Crazy Quilters' Quilt Guild

NQA Chapter #PA 497

No. 250 www.crazyquilters.org January 2012

The Crazy Quilters’ Quilt Guild Meets the first Tuesday of every month at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit 3461 Cedar Crest Boulevard Emmaus, PA 18049 7:00pm www.crazyquilters.org Email: info@crazyquilters.org That’s the fun of an auction. Getting caught up in the excitement of the bidding and sometimes getting a good deal. I hope you all enjoy the Holidays and keep in mind the true meaning of the season spending time with family, enjoying your family traditions and starting new traditions with the ones you love. Happy Sewing, Wrapping, Baking…whatever brings you joy! Julie _____________________________ Happy Holidays	from the editor To all of you, I wish you the very best of the Holiday Season. May 2012 bring joy, prosperity and good health to you and your family and may the Guild continue to grow and bring merriment to all. Good tidings. Allen Challenge	Jane Grove janegrove@hotmail.com Stay tuned! The 2010 Challenge will be presented at the December meeting, and then subsequently printed on the web-site and in the newsletter. _________________________ Web News Allen Bernstein	Almax626@msn.com Hi again from the web, What a great meeting we had in August. Some faces old, some faces new. It matters not as our web site www.crazyquilters.org is for everyone. Take a look at new pictures, our newsletter and a picture of our raffle quilt. AND shortly after our meeting in September there will be some exciting changes. Stay tuned! From the President
Julie Borden
Happy Holiday Quilting,	I hope everyone is enjoying the hustle and bustle of preparing for the Holidays. I am almost ready, just a little bit of shopping and baking left to do. I can’t believe that our retreat was almost a month ago. The 19 of us who went really enjoyed ourselves. We all ate very well, we shopped, and we even managed to sew a little. I met my sewing goal for November at the retreat by putting together one of my blocks of the month. I am giving myself December off from sewing goals. Christmas is coming too quickly and I need to sew up a few things for the family. I am sorry I missed our fabulous holiday auction. My husband surprised me with tickets to a concert that night. I could hardly turn down an offer like that. We really enjoyed our evening and I heard from many that the auction was enjoyable as well. Thanks to all who donated items, and also thanks to those who brought their checkbooks. The auction is a great way to make a donation to the guild, with your time making an item or your money making a bid. We did very well raising money to support our programs. I know that sometimes it seems like certain items should be selling for a higher price (and maybe some should be selling for a lower price). Community Service Lorraine Bujnowski
The program for January will be a working community service night. I am hoping that everyone sewed the bears in the kits that they took home in December. And, it would be nice if additional bears were made since a pattern was included in the packet. At the meeting the bears will need to be turned and given faces, either stitched or drawn. We will also be working on cutting preemie quilt kits, pillowcase kits and breast cancer pillows. Please bring along additional fabric to use for these items. You may also want to bring a sewing kit, scissors and some polyfil to complete breast cancer pillows. It is not too early to start to think about planning a Camp Erin quilt if you plan to make one. I have some quick, easy patterns that you may want to consider. Also, I would like to do at least one quilt for the Veteran’s Sanctuary. I am currently looking for a quilt pattern in which several people could participate. If you have a suggestion let me hear about it.	_______________________________ Hospitality	Diana DeFanti Many thanks to the hospitality volunteers for providing the desserts for our December meeting. The coordinator, Sharon Schaffer, was assisted by Cynde Vestal, Carol Willis, Jane Martin, Kathryn Helffrich, Pat Karo and Nancy Skok. January volunteers are Doris Horwath, Sharon Pieller, Colette Danner, Becky Marx, Karen Hartzell and Marya Amig. January volunteers will be reminded the weekend before the next meeting. Please call or email me if there is a conflict. You will receive a reminder before the meeting. .	Bee News	Diana Campbell The Honey Bees, our daytime bee, will gather at the home of Joyce Haeflinger on January 11th, at 9:00 a.m. If you are planning to attend, please R.S.V.P. to Joyce, and bring some hand work and a bag lunch.	See you there. ______________________________ Sold	Jackie Leipert/Val Johnson The Crazy Quilters’ Holiday Auction was a huge success in so many ways. Many, many thanks to all who participated in the auction. Thanks to the volunteers who helped the night of the auction and offered their experience to make the event run smoothly. Thanks to the members who donated so many awesome items and thanks to all who bid on and purchased wonderful gifts for themselves or others. We earned $1329 for the guild treasury. Bethanne won the prize for donating the item that sold for the highest amount and Maxine won the prize for donating the most items. _____________________________ Challenge	Jane Grove Because one of the required fabrics for the current challenge is a stripe, I'd like to write a little about stripes. Stripes don't have to be lines of all the same size. They can be a mixture of fat, medium and skinny lines. They don't even have to be straight; wavy stripes are fine as long as all the lines are parallel to each other. They can also be a small print between plain lines. If you plan to use one of these, make sure you use enough fabric so it is recognizable as a stripe. You can make very interesting designs from a stripe by cutting the fabric on an angle and reassembling it at a different angle. Stripes make a wonderful roof for a plaid house. Remember stamps for the hospitalized Vets. Mini-Class Before Meeting Carole Whaling
walingcj@aol.com There will be a mini-class at the June meeting. Topic to be advised. __________________________ Raffle Quilt Nancy Skok nancys@wfmc.com Our raffle quilt is now on display at ASMO. We still need some people to fill-in on Saturday afternoon at the Hershey Quilt show, July 24th. Thanks! . Hospitality	Diana DeFanti	defantid@gmail.com Thank you to the following members for their donations and assistance for our dessert table at the April meeting: Val Johnson, Irene Oehmke, Nancy Thomas, Lynn Gilbert, Nancy Horning, Ruth Hoffman and Diana Campbell. Members who signed up to bring a dessert for the May meeting are: Carole Whaling, Angela Assorgi, Tami Jones, Deb Veshinfsky, Mary Collins, Sandra Mugridge and Liz Dimmich.
Hospitality	Jackie Leipert	djleipert@verizon.net	Thank you the Julie Mc Donell and her committee, Karen Landis, Diane Pesola, Diana Campbell, Linda Herman and Jackie Leipert for the delicious refreshments at our July meeting.
I will be the coordinator for August's volunteers who will be Irene Oehmke, Pat Haberle, Kathryn Heffrich, Karen Hartzell and Becky Marx.
Our September meeting with its Anniversary Potluck Supper is fast approaching. Everyone is asked to bring a food item (protein, pasta, fruit, vegetable, dessert, or drink). Plugging in pots is discouraged for safety reasons. We have tablecloths but our tradition has been to bring our own place settings and to make individual tables more festive, flower arrangements for the table. Put on your thinking caps as to what you will prepare and sign up to bring your specialty at our next month's meeting. Thanks. be Irene Oehmke, Pat Haberle, Kathryn Heffrich, Karen Hartzell and Becky Marx.

Tips and Ideas	from the Crazy Quilter

Perfectionism

Wikipedia describes Perfectionism as a belief that a state of completeness and flawlessness can and should be attained. However, in its pathological form, perfectionism is a belief that work or output that is anything less than perfect is unacceptable. Hmmm. I’m torn. When it comes to quilting (OK, and other things, too) I’m a perfectionist, so completeness and flawlessness is always my goal when making a quilt. On the other hand, I don’t believe that a quilt that is less than perfect is unacceptable. I guess that just means that I’m not a pathological perfectionist!

In the quilt world there is a myth about quilts made by religious sects like the Amish that states, “only God can make something perfect.” Quilts are sometimes found with one block turned on a different angle, or a different color added that seems out of place or an appliqued border that doesn’t quite fit. These “flaws” are sometimes called deliberate and, if known to be made by a quilter of one of the religious sects with the aforementioned belief, are often attributed to this tenet being a belief of the quilt maker. Really? Sometimes little mistakes aren’t apparent until it’s too late – I get that. But I can’t for a minute believe that an Amish quilter wouldn’t fix a block if she knew it needed fixing.

We often hear the “only God can make a perfect quilt” belief is used as a tongue in cheek excuse for imperfections in a finished quilt. That’s OK with me, because “finished is better than perfect!” (I got that one-liner in a class with Brenda Papadakis!) I have seen many simple and less than what would be considered perfect quilts which because they are finished and bound are very beautiful and charming. After all, all those “perfect” quilt tops in my stash waiting to be quilted aren’t worth squat and can’t even be considered for scrutiny until they have achieved their ”level of completeness.”

What I’m getting at is this…….fix your mistakes that are fixable. I was recently working on a quilt block which ended up with a plaid in a less than desirable position. I tried to convince myself that it was OK, because I’m not so much of a perfectionist to believe that all plaids need to be lined up on grain. I just really though that the grain should go in a different direction in this case. I looked at it for a week and just couldn’t let it go. I knew that my eye would always find that spot in the finished quilt. So, I found more fabric, unstitched the offending plaid and remade the darn thing! And it only took about an hour to do it! I spent more time agonizing about fixing it than I did to redo it! Isn’t that always the case?! So next time you find yourself facing the same dilemma, FIX IT and finish the quilt! Not that anything less than perfect is unacceptable, but we should try to attain our best level of completeness and flawlessness.

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Library	Maxine Bernstein

Thank you to Jane Grove for providing the library raffle gift and to Allen Bernstein for selling the raffle tickets for the month of December. Adele Bush and Nancy Horning have already provided us with the library raffle gift for the month of January.

New books added to our collection are: Better Together by Karen Sievert, Clever Quarters Too by Susan Teagarden Dissmore, Country Comforts by Cheryl Wall, Inspired by Tradition by Kay Mackenzie, Quilts by the Heart II by Karin Renaud and Spotlight on Neutrals by Pat Wys.

Book Reviews:	Maxine Bernstein

Better Together: two-block designs for dynamic quilts by Karen Sievert

Each of these 10 projects features either one repeating block or two alternating blocks. Where the blocks intersect, the lines blur from one block to the next, creating gorgeous and unexpected designs. Projects are primarily lap sized and can be made by quilters of all skill levels.

Clever Quarters Too: more quilts from fat quarters by Susan Teagarden Dissmore

There are 16 different quilts to make all from fat quarters. Strip piecing, triangles and squares are used to make these simple quilts. The material needed and how to cut it are in easy to read and understand format.

Country Comforts: quilts for casual living by Cheryl Wall

“Warm and welcoming, each quilt in this book invites quilters to let go of the “rules” and find joy in the journey. The 12 projects feature traditional blocks such as Log Cabin, Bear’s Paw, and Churn Dash, with a twist that makes them fresh and new. Choose from quilts and wall hangings, many featuring folksy appliqué for added flair. Quilters of all levels will enjoy the relaxed nature of these scrappy projects- imperfections only add to their personality and charm!”

Inspired byTradition by Kay Mackenzie

50 designs all-new are presented with traditional appeal in this book. The bonus CD features all the blocks, each shown in five sizes from 6” to 12”. No need to enlarge - just print the size you need! A color photo of each block stitched in fabric, plus a line drawing for tracing is included. See all the designs on the CD shown regular and reversed for hand or fused appliqué. Kay gives tips for enjoyable hand and machine appliqué.

Quilts from the Heart II by Karin Renaud

18 brightly colored quilts to make by piecing and appliqué, embellished with embroidery is what you will find in this book. Each project has a full page color photo of the finished quilt. Actual instructions along with the finished block and quilt size start off each project. Then come the materials and cutting list followed by the assembly instructions. Plenty of graphics are shown. Whether you choose to make a quilt “on point” or one that is “square” you will enjoy lots of ideas in this book.

Spotlight on Neutrals by Pat Wys

“If you think neutral fabrics are only for backgrounds and blending, you are in for a pleasant surprise. See what can happen when sophisticated taupes, warm browns and creams, and contemporary grays take center stage. Enjoy elegant pieced and appliqué designs that redefine “neutrals” and open up new possibilities for black, white, grey, beige and more. Choose from 12 projects with timeless appeal, including quilts, pillows, a square table topper and more”.

If there is any book that you would like to see in our collection, please let me know.

Thanks.

Help Wanted	Jackie Leipert/Val Johnson

Looking for one or more people with access to phone, computer and calendar.

Must like to talk about quilting with friends and have the ability to spend money (this can be learned on the job). Desire to meet new people on occasion and make a difference in your quilt guild a plus.

If this sounds like something that might suit your skill set then you are the perfect person (people) to be the next Program and Workshop chair for the Crazy Quilters! Please contact Val Johnson or Jackie Leipert if you are interested. Training and job shadowing available to qualified candidates. It’s really not hard. We just make it look that way so you will appreciate us.

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Membership	Sharon Schaffer

January Birthdays

Lucy Rhoda	1/3	Suzanne Nelson	1/24

Jackie Leipert	1/5	Deb Veshinfsky	1/25

Jeanne Schroder	1/10	Evelyn Wiedl	1/31

Lorraine Bujnowski	1/19

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Programs	Jackie Leipert/Val Johnson

At our January meeting we will have Community Service Night. We started doing this in January because there is always a chance of bad weather. It seemed that it would be easier to reschedule this than to reschedule an outside speaker. That doesn’t mean that what goes on at the meeting on Community Service is not important. A lot of people depend on us to provide handcrafted things like teddy bears, preemie blankets and breast pillows. It’s also a great time to sit back and relax with your fellow quilters after the hubbub of the holidays. So, grab your scissors, needle, thread, any sewn bears (remember the bags of bears Lorraine handed out at the December meeting?) and any other Community Service items you may have and head on over to the meeting on January 3rd. We look forward to seeing you!

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And Now, For the Rest of the Story	from the editor

A quilt guild president walks into a monthly meeting and asks all of the members present to raise both of their hands…

If you have served as a board member put down one hand. If you have served on the board in the past 5 years put down the other hand. If you have chaired a committee put down one hand. If you have led a workshop or given a presentation at one of the monthly meetings put down a hand; hosted a “Bee” meeting at your home, Planned a retreat, Participated in a Community Service Project, put down a hand…and so on.

At the end of the questions she said, “To those of you with your hands down, if you have not enjoyed being active in the guild put your hands back in the air”. She then went on to say, “To those of you with your hands still in the air don’t let the other members have all the fun!”

Next time the call goes out for help…Raise Your Hands. You’ll be glad you did.

Guild Calendar from the editor January 3, Crazy Quilters’ Guild Meeting, 6:30 pm, LCHS January 31, Crazy Quilters’ Board Meeting, 7:00pm, LCHS Calendar of Events from the editor “Quilt Fest of New Jersey” a Mancuso show, 3/1-3/4, 10am to 6pm (5pm Sunday), Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Dr., Somerset, NJ, $12 admission, www.quiltfest.com “Garden of Quilts” by Susquehanna Valley Quilters, 3/2-3/4, 6 to 9pm Friday, 10 to 6 Saturday, 12 to 4 Sunday, Hughesville Fire Hall, Railroad & Water Sts., Hughesville, PA, $5 fee, www.susqvalleyquilters.org “Celebrate 25” by County Line Quilters, 3/24-3/25, 10am to 5pm, Archbishop Wood High School, 655 N. York Rd., Warminster, PA, Admission $5 (seniors $4), www.countylinequilters.org “The Rhythm of Quilting” by Friendship Star Quilters, 4/27-4/29, 12 to 8 Friday, 10 to 6 Saturday, 10 to 4 Sunday, Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Home Arts Bldg., Gaithersburg, MD, $8 fee, (seniors $5), www.fridndshipstar.org “Quiltfest 2012” by Colonial Quilters Guild, 5/5-5/6, 10 to 5 (10 to 4 Sunday), Charles Chrin Community Center of Palmer Township, 4100 Green Pond Rd., Palmer, PA, Admission $7, www.colonialquilters.org “39th Annual Quilt Show” by Quilters Unlimited, 6/1-6/3, Dulles Expo & Conference Center, Chantilly, VA, www.quiltersunlimited.org “Pennsylvania Quilts ll: Patterns and Variations” at Packwood House Museum, 8/10-8/12, Lewisburg, PA, www.packwoodhousemuseum.com “Celebration of Quilts” by York Quilters’ Guild, 6/23-6/24, 10 to 5, Old Main Bldg., York Expo Center, York, PA, Admission $10 (seniors $8), www.celebrationofquilts.com “Quilt Odyssey 2012” - 7/26 to 7/29, Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA, www.quiltodyssey.com Guild Officers President: Julie Borden First Vice-Presidents: Val Johnson/Jackie Leipert Second Vice-President: Sharon Schaffer Secretary: Jane Grove Treasurer: Anita Hertzog Committees Challenge: Jane Grove Community Service: Lorraine Bujnowski, Kathy Flickenger, Lois Drendel, Sally Waggoner, Ann Lineberger Historical: Nancy Skok Hospitality: Diana DeFanti Library: Maxine Bernstein/Michele McLaughlin Membership: Sharon Schaffer NQA Liaison: Irene Oehmke Newsletter: Allen Bernstein Phone Chain: Julie McDonell Programs: Val Johnson/Jackie Leipert Publicity: Alison Bessesdotter Raffle Quilt Marketing: Kathy Schuessler, Roberta Whitcomb, Sharon Yurkanin, Marsha Heimann, Jackie Leipert, Anita Hertzog Show and Tell: Maria Hance Sunshine and Shadow: Sandra Mugridge Website: Allen Bernstein Workshops: Val Johnson/Jackie Leipert