February guild meeting

We had a good turn out for our February meeting and everyone was anxious to show the beautiful things that they are working on.

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Our alphabet blocks of the month are Card Trick, Celtic Twist, Dutchman's Puzzle, and Eight Pointed Star. We are going to have some very colorful, unique quilts in a few months.

 Alana started our show and tell with this true scrappy quilt. Everything about it is so pretty and colorful.

Pam showed this quilt that she started at the Page retreat last year. She also did the machine quilting on the quilt and did a great job. Very impressive Pam.

Alana also showed this darling quilt that she made at the Zion retreat last year. She added the flowers for a little extra pop. 

These two bright baby quilts belong to Nanell. Alana picked them up from the quilter for her and because Nanell couldn't be at the meeting, brought them to show. Adorable.

This cute little quilt also belong to Nanell. She really has been busy.

 Linda took a class on her embroidery machine and her first project was her name tag.  She also did a very nice flower piece.

Kris showed a block from one of the classes that she took at the St.George retreat. It is called Jacob's Escalator. She said that she will be teaching a class in June on circles and curves. We are anxious for that.

 Pam, Ellie and Nayna took several classes at the Cedar City retreat and showed some of the blocks they finished. They really enjoyed the retreat.

Jeanette gave some pointers from her experience with the alphabet blocks. She stressed how important it is to number the fabrics and also how important it is to pay attention to the pattern and follow it closely.

 Here are some samples of the alphabet blocks that have been made so far. Look at the different colors. Pauline (7th from left) should be very proud of the first blocks she has ever made. Everyone should be proud of the good work they are doing.

TIPS, TRICK, AND TOOLS

In this new segment we will have a new idea every month with either a tip, trick or tool. This month Vickie taught a different way to make half square triangles. She said to put two squares right sides together and draw an X on the top piece. Sew 1/4" on either side of the diagonal lines, cut the square in half equally from sides and top and bottom making 4 pieces. Now cut on the diagonal lines. When open you will have eight half square triangles. To determine what size to cut the squares, take the finished size of the half square triangle that you will be working with and add that size again then add 2 inches. For example, if you want a 5" half square triangle you would add 5" plus 5" then add another 2" making your square 12 inches. Thanks Vickie for a great tip.

TRANSFORM A PANEL CHALLENGE

We are starting a panel transformation challenge this month and will show the finished products in June. The rules for the challenge are few and simple.

1. Take a picture of the panel intact.

2. You must use at least 1/2 of the panel. Save any unused parts to submit with your end result.

3. You can use the panel whole or cut it any way you choose.

4. The parts used must be visible in the finished project, although they need not be recognizable. They do need to be on the front of the finished work.

5. The project can be any size you choose.

6. Have fun with the project and plan to show it off in June.

Marla showed a quilt that she made using a panel. Just beautiful. 

We had a little technical difficulty with the cameras and missed some really great shots, so we will try to redo them next month. Apologies to the owners of the missed photos.

Now, last but not least the following little tidbit was found in a Singer Sewing manual from 1949. How lucky we are that things have changed a bit from then.

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do..Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates.

Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on. If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home, and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing.

Well, how about if we put ourselves together and have fun quilting.