July 2008 Newsletter

July 21, 2008

Hi Bees!

Well what a turn out this meeting was! We had Peggy, her sister Tricia, Helen, Linda, Randy, Dawn, myself (Carol) and our two new bees, Rita and Margie. Is that cool or what?

I gather we were all excited about the new quilt we are doing to donate. We were to bring our pattern and cut them out. Yeah right! Helen didn’t have her pattern (couldn’t locate it). But best of all both Linda and I just plain left them home. I was so tickled to have found a great pattern; I even went to the trouble to drive out to Topaz to pick up this special ruler for this particular pattern. I was so mad at myself. Anyway, it all worked out well. Everyone there got to cut out what they needed. Of course Dawn, our template gal, had her little templates there and got her pattern all cut out. It looked really neat. Helen and I made ours on Monday. I believe Linda went ahead and did a different one.

I received a call from Dawn and she asked if she could do the extra one we needed. Would I say no? I did hint at the meeting that maybe she would be the one to quilt this when all the squares were in, but she totally ignored me. Hmmm. On the phone though she said she got the hint and thought that yes she would do it. She thought she would have the time. We don’t have to have it done until next April for May I believe. Thank you Dawn, you really do beautiful work and it shows you love what you do.

We were introducing ourselves to our new bees and show ’n’ tell kind of slipped in there along with it. Rita had also gone to Sisters, Oregon and she took a class. I believe the class was from Velda or Velma Newman. It had to do with painting on cloth and texturing cloth by sewing. What an addition to a quilt. Wow. It was fabulous the pieces she brought in to show. And as luck would have it she will do a class for us in January. She will get a supply list together for us in November so we can have everything we will need. I personally can’t wait. Me, Miss Traditional don’t do anything new. For some reason this one really fascinated me. I’m sure I’m not alone here.

Peggy and her sister Tricia they also went to Sisters and they brought each of us back a button that says Sisters, Oregon and a fat quarter. Thank you for thinking of us, that was really sweet (honey sweet of course). They also brought back a gift for our drawing. That was really neat; it was a panel of the Sisters, Oregon Quilt Show. Dawn won that, so Dawn we expect to see what you did with it next meeting. Only kidding, you should have it done by September though, right?

Dawn’s show ‘n’ tell was a Rosie the “Quilter” panel she did as a wall hanging for her sewing room. The back of it was all roses. It really was a show stopper. Now I’ll have to do mine and I wonder if I could possible do as well. She really is a hard act to follow. Too much talent

Randy brought in a picture of her mom and dad with their new quilts. Yes they lived to receive them. They looked great, both mom and dad and the quilts. They appeared to be very happy with them. This quilt was a whole year in the making. I know she was very happy to do the last stitch and deliver them. She also brought in a quilt that she claims to be the ugliest ever. Well, we all know that isn’t possible. Randy doesn’t do ugly and this one was just beautiful. It’s to be a gift to a friend that likes lavender and this is just beautiful. That is to be one lucky friend.

Randy also bestowed a prize to Linda for the most recruits to the Bees. She gave her an Army mouse pad that said something about recruiting. It was really cute and the picture should be on this blog.


Margie also brought in a show ‘n’ tell. She made this quilt ALL by hand. No sewing machine stuff for her. It was beautiful. She was going to do the same for the quilt block she will be doing for the one we are donating. Wow. I love appliqué, but I’m not so sure about the WHOLE enchilada by hand. That’s a real WOW!!!

I mentioned that Dawn won the panel from Sisters, Oregon in our drawing and Helen and I both won a prize as well. I guess that means we’ll have three prize drawings next month, or only two and the one from Sisters was a special thing. Anyway, Helen and I for sure will bring the next prize.

Linda will bring in the spray starch (she forgot it along with her pattern) she mentioned last meeting. We will also get a copy of the recipe for it too. It apparently works as well as the Best Press and is definitely cheaper. You just need to keep it in the refer. I’ll bring my bottle back - I did remember a couple of things.

I brought in the placemats the Quilt Guild Third Saturday Class did. It was quite cute and is of Santa. Helen thought you could probably do a Nutcracker out of the pattern too. I’ll bring the pattern next time for those that may wish to do them for a gift.


I also got money from those who weren’t at the last meeting for the balance to finance our quilt’s backing and such. As of this evening we have $29.00 to work with. Thank you ladies for your donations. I believe this quilt will be awesome and I hope and pray the Mom’s on the Run get a nice sum for it when it’s auctioned.

Well, we cut and cut and finally we adjourned at 7:20PM. We will see you all I hope in August, on the 18th. If your square is done, please bring it so Dawn can start when she has the time. Note that we are requesting they all be in to her by September’s meeting.

Hope you’re enjoying these summer months and that not too much California smoke is coming your way and as always keep bzzzzzzzzzzz.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol G.

June 2008 Newsletter

June 16.2008
Hi Bees!
Well this meeting was very small, there were four of us in attendance. Could we try to improve this Bees? You miss a lot. You surely did this time. The smiley faces, the great show “n” tells, and the stories, you really missed it. And we miss your input and your smiley face. I know summer is hard but let’s try.

Remember our “coffee money”? Well Dawn had called on the group “Moms on the Run”. They raise money for breast cancer and all monies raised are kept here in Northern Nevada. They told her they would love to have a quilt donated and they would put it in their silent auction. They hold their “run” on Mother’s Day every year. If you would like more information on them go to www.momsontherun.com.

So again, for this quilt those in attendance picked out fabric for the quilt. I must say we did a great job. The colors are beautiful. So “nanny, nanny” to those of you who missed out. It was a great time had by all four of us. We had $33.96 in the envelope. We each added $5.00, we spent $44.91 on fabric for the top. So currently we have $9.05 left. We would like each of you to donate $5.00 too so we will have enough for thread, batting and backing ok? We were looking at four colors but ended up with six. It is so hard to pick just four colors. The ones we picked are beautiful wait till you see them.

We would also like to extend an invitation to all members on sabbatical or otherwise to participate with us at the next meeting. We are asking each of you to bring a 12” (finished size) pattern you would like to make. We thought each of us could do a separate square like we did for Lori. So next meeting you will need to bring a pattern, rotary cutter and mat (Dawn bring templates). We will cut out our squares at this meeting. This way we can see how much fabric we will use and if we will need to purchase more for the backing etc. We are planning on a 12 block quilt.

Linda is doing a blog. This blog will now carry your newsletter. If you still would like your newsletter mailed please let me know and I will continue to mail it to you. This should be kinda neat. She will include pictures, but will delete last names.

With the blog in mind I suggested and am requesting that each of us send her a BIO on ourselves. Send to carsonriverlady@yahoo.com. Include as much as you like. I like to think this is “our story”. No last names so we shouldn’t have any concerns or qualms right? If you do please let Linda know. The blog will be at www.nevadaquiltingbees.blogspot.com, check it out.

Randy was going to her parent’s home this weekend . You know why? You guessed it. The quilts are done and mom and dad had been told “you can’t die”. Bold or what? I hope she takes pictures.

She also brought in her first attempt at quilting. Pictures should be on the blog. Also her second attempt from Pioneer Girls. Really neat, both of them.

The gal that Linda was bringing in to join our group is Rita B, is a Graphic Arts teacher at Douglas High School. She should be a great addition to our group.

Wow, see all you missed. Hope to see all of you at the next meeting on July 21, don’t forget your pattern, rotary cutter and mat!

Hope your enjoying this nice weather, keep bzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Carol G.

May 2008 Newsletter

Hi Bees!

Well those of us who attended were as usual blessed with a beautiful display of completed projects and a wealth of information.

We started off with signing in and dispersing our 6” squares. We have been giving 3 six inch squares times approximately 7 or 8 people. I suggested counting our squares as the pattern requires approximately 442 squares if you are doing the 90 ½”x99”quilt. Should you choose the smaller version of 63’ x 811/2” you will need approximately 252 squares.

I personally like this quilt pattern and would love to do the larger one. I currently have 205 squares. So if we continue to bring 3 squares for each (7-8 people) by November we will have an additional 186 squares. Should we bring 5 squares per person we will have an additional 210 squares by November and if we brought in an additional 6 squares per person we would have 42 squares per person at each meeting times 6 more months gives us an additional 252 squares. So if you want to make the smaller size, does that mean you then stop bringing in squares because that makes my pathetic math problem obsolete if we all don’t continue on the same venue. I will bring enough, I leave the rest to you each of you and we can then discuss further.

Our unfinished discussion so to speak about future meetings for the rest of the year is as follows - we will continue to meet. If you can not or choose not to attend July and August that is fine, no penalties. We are too easy going for that. But you will need to either bring squares for while you are gone or bring square to make-up for while you were gone, ok?

Dawn brought in a wedding gift she made. It was Donna’s table topper pattern and she made 2 pot holders to match with the silver cloth for heat resistance in both, but with one she didn’t put in the batting. Felt, unsafe I guess. I mean we seem to think if it’s thick I won’t get burnt, if it’s thin I may get burnt. But both were beautiful. She went on line to find out the wedding couples colors and lo and behold there it was, everywhere - “ red and black. Great gift and homemade with love.

Dawn also brought in her ¼” idea. Even if you use your quarter inch piecing foot w/flange sometimes it just isn’t that ¼”. So she suggested you try taking three (3) strips 2” wide, sew them together with ¼” seam allowances then measure ¼´” it should be 5”. If it is not, try to move your needle sometimes the machines allow us and some don’t. If your with a machine that doesn’t allow a needle to move then adjust a tape to your machine to help with this ¼” problem. That quarter inch really makes a big difference in the out come of your quilt. Oh believe me!

We are still looking into doing a quilt for breast cancer donation. Randy brought in an article on this “Moms on the Run” and it appears it is local and for only breast cancer research nothing else. She gave it to Dawn to see if she could find out about donating a quilt that they could use or raffle. More on that next meeting.

Tricia gave a demo on Thangles. What a great idea! They came in packages of a
“bunch” and it’s like paper piecing I gather. Anyway, that really helps with
1/4" problems.

Next meeting Peggy will demo on “Easy Angles.”

Randy brought in one of two quilts that she is doing for her mom and dad. She is hoping to finish these before too long as Dad is now 90 yrs old. They (mom and dad) named their quilts, dad named his “Harbor Lights” and mom named hers “Ocean Breeze.” And you know they are beautiful. Randy did a great scrappy backing with the leftovers.

Linda brought in granddaughter Chaja’s quilt. You know all the children have an animal and Chaja’s is the frog. The block is “Toad in a Puddle”; this was really cute with the centers being fussy cut with the frog. She had asked us for help - she received more than she needed and couldn’t decide still. Sorry :(

I brought in a picture of a gift I made my girlfriend for Easter of the Table Graces placemats. I wish I could finish these things closer to our meeting dates so I could bring them in. I will try to do better next time.

Drawing was done with Tricia and Carol winning. They will bring prizes next month.

See you June 16th. Enjoy our summer weather. (Today we had snow flurries. Guess that’s where we live - lucky us!)

Happy Sewing and keep bz-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z,
Carol G.

April 2008 Newsletter

Welcome to Spring Bees!

Our meeting on Monday the 21st was great. We did have a new “bee” her name is Tricia S. and she is Peggy P’s sister. Twin I believe.

Tricia brought a show ‘n’ tell called Monarch Maize it was beautiful.

We first passed out our 6”x6”squares x 3 for each person. We are at seven right now and so please keep looking for new bees to join us.

I was given an envelope at work of all our money we had given in the beginning when we first started up. Remember we used to give a dollar. Well some of it got used for coffeE and then I guess we quit drinking the stuff and so the money stayed in the envelope. We were wondering what to do with it and decided it would be nice to make a quilt and give it away to a good charity. Dawn had suggested the Susan G. Komen Foundation for a cure for cancer, but it was brought up by Peggy that they also support Pro Choice and as a Catholic cannot support that group. So with that in mind we are looking for a place to donate a quilt to. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Maybe you just know of a family in need or. . . . . .

Helen brought up Jean Cavanaugh is having a quilt retreat at St.Mary’s Art Museum in Virginia City and if anyone would like to go contact either Helen or Jean.

Also don’t forget the Shop Hop of many area quilt shops - September 25 - 28th.

Randy showed us a cute potato bag she made in a class. She also used it as a prize for tonight’s drawing. There is warning on these that if you have a newer microwave or one that cannot be used on a lower setting that these can catch fire. So if you have one please be careful.

Peggy brought in a tote bag she made to take a multitude of things to class in. She also brought the pattern to share and Randy absconded with it, but promised to bring it back to share again. The bag looks so handy.

Randy also shared her new toy, her ipod, it was a mini quilt show of all her quilts. Her husband downloaded all of this for her. What a wealth of quilts. They were just beautiful.

Linda has been crocheting a beautiful afghan as I mentioned in last meeting notes. But this time she explained what it was. Apparently, when she was pregnant with her daughter Molly, she was going to make this afghan for her midwife. As time passes so quickly, the baby came and grew and it was never finished. Molly not so long ago found it in her mom’s closet and asked what it was. Linda explained it and Molly said it should be finished, she loved the colors. Of course the pattern was now gone and the midwife, too,so Linda went looking for more yarn to match and blend and now Molly is graduating from college and guess what she is getting for her graduation. What a neat story and gift. It is a wool blend in shades of mauve.

Linda will be going to Michigan for Molly’s graduation and had asked for local places that have quilting. She found what needs and can’t wait to go.

Linda also brought in her grandsons’ quilts. As they have Totem names their quilts reflect that and how neat they are. One is bear cub - of course there are bears and bear paw squares. And there is an Owl - very wonderful fabrics she choose. I’m sure the grandsons will love these quilts.

Dawn brought in a wall hanging or table topper size quilt of scraps she had left over from a kit she did. The colors were wonderful and of course her quilting is too.

Peggy and her sister Tricia will be going to Sisters, Oregon for the quilt show, it was suggested we all go as a group next year. Maybe…… They will check on accommodations etc. and we can discuss it as a great project.

Peggy also started our quilt project (the one with 492 approx squares). She said she wanted to start it to see how difficult it is. She said you definitely need to read your directions VERY carefully for accuracy. One tip she had was to be sure you cut on straight of grain.

Helen quilted the purse she brought in tonight and so showed and told about it. Very neat.

Also Helen and Linda won the drawing prizes tonight and so will provide the prizes for next meeting.

It was also discussed that we meet as usual for July and August. Helen said if I was gone and we needed a place to meet, her house was open as she lives in Carson City and would be a centrally located place.

Nothing was settled. Discuss at next meeting on May 19th, 2008.

See you then, keep B-zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
Carol G

March 2008 Newsletter

March 19, 2008

Hi Bees!

Well we started our meeting with Randy asking how we felt about
continuing the Quilting Bees with so many ladies on sabbatical or actually dropping out.

Well she started with Linda, and then Randy spoke, Dawn, then me and then Peggy. We all agreed that we like who are with and that this group is just different enough we’d like to keep it together. In fact we would like to recruit. So if you know of someone who might like to become a BZZZ Quilting Bee send them on in. We would like to keep us at 10 members if possible.

Show and Tell was really neat. Randy made her grandson, who turned 7, a birthday quilt. He is into outer space and all that entails. The quilt was really something. She got her great space fabric on line. I’m sure he’ll love it. She also did a quilt for her husband for Valentines. Seems he liked what he saw in the colors and stuff but she didn’t spill the beans about who it was for till Valentines Day. She had special things attached to the back. The button from the dress she wore on the day they met. And the first ring he gave her. It was a ring from the merry-go-round. I had to call Randy to get the description as I had forgotten as I got all involved in the story. But the ring is something you reach for and if you get one you throw it towards or into a clown. She couldn’t remember if there was a reward or not. I think there was - her husband. He was very surprised that she still had it. Perhaps the sentimentality wasn’t as strong in him as we women would like to see, but I believe that it meant something special to him too.

Dawn showed us an attic quilt she had worked on and said she has made several and really enjoyed the pattern. She contacted the publisher of the book and was telling them how much she enjoyed the pattern; they gave her the e-mail of the artist saying she would really like to hear from her. So she e-mailed her and the lady asked her to send her some pictures of quilts she had done. She did and the lady then asked for her address. The artist (I didn’t get her name) then sent her 2 more books she had written. She autographed each and wrote her a thank you note. Neat huh? I wonder if more artists wouldn’t appreciate hearing from the individual quilters.

Linda was crocheting something very pretty. Show & Tell Linda.

Dawn showed us her template class project. It was really neat, however, she couldn’t show us how to cut using the templates as she left her turning cutting board in her car and it was “tweaked” out of shape. Maybe next time. Looked really neat. She was very impressed with how accurate it made each piece come out. Randy on the other hand wasn’t as sure.

I mentioned I had entered into the Challenge Quilt contest for Carson Valley Quilt Guild and I placed third. I was pretty tickled that my peers gave me third. I said the quilts were on display at WNC in Carson and was open till classes were over. They decided to go there after the meeting, I wish I could have gone, but my husband was waiting for me at Cactus Jacks, the meeting was long enough for him to be here. Hope they got to see all those quilts,they were amazingly beautiful.

We started to discuss who would teach what next meeting and somehow we never finished that conversation. Anyone have an idea or two?

Randy and Peggy won the drawing this month so they will bring the drawing prize for next month.

Peggy said her twin sister (who doesn’t look like her, she says)would also like to join our group so she will join us next meeting.
See you then April 21st at Sierra Sewing.

Keep bzzzzzzzzzzz!
Carol G
PS: Keep those squares coming, we are still collecting we need approximately 420 plus. We need 6”x6” 3 per person and figure 8 people I guess, we can adjust as we go and grow.

PPS: They did get to see those quilts at WNC. Randy said they were just
beautiful each so different. Glad they got to go.