Extras

This picture was taken before the Quilt-A-Thon really got going, and look at all the activity!

A Note From our Community Quilts Leaders:

Thank you all for making this Quilt-a-thon so incredible! Everyone was so friendly, so nice, so helpful, and so enthusiastic, and the environment so charged with positive energy, that we were going strong until about 2 o’clock! By that time every quilt had been pinned, many, many quilts had been trimmed, turned, and sewn closed, and every quilt that needed a label had one on. Once we got the supply figured out, a wonderful number of quilts got quilted by our talented members (that’s all of us!). It was such a joy to be working together today. When we got in our cars, exhausted, we thought it was a good thing we wouldn’t do this again until May, but already, we are ready to do it again!

Thank you to the many who brought their sewing machines and plowed through the huge piles of quilts, to the many who wielded scissors and rotary cutters to trim the edges until their hands hurt, to the many who stood over tables to pin the quilts nice and smooth, the select few who dedicated themselves to the important task of pressing, and to the many who turned the quilts so neatly, and plied their tiny needles to make the quilts closures invisible, and attach our guild name to all the quilts ready to go out. And thank you to the many members of the Community Quilts Committee who helped set up, and later clean up (the clean up took a lot longer than the set-up, but so much had been accomplished!).

At least 52 quilts were completely finished today, but that number doesn’t represent all the work we all did. At least that same number went home with members to be worked on further (trimming, turning, quilting — all who wanted to took home whatever they enjoy most to continue working on), so we have really gotten the ball rolling for the year, and we worked on hundreds more. Our holding cupboard for finished quilts is full – so we’re ready for a some calls to come in now from our recipients who need quilts, thanks to all our efforts.

32″ x 42″ baby quilts will definitely be our biggest need this year, so if you are working on any tops of your own, or would like to work on the baby quilt kits, that size will be the most helpful. We heard a neat idea from a member about what she does with the baby quilt kits that are on the tables to take home from almost every meeting: she takes three at a time, and then sorts them into harmonious color families, so she’ll end up with a greenish quilt, a reddish quilt, and a bluish quilt, for example. We’d like to try that! It sounded like a really fun activity to try.

Thank you everyone for your efforts!
With much gratitude,
The Community Quilts Co-Chairs

From Therese Thomas, WWB update 1/26/2011

Wednesday I made another tax return preparation run to the WWB. Lots of returns to finish/start/fix (from other preparers) for this and prior years. I’m really glad to help these young Marines getting one small thing in their life handled well. I’ve seen a lot of changes since August 2006 when I first walked through their doors. The WWB has gone from a group of less than ten folks to hundreds. At first it was almost too close, but then it grew to a small family, a larger one and now it is very grand. Some of the close knit feeling is gone but I believe the care is as fine, if not better than what it used to be as everyone has been learning how to deal with their issues. It used to be combat wounded, then wounded or injured, and now the phrase is WII: wounded, injured or ill. They cover all the bases and make a valiant effort to not let anyone fall through a crack.

Since I now have ZERO access to rooms (prior it was extremely limited) I cannot verify that quilts are on their racks. The doors are closed down the hallway and each Marine’s room is his or her own space. In the past month I’ve fielded a few questions as to whether quilts were still needed. My response is YES!! Perhaps even more now as with the increase in population, the homey and comfortable feel of the building is morphing back into a full-fledged USMC facility. In the quiet of their rooms and beds, these WII Marines (wounded, injured and ill) still need to keep up their mental and psychological strength with the life-long battle ahead of them. The quilts are intended to wrap around them with the arms of the quilters across the country.

When the uber kind folks from Bridgeport made their huge delivery, there were lots of quilts. Since then the population has grown to over 130 in the barracks and a few in housing close to the barracks. The numbers assigned to the Battalion keep growing. I haven’t shown photos of quilts in the most recent newsletters as I was bringing with each weekly visit quilts that had already been photographed. Those that arrived after Bridgeport were kept in my spare bedroom until the inventory dropped. Right now there are about five of those quilts remaining to take over.

Then yesterday a box with a quilt arrived!!! Next week I’ll take it over and you’ll get to see its beauty.

What I did take that was new to the WWB were boxes of goodies.

Barbara M of Taft, California sent two types of boxes: One had these fabulous two-color knit hats. It looks like a great pattern that could be fast to work up. Funny how we find one pattern and stick with it until….oh- shiny!!….we diverge our path and get attracted to something new.

Bright, cheery, flexible to fit different head sizes and she did make S M & L sizes. We’ve had a tough winter and these will be wonderful for small and large Marines and their families. Good job!

This box of toys was wonderful – air bender, transformers, Old Maid card games and picture puzzles. Barbara has sent two more boxes, but my truck was full so I’ll talk and show them next trip.

Terri G. of Solon, Ohio sent two boxes of her lunch stroll and shop forays.

One can never have too many crayons. The puzzle books, jig saw puzzle, MARBLES and Toy Story figures will be loved by some young Marine.

More BIG boxes of crayons, bead kits, transformer books and of course the mandatory princess items

In closing please don’t take the absence of quilt photos as a declaration of no more need! The war action is not slowing down and there will always be a need to show support of our Marines (and other branches of the Service). Lives and people change and I understand the slowing of quilt deliveries. Filling the void with toys has been so unexpected and wonderful – and also needed!!

Even if “all” you can do is think good thoughts and send your own version of prayer in support of these brave young men and women, it is all good. Everything counts – no matter how small. Thanks to you all for continuing to read my ramblings and send your items of support to the Wounded Warrior Battalion – West.

Therese Thomas

We would like to thank everyone for their positive comments regarding the 2011
workshop lineup!

Workshop fees are $45 for quilt guild members including Moonlighters and
Petaluma Quilt Guild. Occasionally there will be an additional fee for patterns or
materials supplied by the teacher. In the back of the meeting room is a binder
which lists the classes per month, a signup sheet for each month and an
envelope in which to place your check.

Currently, the workshops for January and February are full! However, you are
more than welcomed to sign up on the wait list in case an opening appears or
the teacher is willing to have more than 20 in the workshop.
Please remember your name and your check (or cash) holds your spot in the
workshop! If we don’t receive payment at the time of sign up your spot is not
guaranteed! If you choose to sign up for 6 months of workshops we do need
checks for those workshops to hold your spots. If you sign up for May’s
workshop and enclose your check dated for May 1, 2011 and someone signs up
and writes their check for today’s date and the class is full, you will be bumped to
the wait list since we haven’t been able to cash your check.
Why is it important to have the check be payable now for a class in four
months? It guarantees a spot has been filled and lets us know if we can
proceed with the workshop. Workshops are not paid by the guild but by the
members attending the workshops. If the workshop sign ups do not cover the
costs then the workshop must be cancelled. If we need to cancel the workshop
it is stipulated in the contract that a minimum 30 day notice must be given to the
instructor.

What happens if I must cancel for unforeseen reasons? If you cancel more
than 30 days prior to the scheduled workshop you will be given a full refund
without questions! If you cancel within the 30 days prior to the workshop and
there is no wait list and you can’t find someone willing to take your place, then no
refund will be made. If you find someone to take your place they can reimburse
you directly for the cost of the workshop but please let us know that person’s
name.

We will email participants a couple of weeks prior to the workshop reminding
them they are signed up. Time and location will be sent, we will also provide
supply lists (which will also be available on the SRQG website) and any notes
from the teacher.

We look forward to an exciting year meeting new teachers and learning new
techniques!

Janice Rodgers and Diana Roberts

From: Therese Thomas Subject: WWB Happy Birthday USMC 2010
To: Theresetax@sbcglobal.net
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 2:51 PM

A run was made to the WWB today to deliver boxes and boxes of goodies – and this trip coincided with the 235th anniversary of the USMC birthday!! Happy Birthday to all you Marines and extended family of Marines, domestic and far flung. Semper Fi!

FRO Miss Melinda

So today I was replenishing the Family Readiness Officer (Melinda Willett) larder, which is being stocked in anticipation of upcoming Christmas festivities. There was one final box of books and coloring items from the previous shipment of the Santa Rosa Quilt guild, then there were two HUGE boxes from Barbara M from Taft, CA.

Raggedy Ann & Andy, transformers, coloring items, hot wheels, and zipper pencil cases – a treasure trove of items for both boys and girls.

Hot wheels, play-Doh, boy toy dozers, water bottles, a cheer doll and wonder of wonders, Christmas wrapping paper. I can remember when times were **extremely lean** for me and I only had newspaper in which to wrap presents. It became a loving family joke and that is what my brother and I use between us now, but it was so humiliating for me at the time. Her inclusion of this paper showed a great kindness and thoughtfulness. Good job, Barbara.

Then Terri from Ohio had sent two boxes of her lunchtime finds:

Books, stickers, dinosaurs, zip bags with card games inside, plastic bracelets and puzzles. Great for boys and girls….

The best is last: a huge box of quilts arrived from who else: Santa Rosa Quilt Guild!!

This first was a great large size in manly colors and (of course) one of my favs: 9-patch. Love how bands on the perimeter can bring any quilt to another size.

They have a new design to their patches!!

I thought this single bed quilt would be **perfect** for a female Marine. Tastefully done, including incorporating stars into the perimeter machine quilting.

Another grandly large quilt in great crazy colors. Nice blending of colors along the band perimeter.

Quilt #4 was a great pieced quilt of very similar hues. I just do NOT have the ability to guess right and my quilt efforts on this line always have one or two blocks that pop out because they aren’t the right intensity. This on was a great job in joining so many wonderful colors of fabrics. No eye poppers here!

Quilt #5 was my favorite of this batch: white on white background and what a way to use up such vibrant colors. You know which ones they are: those fat quarters that called to you in the store but when you got them home you scratched your head and wondered about your sanity. How could such intense colors be unified into something that would not blind you – here’s your solution!!

Quilt #6 was another wonderful riotous color assembly. Those generous ladies at the SRQG must have a lot of fun assembling these tops – and I even recognize some of those blocks in my own cupboard – ideas to share….

Today there was also a cake and celebration at the Battalion for the 235th birthday of the USMC.

They had seats for the residents (patients) and all the other Marines stood for the brief ceremony. It truly was a celebration of family in all forms: military, marriage, friendship, psychological support, religion….Attendees were reminded to continue to be safe but to treasure family during this and following holiday times.

As to residents: last count was somewhere nearing 130….a dozen arrived this week alone!!

Construction continues on the new facilities (Ronald McDonald type house, plus physical therapy and mental therapy space and an administration building):

Since the last email when some of you found my photos had grown back up to gargantuan size, I went back to the camera store, having spent way too many hours searching for a solution on picture size. There were four clerks, store manager and myself huddled around the camera and manual when we had our Eureka moment. I’m hoping that this size of photo is much more convenient for all, and if they need to get smaller still, let me know, but at least I’ve tried and am partially on the right track….

Happy holidays. I’ll be sending more photos soon.

Therese Thomas

Sylvia Davis is one talented and funny gal! Her lecture on ‘Ethnic Fabric Quandary’ was delightful, engaging, and inspiring. I’ve been sitting on a stash of “ethnics” for a while and I am pleased to have some direction. The ‘African Triad’ workshop the day after the program was just this side of a hoot and very productive.

This October’s workshop was the last of the year for the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild. On one hand, I am completely relieved to be relieved of duty. On the other, what a personal enrichment opportunity! The education I received being a co-facilitator is beyond measure and the relationships and friendships made are truly priceless.

It turned out that the class was nearly, if not completely, full. When we started the lecture on Thursday we had 14 or 15 students, some tentative. We began to wonder if the workshop would be a bust. Turns out my cohort, Linda T, had to run to the copy shop to get more pattern sheets for the 21 that showed up plus one for her and one for me. We had a bonus drawing for a free seat in the class provided by an anonymous donor. Sylvia told us stories about how she arrived by stork and was adopted by beautifully spirited people who nurtured her into the faboo artist she is today. I think her stories alone were worth the workshop fee and the time.

My ladies were in excellent form. Linda Z was the first to complete a triad block followed hard upon by everyone else – save one. Then, just before the end of the day, Montie finished hers. In fairness to Montie, she was using her daughter’s machine with which she is not familiar. The foot she started with did not accommodate the scant quarter-inch seam required and after ripping (or “unsewing”) multiple times, Phyllis stepped in and helped her out. She was able to use a zipper foot to allow for the measure and then Montie took off finishing a lavender and pink floral number. A couple of the gals finished four blocks. By the by, four blocks is a great size for a baby quilt. I did expect to see more diverse ethnics but found triads of 30’s fabric, florals, exotic animal prints, and gorgeous Asians.

Sylvia told me that my materials were lovely and any or all would work in just about any configuration as long as I made sure to keep the focal point in the center bright or otherwise dramatic. While I like her triad, I think I’d prefer to use the inspiration from quilts she brought to the lecture for my SD sampler.

Good people, thank you so very much for your grace and support of SRQG programs and workshops 2010. Thank you for all the rides to and fro and to those who toted ironing boards hither, thither and yon. Thank you to those who helped set up and take down and to Linda T and Phyllis G. I could not have done it without the teamwork format we used to get ‘er done. Lastly, thank you to all of the amazing instructors for enriching our arts to the fullest.

Rollin Rho

The bus trip down to the Pacific International Quilt Festival was an absolute pleasure. I’m still a little overwhelmed by the whole experience. I feel like every moment had purpose and goodwill. There were more smiles than can be counted and so many lovely works of art and labors of love.

Due to great excitement I hadn’t slept well the night before. This is a big deal to me, to be so far away from my Man for so long, and even though surrounded by 50 or so of my ladies, I still had anxiety about it. We arrived at the bus pick-up near the fairgrounds exactly as required by our Fieldtrip leader Melissa T. As soon as I laid my eyes upon my beautiful ladies my fears were yesterday’s news and the utter joy was fully overflowing in my heart. Then I saw my friend Amie and there was some sort of leap in my chest and then some wetness in my eyes.

My man carried me up the bus stairs to my seat then whisked my wheels to the undercarriage of the rather plush Preferred Charter bus and the loading began. Amie and I were “seatmates”. It was so much fun to greet the guild and friends as they each entered one by one. The lovely Loyce with her sweet smile is one of my favorite faces. Then Christopher Robin and his wife Ann, then Genie, then Phyllis, and then three of my favorite Lindas. Next came Cora and Joni and Suzanne and so on until everyone was on board. Then we all settled in for what turned out to be one of the slowest commutes…maybe ever!

Fortunately, Melissa has been down this road before and with microphone in hand she regaled us with the what, where, when, who and how of it all. There were funny stories and games and prizes of chocolate and fat quarters and thread. In the end, we each walked away with some of each, having chosen our favorite. In the in-between times, Amie read to me of the adventures of Ramona Quimby and we colored in a dot-to-dot book. It was a fun way to spend the next three hours.

Matt did a great job driving – I didn’t have to correct him even once (it’s that back seat driver manic thing that I have). The Santa Clara Convention Center is galactic in size, several football fields to be sure. I had arranged to meet my girlfriend, Edie, at the convention center, alerting her of our arrival about 25 minutes from our destination on Melissa’s cell. Neither of us had arranged the “where” at the convention center so, essentially, I wore myself out just trying to find her before I ever saw a single quilt. I finally decided to sit still and she decided to call Melissa’s cell and within a few more minutes we saw each other after seven years. It was so much fun to introduce her to my “peeps” as we passed each other moving through the show. Edie, too, is a crafter. Her work is beautiful. I think she enjoyed the show as much as I did. The inspiration we were surrounded by was a little overwhelming, like diving into the deep end of a pool – complete immersion.

I found that there must be many embellishers out there in this world who feel as I do: ‘If Some is Good, More is Better’. I am in good company. With regards to fabric art, I can see that the sky is the limit. I am liberated and I am in very fine company indeed.
The quilts and “wearables” were fantastic. There must have been a thousand. We wound and circled and circled and wound again. I hope we can do a slideshow sometime. There are no words I can convey that a photograph won’t put to shame. Diana Roberts, The Pointless Sisters, Vicki David, Judy Mathieson, Nancy Parmelee all had exhibits in this show. These ladies held their own in competition with the best of the best.

Edie went home around 3:30 and I found myself again with Melissa and Amie. We spent the last two hours at a more leisurely pace, making final purchases, resting in the entry, gabbing with Sandy Mc – where we discovered we have mutual friends. Amie braided and re-braided my hair so many times I thought for sure the rats would never come out. Amie entertained Pat K and me with some gymnastics, striking poses as if in a photo shoot, then more hair styling. I got back on the bus with a Gibson girl style makeover.

We re-boarded the bus on time as directed by Melissa. Tons of loot was stashed and stowed, atop and a-bottom of our grand chariot. The ride home was quicker and the dark helped pass the time. There was more chocolate and conversation and coloring. My thumb has a blister and I feel like I just participated in an Iron Man Marathon but I am happy and will do this again next year…when my quilts are in the show.

Thank you Santa Rosa Quilt Guild!

Rollin’ Rho

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Business Meeting
Sept. 2, 2010

The meeting was called to order by President Jan Andrews at 10:03 a.m.

Pam McVey introduced 1 new member and 2 guests.

Treasurer’s Report: Phyllis reported that income exceeded expenses in August. There
was good attendance at the Aug. workshop, the fees were enough to pay the instructor. She also
explained that the reserve fund balance is kept high in case funds don’t come in as budgeted.
More volunteers are needed for our fundraiser at Marie Callenders.

Announcements:
Elaine Tucker wants everyone to know that there are CDs in the library of photos of Dolly’s
party, Show and Tell quilts. They are full size pictures.
Melissa Trunick reports the bus trip to PIQF will cost $35.00 for members, $43.00 for nonmembers.
The bus will load at the Park and Ride lot by the Veterans Building. It is a good idea
to car-pool to the lot; people could also organize car-pools and follow the bus to the show.
Sharon Fry explained for new members that she will make e-mail notices for members to be sent
to the entire roster of the Guild. Photos of quilts for the DVD will be taken during a Sew Day
Oct. 28th. The cost is $1.00 per quilt, there will be a sign-up sheet for time slots. There will be
no charge for BOM, Sew-a-Row, Challenge, group, or Friendship quilts. The DVD can also
include information on title, maker, quilter, etc, if desired. The DVD will sell for $7.00 in
advance, $10.00 after Oct. 28th.
Phyllis Gallaway announced there will be a budget committee meeting on Oct. 6th.
Committee Reports:
Block of the Month – Rhonda Denny, Linda Zeimer, Joyce Wood, and Barbara Cortelyou:
The Sept. block is star in a star. The raffle of the demo quilt will be held in January.
Boutique – Betty Upchurch:
Betty showed some new boutique items including a machine mat, drawstring sewing kit, etc.
Challenge Quilt- Phyllis Gallaway:
The monochromatic quilts are due at the Founder’s Day meeting.
Community Quilts-Lavella Cassinelli:
Sept. 30 is the date of the next 5th Thursday at LBA&GC. Set-up will begin at 8:30, come and
help. There will be a Quiltathon Oct 7th, members can begin sewing at 9:30, a brief business
meeting will start at 10:00, there will be no Show and Tell
Friendship Blocks – Veline Ball:
Veline showed a new Friendship Block for Pam Beebe. It is Rocky Road to Salem and the quilt
will be donated to Community Quilts.
Hospitality- Georgianne Morrisey:
A sign-up sheet is being passed around for food for the Founder’s Day luncheon.
Librarian – Sharon Fry:
Sharon introduced a variety of new books and magazines.
Opportunity Quilt-Glenda Ross, Rhonda Denny:
There are passes for volunteers working the Home Show Sept. 17-19. Raffle tickets are selling
very well, more tickets have been printed.
Program and Workshops – Linda Thomas and Rhonda Denny:
Linda Thomas reported an anonymous donation to pay for a workshop registration fee. There
will be a drawing in Sylvia Davis’ workshop.
Sew-a-Row-Joanie Bellinghausen:
Joanie showed a number of new Rows.
TSW – Tera Antaree:
Today’s TSW will be taught by Melissa T. on dimensional blocks for quilts. The next TSW will
be Linda Morand’s Thhe Value of Value.
The name-tag and 50/50 drawings were held.
.
Show and Tell was held along with the Fifty-Fifty and Name Tag Drawings.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Beebe, recording secretary

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Business Meeting
June 3, 2010

The meeting was called to order by President Jan Andrews at 10:04 a.m.

Pam McVey introduced 3 new members.

Minutes: Were approved as posted online. Moved: Pat Schabel Seconded: Dotty Zagar

Treasurer’s Report: Phyllis provided a detailed treasurer’s report. She also reminded members that the fundraiser at Marie Callandar’s is Weds. Sept.8 from 10:30 to 8:30. The Guild will receive 15% of the tab including drinks.

Announcements:
Phyllis Gallaway reminds us the quilt challenge is due at the Founder’s Day meeting, Sept. 16. The quilts are to be monochromatic and no larger than 30 inches.
Helen Anderson says the LED pendant lights are here to pick up.
Sharon Fry has 2 free passes to the Long Beach Quilt Festival.
Pam McVey needs volunteers to receive quilts for the Fair Thurs. July 8, from 2 to 5:00.
Pat Mirabella says the newsletter is ready to pick up.

New Business:
Sharon Fry reports there is a battery organ here at the Hall free to anyone who can take it away.
If no one wants it, it will be sold on Craig’s List or offered to the Gospel Mission.

Janice Rodgers announced the vouchers for the Coldstone Creamery fundraiser cost $15.00,
$5.00 of which will go to the Guild. Also she will be taking a survey to see if members are
interested in a Sewing Room Tour. This would be for members only and could include snacks or
a sit-down luncheon.

Sharon Fry reports there will be a UFO/sew day/TSW on Oct 28. A photographer will take
pictures of finished quilts for a FUNraiser. Photos will cost $1.00 per quilt, the quilts must have
sleeves. The DVD will have an historical record of our Opportunity Quilts. Quilts made from
Friendship blocks, BOM, challenges and Sew-a-row will be photographed for free. Pictures can
be printed from the DVD, which will be ready by mid-November.

Committee Reports:
Block of the Month – Rhonda Denny, Linda Zeimer, Joyce Wood, and Barbara Cortelyou:
Betty Upchurch is the winner of the current BOM. The block for July is Monkey Wrench.

Boutique – Betty Upchurch:
Betty proposes that we sell donated quilts at shows and Farmer’s Markets, the money going to
Community Quilts. She and Sharon Fry showed a sailboat quilt and a Primary Party Animals
quilt which will be sold.

Fair Liaison- Pam McVey:
July 8th is the drop off date for the Fair. Volunteers are needed to receive quilts and to
demonstrate during the fair, scribes are needed July 10th.

Friendship Blocks – Veline Ball:
Veline is looking for new Friendship Blocks.

Librarian – Sharon Fry:
Sharon introduced a variety of new books and magazines.

Program and Workshops – Linda Thomas and Rhonda Denny: Sandy Turner speaks in July and Jill Schumacher in August.
TSW – Tera Antaree: Jan Andrews will give a TSW on a tablerunner and placemats today. Phyllis Gallaway will teach
using rulers for ½ square triangles and flying geese in 22 sizes. In August, Rhonda Denny will
teach how to make her knot dollies.

Show and Tell was held along with the Fifty-Fifty and Name Tag Drawings.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Beebe, recording secretary

From: Therese Thomas Subject: WWB quilts and Family Day August 2010
To: Theresetax@sbcglobal.net
Date: Monday, August 23, 2010, 4:49 PM

Last Thursday there was another Family Day at the Wounded Warrior Battalion – West at Camp Pendleton. This time they held it along the shores of Lake O’Neill. (You know I’ve never asked about the origin of the name of the lake – another task on my to-do list!) There were tables set up for all the wonderful and generous folks and organizations that support the WWB. Everyone had brochures, handouts and one table was overflowing with wonderful stuffed animals. Then there was the table of Therese Thomas, the Quilt Lady and The Tax Lady. I had a groaning repast of wonderfulness, all of which was donated and sent by your generous hearts. Books, toys, coloring books. Crayons, markers, books for moms, books for tweens, a whole stack of story books in comic book size of Christian education – old and new testament tales. I had a helper – Dan B. from U.K. who was over on a week of R&R from the British Marines. He was visiting my brother who was having a medical procedure that day and so I got to drag him through Camp Pendleton and see the support for the Marines in the WWB.

You will notice this newsletter that the photos are significantly smaller in size. Finally one generous and brave soul mentioned to me that the emails were getting too large and couldn’t be viewed well. I sized the pictures down to “PC Format” according to my camera. Now you should be able to view everything and actually open the email with significantly less difficulty. Thanks you to the person who notified me of the issue. (Everything looked just “fine” from my end, just don’t know what you were talking about……..right!)

Books and pillowcases and crayons and trucks!!

And Mr. Potato Head!!

Most of this bounty came from the generous folks at the Santa Rosa Quilt Guild. They had a member driving down to her son’s graduation at Camp Pendleton from the Devil Dogs. Her car was stuffed and “had” to be unloaded so his ditty bag would fit in for the return trip home . There was a huge box filled with coloring implements which was not taken to this Family Day and will be used for Christmas gifts by the Family Readiness Officer. There were books and toys from two boxes sent from Terri G from Solon Ohio. She has entirely too much fun shopping on her lunch breaks for those great special item toys and books.

The USMC kidlets were so polite!! So many of the other tables had adult things. This table was a nose height and brimming with wonderment. It was difficult to convince them that they really could have TWO items. One little boy spotted the two plastic trucks. That little hand was so fast that you could almost not see it extend, grasp and retract. Then I asked him which color of truck he preferred. He looked, hemmed, hawed and decided that his first instinct was the right one and marched away proudly bearing his prize.

The SRQG has a member who also crocheted these wonderful stuffed lambs, which are being held by the Family Readiness Officer for a special case need:

Just the right amount of stuffing to make them capable of sitting upright, but squishy and soft and WONDERFUL.

They also sent four big and beautiful quilts.

Great masculine colors and combinations.

Patriotic combinations

I looked at some of these fabrics and all I could say was where WERE those fabrics when I was looking??? (as if I need to buy any more fabric anyway…..)

The Marines really like these fabrics that relate to them specifically!

This fourth SRQD had a large number of pieces with sparkly elements –again, where were these when I looked??

Then Kate Q from Virginia sent a box with two great quilts: Morning Star and Drunkards Path!!

What a classic and beautiful quilt! So good so see these old patterns are still being made….

Every one of these quilts was beautiful, well made, nice patterns and combinations of fabrics and LARGE!! When I was at the WWB the other day I saw four large stacks of quilts I’d never seen before. I was told they were dropped off by some nice ladies – BUT every one of them was a lap quilt. There are NO wheelchair guys in the WWB and so there is no need for lap quilts. The Marines weren’t quite sure what to do with the generous donation (but I got an email this week about the VA specifically needing lap quilts so we now know where they will soon live!). Thank you so much for your paying attention to the need for larger quilts…..suitable for these full/double beds at the Battalion.

While sitting at the table for Family Day I realized that with the influx of new residents since the opening of the new barracks, I only recognized one in four faces. Guess I’ll have an extremely busy time this next tax season?!?!?

I’ve been asked once again to send a hearty thanks from the residents and administration of the WWB to each and every one of you who reads these emails. Even directing good thoughts and support to the WWB is appreciated, as are the kidlet goodies and in particular the quilts. Blessings, kudos and a virtual can of brasso to polish your halos??

Therese Thomas

The Quilt Lady

The Tax Lady

30457 Valley Center Rd

Valley Center CA 92082

760-749-3794

Hear Ye, Hear Ye:

All hail the Quiltmaker to the Queen! One might think that this is an overstatement but I assure you Jill Schumacher’s work is fit for royalty and now mine will be too. She generously shared her tips and tricks. I wish I could take back the last two years of work for a do-over now that I know so much more. I feel armed and excited and can’t wait to make her proud of my future works.

This SRQG workshop was the best yet. I know, you’ve heard this from me before but it is true. As is the case with each workshop, Linda T had the room set up and ready for business by the time Linda Z and I arrived. Jill was ready with a ton of loot to fill every possible quilting need. We opened with the usual bell and feather promptly at 9am. Jill read us a poem about a hairless woman that gave us pause and encouragement. We were riveted to her every word.

Jill gave us all ideas for quilting as we went around the room, each learning from every quilt top. There were some blue ribbon contenders. Georgieann has an awesome one-block wonder in tiger. Carolle “Lemonaid’s” classic star in Pansy is gorgeous. Pam MC has a black and cream Irish Chain that is stunning. There were three Irish Chains, all different and all beautiful.

Jill brought her store in her car. She calls it her car store and it was brimming over with every possible needle, pin, pen, pencil, stencil, threads of silk, cotton, and filament in clear and other general help aids to make us all Quilters to the Queen. Phyllis and I agreed that we owe Jill our firstborn.

This A.M. I asked my man to take me to the J-store for cotton batting at 40% off in white. I am outside my comfort zone with anything over a bone a yard but I want to be the best. If this cotton experiment goes well I know I am just a Connecting Threads order away from wool and silk batt.;-)

We were graced with some new and lovely faces, Sandra E, Monte, Billie, Adrian, Maryann, and Joy L. Thank you, ladies, for your warmth, smiles, and good company. It was a pleasure to have you there and a beautiful day, albeit a tibblelybit gray.

God save the Quiltmaker to the Queen! Thank you Jill Schumacher!

Rollin Rho