. The more different textures the better. Ann also says that this is a good project to do with a few friends, and everyone contribute to the fabric stash.

Here is a picture tutorial to show how Ann went about making this Elegant Rag Garland.

Requirements:

- A string of Christmas lights, either 35 or 50 lights. Lights with white cord is preferred but green will work as well. The wire will be mostly covered. A 35 light set will give you about 11 feet of garland.




Example of fabrics of various weights from sheer to knitted chenille



- Fabrics - Cream, white, taupe fabrics of many textures. Examples of fabric are: sheer, satin faced, knits, chenilles, burlap, brocades, faux fur knits, cording, draperies, corduroy, chenille. Aim to have many different weights including very light sheer to heavier burlap. Here we are using nine for this tutorial but you can use more.

Example of laces and trims



Laces and trims - Cream, whites, taupes. Anything goes when it comes to trims. Tassels, jute rope, rick rack, laces, ropes, rattail, lace, feathers, fur.

Preparation: Plan on cutting all your fabrics and trims before you begin to assemble your garland.

Some preliminary math to estimate the amount of fabric needed: If you have a set of 35 lights, you will use approximately 5 to 6 strips between any two lights, depending on the weight of the strips used. And you will need strips to cover the 2 foot plug end of the string of lights. So to give good coverage, prepare at least 200 pieces of 2" x 9" strips and the sheer fabrics are used in pairs, so cut more of those than the other heavier fabrics.

Cutting Fabrics and trims:

Fabrics: Cut fabrics into 2" x 9" strips. When cutting sheer, drapery, cottons, or anything that will ravel easily, cut these fabrics on the bias. Knits and chenilles can be cut on the straight of grain.

Laces and Trims: Less bulky laces and trims can be cut to 7 or 8 inches long, but thicker trims should be 9 inches. Cut a minimum of 50 pieces of trim. You'll use at lease one or two pieces per section. Use more if you like. This added texture is wonderful.



Add a thicker strip of fabric first.



With all your fabric strips and trims ready, lay out your set of string lights and tie one piece of heavier fabric in the center of one section. Use just one knot.

Use one knot per strip of fabric.

Use just one knot.



Then add different strips of a lighter weight on either side of the first fabric. Continue tying on strips of fabric taking care to evenly distribute various textures and weights of fabric in each section.

After you have filled many sections, you can start to add the trims over the fabrics evenly to further give your garland texture.

And here is what your garland will look like when you are done!

Be sure to drop us a comment and if there are requests, we'll do another tutorial on how to make a matching Elegant Rag Wreath.

Many thanks to Ann V. for your great tutorial!



Reminder of Christmas Social, Dec. 8.

Merry Christmas everyone!  We've gone from green to soft fluffy winter wonderland snow last weekend, back to green again, and today, we've had rain, snow, ice pellets, you name it! You know what they say- if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes! That certainly applied today!
If you are having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit because of the lack of white stuff- we have just the answer for you! We hope all our members will come to our Christmas Social on Wednesday evening this week- Dec. 8th beginning at 6:30pm. There is no charge, and nothing to bring food-wise - but we hope you'll all bring some Show and Tell items. And of course, if you have any placemats you have made for Meals on Wheels, bring them along to turn in. See you there!

Dry Hands? Try this homemade Quilters Handcream

Are your hands rough and dry dry dry this time of year? I'm sure it's a combination of the cold weather, the wood stove being on and of course, sewing with/handling your dry fabric. You also find that using regular hand cream lasts about 5 minutes. Why not give this formula a try?

This recipe comes from the 1999 Spring CQA Newsletter, to make a quilters' hand cream. It calls for Shoppers Drug Mart brands, but just use your local drug store brand.

1 jar (400 ml) of Life Brand (Shoppers Drug Mart) Vitamin A cream (14 oz)
1 jar (400 ml) of Life Brand Vitamin E cream (14 oz)
1 bottle (60ml) of baby oil (just over 2 oz)
1 50 gram jar of Vaseline (just under 2 oz)

Whisk all together and put into decorative jars. Let us know if you like it. (Makes a great little gift too!)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

If you are feeling the Christmas Spirit and you have bits of Christmas fabric scraps you're wondering what to do with, why not make up a placemat or two, for Meals on Wheels? We donate placemats to this great cause every year; in the past any "leftovers" went to the Veterans Unit where they were truly appreciated as well. Here are a few at the left to inspire you!
Today's workday was a great success. As the first snowfall drifted down and we watched our cars in the parking lot get their first coating of the white stuff, we merrily sewed the day away...About 20 members showed up to get a good start on their Christmas projects.
Many were assembling their Mystery Quilts, others worked on placemats, tablerunners, Skinny Santas, Snowmen and/or Angels, and numerous other projects. Thanks to Lois and Valerie for organizing the Mystery Quilt - it was good fun!! Also thanks for the "skinny patterns" for the Santa, Angel and Snowman - they are so cute!! It's always a good day when you can sit and sew- and even better when you can do it with friends :)
We hope you are busily sewing up Christmasy things to bring to our Christmas Party on Dec. 8th - let's have a great big ole Show and Tell....

Floss for Pippa's work in Africa

Thank you to all the guild members who brought in embroidery floss to be shipped to Pippa Moore.  Pippa is starting the planning for her work with African women soon, and this floss will be a big help.  We have listed Pippa Moore's blog on our sidebar.  Go have a look at some of her inspiring work.

It's That Time Again...

Yes, our meeting night is right around the corner- next Tuesday night the 16th. Hope you'll be there. Remember your nametag, mug, something for Show and Tell, return any Library books you have borrowed, and if you have any unwanted embroidery floss, bring it along to donate to Pippa Moore's teaching in Africa. We look forward to seeing lots of interesting projects from the recent Retreat, and maybe even hearing a few stories - although you know what they say.. what happens at Retreat, stays at Retreat...

We will find out more about our upcoming Quilt Show, scheduled for next April 29 and 30th. I've heard it will have a Spring theme, and there will be a Spring Challenge! Let's hope many of our members will participate - as the cold weather sets in this month, you can start dreaming of warmer "springy" thoughts!! What comes to your mind when you think of Spring??

See you Tuesday night.... 7:30.. be there!!

NQA Show, Ohio

It seems that all the local or "close to local" Quilt Shows are now over for this year. Nothing upcoming on the Maritime horizon until Spring 2011. Plans are slowly underway for our own show which will be held at the end of April, Friday and Saturday the 29th and 30th. Start thinking now about what you will enter... We will have some details for you at our next Guild meeting on Nov. 16th.
In case you are looking for some inspiration, check out this recent NQA show held in Columbus Ohio. Lots of eye candy and incredible work to admire here!! You can look at individual images or click in the upper lefthand corner to view a Slideshow. Enjoy! Thanks to Sandi M for passing on this link...

Notices and Updates

1. Just a reminder that Diane Bunker of Country Crafts and Curtains is selling off a large selection of fabric sample books this Saturday, Oct. 23 beginning at 9 a.m. They are not at the shop but at her home at 427 Canada St. in Marysville. You pass the Irving at Crockett St. intersection, continue on till you go through the flashing light, then it is about the 6th(?) driveway on your left. It is a long driveway- you cannot see her home from the street. The light colored 1 1/2 storey house just before her driveway is #425 and there is a fire hydrant on the other side of her driveway. The books are selling for $2.00 each.


2. In case you were planning to put items into the Quilt and Rug Sale in conjunction with the Christmas Craft Village at Exhibition Park, Halifax, Nov. 12-14th, the entry deadline has been extended till Oct. 30th. More details are available at www.christmascraftvillage.com

October Reminders

The days are flying by as swiftly as leaves are flying by my window in today's wind and rain. Tomorrow is our first Guild workday. Hope you'll be there- come and work on your own project or join in the fun with Carole and Jean making funky pillowcases. There'll be other things going on too- something for everyone. If you are having a problem with a project, bring it along and Sandi will offer help or advice.

Remember this coming Tuesday, Oct. 19th is meeting night. We have an excellent program planned- we guarantee everyone will learn something new as we go through 5 learning stations. The last time we tried this it was a big hit. We think this one will be too! Don't forget to bring something for Show and Tell- a recent project or anything Fall or Hallowe'en themed. Guests and new members are welcome.

And if you'd like to take one more "virtual tour" of a Quilt Show, click here to fly over the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia and beautiful Mahone Bay. The Guild there held a Show recently and this is a slideshow from it. Once the Kodak Gallery opens, click on the photo at right to advance them.

Quilted Floors

Have a quick look here at some photos of floors that I took at the Vatican.  These floors are from the Raphael Signature Room of the Vatican Museum.  I'm so glad they allowed photography in this room.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all the quilters out there! We hope you share a wonderful weekend with loved ones. Maybe you'll even find a few quiet moments to spend at your sewing machine, or doing handwork- whatever makes you happy.... If you have a few hours to spare and feel like going for a drive to admire nature's autumn glory, you might want to take a drive down river towards Gagetown- see the recently added info in the sidebar under "Coming Events" in our area. The Upper Gagetown W.I. are putting on their annual Quilt Show and Craft Sale.

We have so much to be thankful for- great friends in our Guild, the varied talents and skills which so many are willing to share, our Executive who do such an awesome job, the beautiful fabrics and threads with which we create... I could go on and on.. We are so blessed.

If you would like to sit back and enjoy yet another Quilt Show in the comfort of your own armchair, both Gail M. and I visited the Sussex Guild's Show last weekend. You can go here, here and here to view some of their show. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, and don't eat too much turkey!!

Ready for another Armchair Tour?

If you missed the KVQG Show this past weekend, pop on over to Stitch Lines here and here to see some of the many wonderful quilts. Congrats to our own Sandi Mac who won four- count 'em- FOUR ribbons!! Congrats also to former FQG member Davida Sisk who won two ribbons. Way to go girls!!
So I hope you are all ready for our first Guild meeting tomorrow night- Tuesday Sept. 21. See you there, and don't forget to bring something for Show and Tell- recently finished pieces, WIPs- Works in Progress, or anything that is Fall or Thanksgiving related... Remember also the opportunity to buy a "new to you" book at our Library book sale - loonies and toonies or small bills appreciated.

Sewing Space Savvy - Looking for a new Machine?

One of the questions I am asked most often when I teach classes is "I want a new sewing machine- what should I buy? What features should I look for?" We are so lucky today to have so many wonderful machines to choose from. However because of the variety of choices, many buyers become confused and overwhelmed.
Purchasing a new machine is a big step. Your first decision will have to be how much you are willing to pay. Once you have decided that, then it's a good idea to make a list of 1. your sewing needs and 2. other features which you would like to have. Your "sewing needs" refers to the type of sewing you do most often ( ie making clothing vs. making quilts). Consider which features will serve you best.
Clothing: stretch stitch, multiple zigzag, friendly zipper foot, good buttonholes, freearm for sleeves, blind hemstitch.
Machine Quilting: machine bed size (distance between needle and vertical body housing to handle bulk of quilt), handles monofilament and other specialty threads, available walking foot and 1/4" foot for piecing, feed dogs that drop, single hole throat plate available, knee lift.
Machine Applique: adjustable satin stitch, blanket stitch, variable needle positions, open-toed foot available.
Of course there are some basic features which any quilter will want:
- 1/4" foot - it's proper use will guarantee an accurate 1/4" seam allowance
- horizontal AND vertical spool pin options- really great to have both
- straight stitch and zigzag - straight stitch for piecing, topstitching and quilting. Zigzag either open or closed (satin stitch) is for machine applique.
- needle up/needle down function - this gives you the option of stopping with the needle down in the fabric, leaving your hands free. It's a great feature.
- feed dogs that drop - for free motion quilting (stippling, thread painting, etc.)
- machine bed size - the distance between your needle and the vertical housing - the greater it is, the more room you have to maneuver the bulk of your quilt when machine quilting
- walking foot (also called even feed foot) This foot is a must for machine quilting, allowing all 3 layers of the quilt to feed through machine evenly with no tucks on the back.
- darning foot - this foot is needed if you want to try stippling and free motion work
- sensitive foot control - you should be able to sew slowly at a uniform speed. Some machines have a speed control, allowing you to reduce the speed to half the normal.
There are many other features available- talk to your friends and fellow Guild members to see what they like best about their machines.
Always "test drive" a machine you are considering. Try out it's features. See how easily the feet are changed. Does it have good tension? Can you access the bobbin easily? Is the machine quiet?
Is it heavy? Does it have a comfortable carrying handle? Does the machine respond immediately to reverse stitching or changing the stitch length? Is there storage for tools and accessories? Are there good quality accessories (feet) made specifically for this brand? Does it have a good light? Does it have adjustable needle positions? Of course there are always "more" features which would be nice, such as a signal when the bobbin is running low, needle threader, large library of stitches, extension table, and so on.
One of the MOST important considerations is the dealer. The dealer should be well versed and be able to answer all your questions. He/She should provide a reasonable warranty and offer service, repair and accessories on the premises. Instructional classes are a wonderful bonus. Ask around among your friends and sewing acquaintances and fellow Guild members concerning the dealer's reputation, as you will want to know that he/she is someone you will trust and be comfortable with.
The purchase of a quality machine is an investment - don't be rushed into a purchase by special offers, pressure from the dealer or an impatient companion. If you are looking for a basic machine, consider that after you have reached a certain level of expertise, you will want some extra features so you can experiment with new techniques and stitches. Consider your goals as a quilter and purchase a machine that will allow you to grow. And don't fear computer technology! It's here to stay. Don't be intimidated by computerized machines- just read the instruction manual and play until you understand how it works! You will soon come to love the computerized features.
We get such enjoyment from using our machines for this wonderful hobby. If you are constantly having frustrating problems with an old machine, perhaps it's time to treat yourself to an upgrade!

Getting ready for the FQG 2010 - 2011 Guild year

With September upon us, many of us are anxious to get back to guild. We are looking forward to seeing our friends and their projects. We all will get lots of inspiration when we hear what our guild executive has in store for us this year.

Our meeting is the third Tuesday of the month. I hope we see you there. September 21st at 7:30pm at the Johnson Ave. Senior Center on the northside.

We would like to welcome anyone who would like to join our guild. Our guild has no waiting list and would love to see some new faces.

If you would like to know more about the guild, why not give one of us a call or an email.

Jeannie-Kaye Speight
506-452-1875
rspeight@nbnet.ca

Gail Mitchell
506-472-2644

Ready for Another Armchair Tour?

If you didn't get across the border last weekend to attend the quilt Show in Houlton, it's not too late!! Click here to go to Stitch Lines and have a quick view of some of the quilts, including The Quilt Show by Laura Peterson of Bigfork Montana.

Sewing Space Savvy - the Design Wall

Do you have a design wall? No? I bet you would like to have one... In this first post in our series "Sewing Space Savvy" we will give you some ideas about the importance of having a design wall, and how easy it is to make one for yourself.

Why have a design wall, you ask? There are several good reasons. First off, it allows you to stand some distance back to get an overall view of your piece in progress. Keeping visual track of how a quilt is progressing often helps to keep us engaged and enthused. A vertical view is a huge improvement from working on a table, bed or the floor, and puts a whole new perspective on the progress of your work, saving you from obvious and subtle missteps. Problem areas with regards to color or value choices become glaringly obvious, and a block turned the wrong way jumps out at you.
A design wall also is helpful when auditioning fabrics- those which will be used within the quilt as well as border choices.
A third advantage is that it allows you to play with design or pattern layouts. The photos you see here are the same set of purple blocks, laid out six different ways on a design wall. Thanks to Sandi M. for the use of these photos. Sandi was not that pleased with the pattern's layout suggestion for the blocks, so she came up with five other options, by playing with layouts on her design wall. (FYI, the first photo, above left, is what the pattern suggested, the actual quilt she made used the last layout, bottom right. Which one do you like best?)
Are you convinced yet? Everyone should have a design wall! Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it! I can hear some of you thinking - But I don't have a "free" wall. If that is the case, you can have a "temporary" design wall - it does not have to take up permanent wall space. There are many options for this, using some sort of "fuzzy" fabric that blocks and patches will "cling" to, or a material that will accept pins so that heavier WIPs (works in progress) can be pinned to it, or a combination of both. The least expensive choice will likely be flannel (available with or without a grid). Other choices are fleece interfacing, needlepunched batting and felt. A flannel sheet or a flannel backed vinyl tablecloth can be an easy solution. Since flannel sheets are hemmed at both ends, rods can be slipped through at both ends and your design surface can then be hung from cup hooks in a ceiling or over a closet with bi-fold doors. Grommets could be added to the top of a flannel backed vinyl tablecloth, a length of dowel attached to the bottom so it will hang flat, and this too could be hung from cup hooks. Both of these ideas allow for rolling up with blocks in place, when you need to use the space or closet.
Here are several other ideas for temporary or free-standing design systems. 1. Purchase a roller shade which allows you to fuse your own fabric to the shade. Apply flannel, and mount on a wall, over a window or closet, or in front of shelves. It can be quickly rolled up when not in use. 2. Mount a curtain rod at the top edge of a door frame. The rod can be slid through the hem of a flannel sheet, or if your space is narrow, just hem one end of the appropriate width of flannel. The flannel is easily removed and the rod is not in your way when not it use. 3. Purchase a folding screen and cover with flannel - this can be folded up and put away when not in use.
4. Cover one side of a 4x8 sheet of styrofoam (at least 1" thick) with flannel and lean against a wall or the back of your sewing room door. This can be stored under a bed when not is use. 5. Two inexpensive bookshelves can be placed side by side, perpendicular to a wall and their backs covered with flannel. This combines a design space with storage too! 6. A very temporary quick and easy solution is simply throwing a flannel sheet over the drapery rod in your living room. No doubt there are other good temporary solutions- if you have another idea that has worked for you, let us know and we will add it here.
If you have a wall area that you can dedicate to a permanent design space, probably the least expensive solution is two 4x8 sheets of 2" thick styrofoam. Screw the panels side by side to your wall with washers behind the screws to prevent them sinking into the styrofoam. Then cover with your fabric of choice and pin to the edges, trimming off any excess fabric. If you don't have an 8 foot space, cut down the styrofoam to fit your available space. It's as simple as that!
Hopefully we have given you some food for thought here.. there is no reason why everyone cannot have at least a small design wall - whether permanent or temporary. If you would like additional info about creating design walls and sewing spaces I recommend Dream Sewing Spaces: Design and Organization for Spaces Large and Small by Lynette Ranney Black, Palmer/Pletsch Publishing or Setting Up Your Sewing Space: From Small Areas to Complete Workshops by Myrna Geisbrecht, Sterling Publishing Co.

EDIT - Sept. 22/10
I just received the latest Quilters Newsletter magazine, and there under "Staff Picks" (latest things on the market) is a new option for a "Vanishing" Design Wall. Basically, it is a 60" wide, 5 1/2" deep shelf which can be mounted over a window or closet door. When you are ready to work, you pull down a 54 1/2" by 70" retractable vinyl-backed flannel wall (like pulling down a blind), and when it's clean up time you can leave your work in place and roll the flannel back up into the shelf. How sweet is that? You can see a photo on page 51 of the Oct./Nov. issue of Quilters Newsletter or visit www.vanishingdesignwall.com

Another Armchair Tour

Now we all know that quilters like to attend Quilt Shows to look at quilts. Even better is if you can "attend" a show without leaving your armchair and computer screen. We have a number of shows happening this summer within a few hours drive of our fair city (See the up to date list on our sidebar.) I was lucky enough to attend Maine Quilts 2010 this past weekend. I have just posted photos of some ribbon winners on my own blog. If you'd like to see them just click here. I will be adding more photos over the next few days as well, so check back often at Stitch Lines...

The small quilt shown above is from the Blueberry Fields Forever Challenge. It was made by Pat Smith of the Kennebec Valley Quilters' Guild of Madison Maine. Members were given two medium values of blue and pine green; they had to use both, and add two embellishments of their choosing.

Summer Reading

I had a chance to meet up with a fellow quilting blogger, Judy from CJ Stitching & Blooms, this week in PEI. She's from Michigan and was visiting all the Anne of Green Gables attractions earlier this week. She's a crazy quilter and I've been following her blog for some time now. We met in Cavendish and we exchanged postcards. You can see them on my blog here.

She also brought for our guild members to enjoy this summer, a big stack of mostly Aussie quilt magazines. Wasn't that nice of her!!. Although she won't be home for a week or two yet, why not drop by her blog and say a big Thank You. What a fun way to get quilting inspiration for the fall.

If you would like to have a turn looking at these magazines this summer, just leave a comment or send me an email and I'll arrange for you to have them. I'll bring them to guild in September.

Many thanks Judy, and happy travels.

Introducing Barb Perry, new Guild Coordinator

The Fredericton Quilters' Guild would like to introduce you to Barb Perry, the new 2010-2011 Guild Coordinator. Here you can see Barb posing with her beautiful Ragdoll cat Molly.

Barb has been an active member of the guild for a number of years and is excited about the upcoming year. She is pleased to welcome new committee members to the executive and also those who are staying on for another year of duty.

Barb invites all your comments, suggestions and of course wants you to have a great year with the guild.

Your 2010-2011 Guild committee is as follows:

Coordinator ...............Barb Perry

Asst. Coordinator ......vacant

Past Coordinator ........Linda Glassford

Secretary ...................Doris MacSween

Treasurer ...................Lois Mehan

Workshops .................Valerie Moreland

...................................Jean Ketch

...................................Anne Price

Programs ...................Marg Wood

...................................Tracey Houlding

...................................Jane Seabrook

Social Committee........Carol Good

...................................Elma Walton

Registrar ....................Jeanne Kaye Speight

Community Projects....Dawn Sharpe

Library .......................Gail Butts

....................................Karen Needham

....................................Paula MacDonald

Archives .....................Linda Hubbard

Newsletter .................Joyce Humble

Telephone...................Jane Gunn

Retreat .......................Laverne Deakin

....................................Linda Hubbard

....................................Sue Robertson

....................................Jean Street

....................................Cathy White

Happy Canada Day!!

Happy Canada Day! We thought today would be a great day to have a "Red and White Show and Tell". Thanks to all our members who have submitted photos for our use. We hope you all celebrate being Canadian today, in a special way.. and what better way than looking at quilts!!

Summer Show and Tell

What are you working on this summer? Do you have a project that will be given away, so that our members will not have a chance to see it at Show and Tell in the fall? If so, forward a good clear digital photo to Gail or Linda and we will do another post or two of "Summer Projects" through the summer. It's always fun to see what everyone's working on over the summer stretch...

Above is a lap quilt just completed by Sue Robertson. It's a gift going to Ottawa soon so we are lucky to see it now. It was machine quilted by Janet Spurrell in a pattern called Champagne Bubbles, which really complemented the circular quilt design..

Carole Christie has been busy too- she has just finished this top at left, made from a Bali Pop. Love those colors Carole! She says it was quick and easy and she still has fabric left! Now she'll have to get busy and think of something to do with the leftovers!

Donna Young has been working on this small piece below, to feature the red orchid fabric. (You can click on these photos for a larger view) Lovely Donna!

Remember we would like to feature Red and White quilted items for Canada Day, so send Gail M. a digital photo of your red and white project(s) asap, to be included in our July 1st feature. It doesn't have to be a new or recent piece...

Happy Summer Sewing!

Navigational Help....

We thought it might be helpful to some of our members/ readers who may not be too familiar with blogs and webpages, to offer you a few tips for "navigating". We hope you will find these useful, and if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to get in touch with Gail or I by leaving us a comment here, or phoning or emailing us. You know how to find us!!

You can usually get a larger view of our posted photos by placing your cursor on the photo and clicking once. Occasionally this doesn't work....( not our fault, just a quirk of Blogger) but most times this will give you a much better view of the subject.

At the bottom of most posts, you will see the word "labels" followed by one or more titles. This is just a way for us to "categorize" our posts. Did you know that if you click on the label title, it will bring up all the posts that have that label? For example if the post is labelled "Quilt Show", you will get ALL the posts that have the Quilt Show label.

We would LOVE for you to leave us a comment when you have enjoyed your visit with us. (We'd like to know who our visitors are!!) It is VERY easy to do. At the bottom of each post you will see "0 comments" or "2 comments" or whatever. Simply click on this once. It will take you to previously written comments if there are any, and below that a box. Simply type your comment in the box and if you like leave your name or initials - we'd like that! :) Then below the box, you'll see "Comment as". Hit the arrow button and choose from the options there- if you are not a blogger, you can just choose "anonymous" which is at the bottom of the list. Then hit the "post comment" button. It's as simple as that. Try it!! You can always use this comment box to contact Gail or I as well - with suggestions, questions or whatever, as these comments come to our email inboxes....

If you haven't visited here for a while and you are reading back through previous posts to "catch up", when you have scrolled down to the bottom, click on "Older Posts" to go back further. If you click on "Home" it will bring you back to the most current post.

You may find it interesting to watch how many hits this webpage is getting. Scroll down to the bottom of our right sidebar and you will see our two "counters". These count the number of visits.... One is new, counting visitors since June 2010, the one below it has been counting since we began last Fall.

We hope this is helpful for you. You can always leave a comment if you have a question!

Flying Geese, fast and easy

At the April meeting, I gave a quick demo on a speedy way to make the Flying Geese unit, with only one seam! This is a method I learned from Ricky Tims, who learned it from a quilter in England. Here are the quick and easy steps for a finished unit of 2.5" x 5".



1. From your "background" fabric, cut two 3" squares. From your "goose" fabric (the triangle) cut a rectangle 3" x 5.5". Of course if you were making a number of units, you could cut 3" strips, then sub-cut.

2. Now make your "sandwich": Lay one background 3" square right side up. Fold your rectangle in half, right sides out, and lay on top of the 3" square with the folded edge at the top and raw edges aligned at the bottom. You'll notice the folded edge will not line up with the square at the top, it will be about 1/4" short of the top edge. This is correct, don't worry. (see photo above) Lay your other 3" square on top to complete the "sandwich", right side down, with all edges carefully aligned.



3. Stitch a 1/4" seam on the right hand side of the sandwich.






4. Press seam to one side. Then open up the rectangle to form the "goose".













5. Press. You now have a Flying Geese unit which measures
3" by 5.5". When it is sewn into your project the finished dimensions will be 2.5" x 5".






Here are the cutting sizes for Flying Geese of other sizes:

Finished Size 1" x 2", cut squares 1.5" and rectangle 1.5" x 2.5".
Finished Size 2" x 4", cut squares 2.5" and rectangle 2.5" x 4.5".
Finished Size 3" x 6", cut squares 3.5" and rectangle 3.5" x 6.5".

If you would like to watch a video of Ricky Tims demonstrating this method, click here