Merry Christmas!

Christmas is only a few short days away now. Hopefully your quilting projects are all finished, the last stitches sewn and your sewing space is all tidied up! If so, you're ahead of me. My projects are done, but the tidying isn't! Hopefully Santa won't peek in that room!

Our Christmas Social was such a lovely evening. The special music provided by a talented quartet from Elm City Echoes was so entertaining, giving us wonderful harmonies and laughter too! It was so nice to have time to just chat and "visit" with other members, something that there never seems to be enough time for at our busy meetings. Kudos to the Program Committee for organizing such a  wonderful evening. I thoroughly enjoyed the stories of Christmases past by members Mary Brown,  Anne Ouellette, Kathleen DeTulleo and Ann Price. How lovely to hear about Christmas traditions in other families and areas. There seems to always be a common denominator though- being together with family and friends appears to be the most important part of the holidays, no matter where you are. The evening ended with a super Show and Tell. It's obvious everyone has been very busy getting projects finished up for Christmas, whether meant as gifts or not. The photos have been added to our Show and Tell Gallery.

I am so grateful for all my wonderful friends and "quilting sisters" at FQG - you have all enriched my life. No doubt you agree with me - we are indeed fortunate to have such a wonderful group.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and good health and happiness in the New Year - and, of course- lots more time for quilting!! See you in 2012.

December Reminders

It's December 1st!! Wow- where did November go? The days are flying by, and like me you are probably at your machine trying to get quilts finished and gifts made. I wish I could find a few more hours in each day for us all.... wouldn't that be nice?

First of all, don't forget that our Christmas Social is coming right up on Dec. 6th at 6:30. Note the earlier start time... I hope to see everyone there, it's such a nice opportunity to share some Christmas spirit with friends, and have time to chat and socialize a bit. Don't forget to bring along your Christmas Show and Tell items!

Tomorrow, Friday Dec. 2,  is the Country Crafts and Curtains "Retreat" from 1p.m. - 8p.m. at the Marysville Heritage Centre, 11 McGloin St. in Marysville. Take your machine and sew for the day, drop in to shop, or just to say Hi! There is a Potluck at suppertime too!

If you still have shopping to do for someone special on your list, remember Sunday is the only day for the Christmas Choice Craft Sale at UNB's Memorial Hall (9 Bailey Drive) from noon until 4p.m. This weekend is also the 37th annual  Christmas Arts and Crafts Market at the Capital Exhibit Centre on the Frex grounds. Stop by and say Hi to Kathy Tidswell... The hours are Friday noon - 9p.m., Saturday 10a.m - 6p.m. and Sunday noon - 5p.m.

Have you given some serious thought to attending Quilt Canada 2012 in Halifax in the spring? Our last newsletter had lots of info listed, or you can find it here on the CQA/ACC website. Also check out the Quilt Canada Blog here for updates and lots of exciting news re. the Conference. Registration is now open for day students - ie. signing up for a class or two, without being a full delegate. This annual event will likely not be back in the Maritimes for a while, so now is your chance to take it in. Halifax is an easy drive now with good highway all the way. And if you are not already a CQA member, this year would be a great year to join!! Why not put a CQA membership on your Christmas Wish List? Join now and start planning that Halifax trip!!

I recently received info on a 10 day tour to Ireland that includes the International Quilt Festival of Ireland in Galway. The dates are June 5th- 15th, 2012 and departure is from Halifax.You can view more details by clicking here. What a fun trip that would be...