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1 Sep, 2022

President’s Message – 09/22

2022-09-13T15:50:11-04:00President's Message|

Welcome back!  It’s hard to believe that our hot and dry summer is almost over.  We hope you had a restful summer and were also able to get in some happy sewing time.  Let’s make it an exciting year!  Greetings to several new members who have joined us and to those of you returning.  If you haven’t renewed your membership, now is the time!

Our first in-person meeting is Wednesday, September 21, at Kennedy Catholic HS in Somers from 6:00-8:30.  Hospitality will be providing cookies, be sure to buy tickets at the Table Raffle.  Think about one Show and Tell you might share which helps everyone to better know our members.  Then prepare to learn from our guest lecturer, Deborah Kalenty, who will hold a workshop the next day at Millwood Fire Co#1 from 9:00-3:00.  There is still room for members to sign up for her “Love Links” workshop before we publicize it widely.

We’d like to announce that we have received a $3000 grant from ArtsWestchester to assist with funding our 2022 programs and quilt show, with many thanks for the efforts of Anne Chehebar and Susan Fasnacht.

This year we are excited to invite you to participate in a quilting retreat weekend at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining.  We have attended retreats there for years with our other guild (NYCMetroMod) and have loved every single one.  It is scheduled for the first weekend in February.  There is a minimum number required to reserve our space (as well as a cut-off number).   Details will follow at our meeting and in a future email.

Do you have scissors that need sharpening?  We have a contact who is good and is willing to come during a meeting with his equipment.  We’ll ask for a show of hands during our next meeting to gauge interest.   Prices: $10 large, $8 small.

The Ugly Fabric auction will resume and it’s already time to start gathering your donations!  Because our January and February meetings are on Zoom, we will start collecting fabric in the Fall.

We plan to resume Super Saturday this February or March – stay tuned for details.

If you signed up for the “Card Tricks” Guild Challenge, we hope you’ve been “shuffling” your skills and designs and coming up with a winning card!  This is an opportunity for some members to have their quilts displayed in an AQS Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Comfort Quilts Summer Challenge and Quilt Raffle will be presented in October.  If you’ve not been able to come to one of our CQ sewing days, please come to one of our upcoming CQ meetings or check out Comfort Quilts at our meeting.

One hundred and forty quilts, made and donated by our members and many other guilds and groups, were successfully delivered to Ukraine.  We’ve seen photos as the boxes were being received and opened.  Since then, we’ve been asked to make quilts for a Ukrainian orphanage in the Carpathian Mountains.  We are nearly ready to send out another delivery.

We need someone to step up and “oversee” the Activities Committee.  The subcommittees are already operating under leaders.  A coordinator would be most helpful.   Please volunteer if you want to do something to help the guild.

Details on these various activities follow in the Latest News section.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions, suggestions or want to volunteer in any capacity, our personal emails are in your member directory.  In the meantime, continue to enjoy your summer!

Happy Quilting!  See you soon!
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan

-- GUILD EVENTS --

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1 Sep, 2022

Latest News – 09/22

2022-09-02T14:06:50-04:00Latest News|

Click Pic – Renew your NSQG Membership Now!

World of Quilts - May 6 & 7, 2023

Preparation for World of Quilts XLII begins now!

The show will be May 6th and 7th in 2023, SUNY Purchase Gymnasium.  As we return to our new location for the second year, we want to make the show even better!

HELP WANTED!!

If you are interested in joining the committee, we have some key positions open:

  • Registrar Assistant – Work with Marie Sugar and learn the ropes of this fun job, in preparation to take charge of it in 2024.  On the job training with the expert!
  • Judging Assistant – Work with Jane Eyes and learn the ins and outs of how the Judging Process works.  The assistant will hopefully take over Judging for the 2024 show.
  • Quilt Show Layout – Work with Vendor and Quilt Hanging Committee to calculate rental equipment needed for the show.  Susan Fasnacht has offered to be available for guidance and advice.  We have the 2022 layout to work from, so it is not an overwhelming task, but a very important one!
  • Show Photographer – Grab your camera and document the weekend
  • Concession – coordinate the food concession the weekend of the show
  • “TBD” Additional Fundraising Chairman – This may end up being Silent Auction, Basket Raffle – we are looking for ideas to generate additional income at the show.  You will have the support of the entire Show Committee as we work out the details – we have several ideas already brewing.

We will hold a monthly one-hour meeting via Zoom for the entire committee to share updates.  And there may possibly be some smaller meetings as people pursue different tasks related to the show.  My experience after my first year as committee chairperson was that it is a total team effort, with everyone pitching in to help make the show a lot of fun and a success.

If you are interested in joining the committee, please email me or call me!
Thank you!
Lisa Alfonzetti
nsqgworldofquilts@gmail.com
(914) 263-5344

Charitable Activities

2023 Raffle Quilt – Blue Lightning

2023 Charity – Sparrow’s Nest

Congratulations to Sparrow’s Nest, our charitable organization for next year’s raffle recipient.  Thank you to Rosemary DePaola for nominating this wonderful organization. Sparrow’s Nest mission is to feed families facing a cancer diagnosis in Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Dutchess and Ulster Counties. They are located in Wappingers Falls. Homemade meals are delivered to families weekly.

‘Blue Lightning’ is a queen size quilt coordinated by Rosemary DePaola and by Guild members Nancy Picco, Kathy Keane, Althea Nolan, Dee Plouffe’, and Patricia Loquet and beautifully quilted by Angela Vertucci.  The quilt will be displayed at our September guild meeting. Tickets will be distributed at our November meeting.

2024 Raffle Quilt

Carol Auer and Karen Carlson will be coordinating the 2024 Raffle Quilt, a modern variation of half square triangles using neutral and pastel Cherrywood fabrics.

Block kits will be available at the September meeting, to be sewn and returned no later than the October meeting.

Dee Plouffe, charitable@nothernstarquilters.com

Comfort Quilts

For an end-of-year graduating project, the students in Marty White’s eighth-grade class at St. Joseph’s School in Bronxville sewed quilt blocks with the theme, “Memories of St. Joe’s.” Here are some of those young quilters in front of their colorful quilt. Comfort Quilters Rosemary dePaola, Kathy Keane and Anne Chehebar helped assemble the blocks.

Help make quilts for charities! 

Besides the wonderful camaraderie, Comfort Quilts is a place where new quilters can receive guidance and seasoned quilters can learn new techniques. We welcome all interested members, so consider joining the fun! We make lap-size quilts for hospitals, shelters, individuals in need of comfort, and charity fundraisers.  We meet at North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 14 Daniel Rd. North Salem, from 10 to 2pm.   All members are welcome. Thank you to Karen Carlson and Carol Auer for organizing this group.

Projected Comfort Quilts Dates for the rest of 2022 :

  • Sept. 14 and 28  (2nd and 4th Wednesdays)
  • Oct. 12 and 26 (2nd and 4th Wednesdays)
  • Nov. 9 and 30 (2nd and 5th Wednesdays)
  • Dec. 7 and 21 (1st and 3rd Wednesdays)
Bring lunch or a snack to eat for a food break at your seat.
(All recommended vaccinations required.)
Last minute cancellations do happen, so if in doubt or coming for the first time please check.

Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to join in making Comfort Quilts or to make charity quilt requests or to donate fabric.

Comfort Quilters have been busy over the summer!

  

North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps, CQ’s meeting host, asked in August if we had a bed quilt we could donate to their September Barn Dance and Silent Auction Fundraiser; we did not but CQ’ers rose to the occasion creating this scrappy bed quilt in record time.

Workshop - Love Links

Thursday, September 22 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm EDT

$80

Love Links – Flying Geese – Wing Clipper

Debbie Kalenty is a certified instructor for Studio 180, Tucker Time Tools.

Love Links From Studio 180 Designs (In-person Workshop):  Interlocking chevrons make a fun and unique looking quilt. A difficult looking design is made easy using flying geese, making this a quick and easy quilt to master.

– Eight project sizes (choose the size you would like to make):
13″ x 14″ / 26″ x 28″ / 39″ x 42″ / 52″ x 56″ / 65″ x 70″ / 78″ x 84″ / 91″ x 98″ / 104″ x 112″

– Fabric: 2 colors, colors and background
– Required tool –  Wing Clipper I( a tool for trimming flying geese) $26
– Required pattern –  Love Links $9
– Items are available for purchase at the workshop.

Workshop-Wicked Wahini

Thursday, October 20 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm EDT

$60

Linda Hahn – froghollowdesigns.com

In-person Workshop:  Wicked Wahini design is only available through a workshop with Linda.  She will teach how to use her One Pin technique to perfect your New York Beauty blocks on the first attempt.  Linda will also demonstrate how to make a miniature version using the scraps and cutaways from making the larger project.

Kits are available for a fee of $28.00.  The kit contains custom foundation paper that can be left in the quilt, custom acrylic templates, a re-use.able foundation piecing stencil and a full color handout.  Pigma brush tips are available in class ($3 black or $4 color).

Workshop-Contemporary Quilting with Your Walking Food

Thursday, November 17 @ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm EST

$65

Marge Tucker  –  margetuckerquilts.com/about

This in-person workshop is titled Unmarked – Contemporary Quilting with your Walking Foot.

You can do so much innovative quilting JUST with your walking foot! I will show you my method of quilting with your walking foot that involves little or no marking but still results in spectacular quilting.

I start with the basics, such as batting choices, thread, needles and how to secure the quilting stitches. Then, we start quilting with straight lines and move to curved quilting lines and spirals on your practice quilt sandwiches. For both the straight line and curved quilting, I will show you many designs and variations you can use to great effect. I will also have some of my quilts as examples, including “Burst” which received the award Best Machine Quilting (Frameless) at QuiltCon 2019. This class will change the way you think about your walking foot!

Workshop Payment

  • To signup and pay via credit card: click here.
  • To signup and pay by check:  first EMAIL  kathytuttle9@gmail.com with your workshop choice and then mail your check (payable to Northern Star Quilters’ Guild):  Kathy Tuttle, 9 Coventry Circle, Mahopac, NY  10541.
– All workshop sign-ups are subject to availability, no refunds unless workshop is cancelled or overfilled.
– Please be sure your NSQG membership is up-to-date (click here to renew or join) before registering as a member for a workshop.
– Non-members are welcome (based on availability) for an increased fee, usually $20.
Class confirmation and supply list will be emailed when payment is received.
To check on availability or with any questions, email Kathy Tuttle,  kathytuttle9@gmail.com.

Quilt Challenge - Card Tricks

Hello Everyone!!

I simply can not believe that I am writing this for the September Newsletter – Yikes!!  It just does not seem possible.

Thank you all so very much for your participation in this year’s Challenge – Card Tricks.  I am so excited.  We currently have 25 members playing with us.  So, I still have cards available for those of you who might want to come and play!

I will be heading over to Pins and Needles to meet with Lisa to pick out our binding fabric soon.  Lisa has shared with me some really good options.  Once selected, I will make arrangements for distribution to you.

Many of you have reached out concerning the slightly rounded corners of the Card.  I have worked through several corners and have settled on one that is perfect and easy to work with.  I will share this at the September guild meeting.  And, of course, I will send out an email blast with instructions for all.  So, in short, if you can’t be with us in person in September, no problem.

As always, any questions, please reach out.

Happy Quilting,  April Russell, kadidty@gmail.com

ArtsWestchester

Rendering

Volunteers Needed for ArtsWestchester Monumental Fabric Art Project!

ArtsWestchester and the fabric artist, Amanda Browder, are seeking volunteers to help complete Metropolis Sunrise, the monumental fabric sculpture that will be draped on the front façade of the ArtsWestchester building in downtown White Plains this October.

Pre-pandemic, the Guild held a sewing day at Kennedy Catholic and many Guild members turned out that day, and at other public sewing days, to take part in this special project.

The project is now two-thirds complete with an amazing 6,500 square feet of fabric sewn together by community sewists in Westchester County.  The goal is 10,000 square feet and ArtsWestchester is seeking volunteers to take them over the finish line!

ArtsWestchester has been a very good friend to the Guild, providing generous grants to support our Guild lectures — $3,000 for 2022 alone was just received — and we would love to take part and help them complete this fun and exciting project.  We hope you can help.

Here is some more information about the project and a list of the public sewing days and locations:

A Public Art Vision for White Plains by Amanda Browder

Membership

Membership Renewal

Two Ways to Renew – by check and mail ($45) or by credit card online ($48 includes CC overhead).
If you haven’t already done so, we invite you to renew your membership now.

RENEW – RENEW – RENEW – RENEW – RENEW – RENEW – RENEW
.

Membership Update

As of the end of August, guild membership stands at 198. So far, 105 people have renewed for the 2022-2023 year.  Please note that dues need to be paid by the end of September for your membership to remain current.

Please welcome our newest members who joined over the summer. They are Heidi Chandler of Mahopac, Marilyn Grantner of Croton-on-Hudson, Jean Hinrichs of Armonk, Shari Lynn Kochman of Brookfield CT, Kate Longo of White Plains, Sally Olson of Stamford, CT and Sara Richelson of Armonk.

Membership Directory Photo Initiative Continues

Thank you to all those members who have sent in their photos over the past year for inclusion in the NSQG Membership Directory. If you haven’t yet done so, we hope you will consider participating in our ongoing effort to help members connect with one another by including your photo when you register. The more members who participate, the easier it will be for each of us to connect a name with a face.

Picture Options – casual or formal, your choice
*Note:  If you have already sent us your photo, you don’t have to do it, again.
Pictures will be postage stamp size and cropped to include only your face.

– Send in your favorite recent picture of yourself
– Send us a picture taken at a special event (birthday, graduation, wedding, etc.)
– Get together with your quilting friends. You can take turns snapping pictures of each other.
– Use a professional photo
– Try a selfie!

We look forward to seeing you at the September guild meeting.  This will be the first time in three years that the initial meeting of the year has been held in-person at Kennedy Catholic.  That is something to celebrate!

Joanne Visovsky and Carol Sterk, Membership

Member Notices:

(Members may request a posting per season about personal quilting related items for sale or other quilting info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Area Quilt Shows

Area Guilds offering Programs

Area Quilt Shops

Whether you’re a new or renewing member, check out our Buddy Program if you would like a ‘buddy’ to show you the ropes around the guild.  Be sure to pick up your name pin button or make your own NSQG fabric name badge, pattern HERE.

If you know any member of the guild who is in need of a little ‘sunshine’ for illness, sympathy, or any other reason, please contact secretary@northernstarquilters.com so the guild can send a card.

Requests on how to make a donation to the guild to honor a member or support an activity are occasionally received. Such requests may now be accomplished via our website, where we have set up a Donate box on our home page, click on Make a Donation.

Guild bylaws and policies are available to members on our website or by request to the secretary@northernstarquilters.com.
Guild financial reports are available to members by annual email or by request to the treasurer@northernstarquilters.com.

Send Guild newsletter updates and photos as well as info on local quilt activities and shows to news@northernstarquilters.com and photos for Instagram and Facebook are always welcome at social@northernstarquilters.com.

Follow and Share NSQG activities on Facebook  and Instagram   –   @northernstarquilters

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1 Jun, 2022

President’s Message – 06/22

2022-06-02T20:40:45-04:00President's Message|

Viewers Choice-Norma Lopez Burton-When Life Give You Scraps Make Quilts

As our first year as presidents comes to an end, we wish to thank you all for making it such a rewarding (and, yes, exhausting) experience.  Seriously, ALL of you have helped in so many ways…volunteering, putting up with our hiccups, offering advice and just generally being cheerful.  (Isn’t that the true nature of every quilter?!?)

With all the challenges new leadership faces, we had a few extras with changes of quilt show venues, workshop venues and meeting schedules.  But with help and cooperation from many of you, we can honestly say we think this year has been a success and look forward to a positive one next year, as well.

Our final gathering is Wednesday, June 15 @ 6 pm, for our annual Salad Supper.  Please bring a salad or cold dish, see details in the following Hospitality section.

We sincerely look forward to seeing you all.

Jody and Margaret
Contact president@northernstarquilters.com

Best of Show(small)-At the Bazaar-Linda Schoenfeld

Best of Show(large)-Good Times Bad TImes-Barbara Camoagna

-- GUILD EVENTS --

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1 Jun, 2022

Latest News – 06/22

2022-06-01T13:37:40-04:00Latest News|

Hospitality

 We look forward to our end of the year celebration, our Salad Supper. It will be held at Kennedy Catholic High School on Wednesday, June 15th at 6 p.m.
Please bring an appetizer or entree/salad big enough to feed 6 people, serving utensils, and a card listing all the ingredients. Be sure to mark any items you want returned with your name and collect them before you leave.

Coffee, hot tea, ice tea, and lemonade will be provided, as well as dessert.

Let’s celebrate together all that we have accomplished as a guild this year!

Kathy Keene, Nancy Picco,
Hospitality@northernstarquilters.com

Lisa Mason's Trunk Show - Thank you Lisa!

Photos courtesy of Fran Jacobson.

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe

Charity Quilt Raffle Winners 2022

Trudy picking up her new machine!

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of our Grand Prize, ‘Bright Star’ , Anita Schatz who resides in Florida.  The winner of the First Prize, a Bernina sewing machine, is Trudy Trier, who resides in New Jersey.  Congratulations to Friends of Karen, they will be receiving a very generous check at our June 15th Salad Supper.

See you then,  Dee Plouffe’  charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Comfort Quilts

Upcoming Comfort Quilts Dates:

June 1 & 22, July 20, August 17
Wednesdays, 10am-2pm
North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps,14 Daniel Rd, North Salem, NY
(All recommended vaccinations required.)
Last minute cancellations do happen so if in doubt or coming for the first time please check.

Summer Surprise packs are ready to be picked up…join us in the fun!

Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to join in making Comfort Quilts or to make charity quilt requests or to donate fabric.

May Comfort Quilts

Membership

Hi everyone,

It was great to see so many of you at the show! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

The guild has added several new members over the past month bringing our total membership to 194.
Please welcome:

  • Janis Cortright
  • Phoebe Hawthorne
  • Kate Franklin
  • Aminah Lucio
  • Debra Oaks
  • Dorothea Panayotou
  • Marianne Taylor
  • Constanze Toplansky

If you and a few of your friends would like to host a new member at your table, please contact Joanne or me at membership@northernstarquilters.com

The most updated digital version of the NSQG Membership Directory has been emailed so look for it in your inbox (check Spam if not received).   We’d love it if you could send us your photo for the directory, if you have not yet done so.  We’d like to reach 75% participation in the coming year! The email address is: membership@northernstarquilters.com.

In other Membership news, Torch Archibald writes that she has moved to Virginia. She would like her friends in the guild to have her new address since she will not be rejoining next year. Her address is: 12751 Sudley Manor Drive, Apt. 217, Bristow, VA 20136

I hope you will come and enjoy the return of the annual NSQG Salad Super on Wednesday, June 15th.

Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Carol Sterk and Joanne Visovsky, Membership@northernstarquilters.com

R E N E W   H e r e

Member Notices:

(Members may request a posting per season about personal quilting related items for sale or other quilting info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Area Quilt Shows

Area Guilds offering Programs

Area Quilt Shops

Whether you’re a new or renewing member, check out our Buddy Program if you would like a ‘buddy’ to show you the ropes around the guild.  Be sure to pick up your name pin button or make your own NSQG fabric name badge, pattern HERE.

If you know any member of the guild who is in need of a little ‘sunshine’ for illness, sympathy, or any other reason, please contact secretary@northernstarquilters.com so the guild can send a card.

Requests on how to make a donation to the guild to honor a member or support an activity are occasionally received. Such requests may now be accomplished via our website, where we have set up a Donate box on our home page, click on Make a Donation.

Guild bylaws and policies are available to members on our website or by request to the secretary@northernstarquilters.com.
Guild financial reports are available to members by annual email or by request to the treasurer@northernstarquilters.com.

Send Guild newsletter updates and photos as well as info on local quilt activities and shows to news@northernstarquilters.com and photos for Instagram and Facebook are always welcome at social@northernstarquilters.com.

Follow and Share NSQG activities on Facebook  and Instagram   –   @northernstarquilters

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2 May, 2022

President’s Message – 05/22

2022-05-20T14:19:29-04:00President's Message|

‘Put a Heart on It’ Challenge

This newsletter is most likely arriving in your in-box right after A World of Quilts XLI has ended.  In case you are wondering, 65 NSQG members submitted 162 quilts and 16 non-members also participated.  We sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, effort and talent to make this show a success.  Special thanks go to Lisa Alfonzetti and her competent and amazing committee for all they did to bring us back to an in-person and fabulous experience in this new venue.  We look forward to hearing your opinions.

Chris Economos, who is coordinating the collection and delivery of quilts to Ukraine from NSQG and NYCMQG and others, has informed us that she will have about 100 quilts to send soon. As wonderful as that is, it’s a sad reminder that the need for comfort and support is ongoing. Chris has said that this effort will continue and she will let us know about future collection dates.

Be sure to review the information about our Annual Meeting and Board Election below.  We still have an opening for the appointed position of Activities Liaison. Several of the events that fall in this category have been filled so much of the work has been done. We just need one of two members to head up the committee.  Please consider volunteering!

The guest speaker at our May meeting is our own Lisa Mason who will present a trunk show of her beautiful quilts.  You are in for a big treat! Two lucky people will win our charity raffle prizes! And don’t forget your Show n Tell!

Looking forward to seeing you on Wednesday May 18!
Jody and Margaret
Contact president@northernstarquilters.com

-- GUILD EVENTS --

View Calendar

Notice of Annual Meeting and 2022-2023 Board Election
Wednesday, May 18th, 2020 – 6pm

The annual meeting and election will take place prior to our regular business meeting.

Slate of Officers

Co-President:  Margaret Cibulsky
For most of my adult life, I lived happily on Long Island where I taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 32 years, where my husband worked for SUNY and where we raised two sons.  Three years ago, I moved from Long Island to Stamford, Connecticut and a few months later I joined NSQG, and participate in both Comfort Quilts and the Improvisational SIG.  I came to quilting 15 years ago, filled with grief after my husband passed, but I was able to sort out my life by working with my hands, mind, and heart.  A few years later, 2010, the NYC Metro Modern Quilt Guild formed, and I have been an active member ever since.  That is where I fell in love with improvisational and scrap quilts.  Hoping our year ahead is filled with positive energy, good health, and lots of time to quilt.

Co-President:  Jody Sullivan


I am married to my high school sweetheart Jim for 54 years.  We raised our three children in our 150-year-old house which we were constantly renovating ourselves.  When it was finally “finished” after about 30 years, I found time to buy a sewing machine and discovered quilting.  I started by taking several classes at The Country Quilter and was hooked!  I have now joined the fabric hoarders’ society and spend much of my free time (particularly these past years) making quilts (when not helping with eleven grandkids).  I joined NSQG a few years ago and discovered an amazing group of fellow quilters and look forward to continuing in their future.

Secretary:  Francine Jacobson

I took my first quilting class at The Niddy Noddy in Croton-on-Hudson in 1980 and I haven’t stopped since!  I have a large family and mostly make quilts for weddings and babies.  I worked for 30 years as an educator in Ossining and since my retirement I can dedicate more time to quilting.  Since joining the guild a few years ago, I have begun to explore many new avenues in the world of quilting and appreciate the opportunity to give back!

Treasurer:  Amanda Curley
When I joined the NSQG in 2015, the world of quilting I knew as a child had changed.   I’ve been fascinated with the different quilting techniques and approaches and captivated with the quilts made and shared while enjoying the friendship of so many quilters.  As we all know, there is a time to give back and in 2021 I decided to volunteer to be the Guild’s Treasurer.  Your votes gave me the position and this journey has been as informative as have been the years as a new quilter.  As your treasurer, I have managed the monthly accounting with the multiple transactions involved.  I appreciate the different budgets and the Chairpersons who responsibly manage them.  I humbly recognize the savings that was accumulated over years by diligent members.  Being Treasurer has taken precedence over quilting, oh, my!  I would like to continue as your treasurer.  With the assistance of others, I would like to plan a budget strategy that will provide guidance on how best to prepare for our near future.  As we all know, tomorrow’s changes are already here.

Vice President–Communications:  Anne MacDonald

I began quilting in 2014, and it was love at first stitch.  My mother had been a hand quilter in the 70’s and I learned how to machine piece from my sister-in-law after admiring all her creations.  Quilting is a welcome change from using my brain at work, and I especially like the tactile and repetitive nature of the activities – cut, sew, press, cut, sew, press!  I joined the guild in 2015 and enjoy being with others that are interested in all things fabric and creative.  My favorite guild day all year is Super Saturday and I have found that smaller group activities are a good way to get to know other members.  Although we have had some great remote experiences, I am excited that we are able to have in-person activities again!  I joined the board first as the Charitable Activities Chair, and then as Assistant to the Presidents and have really enjoyed the experience.

Vice President–Programs:  Kathy Tuttle

I am a retired educator who started Quilting when I was waiting for my second grandchild to be born.  A good friend of mine told me I had to make a giraffe/measurement chart for the nursery, and she would help me.  Having been a sewer for most of my life I thought it was a great idea.  That was five years ago.  While the project was way over my head, I fell in love with quilting.  I am a self-taught quilter with a few classes here and there.  I was delighted to join the guild last year, excited to meet wonderful people and learn from experienced quilters.  Since joining the guild, I have realized through the many wonderful programs and workshop that my love lies with art quilting.  I am a life-long learner and I look forward to in person meetings and workshops as the world opens its doors again in the not-too-distant future.

Vice President–Quilt Show:  Lisa Alfonzetti

While being a supporter of the guild since the beginning of my business in 1987, I only became a member in 2021.  And shortly after joining, I volunteered to take on the Quilt Show.  We faced more than the usual obstacles this past year, including having to find a new venue, but with a great committee working with me we have accomplished a lot and The World of Quilts XLI is poised to be a great show.  It makes sense to volunteer for another year to maintain the continuity and strive to make improvements in our new venue.  One of the things from this experience that I am most grateful for is getting to know so many guild members better.  There is a wealth of talent, knowledge and capabilities, and everyone here inspires me.  It has been a great experience for me!

Vice President–Membership:  Joanne Visovsky 

I’m not really a quilter but was interested enough to join the guild in 2019.  As a full-time real estate agent, I don’t have an abundance of free time.  I wanted to get back into sewing and liked the idea of Comfort Quilts.  As a young girl I hand-sewed doll clothes with my grandmother’s help.  Started machine sewing in junior high and high school.  Bought myself a Bernina Nova 900 after college and considered it a huge gift to myself!  Then life took over and my machine sat idle for decades while I worked and raised our four kids.  Now it’s time to get back to creating and I find all you guild members so inspiring!  Being on the Membership Team has been fun for me and I look forward to continuing.

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2 May, 2022

Latest News – 05/22

2022-05-20T14:20:18-04:00Latest News|

World of Quilts XLI - Lisa Alfonzetti

We did it!  World of Quilts XLI was a success!

Beautiful weather was an added gift to a busy weekend.  The aisles were buzzing with attendees admiring the beautiful quilts, shopping with vendors, attending the lectures and enjoying the special exhibits.

This guild is a pretty amazing group of talent and hard work, and I hope that everyone felt proud to be part of Northern Star Quilters Guild.

The Quilt Show Committee will continue to work over the next few weeks to bring you final numbers, and to begin plans for next year.  If you were not directly involved this year, start thinking about becoming part of our efforts for next year.  We will be recruiting committee members soon!

Thank you to everyone who made my job easier, committee members as well as guild members who pitched in when something was needed.  A great team effort.

If you have any feedback you want to share, feel free to email me at QuiltShow@Northernstarquilters.com.

Thank you,

Lisa Alfonzetti, quiltshow@northernstarquilters.com

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe

Raffle Quilt 2022

LAST CALL for returning your raffle tickets… the drawing is coming soon at our Guild meeting, Wednesday May 18th.  If you would like to purchase more tickets , or if you have misplaced them,  the best way to purchase them is online and I will fill out the stubs for you.  The link is https://nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_charity_raffle.  You could be one of our lucky winners!

Thank you to all of our Guild members, their family and friends , for supporting this years charity, Friends of Karen.

Dee Plouffe’,  charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Comfort Quilts

Many thanks to all CQ’ers who have made quilts and have thus kept our donation coordinators very busy; and thank you to the coordinators for delivering the quilts to those in need of the bit of comfort or hug that a quilt can bring.  From July 2021 to April 2022, Comfort Quilts has distributed 336 quilts to various organizations and individuals in need of comfort. Thank you Pat Julian for keeping these records.    Come join our group, we are very productive!

Last minute cancellations do happen so if in doubt or coming for the first time please check.  Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to join in making Comfort Quilts quilts or to make charity quilt requests or to donate fabric.

Upcoming CQ Dates: (Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps)
May 4 & 18, June 1 & 22
(All recommended vaccinations required.)

April Comfort Quilts

Quilts for Ukraine

Some Quilts for Ukraine

Membership - Carol Sterk -

By the time you receive this newsletter, the show will have come and gone.  I hope you were able to attend and renew your connection to the guild and fellow members.

Our membership has reached 184. Please welcome our newest member, Phoebe Hawthorne.  The show is quickly approaching as I write. A Membership table will be set up at the bottom of the stairs in our venue, and we hope to attract some additional members.

Joanne and I recently went through our list of new members beginning in  March 2020 – present and made up NSQG name badges for  you. Please stop by the sign in table at the next meeting to pick up yours. If your name isn’t there, please let us know and a badge will be available to you at the June meeting.

Carol Sterk and Joanne Visovsky, contact membership@northernstarquilters.com

J o I n   H e r e

Programs - Kathy Tuttle -

Samples from Heidi Parkes’ workshop

Contact Kathy Tuttle, kathytuttle9@gmail.com.

Make It Modern SIG

The ‘Make It Modern’ SIG Display at the Show

Member Notices:

(Members may request a posting per season about personal quilting related items for sale or other quilting info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Area Quilt Shows

Area Guilds offering Programs

Area Quilt Shops

Whether you’re a new or renewing member, check out our Buddy Program if you would like a ‘buddy’ to show you the ropes around the guild.  Be sure to pick up your name pin button or make your own NSQG fabric name badge, pattern HERE.

If you know any member of the guild who is in need of a little ‘sunshine’ for illness, sympathy, or any other reason, please contact secretary@northernstarquilters.com so the guild can send a card.

Requests on how to make a donation to the guild to honor a member or support an activity are occasionally received. Such requests may now be accomplished via our website, where we have set up a Donate box on our home page, click on Make a Donation.

Guild bylaws and policies are available to members on our website or by request to the secretary@northernstarquilters.com.
Guild financial reports are available to members by annual email or by request to the treasurer@northernstarquilters.com.

Send Guild newsletter updates and photos as well as info on local quilt activities and shows to news@northernstarquilters.com and photos for Instagram and Facebook are always welcome at social@northernstarquilters.com.

Follow and Share NSQG activities on Facebook  and Instagram   –   @northernstarquilters

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1 Apr, 2022

President’s Message – 04/22

2022-04-01T19:33:28-04:00President's Message|

We had a successful and lively in-person meeting in March and were excited to see so many smiling faces. The Show and Tell aspect seems to be a real hit… and quite inspiring, too.  Obviously many of you have been using your time creatively and productively.  We look forward to our next meeting on Wednesday April 6 at 6:00.

Leading up to that gathering is a two day workshop with Heidi Parkes where she’ll be guiding us in creating framed quilts.  The workshop will be held in our new venue for workshops, the Millwood Fire Company#1, from 9-4 on both Tuesday 4/5 and Wednesday 4/6.

Thanks to Lisa and the quilt show committee, A World of Quilts is well underway with planning and preparations.  Please do your part and sign up to volunteer in some capacity.  Check the website to see where you’re needed.  Remember that a two hour shift gives you a free day pass to the show but of course we hope you’ll do more!

Membership will be voting in May on the proposed slate of elected officers for 2022-2023:
– Co-President Margaret Cibulsky
– Co-President Jody Sullivan
– Secretary Fran Jacobson
– Treasurer Amanda Curley
– Programs Kathy Tuttle
– Membership Joanne Visovsky
– Communications Anne MacDonald
– Quilt Show Lisa Alfonzetti

We’re still looking for someone (or several of you) to fill the position of Activities Liaison so that fun things continue to happen (member sponsored meetings, ugly fabric, Super Saturday, trips, games, etc).  Please consider stepping up to help.  This is meant to be a shared position with shared responsibilities.

On another note, our June Salad Supper at Kennedy will be held June 15th NOT June 22nd so be sure to redo your calendar if need be.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Jody and Margaret
Contact president@northernstarquilters.com

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1 Apr, 2022

Latest News – 04/22

2023-04-04T14:14:27-04:00Latest News|

World of Quilts XLI - Lisa Alfonzetti

We look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks at the World of Quilts XLI!

Here’s what you can do to help make this year’s in-person show a success.

* Continue to spread the word to family and friends, we want a great turn-out at the show! postcard pic

* Encourage people to pre-purchase their admission ticket online.  nsqg.formstack.com/forms/showtickets

* Continue to sell raffle tickets! nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_charity_raffle

* For those volunteering to work at the show, please make sure that you arrive a few minutes before your designated time slot.  You are an important part of helping the show run smoothly.  No-shows will put a strain on committee members that have worked very hard.  If you are going to have any issues fulfilling your obligation, advance notice is appreciated. And if you have not yet volunteered, please do so as soon as possible, all hands needed.  nsqg.formstack.com/forms/show_volunteers

* It’s a new venue, and your Quilt Show Committee has worked through many obstacles to pull off this show.  Constructive feedback after the show will be greatly appreciated.  During the show?  Think of yourself as one of the many hosts to all the non-guild members in attendance.  The “guests” at the show, people who are not part of the guild, are potential guild members…adding revenue to the guilds finances…and we want them leaving the show excited to return next year or perhaps even join the guild.  One of my many mottos is “Be a problem solver, not a problem pointer-outer”.

Every guild member is a ‘host’ and part of our team during the show weekend and we appreciate all that you can do to welcome attendees and help make the show run smoothly!

* The show would not be happening without the efforts of the Quilt Show Committee and the NSQG Board.  Team members pitched in above and beyond their specific job requirements, and I want to express my gratitude for all that has been done to help make this show a success.

See you in a few weeks!

Lisa Alfonzetti, quiltshow@northernstarquilters.com
 

ArtsNews

Read a great article about our quilt show in ArtsWestchester’s newsletter, thanks to Rona Spar and her publicity efforts.

Be sure to pass it along!

The April 2022 issue of ArtsNews is here!

In This Issue:
Westchester celebrates National Poetry Month • ArtsWestchester reopens with “Who Writes History?” exhibition • Katonah Museum of Art displays whimsical works with a message • Copland House begins a residency at Emelin Theater •Northern Star Quilters’ Guild has its 41st-annual show • Larchmont businesses pair with artists for a month-long festival • the ArtsMobile is back on the road •an 80s-inspired rock opera looks at the choices we make in life • and more!

CALL FOR GUILD QUILT DISPLAY STANDS

We are currently doing an inventory for the quilt show of the portable quilt display stands and drapes that the Guild owns.

 If you have a NSQG display stand or drapes (under your bed, at the back of a closet, in the attic!), please let us know at chehebar5@gmail.com.  

Many thanks, Anne Chehebar

CALL FOR BOOK DONATIONS (and shopping bags)

We’ll be collecting for the Quilt Show Library Sale at the April meeting.  You may also drop off donations at the April Comfort Quilts meetings.

Only craft books that are clean, complete, in good condition and NOT musty smelling.  

NO MAGAZINES PLEASE !

We also need reusable shopping bags for our customers so please bring in any extras you don’t need.

If possible, please bring your donations in cardboard boxes – banker style file boxes are ideal – or durable reusable bags rather than plastic or paper bags which tear too easily.

And don’t forget to bring a bag to the quilt show for all your purchases!

Contact Deb Tashjian, library@northernstarquilters.com with any questions.

CALL FOR SOCIAL MEDIA PICTURES

We want  pictures related to your guild membership for Facebook and Instagram posting!

Send pictures and a brief description to social@northernstarquilters.com.
(Include your Instagram handle if you want to be tagged,for example, the guild’s is @northernstarquilters).

Some suggestions:

  • From a SIG
  • From a quilting group
  • From our guild meeting
  • Your Show n Tell
  • From a recent workshop
  • Visiting a quilt show
  • At a special quilt exhibit
  • What other quilty stuff have you been doing?

CALL FOR RAFFLE TICKETS

Drop off raffle ticket payments or pick up more tickets to sell at the sign-in table.

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe

Prizes – ‘Bright Star’ Quilt – Bernina 475

Raffle Quilt 2022

Thank you to everyone who returned their paid ticket stubs in support of this years’ charity, Friends of Karen.  Our Grand Prize, Bright Star, is a Queen size quilt.  It is a traditional Lone Star pattern made with 144 log cabin  blocks.  Our First Prize is a Bernina 475 Quilters Edition sewing machine.  Thank you Pins and Needles for your generous donation.  The  Raffle drawing will be held at our May 18th Guild meeting.  Tickets can be purchased on line at nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_charity_raffle. Purchase as many booklets as you like and I will fill out the stubs for you. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. You can also contact me at charitable@northernstarquilters.com.

Thank you for your support, Dee Plouffe’,  charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Comfort Quilts

Comfort Quilters make quilts for charities and also people in need of some comfort. Besides the wonderful camaraderie, it is a place where new quilters can receive guidance and seasoned quilters can learn and share new techniques.  All members are welcome.

Last minute cancellations do happen so if in doubt or coming for the first time please check.  Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to join in making Comfort Quilts quilts or to make charity quilt requests or to donate fabric.

Upcoming CQ Dates: (Wednesdays, 10am-2pm, North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps)
April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15
(All recommended vaccinations required.)

Some of the completed quilts from CQ Saturday

Activities Liaison

Hello Everyone!

It was great to be back in person right?  Thank you to the SIG leaders for sharing your talents with all of us.  Thank you to all who participated in our “Put A Heart On It” challenge.

Remember our April meeting is coming fast, Wednesday – April 6, 2022.  So, mark your calendar and join us, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see the Challenge Quilts up close and personal and vote for your favorite.

Happy Stichin,

April and Narci

Members checking out the SIG displays at the April meeting

Membership - Carol Sterk -

Hi everyone,

By the time you receive this newsletter, I hope Spring will have arrived!  This is a great month to celebrate milder weather and longer days by attending a live meeting with the first live lecturer we’ve had in over two years!

As of March 30th, the guild has a total of 183 members.  Please welcome our newest members, Karen Strandell, Margy George, Peggy Martin, Eileen Webb and Wilma Coligantry!

If you are one of those members who joined after the start of the Pandemic, Joanne and I would like to invite you to introduce yourself at the membership sign-in table and take a “tour” of our meeting space with a member “guide” who can answer your questions and introduce you to other members.  We also have a welcome packet for you consisting of an NSQG Membership Directory, an updated handout that explains the various activities offered by the guild and a pin of your choice.

We look forward to greeting and meeting each and every member this Wednesday, April 6th!  The meeting starts at 6:00 but the membership team will be there by 5:30.

Carol Sterk and Joanne Visovsky, contact membership@northernstarquilters.com

J o I n   H e r e

Programs - Kathy Tuttle -

–

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Heidi Parkes – Framed Quilt in a Day (2 days) – Tues-Wed, April 5 & 6 – In-person, click for more details and to register

Contact Kathy Tuttle, kathytuttle9@gmail.com.

Member Notices:

(Members may request a posting per season about personal quilting related items for sale or other quilting info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Area Quilt Shows

Area Guilds offering Programs

Area Quilt Shops

Whether you’re a new or renewing member, check out our Buddy Program if you would like a ‘buddy’ to show you the ropes around the guild.  Be sure to pick up your name pin button or make your own NSQG fabric name badge, pattern HERE.

If you know any member of the guild who is in need of a little ‘sunshine’ for illness, sympathy, or any other reason, please contact secretary@northernstarquilters.com so the guild can send a card.

Requests on how to make a donation to the guild to honor a member or support an activity are occasionally received. Such requests may now be accomplished via our website, where we have set up a Donate box on our home page, click on Make a Donation.

Guild bylaws and policies are available to members on our website or by request to the secretary@northernstarquilters.com.
Guild financial reports are available to members by annual email or by request to the treasurer@northernstarquilters.com.

Send Guild newsletter updates and photos as well as info on local quilt activities and shows to news@northernstarquilters.com and photos for Instagram and Facebook are always welcome at social@northernstarquilters.com.

Follow and Share NSQG activities on Facebook  and Instagram   –   @northernstarquilters

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1 Mar, 2022

President’s Message – 03/22

2022-03-22T14:17:54-04:00President's Message|

It’s almost time to meet again in person!

Reminder: Meetings will now be on WEDNESDAY evenings at Kennedy Catholic starting at 6:00pm. (Board meetings will continue on Zoom on the Tuesday the week before the guild meeting at 6:00pm.)

 
On March 16th, instead of a guest speaker, our Special Interest Groups will meet as well as talk with other members.  If you are not a SIG member, we hope you’ll take this opportunity to visit the different groups, perhaps join one or maybe create a new one!  Our hospitality table will have cookies and a raffle prize table. There will be show pins and charity raffle tickets, membership directories, workshop information, and all our usual meeting ‘stuff’.  Bring your book donations for the quilt show to the library.  Sign up to help with the Show.  Remember to drop off your “Put a Heart on It” Challenge Quilt for the display and voting at our April meeting.  And bring other pieces you have made for Show-and-Tell so that we can admire them and learn from you!
 
On Saturday, February 26, more than twenty-five members gathered at the North Salem Ambulance Corps to make Comfort Quilts.  It was a fun day of friendship, giving, and good food!
 
We have successfully recruited candidates for the board positions for the upcoming Guild election in May.  We have not, however, been able to find someone willing to take on the appointed position of Activities Liaison or other members willing to take on one of those many Member Activities we love. 
·      If you would like to organize a Super Saturday sewing day, contact us! 
·      If you would like to do a Pop-Up meeting, contact us! 
·      If you have an idea for a Member Program Meeting, contact us!
 ·      If you would like to organize an Ugly Fabric Auction, contact us!
 ·      If you have an idea for our Challenge, contact us! 
·      If you would like to organize a Trip, contact us!
 ·      If you have another activity you would like to sponsor, contact us!
 
Additionally, there are still many jobs to be filled for the Quilt Show.  Sunday help is especially needed.  Check the volunteer signup list or contact Helen May to find out what you can do.
 
Our guild is a success because you make it so! 
 
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Jody and Margaret
Contact president@northernstarquilters.com

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1 Mar, 2022

Latest News – 03/22

2022-03-22T14:18:23-04:00Latest News|

CQ Saturday Pics

Ready set sew

Make A Comfort Quilt Saturday was enjoyed by CQ ‘regulars’ and members new to Comfort Quilt meetings.

Kit of the Day Samples


Works in Progress

New friends were made  and old friends enjoyed being together again.
Watch for a Show and Tell of the quilts that were made this fun and productive day.

Everyone is welcome to attend CQ meetings at the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Meetings in March are Wednesday the 9th and Wednesday the 23rd.

Quilt Show - Lisa Alfonzetti -

We are just about two months away from The World of Quilts XLI !

Saturday, April 30th, 10am-5pm (opens at 9am for guild members)
Sunday, May 1st, 10am-4pm

SUNY Purchase College
735 Anderson Hill Road
Purchase, NY

Our guest speaker is Jane Sassaman.
We have two exciting Invitational Exhibits – 40×40@40 and Leni Levenson Wiener.

*****

Our online information makes getting involved even easier – just use the following links.

  • Quilt Registration is still open but don’t delay – spaces are limited – nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_quilt_registration_form
  • Raffle Tickets are for sale – nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_charity_raffle
  • Volunteers are needed, especially on Sunday – nsqg.formstack.com/forms/show_volunteers
    Volunteering for the show helps make it a success, gives you an opportunity to engage with other guild members (and have fun!), and gets you free admission to the show.   Please consider volunteering for more than just the minimum – your help is really needed!
  • Advance Ticket Purchase saves money – nsqg.formstack.com/forms/showtickets
    Share the link with your friends and family who may attend and encourage them to pre-purchase their ticket.
  •  Show Pins – Rona Spar will be selling our 2022 quilt show pins at the meeting. So remember, bring your $5 to buy a souvenir pin to support your Guild.  Be sure to wear it to the show!

 

Lisa Alfonzetti,  info@pinsandneedlesny.com.

Quilt Show Book Sale Donations - Deborah Tashjian -

We’ll be collecting for the Quilt Show Book Sale at the March and April meetings.  You may also drop off donations at the Comfort Quilts meetings.
We ask that your books are clean, complete, in good condition and not musty smelling.  NO magazines please.
If possible, please bring your donations in cardboard boxes – banker style boxes are ideal – or durable cloth bags rather than  plastic or paper bags which tear too easily.
Contact Deb Tashjian, library@northernstarquilters.com with any questions.

Quilt Show Publicity Tutorials -

Need help with your online access?  Bring your questions (and laptop or tablet if you want) to the meeting.

Pick up some suggestions on how you can help spread the word about our show.

We’re offering mini personal tutorials to help you find and share our show information on various online platforms .

Programs - Kathy Tuttle -

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

–

Debby Brown – Machine Quilting (2 sessions) – Saturday, March 26 – Zoom, click for more details and to register

–

Heidi Parkes – Framed Quilt in a Day (2 days) – Tues-Wed, April 5 & 6 – In-person, click for more details and to register

WANTED – POP UP TEACHERS

The one to two hour Zoom Pop Ups offered last year were a big hit with our members.  Offer some new technique you just learned or a basic skill such as fabric painting, borders, binding, machine and hand applique,  hand embroidery ….

Contact Kathy Tuttle, kathytuttle9@gmail.com.

Membership - Carol Sterk -

Hello to all!

Our second in-person meeting in two years is quickly approaching. We hope as many of you as possible will decide to come and renew your ties with your quilting friends and with the guild!  Our membership total has reached 178, the same number we had reached by the end 2021.  Please welcome returning members, Judy Jones and Linda Schoenfeld, and new member, Shannon Moraes.

Directory Photos – We hope you will join your fellow quilters in adding your photograph to the membership directory. This is a great way for people to get to know you! There’s no time like the present. Please consider sending your picture to us at membership@northernstarquilters.com for inclusion in this year’s online directory, if you have not yet done so.

Volunteers Needed- Due to a work conflict on Wednesday evenings, I will no longer be able to attend guild meetings. Joanne Visovsky has graciously agreed to fill in for me at the membership table for the remainder of this guild year. A few people have volunteered to help out, but she could use additional assistance with:
* greeting new members at the membership table
* introducing new members to the various activities that are taking place around the room
* taking a  member under your wing by hosting her/him at your table and introducing her to your friends
Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering by emailing us at membership@northernstarquilters.com.

Correction – Martha Buhl’s email address in the membership directory is incorrect. Please make note of the correct address:  marthahbuhl@gmail.com.

We wish you lots of time for quilting!  Carol Sterk and Joanne Visovsky, contact membership@northernstarquilters.com

J o I n   H e r e

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe

Raffle Quilt 2022

Dee Plouffe’,  charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Thank you to everyone who returned their paid ticket stubs in support of this years’ charity, Friends of Karen.  Remember you can also return your tickets at the March meeting.   Tickets can be purchased on line at https://nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_charity_raffle.  Purchase as many booklets as you like and I will fill our the stubs for you.

‘Bright Star’ is our Grand Prize, a queen size quilt made by members of the Guild and beautifully quilted by Angela Vertucci.  Our First Prize is a Bernina 475 Quilters Edition sewing machine worth $2,499.  Thank you Pins and Needles for this generous donation!

I am looking for a member who is willing and able to be the Raffle Quilt coordinator for our 2024 raffle quilt.  It is a very rewarding job and members are always willing to help.

Please contact me at charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Comfort Quilts

All members are welcome.  Last minute cancellations do happen so if in doubt or coming for the first time please check.  Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to join in making Comfort Quilts quilts or to make charity quilt requests or to donate fabric.

Upcoming CQ Dates: (*non-standard dates, time 10-2)
*March 9 & 23 (2nd and 4th Wednesday)
April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15
(All recommended vaccinations required.)

Challenge Quilts -

Bring your Challenge Quilt and give it to April or Narci for the display and voting at our April meeting.

You can review requirements HERE.

Contact April or Narci with any questions.

Member Notices:

(Members may request a posting per season about personal quilting related items for sale or other quilting info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Whether you’re a new or renewing member, check out our Buddy Program if you would like a ‘buddy’ to show you the ropes around the guild.  Be sure to pick up your name pin button or make your own NSQG fabric name badge, pattern HERE.

If you know any member of the guild who is in need of a little ‘sunshine’ for illness, sympathy, or any other reason, please contact secretary@northernstarquilters.com so the guild can send a card.

Requests on how to make a donation to the guild to honor a member or support an activity are occasionally received. Such requests may now be accomplished via our website, where we have set up a Donate box on our home page, click on Make a Donation.

Guild bylaws and policies are available to members on our website or by request to the secretary@northernstarquilters.com.
Guild financial reports are available to members by annual email or by request to the treasurer@northernstarquilters.com.

Send Guild newsletter updates and photos as well as info on local quilt activities and shows to news@northernstarquilters.com and photos for Instagram and Facebook are always welcome at social@northernstarquilters.com.

Follow and Share NSQG activities on Facebook  and Instagram   –   @northernstarquilters

Area Quilt Shows

Area Guilds offering Programs

Area Quilt Shops

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1 Feb, 2022

President’s Message – 02/22

2022-02-13T15:14:39-05:00President's Message|

Hoping you’re all keeping healthy and warm! These cold days are a perfect time to snuggle up with a quilt on your sofa and perhaps with the book THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOR. The author of that book, Kassia St.Clair, is next month’s guest lecturer. Her book is a top-ten best seller and has been translated into 20 languages. Maybe you have read her first book THE GOLDEN THREAD: How Fabric Changed History?

February newsletters in past years have usually announced events like Super Saturday and the Ugly Fabric Auction but COVID continues to interfere with our normal lives. This year, Comfort Quilts is offering a special Saturday meeting, pre-registration is required. Hopefully we will be meeting in person in March where April and Narci will be collecting the challenge quilts themed “Put a Heart on It”. We should have lots of submissions since we’ve had years to create them. It will be great having a large display at the quilt show.

We know that many of you have been busy finishing up your quilts, sewing on sleeves and labels as well as registering quilts for our show on our website. The show will be here before you know it. A special thank you goes out to Lisa and her committee that have been doing a yeoman’s job making all the arrangements so that we can celebrate the event. More volunteers are still needed. Again, see our website for all details relating to the show.

Feedback from the Improv SIG’s first pop up on January 15th has been positive and Part Two will be on February 5th (and recorded).  Tamar Drucker’s pop-up on February 19th will demonstrate using uneven quilt edges.  If anyone else, or another group, is interested in doing a pop up to highlight their work, please contact Kathy Tuttle.  It’s fun to share and learn from each other.

Jody and Margaret, president@northernstarquilters.com

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1 Feb, 2022

Latest News – 02/22

2022-02-04T13:45:26-05:00Latest News|

‘Make a Comfort Quilt’ Saturday

'Make a Comfort Quilt' Saturday

Especially for those who can’t come during the week as well as our ‘regulars’

Saturday, February 26th, 10:00am-3:00pm
North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps
14 Daniel Road, North Salem, NY

Bring your sewing machine and personal sewing tools (neutral thread, scissors, pins, seam ripper, etc), everything else is provided.
Enjoy a day of sewing with friends.

We’ve made special kits just for the occasion!
There will be simple quilt kits available to select and sew, some could even be completed during the session.
Assistance available as needed on selecting, sewing, and quilting your chosen kit.
If you want to keep your quilt rather than donating it to Comfort Quilts, there is a $10 materials charge.

Chicken and veggie wraps will be available for lunch plus cookies to munch and hot water to brew your favorite hot drink.  If not to your taste, bring a lunch of your choice.

Free to all members, all recommended vaccinations required.

Pre-registration is required and members only since space is limited.
Email comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to save a spot.

Questions? Contact Karen Carlson or Carol Auer, comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe

‘Bright Star’ 2022 Raffle Quilt

Raffle Quilt 2022

Dee Plouffe’,  charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Don’t forget to return your raffle stubs and check payable to Northern Star Quilters’ Guild, Ltd.
If you would like to pay by credit card  the link is  https://nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_charity_raffle.   I will gladly fill out your stubs.

This year’s quilt,  ‘Bright Star’, was coordinated Judy Gignesi and made by members of the guild.  It was quilted by Angela Vetucci.    A Bernina sewing machine, model #475 Quilters Edition , was donated by Pins and Needles of Mt. Kisco, NY for the First Prize.  Proceeds benefit this year’s charity, Friends of Karen.  Thanks for your support.

Remember you can pay anytime for raffle tickets or request more tickets online by going to our website or clicking HERE.

Comfort Quilts

All members are welcome.  Last minute cancellations do happen so if in doubt or coming for the first time please check.  Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to join in making Comfort Quilts quilts or to make charity quilt requests or to donate fabric.

Anticipated Upcoming CQ Dates: (*non-standard dates, Wednesday time 10-2))

* February 26 (Saturday, pre-registration needed)
* March 9 & 23 (2nd and 4th Wednesday)
April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15
(All recommended vaccinations required.)

Some of the Comfort Quilts collected

Programs - Kathy Tuttle -

WANTED – POP UP TEACHERS

The one to two hour Zoom Pop Ups offered last year were a big hit with our members.  Offer some new technique you just learned or a basic skill such as fabric painting, borders, binding, machine and hand applique,  hand embroidery ….

Contact Kathy Tuttle, kathytuttle9@gmail.com.

IMPROV POP UP -Tami Drucker

Gentle Extensions – Tamar Drucker will demonstrate how to use uneven edges on a piece for a dramatic effect.
Saturday, Feb.19th from 11:00-12:30 pm.

Online via Zoom – Saturday Workshop

Debby Brown – Saturday, March 26, 9am-4pm (click to register)

Line ‘Em Up! (9-12)

Debby will show you step-by-step and stitch-by-stitch what you need to know to start machine quilting and teach several different patterns that can easily be stitched on your unfinished quilt tops.  Yes, you CAN machine quilt!

Take a Walk Around Your Quilt (1-4)

Stitching an edge-to-edge design on your quilt sounds easy, but where do you start?  And how do you keep from getting lost?  Debby will answer these questions while teaching you strategies for stitching various patterns over a quilt on a home sewing machine.  Bonus:  we’ll talk about FEATHERS!

For an example of my teaching style, check out this video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9o2Q80z9dc&t=1s .    Visit DebbyBrownQuilts.Com for more information

Framed Quilt in a Day – Heidi Parkes (click to register)

Learn to hand piece a small patchwork, quilt it, and then stretch it on a frame like a painting.  This succinct workshop introduces the concepts of visible hand piecing and improv hand quilting in a clear and easy to complete way that will inspire students, and allow them to feel successful right away!  The two day class can feature a larger frame, and additional hand piecing techniques.

April 5 & 6, 2022 – This is a two day workshop, $125, limited to 16.

Quilt Show - Lisa Alfonzetti -

Time to register your quilts and signup for your volunteer job!

Reminder – Members have priority registration until February 15th, after that registration is open to all.

Lisa Alfonzetti,  info@pinsandneedlesny.com.

Quilt Show Volunteer Signups - Helen May, Shery Fleishaker -

Since our in-person meetings for signups are limited, we have added an online volunteer signup request ‘sheet’ to speed up and simplify the process of recruiting volunteers for the Quilt Show.  Brief job descriptions of the available jobs are included on the signup sheet and a summary is listed below.  The signup request link is also available on our website.

Please Volunteer NOW!
Click HERE

Reminder – All members are expected to contribute at least two (2) volunteer hours to support our annual Quilt Show. 
And don’t forget – Volunteer members receive:
 – 1 DAY FREE ADMISSION FOR 2 VOLUNTEER HOURS
 – 2 DAYS FREE ADMISSION FOR 4+ VOLUNTEER HOURS
Not counting the longer term planning, coordination, and specialty jobs already being done by the Quilt Show Committee and others (about 45 member volunteers), we still have another 145+ time slots to be filled.  Our guild membership currently totals 175 so we really need all hands on deck and then some!
  • Saturday – Quilt Drop-off – 14 slots (>2hr)
  • Friday – Setup –  21 slots (>2hr)
  • Saturday – Showtime – 47 slots (2hr)
  • Sunday – Showtime – 33  slots (2hr)
  • Sunday – Takedown – 30 slots (>2hr)
  • TOTAL – 145 slots

*SATURDAY – Before the SHOW  – APRIL 23rd
Quilt Drop-Off – 12-4pm, North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps: 
Volunteers will examine quilts to make sure they are properly prepared for the show (clean, no odor, sleeve and number attached, etc.).  Other volunteers will check in the quilts and hand out Quilt Claim Cards.

*FRIDAY – Before the SHOW – APRIL 29th  *Husbands, sons, daughters, and friends are welcome!*

  • Quilt Handling and Hanging: A 3-4 hour job which involves carrying and holding sometimes heavy quilts.
  • Vendor Assistant: As the vendors arrive, “direct” them to their area and keep the flow organized and activity safe.
  • Library Table: Set up tables, unload and sortbooks, magazines, and patterns.
*SATURDAY and SUNDAY – At the Show – APRIL 30TH-MAY 1ST
  • Admission Table:  Greet show guests, sell and verify entry tickets, put on colored wrist bands, and hand out Quilt Show Booklets.   Common questions are: Where are the bathrooms?  Where are the lectures and demonstrations? Sit down job
  • Information and MembershipTable(s):  Provide information on show activities and the guild and answer questions from guests.  Guests may drop-off packages at this table.  Sit down job
  • Raffle Tickets and Show Pins and Silent Auction Table(s): We sell about 1000 raffle tickets for charity.  Volunteers collect money for the tickets and answer questions about the charity. Volunteers will also help sell our current and vintage show pins and some special donated items.  Sit down job
  • Library Table(s): Guests buy books, magazines, and patterns.  Volunteers collect money and keep books organized. Standing/sorting/ sitting job.
  • Comfort Quilters Table(s): Guests buy quilt kits.  Volunteers collect money and keep kits organized. Sit down job
  • Lecture Assistant:  Holding up speaker quilts and helping with any speaker sales. Standing/sitting job
*SUNDAY – After the SHOW – MAY 1ST
~ Take-down: Starting at 4pm  *Husbands, sons, daughters, and friends are welcome!*
  • Quilts are removed in an orderly manner, folded and sorted on tables.
  • Hanging drapes and pipes are collected, folded, and stored.
  • Any other NSQG displays and sales areas are dismantled, collected, and stored.

 ~ Pick-up: Starting at 5pm
Volunteers return quilts to their owners, verifying quilt claim card and the number on the quilt and handing out judges’ comments.

*Judging volunteers  (Jane Eyes, Diane Linker) and Money Management volunteers (Amanda Curley) are being managed individually due to Covid concerns and special requirements.  Please check with Jane, Diane or Amanda for further information.

Once your chosen slot can be assigned, we will notify you with a confirmation email.  Your help is necessary and appreciated and we thank you!

Any questions, contact Helen May or Sheryl Fleishaker at ShowVolunteers@NorthernStarQuilters.com.

Quilt Show Book Sale Donations - Deborah Tashjian -

For all of you who have asked about donating books:  we’ll be collecting for the Quilt Show Book Sale at the March and April meetings.  We ask that your books are clean, in good condition and not musty smelling.  No magazines please.  If possible, please bring your donations in cardboard boxes – for example, from the liquor store – rather than  plastic bags. (They tear too easily.)
Contact library@northernstarquilters.com with any questions.

Membership - Carol Sterk -

Hello to all!

I hope you are staying safe and warm!

Membership for the year is up to 175 even though most of our meetings have been on Zoom thus far. At our February meeting, please welcome our newest member, Jill Ross of Boynton Beach, Florida, with a wave.  There will also be several guests to introduce.

                             2021-2022 Membership Directories

If you would like a hard copy of the 2021-2022 Membership Directory, they will continue to be available at Comfort Quilts meetings, or you can make arrangements to pick up your directory at one of these locations:

Northwest Westchester                                  Rosemary DePaola               waltrosemary@gmail.com
(includes Ossining, Cortlandt and Yorktown)

Lower Westchester /SW CT                            Carol Sterk                              crsterk@gmail.com
(includes Scarsdale, White Plains, Eastchester, Mamaroneck, Greenwich, Stamford)

Central Westchester                                        Karen Carlson                         quiltingkarenD@aol.com
(includes Briarcliff, Croton on Hudson)

Northeast Westchester, NW CT                     Joanne Visovsky                       jvisovsky@gmail.com
(includes Danbury, Katonah, Bedford, N. Salem, Somers)

*Please let us know if you would like a directory and live at too great a distance to travel to any of these locations. We will try to make alternative arrangements with you.

*The directories will also be available at the March meeting at Kennedy.

                                                        Directory Photos

We hope you will join your fellow quilters in adding your photograph to the membership directory. This is a great way for people to get to know you! There’s no time like the present. Please consider sending your picture to us at membership@northernstarquilters.com for inclusion in this year’s online directory, if you have not yet done so.

Volunteers Needed

Joanne and I are looking for a few volunteers to help us with welcoming new members to the guild as we resume live meetings.  If you and a friend would be interested in being table hosts – welcoming a new member to your table and introducing him/her to your friends – please let us know. We are also looking for a volunteer to help us with walking new members around the cafeteria and introducing them to the various activities that are taking place.

See you on Zoom!

Carol Sterk and Joanne Visovsky – contact membership@northernstarquilters.com

J o I n   H e r e

Member Notices:

(Members may request a posting per season about personal quilting related items for sale or other quilting info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Whether you’re a new or renewing member, check out our Buddy Program if you would like a ‘buddy’ to show you the ropes around the guild.  Be sure to pick up your name pin button or make your own NSQG fabric name badge, pattern HERE.

If you know any member of the guild who is in need of a little ‘sunshine’ for illness, sympathy, or any other reason, please contact secretary@northernstarquilters.com so the guild can send a card.

Requests on how to make a donation to the guild to honor a member or support an activity are occasionally received. Such requests may now be accomplished via our website, where we have set up a Donate box on our home page, click on Make a Donation.

Guild bylaws and policies are available to members on our website or by request to the secretary@northernstarquilters.com.
Guild financial reports are available to members by annual email or by request to the treasurer@northernstarquilters.com.

Send Guild newsletter updates and photos as well as info on local quilt activities and shows to news@northernstarquilters.com and photos for Instagram and Facebook are always welcome at social@northernstarquilters.com.

Follow and Share NSQG activities on Facebook  and Instagram   –   @northernstarquilters

Area Quilt Shows

Area Guilds offering Programs

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