Pacific Piecemakers Quilt Guild
Bits & Pieces
May 2006 -- Volume 11, Issue 5
Jeri Taylor, Editor
www.pacificpiecemakers.org

GUILD GLIMMERS

            New President Carol Tackett called the meeting to order and called for committee reports, name-tag drawing, and show and tell.  She issued her personal “President’s Challenge” (see details on page 2) and pointed out the beautiful AIR quilt which was on display.

            Then the program was turned over to member Iris Lorenz-Fife.  Iris gave us a brief and humorous recounting of her own journey as an art quilter.  It began at age three, when she received her first sewing machine — a treadle model! — as a birthday present.  At least she thought it was hers, and “commandeered” it to her own ends.  She steadfastly resisted making quilts until the Guild’s 2000 challenge show, when she succumbed.  She has never looked back.

            Iris, and several others of our members, are part of the Studio Arts Quilt Association.  It was from the ranks of this group that she culled her slide show presentation.  It was an amazing array of fabric art, covering myriad techniques and approaches.  The variety was impressive, as was the artistry and talent. 

            If you are interested in joining the group, you can contact Iris at 886-5030 or irisilk@mcn.org.

MAY

Guild Meeting

May 19, 12:30

            Judy Mathieson is without a doubt one of the most talented women in the quilting world.  Famous for her Mariner’s Compass technique, which demystifies one of the most spectacular quilt designs, Judy excels at many levels of textile art.  Besides innovative piecing methods that simplify the process, she brings long experience and enthusiasm to everything she does.  Whether she’s judging quilt shows at home and abroad, or teaching workshops across the globe, Judy inspires respect and delight among her students and colleagues, and she returns to PPQG for an encore after teaching a Mariner’s Compass workshop here several years ago.

            On May 19, Judy will join our guild for an afternoon you won’t want to miss.  Laden with her own prize-winning quilts, her legendary candor, humor and enthusiasm, she is sure to inspire and charm.  Word has it that she practices on two sheep dogs that share the Mathieson home in Sebastopol.  Myriad dog quilts in her trunk show attest to Judy’s fondness for canine companions.

            Lucky students who take her workshop, Shadowed Circles, on Thursday, May 18, from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m., will learn an intriguing method to create shadows and 3-D effects with fabric appliqué as well as piecing.  Space may still be available in this workshop, so call Jen Dewey for last-minute details (847-3881)or email her at mrsjen13@earthlink.net.  Meanwhile, you can preview Judy’s quilts online at her website:   www.JudyMathieson.com.

            Invite a friend to join you on May 19 at 12:30 p.m. for social time with snacks, followed by our business meeting and program at 1:00 p.m., Gualala Arts Center

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

            With the appearance of the warm sun, our thoughts naturally turn to renewal of life, hope, new growth and, of course, new projects.

            I have been visiting the different quilt groups to gather feelings about the different group dynamics and to listen to the goals and ideas for our guild.

            I have been thinking about some new challenges for the guild and I am eager to hear from each of you with any of your concerns or suggestions.

            Happy Spring!!!

                                                Carol Tackett

JUNE WORKSHOP

            Karen Combs’ QUILTED ILLUSIONS:  Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18

            A master of magical optical fabric illusions, Karen Combs teaches some of the most popular classes at the world’s largest quilt festivals.  You won’t believe the things you can do with Karen’s easy methods.  After this class, you can amaze your friends and family with your use of space!

            Cost for this two day class is $170 and is most definitely worth it if you want to add an extra dimension to your quilted creations.  Check out Karen’s website, www.karencombs.com and sign up before May 1 so we won’t have to cancel this unique opportunity to expands our quilting skills!

            Jen Dewey has the details (847-3881), mrsjen13@earthlink.net.  If you can’t take the workshop in June, but might be able to do it in July, let her know.

HARMONY’S FABRICS

            Our member Harmony Susalla continues to create wonderful new fabrics.  Her company, Harmony Art Organic Design announces the release of their first 100% made in the USA fabric.  “Let it Grow” (http://www.harmonyart.com/organic-textiles/LetitGrow.html) has been printed on US grown organic 7 oz. 90” wide cotton twill.  They also have a limited amount of coordinating light green twill available.  All of the prints can be seen at  www.harmonyart.com.

MEMBER INFO

Two names were inadvertently omitted from the 2006 roster:

Sharon Malachowski, July 9, 9644 Bodega Hwy., Sebastopol, CA  95472, 823-9056.

smalachowski@hotmail.com

Bev Sloane, June 21, P.O. Box 1429, Gualala, CA 95445, 785-3134, bsloane@mcn.org

Marilyn Alderson has new email: icthec@earthlink.net.

HAND-DYED FABRICS

            Carlene Keller and Judy Bianchi, two of our members, will have a booth at the Moonlighter’s Quilt Show on June 3 and 4 at the Veteran’s Hall in Santa Rosa.  They will be selling their hand-dyed silks, rayons, and cottons.  The name of their business is “Hand Dyed.”

            A number of our members have taken Carlene and Judy’s dyeing workshops and can testify to the outstanding results they achieved.  “Hand Dyed” turns out fabrics that are lush, lustrous, and unique.  They can add that special “something” to your next project!

COMFORT QUILT UPDATE

            We have about 15 quilts on hand so we can use many more.  Please think about making one in a “masculine” theme!  We have a lot of feminine and juvenile designs, but not much for the manly types.  Fabric and batting are available from the fanny basket.  Contact Polly Dakin, Joyce Gaudet, or Dee Goodrich for further information.

CALLING ALL GRANT WRITERS!

            Have you had experience writing grants?  If so, and you’d be willing to help out with a fund-raising project for the guild, contact Donna Blum at 785-3625, or dblum@mcn.org.

POST CARD CHALLENGE

            President Carol Tackett has issued a personal challenge to the guild:  making quilted post cards!  This would serve as an artistic incentive and a fund raiser.  In July, be prepared to bring $5.00 and as many 4 x 6 quilted post cards as you want to our meeting.  You’ll go home with the same number of cards made by your talented peers!  The cards are easy to make and can be done in no time.  Instructions are either on the website or will be shortly.  Join in!

CHOOSE A TEACHER!

            Is there a particular teacher you’ve always wanted to study with?  Let Gail Sims of the program committee know who it is!  The committee wants to be responsive to the members’ needs.  Gail can be reached at gailnjack@comcast.net

AIR QUILT ON DISPLAY

            Each year, Guild members conceive, plan, piece, and quilt a stunning offering for the Art in the Redwoods raffle.  This year’s project is a lustrous, intricate, batik-themed quilt which was made by Lola DeLongoria and Laura Hamilton and quilted by Sharon Malachowski.  It was on display for the April meeting, and can be seen both at The Dolphin and at Gualala Arts after the Memorial Day weekend.

MYSTERY QUILT 2006

            This year’s mystery quilt was unveiled at the April Guild meeting.  Fabrics were displayed to show the contrast needed between the background fabric and the six fat quarters required for the quilt.  It’s a great project for using favorite fabrics from “the stash!”  It’s a once-a-month project, with quilters needing only to spend one hour a month in sewing.

            Committee members include Molly Buckley, Ellen Soule, Ruth Hayflick, Polly Dakin, and Donna Blum.  This year’s project features “cut as  you go” and simplified layouts for each section.  The project is appropriate for beginners and advanced quilters alike.

            The mystery quilt directions will appear each month on the PPQG web site and be handed out at meetings until October when the quilt top will be complete.  Additional copies can also be found at The Loft, which has many beautiful fat quarters.

            Start now, pick your favorite fabrics and have fun making a quilt you will love.  Each quilt will be unique and can be displayed at the Holiday Guild Luncheon.  All of the committee members will be glad to answer questions.  Donna Blum is at 785-3625 or dblum@mcn.org

FROM HOSPITALITY

            Welcome to all you newbies!  We want to update the volunteer “bring goodies” list.  If you’d like to volunteer to bring cookies, doughnuts, etc. to our meetings, we would be happy and grateful to add you to our list.  Please call or email Laura Hamilton or Joyce Gaudet.  Thank you Janet Windsor for volunteering goodie duty at the May meeting.

            Of course this opportunity isn’t just for our newer members — anyone can chip in!  No one will be turned down as I’m sure you’re tired of my chocolate chip cookies!

                                    Laura Hamilton

Editor’s note:  Tired?  Is she kidding?