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• May 2 (Wed) Quilt Judging
President’s Letter | Notice of Annual Meeting | Nominating Committee | Candidate Bios Programs | Red-White Roadtrip | Quilt Show | Education | Hospitality
We truly are blessed to be surrounded by so much talent and friendship. Thank you to all who have helped to make our show attractive to the area quilters. Please take a minute to read through the bios of our nominated slate of officers. We will vote for approval of the slate at our Annual Meeting on May 15. I’m already looking forward to fall and the beginning of our 2012-2013 guild year! As we think ahead, please let me know what you’d like to see happen in our Guild. For example, I’d like to propose is that we set a date in the fall simply to meet and quilt together. I know I personally would love to have a day set aside, without Next year’s Membership Form will be available this month…please use the opportunity to share your ideas!
Patti Calautti, President The Annual Meeting of the Northern Star Quilters” Guild will take place on Tuesday, May 15 at 7 pm in the JFK Cafeteria. At the meeting, a vote will be taken on the proposed slate of Officers for the 2012-13 year. The Annual Meeting of the Northern Star Quilters” href=”javascript:smae_decode(‘a2FkaWR0eUBvcHRvbmxpbmUubmV0P3N1YmplY3Q9TlNRRw==’);” target=”_blank”>April Russell, Secretary The following slate of candidates was approved at our April meeting: President: Patti Calautti A brief statement by each of the candidates appears in this newsletter. Again, I’d like to thank each of the members of the Nominating Committee who have done a terrific job developing this year’s slate: Patti Calautti, Mary Cannizzaro, Vicki Romaine Cohn, and Carol Sterk. It’s been a pleasure working with this team. Fran Osinoff, Chairperson Hello, I am Patti Calautti, your current NSQG President and am honored to be nominated for a second term in my current position. Over the past year as President, I have learned much regarding the operations of the guild and the responsibility of the board to its members. We have begun to streamline processes and will continue to make the NSQG an environment that is transparent and inclusive. I hope to continue my pledge to the Guild: to make it a place were we can each come to enjoy one another’s company, share a laugh or two and most of all have fun doing what we enjoy! We all have different strengths in different areas of our craft and each should be shared and celebrated. So let’s make the next year, a yearlong retreat! I was introduced to sewing at an early age through my Aunt Pearl. She was a seamstress for a factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I loved spending time with her and had many overnights playing games and making yo-yos! Templates were made of cardboard and came in various sizes. I had yo-yos on everything. I loved them and still do. I love where those cardboard templates have taken me. Last year was a busy year for the Board. We had a lot to cover. I learned to navigate my way through the busy Board meetings and keep afloat! I am honored again to be candidate for this Board position and look forward to serving the Guild in the coming year.
I joined the Guild in 2009 to be more involved in the quilting process. I have met many wonderful and talented people and expanded my knowledge into different areas of quilting, through the appliqué and long arm groups, the many lectures and classes. I participate in Comfort Quilts, for me the giving and sharing spirit of all the ladies there exemplifies the Guild purpose. Having spent over 40 years in the accounting field and wanting to give back to an organization I get so much from, I am honored to be nominated as treasurer. I would strive to continue the excellent work Linda [Ostrander] has done over the past two years and maintain financial accuracy and viability through sound accounting practices. Vice President, Membership: Christine Ruggieri I fell in love with sewing as a young girl after taking a course offered by the Singer Sewing Company at my grammar school. Prior to that my mom had purchased a used Singer for mending and to try her hand at sewing. When my children were born, I made their Halloween costumes, clothing for my daughter, and various items for the home. Fast-forward to 1991 when my husband and I moved to Pennsylvania and I was introduced to quilts. I joined the quilt guild there and was involved in a quilt harvest, held to uncover old and loved quilts that we then photographed and dated for publication. It was an exciting project. When we moved to Westchester in 1999, I immediately joined Northern Star. I’m also a member of the Comfort Quilters and have been since first joining the guild. In the past I have held positions as Hospitality Chairman and Quilt Registrar and Admissions chair for the show. As time went on, however, I was unable to devote much time to quilting, as my husband needed care. I continued to go to Comfort Quilts and to my mini group when I could, as I never lost my love of quilting. As life changes, I again have time to devote to the Guild and was pleased and honored when I was invited to run for membership Chairman. I look forward to taking on this new task to the best of my abilities. Vice President, Communications: Carolyn Finn I’m currently serving as VP, Communications and am honored to receive your nomination to continue in this capacity for 2012-13. Over the past year, I’ve tried to highlight our Guild’s extraordinary and diverse talent while keeping our communications fresh and accessible. I believe that Northern Star’s diversity distinguishes us from other organizations, and that our collective commitment to sharing has made us all better quilters. On a personal note, I’m continually inspired by our members’ talent, willingness to try new things, and commitment to one another. A few words about me: I joined the Guild in 2009. I’m a member of the “Kids can Quilt!” Team and have served as this year’s Challenge Quilt Coordinator. Since 2011, I’ve served as facilitator for “The Sticklers,” the newly renamed “Dear Jane” special-interest group founded by Diane Linker. Vice President, Programs: Barbara Sferra I have been a member of the Guild since probably the early 1990s; I don’t remember the exact year I joined. I learned to use a sewing machine at eleven and started quilting a few years before I joined the Guild. Like many quilters I took classes, read books and tried traditional patterns. After a few years I branched out into new colors, fabrics and variations. When I joined Northern Star I discovered a world of wonderful lectures, workshops, and people right here in my backyard. I have worked for the Guild for a number of years. I was on the Show Committee for about six years, before becoming co-chair in 2007-08. For two years I was part of the Education Committee as moderator of the Art Quilt Group. I have served for one year as VP of Programs, and have been nominated for a second year. I hope to continue to provide an interesting, varied and balanced selection of speakers for the Guild next year. Vice President, Education: Meg Mooar I was introduced to quilting about 35 years ago. I still recall the excitement of finding a craft that merged my love of sewing with my favorite high school subject – geometry. Back then there were few books, magazines or classes available. So with basic sewing skills, graph paper and So Fro fabrics down the street, I taught myself and found like-minded people to share my projects with. This excitement is renewed as I slip sideways into the realm of art journaling and mixed media collage. As Education chair, I will strive to develop programs to inspire all of us to take our work to the next level. Co-Vice Presidents, Quilt Show: Diane Linker and Judy Gignesi I joined the Guild in September 2007. I have learned most of what I know about quilting from Guild programs. Participating in the Special Interest Groups and spending time at Comfort Quilts has added greatly to my enjoyment of the Guild and has taught me much about the generosity of spirit of so many of our members. This year, I served as Vice President—Membership of the Guild. Prior to that, I served as Vice President—Education for two years. In that capacity, I was able to start our Dear Jane and Longarm Special Interest Groups and had the pleasure of seeing participation in our Special Interest Groups increase substantially. For the past two years, I have also served as the Quilt Registrar for the NSQG Quilt Show. With the help of Deirdre Abbotts, I have instituted electronic registration and have helped to make our quilt show a little greener. Working on the Quilt Show Committee under the leadership of Caryl Castellion has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I am honored to be nominated to be the Vice President – Quilt Show for next year. Each year the Quilt Show changes and evolves, but it is always the sum total of all the efforts put forth not just in the prior year, but for many years running. It is a privilege to continue in that tradition and to be given the opportunity of working to make the Quilt Show, once again, a highlight of the Guild year. I have been sewing for many years: Pillows, curtains, clothes for my daughters. In 1997 we moved to Somers and I was introduced to the wonderful world of quilting and the Country Quilter. I joined the Guild shortly thereafter and a whole new world I have held minor roles on the Show Committee every year since joining the Guild. There are so many people and parts involved in putting together a successful show. Each year we seem to be able to hold onto the original traditions while improving different areas in making it better. I look forward to joining Diane Linker in chairing our Guild’s 2013 show. Lectures and Workshop
Sat, 5/5 – “Scrap User’s System” Sun, 5/6 – “Scraps and Shirttails” In this lecture (based on her books of the same name), Bonnie will discuss recycling clothing into quilts, and how to “slice and dice” cotton clothing to combine it with fabric scraps for beautiful quilts. (JFK Auditorium; 11 am) Mon, 5/7 – “Jared Takes a Wife” (class)
Tom Hennes: Sat, 5/5
Tue, May 15 — Barbara Barrick McKie: “Tips and Techniques from my Trunk” We’ll all have an opportunity to see Barbara’s work beforehand in in her special exhibition at our show. Barbara Sferra, VP Programs Road Trip for the NSQG’s At the April meeting, we announced that our Red and White Invitational Exhibit will travel to the Greater Philadelphia Area for display at Mancuso’s Pennsylvania Because we do not meet in the summer there is no way to collect the quilts again in time to ship them, so they will not be returned after our show. Instead, Joyce and Nancy will keep them and use the time to remove the stitches used to pair them up for the hanging method used for our show. There is no expense involved for the Guild or our members. Mancuso provides UPS pick-up and return shipment. Each quilt is covered by their insurance from the time of UPS pick-up until their return to us by UPS (excluding earthquake and flood). If for some reason you DO NOT want your quilt to be a part of this special exhibit please notify Nancy Mirman or Joyce Sullivan by email or in writing. We will return your quilt at the May NSQG meeting. By virtue of the fact that the rest of you do not request return of your quilt in May we will assume that you are granting permission to be a part of the Mancuso show. We have already photographed all the quilts for our records and can match them up with the names on our list. These are all such great little quilts that they deserve to be seen by a larger audience. We’re absolutely delighted and hope you share our excitment! - Nancy Mirman and Joyce Sullivan Caryl Castellion, VP Quilt Show Last-Minute RemindersNSQG Members have a special opportunity to see our show before the crowds arrive…..The World of Quilts XXXIII opens for all NSQG members on Saturday at 9:00 am. In addition to viewing nearly 400 quilts — including a special exhibit of works by Barbara Barrick McKie — visitors will have the opportunity to hear lectures by Bonnie Hunter and Tom Hennes, and to see demonstrations conducted by NSQG members and friends of the Guild. Click here for a complete schedule.
Judging Day
The quilt judging will take place on Wednesday, May 2nd at the First Presbyterian Church in Stamford. Directions are printed below and also available online. From North Stamford: * Coming south on Rte 137 (High Ridge Road) or Rte 104 (Long Ridge Road), drive to the major intersection (just past Lord & Taylor) and go straight on Summer Street * Church driveway will be the third driveway on your right (past a small row of shops, but just before the church grounds). Follow the driveway around to the right to the parking lot behind the buildings From Westchester (via I-95): * From I-95 coming from Westchester, take Exit 8 (Atlantic Street)
Diane Linker for more information. Art Quilters – Alert: The May meeting is our last regular meeting this year — and time to pick up your “Forms of Address” quilt! We also will enjoy a demonstration by Norma Schlager on a neat ”Sew as you Go” technique. (This might be of interest to traditional quilters, as well….We have lots of room in the library so come on down!) We’ll also have a sign-up for our Fabric Painting Workshop (date TBD) in June. Please contact Debbie Bein for more information. Hand Appliqué - In May, we’ll show you how to use simple tools to design your own appliqué – even if you’re not an artist! Also bring Show and Tell. For more information, please contact Denise Isherwood or Kathy Kaplan. Landscape – In April we had another great meeting with two demos: one on making sky fabric with paint and water and one showing various fusing methods. Next month, we’ll cover three topics:
Questions? Please contact Don Gough.
In addition, Pat Julian and Diane Linker each conducted a terrific demonstration on her preferred paper-piecing technique. I believe I speak for everyone in saying that we each gained helpful hints and tips from both presentations. We have two great topics on deck for our next meeting (Sat, May 19). First, we’ll have a “Seam Ripper Smackdown,” in which we each bring (and demonstrate) our preferred tools for removing unwanted stitches. Second, Diane Linker will provide a refresher on EQ’s “Dear Jane” software. All are welcome! Please contact Carolyn Finn for more information. Kids Can Quilt – Save the Date! Katonah Elementary School Knot Party, at which the first graders finish their quilts, will be Wednesday, May 30 at 1:00 pm. (Please check-in at the office at 12:45 pm; we should be done by 1:30 pm.) Click here for directions to the school. Knotting demo will be done before the NSQG May meeting at the “Kids Can Quilt” table. Contact Melanie Darensod for more information.
If your last name begins with the initials V through Z, it’s your turn to bring in a snack to share with the members. In return you’ll receive a ticket for the monthly raffle. Reminder: It’s not too early to think about preparations for our June salad supper. We need help with set up, serving and clean up. If you can lend a hand, please let me know. Your help is much appreciated! Meg Mooar, Hospitality
I am pleased to announce that the proceeds from the 2013 raffle quilt will be donated to the sole nominee, the Pound Ridge Fire Department. This is an all-volunteer team of men and women who give countless hours to help keep our communities safe. Members are trained in all areas of firefighting; each is assigned a position on either the truck or engine and given a specific task. They hold meetings and drills each week to keep current on weather conditions, techniques and new procedures. The Pound Ridge Fire Department volunteers are also first responders. They respond to any request for help. They have assisted New Canaan, Stamford, Greenwich, Bedford, Somers, North Salem, South Salem, Vista and beyond if necessary. The Department was mobilized on 9/11 and, in the aftermath, raised and donated $10,000 to people impacted by the tragedy. Not only do they help keep their community safe, they also help to make it a better place to live. They established a Junior Corps to get youth actively involved. Each Fall, the department hosts an open house during which they provide homeowners with advice and safety tips and distribute smoke detectors. They bring in a special trailer called “The Smoke House” and teach everyone about the importance of fire safety with the “Stop, Drop and Roll” class. The Pound Ridge Fire Department is always there to lend a hand when it’s needed. Whether a fire call, the smell of smoke, a car accident, or a natural weather disaster, they cover it all. They are devoted and committed and the only form of payment is the satisfaction of a job well done. They are deeply grateful for this opportunity. Comfort Quilts Now you can purchase one of our popular quilt kits for yourself! These specially designed, all inclusive, ready to sew kits will be for sale at the NSQG show boutique. Treat yourself or make a quick and easy gift at a great price. Several sizes are available. Proceeds support guild activities such as Comfort Quilts. Summer Scrap Bag Treats at the June Salad Supper Upcoming Meetings: May 9 June 6 (and every summer Wednesday thereafter, except for July 4) Please come along and join the fun every Wednesday during the summer months!
Barb Tatera, Charitable Activities p style=”text-align: center;” >
Eleven beautiful quilts were submitted for the Guild”s 2012 Challenge, ” Push the Limits in London: Reach for the Stars.” All of the submissions reflected exceptional workmanship, creativity and vision — which was reflected in the voting results, which were very close. At the end of the day, the five ribbons were awarded to two quilts: Don Gough” s Star Power and Susan Wilterding”s Dreaming of London. (Susan” s quilt received ”Best Depiction of the Place – London, UK.” ) Many thanks to Helen Boland who took the lead on the installation at April”s meeting and handled photography, and to Kelly Lockwood and Kim Hyde, who assisted with And of course a huge thanks to the talented NSQG members who submitted quilts: Pooa Bloomberg, Patti Calautti, Terri Gavin, Judy Gignesi, Don Gough, Joanne Lubchenko, Barbara Sferra, Joyce Sullivan, and Susan Wilterding. This small, but exceptionally strong collection nicely represents Northern Star” s diverse range and depth of talent. The quilts will be on view at the Mahopac Public Library from June 2.
Carolyn Finn, Challenge Coordinator Back to Top
Whether it’s an illness, condolence, marriage, baby, or just a need for encouragement, please drop me a note.
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Call for Entries! Applications due August 26. Please contact Don or Eunice Gough, both NSQG members and avid pilots involved in the exhibition, for additional details. Handi Quilter frame for Sale Sewing Machine for Sale Quilters Needed! Help a Breast Cancer Survivor! Carolyn Finn, VP Communications Shows Featuring NSQG Members “Fantastic Fibers 2012.” Paducah, KY: Yeiser Art Center. Through May 5. “Nature in Fiber: A Contemporary Art Quilt Exhibit by Nike Cutsumpas.” Danbury, CT: Danbury City Hall. April 16 – May 24, 2012. “Art Squared.” An exhibition of FiberArt Northeast (FANE). New York: Mahopac Public Library. May 1 – 29, 2012. “Push the Limits in London: Reach for the Stars.” An exhibition of the Northern Star Quilters’ Guild’s 2012 Challenge Quilts. Mahopac, NY: Mahopac Public Library. June 2 – 29, 2012. Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza XIX. Oaks, PA: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. September 13-16, 2012. “Things with Wings: Planes and Quilts.” Windsor Locks, CT: New England Air Museum. September 17-23, 2012.
Other Shows of Interest
“Stars of the Valley.” An exhibition of the Warwick Valley Quilters’ Guild. Warwick, NY: Sanfordville School. May 19-20, 2012. “Fenway Park Centennial Quilts.” Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. March 29 – July 8, 2012. Hannah Dustin Quilters’ Guild: 2012 Quilt Show. Hudson, NH: Hudson Community Center. May 4-5, 2012. Colonial Quilters’ Guild: Quiltfest 2012. Palmer, PA: Charles Chrin Community Center. May 5-6, 2012. Quilters Unlimited of Northern Virginia: 39th Annual Quilt Show. Chantilly, VA: Dulles Expo and Conference Center. June 1-3, 2012. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Quilting.” Eastern Long Island Quilters’ 31st Annual Peconic Quilt Show. Riverhead, NY: Suffolk Community College. June 2-3, 2012. Vermont Quilt Festival. Essex Junction, VT: Champlain Valley Exposition. June 29 – July 1, 2012. Kutztown Folk Festival (Includes quilt display and auction). Kutztown, PA: Kutztown Fairgrounds. June 30 – July 8, 2012. “New Quilts from an old Favorite 2012: Baskets and Antique Basket Quilts.” Paducah, KY: National Quilt Museum. Through July 10. “Quilt Odyssey 2012.” Hershey, PA: Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. July 26-29, 2012. “Red, White, and Quilted.” Bayberry Quilters of Cape Cod’s 31st Annual Show. Harwich, MA: Cape Cod Regional Technical High School. August 2-4, 2012. “Images: The Lowell Quilt Festival.” Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. August 9-11, 2012. “Jean Ray Laury: Getting it all Together.” Lincoln, NE: International Quilt Study Center. Through September 2. 19th Annual Bennington Quilt Fest. Bennington, VT: Mount Anthony Union Middle School. September 15-16, 2012. Eleventh Annual “Harvest of Quilts.” Evening Star Quilters. Mineola, NY: Mineola Community Center. Nov 3-4, 2012.
Many Thanks to Nancy Hantman for researching and compiling this list!
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Although learning to sew at a young age on my mother’s old Singer treadle machine, I knew nothing of quilts or quilting until the late 60’s when I saw some lovely old treasures at a museum. I was instantly drawn to the warmth and comfort they exuded and admired the precision and artistry the makers had put into them. Deciding to try this wonderful art form and having a few failed self-teaching attempts I found Country Quilter and took my first class in 2001 and my quilting life began. I am still learning — there is far more diversity and skill involved than I ever thought, and I enjoy it all.
The Sticklers
the voting process.
Goodwill is part of our fellowship — let’s share it amongst ourselves! Please let me know when a Guild member needs a little sunshine!
April Russell
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