March Meeting in Review

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Please pay your $15 dues as soon as possible.
• Quilters who have been quilting for less than three years may want to apply for the Quilt Fest Scholarship. Utah Quilt Fest will be in Layton in September.
• The Home Machine Quilting Show will be May 8-10 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy and registration is now open.
• Would you like a copy of the 2012-2013 published blog book? If so, please sign up at next month's meeting and pay $31 when you sign up. The books will be ordered for everyone who has paid after next month's meeting.
• The Utah Quilt Guild has set a goal of 1,000 quilts and pillowcases to be made by quilters around the state. The quilts are for children ages 7-17 that are placed in foster care or are up for adoption. Because the quilts will be given to older children, they should be lap size (45x60) or twin size (72x90). They can be tied or quilted, but should be of good quality. Ardith mentioned that if you get a twin size top and back to her within the next couple of months, her brother will quilt it for you on his Quilt Master. The quilt will then be returned to you for binding.

BLOCK EXCHANGE:

Our 2014 Block Exchange will be the International Sun Bonnet Sue. Please sign up for one of 49 countries, and then make 12 of that same block. DO NOT cut down your block to a certain size. Keep one block for yourself, and turn in the other 11 blocks at our October meeting. You will then receive back 11 other blocks from other quilters and the countries they chose from which you can make a quilt. Quilt shop quality fabric is required on these blocks. Here are just a few samples. The book can also be purchased on Amazon.

TIP OF THE MONTH:

A variety of ways to see "value" (shades of light and dark) in your quilt arrangements include:

• "red" glasses, 
• a door peep, 
• take a picture and print or copy it in black and white, 
• use a filter on your smart-phone when taking a picture, or
• compare your fabrics to a the colors on a color wheel.

ROUND TUITS:

Katie reminded us to get organized and stick to it. She gave us each a button magnet. Those who picked the black buttons will need to bring a finished project to show next month. Brigid, Sam, and Terry all finished projects this month.

SHOW AND TELL:

Marta is showing a beautiful tool that is available for purchase. It has a seam ripper on one end and a stiletto on the other end. You can purchase it for $25 ($5 of that will be donated back to our Quilt Guild). Here's a close up of the product:

Gail's grandson made his first quilt. He gave it to his mom for Christmas. He also chose one of the black round tuit buttons, so we hope to see him at Quilt Guild next month to show us another master piece!

Crystal is getting ready for her baby due in July. She made her own diaper bag (it's an Amy Butler pattern) and a cute baby quilt. Another guild member made the other quilt for her out of one layer of interlock knit and ribbed knit for the binding (since she's having her baby in July, it doesn't need to be too many layers of fabric.)

Sarah went chevron crazy. She also made a beautiful quilt using Jenny's Quick Curve ruler from Sew Kind of Wonderful. Be sure to visit Jenny's site to see her amazing machine quilting!

Other guild members that participated in Show and Tell included Rosie, Sam, Heather, Michelle, Lois, Teresa, and Kaye.

MONTHLY PRESENTATION:

This month we learned the difference between quality fabric and discount fabric. Here is Marta showing a beautiful quilt that has been completely hand-quilted. The outside border fabrics (pink and black) were purchased in an Amish fabric shop. The borders have not faded over time. The other fabric that looks maroon-ish was once black and has now faded. It was purchased at a discount fabric store.

BLOCK OF THE MONTH:

Are you keeping caught up?

COMING SOON (in April) . . . 

A Buggy Barn Day taught by Crystal Zierenberg

February Meeting in Review

These ladies finally got a round tuit (around to it):

Progress is being made on the block of the month:

The presentation this month was on adding dimension and texture to quilts by Teresa Wilson.

After the presentation, Teresa demonstrated Suzanne McNeill's 10-minute block. You can watch it on YouTube here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbTHlGGKMPM

Marta Johnson is a master of 3-d piecing. This quilt won first place ($100) at the Wild West Heritage Days at Deseret Peak in 2012.

Another quilt by Marta. . . 

Cynthia showed many mini quilts with texture. . . 

Kathy showed her 3-d pinwheels. . . 

February Show and Tell

Verneal's Tip of the Month:

Spray starch or starch alternative is very helpful in quilting.

You can also make your own spray starch

http://www.butterflycottagepatterns.com/the-definitive-guide-to-spray-starch/

Gram’s Spray Starch Recipe 

• 1 1/2 tsp corn starch
• 2 cups water
• 2 to 3 tsp water

Directions

• Measure 1 1/2 tsps cornstarch in a cup and add 2 to 3 tsp of water.
• Whisk until smooth
• Pour 1 cup water in a small sauce pan.
• Heatwater until boiling
• Pour cornstarch mixture slowly into the water while whisking constantly.
• When the cornstarch mixture changes from milky to slightly opaque its almost ready
• Stir constantly and let cook for about a 60 seconds.
• Add 1 cup water whisking until mixed
• No lumps please!
• If I get any lumps that won’t whisk away I use a Braun hand blender to make sure it is lump free.
• Let cool and pour into spray bottle.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind

• I use Gram’s Recipe (Small Batch) as I don’t keep it for more than a few days.(Nope don’t use vodka)
• If you want a larger batch double the recipe
• I find a cooked corn starch recipe works the best.
• I tried using raw cornstarch and water but had very unsatisfactory results.

January Meeting Review

It's always nice to get together again after the busy holidays.

Katie reminded us that sometimes we "slip," and we have to get back up and finish those projects!

Some of the quilters still had Christmas on their minds. . .

While some quilters were looking ahead (or catching up) to Fall and Halloween! The Irish Chain and Girl Block Exchange were stunning.

You don't always have to finish a large project. These mini quilts are perfect for hanging on the wall for decorating your home or sewing room!

Verneal's Tip of the Month was about using different containers for a small travel-size sewing kit. She mentioned that an old glasses container works great, as well as view-tainers (which can be purchased at Home Depot). Carolyn brought a cute way to store sewing supplies, too.

JANUARY PROGRAM: For our program portion of the meeting, Michelle, Katie, and Crystal explained all about the Quilt Market they attended in Houston. They brought a few things back with them to give away. Be sure to be on time next month for the drawing of these items!

BLOCK OF THE MONTH: For the next two months, you should be working on Section 2. Click on the 2014 BOM tab above to get additional helps.

CLASSES: The embroidery and beginning quilting classes started up after the meeting. These classes are now full, but they will likely be offered again later in the year.

NEXT MONTH: Remember to bring any quilt or project that shows texture and dimension. Along with that, we will be learning about the 10-minute 3-seam block. No supplies are needed. Just come and enjoy the presentation and be prepared to participate with your quilt or project that has texture or dimension.

2014 Meeting Schedule

Here it is, ladies! An exciting year of learning and fun has been planned for you. (Schedule is subject to change.)

January: International Quilt Market - What's It All About? by Michelle Jensen, Crystal Zierenberg and Katie Peterson

February:  Dimension and Texture (demonstration of the 10 minute block) by Teresa Wilson

March: "Circle of Nine" by Dianne Matravers

April: A Buggy Barn Day by Crystal Zierenberg

May: Prairie Point and Zig Zag Ruler / Trunk Show by Janet Platt

June: Triangulation Block by Janine Manzione

July: Mary Fojtek

August: "Charm"ing Table Runner by Ora Bridges

September: Dimensional Foundation Piecing by Ruth Jensen

October: Charity Quilts and Silent Auction

November:

December: Christmas party

Christmas Luncheon

Our Christmas Luncheon was a huge success. We enjoyed a catered meal by Carolyn Nash. Prizes were given from a variety of generous sponsors, including Nuttall's, Mixi Heart, Casa del Ray, and Applebees. Thank you to everyone who helped plan and set up for the luncheon. The decorations were beautiful. Also, a heart-felt thank you to Arnette Starks who has served this year as our president. We look forward to seeing everyone in January 2014 for the start of another great year of quilting and fun!

November Announcements

1. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 19, at 9:30 a.m. Remember to bring two 12" squares of fabric, a marking pencil, your basic sewing kit, a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler, and your sewing machine.
   
2. The Holiday Quilt Show & Auction will be held November 16-21 at the Little America Hotel Mezzanine from 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Entrance is $5.
   
3. Our December meeting will be held early in the month on December 10, at 11:30 a.m. This is our annual Christmas luncheon. The last time to purchase tickets will be at our November meeting.

September and October Meetings in Review

The months seem to slip away so quickly. I can't believe it's already November. Since I missed a few months, I'll add a little extra to this post that has nothing to do with quilting and everything to do with eating! I planned a Souper Supper at my church, and I thought all of you might enjoy the three recipes that were such a big hit.

Sausage Tortellini Soup

½ lb. Polska Kielbasa sausage, cut into ¼” half-moon slices

1 can French-style green beans, drained

1 can (28 oz.) Chunky Italian Tomatoes

1 can (10 oz.) French Onion Soup

3 cups water

2 cups refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini

Simmer all ingredients together for 2-4 hours. Or, place all ingredients in a crock pot and simmer on LOW all day. One hour before serving, add tortellini.  Top individual servings with Parmesan cheese.  If freezing, freeze before adding tortellini.  Thaw in refrigerator.  Reheat and add tortellini one hour before serving.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

5 2/3 cups water

1 package (4.3 oz) long grain and wild rice mix (like Uncle Ben's or Rice-a-Roni)
1 envelope chicken noodle soup mix
1 celery rib, chopped
1 medium carrot chopped
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 cup cubed cooked chicken, or chopped canned chicken

In a large saucepan, combine water, rice with contents of seasoning packet, and soup mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in celery, carrot and onion. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in chicken soup and chicken. Cook 9 minutes longer or until the rice and vegetables are tender. Yield: 5 servings.

Cheesy Vegetable Soup

10 cups water

4 carrots peeled and sliced thin (we used packages of matchstick-cut carrots)

4 potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes

1 onion, chopped

4 stalks celery, sliced thin

4 cups frozen broccoli florets

1 TBSP chicken bouillon (we used Tone's Chicken Base)

1cup butter

1 cup flour

1-16oz. jar cheese whiz (we used 2% Velveeta because it was less expensive than the cheese whiz in a jar)

Place water and all vegetables but broccoli in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Turn heat down and simmer with lid on until vegetables are tender. Add the chicken bouillon and broccoli when the vegetables have about 5 more minutes of simmering time. In a separate bowl melt butter. Add flour to the butter and mix until smooth. Add the cheese whiz to the butter/flour mixture and mix until smooth. Add this mixture into the pot with the vegetables. Mix well. Cook on low, stirring occasionally, until the lumps of the cheese mixture are dissolved.

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Okay, so now on to quilting news!

The Civil War blocks are coming along. Judy has done a wonderful job this year of sharing special tips on how to complete the blocks as well as historical stories from the Civil War time period.

The 2013 Block of the Month was completed so beautifully by so many of you!

Show and Tell and Round Tuits is my favorite part of the meeting each month.

Don't you just love what the ladies accomplish and share each month?

And Crystal's magic show (teaching us how to use Texture Magic) was nothing short of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Here are a couple of tips that Verneal shared at our last meeting:

• Put of piece of paper behind the needle. This makes it possible to see the needle's eye!
• Keep a jelly jar by your sewing machine. Drop small scraps in as you work. Then, when you need a small piece of fabric for applique, use the scraps in your jelly jar.
• You can use pins on an ironing board to make your own bias tape as wide or as narrow as desired.