Area 3 Meeting 4.24.12

Another successful Area 3 meeting was held by the Country Squares Quilters of North Jay/Wilton area on April 24th. For those of you who couldn't attend, I have many photos in my Webshots Photo Album located on the blog for your viewing pleasure.

You missed a great meeting! With 92 in attendance, we enjoyed the musical talents of Carolee Withee, who has written several lively and "too much to the truth" quilting songs. Not one of us couldn't relate to her ditties about hiding the stash, leaving the hubby with a quick sandwich for supper so you could attend a quilting meeting or even how to get a bit more money out of him for quilting gadgets! But that wasn't enough. Carolee has taken those heirloom fancywork pieces stored out of the light of day and brought them out to enjoy. Many of us have pieces from our immediate family members or purchased from yard or antique sales--all too nice to use--that is, until now. Carolee tells about her new home, complete with cathedral ceilings and white wall--the perfect backdrop for quilting wall hangings. She has given new life to fancy pieces, especially those with damaged areas, by repurposing them into works of art. Her eye for color and fabrics marry well with the special pieces and allow each piece to "sing" on its own.

I know the spirit of each person who made the fancywork is pleased to see their hard work again shown with respect and love. Carolee, your inspiration to us will have us all looking at our own collections in a whole different light.

But Carolee doesn't stop there! She asked in lieu of a speaker fee to have members and guests bring along fabrics and battings from their stash for her continued good works making quilts for the Maine National Guard Family Assistance Program. If you ever have any extra fabric, please let me know and I will be more than happy to be sure she gets it.

The quilt block, Antique Tile by Marcia Hohn (www.quilterscache.com) was very popular and brought in 50 blocks. They were separated in 25 block piles and the winners were Joyce Rowland and Corinne Rea. There were also 12 winners of some super door prizes!

In closing, the ladies of Country Square Quilters must be commended for another stellar event. Not only are they the nicest group of ladies you ever want to meet, but they can cook too! (But don't tell their husbands!). Their luncheon was as nice as any restaurant buffet and much more tasty. Thank you for your wonderful hospitality!

For a view of these and other pictures, go to Photo album