Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - April 2024
President's Message
Hi everybody,
Hope you are all looking forward to next week's in person guild meeting. I know I sure am. It’s so much nicer to be able to chat with everyone and really see what has been going on in their quilt worlds.
We just got back from another retreat, this one with Sew Inspired. A retreat is truly the ultimate all inclusive vacation. No cooking, cleaning or meal planning, just sit back, sew and enjoy. I actually completed two quilt tops and started a third. We’ll see how long it takes me to get them completed.
Our own Katrina is our guest speaker this month. Really looking forward to this as she is such a great quilter and wonderful teacher. See you there. Enjoy.
-- Co-leader Joyce
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April Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday April 24 for our first in person meeting of 2024. The meeting begins at 7 PM with doors opening at 6:30 PM Where? 257 John Street, Arnprior Ontario (Christian Education Centre) Parking is available on the nearby streets. Please do not park in the adjacent church parking lot. Win! The meeting will feature draws for door prizes, and a prize provided by Nancy on behalf of the Library, and tickets will be sold for draws of a basket of quilting goodies, and 50-50. Bring
We welcome visitors to our meetings for a $5 fee payable in cash at the door. Program Speaker
Our evening's speaker will be our accomplished and talented guild member Katrina Kahn. Katrina is a past president of our guild and the Quilter of Distinction at our 2019 Quilt Show.
Katrina's Trunk Show presentation, Something from Nothing. Leaders and Enders - Quilts From 2” Squares, will be showcasing her quilts made in a "leaders and enders" style, using 2" squares, all made while piecing other quilts! You won't believe the beautiful scrappy quilts that result from this time saving and scrap busting technique! It will leave you feeling inspired to turn your left-over bits into beautiful, and painless, scrap quilts!
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Program Notes
Block of the Month (BOM)
The next block of the month will be introduced at the April 24th meeting with templates available on the website shortly after the guild meeting.
If you'd like a paper copy of any of the patterns please let Emma know and she'll have them for you at the meeting. Email Emma
The BOM blocks are themed for each month of the year, and as there are only nine months in the Guild season, we've provided two patterns in the winter months, so that by June you will have a full year of 12 blocks.
The samples of the 2 Blocks of the Month issued in March are pictured below. In the set of 12 blocks, these represent the months of April and September.
-- Mary DeVries and Emma Russell, BOM Coordinators
If you'd like a paper copy of any of the patterns please let Emma know and she'll have them for you at the meeting. Email Emma
The BOM blocks are themed for each month of the year, and as there are only nine months in the Guild season, we've provided two patterns in the winter months, so that by June you will have a full year of 12 blocks.
The samples of the 2 Blocks of the Month issued in March are pictured below. In the set of 12 blocks, these represent the months of April and September.
-- Mary DeVries and Emma Russell, BOM Coordinators
Month: April
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Month: September
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Tip: If you want to print the small or large photos of the BOM blocks it's recommended that you first download the photo(s) from the guild website to your computer/tablet/phone using the Download/Save function in your web browser. Then print the photos using the Print function on your device. The specific actions that you will need to take are dependent on your web browser and the type of device you are using.
Retreats
Our quilting retreat in January was such a success, we have decided to do it again. This time we have booked two retreats, both at Spruceholme Inn in Fort Colounge, Quebec. The first one will be held on October 28 - November 1, 2024. The second will be held January 27 to 31, 2025. I will have sign up sheets available at the April guild meeting and if you prefer you can sign up online anytime. The prices have remained the same - 4 nights $425, 3 nights $340, 2 nights $275.
See the Retreats page for more information.
-- Sue Hodgins, Retreats coordinator
Our quilting retreat in January was such a success, we have decided to do it again. This time we have booked two retreats, both at Spruceholme Inn in Fort Colounge, Quebec. The first one will be held on October 28 - November 1, 2024. The second will be held January 27 to 31, 2025. I will have sign up sheets available at the April guild meeting and if you prefer you can sign up online anytime. The prices have remained the same - 4 nights $425, 3 nights $340, 2 nights $275.
See the Retreats page for more information.
-- Sue Hodgins, Retreats coordinator
Tinners
Things are progressing well from here at Tin Central. Most folks are up to date and if you’re not it’s not too late to catch up.
See you at the meeting.
-- Joyce
Things are progressing well from here at Tin Central. Most folks are up to date and if you’re not it’s not too late to catch up.
See you at the meeting.
-- Joyce
Demo Suggestions
We are hoping to leverage our talented guild members to offer demonstrations and instructional sessions to our membership. Please send your suggestions to the email below. We will compile the list and see if and how we can make it happen!!
programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
-- Lucy Shorey, Programs
We are hoping to leverage our talented guild members to offer demonstrations and instructional sessions to our membership. Please send your suggestions to the email below. We will compile the list and see if and how we can make it happen!!
programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
-- Lucy Shorey, Programs
May 22 Meeting
Wendy Foster Birch
Our very own quilt guild member Wendy Foster Birch will educate us on the usage of different types of threads and offer tips and techniques for machine quilting in her Thread Types and Usages presentation.
Two guild leadership positions are opening for next year: Secretary and Treasurer. Are you interested in volunteering for either of these positions? Information about these important executive roles is in the Executive/Board Positions document
This is our Annual General Meeting as stipulated in our guild Constitution and By-Laws.
Two guild leadership positions are opening for next year: Secretary and Treasurer. Are you interested in volunteering for either of these positions? Information about these important executive roles is in the Executive/Board Positions document
This is our Annual General Meeting as stipulated in our guild Constitution and By-Laws.
* * * * * * Schedule of Guild Meetings and Activities * * * * * *
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* * * * * * * Photos from our April 2023 Quilt Show * * * * * * *
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Thank you to the executive volunteers who have committed to join, or stay on the executive team.
Co-Presidents: Anne Cruickshank and Joyce Murray Treasurer: Rennie Hickey Program: Lucy Shorey Charity: Marilyn Erskine Librarian: Nancy Haley Membership: Martha Palmer Communications: Janet Brownlee Past President: Vickie MacNabb And YOUR NAME could be here too! Secretary: ??? Note: A special thank you to Betty Rehbein who attended our recent executive meetings to record the minutes. |
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Library
Well, it’s come to the time of the big decision – will I quilt or will I garden?? For me, quilting still comes out the winner; at least until the middle of May! I’ve been trying to finish Guild projects like this month’s Tinners and the bird block; both are done!! And I’ve enjoyed them a lot!
Have you ever made practice blocks to see how things go together both in piecing and in colour? I never had until last year when I needed a perfect block – so I practiced! I’ve found that it is a really good way to “see” how your plan is going to work and it’s invaluable if you are changing the size of your block. My Ohio Star block of 12” had to become a 6” block and my sewing a practice piece gave me confidence to go forward with my project. Maybe give it a try next time?
Have you ever made practice blocks to see how things go together both in piecing and in colour? I never had until last year when I needed a perfect block – so I practiced! I’ve found that it is a really good way to “see” how your plan is going to work and it’s invaluable if you are changing the size of your block. My Ohio Star block of 12” had to become a 6” block and my sewing a practice piece gave me confidence to go forward with my project. Maybe give it a try next time?
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The Library will be wide open and ready for you to browse and borrow and to receive all the books presently out on loan. Please remember to bring them back so others can use them. Take a look at our rulers, too!
We’ll stay with the Library Prize this month and return to the “Guess the Number of Pages” contest in May. Good Luck!
-- Nancy Hayley, Librarian
We’ll stay with the Library Prize this month and return to the “Guess the Number of Pages” contest in May. Good Luck!
-- Nancy Hayley, Librarian
Membership
We had 34 members attend the Zoom meeting on March 27th, as well as 2 guests enrolled on the call. Our speaker from California, Sandra Mollon, explored the aspects of appliqué quilting using pictures as a basis for the design.
Our current enrolment is now at 84 members. We welcome new members throughout year.
When we head into June, we will be opening up the registration process for the upcoming year. The good news is that the registration cost will remain the same again for next year, at $30.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
Our current enrolment is now at 84 members. We welcome new members throughout year.
When we head into June, we will be opening up the registration process for the upcoming year. The good news is that the registration cost will remain the same again for next year, at $30.
-- Martha Palmer, Membership
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Tips from Gwen
by Gwen Pennings
Back to BasiX Rulers
Our guild library has rulers that can be signed out by our members. These include Back to BasiX templates for making "X-Blocks"
I decided to use my scraps and make a few gifts; coasters and a hot plate pad. I hope this will give you a couple of ideas if you don’t want to make a full quilt. There are 2 rulers:
My projects are simple.
The pictures are self explanatory.
Back to BasiX Rulers
Our guild library has rulers that can be signed out by our members. These include Back to BasiX templates for making "X-Blocks"
I decided to use my scraps and make a few gifts; coasters and a hot plate pad. I hope this will give you a couple of ideas if you don’t want to make a full quilt. There are 2 rulers:
- Block X 5” uses 2 ½" precuts strips
- Block X 7 ½" uses 3 ½" strips
My projects are simple.
The pictures are self explanatory.
Recap of Winter Speakers
Once again we were treated to three excellent presentations during out winter Zoom meetings. Thank you Lucy for securing such compelling and informative speakers for us.
January
January
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Our January meeting featured Bridget O’Flaherty, "The Sustainable Quilter" on "How to Make Our Passion for Quilting and Textiles More Sustainable".
Through captivating storytelling and visual examples of her own work, Bridget demonstrated how sustainability and artistic expression can harmoniously coexist. From repurposing fabrics to exploring innovative techniques, she showcased the incredible possibilities that emerge when creativity and sustainability intersect. There's lots of interesting information about Bridget on her Website |
February
Our speaker, Joanna Dermenjian, explored the valuable role quilters of all ages in Canadian communities, large and small, supported the war effort, particularly in the Second World War. Sharing information about this little documented area of quilting was of high interest to all attending.
Joanna's extensive Suture and Selvedge Website provides access to her extensive research.
Editor's note: I'm currently enjoying re-reading "Rilla of Ingleside" the eighth and final novel in Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" series which Joanna highlighted as an excellent insight into how women and their families in Canada experienced the war effort, which in this book is WW1. -- Janet B
Our speaker, Joanna Dermenjian, explored the valuable role quilters of all ages in Canadian communities, large and small, supported the war effort, particularly in the Second World War. Sharing information about this little documented area of quilting was of high interest to all attending.
Joanna's extensive Suture and Selvedge Website provides access to her extensive research.
Editor's note: I'm currently enjoying re-reading "Rilla of Ingleside" the eighth and final novel in Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" series which Joanna highlighted as an excellent insight into how women and their families in Canada experienced the war effort, which in this book is WW1. -- Janet B
March
Our March presentation was by Sandra Mollon, an award-winning quilter living in Northern California. In heer "Adapting an Image for an Art Quilt" lecture, she described in great detail the process for adapting an image or photograph into an Art Quilt. Sandra's Web Site
Quilt Documentation Project
The Kemptville Quilters' Guild is continuing their Eastern Ontario Quilt Documentation Project (EOQDP) this spring on May 2-3.
For information about this project refer to this newspaper article and to the poster below.
The registration email address is documentation.ngquilts@gmail.com
For information about this project refer to this newspaper article and to the poster below.
The registration email address is documentation.ngquilts@gmail.com
CQA Activities
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You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2024 here.
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram. Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date. CQA Quilt Along
The CQA started a Mystery Quilt Along in December that is open to everyone. More info
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Upcoming Quilt Shows
I try to track down any upcoming shows in Eastern Ontario, and when requested, I publish information about shows that are further afield.
Here's a list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of. The list is growing!
You'll notice that the only quilt shows in Eastern Ontario are the 2 in Ottawa. If you're aware of any others please let us know arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
Here's a list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of. The list is growing!
You'll notice that the only quilt shows in Eastern Ontario are the 2 in Ottawa. If you're aware of any others please let us know arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
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Location |
Dates |
Guild |
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Oakville ON |
April 19-20 |
Oakville Quilters’ Guild |
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Paris ON |
April 27 |
Paris Quilting Bees |
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Fonthill ON |
May 3-4 |
Niagara Modern Quilt Guild |
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Port Perry ON |
May 10-11 |
Port Perry Patchers |
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Malone NY USA |
May 17-18 |
Adirondack Quilters Guild |
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Rochester NY |
May 17-19 |
Genesee Valley Quilt Club |
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Jerseyville ON |
May 31 – June 1 |
Hamilton Quilters’ Guild |
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Ottawa ON |
June 2 |
Ottawa Modern Quilt Guild |
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Ottawa ON |
Jun 14-15 |
Common Thread Quilt Guild |
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Edmonton AB |
June 19-22 |
Quilt Canada – Canadian Quilters’ Association |
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Toronto ON |
June 29 - Nov 14 |
ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) |
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Almonte ON |
September 7-8 |
Fibrefest – Mississippi Valley Textile Museum |
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Belleville ON |
September 7-8 |
Quinte Quilters Guild |
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St-Hyacinthe QC |
October 3-6 |
Courtepointe Québec |
See the Upcoming Quilt Shows page on our website for detailed information about the shows listed above.
Tips:
Tips:
- You can find the up-to-date quilt show information at any time on our web site More... --> Resources --> Upcoming Quilt Shows
- If you know of any upcoming local shows that are not listed on our web site, please let us know so we can share that information with all of our guild members. We are often asked by quilt guilds from both near and far to advertise their shows and we are always happy to do that.
- Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
Community Events
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Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HFFM0505/ |
Kanata Great Ottawa Makers Destash Market
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/709355694671940?ref=newsfeed |
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Communications
Guild Facebook Group
Have you joined our guild members-only Facebook Group yet? If not you are missing out on all the fun. This is a great way to get to know your fellow guild members, to ask questions, learn a new block, a new tip or trick. Last year we saw some lovely photos of the Block of the Month quilts being assembled and finished off, and much more.
Thank you Tina for monitoring and facilitating the activity in this group to provide this wonderful guild initiative!
Hope to see you in our Facebook group soon. Click/tap here to join the group.
Thank you Tina for monitoring and facilitating the activity in this group to provide this wonderful guild initiative!
Hope to see you in our Facebook group soon. Click/tap here to join the group.
Advertisers
Thank you to our newsletter advertisers! Your support funds our Communications budget which includes the hosting of this web site. We are very grateful for this financial support. Our advertisers for this year are:
- Auntie Em's Scrapbooking & Quilting in Cornwall ON
- Bytowne Threads
- Happy Wife Quilting in Carleton Place ON
- Paisleys Quilt Shop near Carp ON
- Quilters Curve quilt shop in Combermere ON
- Sew Inspired quilt shop in Arnprior ON
- Watergirl Quilt Co quilt shop in Prescott ON
THANK YOU to Joyce, Sue H, Nancy, Martha, Emma, and Gwen for their guild updates, and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
Our next meeting is on May 22