Quilting Tip of the Week 12.18.14

Use clamp-style picnic table holders to hold your quilting sandwich while pinning the quilt on the table.

 

You can find several different styles at your

local dollar store.

Quilting Tip of the Week 12.11.14



Take a bar of unscented soap and occasionally put your sewing needles into them. It helps the needles glide through the fabric and batting (especially when using Warm & Natural batting).



2015 Combo Swap Sign Ups

*WELCOME TO THE 2015 COMBO SWAP!*

 PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP OR CUTTING! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK!

THE SWAP IS DUE TO ME NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 27, 2015 TO SWAP OUT.

Sign up email to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com with name, complete mailing address, phone, email and what swaps you will be joining in. You can also email this information at

**THIS SWAP IS FOR WASHED FABRIC ONLY**

Now on with the show….

You can join one or join them all—your choice! The number of sets you can send in will be posted after the sign-up deadline.

**You can send in up to 10 sets per theme**

Our theme is STASHBUSTERS! Let’s clean out your fabric shelves…

*Stashbusters Diet Noodles- (2 ½” x 16”)-ten pieces of the same print per set.

*Stashbusters Bricks- (3 ½” x 6 ½”)-ten pieces of the same print per set.

*Stashbusters nickels-(5” squares)-ten pieces of the same print per set.

*Stashbusters coins-(2 ½” x 5 ½”)-twenty pieces of the same print per set.

F YOU SIGN UP FOR THE SWAP, PLEASE SWAP! IF YOU CANNOT DO IT AND KNOW WELL IN ADVANCE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

I know life sometimes throws you curve balls, but it has happened that people get excited and want to play, only to wait two months later when the swap is due in a day or so to say they didn't have time. By that time you should have already been ready to mail the package. That leaves me hanging to replace your swap with my stash (or running to buy more fabric to swap!) and totally unfair IF you know you cannot make the deadline to begin with. I give you ample notice so you have plenty of time to make an informed decision. Be honest with me up front, or a repeat offender might not be able to play in the future The success of this swap depends on your ability follow through your commitment to our group of players. Thank you for your understanding!

By all of us being honest and accountable, I'm sure we will have a great 2015 swapping year! I really do enjoy hostessing and want to continue to enjoy it, so by coming up front with any issues is not really a complaint, but a way to correct it so my frustration level (and blood pressure!) stays at an even keel. Probably the MOST important thing I can say about a successful swap is the high level of communication between all parties. Without that, we are setting ourselves up for failure.

Please be sure that the prints you submit are small scale so that when you cut the swaps the patterns are not lost due to size. *NO SOLIDS, BATIKS, HOMESPUN, GLITTER, FLANNEL, THIN FABRICS, CHILDREN'S OR NOVELTY PRINTS. * Wash and iron all 100% cotton good quality fabrics - please send good quality - they do not have to be quilt shop fabrics. Please do not send in any plastic-feeling, flimsy fabrics or THIN fabrics. They do not meet the guidelines? They will be returned.

I’m allergic to dogs and cats, perfumes and scents, so please do what you can to control the problem. My nose and lungs thank you (not only do I have sinus issues, but my throat closes up—and I like to breathe!

Some packages come in with so much pet hair that they look like they need to be brushed! For health reasons, I cannot handle them and they will be returned untouched at YOUR expense. My health depends on it and I thank you in advance for your understanding.

Okay, here are our swaps and the guidelines for cutting!

**THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS >>NO ODDS AND ENDS<<--IF THE SWAP ASKS FOR A SET OF TEN OF THE SAME FABRIC, THAT IS WHAT YOU SEND IN. NOT EIGHT OF ONE AND TWO OF ANOTHER. IT MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR ME TO LAY OUT THE SUBMISSIONS TO SWAP OUT**

**Just a “gentle” reminder**

**While you can only use the same fabric ONCE in each set, but you can use it again in the other sizes. For instance, you can use the same fabric for the 5” squares and the diet noodles. It is my hope that we bust your stash instead of buying more fabric.

**When cutting directional fabrics, such as checks or patterns, PLEASE open the fabric up and cut on the grain. Lining up the fabric when folded might be perfect of the top, but crooked on the bottom section. Miscuts will be returned! PLEASE remove all selvages before cutting!

**Please separate your sets by index cards, slips of paper, etc. AND put into a plastic bag. Please do NOT individually package each set to save me time when swapping. Be sure to mark your HGTV board name, real name and address, swap theme AND the number of sets enclosed on each bag.

**Please be sure there are no BOWING/ELBOWS in your pieces if cutting from 2 ½” strips. If you are cutting your squares with scissors, please no frayed ends. Any odd angle cuts, selvages or any other mis-cuts will be returned back to you. I’m trusting that you are inspecting your submits before mailing to me. It saves me so much time and makes the swapping quick work.

**This swap is for WASHED fabric, so pre-cut noodles/strips/jelly rolls CANNOT be used as all fabrics must be washed, dried and ironed before cutting. They will shrink and not be the required size and will be returned. Trust me when I say I found out the hard way!

*POSTAGE or POSTAGE money must be included in your package. Be sure to add a stamp or two to your stamped envelopes if not going priority mail flat rate boxes. They also seem to weigh more returning than coming in! If you are a frequent swapper, you can also send in $20 or so and I can keep it on “account” and deduct your postage from it. This was worked nicely with some swappers in the past and that way you don’t have to worry about sending in money each time. Once the swap is complete, I will PM you your postage balance on account for your records.

If you wish to include a self-addressed mailer for the return trip back to you, remember NO metered postage or ACP postage on the return mailer. Stamps only. Our post office will not allow more than a 13 oz. pre-stamped mailer in any mailboxes nor can mail carriers accept them (since 9/11 our East coast mail guidelines have been modified). While your local p.o. may say it is okay to use metered or ACP postage, our p.o. will not accept anything that has been pre-dated. I’m just trying to make it as easy as possible for all concerned. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask! Also, let me know if you want a delivery confirmation.

For Priority mail packages, I have plenty of mailing envelopes and boxes here so there is no need to send a new one in. I do, however, try to recycle the boxes if possible. IF YOU ARE SENDING YOUR SWAP IN A MANILLA ENVELOPE OR PADDED MAILER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO SEND IN A RETURN ENVELOPE.

Any questions? Have a photo of a fabric and you question to use it or not? Email me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

and be sure to check out our blog at http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

Quilting Tip of the Week 12.4.14

Try using a wallpaper roller as a "cordless iron" when you are piecing. It saves energy and works great!

Tip by Bonnie Browning

Quilting TIp of the Week 11.27.14

You can safely remove sticky residue from your iron soleplates by ironing on a fabric softener sheet. You can also put a brown paper bag over the end of your ironing board to keep it clean while performing this process.

Speak of brown paper bags, try using one over the end of your ironing board when using your iron for iron-on interfacing.

Quilting Tip of the Week 11.20.14

When putting your quilt blocks on a design wall, especially when working with a scrappy pattern, take a picture using your digital camera and save in black and white.

 

You can really see the values pop out at you when viewed in black and white and this allows you to move the blocks around before sewing. Once I get the pattern the way I like it, I take another picture and save it on my laptop computer desktop. It’s a great visual aid near my sewing machine to be sure I have the project on the right path.

Quilting Tip of the Week 11.14.14

Don't hesitate to use a Sharpie to mark on your acrylic rules or squares. A soft cloth with a bit of rubbing alcohol will remove them.

New Combo and Hexie Swap Polls Now Up

As many of you know, I host a fabric combo swap and 1" hexagon swaps on my blog (address below).

This is our 13th hexie swap and will be due in February. If you have always wanted to try English Paper Piecing, this is a great opportunity to swap with others around the world and add to new colors and fabrics to your collection. Paperpieces, supplier of all the EPP products you need, offer our group a 20% discount on all merchandise (shipping not included in the discount).

Interested? Go to http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/ and check out the themes and email me your votes. Once we close the voting, the top themes will posted and sign ups begin. The February due date will give you plenty of time to make our hexies or cut fabrics for the combo swap. I usually have both dates within a couple of weeks of each other so those out of state can save money on postage.

Questions? Just ask! For more information on hexies and suitable fabrics or a tutorial on how to make hexies, just look on the right-side of the hexie blog for links.

Questions Regarding Microwave Bowl Potholders

As I travel around visiting chapters, I have been giving demos on the Microwave Bowl Potholder.

The question on safety of using cotton batting for these potholders has come up. Please read the information below:

Everyone I have talked to uses the Warm & Natural cotton batting without any issues, however, I completely understand your safety concerns. In that case, I suggest using "Warm Tater" batting. The use for both is the same--a fire can be caused in any microwave if items are left unattended. Ultra- bright has metal in it, so don't use it for the microwave.

"There have been some reports of microwave fires when people fail to follow instructions, fail to supervise the cooking, or use materials other than 100% cotton. Don’t use the holder again until it is completely cooled to avoid overheating.Do not use in conventional or toaster ovens – microwave oven only! Be sure to use only 100% Cotton batting, thread and other materials, with no metallic threads, polyester or glitter."

Doll Quilt Exhibit in NH

In Celebration of Childhood: Doll & Crib Quilts

 

Upton Chandler House Museum

10 West Main Street, Warner, NH

 

This weekend kicks off the opening of our exhibit, In Celebration of Childhood: Doll & Crib Quilts from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection, beginning November 1 and ending December 7, 2014.

Fridays & Saturdays 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Sundays 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

November 6^th 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The exhibit is amazing with a wide array of quilt patterns and a rainbow of colors. Admission is $5.00

Gerald Roy will be talking about the care of quilts and answering your questions on November 15th and  22nd at the Warner Town Hall (5 East Main Street) beginning at 2:00 p.m. Admission to the event is $10.00. If you would like to bring a quilt for his commentary (not appraisal) the fee would be $5.00.

www:warnerhistorical.org

Facebook – Warner Historical Society

Maine Quilts Looking For Merchandise Chairperson

Maine Quilts still has an opening for a MQ Merchandise Chair. We do have someone to help with the pickup of merchandise in Lewiston and delivering to Member Meetings and the Quilt Show.

 

The Chair would be responsible for inventory, record keeping of sales and attendance at the January and April Members Meetings and the Quilt Show. You will have volunteers at the Show to fill the sales slots and be responsible for the overall smooth operation of the table, sales, inventory and final report.
Please contact Callie Lavoie, Maine Quilts Coordinator with any questions and to volunteer as Chair.

Callie Lavoie, Maine Quilts Coordinator
Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Inc.
info@mainequilts.org
www.mainequilts.org
www.facebook.com/MaineQuilts

207.216.7358

2015 Area 3 Meetings

Just a reminder to all Area 3 chapters that if you are interested in hosting an Area 3 meeting in 2015 that you will need to get back to me with a firm commitment and date no later than January 1, 2015.

Right now, we have four chapters who are interested in hosting/co-hosting meetings:

*Pine Needle Quilters of Norway/So. Paris on May 5th

*Cross Country Quilters of Bethel in September

*Classic Quilters of Lewiston/Auburn and Scraps and Patches of Poland in October

If you have any questions on holding an Area 3 meeting, just contact me and I will be happy to help!

Quilting Tip of the Week 10.30.14

Always lay out your unwrapped quilt batting overnight to allow it to breathe opened and spread over a bed or large table if possible.

If you still have wrinkles, use a hair dryer on low/medium heat to remove them.

By doing this, your batting will lie flat and make layering your quilt so much easier to do.

Fun With One Block Quilt

 
If you attended the last Area 3 meeting, you may have been impressed that a quilt that looked so complicated is actually just quarter and half square triangles!

Doreen Maxwell was good enough to forward a photo of her finished quilt made for her niece and information on the book the pattern came from. It's "Fun With One Block Quilts" by Cheryl Malkowski. I was intrigued by the pattern and went to my used book resource (www.half.com ). I've been buying from them for about twenty years now and found a used copy for a couple of dollars. In fact, the media book rate postage costs me more than the book!

I'm going to make this a leader and ended project for 2015.

"Windmills at Night" Pattern by Suzy Myers

This is a perfect jelly roll pattern--very easy quilt for beginners!


http://suzyssitcom.com/2013/03/quilt-pattern-series.html#

Folded Fabric Ornament by Crouton Crackerjack

Check out this quick and easy way to make fabric ornaments for your holiday tree or simply to decorate your gift packages.

Folded Fabric Ornament

Tree Trivet Tutorial

Thanks to Stitching and Bacon for a cute tree tutorial. You can make these for trivets, mug rugs or string together for a garland or table runner.

http://stitchingandbacon.blogspot.com/2013/07/tree-trivet-tutorial-christmas-in-july.html

Quiltville Mystery--"Grand Illusion"

Many of here in Area 3 (and the world!) are big Bonnie Hunter fans. Meeting her at our May member's meeting was a thrill for me and something I could check off my bucket list.

With fall comes not only colorful leaves, but the upcoming mystery quilt! This year quilt, "Grand Illusion" fabric requirements are now posted at Quiltville.com or just clic on the word  here here for the link.

For the last two years, I have changed the colors to match what I already had in my stash. This year, I am throwing caution to the wind and picking the same colors as Bonnie has selected. Here are my yellows, greens, pinks and turquoise and I will add the black and white and white and black prints as my neutrals.

 

If you will be joining in on this event and would like to share your fabric colors and progress, please email me. Send your photos in .JPEG format, please.

 

We will be here to help each other with moral support, piecing suggestions and will be amazed to see  the same quilt pattern made in different color combinations !

October 15th Area 3 Meeting

A big thank you again to members of Classic Quilters of Lewiston-Auburn and Scraps and Patches of Poland for co-hosting another successful Area 3 meeting. The ride to Poland on a warm fall day with fall leaves bursting with color was spectacular!

A total of 56 were in attendance with nine chapters represented. We also had a guest, new PTQG Area 2 Representative, Kathy Gaunt.

Our guest speaker was Betsy Dorr of Quiltessentials. Betsy brought in lots of new quilting gadgets that we certainly cannot live without. I, a long time fan of the Attic Window pattern (but not of a Y-seam) found a new template to make various sizes of the AW pattern simple enough for a beginner. This block is perfect for I Spy or fussy cut quilts.

The raffle block was an appliqued maple leaf and 38 were made and split between two winners, Doreen Hoyt and Susan Lamie. Can't wait to see those fall-colored leafs made into a quilt!

For a bit of fun, instead of my normal gift drawing, Halloween goodies bags were distributed with one bag having a "your a winner!" message for a prize of a $10 Quiltessentials gift certificate. The lucky winner was Marjorie Lydecker. I'm sure she will find something useful to spend it on.

Several matters of PTQG business were brought up and discussed, including the possibility of changing the show days.

Unfortunately, my photos of the day are limited (camera and lighting issues), so if you took pictures, please forward them to be in .JPEG format and I will be happy to post them here.

Quilting Tip of the Week 10.16.14

 Using your seam ripper and trying to find a quick and easy way to remove those pesky threads?Finger cots or rubber fingers are your answer!  Just rub and the threads pop right off! 

You can find the finger cots in the first aid area of your local store or pharmacy.

Quilting Tip of the Week 10.2.14

Buy one of the ring-style belt holders and use to hang your quilting templates and squares.

Store on a hook on the back of your sewing room door or hang in a closet.

Quilting Tip of the Week 9.25.14

Check out your local dollar store for sandpaper dots--they are perfect to use on the backs of your templates, rulers and squares to keep them from shifting when rotary cutting or marking.

New Quilts of Valor Contact

The following email came in today from Ms. Jackson to share with Area 3:

 

Hello, everyone,

"I don't know if you know of me through the Guild, as I've been a member for many years (who just re-joined Bedtime Quilters in Bucksport), and I attend most of the PTQG Member Meetings along with Maine Quilts, but perhaps you are aware of the Quilts of Valor Foundation. I am the new State Coordinator for QOVF - taking over from Marie McSwine, who had to step down from the position last year.

The mission of QOVF is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. Over the last ten years, the Foundation, through thousands of volunteers, has awarded over 106,000 quilts. Many have been shipped to military hospitals, including Germany, while others have been awarded in ceremonies at bases such as Fort Hood, or in private events.

 

I currently have three formal requests for quilts to be awarded here in Maine. Each of the requests has come to me through the QOVF website's request page, and I believe each one has come from an out-of-state, comrade in arms of the proposed recipient. I have quilts (one complete, two in progress) to meet these requests.

 

However, that highlights another reason I am writing: to find out if you and the chapters in your area make quilts to honor our service members and veterans? As more requests come in, quilts will be needed. My role as coordinator is to work with and support quilters in the effort to honor our military. I am working to set up some sew-ins, and some simple block drives to allow more quilters to participate without requiring huge commitments by any one individual.

 

As things come together in the next several weeks, I have some fundraising options I will undertake that will help offset the cost of fabric, batting, etc. for quilters joining in our effort.

I would appreciate the chance to visit your areas to talk about QOVF and spread the word so we can work together to cover the deserving service members and veterans here in Maine. I'm thinking the Fall Area Meetings would be a great opportunity, and I hope you concur. If you do, please let me know where and when, or any appropriate contact name(s) you could share with me to work out other venues.

 

I look forward to hearing from you soon. There is a link below where you can learn more about the Quilts of Valor Foundation, and me."

Regards,

 

Marie

D. Marie Jackson

State Coordinator ~ Maine

Quilts of Valor Foundation

C: 702 376 9761

dmarie.jackson@QOVF.org

www.QOVF.org

 

The Quilts of Valor Foundation is a non-profit organization established and operated in accordance with section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

Fabric Sale

Looking for a quick road trip? On November 22nd, the Holly Days Fair at the Falmouth Congregational Church, 267 Falmouth Rd, Falmouth, ME will be holding a fabric sale from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Pine Point Quilters will there cutting fabric off the bolt for you. Insulate those walls with fabric! ;)

Maine Quilts Needs You!

Maine Quilts needs a chairperson for Shipped Quilts and a Chairperson or group to chair Merchandise. Please consider joining us for these positions and help Maine Quilts 2015 be

 a success!

 Contact Callie Lavoie, Maine Quilts Coordinator at info@mainequilts.org or 207-646-8773h or 207-216-7358c.

SHIPPED QUILTS

1. Duties of Chairperson / Committee

A. Work with Coordinator to set dates for shipping quilts.

                   B. As quilts arrive:

1. Verify the return postage is included.

2. Check to see the quilts have the required sleeve and a non-plastic bag.

3. Pin the numbers sent by the Quilt Registrar on the quilt and bag.

4. Check the judged quilts to make sure there isn't any name showing.

5. Send email or post card to owner confirming receipt of quilt.

C. Check quilts off the list received from Quilt Registrar when they arrive.

D. Inform Quilt Registrar about what hasn't arrived by deadline.

E. Deliver quilts to site between designated hours on Wednesday prior to the show.

F. At takedown, pick up quilts.

G. Repack quilts and mail back to owner.

MAINE RESALE MERCHANDISE

1. Duties of Chairperson/Committee

             a. Store merchandise until the show.

             b. Inventory merchandise when order is delivered.

             c. Sells Maine Quilts merchandise and pins at Members’ Meetings.*

             d. Inventory merchandise after Members’ Meetings and inform Coordinator how many of 

                 each item are sold.

             e. Deliver merchandise to show site.

             f. Set up Maine Quilts Sales tables.

             g. Arrange with Volunteer chairperson for volunteers (3-4 per shift).

             h. Inventory unsold merchandise at close of show.

Callie Lavoie, Maine Quilts Coordinator
Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Inc.
info@mainequilts.org
www.mainequilts.org
www.facebook.com/MaineQuilts

207.216.7358



Request for Gifts for Upcoming PTQG January Meeting

It's that time again--our turn to bring drawing gifts to the January 2015 PTQG meeting.

Each chapter is asked to donated at least two items for this event--FQ bundles, quilting books, batting and kits are great items to give. If your chapter would like to send me a check for $10.00, I would be happy to shop Mardens and make up several FQ bundles in your name.

If you would rather donate items, you can bring them along to our upcoming Area 3 meeting in Poland or give them to me when I schedule our next chapter visit.

Any questions? Just ask. Thanking you in advance for your support!

P.S. Items do not have to be wrapped, but if you wish to do so, wrapping in fabric makes it an extra special gift.

Don't Forget--Upcoming Area 3 meeting--October 15th in Poland

On Wednesday, Oct. 15th Classic Quilters of Lewiston-Auburn and Scraps and Patches of Poland will co-host an Area 3 meeting at the Ricker Memorial Library, 1211 Maine Street in Poland.

The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the guest speaker will be Betsy Dorr from Quiltessentials Quilt Shop in Auburn. Betsy will be discussing new quilting tools and notions and how to use them and will have some items available for purchase.

The block will be a appliqued maple leaf pattern. If you would like me to email you a full-sized pattern, just drop me a line at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com  

Light refreshments will be served....and don't forget your show and tell!

Native American Quilts Are Still Needed!

Quilt and Blanket Collection for Native Americans

Laura will also be picking up quilts at upcoming Area 3 meeting in Poland on October 15th

 



Drop off a NEW quilt or blanket of any size into the box to keep our Native Americans warm this winter. We also accept knitted baby items.

Donations accepted until October 15, 2014

Drop off points:

Quiltessentials in Auburn
Oxford Mill End Store in Oxford
Whippersnappers in Hallowell
Pins and Needles in Farmington
 Crazy Moose Quilts in Greenville
 Northwoods Quilting in Wilson Mills
Kedar Quilts in Waterford
Sewing by the Sea in Trenton & Sew Portland in Portland Village Quilt Shop in Berwick 
Calico Basket Quilts in Windham
 

Sponsored by: Gathering of Eagles Ministry and Pine Needles Quilt Guild of Norway/South Paris, Maine

 

1,000 Baby Quilts Donated by Village Scrappers Members

Village Scrappers of Livermore have attained a goal of making 1,000 baby quilts for American Mothers ABC Quilt Program.

This venture started in 1995 and has been a "labor" of love ever since. These quilts are distributed all over Central Maine and they also keep a supply of quilts on hand for local families in need due to fire or other tragedies. In addition, the Scrappers donate quilts to the local fire department, heart-shaped pillows to the Dempsey Center and Bennett Breast Cancer Center, lap quilts and walker bags to area nursing homes and quilts for Indian children in So. Dakota.

Ladies, you should be very proud of your accomplishments and your unwavering support of your community.

Area 3 Country Aire Quilters Meeting Sept. 9th

Thank you to members of Country Aire Quilters of Turner for another successful Area 3 meeting!

The room was filled to capacity with 55 in attendance. Delicious snacks and beverages were served and enjoyed by all. The "Funky Chicken" blocks were colorful and had loads of personality!

Guest speaker Beth Helfter of EvaPaige Quilt Designs of Pepperell, MA spoke on "Plays Well with Others", sharing her personal experiences on round robin and group quilts. Her quick wit was refreshing and reflects into her own quilt designs.

 

 

 

AHCH Looking for Comfort Shawls

Androscogging Home Care & Hospice is looking for volunteers to knit
 and crochet comfort shawls for hospice patients.

Shawls should be 58-60" long and 23-24" wide when completed. Patterns are available upon request.

FMI, contact Kathy Baillargeon at 777-7740 ext. 1286 or email kathy.baillargeon@ahch.org

Pasta Roll Ups

Want a new twist on lasagna? Try rolling them!

1 egg, beaten lightly
1 container (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Dash onion and garlic powder
1 1/2 cups cooked chopped spinach, drained well and moisture pressed out (optional)
16 cooked lasagna noodles
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
                                                                               1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix first five (or six if you add the spinach) ingredients until blended. Spread about 1/2 cup of sauce in bottom of a 13" x 9" baking pan (I usually give mine a spray of PAM). Spread each noodle with 3 tbsp. of mixture; roll up.

Place seam side down in dish. Top with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese. Cover dish with foil.

Bake 40-50 minutes or until heated through, uncovering dish during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.

Passing of Village Scrapper member, Rita G. Timberlake

It is with a deep sadness I share with you the passing of Rita Timberlake on Sept. 14th.

Rita was one of the charter members of Village Scrappers of Livermore since 1987 and will be missed by fellow chapter members and quilting friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

For more information on her obituary, click on the link below:

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/obituaries/2014/09/16/rita-g-timberlake/1589610

Rita, may heaven allow you peace and all the time to finish all those quilts in your dreams...

Quilting Tip of the Week 9.18.14

Stop into your favorite pizza joint and ask to buy some of their pizza boxes. Most offer them for $1 for the larger boxes, which are fantastic for storing your current applique and pieced blocks and they are easy to stack.

Cover with contact paper for longer-lasting containers.

Quilting Tip of the Week 9.11.14

 

Plastic pencil boxes are great for holding your rotary cutters. I buy different colors to distinguish the type or size of cutter, i.e. green for my 45mm blade, black for my 18mm blade, red for my 45mm batting/flannel blade cutter, etc.

I got mine at the local dollar store. Buy an extra to hold those special marking pens, too!

Upcoming Area 3 meetings

Just a reminder that we have TWO coming Area 3 meetings!

Our first one is hosted by Country Aire Quilters of Turner on Tuesday, Sept. 9th at 6:00 p.m. Click on the link below for all the details of this event, including the pattern for the Funky Chicken block.

Guest Speaker is Beth Helfter of BethPaige Designs and will give us a trunk show "Plays Well with Others". This focuses on group quilt making. 

http://kc1930.blogspot.com/2014/07/area-3-meeting-country-aire-quilters-of.html

 FMI, contact Jo Thibodeau  sjt@megalink.net

********************************************************************************

The second Area 3 meeting is co-hosted by Classic Quilters of Lewiston-Auburn and Scraps and Patches of Poland. It will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ricker Memorial Library in Poland.

The guest speaker will be Betsy Dorr from Quiltessentials. Betsy will be discussing new quilting tools and notions and how to use them.

Appliqued maple leaf pattern--contact Kathleen at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com  for an emailed copy of the full-sized pattern.

http://kc1930.blogspot.com/2014/04/save-date-area-3-meeting-october-15th.html

********************************************************************************

If you would like to donate quilts or blankets to the Native American Collection, view the info below:

http://kc1930.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-07-23T08:30:00-07:00&max-results=7&start=7&by-date=false

Quilting Tip of the Week 8.28.14

Blue painter’s tape is an excellent way to mark lines on your quilt top. You can usually use the same piece of tape several times before discarding.

Quilting Tip of the Week 8.21.14

 

In a pinch for quilt basting spray? Use a regular strength hairspray. Be sure to cover your work area to avoid any slipping/damage to your floors/furniture.

 

This work especially well for smaller projects.

Veggie Cups

Need a quick light supper and to use up those leftover veggies in the fridge? Here is the recipe for you. Change it up and add bacon bits to the mix for a breakfast type cup as an easy on-the-go, protein packed breakfast!

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2 tbsp. oil

2 ½ cups frozen shredded hash browns

2 cups fresh vegetables (great mixtures can include up cut broccoli florets, chopped peppers, shredded carrots or zucchini, chopped mushrooms—you get the idea!)

Dash salt, black pepper

¼ tsp. onion and garlic powder (if you use the salt variety, do not add the additional salt listed above)

¼ tsp. chopped parsley

1 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

8 eggs

3 tbsp. milk or light cream

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in large, non-stick pan over medium heat. Add potatoes and vegetables; mix lightly. Cook 6-8 minutes or until potatoes are browned, stirring occasionally. Spoon evenly into 12 muffin pan cups sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.

Mix remaining ingredients until blended and pour over the tops of the potato mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to serve.