Ready, Set, SEW!!!

Once again we are gathering fabrics, scraps, ideas and patterns and will meet at Prairie Shop Quilts in Batavia on the first Tuesday, June 4th, 10AM. After reflecting on the sacrifices our troops have made while celebrating our freedoms this past Memorial Day, it gets my patriotic juices flowing! I would encourage all of you reading this to not only join us, but bring a friend, son, or neighbor so they can help us, and understand our passion for showing our service people how much we appreciate them. If you are one of those who read this blog or hear about this sew-in but never join us, MAKE THIS THE MONTH!!!

And, a reminder of a couple upcoming patterns for future sew-ins you can download and print out:  Arrowhead, by Anita Solomon Grossman, and from Quiltville.com, Pineapple Blossom.  If you can get your hands on the May/June, 2013 Love of Quilting, we are also going to be assembling the QOV pattern:  Non Sibi Sed Patriae.  There is a template you can copy and cut out in that magazine that you will need for the cutting.

From Quilters Haven, Rockford

We still have openings for 6 long arm quilting classes next weekend at Quilters Haven. These classes are a great opportunity to quilt on a long arm machine and get ideas on how to quilt your quilts from an Educator from Handi Quilter. They are hands on classes.

• Friday May 31st 9:30-12:30 Intermediate Art N Stitch

                         1pm-4pm Advanced Pro-Stitcher

• Saturday June 1st 9:30-12:30 Fun with Feathers

                         1pm-4pm Pantographs Groovy Boards and Micro Handles

• Sunday June 2nd 9:30-12:30 Fun with Finishing: Ideas on how to get your quilt quilted

                          1pm-4pm  Using rulers to create quilting designs
Each class is $50.00. Stop in to reserve your place 815-227-1659
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Quilters Haven
4616 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
815-227-1659
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10am-4pm
           Wed. 10am-7pm
quilterhaven.com
HANDI QUILTER REPRESENTATIVES

SIZE CLARIFICATION: P L E A S E READ

I just read that:  Recommended size to wrap around an adult warrior is 60" x 80". The minimum size for a QOV is 55"x65".

So, I stand corrected!!!!
Rita

Yesterday's Sew In

There were about 8 of us at the sew-in yesterday.  Didn't start any new projects but worked on getting some UFO's done.  Thank you Wanda for all the cutting you did! 

Just a reminder of a couple upcoming patterns for future sew-ins you can download and print out:  Arrowhead, by Anita Solomon Grossman, and from Quiltville.com, Pineapple Blossom.  If you can get your hands on the May/June, 2013 Love of Quilting, we are also going to be assembling the QOV pattern:  Non Sibi Sed Patriae.  There is a template you can copy and cut out that you will need for the cutting.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
Rita

Catching up...NEW SIZE!

Today we meet at Sewing, Etc., Yorkville for a QOV sew-in. 

It's been one whirlwind since Friday.  Yesterday I actually got to participate in a workshop with Bonnie Hunter.  The pattern we worked on, Pineapple Blossom, will work out great for a QOV.  So, if you want to go ahead and print out the pattern at Quiltville.com...let's do it! 

I do have news to tell you.  The QOVF has decided to increase the size of the quilt.  The size being:  60 x 80.  So, need to keep that in mind in the quilts we are currently working on.
Rita

Quilters Haven, Rockford, IL

This came about from the Naperville Quilt Show:

Quilt your own quilts at Quilters Haven and Quilts of Valor Sew-In !

• Join a class to learn how to use our long-arm machine the Avante 18" Handi Quilter.  You will then be able to rent time on the machine to quilt your own projects.  We will be offering this class on Saturday June 22nd from 9:30am-1pm $45.00 for the class fee. Stop in or send a check in to reserve your spot in the class. Once you have take this class you can schedule a time to quilt your quilt for a rental fee of $20.00/hour.  After you have taken the start up class you can finish Quilts of Valor quilts on the Avante long arm machine FREE of charge.  (Certain guidelines will apply)

Quilters Haven will be hosting a Quilts of Valor Sew-In Friday June 21st and Saturday June 22nd.  Please bring your sewing machine and sewing supplies to make quilts for wounded veterans.  Fabric will be on hand to cut and piece as well as patterns to use but you are welcome to bring your own fabric. You can find the requirements at the following site  http://www.qovf.org/content/basic-qov-requirements.html   We'll have desserts to share too!     There is a great need for these quilts so please come and show your support of our soldiers.   Thank you for your support of Quilts of Valor. We are hoping for a good turn out for our event. Bring a friend!

Whew, what a week and I'm into another

Well, we did great at the quilt show this past weekend.  For some reason, I came home sick Saturday night.  Was all good for a nice Mothers Day Brunch on Sunday though.  Happy belated Mothers Day.  Don't mind me, I'm in wedding mode pretty much full time now!  I'm still bummed that I can't load pictures like I used to.   Was told I needed to get a Picassa account which I doubt I will ...time!!   I know what I ought to do is put up a "Help wanted list" and see if someone can take over some of these duties.  I don't have to be at every sew-in.   How about if some of you great quilters step up with one of your favorite patterns, come by and choose fabric if you'd like and "host" a monthly sew-in!

Speaking of which:  Suzie is doing just that for the June 4 (Batavia) sew-in.  Remember the pattern:  Arrowhead, by Anita Solomon Grossman.  Print it up if you'd like to participate.

Thank you SO much, Dixie and Suzie for your help yesterday at the cut-in!  We got a lot of cutting done...anyone want to help assemble kits?


Next Tuesday, we meet for our Yorkville sew-in at Sewing Etc.
ok, enough rambling...back to the wedding dress!
Rita

Day 1 at Riverwalk Quilters Guild Quilt Show

Had a great day at the show yesterday.  A lot of new contacts and more possibilities for 2014!  It's a really nice show.  Hope you can come out and enjoy.  Stop by our booth and say hello.

We had a quilt presentation to a Vietnam Veteran, Robert K.  Thank you, Robert, for your service and hope you enjoy your quilt.

There will be a cut in Monday, May 13, at Sewing Etc., Yorkville.  I'm there around 9:30..  Hope we have many hands to help make up some kits.

PS...got some more strips in the mail yesterday!  Thank you, Liz.
Rita

Notes on yesterday's sew-in

Came home with 6 completed quilts and 27 tops and I don't know how many came in for binding.   Not bad, huh!!  Some people worked on Twist and Shout pattern (can't wait to see one of those completed); and others were working on finishing other projects.  We had a guest come in to visit with his friend.  Eddie then offered to do pressing.  He pressed and pressed and sweated!!  Guess we can look forward to seeing them again next month---great!  Patty is back all recuperated!!

Thank you Bethlehem Lutheran Church for the generous donation (they brought in 10 tops themselves from the sew-in they had last month).

The "Opportunity Quilt" size is 90 x 91.

For some unknown to me reason, I am not able to post any pictures.  We had a nice show and tell.

I have started packing for the show this weekend.  Hope to see you there.
Rita

May 7, Sew In Reminder

We have our monthly sew in Tuesday.  Want to work on strip piecing?  Let me know and I'll bring in your colors.  We need sewing machines!

Cheryl is delivering 50 quilts today..praying for a safe trip!  As long as we're praying, keep my sister in law in mind today.  She's undergoing a very serious surgery.

See you Tuesday!
Rita