Mount Vernon News
Quilters Unlimited

March 2008

Mount Vernon Chapter Officers 2007 – 2008
Co-Presidents—Cathy Hanratty and Beth Smith
Co-Vice Presidents—Joyce Keating and Rhonda Adams
Secretary—Dotty Eisenhour
Treasurer—Barbara Dove
Nominating Chair—Tammy Mannarino

Presidents’ Message

Spring arrives officially on March 20th… and not a moment too soon. It will be a fully packed month for us all. The schedule is a little topsy-turvy, so please note the changes that follow:

March 4th – Regular program: Paula Nadelstern’s lecture to be held in the
Community Room at the Mt. Vernon Governmental Center at 12:30
March 11th – Paula Nadelstern’s workshop at the Mt. Vernon Governmental Center
March 25th – Business meeting at Hollin Hall

Many thanks to Ro Coller for organizing another wonderful February Lancaster retreat. Everyone reported a great time was had by all… to say nothing of the great shopping and very productive quilting.

Remember that the bow tie block exchange will be held on April 8th. Also due on that day, are the nine patch blocks for the quilt we are entering in the silent auction at the QU Quilt Show.

On a more personal note, I want to thank Cathy for all the work she has done. When I shattered my ankle on December 5th she took over all the responsibilities of the Presidency. We all owe her many thanks for her most generous support of all the programs.

Beth and Cathy

“Jump Start Your Creativity” Workshop with Barbara Olson
April 21, 2008

A few spots remain for our upcoming workshop, “Jump Start Your Creativity,” with Barbara Olson on April 21, 2008. This workshop is for the quilter who is ready to break out of the box, i.e., YOU, and experience a playful way of creating. Too much thinking or fear often stops quilters from trying new designs and fabrics. It’s time to get your brain out of the way and jump-start your creativity.

Class size is limited so sign up early to reserve your spot. The deadline for cancellation and refunds is March 15, 2008. Vacancies will be filled from a wait list. Please mail your registration form and checks made out to MVQU to:

Rhonda Adams
623 S. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-5906

Feel free to email or contact me with any questions at: princessntlv@hotmail.com

QU Show Silent Auction Donations

This year, both individual and chapter donations are welcome for submission to the Quilters Unlimited 2008 Quilt Show’s Silent Auction. This event provides the perfect opportunity for you (or you and a friend) to donate an item of your choosing. Your gift will accompany the chapter's donation of our Amish Nine-Patch quilt. Unlike previous years, proceeds from sales in excess of $125 per chapter will be returned to the donating chapter and will go towards providing quality educational opportunities for you, a Mt. Vernon member.

Items that have sold well in the past have been quilts of any size, quilted garments, table runners, quilt kits and themed baskets. Items valued at $25 or more are preferred. Bidding will take place over all three days of the show with some items being auctioned-off live on Friday and Saturday. In addition to the live auction, another new feature of this year’s auction is a “Buy it Now” price which offers the bidder the chance to ensure that he or she will get the item.

The deadline for submission is May 1, 2008. For each item submitted, a Silent Auction Donation form must be completed along with a picture of the item (print or digital). Forms may be found on the QU website at http://www.quiltersunlimited.org/ under QU Show or by contacting a member of your Fund Raising Committee: Joyce Keating, Pat Alfredson or Mary Mazzuchi. More information on the collection of your donations will be provided as it becomes available and as the deadline nears. Don’t miss this opportunity
to grab a friend or two (or three) and come up with an individual donation that will tempt a captive audience of bidders at this year’s show.

Raffle Tickets on Sale Now

Don't miss your opportunity to win... buy your raffle tickets for the 2008 QU "Feathered Star" raffle quilt now. This year's raffle quilt was pieced by Jo Cotter of Annandale QU and machine quilted by Stover Quality Quilting. The colors are deep pink and tan and the size is 92 inches square. It is based on Marsha McCloskey's pattern "Golden Splendor", that appeared in the October 1996 issue of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine. You can learn more about Marsha McCloskey from her website, http://www.marshamccloskey.com/. Tickets are $1.00 each and may be purchased from our chapter representative, Ann Marlin. The drawing will be held at 2:30 p.m. on June 8, 2008 at the show. The winner need not be present to win.

Poster Contest!

After 35 successful quilt shows, QU would like to celebrate our 36th annual show by having its members, their families, and friends compete to determine the show theme for 2009. To compete, you must create a poster using an original design that may be used on promotional items for the show and can be modified for the cover of the 2009 show program.

This is not a quilt contest, but a poster contest. You will choose a theme for the show and using this theme, create a poster that will give visual excitement and encourage attendance to the show.

A panel of QU officers will determine the semi-finalists whose entries will be displayed at the 2008 quilt show. The winner of the 2009 QU Show Poster Contest will be determined by the popular vote of those attending this year's show. Details and rules for the poster contest are available at http://www.quiltersunlimited.org/. All entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2008.

Be sure to look for the poster display at the show and vote for your favorite.

March Calendar
March 4, 2008—Paula Nadelstern, “Symmetry & Surprise: The Kaleidoscope as Design Inspiration” Lecture, Mt. Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
March 11, 2008—Paula Nadelstern, “Needle Stars” Workshop, Mt. Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
March 15, 2008—National Quilting Day
March18, 2008—Bee, Room 216, Hollin Hall Senior Center
March 25, 2008—Business Meeting, Hollin Hall Senior Center

Calendar for the Future
April 21, 2008—Barbara Olson Workshop, “Jumpstart Your Creativity” at the Mt. Vernon Governmental Center
April 22, 2008—Barbara Olson Lecture, “Quilting a Life,” Mt. Vernon Governmental Center
June 6-8, 2008—QU Show, Dulles Expo Center

Upcoming Shows and Exhibits
Now through April 27, 2008, United States Botanic Garden, “A Stitch in Vine,” presents botanically themed contemporary quilts handmade by artists of the Chesapeake & Potomac Appliqué Guild at the West Orangerie of the Conservatory, 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC (for more details go to http://www.usbg.gov/whats-happening/exhibits/A-Stitch-in-Vine.cfm)
March 1-31, 2008—The 45th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition, Alexandria, VA. For more information about entering a needlework piece or about the exhibition, call 703-780-4000, or go to http://www.woodlawn1805.org/
March 15-16, 2008—Cabin Branch and Stone House Quilters 2008 Quilt Show, Prince William County Fair Grounds, Manassas, VA (for further details go to www.cabinbranch.org/annualquiltshow.htm or http://www.stonehousequilters.org/)
March 15-16, 2008—Southern Comforters of Bowie, MD, Inc. Quilt Guild’s “Fans of Friendship Quilt Show 2008,” C. Elizabeth Rieg Special Center, 15543 Peach Walker Dr., Bowie, MD (for further details go to http://www.southerncomforters.org/)
April 25-27, 2008—Friendship Star Quilters, “A Tisket, A Tasket Quilt Show 2008” at Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Home Arts Building, Gaithersburg, MD (for further details go to http://www.friendshipstar.org/)

March Birthdays
March 1 Blanche Carpenter
March 15 Dee Neigh
March 16 Cathy Hanratty
March 17 Trish Hogan
March 29 Gail English
March 29 Carolyn Paden
March 30 H. Andrea Gribble

April Birthdays
April 2 Lois Altz
April 2 Yvette Fallin
April 4 Sharon Emory
April 4 Jim Melton
April 11 Marjie Morris
April 20 Lucy Petitt
April 21 Anita Roby-Lavery
April 26 Beth Smith

Mt. Vernon QU
Business Meeting 02/12/08

The meeting was called to order at 12:30 pm by Co-President Cathy Hanratty. Two new members, Bert Garino and Linda Townsend, were present.

The January minutes were approved as published in the Blog.

There was no Treasurer’s report.

Old Business:

Ann Marlin has the raffle tickets for the QU raffle quilt. The tickets are $1 each. Photos of the Quilt can be seen on QU website and Mt. Vernon’s Blog.

Completed blocks for QU President Diane Kirkhart may be given to Cathy or Beth and they will turn them in at the QU Board Meeting in March.

Committees:

Newsletter/Blog: Beverly Dasch asks that if you attend a quilt show and take pictures that you email them to her to post on the Blog. The deadline for the Blog is the last day of the month.

Nominating: Tammy Mannarino was not present, but Cathy Hanratty asked for volunteers for next year’s board. The new board will be looking for committee chairs for next year as well.

Hospitality: Betty Smalley needs volunteers for March through May.

Quilt Show: Kathy Edwards says that we are responsible for getting 300 volunteers for the show. The entire chapter really needs to step up and help. Kathy thanked Kathy Shaw, Marge Barondes, Libby Dudley, Tammy Fletcher, and Gail Franchi for their help. If we participate in the silent auction at the show, we can make money for the chapter. Jim Melton suggested that we all make 9 ½” (unfinished) Amish blocks and make a quilt. Pat Alfredson will pick up Amish black fabric while at the retreat.

June Luncheon: Pat Alfredson and Mary Mazzuchi say we are having a “Tea Party.” Patterns are available for the blocks. They are an appliqué tea cup or tea pot in blues or yellows and a 9-patch block in blues or yellows.

Fund Raising: The next meeting of the Sewing Circle is March 18th. Our Silent Auction will be September 23rd to avoid conflict with the Senior Center craft sale.

Retreat: There is still room for anyone who would like to attend the retreat in Bird-in-Hand, PA next week, Monday through Thursday. Contact Ro Coller by phone.
Block Exchange: The block exchange is coming up on April 8th. Contact Lynn Fishburn or Aby Dolinger if you would like to participate in the block exchange. Instructions for the bow tie block can be found on the Mt. Vernon Blog.

Programs: Gyleen Fitzgerald, who did a class for us last year, has been accepted to teach at the Houston International Quilt Show 2008. Paula Nadelstern’s lecture, “Symmetry & Surprise: the Kaleidoscope as Design Inspiration,” will be held on March 4th at the Mt. Vernon Governmental Center at 12:30. If possible, please carpool as parking will is limited. If you have signed up to take the workshop, “Needlestars” with Paula Nadelstern, watch your email for details. The workshop with Barbara Olson on April 21, 2008 will be “Jump Start Your Creativity.” Registration forms will be available soon.

Misc: Joyce Nichols has left for Kuwait. Barbara will update her email address and get it out to the membership. Rhonda recommended visiting http://www.quiltshowtv.com/ to see an excellent program featuring guest Jean Wells entitled, “Portraits from Nature” (it’s free). You can also see an episode that features Barbara Olson by purchasing and viewing the first series of Quilt Show TV. She demonstrates the technique we will be learning at our workshop in April. Lynn Miller says that the Sherwood Hall Library now has two Ruth McDowell books.

Show and Tell: The following brought Show & Tell items: Ann Marlin, Carol Eberhardt, Kathy Z., Bert Garino (new member), Libby Dudley, Gigi Corbin, Lynn Miller, Mary Mazzuchi, Lynn Fishburn, Angie Miller, Joyce Keating, Barbara Tucker, and Jim Melton.

Winners of the Door Prizes were Joan Bingman, Blanche Carpenter, and new member, Bert Garino.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.

Respectfully, submitted by Cathy Hanratty.

Please submit items to Beverly Dasch, MVQU Newsletter Editor, at mvqu.news@gmail.com the first of every month.
May nature's renewal inspire you.

March BOM (Blog of the Month)

Rhonda has sent the March block for the BOM: Super Scrappy Stash Buster.

We're Having a Tea Party!

For our June luncheon on Tuesday, June 10, we are having tea party. Pull out your hats, white gloves (do we still have them?) and start thinking "tea".

We are going to make appliqué and pieced squares to put together as kits or quilts for the silent auction as we did so successfully (thanks to Anne Poulin & Tammy Manninaro and all of you who contributed) last summer. Look through your stash or even better check out the new spring/summer fabrics. The requirements for the squares are as follows:

The squares will be 9 ½ inches (finished 9 inches).

For the appliqué choose either or both of the tea pot or tea cup patterns below. Use bright white or white on white for the background (please no cream or winter white). The appliqué figures should be blue or yellow or combinations of blue and yellow.

The off setting block is a 9 ½ inch (9 inch finished) nine patch using 5 colored blocks (size - 3 ½ inches) in either blue or yellow or combinations of blue and yellow and 4 white or white on white (size 3 ½ inches) placed as shown below. Please no cream or winter white.

This & That

Amish 9-Patch Quilt

On Tuesday, February 11th, the chapter decided to make an Amish 9-patch quilt for sale at the QU Show Silent Auction. We are asking you to make a 9-patch block using 2 1/2" squares. At the program meeting on February 26th, I will have the 4 squares of black fabric. You will need to provide 5 Amish-colored blocks to make the 9-patch block. Please choose a solid fabric in Amish colors -- blue, green, purple, red, gold. No brights, please. The deadline for handing in your block will be the business meeting on Tuesday, April 8th, but you can hand in your block or blocks anytime to Pat Alfredson.

March 4, 2008--Paula Nadelstern Lecture

This is just a reminder that our lecture on March 4, 2008 with Paula Nadelstern will be held at the Mt. Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA at 12:30 pm in the Community Room (703-780-7518). Parking is limited so, if possible, please plan to carpool with a fellow quilter. This is our March program and it is open to all. Please pass the word if you know someone who may not be aware of the venue change. See you there!!

The Counts Are In!!

Ladies, The final count is in! Your quilt collectors, Rhonda, Joyce, and Marianne, tell us that Mt. Vernon will be entering 84 quilts into the Quilters Unlimited 2008 Quilt Show! Marianne Urban recalls a time when she collected only 11 quilts from our Chapter--we've come a long way and this year's show is sure to be the best ever. "Quilt on" Mt. Vernon!!

Pat's Quilt Featured on Pat Sloan's Blog!

Another Mt. Vernon member is featured on Pat's blog! Go to http://patsloan.typepad.com/. Scroll down and on the left side of the page, under Quilts by YOU!, you will see Pat Alfredson's version of "Ma-Ma's Garden" which is from the "Wild & Free" applique workshop we had with Pat in September, 2007. Don't you just love the football?

"It's Not About the Quilts"

On January 22, 2008 Abigail Dolinger (Aby) shared her collection of delightful friendship and autograph quilts during a lecture and trunk show. Her closing words will linger in the hearts of us all.

“It’s not about the quilts. You ladies (and Jim) have known this secret all along. It’s not about the quilts…it’s about the friendships stitched together while making the quilts! It’s about the laughter shared, the mutual encouragement given, the problems solved, the tears shed, and the prayers said on behalf of one another. This is what makes the Mt Vernon Chapter of QU such a delightful group. This is why you and I gather here on Tuesday afternoons. It’s not about the quilts”.

Aby, thank you for sharing your beautiful quilts, your memories, and your heart with us. From the many members of Mt. Vernon, we wish you only the best in your upcoming adventure and hope that you will add the Round Robin and Bow Tie Block Exchange quilts made with us to your collection and share them with your new friends in North Carolina. We will miss you!

Mount Vernon News
Quilters Unlimited
February 2008

Mount Vernon Chapter Officers 2007 – 2008
Co-Presidents—Cathy Hanratty and Beth Smith
Co-Vice Presidents—Joyce Keating and Rhonda Adams
Secretary—Dotty Eisenhour
Treasurer—Barbara Dove
Nominating Chair—Tammy Mannarino

Presidents’ Message
What a great start to 2008. The Winter Quilt-In was very successful and we received a lot of praise from the other chapters. The “What’s Black, White and _____ All Over?” quilts blew us away! There is so much talent and imagination in this group. Everyone who visited our Blog was very impressed. The quilts are sure to attract a lot of attention at the QU Quilt Show in June.

Speaking of the show, don’t forget to bring your show ready quilts (with labels and sleeves attached) to the meeting on February 12th. This will be your last chance to get them measured and photographed for this year’s quilt show. The meeting will be in the bee room because of primary elections going on in our regular meeting room.

Chapter elections are coming up soon. Tammy is still looking for volunteers to run for office. Don’t be shy or feel like you don’t know how to do it. Just grab a friend and volunteer! This is an all volunteer organization and we can’t do it without you.

This month’s program on the 26th is “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” with Lynda Poole Prioleau. Don’t miss it.

Cathy and Beth

February 26, 2008 Program
Join Lynda Poole Prioleau at 12:30 for “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” trunk showing of her quilts and wearables. “You'll see it all and hear all the stories—the funniest ones are tied to the ugliest trial and error fiber art”, says Lynda.

Lynda enjoys quilts of all kinds, but has been drawn to contemporary quilts as a means of play and possibility, often pushing the limits to make it “way fun.” Her recent works feature multiple layers, free standing pieces, and pop-up structures.

Lynda says she has never been able sit still long enough to do just one thing repeatedly and has long been plagued with the "what ifs" and the "why nots.” Although this childlike curiosity sometimes gets her into mischief, it has also provided for endless hours of enjoyment.

To learn more about Lynda and see some of her latest works please visit her website at http://www.matlyndesigns.com/

Calling All “Quilt Show Ready” Quilts
Ladies, February 12th will be the final day for measuring and photographing your quilts for the 2008 Quilters Unlimited Quilt Show. Please bring your completed entry forms and "quilt show ready" quilts to room 216 at 11:30. Don't let the deadline pass you by as this is sure to be the best show ever and you'll want to be a part of it. Please contact Rhonda Adams via phone or email at princessntlv@hotmail.comas as soon as possible if you need to make alternate arrangements.

Hospitality Reminder

The following ladies have graciously offered to bring refreshments for the
February 12th business meeting: No refreshments will be offered due to size limits of room 216—plan ahead.
February 26th program: Dotty Eisenhour and Marge Barondes

February Calendar
February 5, 2008—Bee, Room 216, Hollin Hall Senior Center
February 12, 2008—Business Meeting and Show & Tell, Room 216, Hollin Hall Senior Center
February 18-22, 2008—2nd Annual Mount Vernon Retreat, Bird-in-Hand, PA
February 19, 2008—Bee, Room 216, Hollin Hall Senior Center
February 26, 2008—Lynda Poole Prioleau, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" Lecture and Trunk Show

Calendar for the Future
March 4, 2008—Paula Nadelstern, “Symmetry & Surprise: The Kaleidoscope as Design Inspiration” Lecture
March 11, 2008—Paula Nadelstern “Needle Stars” Workshop
March 15, 2008—National Quilting Day
April 21, 2008—Barbara Olson Lecture
April 22, 2008—Barbara Olson, "Jump Start Your Creativty" Workshop
June 6-8, 2008—QU Show, Dulles Expo Center

Upcoming Shows and Exhibits
February 21-24, 2008—Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XIX at Hampton, VA (go to http://www.quiltfest.com/ for more information).
March 1-31, 2008—45th Annual Woodlawn Needlework Exhibition, Alexandria, VA (For more information about entering a needlework piece or about the exhibition, call 703-780-4000, or go to http://www.woodlawn1805.org/).

February Birthdays
February 3 Gigi Corbin
February 4 Marian Schwartz
February 5 Yvette Fallin
February 6 Catherine Marciano
February 11 Joyce Delaney
February 15 Margaret Chandler
February 16 Carolyn Conahan
February 17 Jeannie Schelleng
February 19 Marlene Perry
February 19 Mary Stauss
February 20 Anne Oliver
February 22 Joan Dwyer
February 28 Beverly Davison

March Birthdays
March 2 Blanche Carpenter
March 16 Dee Neigh
March 17 Cathy Hanratty
March 18 Trish Hogan
March 30 Gail English
March 31 H. Andrea Gribble

Minutes of the 1/8/2008 Business Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 12:35 by Cathy Hanratty.

We welcomed our new member, Carol Eberhardt, from Buffalo, NY.

Our Chapter Challenge this year is: “What’s Black and White and ________All Over?" Members presenting quilts are: Kathy Edwards, Libby Dudley, Dotty Eisenhour, Mary Stauss, Marjorie Parklyn, Rhonda Adams, Frankie Carroll, Elizabeth Eastmond (from California), Barbara Zygiel, Lynn Miller, Aby Dolinger, Carol Kunkel, Barbara Tucker, Anne Poulin, Tammy Mannarino, Beverly Dasch, Barbara Dove, Mary Mazzuchi, and Angie Miller.

Members had a chance to cast a ballot for Viewer's Choice. The winner will be announced on the next edition of the Blog. The raffle prize was won by Libby Dudley.

Minutes
The minutes of the November meeting were presented and passed as written.

Hospitality
Refreshments were provided by Beverly Krysa, Kay Brill, and Blanche Carpenter.

Old Business
24 quilts were delivered to For Children's Sake on December 18th, 2007.

Newsletter/Blog
Please submit any articles or information to Beverly Dasch, our Newsletter Editor, by January 31, 2008.

Nominating Committee
Tammy Mannarino is in charge of the committee and needs folks to come forward and offer to take an office on the Board. She will need names by March.

Community Education
Tammy Fletcher is looking for quilts for April, May, and June for display at the Senior Center. The size should be approximately 5 x 5 feet.

Quilt Show
Kathy Edwards will attend the next meeting. Since we are in charge of volunteers, she will talk to people at the Quilt-In and start the sign up.

June Luncheon
Pat Alfredson, Mary Mazzuchi, and Carol Eberhardt are planning the June luncheon. The theme for the luncheon is a Tea Party. They will introduce blocks to be made for the luncheon at the February 12th meeting.

Sunshine
Marjorie Barondes sent cards to Mary Ann Burleson and Nancy McGlasson, and will send one to Lou Bayliss who lost her husband as well as Beverly Papajohn who just had shoulder surgery. Beth Smith has appreciated all the calls and letters she has gotten since her fall.

Senior Center
Joyce Nicholas had nothing to report except that she will attend the meeting in February.

Quilt Collector
Rhonda Adams and Marianne Urban addressed the collection of quilts for the QU show. They will accept quilts that are “quilt show ready” for pictures and measurements on January 22nd from 11:30 to 12:15 and on February 12th beginning at 11:30. Also, an application for each quilt needs to be turned in. The Black and White challenge quilts will be entered as a group. Also there was a suggestion that we decide whether or not we want to have a group entry for quilted jackets, 2007 Blocks of the Month, Diamonds are a
Girl's Best Friend, quilts from the Pat Sloan class, and the mystery quilt.

Sewing Circle
Pat Alfredson talked about the new sewing circle group. The next meeting will be on January 15th beginning at 10:30 where they will be making coasters for the Silent Auction. Two fat quarters will be enough for four coasters. The next project in February will be luggage tags. For the tags you will need a fat quarter and a card for your name and address. The circle will generally meet on the first Tuesday of the month.

Quilt-In
Barbara Edler reminded us that the Quilt-In will take place this coming Sunday, January 13, at Falls Church High School. Mount Vernon members should arrive between 12:00 and 1:00 to help get set up. She stressed that the objective of the day is for all to have a good time. We will also need people to clean up and we are asked to bring a dessert to share. There will be time for quilting and for show and tell.

Retreat
Ro Coller reported that there are three signed up for the retreat so far. It will be held at Bird in the Hand, PA from Feb. 18 – 20, 2008. You can choose to stay two or three nights. The price for a single room is: $173 for 2 nights, $247 for three nights
A double room will cost $110 for two nights and $153 for three nights.

Block Exchange
Aby Dolinger reminded us that the block exchange (of bow tie blocks) will occur on April 8.

March meeting dates
March 4 – Lecture by Paula Nadelstern
March 11 – Workshop with Paula Nadelstern
March 18 – Bee
March 25 – Business meeting

Show and Tell
The following members presented quilts for show and tell:
Marjorie Parkyn, Kay Brill, Carol Eberhardt, Mary Mazzuchi, Janet Betz, Gail English, Pat Alfredson, Aby Dolinger, Tammy Mannarino and the rest of the Round Robin group – Anne Poulin, and Kathy Edwards.

Door Prizes
Prizes were won by Kathleen Shaw and Marianne Urban.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Dotty Eisenhour, Secretary

Please submit items to Beverly Dasch, MVQU Newsletter Editor, at mvqu.news@gmail.com the first of every month.

Mount Vernon Hosts Winter Quilt-In 2008

On January 13, 2008, 146 members of greater Quilters Unlimited came together at the Falls Church High School for the annual Winter Quilt-In. This year’s theme, “Quilters Go Green,” was chosen by our chapter as the host. This theme was selected to raise environmental awareness and encourage quilters to find simple ways in which they can each make a difference and contribute to the saving of our planet.

Sticking to tradition, participants were asked to bring a dessert to share, some hand work, a lot of show and tell pieces, and to make a block of their choice (pieced or appliquéd) that represented something they treasure about the earth. The response was tremendous! A huge thank you to all of the members of Mount Vernon who helped to make the day a success and to all of the members of Quilters Unlimited who joined us for a day of food, fun, and in the making of new friendships.

This year's raffle quilt, made by the Annandale Chapter, was unveiled. Please see you local chapter representative to purchase your winning ticket.

The first 100 attendees received a reusable shopping bag from Trader Joe's... perfect for those trips to the supermarket as well as to your favorite quilt shop.

Members of the various chapters of Quilters Unlimited enjoying the day!

The Falls Church Chapter had 26 members in attendance! Great to see you all!

Did you know? It is estimated that if every household used just one reusable shopping bag it would save putting over 10 billion plastic bags into area landfills. Plastic bags can take as long as 10 years to decompose. These bags can be just as friendly when carried into your favorite quilt shop on your next shopping trip.

If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

The makers of Mountain Mist have introduced the next generation of environmentally kind batting, Ecocraft Eco-Friendly Batting. The blend of 50% cotton and 50% PLA (made from corn) offers the performance of synthetics and the peace-of-mind of natural materials. Soft, durable and washable, the batting may be hand or machine quilted up to 4" intervals. The batting comes in sizes from crib to Queen. Please visit http://www.keepsakequilting.com/ or ask for it at your favorite quilt shop. The average person gets only 1.5 personal letters each week compared to 10.8 pieces of junk mail of which 44% is thrown in the trash, unopened and unread. GreenDimes is the trusted leader in stopping junk mail and unwanted catalogs. In the US alone, over 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water will be lost this year to create junk mail. GreenDimes has already stopped 3 million pounds of junk mail and planted 425,000 trees, all in just over a year. Visit http://www.greendimes.com/ to see how you can make a difference.

The block exchange was a huge success and lucky winners went home with either collections of fat quarters or block kits--looking forward to seeing the "Going Green" quilts made from them at the 2009 Quilt Show.

Lucky winners of the door prizes this year received energy efficient light bulbs and bulbs to plant.

Show & Tell

There were lots of quilts shared during hourly show-n-tells... be surelook for some of these beauties at our upcoming Quilt Show in June.