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Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events 2014

July:

·         16^th – Glorious Colour by Kaffe Fasset at St. Mary’s University 7PM

·         28, 29, 30, 31, August 1^st – Quilt show – Saulnierville Parish Church – 9650 Route 1, Saulnierville

Admission - $5 Open 10- 8PM first four days, and 10 – 4PM on August 1st

August:

·         Quilt Show - Northumberland Guild Saturday August 2^nd and Sunday August 3^rd @ DeCoste Entertainment Centre, 99 Water Street, Pictou; 10 -5 Pm both days.

·         Fundy tide Quilters 1^st Annual sale August 7-8-9, during Digby Scallop Days at the Baptist Church. Open 10 -6PM  on 7 & 8, 10 – 3PM on Aug 9th

September:

·         10^th – 1st guild meeting of season at 7PM @ Port Williams Fire Hall

·         26 – 28^th – Retreat at Berwick Fire Hall; Karen Henry featured  instructor; $170 for 3 days; Friday night Trunk Show

·         Quilt Show –  26^th – 10 -7PM, 27^th – 10 – 5PM - The Highland Quilt Guild, 197 Main street,  Antigonish;  Admission $5

October:

·         1st Annual Fibre Float- Sail on the Nova Star to Portland October 3 – Sunday October 5; for all those who love to hook, knit, crochet or any fibre thing. Contact annjones@eastlink.ca

Presidents Report

President's Report Town and Country Quilters Guild 2013-2014 We have had a wonderful year with several new members, interesting programs, beautiful and inspiring Show and Tell quilts, great fellowship and delicious treats. We also did not have to cancel a single meeting in spite of a winter of seemingly endless Wednesday snowstorms! There were eight Saturday workshops, all had a good attendance. In September several members earned their own PhD pins ( projects (w)holly done) when we held a PhD (projects half done) workshop. In October Elaine Parsons led a crazy friendship quilt workshop where we all traded fabrics before beginning. November was a bring your own project day when people worked on charity quilts. In January we made 20 flannel adult bibs using flannel purchased with Guild funds at Avonport. Half went to the Wolfville Nursing Home and half went to the Valley Regional Hospital Gift Shop. Many hand made light work and we had time to work on our own projects when the bibs were finished. In February Ginny Evans and Jackie Trimper led a landscape quilt workshop showing the enthusiastic participants their own special techniques. Faye Brown demonstrated the Accuquilt Go cutter in March and several members brought their cutters so everyone would have a chance to cut with their favourite die. We were all amazed at how quickly we could cut out a quilt. Faye also shared many great tips such as always have both your presser foot and needle in the down position when you travel with your machine. In March we recognized International quilt Day by donating a beautiful quilt made by Marj Taylor to the VRH for the first baby born on that day, March 15. Jane Maddin's popular sashiko workshop had to be rescheduled to early April and everyone enjoyed a chance to slow down and do some traditional Japanese handwork. We had a "do your own thing" workshop on the last Saturday in April which was very well attended and we all shared tips and tricks. To make our workshops and Retreats easier we purchased a large cutting mat to be stored at the hall, Marlene Dufour from Pins and Needles kindly made two sets of risers for the cutting tables and Faye Brown donated two Rowenta irons for guild use. Members were able to participate in two Challenge projects this year: make a quilt using fabrics matched to paint chips colours that matched your initials plus a neutral and/or make a quilt using just solid fabrics. There were two $25 gift certificates from Avonport Discount given as prizes in June. I would like to thank everyone on the executive for another wonderful year. Barb Leith as our efficient and capable secretary, Elizabeth Biggs who has been doing an outstanding job as treasurer since the very beginning, Helen Archibald for keeping the membership up to date and promptly sending out dozens of notices, Elaine Parsons and Faye Brown for providing us with interesting programs and workshops, Janet Trites for serving as Vice President, maintaining our blog, making our name tags, and also serving on the Retreat Committee with Vanessa Austin, Helen Archibald and chair Marie Armstrong. Special thanks to Sharon Manzer and Ann Steadman who have provided us with scrumptious homemade treats, coffee, tea and cold drinks for the past three years and are now retiring. I have learned a lot in the past three years and have enjoyed the job as well as all the friendships I have made. I feel very confident that with Linda Lusby as president and Dawna DeAdder as Vice President our Guild will be in very good hands. Also joining the team are Kathy Berry and Ruth Peskett who will be working with Elaine Parsons and Faye Brown on the Program and Workshop Committee. Ruth Butler Library report 2013-2014 Town and Country Quilters This year I added twenty seven new books to the guild library and weeded out twenty outdated,non-circulating items. These were sold for a nominal amount at a workshop and the money put back into the library fund. We also have subscriptions to Quilters Connection, a Canadian quilting magazine, and Quilt Canada which comes as part of our membership in the Canadian Quilting Association. I have been cataloging all new books on an app called Book Crawler and also gradually adding all the older items. I had hoped to be able to share the catalogue with everyone but haven't quite figured it out yet. It works fine on my iPad but when I send it to Dropbox many items are missing and there are no pictures. I promise to keep working on it so you can check our holdings at home and see a photo of the covers of almost every book which is a big help since there is no way of keeping the actual books in traditional library order.

Minutes of June Meeting

Town and Country

Meeting Minutes

June 11, 2014

Present:  30 members

Treasurer’s Report: Elizabeth B. presented her report and budget for the upcoming year, and this will be forwarded to everyone via email. Report moved by Elizabeth for adoption and seconded by Dawna DeAdder. Motion carried.

Membership:  Helen A. reported the Guild having 34 members in the Fall, and with the inclusion of 15 new members throughout the year, we now have 49 members. Very good!

Library: Ruth B. presented several items from her President’s report including an update that 27 books have been added to the Library along with 2 subscriptions, and on order, is the book, Quick Strip Paper Piecing.

Program:

·         Retreat – Marie A. has requested we each fill a mason jar (spaghetti sauce size), with fabric for a Mystery swap at the retreat. In the event of any cancellations, there will be a waiting list should anyone wish to attend the retreat. Karen Henry, our featured presenter, will be designing something new for the workshop, and will let us know by August of the required materials.

·         Program for the evening:  Debbie V. gave an overview of her passion for dying fabrics and threads, providing many examples and gradations of colour. She derives great benefit from dying the fabrics which gives her the control over the development of her projects. Along with sharing her samples of different dyed fabrics, Debbie presented some of her most recent hangings using the fabrics and colours she has developed. Spectacular!

Debbie dyes cotton, sateen, silk, linen, rayon, poly/cottons, cheesecloth, batting, and “found” fabrics, utilizing some unusual mediums i.e. snow, and techniques i.e. discharging, resists, all for a very informative and fascinating demonstration of her talents. Debbie had lots of fabrics for sale and we had fun browsing and buying.

Old Business: Ruth B. picked up fabric from Alice Goodwin. Most of the fabric is from Suttles & Seawinds, and most will go to Pins & Needle, IWK quilts or some saved for auction at the Guild.

President’s Report: Ruth B. extended a warm thank-you to the Executive team and to Guild members for such an enjoyable experience over the past three years, and wished the new Executive every success. Ruth’s report will also be forwarded by email. And, as a post-note, Janet T. will now be doing the name tags for the Guild.

Nomination Committee Report: Committee Chair, Marj T., presented the nominations for the Executive positions due for renewal: President, Linda L., Vice-president, Dawna D.(1 year). The nominations for these two positions were widely applauded, as was the Nomination Committee Chair – Marjorie T. (in a forever position).

The following will remain in their positions for the next year: Registrar:  Helen A., Treasurer: Elizabeth B., Program: Elaine P., Kathy B., Ruth P., and Faye B., and Secretary: Barbara L..

Social Committee:  Sharon M. reported earnings of $100 from the sale of treats over the year. Thank you, Sharon.

New Business: Diane Banks of Fundy Tide Quilters announced they are having their first annual sale on August 7-8-9^th during Digby Scallop Days at the Baptist Church

·         Deanne M. queried where she could get bags of raw sheep’s wool cleaned, carded and spun. Members recommended Marilyn Rand or Gaspereaux Fibres.

·         Dawna D. was approached by a person wanting to have a Rag quilt, 60x85 made in green/burgundy flannel for $200. Anyone interested, see Dawna.

Show and Tell:  including the paint chip and/or solid challenge

·         Ruth B. – paint chip table runner for daughter; solid baby quilt in turquoise and orange

·         Dawna D. – challenge from the Quilt show, “Down by the Bay”, three panels on a batik background

·         Elaine P. – Sashiko panel in navy with white stitching

·         Marie A. –solid challenge - child’s quilt with pinwheels and prairie points in the border

·         Eleanor G. – painting on a purse

·         Heather M.– free motion, 3 bottoms on the beach,  from W/S with Deb Plestid at White Point

·         Corrine R.– solid challenge lap quilt; small paper pieced mug rug and another mug rug from the UK as part of an exchange

·         Elizabeth B. – quilt top from Accu-quilt with Faye brown W/S; solid quilt for girl and one for boy; floating squares, 9 patch; a solid entry patches and squares; 2 more crazy patches

·         Dianne B. – using paint chips table runner, blue, brown, butternut; growth chart; 4patch posie stack and wack,

·         Linda F. - Japanese fan; floral basket with wool scraps; woven basket

·         Ruth P. – disappearing nine-patch , small sample for next year

·         Marg S. – Iris hanging

·         Marj T. – child’s quilt with panel of giraffe with greens and butterscotch

·         Janet T. – cats, with paw prints fabric , all embellished with “midlife crisis” machine

·         Helen A. – navy Sashiko hanging

All participants who entered either challenge cast their ballots for a $25 gift certificate for each challenge. Linda F. was one lucky entrant and Ruth B. was the other. Congratulations to all those who entered the Challenges showing we do have a wealth of creative energy in this Guild.

The meeting followed our closing potluck, which, as always, was a tremendous success. Our next meeting will be on September 10^th, 2014, beginning a new season of quilting. On a special closing note, we need to recognize our departing President, Ruth B., for her contribution to the Guild over the past three years. Ruth has led with warmth and enthusiasm, for new members, new books, and new avenues for quilting, while maintaining connections with the wider world of quilting; and always with her engaging smile and good humour. We have a great deal to thank you for, Ruth, and we extend our thanks and very best wishes for all your future challenges, in quilting and in life.

Recorded by,

Barbara L.

To Do List for Next Year:

·         Develop a membership package/pamphlet to welcome and inform new members of the workings of the Guild and mentoring opportunities for new quilters

·         Review the structure of meetings to facilitate the sharing of inspirational quilting, innovative ideas and problem-solving approaches to quilting

·         Clarify the destination for our charity quilts i.e. IWK, VRH, or both

Library Report

Library report 2013-2014
Town and Country Quilters 

This year I added twenty seven new books to the guild library and weeded out twenty outdated,non-circulating items.  These were sold for a nominal amount at a workshop and the money put back into the library fund.  We also have subscriptions to Quilters Connection, a Canadian quilting magazine, and Quilt Canada which comes as part of our membership in the Canadian Quilting Association.
I have been cataloging all new books on an app called Book Crawler and also gradually adding all the older items.  I had hoped to be able to share the catalogue with everyone but haven't quite figured it out yet.  It works fine on my iPad but when I send it to Dropbox many items are missing and there are no pictures.  I promise to keep working on it so you can check our holdings at home and see a photo of the covers of almost every book which is a big help since there is no way of keeping the actual books in traditional library order.
Ruth Butler

Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events 2014

June:

·          11th  closing pot luck dinner @ 6PM; bring plate, cutlery, cup and special dish

·         Challenge presentation using paint chip colour use or solid colours

·         Debbie V., hand dyed fabrics for Show and Sell

·         14th   Quilters Yard Sale at South Berwick Community Centre -   10 until 2PM

July:

·         16^th – Glorious Colour by Kaffe Fasset at St. Mary’s University 7PM

August:

·         Quilt Show - Northumberland Guild Saturday August 2^nd and Sunday August 3^rd @ DeCoste Entertainment Centre, 99 Water Street, Pictou; 10 -5 Pm both days.

September:

·         10^th – 1st guild meeting of season at 7PM @ Port Williams Fire Hall

·         26 – 28^th – Retreat at Berwick Fire Hall; Karen Henry featured  instructor; $170 for 3 days; Friday night Trunk Show

·         Quilt Show –  26^th – 10 -7PM, 27^th – 10 – 5PM - The Highland Quilt Guild, 197 Main street,  Antigonish;  Admission $5

May Minutes

Town and Country Quilters’ Guild

Meeting Minutes

May 14, 2014

Present:  29 members

Guests: Sarah L.; has attended several W/S, and has now joined

Minutes of April 2014 – first month of being available on blog site; minutes accepted

Treasurer’s Report: Elizabeth B. will submit budget for 2014-15 at the June meeting. We are in good financial shape.  Report moved by Elaine P. and seconded by Marj T. Motion carried.

Correspondence: Quilters’ Yard Sale at South Berwick Community Centre on June 14^th 10 -2PM. Contact Janet T. for a table. Charge for a table is a free will donation to the hall.

Library: 1) Seasonal Silhouettes by Edyta Sitar, 2) Canadian Quilter 3) Quilting Modern – Jackuie Gering, Katie Pederson 4) The Big Book of Nickel Quilts – Spethe & Thode   Bill $72.05

Committee Reports:

Retreat: all 30 seats filled

Program: Ruth P. Cathy B. have signed up to help with the Program Committee; Faye B. will continue to sit in and offer input

Social: no change

Nominations: Presidency still open. Helen A. will consider along with a co-chair. Others are asked to consider giving their time, and with a co-chair, the position may seem less daunting to some.

Old Business:  Structure of meetings, feedback welcome.

New Business:  Community resident has fabric for donation for projects or charity; will be welcomed. Also has a large quilt frame; Linda L. interested.

-          Rosemary D.A. recommended a New Members pamphlet be developed for pertinent information on the workings of the Guild

-          Vanessa A. seeking interest from members to collaborate in making Quilts of Valour; Kate M. will do a presentation re the merits of this project in the fall

-          Children’s quilts have in past always gone to the IWK. It was questioned whether VRH might be interested. New member Sarah L. who has an association with VRH will check into this possibility.

-          Centreville Quilt Show was a huge success as reported by Sharon M., with 700 people attending, 500 meals sold, and making more than last year. Sharon extended thanks to those who contributed quilts and rugs and helped with the event.

Presentation of Korean Embroidery: by Deann Mc.

Many examples of the most intricate embroidery by Dean, her teacher, encompassing the culture and costumes of Korea during her time spent there from 2000 – 2005

Show and Tell:

-          Barb L. – slab quilt Red Serendipity

-          Ruth B. – Happy Cats children’s quilt

-          Rosemary D.A. – Mixed Media winter scene; pillowcase and baby hat

-          Pat T. - crazy quilt with floral backing in purple/ green; reversible bag

-          Elaine P. – wool penny rug, a work in progress; scrappy quilt top from Faye’s W/S; blue/green French Braid top

-          Vanessa A. – crazy quilt in orange and blue

-          Heather M. – stitched picture

-          Elizabeth B. – scrappy lap quilt

-          Joanne T. – blue and cream queen quilt from quilt show with trillium quilting; red/black/ white quilt with fabric chosen by husband

-          Helen A. -small Sashiko hanging from the W/S

-          1062 inches recorded from quilts shown

Meeting adjourned. Next meeting will be on June 11^th at 6PM for closing PotLuck. Bring your favourite dish, plate, utensils and mug.

Recorded by,

 Barb L.