Program Ideas

This is Vicki coming to you today.

As we approach Thanksgiving, one of the things I'm thankful for is this group. I joined 20 years ago this year. I came from a very large guild in Tidewater where I never felt part of anything to this little group near my new home where I was welcomed and embraced immediately. Country School is the only organization that I've remained part of since I moved here.

There are two things that make Country School Quilters really special. The first is NO DRAMA. We had a drama phase several years ago and once that was over I think we all tacitly agreed that we would never allow that again and that has, thankfully, held. The other thing that makes CSQ special is the varied talent of our members. I learn something every month that I attend because there's always someone doing something that I haven't tried or haven't even seen before. Today I want to encourage you to get more involved and consider doing a program for the group.

So too follow up on Marcy's post yesterday I thought I'd offer some ideas that might get you started on a program idea that you could do. We have so many members now that if every member volunteered to take responsibility for 1 program we would have programs for at least 3 years!

My program in January will be some ideas for veterans quilts. It's not anything special that I have to put together because I've already been working on some veterans quilt ideas to help me deal with the massive amounts of scrap and stash fabric that I have.

I'm finishing up an Indonesian batik quilt and I had a lot of scraps from these expensive fabrics. I din't want them to go to waste so I decided to design a veterans quilt to use them up. So my program for January is really nothing more than show-and-tell for what I'm doing in December. Programs do not have to be difficult or require a lot of time. 

Don't let the idea of doing a program scare you. We are a friendly bunch and are grateful for you to share more about what you are interested in or working on at the moment. But if you are nervous, consider teaming up with your quilt buddy and doing a program together. Also, remember they don't have to last a long time. Just 20 - 30 minutes is great!

Here are a few questions/ideas to get you thinking:

• Do you use a lot of specialty rulers that you could demo how to use?
• Is there a gift item that you have made that you would like to demo?
• Are you a new member with lots of quilts? We would love a trunk show. Rita did this for us a few months ago and it was fantastic.
• Do you make a lot of scrap quilts? We would all love your ideas for taking scraps.
• Are you or do you know a physical therapist that might talk to us about quilting injuries and exercises?
• Have you researched different types of batting? 
• Do you specialize in a technique that you would like to share? EPP, trapunto, foundation piecing, writing on quilts, hand quilting.....
• Is your sewing room amazingly organized? Maybe you could share some tips with us.
• Would you like to host a BOM, challenge or other group project? 
• Do you know someone who could do a program? We are in a situation where we could possibly pay for a program if the group agrees.
• Do you work with a local organization that takes donated quilts? Maybe they could come speak to us about that the do, what kind of support they need and how they use quilts.

There are tons of ideas and I know that we have amazing talent in our group. I hope you will consider sharing your talent with us!

Program Notes in the season of Thanksgiving!

It's been so much fun to be a part of our programs this year because of YOU ALL! Thank you to Becky B., Debbie Q., Denise Z., Diane L., Estelle P, Laura H., Margaret G., Rita G.,  who have brought us interesting and wonderful new ideas in the form of a program! And, of course, thank you to everyone who has enthusiastically welcomed and embraced each of our courageous partners willing to share their passion for the craft and the art of quilting! This is truly a talented and giving group! I have learned so much from each discussion, and I know I am not alone!

And, as the end of this year approaches and a new year starts to unfold, I want to ask each of you to consider being a part of 2019 programs for our quilt club! I want to approach 2019 differently.... Instead of asking the group what do we want to hear about, I want us as individuals to think about what do we want to share about? If you have passion & excitement, or fear and loathing of a particular technique, I would betcha you would find willing support within this group of us!

So, I have already heard from 2 people who have come forward to say they are willing to do a specific program next year -- thank you, thank you to Vicki & Miriam. Now, I only need a few more of us. Please let me know with a phone call or an email or a text telling me your topic and a preference for a date, remembering we do have potlucks 2 times a year, Trash to Treasures in Sept or Oct, and that we plan to have our big "quilt show in Montpelier" in Sep & Oct. What do YOU want to share?

Jan. 8 -- Vicki "Three Easy Veterans Quilt Patterns"

Miriam - date TBD - "Beautiful strips" (I've taken liberty to title this, but have already been inspired by Miriam's "strip" topic)

Marcy - date TBD - "Love, & Fear & Loathing of  __X____" (what I do when intimidated by a technique - find another way!)

Here are dates to consider and claim as yours.....

Feb.12  Mar. 12  Apr. 9  May 14  Jun. 11  July 9   Aug. 13   Sept. 10   Oct. 8  Nov. 12   Dec. 10

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Correction:Upcoming events - November & December

It always seems that the fall months are very crowded with events, but I do look forward to these next 2 months with our group:

Correction: December sewing days are Dec. 7th & 8th

November 9 & 10th we have the opportunity for "sewing days" at the Hanover Parks & Rec center in Montpelier. Come and sew anytime on Friday &/or Saturday! Work on whatever makes you happy, because it truly is amazing how much you can get done with all the cheerleading we all get from one another!

November 13th we have our regular monthly meeting, and we're asking everyone to bring a newly found tool or gadget or technique that you are presently enjoying. Hopefully, this means lots of show and tell to accompany the topics! Denise Z. will lead us in this group activity; please show her lots of support by bringing something to share. Thanks, Denise!

Also at the November meeting, plan to participate in our last "group challenge" by bringing your 10" square of ugly fabric and a 3 x 5 card with your name and address on it. For those participating, you will draw someone else's name and make a postcard using the ugly fabric you pick to be sent in time for our January 8th meeting!

On December 11th, we will have our annual potluck holiday festivities. Plan to join us, and share an old or new holiday tradition with good food and lots of joy. We also intend to support WHEAT, and so canned goods or cleaning products are welcomed as contributions for those in need in our community. If you haven't had a chance, you can still join in the postcard ugly fabric challenge!

On December 14th & 15th, our last sewing days of 2018 could provide some needed respite from the hubub of the holidays, or maybe just give us a chance to make one item to get in the mail before the end of the year????

Start thinking about programs for 2019! What would YOU like to see or hear about? Feel free to send an email or ideas to marcyg2009@gmail.com.

Sewing

Just a reminder that CSQ follows Hanover County Schools closing policy. In the event of bad weather and the schools are closed we do NOT meet. If in doubt, check to see if schools are open. Hopefully, Michael will pass over us without complications.

October is here! Event reminders

Cooler temps and less humidity, and seemingly lots of quilt-related shows (Fredricksburg and Virginia Beach): what can be better than this! In our own backyard, our quilt club meets next week, Tuesday, October 9th. For our program, Estelle will share some of her considerable knowledge about using paints with fabric. You won't want to miss this one! And, of course, our show and tell is always the best, with, hopefully, some cool observations or purchases at these larger show events. For those folks available, on Friday, October 12th and Saturday, October 13th, sewing days will give a chance for more visiting and sharing. Usually between 9 am and 3-4 pm you can find camaraderie and fun at our Hanover Parks and Recreation space. Happy quilting....

Veteran Quilt Display

CSQ appreciate the opportunity to display quilts made for veterans in the library hallway at The Montpelier Center for Art & Education. We try to change the exhibit every couple of months. These two went up today. Thanks to everyone who keeps the project going - piecing quilts, machine quilting, binding and delivering to the V.A. Hospital in Richmond.  We've been doing it for several years and even though we haven't kept a total count, I'm sure it's in the hundreds. Our way of thanking our veterans, one quilt at a time.

Sept 7 & 8

REMINDER: Sewing this Friday & Saturday. Bring your sewing and lunch and plan on having a good time sewing and visiting with friends.