Extras

The Pacific International Quilt Festival, also known as PIQF is held annually in October at the Santa Clara Convention Center off the Great America Parkway off Hwy. 101 south. I seldom miss this large and outstanding quilt show. One of the largest on the west coast. Over 700 Quilts and Garments are on display. This year it is held October 11th (Thursday) through October 14th (Sunday) Wednesday evening is preview night for pre-registered participants.  The Mancuso Show management team is located in New Hope, PA. and is charge of putting on this big quilt show, and many others throughout the United States. There are over 60 workshops and lectures with special activities with instructors classes going on throughout the day and into the evening hours.  Visit this site for more info:   

http://www.quiltfest.com/activities.asp?id=7

I personally like to get a room at one of the many hotels in the area and stay for a few days at the show. Saturday Night Show and Tell is great!  But, even one day of the show traveling down on the guild bus is not an opportunity you want to let slip by!  So, get signed up for Melissa’s bus trip soon!  It’s a bargain, and so fun!

I remember one year when our mini group, five of us,  decided we would  travel to Palm Springs the one year that Mancusco Brothers couldn’t get into the Santa Clara Convention Center. That year it was held in Palm Springs during a very hot dry October. (isn’t it always hot in Palm Springs).  Any way we had to convince one of our mini group members, "Jane",  who was terrified of flying to get on the plane with us! She did fine on the trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, but what she didn’t realize, nor did we at the time, is that we would be transferred to a "Puddle Jumper" type plane to fly into Palm Springs. This small plane hit some of the worst turbulance going over the mountain range and dropping down into Palm Springs that some of had  experienced. "Jane" cried and kept her eyes closed tightly the whole time! Knuckle white hands gripped to the seat, and we were a scared too, but couldn’t let her see that!  Quilters will do anything it seems to get to a Quilt Show!

Once we arrived at the the wonderful Hotel we had booked rooms into, we all calmed down, and decided to take a walk—and since the Convention Center in Palm Springs was only 4 blocks from the hotel, why not mosey on down and see what the place was like so that we knew where we were going that evening for the preview….right.

Somehow we hadn’t taken notice that is was 2:00 in the afternoon and the the streets were deserted—or that it was 105 degrees outside. We did get  very hot and tired on the walk to the convention center. But, we did O.K.—on the way back to the hotel "Jane" started complaining about being tired and dizzy and proceeded to faint from the heat! We did manage to find a cool spot under a small bush and we poured our water bottles all over her. Sputtering and wet she revived and felt better and we trudged slowly back to our hotel. .  We realized at that point that going out in the middle of the day and walking around Palm Springs is not like going out in the middle of the day walking around Santa Rosa! That the lack of anyone besides ourselves outdoors should have been clue number one that walking to the convention center was not a great idea! We took a cab for the remaining days we spent going to the quilt festival!

We had a blast! The show was wonderful as it was held in this building that has wonderful mosaics on the walls, so along with the fabulous quilts we had the added enjoyment of viewing the art work and the beauty of the building and  Palm Springs. Palm Springs really comes alive in the cool of the evening with a lot of great dining spots and gift shops to visit. Many evening activities and mingling with the "beautiful people" that frequent Palm Springs.  Gorgeous golf courses—too.

Our next adventure in Palm Springs with "Jane" happened as we were about to leave and come home…We had a mini ‘show and tell" of our many purchases at the show! We gathered in one of our rooms the evening before we were leaving to show off what treasures we had found to buy at the show! Spreading out our many  patterns, kits, threads, fabrics, gadgets & tools galore!  Each of us had brought along extra suitcases and totes for stashing our stuff to take back home! We were having a wonderful time showing our stuff—–and then "Jane" heads for the closet and brings out her super bargain! A large oval hoop on a stand with carved legs hand quilting frame! We ooohed- and aaahd! The wood was so beautiful and it had this great scrolled base—and "Jane" told us she got a super deal on it—it was the last one! Only she had to take it right then!  We are all thinking "wish I had seen that vendor"…..whatta a deal!

Then—the light bulb moment!!!!—-We sort of looked around the room staring at each other— and then one of us finally said " Oh-oh! "Jane" dear, how are we getting this home on the plane"?????

—Long Silence—-and then "Jane" cleverly announced that we would take it all apart. down to the last small piece of wood or screw and that each of us would carry or put into our suitcases or tote a part of the frame! She even had the screwdriver that she had somehow got from the maintence man at the hotel!—-  And that way we would get it home safely—piece by piece! The only part that we couldn’t figure out how to make "smaller" was the actual 18" wooden hoop…. it was decided that "Jane" would insert her upper body through the oval opening of this section like she was carrying an over- across the shoulder strappy sort  of a handbag- thingy, the rest of the hoop would go down into a large tote bag at her side!  

If you remember the Lucy & Ethel episode with the imported cheese on the plane (it was supposed to be Lucy’s baby) —Well that was us!—sorta,  only it was large quilting hoop instead. "Jane" was so determined to get this bargain back home, she entirely forgot about her fear of flying (thankfully)! and we boarded the small plane with various pieces of wood sticking out here and there from our tote bags. Giggling at Jane’s ingenuity!  No one ever questioned us about the "wood"  and we just smiled and proceeded on to Los Angeles and on to San Francisco—and home!

Nothing got sat on or broke, or lost in the process! A wonder!  We got it assembled  at our next mini group meeting.  "Jane" loved her hoop and used it for many years and produced many beautiful handquilted projectsI

I just wanted to share this memorable story, one of many adventures we have had going to Pacific International Quilt Festival in past years!    Don’t miss the opportunity to go to the upcoming  PIQF in October!  If you have never been —it’s a treat you won’t soon forget! :o)

-PS. some of us are also seen playing Strip Dominos in the hotel lobby at PIQF late at night! — but—that’s another story—

~Angie

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Santa Rosa, Ca
July 5, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Pam McVey at 10:00 AM.

New members and guests were introduced and welcomed.

MINUTES:  The June minutes were published on the blog.  Pam asked for questions or corrections.  Lavella Cassinelli moved that the minutes be accepted as published. Marilyn Altenbach seconded.  Accepted..  A copy of the minutes is available at the library table.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Sandy Chan-Brown presented the treasurer’s report.  Please see Sandy for details..

OLD BUSINESS:  None

NEW BUSINESS:  None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Lee Trevelyan announced that she has the passes for the fair for those who have volunteered to do the demonstrations.  Lee shared what is involved in demonstrating at the fair.  Everything you need will be there.  If you want to bring your own project to work on, you are welcome to do so.  Volunteers are still needed.

Shirley Young announced that her neighbor has a feather weight machine he would like to sell.  More information will be on the blog.

Lynn Williams announced that the Grapevine Quilters Guild in Ukiah is putting on a non-judged show in September.  Please see Lynn for more details.

Jan Andrews is still selling tickets for the antique quilt.  The drawing will be next meeting.  All proceeds will go to the community quilts.

Betty Upchurch reported the status of the Relay for Life that she is participating in on July 28 and 29.  All the money that is raised stays in the community.  She thanked everyone for their support.

Committee Reports

Glenda Ross – Opportunity Quilt Sales: Glenda has packages of tickets for the new opportunity quilts in the back with each members name on them.  Each member is encouraged to sell or buy $20. worth of tickets.  Please pick up your tickets today.  If you are unable to take your tickets today, please let Glenda know so she can plan how many tickets are available for sale at other events.

The Petaluma show will be coming up on August 11.  She will be asking for volunteers to sell tickets at that show.  She has been told by the ladies putting on the show that the quilts will be hung inside this year.

Pat Marabella – Newsletter Distribution: Pat asked each member that receives a hard copy of the newsletter to please pick up their copy at the membership table. She also asked for volunteers to deliver the newsletters to our associates.

Basting: Two members have requested help with basting their quilt.  There will be a basting following the meeting. 

Program:  Phyllis Gallaway reviewed the upcoming programs and workshop.  The July and August workshops will be technique workshops.  In July, Debbie Caffrey will teach you how to use all those rulers you have collected and can’t remember what they were suppose to do. In August Sharyn Craig will be doing Innovative Sets.  All blocks are not created equal. She will show you innovative ways to work with those blocks that are not quite equal. The first twenty people in the workshop are invited to bring their blocks and get some suggestions on how to set them.

Friendship Block:  Linda Hooper showed friendship blocks that had been turned in.  She still has room for a few more signups. Linda introduced a new block for Virginia Hudak.  Please see Linda if you would like to sign up.

Norma show some of the blocks that had been turned in for Vandy.  Dead line for those blocks is next meeting.

Holly Palma – TSW:  Today, Betty Upchurch will do a scarecrow wall hanging. The August 2 TWS will be announced later. On September 6, Kathy Hannan will be doing paper piecing.  This will also be the block of the month.

Community Quilts:  Lavella Cassinelli reported that to date, she has delivered over 500 quilts. Following the workshop two weeks ago, 28 quilts were quilted.  She is gathering tops and getting them ready for the October quilt-a-thon. Lavella thanked everyone for their support of our community quilts.

Barbara Courtelyou – Hospitality: Barbara asked for volunteers to bring refreshments for the next meeting.  She reminded members of the guideline to bring something the month of your birthday and six month from your birthday.  She thanked everyone for their support in bringing refreshments.

Tara Antaree – Boutique –The boutique items were at the Windsor show over the week end.  Thanks  Judith.  The boutique is set up and ready for sales.  She encouraged everyone to stop by and support the boutique.

Kathy Hannan – Block of the Month:  Kathy introduced the new block of the month, Milky Way Star, which is due August 2.  Directions are on the web or at the back table.  If you have any questions about the blocks, please don’t hesitate to call Kathy or Justine.

Jan Andrews – Sew-A-Row:  Jan has a couple packets ready to go out and needs someone to sign up to add the next row.

Melissa Trunick – WIP:  Melissa announced that the WIP (works in progress) will start at the next meeting.  She explained the program.

PIQF:  Melissa announced that the show is bigger and better this year.  More information regarding the bus trip will follow.

Sharon Fry – Opportunity Quilt:  Sharon Mills and Sharon Fry are co-charring the new opportunity quilt.  Strip sets are due at the next meeting.  If you make two strip sets, you will receive credit for one friendship block.  Please see Sharon if you have any questions.

Library Report:  Sharon Fry introduced the new books and magazines.  Please remember to sign out the book before you take it.  Also, if there is a reserve slip on the book, please remove it from the book and put it on the card.  That will help them in tracking the books.

Show and Tell was held, followed by the 50/50 and name tag drawing.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:20AM

Respectfully Submitted,

Doris I. Maneke, Recording Secretary

Summer is here! and so is the July issue of Stitch n’ Times! Click on "newsletter" on the website and down load your full color issue now! Thank you!

~Jan Andrews

Christopher Nejman, fiber art and embellisher extraordinaire has a wonderful new website! It is a fun place to visit as Christopher is a multi-talented person as you will see. Enjoy his sewing class photos, his music,  and free online embellisher classes.(his hair designs!)— He also just recently started a Yahoo group for chatting about more embellishing . Enjoy!

http://www.bagsandpillows.com/

Don’t let the wording  "bags and pillows" mislead you!  Christopher’s website is way more than "bags & pillows"—–

~Angie

Completely off the topic of quilting—which is fine here too. :o)  So chime in anytime with hints & tips on other subjects.

 I have been threatening to replace all my Fiesta Ware dinner plates due to all the dark scratches on the surfaces from utensils,  (cutting knives, forks, etc.)  I have tried hand scubbing with various products–with minimal results.  But, this morning I did a search on Google about this problem—-I guess Fiesta Ware and Phaltzgraft dishes are notorious for retaining utensil marks— there were a lot of tips on this common problem and I found the best solution yet was——!

"Bar Keepers Friend" cleanser and polish on a nylon scouring pad!  Oh-My-Gosh!  All the marks are gone,  and the plates look shiny new! Wow! this stuff is great! 

-Angie

Searching the internet has just become easier with http:// www.Sputtr.com    It has an easy to read and use format for all the popular search engines and websites! One site, one click!

~Angie

We have many interesting LINKS available here on our website. Check them out!  It’s fun to browse around the LINKS and see what other guilds are doing! 

Here is a local Website link to visit!     http://www.mtqg.org/index.html   

I recently contacted the Northern California Quilt Council (NCQC) and sent along some pictures of our 2007/2008 Opportunity Quilts.  The pictures of our quilts are now on their website.(click on Opportunity Quilts)  Yippee!  :o)

http://www.ncqc.net/

I think they look Stunning!

~Angie

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Santa Rosa, Ca
June 6, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Pam McVey at 10:00 AM.

New members and guests were introduced and welcomed.

MINUTES:  The May minutes were published on the blog.  Pam asked for questions or corrections.  Marilyn Altenbach moved that the minutes be accepted as published. Lavella Cassinelli seconded.  Accepted..  A copy of the minutes is available at the library table.

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Sandy Chan-Brown presented the treasurer’s report.  Please see Sandy for details. The Guild has received a check from State Farm Insurance thanks to volunteer work of two of our members.

OLD BUSINESS:  None

NEW BUSINESS:  It is time to start thinking about the new opportunity quilt.  The Pointless Sisters would like to do another Art Quilt and the rest of us would do the traditional quilt.  Sharon Fry and Sharon Mills are willing to help the new chairman get started.  If you are interested in heading up the committee or being on the committee, please let Sharon F. or Sharon M. know.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Rowena Kennedy shared information on quilting retreats that she coordinates in the Santa Barbara area.  If you are interested, please stop by the table and pick up more information.

Pam McVey announced that sign up sheets are available for the Sonoma County Fair.  We will need volunteers to work the days the quilts are taken in, when the quilts are hung and to do demos the entire time of the fair.  Please sign up for a spot that fits your schedule.

Norma Viglienzone announced that Vandy Noble would be heading off to Oregon.  Norma will be coordinating a friendship quilt for Vandy from the guild.  More information will follow by e-mail.  Vandy will be missed.

Mary Wood shared information on a recent medical problem, called tailor’s leg, which she has developed, and it is related to quilting.  When you are sitting to do hand work, remember to stretch and move so you don’t injure yourself.

Pam Beebe announced that she just received a check from the Moonlight Quilt Guild. Please see Pam for details. This is part of Moonlight’s way of saying thank you to the day guild for helping out with the show. This was the most successful year for the boutique.

Phyllis Gallaway announced that someone came up to her at the quilt show who want to commission a queen size quilt.  If anyone is interested in doing this, please see Phyllis for details.

Phyllis introduced Vicky David, who coordinated the volunteers for the quilt show.  Vicky thanked everyone for their part in making the quilt show a success.  MQG expresses their appreciation for the support and help from the day guild by letting our members enter our quilts in the show, sell our boutique items and sell opportunity quilt tickets.

Phyllis Gallaway announced that Diablo Valley will be doing their quilt show again this year.  It is September 22 and 23.  Freddie Moran is the featured quilter.  Alden Lane Nursery will be having their show that same weekend.

Lavella Cassinelli and Jan Andrews showed an antique quilt that had been donated for the wounded warriors.  The quilt would not hold up with the hospital washings so it will be raffled off and the proceeds will be used to buy supplies to make new quilts for the wounded warriors.

Committee Reports
Fund Raisers:  Linda Sims announced that Albertson’s has been sold and the community project no longer exists.  We are still participating in the Community Smart Card.  The Community Smart Card raises annual which are contributed to the guild.  If you are interested in obtaining a Community Smart Card, please see Linda.

Justine Lott thanked everyone who participated in the bulb sales which helps raise money for guild programs. 

Program:  Phyllis Gallaway reviewed the upcoming programs and workshop.  Mike McNamara will come and entertain us on June 21.  There won’t be a formal workshop on June 22, however, Betty Upchurch will be doing free motion machine quilting.  If you are interested in doing the machine quilting workshop, please sign up so Betty knows how many kits to make.  The workshop is free, but there will be a $10 kit fee. On the same day, Lavella Cassinelli will coordinate a top-a-thon.  The top-a-thon will start at 9:00 AM and the machine quilting will also start at 9:00 AM. Lavella will also have quilts ready to be quilted.  This is a good opportunity to practice the techniques Betty shows us.

The July and August workshops will be technique workshops.  In July Debbie Caffrey will teach you how to use all those rulers you have collected and don’t know what to do with.  In August Sharyn Craig will be doing Innovative Sets.  All blocks are not created equal. She will show you innovative ways to work with those blocks that are not quite equal. Sharyn has a standing column in several magazines.  Please see the web site or Phyllis for more information.

Friendship Block:  Linda Hooper showed friendship blocks that had been turned in.  She still has room for a few more signups. Pictures of the blocks that have come in will be put on the web site.

Opportunity Quilt Sales – Glenda Ross announced the total amount from the sale of the opportunity quilt tickets at the quilt show over the weekend. Please see Glenda for details.  Glenda asked for volunteers to help sell opportunity quilt tickets at the Windsor Quilt and Garden Show on July 1.  Glenda has tickets available for the new opportunity quilts.

TSW:  Today, Elizabeth Marrs will be sharing tips on entering your quilt in shows.  On July 5, Betty Upchurch will do a scarecrow wall hanging.  On September 6, Barbara Youngblood will show you how to make a pillowcase.

Community Quilts:  Lavella Cassinelli reported that to date, she has delivered 457 quilts. She has many quilts that are ready for quilting.  Also there are kits on the tables for tops.  She will need more tops for the quilt-a-thon in October. Lavella show a quilt for the wounded warriors that she made and Angie Kiker quilted. So far she has sent off 6 quilts and has 4 more ready to go.  If you have a top you would like to donate, Lavella will get the batting and backing and have it quilted. If you enclose a note with the quilt, you will get a thank you from the soldier who received the quilt.

Boutique –Judith Clark encouraged everyone to buy raffle tickets for the raffle.  Participation in the raffle has been slow.  They will be putting the raffle to a buy test.  If you want to keep the raffle going, please show your support by buying raffle tickets.

Membership:  Pam welcomed Judy Bello to the membership committee.

Library Report:  Sharon Fry introduced the new books and magazines.  We now have 1,900 books in our library. The new laptop is a big help in locating books.  If anyone has some time to volunteer, Sharon can always use your help at the library table.

Merit Awards:  Sharon Fry reminded members that nominations for the merit awards were due to President, Pam McVey at the close of the June 21 meeting.  If you have any questions, please see Sharon, Linda Hooper or Diana Roberts.

Show and Tell was held, followed by the 50/50 and name tag drawing.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30AM

Respectfully Submitted,

Doris I. Maneke, Recording Secretary