April 2005 Jeri Taylor, Editor Volume 10 Iss

April

April 11 - 14
April 15
Ruth McDowell
Gualala Arts

DESIGNS FROM NATURE

April's program and lecture promise to be one of the most special in Guild history! We are most fortunate to have Ruth McDowell visit us this month for a four-day workshop and program. She is internationally acclaimed and one of the most respected names in the Fiber Arts world — truly a legend in her own time. Her nature inspired designs and the techniques she has developed for turning them into quilts have propelled her to the top of her profession.

Instructive and inspiring, Ruth deftly communicates her love of nature, geometry, textiles, and methods of combining them to make personal artistic statements. Through piecing and quilting greatly varied cotton fabrics, she achieves a timeless depth and richness in her work.

If you want to preview her stunning quilts, check out her website at www.ruthbmcdowell.com.

Ruth’s workshop will run Monday — Thursday, 11-14 April, (10:00—4:00) at Gualala Arts.

On Friday, April 15, she will present our Guild program entitled “Progressions and Diversions: My Development as a Quiltmaker.”

Come for snacks and social time at 12:30 p.m., followed by our business meeting and program at 1:00. Don’t miss the chance to encounter this legendary quilter!

Paula Osborne

GUILD GLIMMERS

By Jeri Taylor

Joe Cunningham was an absolute hoot! If this is what happens to Men Who Quilt, let’s bring more of them into the fold!

He gave us a brief history of quilting from the male perspective, including such facts that the first quilters were actually men (tailors in the 18th century) and that Dwight Eisenhower and Calvin Coolidge both made quilts. He was quite clear that men and women are different animals (duh!) and very much admires women’s spirit of generosity and self-effacement. For example, he said, if a bunch of men had made the Comfort Quilts which were displayed in the auditorium, one of them would have made sure TV cameras were there to record the event!

He showed many quilts, some made by him, some by friends. The most awesome aspect of his quilts was the incredibly dense and meticulous hand quilting — most of it done free hand! He admits that he used to travel around the country, lecturing at various guilds, and was quite clear that if the women wanted to quilt, they had to apply the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair and quilt. Period! Then… he had children. Now he would like to revisit each of those guilds that he chided and offer a sincere apology for not “getting it.”

In all, a charming and refreshing program by a multi-talented man.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Donna Blum, last year’s President, told us “Life is short — seize the day.” We took her advice and we’re a better Guild because of it. I have been considering what my motto should be. Pacific Piecemakers offers us the chance to meet new friends, learn more about our art and help the community — all we need do is get involved! This year, the Guild will host many varied and fascinating events and activities. We can share our knowledge and talent, learn from master quilters, and give the gift of “comfort” by making a quilt for donation to local organizations. So this year, let’s “Sign up, show up, and share the fun!”

Lynne Atkins

BLOCK OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to everyone who made the fabulous star blocks.Enough blocks were turned in to make a good sized quilt.And congratulations to our winner, Jeri Taylor.If by chance you took one of the gold stars with every intention of making the block, but just never got it done, please give the star to Jeri so she can either make more blocks or use it on the back. Thanks to all!
You now have two months to turn in your Crazy Heartz blocks for the drawing at the May meeting.Have fun with this block.Ithas no points to match, no quarter inch seams to get just right, nothing that lines up.If your block ends up a little small, just add a strip.If it's a little large, whack it off.Contact either Bev Sloane or Janet Sears if you need directions. Or pick them up at the April guild meeting. Enjoy!!

Jan and Bev

CHALLENGE SHOW

Do you know who you are yet? There are only two months before the Challenge Show, so you should be well into your process of self-discovery!

Remember, this theme (“Portraits and Self-Portraits: The Quilter Revealed”) is really very forgiving: you can make ANYTHING you think speaks to the heart of you. After all, who’s going to say “that’s not you?”

We’re hearing more and more people say they’re working hard on their quilts, so this promises to be an abundant show. You’ll want to be part of it — so keep at it!

For our first-time entrants, remember you will be given special consideration, so just plunge in!

Any questions? Ask Jeri or Anita.

CALLING ALL QUILT GROUPS!

Please print out a list of your meeting date, members, any openings, and new member policy. Please bring it to the next Guild meeting and leave it with either Lynne Atkins or Carol Tackett.

This will help our new members to “find a home” in the quilting community.

Claire McPherson

I am thrilled to have won these beautiful blocks! I really, really wanted this quilt — and I know many others did, too. Some of you made two and three blocks in order to enhance your chances! Please know that I appreciate your efforts to the fullest and will try to make a quilt (or quilts) that live up to the lovely work you all did.

Jeri

COMFORT QUILTS RUNNETH OVER!

Thank you, thank you, PPWG for refilling our coffers with such beautiful comfort quilts! Fifteen new quilts, each one unique and stunning, were on display at last month’s Guild meeting. Two have gone out to a family, several will go to Fort Bragg, the hospital children’s ward, and some new babies.

The Comfort Quilt Committee is now fat and sassy again and able to meet the needs of our community in these cold winter months. We thank you!

But remember — the need never disappears. Keep stitching and spread your talent and love to those who are down and out.

Polly Dakin

WANTED: HOLIDAY PROJECTS

If you have low-labor, high-reward projects or ideas for our all-day Holiday Spirit Workshop in May — anything festive or wintry, secular or religious, a pattern or demo you can offer, please contact Carol Tackett (785-1024). We hope to have many to choose from, with members offering guidance where needed. With so many creative, productive guild members (just ask Joe Cunningham; he was clearly impressed, in case you missed his comments) we should be absolutely brimming with possibilities. Don’t be shy — please share!

SEWING TIPS

A few hints to help make your life easier:

1. If you’re tired of the clutter in your sewing room, hang an over-the-door shoe organizer over the door. It’s great for scissors, rotary cutters, rulers, small fabric pieces, etc. Voila! Instant organization!

2. Do you sit on the couch to do hand work and watch TV? Push a straight pin with a big head into the arm of the couch at an angle. Then hang your small scissors on the pin to keep them close by.

3. When binding or quilting a large quilt that is hot and heavy, drop your ironing board down over your lap. It will support the quilt and take the pressure off your legs!

TIME TO RETREAT!

Mark your calendars! The 2006 PPQG retreat will be January 23-26th. This is one week earlier than this year in order not to conflict with other Guild programs. In the next newsletter I will have location, fees, and reservation information.

But — I need to get an idea of how many might attend. Please email me at ak@netget.com to let me know your interest. This is not a reservation, just an informal poll to figure out how large a facility we’ll need. Don’t be left out — contact me now!

Special Events Anita

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Frances Buentjen	3
Dot Porter	6
Marva Jacobs	7
Katie Pasquini	8
Ruth Hayflick	11
Linda Warnock	15