Note:  This text-only document is not the official graphical newsletter (which contains guild photos and may have additional information in graphical form).  If you’re not currently capable of downloading the official PDF version of the newsletter, you can easily remedy that situation by going to the following web site and following the easy instructions for downloading a free copy of Adobe Reader:  www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html  This completely safe download will enable you to not only download guild material that’s in PDF format, but also a variety of other graphical material not related to the guild

 

VFHQ News – January 2009

 

Clips from Chris

Hard to believe it is 2009 already, Happy New Year to all.  As one reflects on 2008, I say what a great year! And now looking ahead for 2009, wow, it appears to be another great and busy year heading our way.  As usual, we’ve lined up many new and exciting things for guild. First, we have our new block of the month coordinator for 2009, our friend Beth Quigley.  She is having a great time sewing and shopping for everyone, best of all the end result, the quilt, will be awesome.  Second, we have our new Comfort Quilt coordinator Jean Corday.  She is churning out the patterns in preparation for our February 28 workshop, so let’s not disappoint her and show our support for her special initiation to comfort quilt workshops.  Then on to our new raffle quilt coordinator who is Joanne Thomas.  She is having a grand time planning and designing in preparation for our next  raffle quilt.  Thanks to the new committee heads and to all the others who work tirelessly on our behalf, including our die-hard workshop coordinator Jean Hayden, who is coordinating a wonderful array of new workshops for the coming year.  So my best advice to all is to rest up, check your calendars and be ready to pencil great stuff into your schedule for the upcoming year. 

- Chris Candello

 

January Meeting  January 20, 2009

Our guest speaker will be Barbara Garrett who has been quilting for almost 40 years.  For 25 years she has researched quilts and quilt making.  Her topic for the evening is Feed Sacks and Quilts.  Barbara is also a designer and maker of historical doll quilts.  Visit http://www.planetpatchwork.com/feedsack.htm to read about the history of feed sacks.  Bring your cash as Barbara will also be selling her patterns.

Refreshments

  SAVORY                          SWEET                                        BEVERAGES

DebGraves                   Sally Lightcap              Cynthia DiLorenzo

JoAnn Thomas                        Nancy Hannum           Denny Shaw

Karen Glasthal             Chris Candello             Joan Gunder

Norma Brechbiel         Cathy Fennell

 

Bees Bees Bees Bees Bees… 

Afternoon Bee – 2nd Tuesday    

January

January 13, 2009, 12:30 – 3:30 PM, at the home of Sally Rapp, 28 Marian Road, Trappe, PA, 610.489-6892 

February

February 10, 2009, 12:30 – 3:30 PM, at the home of Margaret Gingerich, 841 S. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 484-684-6675

Evening Bee

January

January 27, 2009, 6:30 – 9:00 PM, at the home of Lou Chandler, 4 Ferry Lane, Phoenixville, PA, 610-933-9373

February

February 24, 2009, 6:30 – 9:00 PM, at the home of Gloria Clark, 762 Laurel Lane, Wayne, PA, 610-687-1728

Our Bees are open to all members of the Valley Forge Homestead Quilters Guild.  They offer an opportunity to share quilting information and renew friendships.  We work on our own hand projects (there’s not usually room for sewing machines); we assist each other by suggesting ways to layout quilt blocks, work with colors, etc.; and we enjoy each others company in a smaller venue.  Please check your calendar and see if you are able to join one or both of the Bees this month.  If you would like to host one of the Bees, please contact Jean Hayden (Afternoon Bee) or Beth Quigley (Evening Bee).

 

Birthdays 

January 2009

January 9         Donna LeBlanc

January 14       Sharon Miller

February

February 1        Barbara Jones

February 17     Esther Canning

February 19     Janet Lentz
                        Ann Lister

February 24     Sandra Dounce

 

2009 Block of the Month

2009's Block of the Month is being adapted from the Fons and Porter book, Stars*And*Stripes Sampler. January's block will be the Old Glory Flag from page 6.  Please follow the directions for the length of the flag which is the same as wall size sampler on page 34.  The block should be 26 ½” long. Also, the new book order is here.  If anyone still needs a book please call me!  February’s block will be Blazing Star.  Please remember to bring your completed block to the guild meeting to exhibit it and take a chance to win a prize.  If you have any questions or need help with your blocks or fabric selection, please do not hesitate to call me.  
- Beth Quigley

 

Welcome

Charlene Hagerty of West Chester joined our guild because she saw the signs for the quilt show and checked our website.  Charlene has been sewing clothes since she was a child.  She has a few very simple baby quilts and one Kimona Quilt wall hanging.  Charlene has always been interested in quilting but was too busy with other things.  She enjoys quilting projects that are fast because she says she has a short attention span when it comes to projects.  Skiing, walking, traveling, horseback riding and most recently, ballroom dancing are some other activities that Charlene enjoys besides quilting.  Charlene works as an administrative specialist and has one daughter, two sons and added a daughter-in-law.  No grandchildren or pets at this time.  Welcome, Charlene.

 

Guild Workshops

Ladies Bag Day:  Choice of three bags taught by two great instructors:  Chris Candello and Gerry Higgins

DATE: January 17, 2009

TIME:  9:30AM – 4:00 PM

PLACE: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Kind of Prussia, PA

PRICE: $10.00 plus pattern and grommet cost – See Jean Hayden to sign up

BRING:  Supply list will be provided upon payment to Jean Hayden

Comfort Quilt Workshop - Shirley Horning and Jean Corday

DATE:             February 28, 2009

TIME:              9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

PLACE: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, King of Prussia, PA

BRING: Your sewing machine, normal sewing supplies, and your lunch.  We will also need extra mats, rotary cutters, Irons and ironing boards and power strips/extension cords.

Weaver Fever – design by Jackie Robinson, taught by our own Shelley Blake

DATE:  March 28, 2009 (tentatively)

TIME:  9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

PLACE:  Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Trooper, PA

PRICE:  $10.00 – See Jean Hayden to sign up

Future Planning…
Two fabulous future workshops with big-name presenters are slated for 2009.  You’ll want to enter the dates in your calendar (as soon as you get your 2009 calendar).   The reason we’re notifying you now is because these workshops will both occur on Wednesdays so plan ahead if you need to use a vacation day in order to participate:
Mimi Dietrich — June 17, 2009 and Betty Neff — October 21, 2009

 

Fat Quarter Raffle

The current Fat Quarter Raffle drawing will occur at March’s guild meeting.  The fabric theme for this time is batik.  To participate, simply bring a fat quarter, place it in the designated basket, along with your name, and you’ll be eligible for the drawing to win them all!   You will receive one chance to win for each fat quarter you contribute.  The guidelines are simple:

1.  The fabric must be a fat quarter measuring 18" X 22".

2.  It should be washed and ironed

3.  It must keep to the announced theme

4.  It should be “quilt-shop-quality” fabric

Any questions, contact Jean Corday.

 

Cash for Stash aka Deal or No Deal

There was NO DEAL at the December meeting.  We'll be ready to welcome in the new year with the next installment of Deal or No Deal.  Just get your tickets ($1 each) before Chris begins the business part of the meeting.  Box or money, which will it be?
- The Sisters, Kate and Nancy

 

Quilter's Retreat

Save the Dates

April 30, May 1, 2, 3, 2009 for our Spring Quilter's Retreat at Mensch Mill Conference and Retreat Center, Kline Lodge, in Berks County, PA. Cost will be $185 for Thursday through Sunday and $135 for Friday through Sunday.  If interested give your name to Sally Rapp.  Giving a $20 deposit is the only way to hold your space, which is non-refundable.

 

Meeting Minutes – December 16, 2008 – Holiday Party

Meeting Commenced:  7:03 pm

Welcome: Chris Candello welcomed all members who braved the inclement weather.  There were no guests or new members.  Members were invited to sample the hors d’oeuvres and desserts. 

Door Prizes: Laura Chaplar, Sally, Rapp and Mary Plewinski.

Quilt Show Figures:  Raffle Quilt Profit: $2,768.  Thank you to Susan Glaser and Shellie Blake.  Total Profit:  $5,300.00+. 

BOM:  Beth Quigley introduced the 2009 BOM from the Fons & Porter Stars and Stripes Sampler Book.  Beth had 20 books signed by Marianne Fons available for the purchase price of $5.50.  January’s block is Old Glory flag.  Participants can make a lap sized quilt, wall hanging, etc.  The choice is theirs. 

Fat Quarters:  Jean Corday announced the first quarter will be batiks. 

Fat Quarter Raffle:  Irene Pettigrew and Jackie Santangelo were the last quarter winners. 

Bees:  Donna Raymond has offered to host the December evening bee on the 23rd at 6:30 p.m.  Sally Rapp will host the afternoon Bee on January 13th at 12:30 p.m. 

Thanks:  Barb Jones thanked everyone who voted for her quilt on line. Her quilt placed 3rd.  It will be pictured in the Engagement calendar and will be displayed at Paducah in 2009.

Ricky Tims/Libby Liebman/Alex Anderson:  See Chris for details; there is still some availability. 

May 2009 Retreat:  Sally Rapp is taking reservations.  The price has increased by $5.00 this year. 

Comfort Quilts:  Jean Corday is now overseeing this program.  A workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th at Good Shepherd. 

Workshops:  January 17th at Good Shepherd – Bag Ladies:  Chris Candello and Gerry Higgins will be teaching two different bags.   February 28th at Good Shepherd – Comfort Quilts; March 28th at Latter Day Saints Church:  Shellie Blake will be teaching Weaver Fever. 

Tonight’s Program:  “Strip” Poker or Strip 21.  After the rules were read, two sessions were played for anyone wishing to participate.  The high stakes were 2½” strips of fabric.  It was decided to keep it to a short program due to the weather.   

Gift Exchange:  Sally Rapp entertained us in her now traditional role of leading us through our holiday gift exchange. Sally recited her “seam ripper” story.  Every time “seam ripper” or “ripper” was mentioned in the story, the gifts members were holding were passed to their right. 

Show and Tell 

VFHQ Holiday Gifts:   A black nylon zippered tote bag with the VFHQ logo in lime green was given out to all members. 

Meeting Adjourned:  9:00  p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Marge Quinn, Recording Secretary

 

Quilt Shows 

African-American Quilts from the Ella King Torrey Collection:  August 16, 2008 – February 2009.  The collection was formed between 1981 and 1983 and includes thirteen examples by leading southern quilt makers.  Among its highlights are an appliquéd “word quilt” by the Mississippi artist Sarah Mary Taylor (born 1916) and one of her “hand” quilts, a version commissioned for the film The Color Purple.  Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XX, Hampton, VA: February 26 - March 1, 2009.  Mancuso Show management, 215-862-5828 or mancuso@quiltfest.com or quiltfest.com.

Quilt Fest of New Jersey V, Somerset, NJ: March 5 – 8, 2009.  Mancuso Show management, 215-862-5828 or mancuso@quiltfest.com or quiltfest.com.

Loose Threads Quilters' Tea will be held March 14, 2009 at the United Church of Christ in Spring City. Please visit - www.loosethreadsquilters.org – for more information and forms. 

Quilters’ Heritage Celebration, Lancaster, PA: April 2 – 5, 2009.  For more information: 217-854-9323 or rbbarber@qhconline.com or qhconline.com.

Quilt Odyssey 2009, Hershey, PA: July 30 – August 2, 2009.  For more information: 717-423-5148 or quiltodyssey @embarqmail.com or quiltodyssey.com.

 

Events with Didi McElroy

“Chat About Quilts” is sponsoring a lecture and two workshops with Didi McElroy.  All are invited but pre-registration is required (for your convenience, the registration form is available on our VFHQ website).

The lecture, “The Tifaifai Way,” is scheduled for April 8th and is being presenting twice at 9:30 to 11:30 or 1:30 to 3:30 in the Sunnybrook Ballroom (50 Sunnybrook Rd, Pottstown, PA 19464).

The Worshops run from 9:30am to 4:40pm at the Pottstown Comfort Inn (99 Robinson Street, Pottstown PA 19464 – Rt 100 & Shoemaker Rd).  Space is limited to 25.  Topics and dates are as follows:

Tahitian Appliqué   April 7
That Perfect Stitch   April 9

Details on the above topics can be found at Didi’s website: www.thatperfectstitch.com

 

Volunteers Needed

VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, the nation's leading provider of hospice services, is looking for volunteers to make "memory bears" for families of patients receiving end-of-life care. Memory bears are made from an article of clothing belonging to the patient. These bears will serve as a tangible memory of families' loved ones.
If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please contact me at 610-260-6020 or by cell phone at 484-432-4280. Thank you for your consideration.
- Lisa Scull,Executive Assistant, VITAS Innovative Hospice Care
  www.vitas.com  610-260-6020

NOTE: Directions for the bears will be on the information table at the next guild meeting.

 

Quilt Competition

The Alliance for American Quilts announces its 2009 Contest “Crazy for Quilts”: A contest for quilters of all ages that honors the spirit of the crazy quilt.  Entrants are encouraged to visit the website to draw inspiration from one or more aspect of the crazy quilt: design, color, fabric, surface embellishment, history or some other aspect of this style that you want to celebrate.  There’s room in this contest for all kinds of crazy-from traditional approaches to artistic interpretation.  The only constraint for this contest is that the finished quilt be 16” x 16” in size (2009 is the AAQ 16th birthday).  All entries will be auctioned on eBay to benefit the AAQ – one of our most successful annual fundraisers.  Look for more information on the AAQ’s website on January 1, 2009.  Visit www.AllianceforAmericanQuilts.org.

 

Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Breadsticks (from Patti)

Prep time: 10 min, Cook time: 30 min, Level: Easy

8 1/2 ounce box breadsticks (I used Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Snack Sticks-Artisan Cheese--baked with four cheese blend)
two packages bacon 
2 6-ounce containers grated Parmesan (I used Kraft parm in the bag)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut bacon to fit breadsticks (I cut mine in thirds)
Wrap breadsticks in bacon.
Place on cookie sheet and bake for 30 mins.
Dredge through Parmesan while hot (Do not put them on paper towel to drain first like I did initially.  The cheese will not stick).
Allow to cool and crisp, then serve.

 

February Meeting Preview – February 17, 2009

Our special guest is Barbara Persing, http://www.barbarapersing.com/index.htm.  Barbara has been sewing and quilting for over 25 years. In 2000, She wanted to change her working situation and started her own business providing Longarm Machine Quilting services.  In the last year she again has undertaken a new business. In addition to her Longarm Quilting business, her sister Mary Hoover and she started a pattern company called 4th & 6th Designs . Mary lives in NY and owns a quilt shop but they collaborate daily on designs and ideas. Visit  www. 4and6designs.com to see their designs.  Barbara, in her spare time works on her own quilts.  Please join us as Barbara talks about her quilts, her business and her patterns.  Bring your cash as she will also be selling her patterns.

 

Congratulations!

Barb Jones thanked everyone at our December meeting who voted for her quilt on line. Her quilt placed 3rd.  It will be pictured in the Engagement calendar and will be displayed at Paducah in 2009.  Recently she sent the email that is below:
…news from AQS:  Last Friday, the editor called and told me I was bumped up to Second Place!!!!!!!!!!!  The other second place winner was disqualified; she didn't follow one of the rules.  They wouldn't tell me what it was?   So I am the official 2nd place winner! Thank you again for everyone who voted.
Happy Quilting New Year!
- Barb Jones

 

 Guild Officers

President – Chris Candello

Vice President – Jean Hayden

Treasurer – Gail Dovalovsky

Recording Secretary – Marge Quinn

Corresponding Sec – Linda Hamel

Immediate Past President – Lou Chandler

 Committee Chairs

Program Chair – Gloria Clark

Workshops – Jean Hayden

Newsletter – Cathy Fennell
                & Lou Chandler

Web Master – Lou Chandler

Refreshments –

Set-up – Cathy Fennell

Hostess/ Door Prizes – Patti McLain, Marebeth Conard

Hospitality – Donna LeBlanc, Joan Gunder, Lisa Hudock

Block of the Month –Beth Quigley

Quilt Show – Jean Hayden

Quilt Bees – Jean Hayden (day)  
                             Beth Quigley (night) 

Retreats – Sally Rapp

Excursions – Susan Glaser

Comfort Quilts – Jean Corday

Publicity – Nancy Hannum

Historian – Nancy Hannum, Lisa Hudock

Library – Art & Ethel Hutchison

AQS book sales – Kathy Graff

Member Comfort – Judy Snook, Rosemary Geisler

Raffle Quilt – JoAnn Thomas

Sunshine – Norma Brechbiel

Newsletter Submissions

Inclusions for the next newsletter must be received by the first of the month.  (If e-mailing your article, an MS Word file is preferred, articles embedded in e-mails are acceptable, of course, but require more work on our end.)

Cathy Fennell
fennell@rosemont.edu (preferred)
32 Clearfield Avenue
Eagleville, PA 19430
610-630-8645 (home)
610-526-2973 (work)

 

 

Guild Meetings

   DATE: Third Tuesday of each month

   TIME:   7 p.m.

   PLACE:  Good Shepherd Lutheran  
                Church, King of Prussia, PA