Arnprior & District Quilters' Guild Newsletter - April 2025
President's Message
Greetings my quilting friends,
I spent last weekend at the “in town” retreat organized by our two program members, Lucy and Martha. The entire two days were fabulous. From the venue to the friendships, it was delightful. I want to thank Lucy and Martha for all they did to make the retreat such a great success. Nothing but positive reviews. I would also like to thank all who contributed to the food, and to all who attended. It was all lovely.
I spent last weekend at the “in town” retreat organized by our two program members, Lucy and Martha. The entire two days were fabulous. From the venue to the friendships, it was delightful. I want to thank Lucy and Martha for all they did to make the retreat such a great success. Nothing but positive reviews. I would also like to thank all who contributed to the food, and to all who attended. It was all lovely.
Anne at the recent in-town retreat
April is a time for some spring cleaning. At the guild level, that means, it is time to replace our executive. Joyce and I will be stepping down as the Co-presidents. We are leaving you with an excellent core executive. Janet has the communication piece down to a science. She keeps us on our toes and is a true organizer. Her communication knowledge is second to none. She is committed and dedicated to our guild. Her love for the guild shines through with each newsletter. I can’t say enough fabulous things about our program executives, Lucy and Martha. These two amazing women have so much enthusiasm and commitment to our guild, that they make the President’s job extremely easy. Jacquie has the library well under her wing. She is committed to purchasing books that keep our members engaged and informed with the newest quilting info. Sandy has just completed her first quilting season as our treasurer. She double checks every transaction and keeps our money safe. Marilyn has been in the charity position for a while now. I don’t think people realize how much time she spends, making kits, cutting batting, hauling the charity items back and forth to our meeting. Not to mention, having to come up with new charity projects each year. I know there are a lot of members who work behind the scenes like Emma, Jan, Liz, Brenda K, Sue H and Tina whose continued support at our meetings and other programs sometimes goes without recognition. Each bring their own special touch to our guild.
Along with the imminent openings of the president (or co-presidents) role, we continue to look for someone to step into the Secretary position.
Please consider joining our fabulous executive. These ladies are here to support you. You will enjoy getting to know them better.
-- Anne Cruickshank, Co-President
Along with the imminent openings of the president (or co-presidents) role, we continue to look for someone to step into the Secretary position.
Please consider joining our fabulous executive. These ladies are here to support you. You will enjoy getting to know them better.
-- Anne Cruickshank, Co-President
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April Guild Meeting
When? We hope you'll join us on Wednesday April 23 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 Guess-the-Number of Pages book sponsored by our Library. Tickets will be sold for draws of a basket of quilting goodies, and 50-50. And you can win fat quarters and Blocks of the Month if you participate in these optional activities. Bring
Visitors We welcome visitors to our meetings for a $5 fee payable in cash at the door. Program
This will be our first in-person meeting of 2025! Woo hoo!!!
And there will be a lot for us to catch up on. Our main event will be a trunk show by the 3 Snyder sisters:
Marilyn at the recent in-town retreat
Joyce (green shirt!) at the recent in-town retreat
Show and Tell this month will be all preemie quilts. We'll be back to our usual Show and Tell at our May meeting.
We also invite you to come prepared with your basic sewing kit to sew one or more labels onto preemie quilts during the meeting. Thank you Debbie C for this suggestion to expedite the labeling of the preemie quilts. Our Quilter's Recycling Table will be available again in this month. This is an effective way to engage in sustainable quilting practices by bringing or taking items to/from the recycling table. It’s a win for everyone! A reminder that if the item you brought is not picked up, you are responsible for taking it back home with you. Mad Moody Quilting Fabrics will be our Shop of the Month. We look forward to seeing Phyllis Moody and some of the amazing fabrics and accessories she will be bringing. Mad Moody Quilting Fabrics |
Programs
Nametag Challenge
There's still a little bit of time to make your own nametag in time for the April meeting due date. In response to the rapidly increasing cost of the magnetic nametags, Lucy invited us all to design and make our own nametag to wear starting when we meet again in person on April 23.
Coin Block - March
Block of the Month
There will be 4 separate draws for the December to March blocks at this meeting. So dig out all of your blocks and bring them along to the meeting. You'll get one draw entry for each block that you bring in, so the more blocks you make, the higher your chance of winning.
There's still time to make any of these blocks!
The April block will be introduced at the guild meeting by Elizabeth Couture. Instructions and photo(s) will be posted on the website shortly after the meeting.
-- Janet Brownlee, BOM Coordinator
There will be 4 separate draws for the December to March blocks at this meeting. So dig out all of your blocks and bring them along to the meeting. You'll get one draw entry for each block that you bring in, so the more blocks you make, the higher your chance of winning.
- December - Eight Point Star by Martha P
- January - Potato Chip by Brenda P
- February - Trip Around Arnprior by Shirley M
- March - Coin Block by Brenda P
There's still time to make any of these blocks!
The April block will be introduced at the guild meeting by Elizabeth Couture. Instructions and photo(s) will be posted on the website shortly after the meeting.
-- Janet Brownlee, BOM Coordinator
Upcoming Guild Events
Star Strip Paper Piecing Workshop
This is a workshop run by Helen Gunn (Quilt Guild of Renfrew and Area) using Peggy Martin's Quick-Strip Paper Piecing method for doing repeat units, using material efficiently! It will take place May 20th, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Horton Community Centre in Renfrew, $40 per person. Bring your own lunch.
Refer to the email messages regarding this workshop, or to the Workshops page for more information.
-- Martha Palmer
Refer to the email messages regarding this workshop, or to the Workshops page for more information.
-- Martha Palmer
Upcoming Guild Meetings
Mark these dates on your calendar for the 3 remaining guild meetings of the 2024-2025 guild season:
April 23, May 28, June 18
Our Annual General Meeting will be incorporated into our May guild meeting.
April 23, May 28, June 18
Our Annual General Meeting will be incorporated into our May guild meeting.
Recent Guild Events
March Guild Meeting
Wednesday March 26 via Zoom
For our last Zoom meeting of the winter, Marilyn organized a preemie quilt sew night!
We were all in the comfort of our home sewing spaces, with the goal to each make a preemie quilt for our March Preemie Challenge. This was a fun, relaxed, and productive evening as we worked away on our quilts. Quilt tops were shown as they were completed and we all paused to take a look. Throughout the evening members showed some of their already completed preemies. They are so creative and gorgeous!
As we look forward to seeing them all at the April meeting (and getting photos of them all) I'm including a few photos here.
Vickie posted these two to our guild Facebook group.
Wednesday March 26 via Zoom
For our last Zoom meeting of the winter, Marilyn organized a preemie quilt sew night!
We were all in the comfort of our home sewing spaces, with the goal to each make a preemie quilt for our March Preemie Challenge. This was a fun, relaxed, and productive evening as we worked away on our quilts. Quilt tops were shown as they were completed and we all paused to take a look. Throughout the evening members showed some of their already completed preemies. They are so creative and gorgeous!
As we look forward to seeing them all at the April meeting (and getting photos of them all) I'm including a few photos here.
Vickie posted these two to our guild Facebook group.
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From my perspective as Block of the Month coordinator, I was particularly interested in the number of preemies made from the "Potato Chip" Block of the Month pattern that Brenda Payer gave us in January. The makers of these preemies kindly sent along photos of their quilts so I could share them with you now. This pattern is very well suited to preemies and a great way to incorporate our scraps.
Debbie C made two. In one she doubled the size of the individual pieces from 2"x4" to 4"x8".
Debbie C made two. In one she doubled the size of the individual pieces from 2"x4" to 4"x8".
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Brenda G also made two; one with the double sized pieces.
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And Jacquie and I each made one Potato Chip preemie. This is a very versatile block and quite fun to make! As you can see the block can be made whatever size you want by adjusting the number of "chips".
Jacquie L
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Janet B
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-- Janet Brownlee
Charity Preemie Challenge March 2025
We can all certainly be proud of our March numbers of Preemie quilts made by members of both our guild and the Quilt Guild of Renfrew and Area during our March Preemie Challenge. The Ottawa Hospital will love all those beautiful baby quilts. From those I’ve seen, the call was answered with enthusiasm and creativity.
The results are amazing:
Well done everyone,
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity Coordinator
We can all certainly be proud of our March numbers of Preemie quilts made by members of both our guild and the Quilt Guild of Renfrew and Area during our March Preemie Challenge. The Ottawa Hospital will love all those beautiful baby quilts. From those I’ve seen, the call was answered with enthusiasm and creativity.
The results are amazing:
- Renfrew 336
- Arnprior 216
Well done everyone,
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity Coordinator
Preemies made by ADQG member Mary deVries
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The Quilt Guild of Renfrew and Area meets on 2 afternoons each month. Sue Hodgins, who is a member of both guilds, presented our challenge to the Renfrew Guild at their last meeting in February and they happily accepted the challenge. Renfrew guild member Chris Gordon (and a former long time ADQG member), just happened to have brought several newly completed preemies to that meeting, so she showed them as examples to her guild which seems to have had a marvelous impact on motivating their guild members to join in the challenge!
Faced with packing up and delivering their preemie quilts to the Ottawa Hospital, they recently sought, and were delighted to receive bags donated by the Renfrew Metro, Giant Tiger and No Frills stores. They are currently getting labels on to their preemies and packing them up. Like our guild, they'll be holding back some of their preemies until next year so they can be displayed in our respective spring 2026 quilt shows. Chris has sent along several photos of their preemies. Thank you Chris! -- Janet Brownlee Click/tap on an image below to see it in full |
Bagged Preemies
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In-Town Retreat
April 11-12
Our first In-Town local Quilting Retreat was held on Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th at the Kinburn Community Centre. Lucy Shorey, our program director, organized this as an opportunity for members to gather and sew together for longer than a few hours in a nearby location. The space was perfect with three tables for each group and a full kitchen. With 19 people attending, it was a busy, buzzing hive of activity! Despite the rainy start, there was lots of energy as a whole lot of material and patterns were brought in, sewing machines, two ironing surfaces, four irons, donated food and the fun began!
April 11-12
Our first In-Town local Quilting Retreat was held on Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th at the Kinburn Community Centre. Lucy Shorey, our program director, organized this as an opportunity for members to gather and sew together for longer than a few hours in a nearby location. The space was perfect with three tables for each group and a full kitchen. With 19 people attending, it was a busy, buzzing hive of activity! Despite the rainy start, there was lots of energy as a whole lot of material and patterns were brought in, sewing machines, two ironing surfaces, four irons, donated food and the fun began!
Our delicious meals were lunch and supper on Friday, and lunch again on Saturday. The delicious lunch on Friday was thanks to soups made by Anne and Jacquie, and the sandwiches were made by Nancy and Joyce. Snacks and delicious desserts were shared as well. Friday night, Carp pizza arrived hot and yummy! Saturday lunch was a home made chicken Caesar salad made by Lucy.
We got a chance to share ideas around quilts that were being made, and some finished there. Some particular quilts of interest were Marilyn‘s quilt, that she has had in her UFOs for a while and it’s about to be for her bed.
Renee brought fabulous Tula Pink patterns with 41 colours in it. She just started it and we can’t wait to see what that looks like completed.
Renee brought fabulous Tula Pink patterns with 41 colours in it. She just started it and we can’t wait to see what that looks like completed.
Renee
Renee's Tula Pink fabric, blocks and pattern book
Emma also completed a project she has had as a UFO for a while.
Gwen’s green and blue quilt was amazing.
Annie made a unicorn crib size quilt for her granddaughter that she made start to finish. We are excited to see Linda’s animal baby quilt finished, and Georgene’s One Block Wonder quilt.
It was so much fun to be able to share ideas, sew together, with lots of laughing, and even singing. Everyone went home happy and the sun came out too! Thanks so much for organizing this Lucy. I know they’ll be more to come!
-- Martha Palmer
It was so much fun to be able to share ideas, sew together, with lots of laughing, and even singing. Everyone went home happy and the sun came out too! Thanks so much for organizing this Lucy. I know they’ll be more to come!
-- Martha Palmer
Early Saturday morning keener group arrivals L->R: Martha, Georgene, Linda
Editor's Note: These and more photos from the in-town retreat will be included in an upcoming Blog post on our guild website.
* * * * * * Schedule of Guild Meetings and Activities * * * * * *
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Check out our Blog for posts (and lots of pics) about these guild meetings.
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Sew Inspired
Many of you are already aware that our beloved local quilt shop Sew Inspired is closing at the end of April when owner Nancy Terry will be retiring. Nancy has been a long time generous supporter of our guild. From her financial support through her advertising in our newsletters, to discounts for guild Charity purchases, providing space for our workshops, donations to our guild, posting promotional guild notices and materials, displaying and selling tickets for our raffle quilts, and participating in our quilt show vendor malls, Nancy has been a continued loyal and valued friend to our guild. We wish Nancy all the best in her well earned and deserved retirement. Congratulations Nancy! We will also miss Sue who has been there for all of us in choosing fabrics and sending us so happily away from the shop with our bags of supplies. Thank you Sue! The doors to Sew Inspired closed on April 15. Online and phone orders are continuing to be processed while supplies last and time permits (to be picked up by appointment only) for a few more days, before Nancy turns in the keys on April 30th. -- Janet Brownlee |
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Charity
At last, an in-house meeting! Please bring in all those Preemies that we worked on all of March. The hall will be spectacular with all the Preemies highlighted.
Any other quilts or Christmas placemats that you have finished as well .
Just a reminder, that the “Cheater Panel” single sized quilts are not due until next year. No hurry, no worries.
Thanks for everything,
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity Coordinator
At last, an in-house meeting! Please bring in all those Preemies that we worked on all of March. The hall will be spectacular with all the Preemies highlighted.
Any other quilts or Christmas placemats that you have finished as well .
Just a reminder, that the “Cheater Panel” single sized quilts are not due until next year. No hurry, no worries.
Thanks for everything,
-- Marilyn Erskine, Charity Coordinator
Two Wheelchair quilts were recently presented to Marzena Sobierajski, Assistant Director of Care at The Grove long term care home in Arnprior by our newest guild member Nicole C. Welcome to our guild Nicole!
The Grove's Marzena Sobierajski accepting the wheelchair quilts at The Grove
Library
I just wanted you to let you know what I bought for the guild's library this winter.
After the Panel Palooza presentation from Cyndi McChesney in our January meeting, I thought the members would enjoy trying to make a quilt with panels, so I purchased Cyndi's first book Playful Panel Quilts.
Katrina Kahn hosted a workshop on the Sew Kind of Wonderful Ruler in March. It was very informative and fun. I bought the Quick Curve Ruler and a book for the library. The book, One Wonderful Curve by Jenni Pedigo and Helen Robinson, has 12 patterns to make with the ruler.
-- Jacquie Lavictoire, Librarian
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A Surprise Gift
We were in the Hamilton/ St. George area a couple of weekends ago for a spring family party. Our girls were staying at our sister-in-law/brother's place. When I saw my granddaughter on Sunday at lunch time, she approached me with a gift from my sister-in-law. It wasn't my birthday, Christmas or special event. I received this gift for my sewing room. Joanne knew it suited me perfectly when she saw the fabric, so she framed and gave it to Maya for grandma. Hope you enjoy it too. Too good to keep to myself!
-- Gwen Pennings
-- Gwen Pennings
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Gwen at the recent retreat
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Sustainability Initiatives
Textile Recycling
The Hintonburg Fabric Flea Market is coming up on Saturday May 3.
CQA Activities
Photos of the award winning projects from Quilt Canada 2024 can be found here.
Click/tap on a photo for details about the maker and the project.
You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2025 here.
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram.
Dates are June 18-21 2025. More info on our website here.
Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
Click/tap on a photo for details about the maker and the project.
You can monitor the evolving plans for Quilt Canada 2025 here.
The Canadian Quilters' Association is very active on social media and you can follow along on Facebook or Instagram.
Dates are June 18-21 2025. More info on our website here.
Browse the CQA Events Calendar for information about quilting events across Canada by province, territory, or date.
Are you interested in this bus trip to Quilt Canada next June?
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 rather lengthy list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
Here's a rather lengthy list of the upcoming shows that I'm aware of.
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Location |
Dates |
Guild |
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Whitby ON |
April 25-26 |
Kindred Hearts Quilt Guild |
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Napanee ON |
April 26-27 |
Heritage Quilters Guild |
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Ottawa ON |
May 9-10 |
Ottawa Valley Quilters Guild |
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Millbrook ON |
May 9-10 |
Millbrook Needlers Quilt Guild |
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Lindsay ON |
May 30-31 |
Lindsay Creative Quilters Guild |
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Petawawa ON |
May 31- June 1 |
Pembroke Log Cabin Quilt Guild |
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Mississauga ON |
June 18-21 |
Canadian Quilters Association Quilt Canada |
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Smiths Falls ON |
July 11-12 |
Lanark County Quilters Guild |
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Conn ON |
July 16-19 |
Creekbank Sewing Centre |
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Almonte ON |
September 6-7 |
Mississippi Valley Textile Museum |
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.
ADQG Leadership Team 2024-2025
Co-Presidents: Anne Cruickshank & Joyce Murray
Charity: Marilyn Erskine charity@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Treasurer: Sandy Beach treasurer@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Programs: Lucy Shorey programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Membership: Martha Palmer membership@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Library: Jacquie Lavictoire
Communications: Janet Brownlee arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
**** The Secretary position remains unfilled and we continue to look for a volunteer.
Key Volunteers
Photographer: Emma Russell
Social Media: Tina Matte
Raffle Ticket Sales: Liz Gray & Jan Smith
Programs team: Brenda Kellar, Sue Hodgins
Co-Presidents: Anne Cruickshank & Joyce Murray
Charity: Marilyn Erskine charity@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Treasurer: Sandy Beach treasurer@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Programs: Lucy Shorey programs@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Membership: Martha Palmer membership@arnpriordistrictquiltersguild.com
Library: Jacquie Lavictoire
Communications: Janet Brownlee arnpriorquilters@gmail.com
**** The Secretary position remains unfilled and we continue to look for a volunteer.
Key Volunteers
Photographer: Emma Russell
Social Media: Tina Matte
Raffle Ticket Sales: Liz Gray & Jan Smith
Programs team: Brenda Kellar, Sue Hodgins
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:
- Bytowne Threads
- Happy Wife Quilting in Carleton Place ON
- Lori's Quilting Shop in Kanata 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 Anne, Martha, Marilyn, Jacquie, Gwen and Nicole for their guild updates, photos, and other news this month.
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
-- Janet Brownlee, Communications & Newsletter Editor
Our next meeting is on May 28