Sharing from the Expo this past weekend and Sew-in Reminder

As usual, what a success.  Success in meeting prospective newbies to the QOV mission!  New piecers, new quilters and promises of donations!!  We had two presentations--always a bonus!

Story on her...  Jane and I had lunch with her to find out we had a Veteran in our midst!  Invited her to stop by the booth, we had "something" for her.  She had planned to all along and mentioned she loved this one "flag" quilt we had hanging.  So, after her class she came back and we had the honor of presenting that flag quilt to her.  She was so surprised!  I do have pictures of the presentation, but having difficulties uploading.

This is Alyvia.  Her story, she was at our booth last year and came back to make a block!  She made a block earlier in the day and when she came back to make another block, she found her block already put into the 4-block and onto a quilt top!  Thank you, Alyvia.  Keep on quilting and see you next year!

I do have more pictures but wanted to post what I could  for now and will try again for the rest.

Great weekend and look forward to our sew-in on Tuesday.  Prairie Shop Quilts, 1911 W Wilson, Batavia (for our newbies).  We bring our sewing machines, filled bobbins, quilting supplies and a dish to pass of course.  Shop opens at 10 AM.  See you there!
Rita

Last day at show today.

Been going great. Tons of interest in making quilts. Really have a huge interest in the far north east of the state! Lake County...someone need help in getting a group started, I'll help you in any way. We had a few longarmers come by ..One did take a top and backing and the other will be picking up at the shop!! OHHHH..highlight was two presentations! More on that and pictures later. The sewing machines were humming. Didn't get the count of blocks from yesterday, but had over 40 blocks on Thursday. We went thru almost 3 bags of strings. Yes, we sorted last night and have fresh strings for today! Hope to see you at the show. We were given a great location!

Just got a nice note from one of our recipients: I'm still weak-kneed from the presentation you made to me today of my wonderful QOV! "What a thrill! As promised, the pictures your friend shot with my camera. Would you please give me the address/pertinents about the Batavia meeting (I believe you said it was Tuesday) including time. I will see if I can make it......"Boyd C
Rita

See you at the Sewing Expo!

Headed for our first day at the Sewing Expo in Schaumburg this morning.  Supposed to be a nice day, so get out and see us at the booth!  It'll be a great place to rest those weary feet.  Stop in and make a block or two.
Rita

New State of Illinois Coordinator

Last week I put out a call for Help.  Help in Coordinating the State of Illinois.  Thank you to all of you who considered co-coordinating the State of Illinois with me. To me that says a whole lot about all of you who are making quilts to comfort our warriors. Deb Lindley, from Marshall, IL, will now be taking care of Central Eastern Illinois. Not only did we get one, #2 is in the works. Jan Schiber Copeland, from Hartford, IL, will be taking care of Central Western Illinois. Thank you ladies.

I heard from people who have stated they will help more...and I thank you for that and you know me...I'll hold you up to it :)  Seriously, I am so grateful for all of areas of relief of this job you have each taken on.  Taking on a sew-in,.... with all the distractions at a sew-in.. just can't do that anymore.  So, if you have a pattern idea, come to me and get the fabric and let's do it!  I like how you embrace a newbie.  We need to make sure a person new to quilting gets a great start with good coaching.  If you need a lesson in binding or adding borders, there is someone who can show you...ask.  Know how important the 1/4" seam is.  We make up kits to achieve a certain size.  That isn't going to happen if one doesn't have a good 1/4" seam.  Makes sense, right!

Thank you
Rita

Sharing a Thank you

I received a really nice thank you that I'd like to share with you.

The Illinois Quilts of Valor chapter gave my son a quilt in February at the VTAK graduation in Waukegan. I was so impressed by your organization.

Our son is doing fine, I am really touched by how much the quilt means to him. He lives with us and every day he makes his bed and puts the quilt on top.

God bless you and your chapter for all the good feelings you spread. 

And as they say, that's why we do what we do!!!

Schaumburg a week away

For getting notified just a couple weeks ago that we are going to have a booth at the Sewing Expo in Schaumburg (and for future years), I think we're pretty set.  I am grateful for all who stepped up to help man the booth and some who signed up to be ambassadors.  We have a beautiful Opportunity quilt all quilted, bound and labeled,  which I believe we will raffle November 4th.  I will take another picture of the completed quilt while it's up on a frame at the show and repost.  This will get us thru the next two quilt shows we are in.

We did have another nice sew-in Tuesday.  Sorry, just haven't had the time to send the pictures of the show and tell tops to my computer, upload and post.  They are on our Facebook page.  We are accumulating a nice handful of blocks for the MQX QOV challenge.

So, if you have any questions, let me know. Susie, I hope you're healing.
Rita

Sew In Remnder---Yorkville---Tuesday

We have our monthly sew in at Sewing Etc., Yorkville, this Tuesday, March 18.  If you have projects yet to finish, bring them along.  We'll have blocks to assemble.  I'm there usually around 9:30...see you there!
Rita

Updates, and more updates!

Report from last week's sew-in:  We ended up having a spontaneous presentation at Batavia.  Young lady and her mom were just checking out the store being newly arrived from Phoenix.  Alicia B retired as a 10 Army Sgt, 2 years having been spent in Afghanistan.  Needless to say, she was in tears!  Some pictures:

And some show and tell

 

Came home early from our vacation...have a new granddaughter to love!! Lillian was born Sunday!

So, I am working a bit on the upcoming Show. If you are able to work at the Sewing Expo in Schaumburg (March 27-29) let me know. We need people to man the booth and give a few hours volunteering for the Show as Ambassadors. Hey, it gets you in the show free! Let me know and which day(s) you are available. I could use some help to set up the booth on Wednesday.

Prayers needed for Susan E Wing. On her way to church Sunday! she hit a patch of black ice and went down. She suffered a fractured pelvis and says she has one very sore body!  Oh, I pray for a speedy recovery.

I'm happy to announce we have 2014's Opportunity Quilt in the works!   I'll post a picture soon.  Thank you Jane P for making this happen.
Rita