February Sew-in Reminder!

It's that time again.  Oh how times flies!  We gather for yet another sew-in at Prairie Shop Quilt Store, Tuesday, February 5.

If you need more of your color strips to finish your top, email me and I'll bring some along.  Keep in mind the size.  I like to keep it close to 55 x 65 as most of our machine quilters quilt for an income;  and for them to take time from their own business--for that I am grateful.  Not only that, the batting most of them use is 60" wide and that covers the little extra that is needed around the edge of the quilt; otherwise, they have to piece the batting--another step for them.  Remember to put a stitch within the 1/4" all around the edge as you are going to have many seams and we don't want them pulling apart.  Be sure to check your seams...with all the strip piecing, it's easy to overlook a seam and our quilters find holes. Oh, and attach a piece of paper with your name (first name, last initial) as the piecer for these string quilts for info on the label.

See ya Tuesday!
Rita

email

If you got an email from me that is "strange" looking, you know me, I don't send that kind of stuff. ... please don't open it.  Yes, my email was jacked ...I've changed my password, but now I'm locked out for 24-48 hours.  Wish they could come up with a system to lock out the ones who do this!!

I know where you can get one!

I love my name tag!  If you would like a nice patriotic name tag like mine (with your own name of course), I know where you can order one!  Thanks again, Caron.

ok, the plans for the Schaumburg Show have changcd "slightly".  We are getting some donated fabric from Benartex and when they get here, we need 2" strips.  So, I'm hoping to get some help in that....a whole lot of help :)

I'd also like to announce an upcoming sew-in next month:  Tuesday, February 19, at Sewing, Etc., 2661 N Bridge St., Yorkville, IL.  Thank you, Kelly.

Our First Strip Quilt Top

Our first strip quilt top was brought in last night.  Very striking!!

The Evening Sew-in

Last night we were BUSY!  I'm remembering 12 of us sewing, cutting, counting and assembling kits.  Pam, from Great Lakes was here to pick up the remaining 30 QOV's for the RWW next month.  We got a lot done in just 3 hours.  I have yet to unpack the car.   I know I brought home a few finished quilts, some more tops needing quilting and backings.

I hear there were requests for another evening sew-in.  Let me and/or Bonita know when and we'll do it again!  Should we do it every other month, or every 3rd month?

Thank you!
Rita

PS  I received a picture from the QOV presentation we did to Eric S. a couple weeks ago.  Thank you, Eric, for your service. 

A video from St. Joe, IL

Joe Filer just sent me this video he made last Fall.  It is the making of a QOV from start to finish:   http://youtu.be/TFqA7IXwVz4
 Rita

Welcome Itasca Guild

I wanted to blog on the presentation we gave at the Itasca Guild this past week.  It was my first presentation to a guild like that.  I had a pretty good start with the video I brought with me.  But their reception was awesome!!  They have already scheduled a QOV sew-in at their April meeting.  I wish I had some kits with me, some were asking for those.  Because we have several sew-ins coming up plus the Sewing Expo in Schaumburg (did I tell you about that), we have been really busy with getting kits ready and I didn't have any with me.  BUT, came across a few ladies who took the quilt tops I had in the car (I always keep a few with me). 

Save the date(s):  April 4, 5 and 6, 2013 for the Sewing and Quilt Expo, Schaumburg, IL
Rita

You've been asking... and PM Sew In Reminder

I've had a few people as me what RWW was?  Located on the side of this blog, under where our quilts go to, you will see what it is all about.  Interested in the ceremony, go to June 28, 2010 blog (http://lolqov.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html) -I hope that works), you will be able to read about my first time at a RWW ceremony.  

Thursday night, Jan 24, 5-8 PM, we have  our 3rd evening sew-in.  As we have a whole lot of kits to cut and put together, bring along your AccuquiltGo cutter, or rotary cutter, rulers and mats along if you want to help in that.  I am also bringing along kits and UFO's.  You know, if you have any questions about the RWW program, Pam, the Yellow Ribbon Program Specialist from Great Lakes will be there...she is picking up the rest of the 100 QOV's needed for the February Program.

Bring your camera if you want to enter that contest I mentioned below.
Rita

Star blocks

You have any 9 1/2, 12 1/2, or 14" star blocks that you don't know what to do with?   Or, if you have a star block pattern you would like to make up a few for us, please do. We have a UFO project where we could use some star blocks.  Would like them to be patriotic with WOW background.

Other than that, we've been cutting and kitting.  If you're interested in helping on cutting strips and squares and making up some kits, sure could use your help!  I thank those who always come to the aid of kitting--without you (ok, getting caught up in acceptance speeches!)  But  truthfully, I hate taking any credit for what we do.  Those of you who step up and just "do it", bring out the fun of quilting!  Yes, we get a pretty good crowd at our sew-ins, but it's cozy and we are getting it done!!  Do know, there is always room for more.  Some come for a few hours and have to leave for one reason or another -- so come in midday, we have the place till closing.

Speaking of more help, giving a speech tonight in Itasca to recruit more of it.  Gone are the days when I was told we don't have enough Illinois piecers!!
Rita

Where all the strips came from

I thought I had loaded the link to Liz's site.  http://jellyrollfabric.net  Liz is the one who donated all them strips you were working on on Tuesday.  Thank you Liz.

I want to further explain the "love your LQS--now you can prove it". I made mention in a previous entry about by your joining us at Prairie Shop Quilt for the next evening sew-in, January 24th, Bonita has offered a further incentive.  Well, here's what it's all about: 


Quilters and sewing enthusiasts now have even more reason to visit their favorite local, independent quilt and fabric shops now through Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day. The Fabric Shop Network is thrilled to announce the launch of the “I Love My Local Quilt Shop” fan photo contest with the Grand Prize of a $500 Shopping Spree* to spend at your favorite local, independent quilt or fabric shop plus a PC4200PRW Project RunwayTM Limited Edition Computerized Sewing Machine from Brother International Corporation (MSRP $649). The entry period of the contest is over the next two months to encourage quilters and sewers to remember to support their local shops this holiday season, and will culminate on Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day this January 24, 2013.

What I was thinking, we'll take a group picture and put in an entry.  You can also do an individual entry.

See you on the 24th---let's see who is reading the blog now!  We might have a winner in our midst!
Rita

A Presentation ---Eric S

I had the privilege of presenting a QOV to Eric S from North Aurora.  I was at a party this past Fall and my friend's son, friend (got that) came to the party as well.  Someone mentioned that he had just recently returned home from deployment.  I thought, dang, wish I had a quilt in the car!  Well, Eric's friends did approach me and requested a quilt for him...of course!!  So, last night we went to his home and he received his QOV in the presence of his family and friends!!  He is returning in March.  God speed, Eric.  I hope to get a picture soon...yeah, imagine that, I forgot my camera.

I also want to mention that we are having an evening sew-in on January 24th.  Just got Bonita's newsletter and you have a further incentive to join us!!  Bonita writes:

Just so you know, I didn’t make up “Visit Your Local Quilt Shop Day” but I like it! It was originally the brainchild of the Fabric Shop Network. To show our appreciation for our wonderful and loyal customers, we’re offering a special sale - 10% off everything in the store on January 24 plus free giveaways (while supplies last) AND everyone who stops in (even just to say Hi!) is entered in a drawing for a $100 gift certificate. We’re also hosting an evening Quilts of Valor sew in that night so stop in and help us make some quilt tops for the returning troops! Thanks again for making PSQ Your Favorite Quilt Shop and we’ll see you on the 24^th (if not before!).

See you Thursday, January 24th, right!
Rita

PS  I want to note:  Some come to press and/or cut (which is great).  You might want to bring your machine and leave in the car just in case we get enough.   Would you please bring your rotary cutter, ruler and maybe a small mat as well?  Don't need to bring an iron--the 3 that we have has got to be enough cause we need to share the electrical power for our machines!!

Sew In Show & Tell

We had an awesome show and tell yesterday.  These are the 3 quilts made for the New Years Day Sit and Sew Challenge.  After the 3rd one is complete we will be mailing them to Afghanistan.

The rest, except for the red and white quilt, were some of the completed quilts that came in.  The red and white quilt is one made up by Sharon K for an idea for kits we will be making up.
Rita

We were stripping!!!

Ok, admit it, you were all having fun with them strips!  I cannot wait to see the different color combinations!!  A big thank you to the trimmers...the pressers.  I tell you I found out how much I love our pressers when I was doing the New Years Day challenge!!  Again, we had a couple newbies!!  LOVE when that happens.

So, with hubby's help, I've unloaded the car and the results are:  10 finished--completely quilted and bound-- quilts!!  5 tops...I think a couple were left at the shop for quilting, but not sure.  I came home with 3 quilts needing binding, but I know some of you took some home and some were left at the shop for our "angels" who come in and ask for binding.  Can't beat that, huh! 

ok, I'm bubbling with some good news!!  We have been invited back to the Schaumburg Sewing Expo!!  It's going to be run a little different.  We will have a booth and for a certain amount of time each day (I believe), we will be in the "sew and go" area!  I don't know if that's the actual name but get this...Marianne Fons is going to be there as our cheerleader!!!  Cheryl, thank you for asking about this show and offering to start making the squares we use for fundraising.  We will need more volunteers to man the booth..oh, the dates:  April 4, 5 and 6th.  Might have to have help in making up some kits.  Will know more when I hear from Marianne.  So, save the date and let me know which day/days you want to be there.

I will post pictures taken today during our Show and Tell ..haha when I find my camera :)
We had a very good showing today.  Thank you all for showing up and getting it done!!!
Rita

Year 2013--UFO's

I'm going to try really, really hard to get our UFO's done!  Yes, LOLQOV has a "bench full" of UFO's.  AND, yesterday my sister  picked up one and Karen (thank you Karen L and Lolly) picked up I bet a couple months' worth just in jelly roll projects!!

Yes, we have squares from different projects that just need to be put together..a few more tops that need borders.  If you're interested, let me know cause I'm looking at the "piles" of stuff I'm bringing to our next sew-in and I'm thinking, where would I put it!  If you call me and come over, you get a choice :)

I also stopped in at the "new to me" quilt shop in Yorkville (Sewing, Etc.).  Kelly is interested in joining the QOV team!  Would like to know if there is an interest in sew ins on my "leftover" Tuesdays, or maybe a Friday.  Let me know.

See ya Tuesday.  I've chosen my dish to pass:  Easy Pasta Carbonara, from Pampered Chef.

Oh, and not to be forgotten...thank you Wanda for the 2 1/2" squares!!  What a nice package...almost hate to break it up!!
Rita

Correction

We will have 3 tops for show and tell from the QOV sew-in.

I found it fun.  Was fun checking out the progress of others from around the country.  And the pictures of their quilts is always a bonus.  Anxious to find out how many participants and tops we will have for Afghanistan.  If you are able to get a top done (pieced and quilted) before March, they are offering a prize for every 13th quilt.

So, Happy New Year.  Thank you so much for all your efforts and continued dedication to getting these quilts to the men and women who are fighting for our freedom.  The thank yous we get for what we do blows my mind away.  They are thanking us for thanking them...and this is our HOBBY!

I hope you have found your pattern for next week's sew-in.  Remember if you want to use the strips "as is", bring along some foundation.  This can be some thin fabric (muslin or otherwise) or paper.  So that you're not constantly getting up and getting access to the cutting mat, bring along a small cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler as well.
Rita

QOV sew-in results

Well, I understand we have one quilt almost done.  I have my rows sewn.  Will press and sew them together tomorrow.  I think this was a great idea for a New Year project.

Rita