Mt. Vernon Quilters: June 2013

Mount Vernon Chapter Officers 2012-2013

President— Ruth Morgan
Vice Presidents/Programs— Barbara Jones & Libby Dudley
Secretary— Dotty Eisenhour
Treasurer—Mary Downey
Nominating Chair— Patricia Bolton
Newsletter—Lynne Fishburn

President’s Message

Nobody could mistake me for a person who moves quickly. I “run” at a treadmill pace and I am more comfortable taking yoga or pilates than spinning classes. I’ve been working on the same quilt for months now, okay, nearly a year, even I want to shout “Just get ‘er done!”

But even to me, the last two years, seemed to have flown by. And what a two years I’ve had! Being president and co-president of MVQU has been an experience I will treasure. The fellow quilters I have met and the friendships I have formed will last long after my time as president has ended. For that I am truly thankful.

No one stands alone and I would not have had such a positive experience without the support and understanding of the superb board who served with me. Barbara, Libby, Mary, Dotty and Patricia are the wonderful ladies who said yes before they knew what I wanted or needed. They never failed to take my calls, answer my emails or offer help.

I have lost count of the cups of coffee, glasses of wine and lunches I have shared with my quilting buddies. I know such times are not over. Summer is here and time’s wasting. I am going to go barefoot and get into the spirit: wear yoga pants and quilt, take my puppy for walks and read a book I cannot put down. I wish you a summer filled with such pleasures. Enjoy!

Ruth Morgan

June 2013 Letter from Co-VP Barbara and Libby

This final 2012-13 letter gives us a chance to acknowledge a bunch of very special members … all of you! Your recommendations, contributions, and participation enriched the year’s programs and workshops in countless ways. Your curiosity, sharing, encouragement, and enthusiasm created value for us and, we hope, for each of you. Besides your generosity toward our part of the mix, a bunch of you also jumped in and produced blocks and quilts for Community Service, Mystery Quilt, Use-It-Up Challenge, Holiday Luncheon, June Luncheon, and probably some others. Oh, yes, and made all those delicious snacks for meetings, loaned quilts for Community Outreach at Hollin Hall Senior Center and Sherwood Regional Library, and shared your creations at show-and-tell. And there was that fabulous auction! A sleepy group, this is not! We’d also like to express our appreciation again to our lecturers and teachers; they provided us with great ways to add new dimension, sparkle, and depth to our projects, and did so with grace and verve. Thank you to Phyllis Twigg Hatcher, Judy Shapiro, Eileen Doughty, Cindy Grisdela, Lynn Eccleston, Ro Coller, and Karen Combs. We also thank all of you who shared quilting hints, tools, and memories with us in March, and those wonderful vintage and antique quilts in April. Several participants in Karen Combs’ inspiring May workshop chose their colors based on combinations they’d liked in the April quilts! From the planning tidbits we’ve heard about from incoming Co-VPs Pat Alfredson and Mary Mazzuchi, it looks like 2013-14 will be another fun, knowledge-packed year, so get some rest, renew the stash, oil the machine. In the meantime, thanks for the opportunity to serve. We wish you a summer filled with friends, family, happy adventures, and lots of quilting.

Barbara Jones and Libby Dudley

MVQU BUSINESS MEETING

MAY 14, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 12:35 by President Ruth Morgan.

There were no new members or guests today.

The Minutes of the April meeting were approved as presented.

Programs: Libby reminded us of the Karen Combs lecture and workshop on May 28 and 29. There are still a few spaces available for the workshop.

Treasurer’s Report: Mary Downey reported that we now are up to 93 members and our cash balance is in good shape. We collected $2,924 from the sale of raffle tickets and will be sending that money (and any more that may come in) to QU. Karen Combs lecture and workshop and expenses from the June luncheon are still to be paid.

Since our bylaws state that we cannot formally approve next year’s budget until September, we needed to get approval today for expenses that will occur between now and September. The following items were approved for spending:

Ice Cream Social - $150

Deposit for next year’s retreat - $250 (estimate)

Bus Trip deposit - $250

Senior Center Coffee - $95

Rent for Senior Center - $480 (or more TBD)

Program expenses (motel deposit for Bonesteel) – TBD

Cabinet for our large supplies - $1,134 (estimate)

Expenses for outreach to schools - $300

It was suggested that we might change the bylaws concerning the timing of the approval of the budget.

Use Em Up Challenge – Pat Alfredson announced the next strip for the challenge – Applique. One more strip will be suggested at the June luncheon. She would like the finished quilts to be shown at the Sept. meeting.

Big QU – They will be posting a new website on May 15. The primary focus will be the upcoming quilt show. Each member of QU will have a personal log in. They reported that they have a surplus of $11,000+. The chapters have a choice of receiving $1,000 each or using the money to pay for some of the larger jobs at the show. Mt. Vernon voted to take the $1,000. Ruth will report that to QU.

After several months of research and discussion, a ballot vote by Mt. Vernon members resulted in a decision to stay with Big QU instead of forming a separate group.

Center for the Arts in Manassas is currently holding a show curated by Mary Kerr. MV members Barbara Dove and Kathy Edwards have works in the show.

Newsletter – Lynne Fishburn reminded us that the 4^th Tuesday of the month is the deadline for newsletter articles. Lynne will continue to do the newsletter, but is looking for a member to be the photographer for Show and Tell, etc. Our blog is now full and she will be making space for new items.

Quilts for the Show – need to be given to Lynne by May 29. Angie, Andrea and Lynne will take the quilts to the show and help with set up.

Summer Social - The Ice Cream Social will be held on July 23. Beth Smith suggested that we have a fat quarter exchange – give one to get one!

Retreat – Jill Crispino passed out a survey about the retreat – what you liked if you went and reasons for not going to the retreat. The retreat in 2014 will be from March 17 – 20.

Hospitality – Refreshments were provided by Ruth Morgan, Lynne Fishburn and Jill Crispino.

Door Prizes – were won by Hedy Vann, Andrea Gribble, Ruth Roush and Tammy Mannarino.

Annual Meeting – Andrea Gribble reminded us that the Annual QU meeting will be held on June 1 in the evening. The speaker will be Jan Krentz. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn by the Expo Center. MV will be bringing cakes and personalized M and M’s. Coffee, etc. will be provided by the Expo Center.

Spring Luncheon – Remember to bring needles, pin cushion and scissors for an appliqué project to be done at the luncheon on June 11.

Show and Tell – participating were Pat Alfredson, Mary Mazzuchi, Mary Stauss, Ruth Morgan, Andrea Gribble, Judy Albert, Libby Dudley and Ro Coller.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:25.

Respectfully submitted,

Dotty Eisenhour, Secretary

2013-2014 Membership

Membership Renewals Are Underway

Reminder! Your MVQU membership ends on June 30, 2013. So if you haven't already done so, please be sure to renew your MVQU membership now. Payment of dues entitles you to privileges of membership like participating in discussions and voting on issues at our business meetings, taking classes/workshops and participating in Big QU events and discounts at many local fabric stores including the Variety Store. However, to get your new card and privileges for shopping discounts, etc., you should renew by June 30. I will be available at the June bees and luncheon to take your membership form and Senior Center Registration form. Mary Downey, Treasurer.

Voting Results

The vote is over and the membership has spoken. Mt. Vernon will remain a member chapter of Quilters Unlimited. The vote was close which means about half our members wanted to form a separate group but the simple majority wanted to remain affiliated with Quilters Unlimited. Here’s what that entails - as a chapter, we need to fill our Big QU responsibilities.

This year Mt. Vernon is responsible for “procurement” which is a new name for “financials”. Before September we need a member to step up as our QU Show Chairman and lead us to complete our 2014 Quilt Show assignment. We have done it before. Now it is your chance to back up your vote to stay in QU with action. Members of Mt. Vernon are always willing to help their leaders. Who will take the lead this year?

We also need a Quilt Collector. In order for Mt. Vernon’s members to exhibit in next year’s quilt show, we need a quilt collector. This person needs to be in place by October as training for the Quilt Collectors is held in the fall. As a chapter, we have had fewer and fewer quilt submissions to the show over these last few years. In 2013, only 14 quilts from 6 members were registered to hang at the show. Let us strive as a Chapter of Quilters Unlimited to increase our participation for the 2014 QU Quilt Show.

We have all heard and even given these excuses at one time or another - “I don’t have the time,” “Nothing is finished; everything is a UFO,” “I’ve given all my good quilts away,” or my favorite, “My work isn’t good enough!”

Instead of excuses, may I offer another way of looking at why we display our quilts? We all enjoy looking at quilts and we all recognize the significance of quilters sharing their work - a product of their heart, mind, soul and skill. What if no one was willing to share their work with you? Where else would you find such a treasure trove of inspiration?

Now the cry, “But my work isn’t good enough!” the question begs to be asked: “Good enough for whom?” We are destined to always fall short of perfection in this life, so the important thing is to keep trying and putting forth our best efforts. So I am asking for no more excuses. There is always time for those things we deem important. Borrow back that quilt given in love and whip that UFO into shape! Remember your work is a product of your heart and soul and therefore, it is most certainly “good enough” to share.

Mt. Vernon needs two volunteers for its QU 2013-2014 jobs. Thank you. . . . . .Ruth

Presenting Mt. Vernon’s 2013-2014 Committee Chairs

Auction: Enrica Frost

Auction Storage: Mary Downey

Banner Hang Up: Nancy Barkume

Challenge/Mystery/Farewell Blocks: Tammy Mannarino

Community Outreach: Libby Dudley

Community Service: Lynn Miller

December Luncheon: Beth Smith and Ruth Morgan

Education: Jill Crispino – Storybook Quilt Project

June Luncheon: Ro Coller and Enrica Frost

Greeter and Door Prizes: Carol Allen

Hospitality: Ruth Roush

Summer Social: Ro Coller and Enrica Frost

New Member Kits: Hedy Vann

Quilt Collector:

Quilt Show Representative:

September Bus Trip: Andrea Gribble and Enrica Frost

Audit: Barbara Dove

Retreat: Jill Crispino and Lynne Fishburn

Senior Center Rep: Mary Stauss

Show and Tell/Chapter Photographer: Sarah Barber

Sunshine: Kathleen Shaw

Applique Project for future Auction

The members of Mt. Vernon have a long and colorful history with group projects. Just in my time, we have had a strawberry quilt and one with sunflowers. What about the recent raffle quilt? Currently, we are working on the yo-yo quilt. It is promising to be another beauty. We do know how to come together and work on a project!

Well, I have another group project for us. And it is an APPLIQUE project! Can you believe it? Yes, I took an applique class from Ro and now I think I am ready for the big time! Not really, but I just couldn’t resist this opportunity.

I have the patterns for the cutest set of 12 banners (20x28 inches), one for each month, Calendar Quilts! They are really something. I am hoping to recruit 12 members who would like to select a month and make a banner. Any way you want: hand or machine applique or fuse it. It doesn’t matter, just as long as you use the patterns I pass out and then, of course, have fun creating your banner. You can embellish your banner in any way you want. You can use beads, trim, buttons, etc.

My goal is to give the completed 12 month banner set to our Auction committee. The turn-in deadline will be next March’s business meeting. Yes, 9 months away. I will be at occasional Bees this summer and will make arrangements to meet with anyone who is interested in looking at the patterns and selecting a month. Give me a call: Ruth Morgan 571-243-6421 or email me at ruthmorgan01@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Use ‘Em Up Challenge Final Instructions

At the June Luncheon we will announce the final instructions for the “Use ‘Em Up Challenge.” It is not too late to participate. So far we have instructed you to make four strips incorporating strip 1 – with Squares, strip 2 – with Triangles, strip 3 - with Snowballs, and strip 4 – with Applique. Strip 5 to be announced June 11 at the luncheon.

We will reveal our finished tops at the September 2013 Business Meeting. Questions? Contact Pat Alfredson or Mary Mazzuchi.

June Luncheon & Block

This year we are having our luncheon catered. Come and celebrate the end of another wonderful year filled with informative and entertaining programs, workshops that will help us grow as quilters, and the friendships we have made as we worked on fundraising, promoting the raffle quilt and sharing during Show and Tell. We have invited the winner of the raffle quilt "Celtic Celebration" to join us at our luncheon as we present her with the beautiful quilt we all worked to create.

Please join us at Hollin Hall for lunch and a fun project, June 11th at 12:30. Bring any "Granny Square" blocks you have completed. Also, please bring scissors, neutral thread, pins and a needle for an appliqué project. We will also make time for Show and Tell. Because the luncheon is catered, we would like you to RSVP to get an approximate head count for food planning. Please RSVP to Jeanne Goldfein, at goldy1978@aol.com.

Exact instructions for the Granny Square Block from the Blue Elephant Stitches Blog can be found on their blog: http://blueelephantstitches.blogspot.com/2012/01/granny-square-quilt-block-tutorial.html

We have chosen to use 30’s fabrics of your choice with white on white background squares. The 30’s fabrics can have cream in them - but all background squares must be white.

Bring your completed Mystery Quilt to display at our June Luncheon.

Summer Ice Cream Social

SAVE THE DATE! Our second annual ice cream social will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2013. We'll have our usual array of toppings for the ice cream, homemade pound cake and brownies (and maybe cookies....). Plan to come and enjoy an afternoon of gentle socializing with the group. We will also be having a fat quarter exchange, so there will be some quilt related stuff going on, too…. Ro Coller

Ice Cream Social Fat Quarter Exchange

I know we all have extra fat quarters that we bought on a whim and have never used…..and never will. I will be collecting them at our June Luncheon. We hope to have a huge fabulous assortment of fat quarters for you to choose format the Ice Cream Social. In order to participate in July…..you must donate at least one fat quarter before the swap begins. Questions? Contact Beth Smith.

Storybook Quilt Educational Project – Starts This Summer!

MVQU is planning an educational project, to start this summer, called Storybook quilts. Children's books with a quilt integral to the story and a real quilt to match the one in the book are central to the project. When you decide to participate, you will choose the book that you like (we have a list) and then create the quilt that is in the story. Participants will also have the opportunity to join a 'bee' dedicated to the project. Eventually, the books and quilts will be taken into our local schools to support reading programs and to expose children to the craft of quilting. For more information on Storybook Quilt projects, go to 'storybookquilts.org'

Interested? Please contact Jill Crispino at jillcrispino@gmail.com, 703-519-7282.

Service with a Smile

Mt. Vernon is blessed with many talented and warm hearted members. We have just finished a yearlong campaign to promote “Celtic Celebration”. Angie Miller made our raffle quilt promotion a success through her tireless commitment, leadership and organization all while endearing herself to everyone she met. Thank you, Angie!

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

Anne Guenther - 06/07 Pearl Brown – 06/17 Ruth Morgan – 06/25

Sally Spangler - 06/07 Joan Peake – 06/20 Rhonda Adams – 06/26

Nancy McGlasson – 06/09 Lisa Sokol – 06/20 Ro Coller – 06/26

Susan Skypeck – 06/12 Kathy Zahaczewsky – 06/20

A big thank you to our 2012 - 2013 Executive Board and Committee Chairs

Executive Board:

President — Ruth Morgan
Vice Presidents/Programs — Barbara Jones & Libby Dudley
Secretary — Dotty Eisenhour
Treasurer —Mary Downey
Nominating Chair — Patricia Bolton

Committee Chairs:

Auction: Andrea Gribble
Auction Storage: Ro Coller
Community Outreach: Jill Crispino
Community Service: Lynn Miller
December Luncheon: Nancy Barkume, Carol Allen & Joan Peake
June Luncheon: Patricia Bolton & Jeanne Goldfein
Greeter & Door Prizes: Ann Marlin
Challenge/Mystery/Farewell Blocks: Pat Alfredson and Mary Mazzuchi
New Member Kits: Dotty Eisenhour
Quilt Collector: Lynne Fishburn
Hospitality: Carol Conahan
Fall Bus Trip: Andrea Gribble & Mary Downey
Spring Quilt Retreat: Jeanne Goldfein
QU Raffle Quilt: Angie Miller

QU Event – Annual Meeting 2013: Andrea Gribble & Ruth Morgan
Audit: Barbara Dove
Senior Center Rep: Mary Stauss

Sunshine: Barbara Zygiel

Newsletter: Lynne Fishburn

“TRUE BLUE”

41^st Annual QU Show Quilt Guild Challenge

May 30 – June 1, 2014

Blue can be palest sky blue, or deepest sapphire, or brilliant azure. This year’s challenge is to showcase your blue – either as a monochromatic quilt (only blues allowed), or as blue plus one other color (for this challenge, white counts as a color). You can choose as many different shades, hues, and tints of blue as you like.

Your quilt can be traditional, modern, or fabric art; you can use any construction method, but it must have three layers, a noticeable quilting design, and a finished edge. Quilts must follow basic show requirements for size, sleeve, and label. No wearable’s for this challenge, so we can hang all the challenge quilts together.

Quilts must be finished and photographed prior to the close of quilt registration for the 2014 show. You may enter as many quilts in the challenge as you like, as long as you do not go over the allowed number of quilts per quilter.

Upcoming Events and Exhibits

June 11, 2013 – MVQU Luncheon

July 23, 2013 – Second Annual Summer Ice Cream Social 12:30, Hollin Hall

July 23, 2013 – Fabulous Fat Quarter Exchange, 12:30, Hollin Hall

September 10, 2013 – MVQU Business Meeting

September 24, 2013 – MVQU Program Meeting

October 10-14, 2013 – 14^th Annual Tour de Quilt -www.tourdequilt.com

November 8-17, 2013 – Quilters’ Quest Shop Hop - www.quiltersquest.org

March 17-20, 2014 – MVQU Retreat, by request, returning to Bird-In-Hand, PA

(A note from your editor – When you hear of area events that you think will be of interest to our members please forward the information on to me at mvqu.news@gmail.com. Thank you)

Newsletter Deadline – 4^th Tuesday of the Month, August - May
During the summer we do not publish a newsletter in July. Our next newsletter will be published the end of August to prepare us for our September Business Meeting. Please have those articles sent to me by August 27, 2013. Send your articles to mvqu.news@gmail.com. Important summer announcements and reminders will be sent to you via email.