Yearly Archives: 2016

1 Jun, 2016

Special Events

2016-06-01T02:39:54-04:00Uncategorized|

 

Quilts Inspired By Books

This year’s Guild Challenge is about using books for inspiration. Read a book on your list or be inspired by one of your favorites. You can use the general story line, specific setting or scene in the book, a character of the book, the ending or an object that symbolizes the book. Your quilt can also include your impression of the book rather than tell the actual story.

Guidelines:

  1. This project is a quilt and therefore should consist of 3 layers, back, top and batting, with stitching to hold the layers together.
  2. Use any fabric, thread, embellishments you need to complete your project.
  3. Please do not copy an existing cover design.
  4. The quilt size should be 18 x 20” and be in a vertical format.
  5. Attach a 2” sleeve to the back for hanging.
  6. Label the back with your name and email address or phone number and the name of the quilt.
  7. Pin an index card to the back of the quilt with the book and author that was your inspiration.

Deadline:

The quilts will be collected at the DECEMBER meeting.

Voting:

Voting will take place at the January meeting. Each member will cast one vote for his/her favorite quilt in each category – Best Interpretation, Best Use of Color, and Best Embellishments. First, Second, and Third place ribbons will be awarded in each category.

All quilts will be held for the NSQG World of Quilts XXXVIII and returned to the maker at the May Guild meeting. The Northern Star Quilters’ Guild has an abundance of creativity!  Put that creativity to work by making a quilt for the 2017 Guild Challenge.

Any questions, please email Linda Stern or Carol Weber at specialevents@northernstarquilters.com

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10 May, 2016

President’s Message

2021-04-11T16:50:03-04:00President's Message|

 

What a wonderful Show!

I give great thanks and hearty praise to every member who helped put this inaugural event together.  As Show Chairman, Susan Fasnacht showed unparalleled organization and leadership. I spoke with vendors who were happy with the new venue and amazed at the smooth transition.  The guests I spoke to loved the new space.  I love the new space, as did every member I saw.  Ladies, and Don, WE DID GOOD!

We learned a few things that will be changed or improved next year, as one would expect.  The ever helpful John Murphy knows our needs more thoroughly and can function better next time also.  I believe it was truly to our advantage that we were forced into making this change after 35 years in the same place.  Start right now to make more of the spectacular quilts that were getting rave reviews from everyone who viewed them.  One remark I heard, “this is better than Lancaster.”

Photographers were recording everything and Maria will soon have photos on the website.  She will send an e-blast when they are ready for your viewing.

Sr. Barbara Memorial Donation

At the April Board meeting the Board voted to donate the NSQG Policy limit of $250 to the Mustard Seed Migrant Ministry in Goshen, NY.  in memory of Sr. Barbara Heil. Their purpose is to provide the children of migrant workers a place to find self-worth and stability as well as food and friendship. Sr. Barbara loved working with these children and involved KC students in the work with her.

Google them or go to their website, www.mustardseedmigrantministry.org  to learn more.

Mustard Seed does not fall into an accepted category for NSQG donations (only quilt related charities) so the Board voted unanimously to override the policy in this unique circumstance.  The membership is invited to make personal contributions for added impact to the Guild donation.

The collection routine is this:

  1. Write a check to Mustard Seed Migrant Ministry in any amount you wish. A note may be included in the envelope.  They will remain sealed.  (Tax deduction is yours.)
  2. Bring your envelope to the May meeting with “Mustard Seed” noted on envelope.
  3. Or,  mail it to NSQG President, P.O.Box 232, Somers, NY 10589.  (note “Mustard Seed” on envelope.)
  4. All checks collected will be taken to Mustard Seed together with the Guild donation and given to a representative that I will contact beforehand.

Joyce Sullivan, President
president@Northernstarquilters.com

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10 May, 2016

Quilt Show

2016-05-10T00:47:09-04:00Uncategorized|

 

“A World of Quilts XXXVII” – all I can say is WOW!  What a magnificent display of quilts.  Nearly 95% of the 189 registered quilts on display were made by our guild members, and each quilt was wonderful.  It was one of the most beautiful displays of quilts ever for the Show making our inaugural Show at the O’Neill Center that more memorable.

I also can’t say enough for the volunteerism of our members.  I know I have received numerous congratulations on how well the Show went, but it would not have been possible without the help of you.  The Quilt Show Committee members were great and I can’t thank them enough for carrying out their assignments with an efficiency that allowed me to concentrate on other details of the Show.  I also want to thank all of the Guild members that pitched in to help wherever it was needed.  Whether it was sewing sleeves on our drapes, setting up the pipe frames for quilt hanging, taking vouchers at the door, keeping a watchful eye for something that was happening as it should, or helping address any of the other “glitches” we encountered at the Show, our members stepped up to make it work.  It certainly helped make my work easier.

Although I don’t have a final tally on the financial aspect of the Show, it did well.  We had about 1,500 attendees come through the box office.  While that is generally a slight decline in our historic attendance figures, it was comparable to last year’s number.  I am certain with the positive comments we heard from the attendees that this number will grow as more people hear about the first class Show we put on.

We have already started thinking of next year’s Show.  I’ve been compiling a list of what worked and what didn’t (and yes, you can send me your ideas).  What should we do differently?  Chris and Noreen will be looking for a great team for their committee.  If you want to get involved and help make the Show even better, contact either one of them.  It’s a great way to meet people and get involved in the Guild.  And don’t forget, it’s not too early to start working of your entry for “A World of Quilts XXXVIII”!

Susan Fasnacht, VP Quilt Show
president@Northernstarquilters.com

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10 May, 2016

Machine Quilting SIG

2016-05-10T00:46:02-04:00Uncategorized|

 

New Special Interest Group – Paper Piecing!  Susan Deshensky has volunteered to lead a Paper Piecing group for next year. Please let her know at the May meeting or send her a note if you are interested.

The Domestic Machine Quilting challenge for May has been sent out so if you didn’t receive one, please contact Helen Boland.  After the May meeting, Helen Boland will be stepping down as moderator. Please let Helen Boland or me know if you can take on the role of moderator. It doesn’t take a lot of time and you can set it up to have a different member share a technique each month. It is an easy way to volunteer for the Guild.

Jennifer Kramer, VP Education
education@Northernstarquilters.com

 

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10 May, 2016

Programs

2017-08-10T03:15:00-04:00Uncategorized|

The Karen Combs class was very successful.  Lots of good feedback.  Good feedback was also true at the Show.  The lectures and demos from Linda Poole were filled and left all of us in hopes of a workshop with her down the line.  Mickey Lawler’s lecture was also filled and she had lots of her wonderful fabric for sale.  We look forward to seeing her in November for her lecture and workshop.

This month’s lecture will be by our very own Carol Weber.  Her background and willingness to share should make for a very interesting lecture.

Moving on to our first speaker in September.  The Pat Harrison lecture will be Quilting as Desired, and the workshop Change of Direction.  She has loaned me two of her quilts to show you to entice you to sign up for her workshop.  Her husband Bob, will be coming with her.  He is a certified Singer Featherweight repair and refurbish dealer.  He will be on hand to check out your machines and do some repair work. He asks that you bring the machines in the night of the lecture and will be at the workshop all day to work on them.

Lots of exciting things coming up in the Fall.  Be sure to check our boards to see when you can join in the learning, fun and good companionship.

Judy Gignesi, VP Programs
Charitable@Northernstarquilters.com

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10 May, 2016

Charitable Activities

2017-08-10T03:15:00-04:00Uncategorized|

Comfort Quilts

Wednesday, May 18th is the last day that Comfort Quilts will be meeting in North Salem.  Starting on Wednesday June 15th through September 14th, CQ will be following its Summer Schedule of meeting every Wednesday at Bnai Israel Temple located at 2 Banksville Road, Armonk, NY.  Come and join the fun but always verify the dates with Carol Auer or Karen Carlson because dates are subject to change.

Charity for 2017 Quilt Show

Congratulations to The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, our charitable organization for next year’s raffle quilt.  Since there was only one nomination, there will not be a vote by the membership, but we hope you will be as excited as JoAnne Hochstein, the member sponsor of this organization that provides meals and wellness programs to those in need.

Ronald McDonald House

Thanks to the hard work of Barbara Tatera, The Ronald McDonald quilt project is now complete with seven quilts donated to the House in Valhalla.  I would like to thank the many members who turned in blocks to be used in the quilts.  There were also many members who donated extra time to make this project a success.  A special thank you to the following members who quilted a quilt, made a full quilt top on their own, did the hand sewing on a binding or donated batting for the project:  Joan Weth, Patricia Loquet, Isobel Greer, Diane Linker, Kelly Lockwood, Kim Hyde, Karen Carson, Barb Tatera, Althea Nolan, Chris Roche, Angie Contadino, Dee Rizzo, Carol Auer, Pat Baker, Cheryl Kosarek, Carol Sterk, Janice Nastasi and Jean Degl.

Althea Nolan, VP Charitable Activities
charitable@Northernstarquilters.com

 

 

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1 Apr, 2016

Election of Board Members

2016-04-01T03:07:28-04:00Uncategorized|

The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce the Slate of Officers for 2016-2017.  The nominees will be introduced at the April Guild Meeting and voting will take place at the May Meeting.

NSQG 2016-2017 Ballot

President – Susan Fasnacht

Treasurer – Carla Wdowski

VP Membership – Jennifer Kramer

VP Quilt Show – Noreen Lippolis and Chris Roche (co VPs)

VP Education – Donna Chambers

Returning for a 2nd year in their current positions:

Secretary -Rosemary DePaola

VP Communications – Maria Catalano

VP Programs – Judy Gignesi

My thanks to the nominating committee, Karen Carlson, Jennifer Kramer, Noreen Lippolis and Joyce Sullivan for giving the Guild a wonderful slate of candidates.  And I also thank the candidates for agreeing to share their talents with the Guild.

Barbara Sferra, Chairman

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1 Apr, 2016

President’s Message

2021-04-11T16:49:36-04:00President's Message|

The President’s message this month will be a tribute to Sr. Barbara that I read at the March meeting.  A number of members suggested it be in the Newsletter for absentees to read and for members to keep if they wish to.  Click on the link for the tribute.

Sr. Barbara and The Guild

At the meeting I reported that the Show Committee and the Board have agreed to dedicate a page in the show catalog and provide a memorial Exhibit at the Show this year.  We have taken member suggestions under advisement and discussed them. There will be a monetary donation from the Guild but the amount and the charity have not been designated.  For one thing, we are waiting to see if Kennedy will be setting up some significant memorial that we would like to contribute to.  I explained that the Guild is limited to some degree by our own Monetary Policies.  It was obvious by the “show of hands” that most members wish to make personal donations, in the amount they choose, to add to the impact of the Guild’s gift when that is made.  Checks would be made out to the specific charity but all would be donated together as a single gift to the chosen charity.

Your Board will continue to work toward a decision on this and we will keep you informed.

Joyce Sullivan, President
president@Northernstarquilters.com

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1 Apr, 2016

Quilt Show

2017-08-10T03:15:00-04:00Uncategorized|

It’s Show Time!  There are only a few weeks to go.  Our new venue at the O’Neill Center is going to make the Show fantastic. I hope you are inviting all of your friends and relatives to our new location in Danbury.  Make sure you tell them that it is at the Westside Campus of Western Connecticut State University (not the downtown campus).  There is a map on our website that you can click on to get directions.  Please go to “Directions to Show” under Quilt Show, Visit the Show menu.

There are several ways you can help advertise our Show.  There will be Show posters and postcards available at the admissions table at the April Guild meeting.  Also, we sent everyone a Show invitation email that you can forward to your family and friends. We have found personal invitations from our members are on the best ways to bring in attendees.

Volunteers and Free Show Entry

If you have not yet volunteered for a job at the Quilt Show, it’s not too late to sign up! A minimum of two volunteer hours is expected of all members and is required in order to obtain one day of free admission (if you work four or more hours, you will get free entry to both Show days).  This year we will be distributing vouchers that you will turn in at the O’Neill Center box office for your complimentary ticket.  More details on how this system will work will be sent to you in a future email.  As is our tradition, NSQG members will be allowed to enter the show at 9am on Saturday to get an early peak at the quilts or do some shopping.

Quilt Preparation and Drop Off

Quilt Drop Off day is Saturday, April 23 from 1 pm until 4 pm at the Kennedy Catholic High School Cafeteria.  Information on your registration with your quilt numbers will be mailed within two weeks.  Please make sure your quilt is properly prepared for display.  Don’t forget your sleeve must be sewn on the quilt.  Also you need to sew your quilt number on the back of your quilt in the bottom right hand corner (as you are looking at the back of the quilt).  Please refer to the “Registration Rules and Instructions” and the “Quilt Drop-off and Pick-up” pages under the Quilt Show menu “Show Your Quilt” on our website for complete instructions.

I’ll see everyone April 30 and May 1 – enjoy the Show!

Susan Fasnacht, VP Quilt Show
president@Northernstarquilters.com

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1 Apr, 2016

Machine Quilting SIG

2016-04-01T00:31:51-04:00Uncategorized|

 

The Machine Quilting SIG are attempting a challenge of free motion quilting for the next two months. Helen Boland will send out an email with the details for those who were not able to attend the meeting.  

Helen will be stepping down from being moderator of the group next year so please let Helen or Jennifer Kramer  know if you can take over the position.  Any questions, please contact Helen Boland.  

Jennifer Kramer, VP Education
education@Northernstarquilters.com

 

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1 Apr, 2016

Programs

2017-08-10T03:15:00-04:00Uncategorized|


I received lots of nice comments from those members who were able to take the Deborah Tirico workshop.  Evidently, it was quite a success.  On that note, we still have room in the Karen Combs workshop.  Her Quilts of Illusion are quite wonderful and I’m sure the class will be lots of fun.”  Please go to our website for more details.

Judy Gignesi, VP Programs
Charitable@Northernstarquilters.com

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