February and March Fellowship Quilters

Greeting to all the brave Fellowship Quilters who have survived the winter of 2013-14 in northern Michigan.  It has been one for the record books as far as cold temps and amounts of snow.  I hope it has kept everyone quilting like crazy to keep from going crazy!!!  Mike and I were gone to the warmth of Florida for a couple of weeks so I was not at the Feb meeting.  Della took some pictures and told me about the meeting.

 Renne from Renne's House of Quilts was the morning program and she brought Hex-N-More ruler.  She also brought a die cutter which was fascinating.   Always fun to see what is new and evolving in the quilt world.

 March Fellowship Quilters meeting was also a cold snowy day...when will it end.  We had Sharon from Quilt n' Bee as our morning program to show us some new rulers.  It was great to see how many different ways one ruler can be used.  One was the Add a Quarter Ruler and the other was Leaves Galore.  She had some examples of how to use these rulers...very slick!!!  She also had some door prizes for us.  What a great guest!!!

 Sharon made the table runner above with the Leaves Galore...the curved ruler makes it easy to cut out the leaf shapes and then she appliqued them onto the table runner in a circle pattern...just one of the uses for this ruler

 Lots of Charity blocks turned in this month...remember  it is not too late to do them or turn any of them in!!

 Sue also gave us a great tutorial on how to use Square in a Square Ruler.  It was great to see the kinds of ways to use this ruler...I had no idea it was that versatile!

 Pat was the Queen for the day and brought some fantastic quilts.  The cat one above is paper pieced and the picture does not do it justice.  The redwork one below is striking as only a redwork quilt can be.  Pat is like many of us and has given away most of the quilts she has made but still has an impressive collection.  Great work Pat!

Tracy has shown this quilt before but here it is quilted, complete with buttons and pockets from the military uniforms of her friend.  This will definitely be a family heirloom.
We had a good number of members present even though the weather was cold and snowy and I know lots of people are still out of town.  Della wants to remind us that she and her group are looking for new leaders for next year...don't be afraid of taking this challenge because it will be rewarding.
I will send out a reminder for the next meeting but will give you a heads up that the quilt artist who is coming, Robin Webb Bransky, will have us bring an orphan block to rework into something else and that there will be a small cost for the morning program.  More later.
We had a surprise announcement that Elsa  is moving to the Houghton Lake area to be near family.  We will really  miss her and wish her well.  I will include her new address in my meeting reminder email.

Barb read this quote she got from Brenda   "If people looked at their family, their neighborhood, even the world like a quilter, they would see that you can patch together a lot of different and strange looking fabric to form a warm , inviting work of art."   So true.
Think spring!!!   Kathy

January Blizzard Meeting

 Fellowship Quilters met for the January Meeting under uncertainty as the weather of Northern Michigan has been unpredictable.  However a few hearty souls did brave the elements to attend and we ended up with about a dozen or so at the meeting.  They just kept trickling in one by one.  The sun was out and it was not snowing which helped.
So we were few but mighty!!!
The Work Bee earlier in January produced about 40 heart pillows for Munson's heart surgery unit.
Barb reminds us that we can still make pillow cases for the mental health/homeless group.

Above is a beautiful quilt made by Lynn that is hand quilted with seed pears in the quilting.  The picture does not do it justice.  Elsa made the flower quilt to the right for a lady who has dementia...she quilted it with a beautiful rose pattern.

We lost a long time member before Christmas.
Ruth Tayor had not been active in a few years but was a member of Fellowship and the Presbyterian Church.  She participated when the group made the quilt that hangs in the church narthex and you can see which block she helped make by the key to the side of the quilt.  We got a donation of many of her sewing room items and had a small sale to raise some money for other group projects.  There is still some great stuff left and will be  out for next month.  We also have taken her unfinished blocks and some materials to help with charity quilts.  I know she would be pleased. I hope to post pictures of those as they are finished.

                                Joan made this pet themed quilt which is so sweet...so is she!

 Pat made this wall hanging for her son and daughter in law who have a farm in Maine.  The phrase at the bottom is so true  "Find your passion and pursue it with all your heart"

 Ruth did the program today and has a hand out for those who could not make it.  She is a math wiz and had wonderful tips for figuring out borders, binding and backings.  The quilt above was her demo...good stuff!

So here is the hearty group that made it to Fellowship Quilters today...minus Mary who left early.  Thanks to everyone who came as we had lots of laugh, great food and good fellowship.  
Remember the work bee is Feb 11th and the next meeting is Feb 25th.    Stay warm!!!!  

December 2013 Christmas Party

 Fellowship Quilters met last week for their Christmas Party at the Elks.  We had a good turn out of about 35 members despite the snowy weather and cold temps.  We are a hearty bunch of quilting ladies.
We had a great show and tell with Christmas treasures as well as some new projects from members.
I took pictures of "us " instead of our projects.  What a great bunch of ladies we are!!

Lots of smiling faces!!!

 We had a guest..Sally Hanley from the Grand  Traverse Baby Pantry.  She came to lunch and then took our donations of hand made projects as well as diapers and clothing to stock the pantry.  A great way for us to give back to the community.  We do not meet till the end of January but remember the work bee that is the second Tuesday of January.

November Fellowship Quilters

November brought many quilters out with the promise of a great program.  We created an art wall quilt...with help from our fearless leader Della.
It was a fun time and as many people did not finish  the quilt on the left is one Della made.  I am sure that by next meeting we will have many more creative examples!!!
The December 10th meeting will be our lunch at the Elks. It is always a fun time with our donation to the Grand Traverse Baby Pantry going over the top as usual.  It is so great to see all the Christmas ideas that members create to celebrate the season.  Hope to see lots of you  there!
The January work Bee will be Heart Pillows and hot pads for the meals on wheels folks.
Prayers to several members and their families.

              Connie, Dianne, Della and Judy going over the plans for December...what great smiles!!

                                       The quilt above is Della's also..a 3D version that really pops

                              Joy is using COLOR in her art quilt...can't wait to see the results

                       Linda and Carol looking over Ruth's sewing...I think they approve!

 One of the block of the month quilts to have in reserve for members in need..great job ladies!  Below is a beautiful quilt by Bev..love how each square is different and the border material is what she started with!!

I hope this finds all of you well and getting ready to enjoy the Holiday Season....Kathy

October Fellowship Meeting

Greeting Fellowship Quilters.  We had a wonderful October meeting and so many show and tell items I could not include them all!!  I did not get a picture of our morning project which was a Christmas tree skirt presented by Della.  Those who participated will finish it at home so we may have some that are done for the next blog.  However Sue started us off with a Christmas tree project.  I think everyone has been busy at their machines getting ready for the holidays

 Bobbi showed her quilt which was the block of the month from last year.  It is a very striking quilt!!

 Jacky does such wonderful rugs..so many hours and they are beautiful!!! How can you step on them?

              Liz showed us this unique table runner...what  a wild shape..we are all so creative!!

                          A wonderful winter quilt that Marilyn showed us..good to snuggle under.

Tracey had an interesting story about this quilt she designed and  made from the military uniforms of a veteran.  She will be making a few more for other members of this military family so stay tuned.
Our members have been busy with more charity quilts and baby quilts.  Barbs closet is overflowing but that is a good thing. There was a Habitat House dedication at the end of Oct and I hope to have a picture to share for the next blog Keep up the great work everyone.  Remember we will be donating to the Grand Traverse Baby pantry at the Christmas lunch so keep those sewing machines humming.
Kathy

September Fellowship Quilters

Welcome to the new season of Fellowship Quilters.
The beautiful fall weather we have had has brought out the sewing and quilting in all of us....what great projects everyone showed
at this meeting.
There were 30 to 35 members for the morning program..a big group!   We made Grandma's Gifts...two different baby blankets.
Great fun and great gifts to give or donate to the baby pantry for the Christmas meeting.
The block of the month is back and Bobbie has a great block for us to start with..The snowball block and a nine patch. She handed out directions but I will send them again. We will be able to use them to make some comfort quilts.
Barb has a Habitat House dedication coming on Oct 29th...directions will be coming your way soon

 Judy is in the Halloween spirit with this adorable wall hanging!

What a great eye popping quilt to the right...who is that hiding
behind that beauty??
 I missed this part of the meeting so I don't know but I love the quilt.

              Joan took a different twist with her baby blanket and used scraps to make it work!!  Adorable

              Ruth also is in the Halloween spirit with these great pumpkins! A gift to her son and grand kids.

                                        Mary showing us a wonderful quilt with beautiful blues.
Our fearless leader Della is a retired teacher and runs a tight classroom...she is giving us directions for next months Christmas Tree Skirt...I hope you were all paying attention!   However I will also be sending out the directions so not to worry.  Happy Sewing everyone and we hope to see you all on Oct 22nd.
Remember the work bee on Oct 8th.   Kathy

Fellowship June Picnic

 The June Fellowship Picnic was great fun.

We met at a wonderful fellowship hall ..much thanks to Joan for helping us once again with the location.
The potluck was outstanding as usual and we all ate more than we should!  I keep saying we need to do a cookbook.  Think about it ladies!!!  Linda gave stats on our attendance...average of 37 members per meeting.  Thanks to the leaders of this year for a great year...Linda, Claudia, Jeanette and Judy.   The next meeting is Aug 22 and will be a salad lunch...more later on that.   Linda handed over her crown to a new team of leaders...Della, Ruth and Sue.  I know they will do a great job!!

The project challenge from Barb for this year was her 1/2 and 1/2 Happy Hugs which gave us all several pieces of material and a surprise piece  inside.  We had about 19 quilts made and it was fun to hear and see what the fabrics were, how they were used and what people had to add to make their quilt.  We added more than a few quilts to the closet today.

Barb and Kathy were given pincushions as thanks you gifts with fancy pins made by members.  It was very thoughtful of all of you and I know I speak for Barb when I say you are all the best and thanks to everyone!!!!

We voted for our favorite quilt..So here is the first place winner...Jackie.  Congradulations!

  Remember the strip parties this summer...
June25th at Elsa's home     July 23rd at Ruth's home.  bring your  own bag lunch, sewing machine, thread.  10 am till 3pm  Call each hostess to reserve your spot!
A health tip from Pat who had a scare and shared her experience with us...check out the web site and pay attention to your body.   www.skincancer.org    thru the American cancer society.
Have a great summer.    Kathy