Monthly Newsletter
President’s Message – 09/23
Monthly Newsletter
admin22023-09-01T09:50:28-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
(Members may request one brief personal posting per season, listed for the month, about selling quilt related items or information they believe may be of special quilting interest to the guild.)
Nancy Mirman wants to let members know about the Fiber Arts NorthEast Exhibit Nov 2-27 at the Field Gallery, Peekskill, NY.
admin22023-07-17T17:10:28-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
(Members may request one brief personal posting per season, listed for the month, about selling quilt related items or information they believe may be of special quilting interest to the guild.)
Nancy Mirman wants to let members know about the Fiber Arts NorthEast Exhibit Nov 2-27 at the Field Gallery, Peekskill, NY.
admin22023-07-12T17:15:11-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
Margaret and Jody
(Members may request one brief personal posting per season, listed for the month, about selling quilt related items or information they believe may be of special quilting interest to the guild.)
Nancy Mirman wants to let members know about the Fiber Arts NorthEast Exhibit Nov 2-27 at the Field Gallery, Peekskill, NY.
admin22023-05-01T20:40:00-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
The Annual Meeting of the Northern Star Quilters’ Guild will be held from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 17 at Kennedy Catholic High. At this meeting the membership will vote on the candidates who have generously stepped forward to serve on the Board for the 2023-2024 guild year. Please read the brief bios below and come to the meeting and take part in the voting.
Our speaker that evening will be Sheri Cifaldi-Morrill — a designer, quilt pattern publisher, award-winning quilter, educator and creative entrepreneur.
You may be reading this as you’re viewing our amazing World of Quilts XLII or perhaps sitting home with your feet up after enjoying the show. It is truly something we can all be proud to present for public enjoyment. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed their time, energy and talents to make this show a success. We especially thank Lisa Alfonzetti and her incredible committee who worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Weren’t this year’s “Card Tricks” Challenge Quilts fantastic? Thank you, April Russell, for all of your efforts to pull together a stunning exhibit.
Do you have something you’ve recently finished or is a work in progress? What’s holding you back from sharing it during Show and Tell in May? We love seeing what our members are working on and We want to cheer for you.
Margaret and Jody
The Guild’s Annual Meeting and Board Elections will take place at the May Guild Meeting, April 19th. No bylaw changes are proposed.
Pics and bios for candidates for election to the NSQG Board for 2023-24 follow.
I have been quilting for the past twenty years. In the 80’s and 90’s I designed quilts for my mother-in-law who was an avid quilter and made numerous quilts for all her grandchildren. I eventually inherited both her stash and sewing machine; when the machine finally died in 2004, I decided to both buy a new one and put it to good use taking a quilting course at Hartsdale Fabrics. I made my first granddaughter that first quilt. Four more grandchildren within the next couple of years and I was officially a quilter!
I soon began inventing my own patterns. A few years later I purchased a longarm so I could enhance the quilts with free motion designs. My favorite techniques are hand dyeing fabrics and abstract art quilts.
I’ve been a member of both Northern Star Quilters Guild and Village Square Quilters since I retired in 2011. I’ve been VP of Programs for NSQG for 2 years and Treasurer of VSQ also for 2 years. For the past two years Sheryl Fleishaker, whom I’m grateful to call a very good friend, and I have organized the Volunteers for our Quilt Show.
I’ve been happily married for 53 years and have three great kids (although I say six with their spouses), and six wonderful grandchildren.
I’m looking forward to Sheryl and I, as your Co-Presidents, continuing the wonderful traditions that make our Guild so special.
I guess it can be said that I’m the third generation from my family of women who sew. They all sewed clothes, made curtains, and even recovered furniture. However, I am the only quilter. I started becoming interested in quilting about 10 years ago. My husband and I raised three children who are now grown and out of the house and suddenly it was too quiet. I took a quilting class at Hartsdale Fabric and was hooked. I joined Village Squares to meet other quilters and I met Helen May who became my friend and travel partner attending workshops and quilt conferences both near and far. About 5 years later I joined Northern Star. I loved going to the meetings and participating in the workshops that were offered. With quilting there is always something to learn. I enjoy the energy and the talent that is offered by the people at Northern Star and look forward to an exciting and fun year ahead as your co-president along with Helen May.
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 the Treasurer, my understanding of how the Guild works has grown exponentially. With my experience of the past two years, I would like to contribute to the Guild as the Secretary.
I have been of member of NSQG for many years, albeit absent for the last 5+ years due to a conflict on Tuesday nights when I bowl with my hubby. While at last year’s show, I was so happy to hear the guild was moving to Wednesday nights…..I immediately rejoined. In my past years as a member, I have served as VP Programs as well as VP Quilt Show.
I learned to sew at the age of 14 by my sister and made many outfits for myself, and then my two children. I took up quilting 25+ years ago to quit smoking, it worked, but I now have another addiction, FABRIC.
I recently retired in Sept. 2021 as the Principal’s secretary at George Fisher Middle School in Carmel after 31 years and four Principals. While at school, I was the student activity treasurer for the past 27 years.
My quilting interests these days are just using up my massive stash. I am loving being able to participate in Comfort Quilts in person, as well as teaching children to sew with 4H. I love appliqué and making easy, traditional quilts. I also enjoy making ByAnnie bags… my latest addiction.
When I first joined NSQG as a member, Nancy Mirman made a statement “If you want to get to know fellow members, join the quilt show committee.”….The rest is history and I’m so glad to be back.
I come to quilting through my mother who has been a very accomplished quilter for my entire life. As a kid I used to “help” her when she hand quilted all the pieces she made. For myself, I really started sewing during the pandemic. As my daughter says, it was the hobby I was looking for and, once I found it, it exploded. I love learning all the techniques and intricacies of piecing and, as a longarm quilter, the finishes. I’ve met some great people too and look forward to deepening my relationships in the community.
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.
Following in my mom‘s footsteps, I attempted my first quilt at the age of 13 using cardboard templates and leftover fabric scraps – and I’ve been quilting ever since. I currently live in Tarrytown and travel frequently to the Midwest to visit family – and I always take my sewing machine to sew along with my sister and brother! As an active member of NSQG for the past 7 years, I served as co-chair of the 2019 Quilt Show and with that gained experience, I’ve enjoyed assisting the 2022/2023 Quilt Show VP to ensure our show goes off without a hitch.
admin22023-04-01T12:26:51-04:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
We are pleased to announce the proposed slate of candidates. They will be introduced at our Guild Meeting on April 19 and we thank these candidates for agreeing to give their time and talents to this guild. Voting will take place at the May Annual Meeting.
Nominees for elected Board positions for the 2023-2024 year are:
Additionally, the following members have agreed to serve as appointed chairpersons of the Board Standing Committees:
Furthermore, we have a crew of members who have agreed to assist both the elected and appointed leaders. HOWEVER, we are still seeking more members who can be counted on “when life happens” and assistance would be wonderful. Won’t you put your name forward? Volunteerism is an important factor in this organization and responsibilities ought to be spread among as many members as possible. It’s what makes all of our ongoing activities successful. We welcome your service.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, April 19 at 6 pm at Kennedy Catholic High School. Our speaker will be David Hornung, a painter, author, and professor of art who has taught workshops designed for quilt makers and fiber artists. David’s workshop, Investigating Color, takes place Thursday at Millwood Fire Company.
Thank you to Linda Finegan. Rosemary DePaola and the rest of their committee for another entertaining and successful Ugly Fabric Auction!
Reminder – Quilt Show drop off is Saturday, April 29 from 12-4 at North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Margaret and Jody, president@northernstarquilters.com
admin22023-03-01T08:34:23-05:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
Margaret and Jody
admin22023-02-04T08:15:35-05:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
The next guild meeting on Zoom is Wednesday, February 15th and features a lecture by Suzi Parron about Barn Quilt painting and quilt trails.
Last month’s Show & Tell on Zoom was fabulous, and we hope that more of you will participate this month. Perhaps some of you who took Tara Faughnan’s color workshop at the end of January will share.
We look forward to Super Saturday coming up on February 18th. We feel confident it will be filled with learning and laughter.
Registration for showing your quilt(s) at our World of Quilts XLII is open. The form can be accessed via our website – northernstarquilters.com – or use the link in the Latest News section.
‘Card Tricks’ Challenge Quilts will be collected at our in-person March 15 meeting at Kennedy Catholic HS.
Mark your calendars as that is also the date for the beautiful Ugly Fabric Auction.
Stay healthy and keep warm.
Margaret and Jody, president@northernstarquilters.com
admin22023-01-01T15:40:30-05:00Member Showcase, President's Message|
We hope that you all enjoyed your holidays and send warm wishes for a happy, healthy, and creative New Year. Additionally, some frigid weather has come our way and we hope that you are able to stay warm … working on a quilt or cuddling under one are both good ways to accomplish that!
It was wonderful seeing many of you at our December holiday meeting.
Don’t forget that our next two meetings will be on zoom: January 18 and February 15. You can log on at 5:45 to “socialize” before the business meeting which will start at 6:00 followed by a lecture. You will receive login information ahead of each meeting by email. While we won’t have our traditional Show and Tell, there may be time to highlight a few of you between the meeting and the lecture. So keep your work nearby if you wish to share.
Check our Latest News below and our website and mark your calendars for the upcoming speakers and workshops scheduled.
Our nominating committee is formed and will be reaching out to members soon to fill elected positions for 2023-2024. We are thrilled that a few of you have already volunteered for some positions. We will be looking for candidates for President, Programs and Communications. We know you care about the future of our guild so please consider saying YES when you are asked. Grab a friend and work as a team … it’s definitely worked for us!
The World of Quilts XLII will be here before you know it. Quilt Registration runs mid-January through March. All details are on our website.
There’s still time to register for Super Saturday on February from 9am-3pm. Check our website for more information.
Margaret and Jody
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, president@northernstarquilters.com
admin22022-12-06T13:21:42-05:00President's Message|
Hopefully, you all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day and were even able to get in some sewing during the days following. Something we cannot say enough: we are extremely thankful for all those members who donate their time and talent to this Guild. Without you this organization would cease to thrive and be vibrant.
Can you believe that December is already here? Now the truly hectic holidays season begins. Our December 14th meeting, the 2nd Wednesday, at Kennedy will be more casual because we do not have a scheduled speaker. That means there is plenty of time for Show and Tell … always a highlight of our meetings. Plan now to bring something and sign your name on the Clipboard sheet when you enter! The usual refreshments will be provided and you’re more than welcome to bring in a wee bit to share.
During the next few months, we will be looking for members to take on the elected positions of President, Secretary, Treasurer, Programs, Quilt Show and Communications for the next guild year, July 2022- thru June 2023. All these positions could be “Co-Jobs” with shared responsibilities. How wonderful it would be if two members who work well together would just step up and volunteer!
Our meetings in January and February will be Zoom meetings. You will receive Zoom link information ahead of each meeting. Be sure to check our website for all activities, speakers and workshops planned for the new year.
The February 3rd-5th retreat at the Center in Mariandale will be a fun and productive weekend! There are a few spots available. The fee is $230 which includes a private room, meals, snacks, and a comfortable workroom on a beautiful campus. Contact Jody Sullivan (jodysull@optonline.net) or Margaret Cibulsky (margy52@gmail.com) if interested.
Be sure to sign up for Super Saturday on February 18, it promises to be an enjoyable day.
Take care of yourselves until we see you soon,
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, president@northernstarquilters.com
admin22022-10-28T08:21:54-04:00President's Message|
October’s meeting was great fun with 72 members present. We were entertained by guest lecturer Linda Hahn and six members took her workshop the following day. The Comfort Quilt Summer Challenge Raffle was a success: we collected over $300 so there were three quilt winners. It was not easy for the raffle winners to choose a quilt because of the beautiful display. Ohhh … and many of us went home with sharp scissors!
The last shipment of more than 170 quilts has reached Ukraine and it was heartwarming to see photos confirming this information. Quilts were donated by members of this guild, NYC Metro Mod, a guild from Long Island, a group from Cape Cod and other individuals. Thank you all for your generosity! (Notice the photo with a NSQG Comfort Quilt label.)
Our planned retreat at the Center at Mariandale is scheduled for February 3-5 (Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon). The price is $230 which includes room and board, six meals, snacks and beverages, and plenty of sewing time. To sum it all up – a weekend of camaraderie, relaxation and fun! If you definitely want to attend, please email jodysull@optonline.net and margy52@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you again at Kennedy on Wednesday, November 16. Please bring a Show and Tell and sign up at the entry. Also bring “ugly fabrics” in a bag or box and drop off with Rosemary DePaola.
Make it a habit to check our website, northernstarquilters.com to see what else is happening, check under the menu heading ‘Happenings’, review the event calendar items, or click on the ‘Quick Links’ entry. You can see samples and descriptions for the February 18th Super Saturday classes by clicking on the Super Saturday links.
See you soon!
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, co-presidents
admin22022-10-01T07:37:29-04:00President's Message|
Despite several unexpected “technical” difficulties, we had a wonderful start to our new guild season. It was good to see new faces and to welcome back the “old” ones. We had 76 folks sign in and perhaps missed a few of you. (By the way, the fee for guest visitors was raised to $15 in case you missed that announcement.) Also, if you haven’t yet renewed or have a photo or update for the directory, please do so NOW! You can go online or contact Joanne Visovsky.
We’re always inspired by the many and varied talents revealed at Show and Tell! Be brave! Bring something to share and put your name on the Show and Tell clipboard near the sign in sheets as you enter the cafeteria. If we have a long agenda, we may have to limit you to one item, but we love seeing it ALL.
Bring any scissors/shears you want sharpened to the October meeting. Use masking tape to label each pair with your name or initials. Do not place scissors/ shears in any type of bag, container or holster.
Price: $8 for either large or small
There will be a new regular feature at our monthly meetings called “The Doctor Is In”. Nancy Mirman will be at one of the tables and you can bring any quilting question to her for help – from how to make a quilt lie flat to how to go from a picture to a quilt. Nancy has been a member of the Guild since 1985 and taught quilting at The Country Quilter for almost 20 years.
Wouldn’t you like to be in charge of something where all the work is done?!? If you noticed, all five previously mentioned activities are up and running. It would be great to have ONE (or 2) member(s) to oversee these guild activities. Of course we wouldn’t limit you from creating and/or introducing even more fun ideas. Volunteers welcome!
Looking forward to seeing you October 19 at Kennedy Catholic if not before.
Margaret Cibulsky and Jody Sullivan, co-presidents
admin22022-09-13T15:50:11-04:00President'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