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NSQG World of Quilts XXXIV

CarolynFinn — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:39:36 +0000

OnPoint! April 2013

CarolynFinn — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:11:32 +0000

Spring is Here!

Spring is my favorite time of year. It gives me so much to look forward to. For me, it’s finally warm enough to do some city walking. I had a wonderful time going to NYC to see the exhibit of “Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity” at the Metropolitan Museum. What really moved me was the realization of my mother’s and aunts’ generous gift in teaching me to sew, knit, crochet, tat, and embroider.

The Met’s exhibit features the chance of a lifetime to see original Impressionist paintings alongside some of the garments worn by the models depicted. Garments made from silk, velvet, cotton piqué, and cotton gauze. Men’s suits made with great care from the finest fabrics – topped with millinery works of art to complete the ensemble. Tiffany fans, opera glasses to beautiful hand-made shoes. All of these pieces combine to create a beautifully documented statement. The show is on view through May 27, 2013.

So I leave you to return to put your final touches on your own Quilt Show masterpiece(s). Please share your enthusiasm for our show and invite your friends and family to come and marvel at our exhibit and shop with our many vendors.

Patti Calautti, President
President@Northernstarquilters.com

The Nominees for the 2013 – 14 Board are:

Respectfully Submitted by the 2013 Nominating Committee:

Patti Calautti, Caryl Castellion, Melanie Darensod, and Peggy Morgan

Official Notice of the NSQG Annual Meeting:

NSQG General Meeting will be held May 21, 2013 at 7 pm
in the JFK High School Cafeteria. Route 138, Somers, NY 10589

Register Now for Spring Workshops!

Sign-ups for Spring Workshops will continue through April. Spaces are going fast, however - so be sure to register soon!

March: Karen Eckmeier

In March the Guild enjoyed a great lecture by Karen, who entertained us with her upbeat and informative talk. She presented appliqué in so many ways! And to see her beautiful quilts up-close and personal was a real treat! The workshop was a fun day in which many beautiful landscapes were created — some almost completed! Please bring your gorgeous pieces for April’s Show and Tell!

We are most grateful to Karen for visiting and teaching us at no charge!
She’s a former member and wanted to “give back” to the Guild.
Thank you!

April: Maxine Rosenthal

Lecture: Tue, Apr 16
Trunk Show of Maxine Rosenthal’s many One-Block Wonder quilts
Be amazed by the many beautiful designs and variations one block can produce! Maxine is bringing her quilts to share with us. The real quilts seen in this trunk show are always more beautiful in person!

Workshop: Wed, Apr 17
“One-Block Wonders: Hexagons”
Take five yards of one special fabric, layer, cut and stitch triangles into a hexagon block. This one block, when joined with other hexagons, creates a stunning quilt or wall hanging. Maxine Rosenthal will show you how just one fabric becomes a quilt that looks complicated, but isn’t. Easy steps will take you to your own One Block Wonder. This workshop is suitable for confident beginners and beyond! The class is full, but sign up for the waiting list — you never know! (Lake Lincolndale Clubhouse)

May Quilt Show: Joe Cunningham

Quilt Show Lectures: May 4 and 5
Joe Cunningham is our main speaker for the Quilt Show. On Saturday he will give his musical presentation, “Joe, the Quilter,” a true story about a real person — Joe Hedley (1750-1830), who lived in England. Joe’s story inspired Joe Cunningham to become a quilter! On Sunday, Joe will show and tell how and why he has made some of his new, original quilts. Come and be inspired by this internationally known quilter and speaker. www.joethequilter.com

Workshop: Monday, May 6
“Rock the Block: Album Style”
How can a quilt that looks so complex be so simple? You will learn to design and construct your own block(s) and create an original quilt with them! Joe’s easy and unique block construction method, a simple process that leads to unavoidable originality, will have you creating a beautiful quilt. Fun, easy, satisfying and eye-opening, this class will have you inventing your own ways to make block quilts all your own. This class is suitable for all levels.

Mark your calendars now and sign up for one (or all!) of these inspiring workshops.

Please note that supply lists and directions to the workshop space will be available about a month before the workshop. Or you can go to the quilter’s website and look at the supply list there. Please contact Barbara Sferra with questions and to sign up for a workshop.

Barbara Sferra, VP Programs
Programs@Northernstarquilters.com

Calling all Members!

If you renewed your membership (or joined the Guild) in December or January, you may not have received your newsletter. I was out of commission and unable to update our mailing list. I apologize for the delay and now have made the necessary updates. In the event you didn’t receive our March newsletter, please let me know – there may be a problem between your email address and our system.

I’d like to thank the Guild members who stepped in and managed the Membership Table in my absence — especially Janet Beaird and Pat Julian who both did an outstanding job. I’d also like to thank Carolyn Langevin who handled January’s Member Showcase featuring the wonderful work of Sandra Parrott.

Our March meeting was attended by 113 members, in addition to two guests and a new member. We now have 240 members, which is just wonderful.

We do have orders in for parts for our badge maker, which hopefully will be up and running soon. In the meantime, however, several of you have badges that are ready for pick-up. Please stop by the Membership Table to claim yours!

Christine Ruggieri, VP Membership

I hope you were inspired by this year’s challenge to keep the momentum of the Guild Challenge flowing! If so, please consider submitting an idea for the 2014 Challenge. Any guild member can submit a proposal, which should include

Your idea
Challenge name
Challenge rules
Categories for which ribbons will be awarded

Please submit your proposal to Kelly Lockwood – either electronically or on paper – before April 30.

Next Steps:
• Kelly presents all Challenge proposals (anonymously) to the Board for a vote
• The author of the winning idea becomes the 2014 Challenge Coordinator
• The Coordinator gathers a committee
• The Committee collects the quilts, displays them at the Feb 2014 meeting, counts ballots and awards ribbons
• The Committee hangs the quilts Friday evening before the NSQG show in May 2014

Please contact me if you have any questions. Proposals will be presented at the May NSQG Board Meeting, so submit your idea (or ideas) before April 30!

The Challenge will be announced no later than the June meeting so that quilters can begin their designing and stitching over our summer break.

Kelly Lockwood, Special Events

Thank you to all of our P, Q and R members – the snacks last month were delicious! Everyone raved about the apple cinnamon cake.

Members with last names beginning with S and T are kindly asked to bring snacks for our April meeting. Don’t forget – you get a raffle ticket when you bring a snack. Please be sure to bring finger-type foods and cut up any cakes beforehand. If you bring your snack in a dish that you want returned, please put your name on the bottom.

Here’s this month’s report from Kendell Storm, who purchased the items for April’s raffle:

I went shopping in New Hampshire! This month’s raffle includes a wonderful selection of fabrics AND notions from One StitchTwo Stitch at 81 Main Street in Littleton, New Hampshire. This is a great quilt shop that offers retreats, workshops, and always has a boatload of “sale” fabrics (literally, a small boat in the store filled with bolts of fabrics!) Visit their website and friend them on Facebook; they have a ton of information to share. www.onestitchtwostitch.com.

Helen Boland, Hospitality

It was good to see so many of you at the Library table at our March Guild meeting. I hope you’re enjoying our new selection of books! As always, please let me know if there’s a book, magazine or DVD you would like to have available in the Library.

We will have more new books at April’s meeting and I am still interested in hearing your thoughts — especially your recommendations — about any of the books you borrow.

During our April and May meetings, we will collect any books and magazines you’d like to donate for our Quilt Show Sale and June Salad Supper Sale. In addition to raising money for our Guild, this gives you the opportunity to sort through your own collection of books and magazines, keeping those that have a pattern or two of interest (but perhaps you forgot you had!) and donate the rest. And perhaps you will find a treasure or two to purchase and take home.

See you in April!

Jackie Fowler, Library Chair

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the work of our Special Interest Group leaders. These facilitators organize topics for discussion, arrange exhibits for the quilt show, and find meeting places for their group. (They also contribute monthly updates for this newsletter!) More than half of our membership is enrolled in at least one of these groups, making them an important part of NSQG membership. Check the Education section of the NSQG website for further information. Each of these groups boasts an open-door policy. Please feel free to contact the SIG leader if you have questions about his/her group.

I’d like to begin by honoring the outgoing leaders of the Hand Appliqué SIG, Denise Isherwood and Kathy Kaplan. For the past few years Denise and Kathy have shared their techniques and skills with the group and provided a welcoming atmosphere for members. Thank you for your many contributions!

Linda Ostrander graciously offered to kick start our brand new SIG, “Anything Goes.” Still in its infancy, members are encouraged to share a wide range of sewing interests. Check below to see what has been planned for the remainder of this year’s meetings.

Don Gough facilitates the popular Landscape Group. The members share tools and techniques for creating picture quilts. Look for to their exhibit of Travel Poster Quilts at our Quilt Show.

Diane Linker facilitates the Long Arm Group, which meets monthly in its members’ homes. Each month, members demonstrate long arm techniques and make suggestions for finishing tops.

The Sticklers is a support group for those intrepid folks working toward completion of the “Dear Jane” Civil War quilt made by Jane A. Stickle. Carolyn Finn facilitates the group, which meets monthly at the Apple Bank in Thornwood. Watch for their exhibit, “Sticklers’ Showcase,” at the Quilt Show.

Our largest group is the Art Quilters led by Christine Wilhelm. They meet in the JFK Library before monthly guild meetings and usually feature a demo as well as Show and Tell. Members will display their “Deck of Cards” quilts at the quilt show.

News from our Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

“Anything Goes” – Linda Ostrander
Although attendance has been light, I know you will all want to come to the April meeting where Debbie Bein will demonstrate “Working with Selvedges” at 6:30. We’ve all admired Debbie’s stunning tote bag. She has graciously offered to share her tips for turning our own collection of selvedges into great projects.

Also you’ll want to sign up for Cheryl Kosarek’s beading class in May. Cheryl will teach “Caging a Cabochon with Beads.” Pre-registration is necessary as space is limited. Cheryl will assemble kits with all the materials for $3 each (payable to Cheryl in May).

Remember, anything goes at this SIG – show-and-tell, discussion, ideas, and even stitching. If you have a topic you want to know more about, let me know and I will gather info. We meet at 5:45 in the back of the cafeteria.

Landscape – Don Gough
The Landscape group met on April 6 at the Astoria Bank in Somers.

Longarm – Diane Linker
The Long Arm quilters met at Peggy Morgan’s home on April 6. The May meeting will be held at Diane Linker’s home on May 11.

Hand Appliqué – Denise Isherwood and Kathy Kaplan
In April, we will review the differences between the saw tooth border and the dogtooth border. There will be a demo of how to appliqué a decorative flower and make a colonial knot. Please bring your Show and Tell to share with the group. We meet at 5:45 in the Faculty Lounge.

Art Quilters – Christine Wilhelm
Last month Deirdre Abbots displayed the “Deck of Cards” quilts she has gathered from the members. What an awesome collection. I can’t wait to see them displayed at the Quilt Show. The April meeting will feature fabric postcards. Please bring cards you’ve made or received to share with the others.

The Sticklers – Carolyn Finn
In March we helped Nancy Picco identify the blocks in her gorgeous quilt. I think we all were inspired by the impact of Nancy’s pre-assembled work-in-progress. At our next meeting (April 20) we’ll view the blocks Ellen Belson has completed to date and make suggestions regarding layout options and a potential shift in color direction. (One of the best parts about a sampler quilt is that nothing’s set in stone until the last sashing is sewn!) We’ll also collect your completed quilts for the Sticklers’ Showcase.

Meg Mooar, VP Education
Education@Northernstarquilters.com

By the time you receive this newsletter, A World of Quilts XXXIV will be only a few weeks away. The groundwork has been laid and the Quilt Show Committee is making final preparations. Our show promises to offer inspiration to quilters with a wide variety of interests!

In addition to the registered quilts in the gymnasium, other special displays will be on view throughout the building: the 2013 NSQG Challenge, Silent Auction, Comfort quilts, FANE (FiberArts NorthEast) Challenge, and quilts from the Landscape, Sticklers, and Art Quilt Special Interest Groups.

Thank You!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mary Cannizzaro and her crew. See the special article featuring this project in the newsletter.

Volunteers

If you have not yet volunteered for a job at the quilt show, it’s not too late to sign up! A minimum of two volunteer hours is required in order to obtain one day of free admission. Any additional volunteer hours that you might be able to contribute would be greatly appreciated. Contact Patricia Loquet to sign up.

Spread the Word!

There are several ways you can help advertise our show:

1. Download the free app called Postagram to your iPhone or Android phone. With this app you’ll be able to turn a photo of one of your quilts (hopefully one that you’ve registered for the show!) into a real snail-mail postcard with postage already included. (The first five are free!) Just take the picture with your phone, enter a message that includes the show information, select the recipient(s) and you’re done. It’s a personal way to invite friends and family to come to our show, and who doesn’t love getting mail?

2. Pick up a printed postcard at the April meeting and send it to a friend the old-fashioned way!

3. Within a few days, you’ll receive an email about the quilt show. This will provide all of the pertinent information as well as a link to our website. When you receive this message, please forward it to your friends, family, and colleagues.

4. Print a copy of our beautiful show poster, which you can easily do from the NSQG website or from the “Register your Quilts” email you received on March 25. Display the poster in your car window or around your neighborhood (shopping center, library, post office).

Quilt Appraisals

It’s not too late to sign up to have your quilt appraised during the show. See Fern Nadel at the April meeting to schedule an appointment.

Show Pins

Show pins will be on sale at the April meeting. Only 200 pins were ordered this year — get yours before they’re sold out! In addition to this year’s pins, vintage pins will be available for purchase at the show.

Quilt Drop-Off

Quilt drop off day is Saturday, April 27 from 12 noon until 4 pm at the JFK High School Cafeteria.

All quilts must have:
• A sewn on sleeve for hanging
• A covering over your name (on the back of the quilt)
• Registration ID number in the lower right corner of the quilt back
• No pet hairs or strong odors

Carol Sterk and Diane Linker, VPs Quilt Show
QuiltShowChairs@Northernstarquilters.com

A special “thank you” to Maria Tamaoka of Pinwheels, who permitted us to sell NSQG raffle tickets at her wonderful First Annual Shop Hop, “Pinwheels and Friends” on March 22 and 23 at the Holiday Inn in Mount Kisco. I met many wonderful people and hopefully we’ll have several new members join our Guild.

A special thank you also to all Guild members who have completed and returned blocks for our 2014 Raffle Quilt. Your help is truly appreciated! Several blocks remain outstanding. If yours are among them, please return them at April’s Guild meeting – even if they’re not completed.

We have 68 members who have not yet picked up their Raffle tickets for our 2013 quilt. I have emailed all of you asking if you would like to have your Raffle tickets mailed to you. If you haven’t yet responded, please do so today. Thank you!

Maureen Schulman, Charitable Activities

April Russell, Secretary

Many thanks to Helen Boland, nominee for next year’s VP, Communications, for her help with recent communications efforts!

In order to practice working with the technology behind our newsletter and email communications, Helen has created and sent our Guild’s “Meeting Reminders” over the past few months. Thank you!

Carolyn Finn, VP Communications
News@Northernstarquilters.com

HandiQuilter HQ16 for Sale – $5,500

Handiquilter’s HQ16 for sale. Lots of extras: stitch regulator, studio frame, micro handles, extra leaders, external bobbin winder, ruler base and ruler for machine. Only 3.5 years old. Please call or email Diane Durr.

SAQA Exhibit in Danbury – Opens May 4

Several NSQG Members also belong to the CT chapter of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates). An important juried exhibition is about to launch and has its opening reception on the Saturday afternoon of our quilt show. The Show Committee and SAQA are collaborating to cross-publicize both events. It’s our hope that visitors to one of our venues will take a short hop on I-84 to see the other. Both promise to be a real treat!

NSQG Contacts: Margaret Phillips and Barbara Jay

A Quilter’s Legacy

An upcoming exhibition and sale, “Stitching a Heritage and Legacy of Quilts,” features quilts begun by the late Nancy Murphy. Ossining, NY: Mariandale Retreat Center. June 8-15.

NSQG Contacts: Donna Brunell and Carole Burton

Carolyn Finn, VP Communications
News@Northernstarquilters.com

“Masters 2: SAQA Art Quilts.” Exhibition curated by Martha Sielman. Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. Through April 15, 2013.

“Beyond the Bed: The American Quilt Evolution.” (includes sale of works by NSQG
Members). Katonah, NY: Katonah Museum of Art. Through June 16. [NSQG]

Quilt Celebration XII. Exhibition of the Village Squares. Scarsdale, NY: JCC of Mid-Westchester. April 6-7. [NSQG]

“A Sense of Scale.” Cincinnati, OH: Duke Energy Convention Center. April 11-13.

Kim Diehl visits the First Dutchess Quilters April 17-18. Lecture: April 17 at 7 pm at the Hellenic Center, Poughkeepsie. Two workshops at the Farm and Home Center, Millbrook: April 17 and April 18, from 9-3 pm.

“Silk! Luxurious Antique & Contemporary Quilts.” Exhibition curated by Pam Weeks. Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. April 18 – July 7, 2013.

Silk: Fabric, Fashion, and Quilts.” One-day symposium. Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. April 27.

“Local Color” – A traveling juried exhibition of fiber art celebrating the beauty and diversity of Connecticut. Danbury, CT: Ruth Haas Library at the Western Connecticut State University Campus. May 4 – June 13. Opening reception: May 4. [NSQG]

“Stitching a Heritage and Legacy of Quilts,” features quilts begun by the late Nancy Murphy. Ossining, NY: Mariandale Retreat Center. June 8-15.

“Great American Quilts 1987 – 2004.” Material Girls Quilt Guild. Leominster, MA: St. Leo’s School Auditorium. June 28 – 29.

A Slice of Cheddar: A Selection of Antique Pennsylvania Quilts. Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. July 11 – October 6, 2013.

[NSQG] = NSQG Member(s) represented

Many Thanks to Nancy Hantman for Researching and Compiling this List!

OnPoint! March 2013

CarolynFinn — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 05:08:09 +0000

Thank You!

I must start my letter with a big THANK YOU to the many NSQG members who have collaborated over the past two months to produce several wonderful events. We all have been so fortunate to share in the in-house talents of our membership.

Meg Mooar worked to provide two wonderful programs highlighting the knowledgeable skills of several talented Guild members:

Gail Elspermann, Lynda Long, Maxine Oliver, Sonia Rieber and Kendell Storm presented at our January meeting with the assistance of Deirdre Abbotts and her AV expertise.

In February, Meg enlisted the help of Carol Burton, Jean Degl, Eunice Gough, Mary Waterman, and Christine Wilhelm to share many creative ideas for re-purposing our scraps!

Super Saturday was such an enjoyable day. The weather cooperated and nearly 80 members were able to learn from Guild members Debbie Bein, Tamar Drucker, Margaret Phillips, and Patricia Loquet. Board member Kelly Lockwood and Super Saturday Coordinator Carol Mayefsky worked with Sister Barbara and Helen Boland to make the day run without a hitch.

I truly enjoyed taking part in the Sit-n-Sew option this year. If next year you are looking for a day away from the house to sew, please mark your calendar and join us. Super Saturday is a great way to make new friends in the Guild.

Now into March!

The Lancaster Trip is only days away and I am already wondering who will bring home the most fabric.

Our March Meeting program features former Guild member Karen Eckmeier. On Wednesday, Karen teaches a wonderful class, “Accidental Landscapes: Mountain Views.” This is a wonderful opportunity to learn the principles of landscape quilting, an area that’s attracted a lot of interest in recent years.

Quilt Registration is only a few weeks away! Please remember to register your quilts before the March 31 deadline. Quilt Drop-off is Saturday, April 27.

President@Northernstarquilters.com

Register Now for Spring Workshops!

Sign-ups for Spring Workshops will continue through April. Spaces are going fast, however - so be sure to register soon!

March: Karen Eckmeier

Lecture: Tue, Mar 19
“oops! My Edges are Showing”
Come learn all about appliqué! In “oops! My Edges Are Showing,” Karen, an artist with many skills, will provide an overview of her appliqué experience. From early hand appliqué pieces to her current straight-stitch appliqué series, Karen’s PowerPoint presentation plus mini trunk show will provide inspiration for dealing with those appliqué edges!

Workshop: Wed, Mar 20
“Accidental Landscapes: Mountain Views”
Karen has perfected a landscape technique that anyone can do. Combining her signature top-stitch piecing with free-form rotary cutting, you will create a landscape of mountains, hills and sky. Endless variations will have you making more than one! Karen’s book, Accidental Landscapes,could prove very helpful but is not required. This class is suitable for confident beginners and beyond! (Lake Lincolndale Clubhouse) www.quilted-lizard.com

We are most grateful to Karen for visiting and teaching us at no charge!
As a former member she is giving back to us.
Thank you!

April: Maxine Rosenthal

Lecture: Tue, Apr 16
Trunk Show of Maxine Rosenthal’s many One-Block Wonder quilts
Be amazed by the many beautiful designs and variations one block can produce! The real quilts seen in this trunk show are always more beautiful in person!

Workshop: Wed, Apr 17
“One-Block Wonders: Hexagons”
Take five yards of one special fabric, layer, cut and stitch triangles into a hexagon block. This one block, when joined to other hexagons, creates a stunning quilt or wall hanging. Maxine Rosenthal will show you how just one fabric becomes a quilt that looks complicated, but isn’t. Easy steps will take you to your own One Block Wonder. This workshop is suitable for confident beginners and beyond! The class is full, but sign up for the waiting list — you never know! (Lake Lincolndale Clubhouse)

May Quilt Show: Joe Cunningham

Quilt Show Lectures: May 4 and 5
Joe Cunningham is our main speaker for the Quilt Show. He will give a different lecture each day. Come and be inspired by this internationally known quilter and speaker.

Workshop: Monday, May 6
“Rock the Block: Album Style”
How can a quilt that looks so complex be so simple? Using Joe’s easy and unique block construction method, you will learn how to “rock the block” with a simple process that leads to unavoidable originality. You can’t help it! Fun, easy, satisfying and eye-opening, this class will have you inventing your own ways to make block quilts all your own. This class is suitable for all levels.

Mark your calendars now and sign up for one (or all!) of these inspiring workshops.

Barbara Sferra, VP Programs
Programs@Northernstarquilters.com

Calling all Members!

Share your work with other Guild members in a “Members Showcase” exhibit at an upcoming meeting! Team up with a friend (or two) or go solo to showcase your work.

For many, this is a great opportunity to highlight the diversity of your work or show the development of your technique and vision over time. For others, it’s simply a great way to “give back” to the Guild.

Members love the opportunity to see one another’s work and this is a great way to get involved.

Please contact me for more details.
Christine Ruggieri, VP Membership

What amazing participation we had for our 2013 Challenge!

Fifty-three Guild members participated in the Challenge, which invited participants to create a quilt using only black, white, black-and-white prints plus one other color. Congratulations to all of the participants for a job very well done!

Congratulations also to the winners in each category:

A big thank-you to Joyce Sullivan and Nancy Mirman for acting as coordinators. The presentation was such a great example of our Guild’s many artistic and talented quilters.

I hope you were inspired to keep the momentum of the Guild Challenge flowing! If so, please consider submitting an idea for the 2014 Challenge. Any guild member can submit a proposal, which should include

Your idea
Challenge name
Challenge rules
Categories for which ribbons will be awarded

Please submit your proposal to Kelly Lockwood – either electronically or on paper – before April 30.

Next Steps:

Kelly presents all Challenge proposals (anonymously) to the Board for a vote
The author of the winning idea becomes the 2014 Challenge Coordinator
The Coordinator gathers a committee to collect the challenge entries, display the quilts at the February 2014 meeting, count ballots, award ribbons, and hang the quilts Friday evening before the NSQG show in May 2014

Please contact me if you have any questions. Proposals will be presented at the May NSQG Board Meeting, so submit your idea (or ideas) before April 30!

The Challenge will be announced no later than the June meeting so that quilters can begin their designing and stitching over our summer break.

Kelly Lockwood, Special Events

Members with last names beginning with P, Q or R are kindly asked to bring snacks for our March meeting. Please make sure your snack is cut beforehand, if necessary, and put your name on the serving dish if you wish to have it back.

Those who brought snacks to the February’s meeting, as well as those bringing snacks in March, are welcome to come to the Hospitality Table to pick up your complimentary monthly raffle ticket.

Please consider helping out at the Hospitality Table for one meeting. It isn’t a huge commitment and allows each of us to browse library books, sign up for events, etc. Thank You! Just send me an email and mention “NSQG Hospitality” in the subject line.

Many thanks to those who helped with the Super Saturday Luncheon! We are always so grateful for your help.

This month’s raffle will feature fabrics donated by Paula Nadelstern along with several other items purchased by Kendell Storm. Be sure to stop by the Raffle Table to check out this month’s selections.

Helen Boland, Hospitality

Hospitality@Northernstarquilters.com

We have a number of new books that are available for your reading and learning pleasure so please stop by the Library Table during our next Guild meeting.

Scrap Quilts:

Adventures with Leaders and Enders: Make More Quilts in Less Time! By Bonnie K. Hunter
Scraps & Shirttails: Reuse, Re-purpose, Recycle! By Bonnie K. Hunter

Free-motion Quilting:

From Daisy to Paisley: 50 Beginner Level Free Motion Quilting Designs by Leah C. Day
From Feathers to Flames: 60 Intermediate Free Motion Quilting Designs by Leah C. Day
Free-Motion Quilting: Choose & Use Quilting Designs for Modern Quilts by Angela Walters

Threads and Embellishments:

Thread Magic Garden: Create Enchanted Quilts with Thread Painting & Pattern-Free Appliqué by Ellen Anne Eddy
Creative Uses for Decorative Stitches by Karen Linduska
Beading Artistry for Quilts by Thom Atkins

And More:

One Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-of-a-Kind Quilts by Maxine Rosenthal – our April speaker!
Quilting with Fat Quarters by That Patchwork Place
Jelly Roll Sampler Quilts by Pam & Nicky Lintott
Quick Weekend Quilts by Debbie Mumm
100 Any-Size Log Cabin Blocks (with CD) by Linda Causee
Turning Ten Book 1 by Tricia Cribbs
Best Wall Quilts – Easy Patterns for Year-Round Decorating by McCall’s Quilting

This past month, I was very pleased to hear the feedback that members had about the books they had borrowed. In the coming months I plan to keep a notebook at the Library Table to jot down these comments and then share them in the Newsletter. Your thoughts do not need to be a full-blown review of the book but if you found something particularly interesting or helpful, please feel free to tell us!

I look forward to seeing you at the Library in March.
Jackie Fowler, Library Chair

Many thanks to those who presented demos for February’s “Got Scraps?” program. To Carol Burton, Jean Degl, Eunice Gough, Patricia Loquet, Mary Waterman, and Christine Wilhelm: your ideas and project samples will inspire us as we sort through our leftovers!

Notes:

Many asked about the products Patricia Loquet featured in her demo. Patricia recommends Craftex for the placemat foundation and poly-acrylic sealer manufactured by Liquitex Gloss Varnish to waterproof a mat used for pet bowls.

I’ll have directions for Jean Degl’s fat-quarter purse at the March meeting.

A special thinks to those who shared their scrap quilts with us at Show and Tell.

This month, we’d like to see some of the Super Saturday projects even though they might not be complete.

I’d like to acknowledge our wonderful Special Interest Group (SIG) leaders. They’ve given their time and skills to organize mini workshops as well as steer each group toward completing challenges and displays for the Quilt Show.

The SIGs are a relatively new activity offered to our members and are very well attended. The groups meet before the general meeting, and/or at local banks and people’s homes, offering friendship and support while focusing on a particular aspect of quilting. Check our website’s Education page of the NSQG for descriptions of each group and to see where you fit in.

News from our Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

“Anything Goes” – Linda Ostrander

Remember, anything goes at this SIG – Show and Tell, discussion, ideas, and even stitching. Bring something to show and tell; it doesn’t have to be finished. Sometimes it’s more interesting to see a project during its construction. Bring your quilt project, knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery, beading, yourself. If you want to get started on a hand project, bring your idea and we’ll help you get started; hand-piecing can be very therapeutic. We meet at the back of the cafeteria at 6pm before the guild meeting.

Landscape – Don Gough

Our February meeting was very successful. We’re working on two quilts for the Silent Auction. We’ll start collecting the SIG display quilts at the next meeting. All quilts should be in by April’s Guild meeting. Our next meeting is March 9 from 1 to 3 at the Astoria Bank in Somers.

Longarm – Diane Linker

The next meeting of our Long arm SIG will meet at the home of Lorraine Freed on Sat, March 2. The April meeting will be held at Peggy Morgan’s home on April 6. Please contact Diane Linker for details.

Hand Appliqué – Denise Isherwood and Kathy Kaplan

During our March meeting, Kendell Storm will demonstrate how to enhance appliqué blocks with embellishments. If you have an appliqué piece you’re considering embellishing, please bring it with you. Show and Tell is always welcome. We meet before the general meeting at 5:45 in the faculty lounge.

Art Quilters – Christine Wilhelm

At our March meeting, we’ll talk about all things fabric postcards. Bring cards you have made or swapped to share with the group. Also you should bring your last completed cards for this year’s art quilt “Deck of Cards” challenge. See you there.

The Sticklers – Carolyn Finn

Rested from another hiatus — this time weather-induced — we look forward to our next meeting on March 9. Nancy Picco will bring her completed blocks and we’ll play “Dear Jane Bingo” to help her identify which are which. We’ll also do Show and Tell – so bring your “real” blocks and/or Sticklets. Finally, we’ll spend some time helping the Build-a-Block team by cutting strips for our Quilt Show. Many hands make light work! Please bring your cutting mats, rotary cutters, rulers, etc.

Meg Mooar, VP Education

Education@Northernstarquilters.com

Quilt Show Update

Planning for the show is moving forward. It takes a village to put together a seamless production, and Diane and I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our committee members for the tremendous job that they are doing to make this an outstanding show.

Much behind-the-scenes work has taken place this winter to ensure that the infrastructure of the show, the skeleton upon which the show is built, remains vibrant and solid:

The new background drapes for the quilt frames are in production under the watchful eye of Mary Cannizzaro, and we think you’ll be very pleased with the fresh new look of the quilt exhibit this year.
Our President, Patti Calautti, took charge of finding a replacement for the leaky storage container in which the show frames were stored.
Patti, Kay Marcarello and Susan Fasnacht spent a very long, cold day in January cleaning out the old container, doing an inventory of our quilt show frames and supplies and then organizing everything in the new shed. We are happy to report that repairs have been made, and our equipment is clean and ready to go.

Breaking News

The 2013 Show Pins have arrived! They will be available for purchase at the March meeting at a cost of $5.00 per pin. Last year, the pins sold out. Get yours while they are still plentiful. Vintage pins will be sold at the show.

Quilt Appraisal Sign-up

Will you be sending your quilt to a juried show in another part of the country? Are you concerned about your insurance company reimbursing you for the true value of your quilts in case of a flood or other natural disaster? Would you like to learn more about your antique quilt? This might be the best $35 you ever spent. Eugenia Barnes is a certified and highly respected quilt appraiser with many years of experience. Why not take advantage of her expertise? Please contact Fern Nadel to make an appointment.

Call for Quilts

By the time you receive this newsletter, there will be only be a few short weeks left to register your quilt for the show! Don’t let the opportunity to share your quilt with others pass you by!

Diane and I know that the interesting and creative quilts we’ve seen at Show and Tell this year are just the tip of the iceberg. We look forward to presenting an exhibit that showcases all of the talent the Guild has to offer.

The quilt registration form is up on the website, and the process is easier than you might think. Please note that the deadline for registering your quilt is March 31, 2013. If you are having difficulty with quilt registration, please contact the quilt registrar, Caryl Castellion.

Volunteers – We want You!

Of course, the other element necessary for a successful show is you, the volunteers who make it run smoothly. If you haven’t already done so, please sign up to volunteer for at least two hours on the days you plan to attend the show and save our Volunteer Chair, Patricia Loquet, the job of seeking you out. As the old quilters’ saying goes, “many hands make light work!”

Silent Auction

Thank you to those who have generously given your quilts for the Silent Auction. We are hoping for about 30 quilts for each day of the Show, so please help us reach our goal. Click here to see the current offerings.

Guidelines:

25 x 25” maximum
Please include a label and sleeve
Deliver your finished quilt to Carol Auer or Carolyn Langevin as soon as it’s ready
Photos will be taken and posted to the web

~ Carolyn Langevin, Silent Auction Chair

Build-a-Block

The Build-a-Block Committee would like to thank everyone who helped cut fabric at Super Saturday. A special thank-you to Carol Mayefsky for allowing us to use Super Saturday to get some of our cutting done. Kelly Lockwood was extremely generous in bringing cutting tables, mats and tools. It was a lot to move and her assistance is greatly appreciated! The Sticklers SIG also did a great amount of cutting during our meeting – thanks!

Donations Update

At this point, we have more than enough batting — thank you all for your generous contributions!
We are still accepting fabric donations. We will be at the March meeting to collect your strips of 9.5 inches x 3.5 to 5 inches

~ JoAnn Finnegan, Cathy Hopkins, and Mary O’Mara

Build-a-Block Committee

Carol Sterk and Diane Linker, VPs Quilt Show

QuiltShowChairs@Northernstarquilters.com

We’re delighted to report that our small works (now known as “Tiny Quilts”) have been selling briskly! We won’t know which specific works have sold until

the museum’s show closes in June, but in the meantime, we know they’re a big hit.

The museum hosts a gala in April and we expect that sales will spike even further at that point.

So, if you’re interested in participating, or continuing to participate – provided this doesn’t distract from your NSQG show commitments — we’re lifting the “up to three” restriction. If you want to make one or two canvases, that’s great; and if you want to make six, that’s also great. (Remember there’s a $5 registration fee per canvas.)

Also, in an attempt to keep some inventory at the museum, we’re trying to collect completed canvases at a date between our meetings as well as at them. The last pick-up/drop-off was on a Saturday at the museum, which seemed to work well. We’ll let you know once the next date has been set. (Please send Melanie a note if you’d like to be added to our distribution list.)

In general, and as with other fine art, works that echo themes in the show (traditional patterns, nature-inspired images) and works that are less abstract are selling faster than those that are.

Kudos, and thank you to everyone for making this adventure such a rousing success!
Melanie Hulse, Katonah Museum of Art Liaison and

Patti Calautti, President

Project Co-Chairs

Comfort Quilters meet the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Be sure to pick up your 2013 Raffle Tickets the Membership Table if you haven’t done so already. I’ll be at the Volunteer Sign-up Table to collect ticket stubs and money for those you’ve sold.

As usual, a large number of guild members took on the feat of constructing blocks for our 2014 Raffle Quilt. Thank you all for your participation!

At this point, only a few members haven’t returned their completed blocks. Please return all blocks to March Guild meeting — completed or not — or mail them to Judy Mayer.

There is still time to nominate your favorite charity to partner with our Guild for the 2014 Raffle Quilt fundraiser. Click here to access the form online. Nominations are due by March 31, 2013.

Maureen Schulman, Charitable Activities

April Russell, Secretary

Village Squares Show – April 6-7

The Village Squares show, Quilt Celebration XII, will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7. The show will be located at JCC of Mid-Westchester (999 Wilmot Road in Scarsdale) and runs 10-4 pm. (As you may recall, the show was rescheduled because of Hurricane Sandy.)

The show will include 100+ quilts by members and invited guests. The show also includes a sales boutique, vendors, and a Quilters’ Café. Demonstrations by vendors will enable new and experienced quilters to expand and enhance their next quilts.

The Silent Auction of a wall quilt will support the Guild’s ongoing outreach programs, such as Cuddle Quilts (which donates baby quilts made by members to babies and children in local facilities), Bedford Babies (a prison outreach program, in which a group of members regularly visits Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to teach quilting to inmates with babies), and Friendship Quilts (in which members contribute lap quilts to adults in hospices and nursing homes).

The show is wheelchair accessible. Admission $8.00. NSQG Contacts: Pat Julian and Ellen Belson.
Carolyn Finn, VP Communications

“Masters 2: SAQA Art Quilts.” Exhibition curated by Martha Sielman. Lowell, MA: New England Quilt Museum. Through April 15, 2013.

“Beyond the Bed: The American Quilt Evolution.” (includes sale of works by NSQG

Members). Katonah, NY: Katonah Museum of Art. Through June 16. [NSQG]

Lancaster Quilt Show. Lancaster, PA: The Continental Inn. March 13-16.

“Beauty of the Byways: Route 66 Traveling Quilts.” Sackets Harbor, NY: Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center. March 16-17 and March 23-24, 2013.

AQS Lancaster Quilt Show. Lancaster, PA: Lancaster County Exhibition Center. March 13–16. [NSQG]

“Quilt Expo 2013.” Towson, MD: Goucher College Sports and Recreation Center. March 16-27.