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2 Jan, 2021

President’s Message

2021-01-04T08:38:35-05:00President's Message|

Happy New Year!

As we move into 2021, we have a variety of fun opportunities to look forward to, so be sure to check out the details in the newsletter’s Latest News sections or on our website.

Several members have stepped forward to offer different pop-up tutorials, starting in January.  Thank you to Roni Gerhardt who will demonstrate how to make a reusable bowl cover on January 8th and to Meg Mooar who will be teaching Boro stitching on January 22nd.

Bethanne Nemesh’s Creative Textures workshop is January 16th, already filled up.  We have an extra workshop scheduled for Saturday January 30th by our own Mary Cannizzaro who will be teaching from her book, Beyond the Tee, with techniques and ideas for fashioning fabulous T-shirt quilts.

Our programs chair, Linda Stern, has other pop-up offerings waiting in the wings, so keep an eye out for the emails.

New online SIG’s are being offered, providing more opportunities to get together with other Guild members and made possible by members generously volunteering to share their expertise.  We are so grateful to the hosts who will be organizing them.  There should be something in the list to match every member’s interest.

The nominating committee is making great strides in filling the elected positions for 2021-2022 but we still have one or two Board positions looking for nominees.  We are waiting until we have the full roster before we make any announcements, but we thank those members who have answered the call (you know who you are!).  As we start the New Year, we hope that you will consider serving on the Guild Board.  Organizations flourish with new perspectives and creative energy and we know there is plenty of both out there!  The Board’s meetings over Zoom have worked so well that meetings may continue over Zoom, particularly in the dark, winter months.  This would make serving on the Board more feasible for those of you who have a long ride or concerns about nighttime driving.

For January’s winter program, April Russell has arranged for demonstrations by Cathy Anderson and her daughter Sarah from the Quilt Basket and by Debby Brown, an award-winning quilter and teacher.  And don’t forget to work on your Challenge quilts.

Congratulations to the Comfort Quilts group that has donated a record 429 quilts to hospitals and social services organizations since July 2020.  You can find a link to a detailed list of donations in the Charitable Activities section along with the information to return (or get more)  charity raffle tickets from Dee Plouffe.

Don’t forget to check out our website from time to time.  In addition to showing what is on our calendar there are links to exhibitions where our members have work displayed and other online events to enjoy.  Carol Auer has shared an interesting article about the way the pandemic has inspired the rediscovery of the practical arts such as sewing. Check it out!

Keep your photos coming.  What have you just completed?  What is on your wall?

Stay healthy and happy (quilting!)
Karen and Anne
January 2021

-- GUILD EVENTS --

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1 Jan, 2021

Latest News – 01/21

2021-04-11T17:11:11-04:00Latest News|

Bowl Cozy Pop-Up Tutorial by Carol Auer

Carol’s written directions are still available HERE.

Member Zoom Tutorials

We have more member ‘pop-up’ tutorials scheduled to educate and entertain this January so be sure to join in.  Watch for emails with details and zoom links.
–
Friday afternoon, January 8th, Roni Gerhardt demonstrates how to make a reusable Bowl Cover:   Let’s start getting ready for gatherings again!  Potluck dinners, picnics, birthday parties…. When it is your turn to bring a salad, or some yummy dish, grab your favorite bowl and put a beautiful cover on it.  Easy to make, reusable and so much nicer than Saran Wrap or foil. Can be made to fit any size bowl.
–
Friday afternoon, January 22nd, Meg Mooar shows us the wide world of Boro Stitching in this two hour tutorial.  Choose leftover scraps from a project, specialty fabrics, or traditional indigos to create a raw edge patchwork surface that you will embellish with simple embroidery stitches.
–

Winter Programs - April Russell -

Hello and Happy New Year!

This month we have a great January program for you to enjoy.  We have the Mother & Daughter Dynamic Duo of Cathy and Sarah from the Quilt Basket who will be joined by the uber talented Debby Brown which, makes for the perfect Hat Trick!

Cathy and Sarah have successfully owned and operated The Quilt Basket for many years, offering wonderful fabrics, patterns, tools classes, retreats and more!  And, while the brick and mortar store may have closed, their online store is open for business and still offering the same wonderful selection and service.  They will be sharing with us one of the Cutie Pattern’s they have developed and walk us through the construction from start to finish.  They will then pass the baton to Debby who will provide us with creative quilting ideas on how to finish the quilt with either your domestic  or long-arm machine.

A seamstress from her youth, Debby transitioned into quilting while expecting her first child. Thirty years and thousands of quilts later, she is an award-winning quilter who has published quilts, patterns, books, articles and columns in major quilting magazines.  She teaches at national and international quilting shows, has filmed HQ Sweet Sixteen® instructional DVDs and has taught multiple machine quilting classes on Craftsy, Annie’s Creative Studio, Annie’sCatalog.Com, as well self-produced online classes.  Debby loves working with new free-motion quilters because she knows that they can succeed with just enough encouragement. Debby is obsessed with the precision of ruler quilting on domestic, sit-down, and long-arm machines and spices up those lines with whimsical free-motion quilting that appeals to quilters of all skill levels.  When not traveling to spread her fun brand of quilting, Debby creates in her studio in New York’s beautiful  Hudson Valley. Debby and her husband enjoy plotting how best to spoil their grandchildren.

Let’s keep supporting them.  Please visit them on line at:  QuiltBasket.com and DebbyBrownQuilts.com.

Don’t forget to keep working on your Challenge Quilt: Put a Heart on It.  I can’t wait to see them.

Happy Stitchin’, April

Programs - Linda Stern -

Bethanne Nemesh ‘Creative Textures’ workshop is full.
Check for waiting list availability if interested – programs@northernstarquilters.com

After our January and February winter programs, our March speaker  and workshop is by Katie Fowler.
Click Fearless Creating for details and signup.

Review our lecture and workshop lineup on the website anytime.

Special emails with details and reminders about workshops and any special events are sent regularly, be sure to watch for them.
Zoom links will be sent out a couple days beforehand, links for those lectures that can be recorded will be sent out a couple days after.

Linda Stern, programs@northernstarquiltersguild.com

Special Zoom Workshop for All

We have another special free workshop scheduled to help alleviate any winter blues, thanks to donations from members and ArtsWestchester.

Saturday, January 30th, 10am-1pm, Mary Cannizzaro will be teaching how to make T-shirt quilts from her book Beyond the T, co-authored with her daughter, Jen.

Sooner or later, every quilter gets a request for a T-shirt quilt.
If you haven’t made one yet, be prepared and learn the techniques.
If you’ve already made one,  get inspired for the next one.

Click HERE for description and supply list.

This workshop is free, open to all NSQG members, and will NOT be recorded.
We will be sending out the zoom link a day or so before to all members.

Formal registration not necessary, but to have some idea of how many will participate, please email Linda at programs@northernstarquilters.com if you are likely to attend.

Local Guild Workshops

Other area guilds, like us, often open their workshops to non-members when they have extra slots.  There are links to local area guilds on our home page and at the end of the newsletter.  If you are looking for additional workshops, check out their websites!

New Zoom SIGs

Some new online SIGs are being offered for members only.  A description of the proposed groups is below.  Meeting lengths and schedules will be determined by the host and participants.  The maximum for any group is 12, so signups are first come, first served!

There is still time to register for a group or to offer to host or co-host, please respond HERE before January 10th.

–

Quilting Skills – Host:  Diane Linker.   This will be a project-based group. The group will focus on a variety of quilt techniques, with the goal of each member designing and completing a quilt incorporating those techniques. Each member of the group will decide on the style, size and degree of complexity of his or her quilt. The skills that we will work on will be those selected by the group members, but will include foundation piecing, machine applique and precision piecing techniques. The group will meet twice each month, but there will be help available by email or phone in between meetings.

For Art Lovers – Host:  Tamar Drucker.  The group will start with works on paper – sketches, paintings, paper collage — as a base/study for designing fabric pieces.  As time goes on the group will develop other ideas for inspiration. The group will meet twice a month.

Embroidery – Host:  Luann Bruce.  The group will cover a variety of embroidery stitches to embellish and make your quilt unique.  Members will be able to share samples of their work and discuss tips and techniques.

Traditional to Modern – Host:  Yvonne Clayton.  Taking traditional quilt blocks to the next level.  The group will work on updating traditional blocks to modernize them by using brightly colored fabrics, striking prints, and bold solids.  We will explore using unusual color combinations and/or abstract designs to create exciting new looks.  The group will meet twice each month.

Scrappy Quilts – Host:  Jennifer Larrabee & Anne MacDonald.  A group for people who have trouble parting with even the smallest, tiniest, itty-bitty bits of fabric!  The group will share ideas for using up their scraps, challenge each other to create something stunning from those tiny treasures (and help each other avoid being showcased on the next season of “Hoarders”) and propose mini-challenges.

Domestic Machine Quilting – Host:  Roni Gerhardt. The group will cover layering, basting, walking foot quilting, followed by free motion, using basic shapes (arcs, lines, loops, curves etc) to create filler designs. The group will share horror stories about tension, awful attempts, etc.  Members help each other choose designs for projects.  The group will meet twice each month.
–
*Hand-sewing+* – Host: *host/co-hosts needed to happen, please volunteer if interested.  The group will cover a variety of hand-sewing techniques such as boro/sashiko, applique, and yarn couching and will provide an opportunity to sit and sew and socialize.
–
*Collage Quilts*– Host: *host/co-hosts needed to happen, please volunteer if interested.  Inspired by the Merrill Comeau workshop, the group will share techniques and ideas for using scraps, yarns, ribbons and other notions and recycled materials to create unique collage pieces.

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe -

Comfort Quilts

All members are welcome to contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com with any CQ requests.  Need some simple sewing to help get thru the winter – we can get a Comfort Quilt kit to you!  Need some fabric for a CQ quilt – Carol Auer can open her outdoor ‘fabric shop’ for you! Any CQ quilts or quilting fabric to donate, let us know.

Click HERE to see the CQ donation list for the first half of the guild year, July thru December 2020, a record number!  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.

2021 Raffle Quilt – Don’t forget your raffle tickets!

Mail check and stubs to Dee Plouffe  280A Heritage Hills,  Somers, NY 10589
OR
Pay via credit card HERE  (more ticket packs may also be purchased online) and I will gladly fill out the stubs for you.

Dee Plouffe, charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Membership-Carol Sterk -

Hi everyone,

The December guild meeting on zoom was attended by about 70 members. If you haven’t attended a zoom meeting yet, I think you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. Those who have attended over the past months have especially enjoyed catching up with other members in the chat rooms hosted on zoom in between the business meeting and the lecture. Hope to see you there this month! This is one January you won’t have to worry about driving to the meeting in cold, unpredictable weather!

*Extra copies of the Membership Directory for 2020-2021 are still available. Please email me if you would like one.
*It is not too late to send in your photo for the directory. When a critical mass is reached, an updated version of the online directory will be sent to all members via email.

Wishing you hope and a vaccination in the new year!
Carol, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Zoom Tips

  • If using an iPad, a November update to the Zoom app increased Gallery View to allow up to 16 (25 for Pro) participant windows on a screen, so keep your Zoom app updated to get the latest features.
  • If using a computer with sufficient resources, you can modify your Zoom video setting options to increase  your maximum participant windows from 25 to 49.
  • If your computer doesn’t have a camera/microphone and you’d like to add one to expand your Zoom experience –  basic webcams can be had for less than $20 and are simple to install.
  • Any Zoom tips or questions you want to pass along?

Member Notices:

(Members may request a personal post about quilting related items or info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Harlan Sexton welcomes help from Guild members interested in making a top or blocks for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Contact her for more information: harlan.sexton1@gmail.com or 516 662 2953.

Pooa Bloomberg is looking to buy a basic sewing machine in good condition, contact her at pooabloomberg@yahoo.co.uk.

Deb Warren wants members to know Christie’s Quilting Boutique is offering $10 off a $50 purchase to guild members.

Shelley Lounsbury says sandiegosewn.com is a contact for anyone wanting to donate quilts to LA wildfire victims,

Area Quilt Shows

Area Quilt Related 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.

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 policies are available for member review at the library table or by request to the secretary@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 Dec, 2020

President’s Message

2020-12-05T19:40:05-05:00President's Message|

We hope that you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving dinners and are looking forward to celebrating the winter holidays and the end of 2020.

December is the month of giving and the Guild offers many opportunities.

Hopefully you were part of the 45-50 members who were able to attend our special Friday afternoon workshop with Adele Scott teaching simple string piecing and came away with lots of ideas.   The holiday “Happy Hour” afterwards split into groups of 5-6 several times over and offered members a chance to chat about holiday sewing, gifts, and plans.  One popular gift idea was a ‘Soup Cozy’;  we plan to offer a short ‘pop-up’ zoom tutorial on how to make them, possibly this coming Wednesday, December 9th – stay tuned for email details.

Kennedy Catholic will host their Holiday Auction online this year, we’ll be sending an email so you can see the quilts we donated and maybe pick up some gifts of your own.

Is the Guild on your holiday list?  See Susan’s update  about member gifts to the ArtsWestchester matching donation program.  Remember, any donations to the Guild are always welcome! You can make a donation HERE.

Another way to support the Guild is by giving your time and talent.  This might involve taking on a Board position or hosting an online SIG or volunteering for various subcommittees.

During the next few months, we will be looking for members willing to take on the positions of President, Vice President Communications, Vice President Quilt Show, Secretary, and Treasurer for the next guild year, July 2021 thru June 2022.  The nominating committee will be meeting shortly and making calls.  Please consider serving on the Board or talking to a friend about working with you.  Taking part in discussions and decisions to keep the Guild alive and relevant to us all as members of a quilting community is rewarding and challenging (in a good way!).

In addition, the feedback we have received tells us that there is a real interest in forming small groups which allow the chance to socialize.  One or two of our SIGs have been getting together very successfully online and we are looking at expanding that model to provide opportunities for members to meet around an area of specific interest – applique, traditional piecing, hand quilting – or simply to sit and sew or discuss a regular challenge with a follow-up show and tell.  We can provide help with the zoom access, together with tips and support from experienced members.   Please let us know if there is a particular group you would like to see take off and that you would be willing to host.

Everyone should have received the Member Directory in pdf form that you can keep on your computer or print out.  This year, for the first time, the directory contains photos of members who wanted their picture included and it really helps to put a face to a name.  See Carol’s update further on about obtaining your hard copy. A big thank you to Carol Sterk, Rosemary DePaola and Joanne Visovksy who did such a wonderful job of pulling the Directory together.

After the December Guild meeting, the lecture will be given by Bethanne Nemesh.  The title of her presentation is “Walk the Creative Path,” and she will be describing her journey from traditional quilting to her beautiful pictographic silk art quilts, with tips and creative suggestions along the way.  We will not be able to record this lecture, so try not to miss it.  Bethanne’s workshop will be held on Saturday, January 16. Review Linda’s update further on for details and to register.

It is hard to believe that 2020 is coming to a close.  This year has certainly been a demanding one, stretching our ability to respond to new norms and testing our resilience. For many of us during this period our quilting has been a lifeline – an enjoyable way to spend our time and also an opportunity to give to others by making masks and comfort quilts and sewing for friends and family. As we look back on this year, we give thanks for this wonderful gift.

We wish you all joy this holiday season.

Stay well.
Karen and Anne
December 2020

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1 Dec, 2020

Latest News – 12/20

2021-04-11T17:10:41-04:00Latest News|

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe -

Comfort Quilts

Comfort Quilts had a “Mini CQ” quilt distribution on November 4th  at NSVAC.  Seventy plus quilts were picked up to be delivered in time for the Holidays.  Throughout the year Comfort Quilters deliver these beautiful quilts to various organizations as well as to individuals.


Listed are some of our recurring donations, along with the Comfort Quilter overseeing collecting and delivering them.  With thanks to Pat Julian for keeping track of our donations as well as to Jody Sullivan for taking over for Barbara Powers, our dedicated collector of quilts for the WMC Behavioral Center.

Carol Auer – Putnam&No.Westchester Women’s Resource Center, Ann’s Place, and Rosary Hill
Karen Carlson – Ossining Children’s Center
Donna Chambers – Andrus on Hudson
Jean Degl – Marie Ferari NICU
Jennifer Kramer – Pleasantville Cottage School
Althea Nolan – Pins and Needles, Northern Westchester Hospital ICU
Barbara Powers, Jody Sullivan – WMC Behavioral Center
Nina Primer – Blythedale Hospital
Jody Sullivan – Bennett Cancer Center

Special thanks to all our wonderful group of Comfort Quilters who make these donations possible!

2021 Raffle Quilt

Please remember to return your ticket stubs:

Mail check and stubs to Dee Plouffe  280A Heritage Hills,  Somers, NY 10589
OR
Pay via credit card HERE  and I will gladly fill out a set of stubs for you .

Dee Plouffe, charitable@northernstarquilters.com

ArtsWestchester Update

Art$Westchester Matching Fund Challenge!

The generosity of our members is fantastic.  To date we have received close to $1,800 in donations to the Art$Westchester Matching Fund Challenge – a big thanks to all.  Although ArtsWestchester won’t be announcing the final matching funds until the end of the year, we expect that we will receive the entire $1,500 that they are offering to organizations such as ours.  That will result in nearly $3,300 that we will have for additional programs or events to our members.

We have already started using some of the funds by providing a free workshop to our members.  The December 4th workshop by Adele Scott, Simple String Piecing, is paid for from our Challenge funds.  The Board hopes that the workshop and the follow up Holiday Social Hour provide members with an opportunity to learn a new quilting method and to connect with others – something we all need this year.

The Board wants to make sure activities funded by the Challenge money are of interest to members.  So, if you have any ideas or suggestions, please email them to me at sfasnacht@verizon.net and I’ll be sure to share them with the Board.

Even though we have maxed out on the grant portion of the Art$Westchester Matching Fund Challenge, you can still donate to it.   We are earmarking all of the funds raised by this challenge for additional programs or events for members – things that are not part of our budget or regularly scheduled programs.  Here’s the link for the form: NSQG.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_creditcard_payment_artswestchester

A big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the Challenge.  We will be sure to put the money to good use.

Susan Fasnacht, Ex-Officio

Membership-Carol Sterk -

Greetings to all!

Membership now stands at 176.

The hard copy of the NSQG Membership Directory is ready. The membership committee has organized, by area, those members who signed up to receive a copy. Each of you will be contacted by one of the committee members (Carol, Rosemary, Joanne) or Karen Carlson to make arrangements for pickup/delivery.  There are a few extra copies for those of you who want one. Please contact us at membership@northernstarquilters.com for further information.

It’s not too late to participate in the directory photo project. We will continue to add photos to our files.  If there are enough additions, an updated version of the directory will be sent out within the next few months. Just email your picture to:  membership@nothernstarquilters.com

Wishing you happy holidays!
Carol Sterk, Rosemary DePaola, Joanne Visovsky

Zoom - Anne MacDonald -

For December, after the Zoom business meeting, we again hope to move members into some zoom mini-groups to provide an opportunity to chat further with fellow members and will be providing further details with the zoom links and at the meeting.

If you would like some help to be able to join future meetings, please feel free to contact Anne MacDonald via email (annemacd8250@gmail.com) or via the cell phone number listed in the directory.  In order to participate in a Zoom meeting with video, all you need is a computer (desktop or laptop), a tablet or smartphone.  If you would like to just hear the meeting, with no video, it is possible to just call in.  We look forward to staying connected despite the limits on gathering.  Please join us for our next meeting and don’t be shy about asking for a little help if it keeps you connected!

Programs - Linda Stern -

Keep up with our lecture and workshop lineup for the season.

Special emails and reminders about workshops are sent regularly, be sure to watch for them.
Zoom links will be sent out a couple days beforehand, links for those lectures that can be recorded will be sent out a couple days after.

Linda Stern, programs@northernstarquiltersguild.com

This Saturday workshop, January 16, “Creative Texture from A to Zen” is by Bethanne Nemesh, our December speaker.

The cost of a workshop is $50.00, non-members are welcome (based on availability) for a fee of $70.

Be sure your membership is up-to-date (you can renew here) before registering as a member for a workshop.

To signup and pay via credit card:
click here.
—–
To signup and pay by check:
email programs@northernstarquilters.com with your workshop choice and mail your check to
Linda Stern, 26 Lake Drive, Somers, NY 10589
(check payable to Northern Star Quilters’ Guild)

Class confirmation and supply list will be emailed when payment is received.

Questions can be sent to programs@northernstarquilters.com.

Traditional free motion background fillers are a wonderful starting point, but what happens when you let yourself be influenced by natural patterns, macro photography, and the textures of everyday objects? Be inspired by Bethanne’s fresh take on backgrounds, using physical objects to inspire new textures, perfect for filling those big open spaces of more modern quilts!  Explore the alphabet from A to Z with new eyes.  This exciting 4 hour zoom class will feature drawing, demonstration of quilting designs on both a longarm and domestic sewing machine and time for students to actively quilt and try designs!

Supply list: sketchbook and pens, a 1” x 6” ruler or any quilt ruler for straight line marks, water or air erase marking pen, and pale sample fabric prepared as a quilt sandwich for each student’s preferred machine.  Finally, a thin thread that allows the student to see their stitching, but not so high contrast that flaws are upsetting, 60 weight thread is suggested.  A medium grey on white works for many students.

 Students will have time in class to try several designs, however if they hope to eventually finish a small sample of one of each of the 26 designs then they should prepare  their work space as a grid of 4” squares, 5 rows x 6 rows.

 

Member Notices:

(Members may request a personal post about quilting related items or info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Harlan Sexton welcomes help from Guild members interested in making a top or blocks for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Contact her for more information: harlan.sexton1@gmail.com or 516 662 2953.

Pooa Bloomberg is looking to buy a basic sewing machine in good condition, contact her at pooabloomberg@yahoo.co.uk.

Deb Warren wants members to know Christie’s Quilting Boutique is offering $10 off a $50 purchase to guild members.

Shelley Lounsbury says sandiegosewn.com is a contact for anyone wanting to donate quilts to LA wildfire victims,

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.

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 policies are available for member review at the library table or by request to the secretary@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 Quilt Related Shops

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1 Nov, 2020

President’s Message

2020-11-01T10:57:13-05:00President's Message|

 November already! This holiday season will be a little different from our last one, but we hope you are finding creative ways to celebrate and give thanks.

Cheered by the success of the Quilt Social and as we head into the colder weather, we are looking for different ways to stay connected. At our November Guild meeting we will be trying out the functionality available on Zoom which allows us to break into “chat rooms” of small groups. The plan will be to hold our business meeting first.  Immediately afterwards, our host, Anne MacDonald, will then (by the magic of technology) break us into groups of 5 for a short discussion or chat.  Anne will give us a topic to start the conversation, and the group members can start by introducing themselves to each other and then address the topic for the chat. At the end of 15 minutes, we will all be brought back together in time to attend the lecture.  Anne will be providing exact instructions during the meeting, as well as the discussion topic, and we promise that the experience will be easy to navigate!

The mini Comfort Quilt meetings, latest on Wednesday, November 4th, provide another opportunity to get together with Guild members, drop off a quilt for donation or pick up a quilt kit or two to work on.  Everyone is welcome.

Carol Sterk and Rosemary DePaola will soon be distributing a draft of the Member Directory (both digital and hard copy) for review.  The Directory is a key resource for staying in touch so please make sure to look over the contact information listed for you and email them if there are any errors at membership@northernstarquilters.com.  So far, we have 169 members, and we thank you all for rallying to support the Guild in these difficult times.

As Susan Fasnacht mentioned at our last Guild meeting, ArtsWestchester is providing a unique opportunity for its grantees.  ArtsWestchester will match any first-time donation to the Guild up to $1,500.  Susan describes the details of this matching gift opportunity in the Latest News this month, so please check it out and think about making a gift as a vote of support for our programs.

Giving the lecture this month is Merrill Comeau, a fiber artist, who will give a survey of her work and other international artists who work with fiber and suggest techniques for creating colorful patterned fabrics. This is another wonderful opportunity to see the creative ways that different fabrics – particularly recycled fabrics –  are used to express ideas in quilts with stunning results. You can see some of Merrill’s work here: www.merillcomeau.com.

As we celebrate on November 26, we will be giving thanks for all the support the Guild has received over the last year.  Happy Thanksgiving Northern Star Quilters!

Stay well.
Karen and Anne
November 2020

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1 Nov, 2020

Latest News – 11/20

2021-04-11T17:15:18-04:00Latest News|

Zoom - Anne MacDonald -

For November, after the Zoom business meeting, we hope to move members into some zoom mini-groups to provide an opportunity to chat further with fellow members and will be providing further details with the zoom links and at the meeting.

If you would like some help to be able to join future meetings, please feel free to contact Anne MacDonald via email (annemacd8250@gmail.com) or via the cell phone number listed in the directory.  In order to participate in a Zoom meeting with video, all you need is a computer (desktop or laptop), a tablet or smartphone.  If you would like to just hear the meeting, with no video, it is possible to just call in.  We look forward to staying connected despite the limits on gathering.  Please join us for our next meeting and don’t be shy about asking for a little help if it keeps you connected!

Membership-Carol Sterk -

Hi Everyone,

As of this writing, 169 people have signed up for NSQG membership for 2020-2021.  Thank you for your ongoing commitment to and support of the guild as we forge ahead in the midst of the ongoing pandemic!

Membership Directory News

Later this week, you will be receiving an email including the first draft of the NSQG Membership Directory for 2020-2021.  Since there won’t be an opportunity for you to check your information in person, we are asking you to please notify us at membership@northernstarquilters.com of any changes or corrections that need to be made.  The deadline for changes to be submitted is Sunday, November 8th. Our goal is to have the online version of the directory available to you on or before the November guild meeting and the hard copy ready for pick up in early December.

Postage Stamp Photo Gallery Update 

The membership committee has received very positive feedback in response to our postage stamp photo project. So far, 68 members have sent in their photos.  Joanne Visovsky will continue to collect pictures from those members who would like to participate throughout the coming months and will periodically add them to the online directory. 

There are a variety of options:

  • 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!

*Note:  photos will be cropped to include face only

How to Send Your Photo

*Please note:  WE ARE NOT PUTTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION on social media or the NSQG website.

Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving!
Carol Sterk, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe -

Comfort Quilts

Comfort Quilts has another ‘Mini CQ’  on November 4th at the NSVAC.

Contact charitable@northernstarquilters.com for any information.

2021 Raffle Quilt

I’d like to thank Pat Julian, newsletter editor, for the Village Squares Quilters, for offering to help their sister Guild, NSQG, in selling our 2021 Quilt raffle tickets.  In the Village Squares Quilters newsletter, she will post a picture of Grand Prize, Painted Prism, and First Prize, a Bernina sewing machine donated by Pins and Needles of Mount Kisco.

Thanks to the members of Village Squares Quilters for helping us support the charity SHORE/ I CARE.

For some background information about SHORE / I CARE, read an interview with Pierre Poux, one of the founders, HERE.

Don’t forget you can purchase raffle tickets online HERE.

Dee Plouffe, charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Join the ArtsWestchester Matching Fund Challenge!

We are pleased to announce a new opportunity for the Guild to receive funding for our on-going programs.   For the past two years ArtsWestchester, as part of their Arts Alive Grant Program, has generously given the Guild grants to help support our speaker program ($1,500 in 2019 and $2,500 in 2020).  To us, it is recognition of the fact that quilting is an art.  Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ArtsWestchester will not be receiving any funding to award grants this year.

However, they recently received additional funds from Westchester County for another program, the Art$Westchester Challenge, that we previously were not eligible for.  This is good news; it has allowed them to expand the program so it will now include our Guild.  We are excited that we have the chance to receive additional funds for next year, as money is tight.

The Board has been working on several ideas of how we can provide our members with additional programs or events to make up for our inability to hold our regular meetings.  We are tossing around ideas such as a spring event (similar to, if not bigger than, the successful one we held in October) or adding a speaker in June (the chance of holding our Salad Supper does not look good).  These all cost money and additional funds would help us to do this.

Here is how the challenge works:  For every new or increased donation to the guild, ArtsWestchester will match the donation amount dollar-for-dollar.  So if you donate $25 to the Guild, we will receive another $25 from ArtsWestchester.  If you have donated to the Guild in the past, please note the match will only apply to any increased amount of your donation.

The challenge runs until December 31, 2020; however funds are limited – so the sooner we submit our request for matching funds, the better chance we will have that they do not run out of money.

Payment instructions for checks or pay by credit card
You will also be asked to fill out a verification form that we will need to send to ArtsWestchester to receive the matching Challenge money.

Here is the actual donate link specification if needed:
NSQG.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_creditcard_payment_artswestchester
And you can also donate via the Donate button on our website home page:  www.northernstarquilters.com.

Please help!  Feel free to pass this information along so friends and family can help us as well!

Susan Fasnacht,  Ex-Officio

Challenge Quilts - April Russell -

Hello Fellow Quilters!

I hope this News Letter finds you all well.  The chill is in the air indicating yet more changes.  I for one, am happy to move into the last quarter of  2020.  With most of my outdoor chores complete I am planning a very quilty fall and winter.

I am working out the details on a platform to hold the voting on the 2020 Challenge.  Something that will best serve us all.  One that will enable us to appreciate and respect the hard work that went into the making of each quilt so that we can vote confidently.  It is still top secret so the details will follow.

Don’t forget about the 2021 Challenge: Put a Heart on It.  Several people reached out with questions and said they are working on one.  Recently I spoke to a few members who already have it done! yikes!   The details of when and how I will collect them has yet to be decided.   I could certainly collect them as usual by setting a “drop off” point or points.  People use the buddy system already if they can’t make the February meeting.  Or, they can mail it.  I got a couple that way the past couple of years.  I have some ideas on the voting for 2021 as well.

Some fun is planned for the January and February meetings.   There is a little bit of something for everyone.  I hope we can all enjoy these demos and learn something while still being able to support our local quilt shops in these every changing times.

Your Activities Liaison, April

And Some Treats -

– An article about Donna Chambers career:   https://www.riogrande.com/article?name=DonnaChambersInterview

– Mary Cannizzaro was Yankee Quilters’ guest on Facebook Live talking about her book:  https://www.facebook.com/events/3384747964938971/

– Roni Gerhardt – I made this jacket to wear when I would go vote. We voted by mail, so I decided instead to send it to my local Congresswoman Jahana Hayes.  She is recovering from Covid.  Sadly, she didn’t get it, but I have hope she will soon.  I added the words Good Trouble for John Lewis, We are better than this for Elijah Cummings, and RBG for Ruth Bader Ginsberg.

Programs - Linda Stern -

Keep up with our lecture and workshop lineup for the season.

Zoom links will be sent out a couple days beforehand,  links for those lectures that can be recorded will be sent out a couple days after.

Linda Stern, programs@northernstarquiltersguild.com

Upcoming Workshop

WORKSHOP NOW FULL

MERILL COMEAU
NOVEMBER 18
“Stitched Collage”
6hrs – online
Students will be challenged to experiment and try new fabrics and stitch techniques while creating a collage expressing symbolic self-representation drawing from memory, experience, and/or hopes for the future. This workshop will include quick writing exercises to prompt self-reflection, a brief period of investigation, interactive visual brainstorming, individual studio time to create, and a group ‘show and tell’ gathering to conclude the day. Merill will provide a demonstration of collage techniques, expressive stitch, and creative use of repurposed fabrics. Concepts of two-dimensional design will be reviewed and incorporated throughout the day.  This workshop is designed with an understanding that access to materials outside the home may be limited. Suggested project size is approximately 12×12 inches.  A tools/materials list and a short preparatory ‘homework’ assignment will be provided with registration confirmation.

 The cost of a workshop is $50.00, non-members are welcome (based on availability) for a fee of $70.

Please be sure your membership is up-to-date (you can renew here) before registering as a member for a workshop.

To signup and pay via credit card: click here.
or
To signup and pay by check:  email programs@northernstarquilters.com with your workshop choice and mail your check (payable to Northern Star Quilters’ Guild):  Linda Stern, 26 Lake Drive, Somers, NY 10589

Class confirmation and supply list will be emailed when payment is received.

Questions can be sent to programs@northernstarquilters.com.

Materials List for Students

  1. Preparation for introductions: you will introduce yourself to the group by presenting one patterned fabric and one solid color fabric that you feel symbolize you and tell us why you chose these fabrics.
  2. Fabrics for project:
  • bring lot of snippets of fabric that may vary from small (2” scrap) to largest being quarter of a yard
  • select a range of colors and patterns, try to include variety
  • include a bit of every color in the rainbow and a bit of black and white
  • some fabric should be salvaged from discarded clothing or linens (if possible) and try and include fabrics that hold meaning and/or memory for you
  • one piece of fabric should be 12×12 square, this will be the base for your project
  • if possible, include some sheer fabrics: organza, lace, cheese cloth
  1. Tools:
  • scissors
  • pins (straight or safety – your preference)
  • needles
  • thread – you may use sewing thread and/or embroidery thread
  • thimble and hoop (optional)
  • adhesive such as tacky glue or fabric glue (optional)
  1. Please have paper and writing utensil for short exercise

Member Notices:

(Members may request a personal post about quilting related items or info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Harlan Sexton welcomes help from Guild members interested in making a top or blocks for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Contact her for more information: harlan.sexton1@gmail.com or 516 662 2953.

Pooa Bloomberg is looking to buy a basic sewing machine in good condition, contact her at pooabloomberg@yahoo.co.uk.

Deb Warren wants members to know Christie’s Quilting Boutique is offering $10 off a $50 purchase to guild members.

Shelley Lounsbury says sandiegosewn.com is a contact for anyone wanting to donate quilts to LA wildfire victims,

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.

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 policies are available for member review at the library table or by request to the secretary@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 Quilt Related Shops

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2 Oct, 2020

President’s Message

2020-10-09T12:47:04-04:00President's Message|

Happy fall!  We hope that the seasonal changes happening around us are providing plenty of quilting inspiration.

Over 65 members joined our very first zoom Guild Meeting in September and it was good to see people log in and eagerly connect with other members they had not had the chance to see for some months.  As time goes on and we become more comfortable with this format, we are hoping to set up chat rooms where small groups will be able to spend a little more time together and catch up.

This month, our speaker will be Adele Scott who will be sharing her favorite tips, techniques and tools.  The Guild Meeting will start at 5:45 p.m. and the Lecture will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Links to both these zoom rooms will be sent out to everyone beforehand.

The Board and other volunteers are busy planning our Quilt Social event which will take place on Saturday, October 10 from 10:30 to 2:30 p.m. on the grounds of the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To allow us to maintain social distancing, this is a member-only event and everyone must pre-register and receive a time slot ahead of time.  There are still some spaces available in the afternoon, see the details further on in the latest news section.

There will be a lot of quilts to see at the Quilt Social.  All the 2020 Challenge Quilts will be on display with the opportunity to cast your vote, the beautiful 2021 Quilt Raffle quilt will be exhibited, and all the Comfort Quilt Salt ‘n Pepper summer project quilts will be there with the opportunity to win one of your choice.  In addition, as some of you know, Jennifer Larrabee has put together a quilt from blocks she received from 45 different people in 17 different states using the fabric scraps left from masks they made. The quilt is a feast of wonderful colors and shapes.

The last date to become a member and to have your name listed in the Member Directory is October 31st.  This year we will be sending all members an email containing a link to the Directory in PDF format which can be downloaded onto your computer and printed if you choose.  We will be printing a limited number of booklets.  If you would like a booklet, please submit your request via the Membership section in the latest news section which follows. Because we are not meeting in person and mailing is expensive, the booklet will be available for pick up at a number of locations.  If pickup is not possible for you, we will make other arrangements.

We know that many of you like having the booklet – we do too!!  But we are keeping our eye on our finances in light of all the uncertainties that we are facing.  We do, however, have a brand-new option for the digital Directory!  As a way of helping us stay connected as a community at a time when we can’t get together in person, every member will have the choice to submit a  face shot photo for the Directory which will appear next to their name and contact information.  One of our new members, Joanne Visovsky has very generously taken on this project and is enthusiastic to get started. You will be receiving an email shortly to let you know how to submit your photo.

Because the Treasurers’ reports will not be available at the meetings for members to review, Rebekah Glacey and Karen Martinez, who are working very hard behind the scenes to keep the Guild finances ticking over, will be providing a Budget Report and Balance Sheet via email to members.   As you will see, we are making some savings as a result of holding our meetings online but there are also areas where we may lose income.  We appreciate your support and will need it more than ever as we go forward.

We hope to see you at the Quilt Social.  For those of you who will not be able to make it, we will miss you but look forward to seeing you at our zoom meetings!

Stay healthy,
Karen and Anne

October 2020

MEMBERSHIP SIGNUP

-- GUILD EVENTS --

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1 Oct, 2020

Latest News – 10/20

2021-04-11T17:15:39-04:00Latest News|

Membership-Carol Sterk -

Greetings to all!

It was good to see so many familiar faces at the September zoom meeting last week!  In case you were not there, two $25 gift certificates were raffled off from the pool of members who renewed their NSQG registration for 2020-2021 by the end of August.  The winners were Claudia Comay and Pat Papi.  Congratulations to the winners!

Membership renewal deadline is October 31, 2020.

If you have not renewed by then, your name will not be included in the Member Directory, and you will no longer be able to enter our zoom meetings.  The guild needs each one of you more than ever!  The board and many other volunteers are putting their time, energy, and ideas into keeping our guild vital and functioning at a high level through these uncertain times, but we cannot do it alone.

Dues are $45, same as last year.  All you have to do is click here:  www.northernstarquilters.com/membership/membership-registration
Or
Renew at the member registration table at the October Quilt Social to be held outside at the North Salem Ambulance Corps on Saturday, October 10th  (prior signup for the event is required).

IMPORTANT MESSAGE

Given the uncertainty imposed on this year’s budget by the pandemic and the cost of printing the membership directory, the Board has voted to distribute the directory via email.  You will be able to print your directory or download it and save it in your computer.

We will still print a limited number of directories available by pre-order.  If you did not respond to the previous notices that were emailed to all members and you want or need a hard copy of the directory for any reason, please click Here to request a printed booklet.

Since we will not be meeting at JFK, a first draft of the membership directory will be sent to you by email in mid-October so that you can verify that your information is accurate.

Please email membership@northernstarquilters.com with any corrections.

Exciting News!

One of our new members, Joanne Visovsky, has volunteered to undertake a new and exciting project!  When she joined the guild, she immediately realized that it would be helpful to have a picture in the directory of each member to which she could refer.  Over the coming months, she will be collecting face shots of all of you who would like to participate, and these postage stamp size photos will be added to your name and other information in the online membership directory as they arrive. 

WE ARE NOT POSTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION on Facebook or the NSQG website.  Participation is optional, but we hope you decide to join this undertaking!  Email your face shot photo to membership@northernstarquilters.com.

Looking forward to seeing you at the October Zoom meeting!

Carol Sterk, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Membership Signup

Quilt Social

Our October Quilt Social is almost here and we are looking forward to seeing you! 

Signup is required beforehand for an arrival time.
If you have not signed up, click here to see availability and to signup.
Saturday, October 10th***
North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps
14 Daniel Road, North Salem, NY

We will have a separate checkout area to list and pay for all purchases at once.  Bring along your own tote to stash your ‘stuff’.  Great prices!
Payments by exact cash or check only, please come prepared! 

The following activities are in the works:

  • Membership renewal – if possible print and fill out your form and check ahead of time
  • Workshop signups –  if possible write your check and note it with your workshop choice ahead of time
  • Display and voting for the ‘2020 – What’s Your Vision’ Challenge quilts
  • Comfort Quilters’ summer project display ‘Salt n Pepper’ plus ‘mini-quilt-raffle’
  • 2021 Charity Raffle Quilt on display and your raffle ticket packet to pickup
  • Special ‘Show Pin’ sale
  • Books and magazines sale  – Fill a ‘Bag of Books’, brown bag provided
    (no further donations accepted at this time, save for spring)
  • Special boutique and holiday Quilt Kits for sale
  • And some free surprises!
  • NYS Covid-19 safety precautions are to be followed.
  • Stay at home if any Covid-19 symptoms or possible exposure to Covid-19 or travel in quarantined states in the last 14 days.
  • Attendance is monitored and staggered to avoid crowding.
  • Masks are required once out of your car as is social distancing.
  • Sanitizer available.
  • No food, guests, children, or pets
Contact president@northernstarquilters.com for further information.

Programs-Linda Stern -

Keep up with our lecture and workshop lineup for the season.

Zoom links will be sent out a couple days before the meeting,  links for those lectures that can be recorded will be sent out a couple days after the meeting.

—

Upcoming lecture and workshop with ADELE SCOTT, www.adelescott.com

“My Favorite Tips, Techniques, and Tools”

“How to Easily Quilt Any Size Quilt”  6hrs – Online

There are many ways to deal with the bulk of machine quilting. Learn some of the creative methods quilters have come up with to solve this problem. The right prep, products and techniques will get you quilting those larger quilts with confidence and ease..  Any quilt can be quilted in “sections” but the method you use will depends on the quilt pattern, at what point you decide, and the materials used.  These techniques can be used singly or in combination for many quilt patterns/ designs. Decide what methods work best before you start your project for the best results. We’ll create nine samples plus learn additional options that will have you thinking… why didn’t I think of that?
A kit for the class with supplies to make the nine samples will be available for $32 including shipping or you can pre-make your own.

The cost of a workshop is $50.00, non-members are welcome (based on availability) for a fee of $70.
To signup and pay via credit card: click here.
or
To signup and pay by check:  email programs@northernstarquilters.com with your workshop choice and mail your check (payable to Northern Star Quilters’ Guild):  Linda Stern, 26 Lake Drive, Somers, NY 10589
Class confirmation and supply list will be emailed when payment is received.
Questions can be sent to programs@northernstarquilters.com.

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe -

Comfort Quilts

Comfort Quilts had a second Driveway Drop – off on September 9th at the NSVAC.  Over seventy-five beautiful quilts were received for distribution to worthy causes.

At the Fall Quilt Social, Comfort Quilts will display their Summer project, “Salt n Pepper”.  There will be a mini raffle for a quilt (or more), you do not need to be present to win. Special holiday and boutique quilt kits will also be for sale.

2021 Raffle Quilt

The 2021 raffle quilt, “Painted Prism” will be on display at the Fall Quilt Social.
Please stop by to pick up the raffle quilt ticket packets for yourself and your friends that are not able to attend.

Dee Plouffe, charitable@northernstarquilters.com

Zoom - Anne MacDonald -

Our September membership meeting  – our first via Zoom – was great fun and informative.  The highlight for many was the opportunity to see familiar faces and say “hi”.  As we move forward in the coming months, Zoom will continue to be the way that we host our meetings and the presentations that are normally a part of our in-person meetings.

If you would like some help to be able to join future meetings, please feel free to contact Anne MacDonald via email (annemacd8250@gmail.com) or via the cell phone number listed in the directory.  In order to participate in a Zoom meeting with video, all you need is a computer (desktop or laptop), a tablet or smartphone.  If you would like to just hear the meeting, with no video, it is possible to just call in.  We look forward to staying connected despite the limits on gathering.  Please join us for our next meeting and don’t be shy about asking for a little help if it keeps you connected!

A Few Photos

Susan Harisch –  I got this quilt from my aunt. She said my great-grandmother had made two of them, identical.  It’s very cute but also quite yellow in spots  I would love to be able to wash it and hopefully get it white again.  If you have any suggestions on how old it might be or how to clean it, please email me, adannon@msn.com, thanks.

Nina Primer

Carol Auer
A CQ made with log cabin center from Barbara Powers. I got into my strip box & went from there.

Rona Spar – Here’s my market bag ala Gees Bend sort of…

Jody Sullivan – Gees Bend inspired

Miscellaneous

ArtsWestchester, a sponsor of the Guild, often presents participatory programs. Below is one of their most recent.  The deadline may be too short unless you have something that fits their theme but you can keep up with their programs by following their website, emails and social media.

ArtWestchester will be presenting ‘Give Us the Vote:2020’, a digital exhibition focused on issues connected to voting and voting rights. They are currently inviting NY artists to submit new or existing works for inclusion in the exhibition. Please see the call for artist submissions below. Works in any medium (visual arts, music, dance, performance art, etc.) are welcome, so long as they can be shared digitally.

***Please note that the deadline for submissions has been pushed back to Oct. 6th.
https://artswestchester.org/artist-opportunities/give-us-the-vote-20-20-call-for-artworks/

Member Notices:

(Members may request a personal post about quilting related items or info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Harlan Sexton welcomes help from Guild members interested in making a top or blocks for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Contact her for more information: harlan.sexton1@gmail.com or 516 662 2953.

Pooa Bloomberg is looking to buy a basic sewing machine in good condition, contact her at pooabloomberg@yahoo.co.uk.

Deb Warren wants members to know Christie’s Quilting Boutique is offering $10 off a $50 purchase to guild members.

Shelley Lounsbury says sandiegosewn.com is a contact for anyone wanting to donate quilts to LA wildfire victims,

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.

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 policies are available for member review at the library table or by request to the secretary@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 Quilt Related Shops

Read More
3 Sep, 2020

President’s Message

2020-09-04T22:55:25-04:00President's Message|

Summer seems to have whizzed by and now fall is rapidly approaching.

Sadly, we will not be able to have our Guild meeting in person, but we are planning to have to have a zoom meeting on September 22.  The meeting will start at 5:45 p.m., but the ‘room’ will be open 15 minutes beforehand and you can log on and chat with other members before the formal meeting starts.  Following that business meeting, Thomas Knauer will present his lecture “Why We Quilt”, starting slightly earlier than previous lectures, at 6:30pm.  There will be separate links for the Meeting and the Lecture, and we will be sending those out a day or so beforehand, together with instructions, so please watch for those.

We plan to use this format through the fall and Linda has lined up more wonderful quilters who will present zoom Lectures on the evening of our Guild meetings and will teach workshops the next day.  All the information can be found on the website and we hope that you will look into signing up for some of these very interesting workshops.

Thank you to those of you who responded to our survey about the possibility of having a Quilt Social event in October.  Naturally, everyone has her or his comfort level and while some members are enthusiastic about an outdoor event, others are still more cautious.  As a result, the Board will be discussing the feasibility of holding a smaller outdoor event for those members expressing an interest.  We hope that by spring we will be able to put another outdoor event on the agenda that more members will feel comfortable attending.

We are always looking for new ways in which we might connect – perhaps break-out rooms on zoom where small groups might meet to show what they have been working on or discuss new workshops they have attended – and we would love to hear your ideas.

Thank you to those of you who continue to send in photos of your quilts and run the various SIGS and quilting groups

Please be sure to pay attention to your NSQG emails and our website, our main lines of communication these days!

Let’s fill the fall and winter with as much color as we can and keep sharing our love of quilting!

Karen and Anne
September 2020

If you need some assistance with technology to access our online meetings and workshops, let us know!
We can provide help to make sure you can stay connected to your friends and the activities at NSQG!

Watch this short Zoom tutorial we found for you
//youtu.be/9isp3qPeQ0E.

Contact Anne MacDonald for more personalized help,
annemacd8250@gmail.com or cell# in NSQG directory

MEMBERSHIP SIGNUP

-- GUILD EVENTS --

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3 Sep, 2020

Latest News – 09/20

2021-04-11T17:10:05-04:00Latest News|

Programs-Linda Stern

Click Pic for Thomas Knauer Workshop

Check out our fall lineup, listed with the President’s message.

To signup for workshops by check or for any questions, email programs@northernstarquilters.com.

To signup for workshops by credit card, click here.

We will be allowing non-member signups sooner than previously, so save your spot now!

***Contact Linda, programs@northernstarquilters.com for further details.

Membership-Carol Sterk -

Greetings to all!

It’s that time, again! The beginning of a new guild year! I will truly miss the hustle and bustle of people coming through the door, signing in, paying their dues and meeting up with old friends they haven’t seen over the summer! But while this year will be very different from those in the past, the NSQG board is working hard to adapt and ensure that some things don’t change, including programs and workshops that feature nationally known quilters.

If you haven’t already done so, I hope you will take a moment to show your support for Northern Star and register for the 2020-2021 year. 

Dues are $45, same as last year.  All you have to do is click here:  www.northernstarquilters.com/membership/membership-registration

Hope to see you on Zoom!

Carol Sterk, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Membership Signup

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe -

CQ Bungalows-Althea Nolan

Comfort Quilts

All Guild members are welcome at Comfort Quilts, a group that creates lap-size quilts for hospitals,
shelters and individuals in need of comfort.
Comfort Quilts will have another mini CQ event, on Wednesday September 9th, 10:30 am- 12:30pm, at
NSVAC. Any requests for batting, kits, or fabric please let Karen or Carol know ahead of time. If you
have any quilts to distribute please have them there by 12.

CQ quilt by Carol Auer – I enjoy the challenge of using up CQ fabric that most others don’t want to use. When the Golf fabric was rejected for the back of one of our CQ kits, I gave it a try. Our Chinese Coins pattern uses an abundance of our strips (yay!) so I just pulled all the colors that worked with the Golf fabric. Someone is surely going to love this Comfort Quilt!

Raffle Quilt 2021

NSQG runs a raffle every year whose net proceeds benefit a not-for-profit charitable organization. This year’s recipient will be SHORE/I CARE (Sheltering the Homeless is our Responsibility/ Interfaith Council for Affordable Residences). SHORE was established in 1985 in White Plains, NY, initially to provide food and shelter for homeless men dealing with the ravages of freezing winters. An “Open Arms Facility” was established by the numerous faith-based organizations comprising SHORE in Westchester County, sheltering and assisting 38 men at one time.

In 1990, seeing the crisis of homeless families, SHORE felt compelled to broaden its mission to provide permanent rental apartments for needy families.  Currently, 23 families benefit from SHORE’s provision of safe, warm, non-transient apartments distributed across the villages of Westchester County. In 2018, SHORE merged with I CARE (Interfaith Council for Affordable Residences) to more widely serve the homeless community. SHORE/I CARE is the only agency in Westchester County that builds and renovates homes to provide permanent housing for homeless families.

This year’s Grand Prize, a queen/king sized raffle quilt ‘Painted Prism’, was coordinated by Daisy Dodge and Deb Warren.  First prize is a Bernina sewing machine donated by Pins and Needles, Mt. Kisco.
The quilt will be displayed at the September Zoom Guild meeting.

Tickets will be available for distribution soon.  Let’s do our best to sell as many raffle tickets as we can to support this wonderful organization.

Dee Plouffe, charitable@northernstarquilters.com

A Few Photos

Jennifer Kramer – Portrait of Arielle

Made by Jennifer’s husband for her threads

Andrea Winter – Grandson’s HS Graduation Quilt

Jean Degl – Started in a class at Country Quilter. So old there are 2 small holes in the background fabric, so now it’s a wall quilt, not a comfort quilt. Titled “it’s never too late Madame B”

Member Notices:

(Members may request a personal post about quilting related items or info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Harlan Sexton welcomes help from Guild members interested in making a top or blocks for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Contact her for more information: harlan.sexton1@gmail.com or 516 662 2953.

Pooa Bloomberg is looking to buy a basic sewing machine in good condition, contact her at pooabloomberg@yahoo.co.uk.

Deb Warren wants members to know Christie’s Quilting Boutique is offering $10 off a $50 purchase to guild members.

Shelley Lounsbury says sandiegosewn.com is a contact for anyone wanting to donate quilts to LA wildfire victims,

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.

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 policies are available for member review at the library table or by request to the secretary@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 Quilt Related Shops

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3 Jul, 2020

President’s Message

2020-07-06T15:43:12-04:00President's Message|

We hope that you have been able to enjoy the beginning of summer and the Independence Day holiday.

Over the summer we will be continuing to look for ways of staying connected and sharing our ideas and quilts until we can meet in person once again.  Our Programs Chair, Linda, is scouting out more online programs and workshops for us to enjoy. We are also considering ways in which we will be able to hold our Guild meetings over zoom and possibly socialize online prior to those meetings.  Many Guilds are facing the very same issues that we are and we are keeping our ears to the ground for new ideas and opportunities to make sure that the coronavirus doesn’t get the better of us as a Guild!

Thank you to those of you who have written to us with suggestions and links to online exhibitions and other items of interest that you will find in the Newsletter this month.  The New York Times article on Rosie Lee Tomkins is fascinating and video links about the Bisa Butler exhibition at the Katonah Museum are still available. Some of you might be interested in submitting a quilt to the Yorktown Grange Fair which is going virtual this year. Our own Mary and Jen Cannizzaro were interviewed by The Quilters Circle . Rosalie Dace has very kindly agreed to keep the recording of her presentation up a little longer so it’s not too late to see it.  ArtsWestchester is featuring local members of the sewing community, and Barbara Glab, one of our own members, appears in one of these delightful podcasts.

We hope that you have enjoyed the Show ‘n Tells.  Please keep the photos and ideas coming over the summer!

Don’t forget to vote!  You will be receiving two emails on July 20 – one requesting your vote on the Bylaw Amendment and the other your vote on the slate of officers for the 2020-2021 Guild year. Please look out for them and vote promptly.

Last, but certainly not least, the new Guild season for 2020-2021 has begun and we remind you to renew your membership.  Rona Spar submitted a letter for inclusion in the Newsletter that says it all.  We hope that you will read it and that all the benefits of membership that Rona outlines in her note will prompt you to re-up and keep the Guild thriving through these difficult times.

Stay well and keep happy quilting,

Anne and Karen, president@northernstarquilters.com
July 2020

A NOTE FROM THE SECRETARY:

Hello Fellow Quilters,

I am writing to encourage you to join or rejoin NSQG to continue to be a part of our creative and supportive organization.   I urge you to think about our programs like Super Saturday, the Ugly Fabric Auction, Row-by-Row groups, Comfort Quilts, yearly challenges, boutiques, salad suppers, helping with the yearly charity raffle quilt, group trips, raffles, SIGS, and so much more. Think of the speakers and workshops which you have attended:  Adele Scott; Raina Gillman; Carole Lyles Shaw; Beth Helfter; Joe Cunningham; Cindy Grisdela; Charlie Hietala; Victoria Findlay Wolfe; Paula Nadelstern; and so very many more.  These programs will continue online or in person, depending upon COVID-19.   Especially think about the Quilt Show, which is the high point of the year.  Sadly, there was no show this year, but plans are progressing to have a fabulous show in 2021.  Be a part of it!!  JOIN!!  And while you are at it, consider making an additional donation to the guild, easily accomplished right on our website.

Until we meet again or Zoom again,  Rona

Online Voting

Considering the continuing difficulty of holding an in-person Annual Meeting due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Board has decided to hold these votes electronically.

The two items of business to be voted on:
– the vote on the proposed Amendments to the Bylaws:  removing the VP Education position with those activities picked up by Special Events and Special Events being renamed Activities Liaison.
– the vote to elect Board Members for the 2020-2021 Guild year(*returning): Co-Presidents*-Anne Chehebar and Karen Carlson, Secretary-Rona Spar, Co-Treasurers*-Rebekah Glacy and Karen Martinez, Co-Vice Presidents Communications-Daisy Dodge and Deborah Warren, Vice President Membership-Carol Sterk, Vice President Programs*-Linda Stern, Vice President Quilt Show*-Narcita Medina.

Emails with the details about these Annual Meeting items were sent in April and again last week along with the voting process.
That email information can also be reviewed here.
Floor nominations for other board candidates were solicited via email and none were received.

Every 2019-2020 member will receive two email ballots, one for the bylaw change and one for the board slate, to be sent July 20, 2020, closing date July 31, 2020.
PLEASE PROCESS BOTH EMAIL BALLOTS PROMPTLY.

If you do not receive your ballots on July 20 or have any questions, please contact president@northernstarquilters.com

.

Membership Signup
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3 Jul, 2020

Latest News – 07/20

2021-04-11T17:09:36-04:00Latest News|

2021 Raffle Quilt-Daisy Dodge -

Programs-Linda Stern

–
Here’s a preview of next season’s lineup:

To signup and pay for a workshop, email Linda Stern, programs@northernstarquilters.com.

We will be allowing non-member signups sooner than previously, so save your spot now!

Click on the schedule to access more details about the speakers and workshops.

***

The guild needs a member (or two) to volunteer to shadow Linda this season – to gain familiarity with the job and to take on the job of  Programs Chair the following year.
You’ll have a say in our 2021-22 choices and help continue our wonderful programming.
Contact Linda, programs@northernstarquilters.com for further details.

Membership-Carol Sterk -

–

This is my first newsletter article as Membership Chair. I look forward to getting to know more of you as the year progresses through our virtual quilt shows, workshops and meetings. Over time, I may even be able to meet/greet you in person at the Membership table!  Rosemary DePaola, the previous VP Membership, has graciously offered to work side by side with me and will be in charge of keeping track of registration renewals including collection of dues. I will be focusing on ways to maintain and hopefully expand our membership while insuring that our newest members have a positive experience that will inspire them to rejoin the guild.  Speaking of welcoming new members, please consider volunteering in this effort by signing up to be a buddy, new member table host or new member orientation guide. The requirements are minimal, and these jobs a lot of fun!

As Anne and Karen outlined in their Letter from the Presidents last week, the board is actively engaged in finding ways of adapting guild activities to a new reality.  We need your support, both through participation and registration renewal, in order to continue to thrive as a group. I hope you will take this opportunity to send in your registration form when you finish reading the newsletter, just use the button link below.  Dues remain stable at $45. You will be able to pay by credit card for a small additional fee or send a check to the guild PO Box.  All  members who register by Sept. 1st will be included in a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate toward a guild workshop.

If you have any ideas for ways that we can stay connected as a group until life returns to normal, I encourage you to call or email me. I am open and ready to listen.
Enjoy the warm summer weather!

Carol Sterk, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Membership Signup

Some member provided items of interest:

If you missed our June zoom meeting with Rosalie Dace, the recording is still available for a limited time for Northern Star members using the following link and password.  The link is:  https://vimeo.com/430350004, The password is: iamanorthernstarmember.
(Rosalie has given permission to share with friends and family so if you want to pass the link along to a non-member friend, we suggest encouraging them to donate our $5 guest attendance fee to NSQG.)

ArtsWestchester’s new podcasts, called Sewing Community, features personal stories and family histories, shared by local Westchester sewers, quilters, tailors, fashion designers, fabric artists, garment union workers and more.  The first episode features member Barbara Glab.  https://sewingcommunity.buzzsprout.com/

Mary and Jen Cannizzaro are interviewed by The Quilter’s Circle Podcast. Their book, Beyond the Tee – Innovative T-Shirt Quilts, is coming out in July.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quilters-circle-podcast/id1475965495>

The Bisa Butler exhibit is shown via several videos from the Katonah Museum: http://www.katonahmuseum.org/exhibitions/

If you’d like to check out or participate in a virtual show, including quilts (under needlework), check out the Yorktown Grange Fair.

Here’s an article for your reading pleasure – The Radical Quilting of Rosie Lee Tompkins.

Charitable Activities - Dee Plouffe -

–
Final Face Mask Report -Susan Fasnacht

4,155 face masks, 144 scrub/cancer caps, 49 members reporting making masks (I am sure more were made than reported)
The most prolific mask maker was Carol Auer – I had her count at 1,002. The next highest were people with between 200 and 300, which included Karen Carlson, Ashley Mackey, Dee Plouffe, Noreen Lippolis, and Rosemary DePaola.

Comfort Quilt kits are available for pickup or delivery!
Contact comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com.

We’ve now come to the end of the 2019-20 guild year and, despite the curveball that the coronavirus threw at us, a total of 333 comfort quilts were distributed this year (to see the list of donations,click here).  Thank you to all the CQ sewers and the CQ distributors for a wonderful effort.  This total of 333 quilts is second only to last year’s record setting total of 350.

Rona Spar – Two sailboat NICU quilts for Comfort Quilts.

Barbara Powers – Comfort Quilts accumulating for delivery to WMC Behaviorial Health Ctr in the fall.

Contact charitable@northernstarquilters.com 

Activities - April Russell -

–
The 2021 Challenge has begun – Put a Heart on It.

Start yours now!

Contact April Russell, challenge@northernstarquilters.com.

Quilt Show - Narci Medina -

–

Stay tuned for Quilt Show updates!

Ashley Mackey, who has been the show vendor coordinator for a number of years, is in need of an assistant for the upcoming 2021 show who can then take over the following year.  The key qualities needed for this position are:  enjoys administration, organization, and follow-up; is service oriented and comfortable using tools like Word and Excel; is managerial, decisive, and willing to take charge. Who is this person – a mother, a teacher, an executive secretary… anyone with these skills.  Add the desire to take on the job and you are our next vendor coordinator! Contact Ashley for further information.

Contact quiltshow@northernstarquilters.com

Hospitality-Kathy Keane and Nancy Picco

–
Make yourself a special snack to enjoy at home during our online meetings!

Library-Deborah Tashjian

–
Our library is still here, just waiting for our return!

Contact library@northernstarquilters.com

Member Notices:

(Members may request a personal post about quilting related items or info, contact news@northernstarquilters.com for further details.)

Harlan Sexton welcomes help from Guild members interested in making a top or blocks for the Quilts of Valor Foundation. Contact her for more information: harlan.sexton1@gmail.com or 516 662 2953.

Pooa Bloomberg is looking to buy a basic sewing machine in good condition, contact her at pooabloomberg@yahoo.co.uk.

Deb Warren wants members to know Christie’s Quilting Boutique is offering $10 off a $50 purchase to guild members.

Shelley Lounsbury says sandiegosewn.com is a contact for anyone wanting to donate quilts to LA wildfire victims,

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.

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 policies are available for member review at the library table or by request to the secretary@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 Quilt Related Shops

Read More
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