Our Quilt Festival is almost here! Help spread the word.

Vote for your favorite of the amazing quilts our talented members have made.  Bring your family and friends and maybe pickup some holiday presents.

For sale will be a selection of baby and throw quilts as well as some wonderful whimsical mini-quilts,  ‘Bits n Blocks’, that you don’t want to miss.

Snack treats at meetings are welcome from any member but we especially ask that members contribute during the month associated with the beginning letter of their last name.  And always happy to have volunteers for the hospitality table, just contact me.

• October – E F G
• November – H I J K
• December – L
• March – M N
• April – O P Q R
• May – S T U V W X Y Z

Thanks, Barbara Leader, hospitality@northernstarquilters.com

It was nice to see so many of you at our September meeting. Thank you to everyone who renewed in time to be included in our print directory. The directory is going to the printer soon and should be available at the October meeting. Be sure to stop by and take your directory home.
All renewals moving forward will be included in our online directory which is distributed digitally several times a year.

Here are the three ways to renew:
• Renew online right now! nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_member_registration_cc
• Bring your registration form and check to the next Comfort Quilts meeting or to the October 21st guild meeting.
• Send your registration form and check for $50 to NSQG, PO Box 232, Somers, NY 10589.
*Please note that mail sent to the PO box takes longer to process.

We are reviving our buddy system for new members who would like a current Guild member to be their “buddy” during the first year of membership. If you would enjoy helping a new member learn about the Guild and its activities and programs please contact us.

Looking forward to seeing you in October!
Jeanne Hinrichs and Shelley Lounsbury, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Go to our PROGRAMS event pages for details and signup info for the workshops.

Questions? Contact Kathy Tuttle or Betty Moulton, programs@northernstarquilters.com

There is currently room in all upcoming workshops for the 2026-2027 year at NSQG! 

‘Improv’ Dresden blocks from Marge Tucker’s workshop

Go to our ACTIVITIES event pages or Member Activities webpage for the details and signup info.

Challenge – “2027 – Color of the Season” – At the guild meeting, you can get a crayon color and a season to design your 17”x 42” challenge quilt.   If you are unable to attend, you can contact Maria who will pick a color and season for you.  Coordinator is Maria Calderon Weinstein.

*** Our September meeting was very hectic; for October, Maria will be sitting in front, please make sure you touch base with her and sign up for the challenge. And then be sure to keep track of your season and crayon color!

Where have all our 2026 Celebration Quilts gone?  Gone to Chappaqua every one until September 30^th.  Briarcliff would have been next but had to drop out due to construction. So our Challenge Quilts will rest for the month of October.  In November they will be displayed at North Salem Library and then Tappan Library on the other side of the Hudson River.  Thirty-three members rose to the challenge of celebrating our country!  You did GREAT!!  Quilts will be returned at the December meeting.

Saturday Sit N Sew – Signup for November 14 to sit and sew on your own project along with other members for company.  Coordinator is Joanne Visovsky.

Holiday Boutique – To sell your handmade items at our November 18^th Holiday Boutique, contact Rona before October 31^st.  Invite your friends and family to attend the November 18^th meeting and boutique – no fee for guests. Coordinator is Rona Spar.

Super Saturday – Signup for Super Saturday, January 30^th.  Class sizes are limited. Don’t get locked out of your favorite.  Coordinators are Lefa Alksne and Lori Light Schmeidel.

Ugly Fabric Auction – Collecting of quilt fabric donations is ongoing for the May Ugly Fabric Auction.  Coordinator is Liz Titus

Mariandale Quilt Retreats – Fall retreat is full.  For the Spring retreat (March 12-14), please contact Jody.  Coordinator is Jody Sullivan.

SIGs (Special Interest Groups) –  Representatives of the current SIGs will be available at the October meeting to display their items and to help members to start their own member group or join one of the open groups.

Plan accordingly so you don’t miss anything!  Offers to help and ideas for activities always welcome.
Rona Spar, activities@northernstarquilters.com

Here’s our 2027 charity raffle quilt! It’s called Roundabout Quilt and it’s about 90″ x 90″.

BIG THANKS to Fran Jacobson and Debra Oaks for all of their time and beautiful work! Fran took care of the quilt top. Debra added a border and quilted it. Fran picked this design by Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics. Donna passed away in 2025, and Fran wanted to celebrate Donna and all she learned from her.  And just then,  Anne Chehebar called Fran to ask if she would make the raffle quilt. Perfect timing.

The plans for our Quilt Festival (October 9th and 10th) are coming along beautifully
but your support is needed!  Festival information can be found on our website:
www.northernstarquilters.com/event/quilt-festival

Things to do:

• Register a quilt to display 
• Make an EasyPeasy mini quilt
• Distribute our Flyer
• Volunteer to help, contact Nancy Mirman at 914-329-5290 or nmirman@optonline.net

Welcome back everyone! It will be so nice to see each other again at our September,meeting. Please remember to stop at the Membership table to sign in and say hello. New members will be able to collect their name badges. Membership has a table set aside for new members at each Guild meeting. It is a fun way to meet other new members and learn about Guild activities. If you are a returning member, please stop by and greet our newest quilters.

Renewals for July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 Membership Season – $50

If you haven’t renewed your membership  and would like to be included in the printed copy of the Membership Directory for 2026-2027, this is the time to renew! The deadline for inclusion in the printed Directory is September 23, 2026.

Ways to renew:

• Renew online right now! nsqg.formstack.com/forms/nsqg_member_registration_cc
• Bring your registration form and check for $50 to the next Comfort Quilts or the September 16th guild meeting.
• Send your registration form and check for $50 to Northern Star Quilters Guild, PO Box 232, Somers, NY 10589. Note that mail sent to the PO box is not picked up daily and then needs to be passed along to the membership team so there is a delay. If you would like to be included in the printed copy of the Membership Directory, please allow plenty of lead time.

Photos for the Membership Directory

Pictures will be cropped to postage stamp size and include only your face. Use a selfie, favorite recent photo, special event photo, professional shot, … Photos can be emailed to membership@northernstarquilters.com. Shelley will be on hand to take a photo at the September guild meeting should you prefer not to do it yourself.

See you soon!

Jeanne Hinrichs and Shelley Lounsbury, membership@northernstarquilters.com

Visit our PROGRAMS website page for details on upcoming lectures and workshops and to signup, just click on the program you are interested in.
Questions? Contact Kathy Tuttle or Betty Moulton, programs@northernstarquilters.com

There is currently room in all upcoming workshops for the 2026-2027 year at NSQG! 

See our CALENDAR or MEMBER ACTIVITIES page for the latest event information.  Plan accordingly so you don’t miss anything!Offers to help and ideas for activities always welcome.
Rona Spar, activites@northernstarquilters.com

Planned for 2026-2027 – click titles for details

• CHALLENGE (March/April meeting)
  This year’s challenge is a Crayon/Season Table Runner. You will pick your color and season at the September meeting or contact Maria.  Review the guidelines on the website, due date is the March meeting, voting display is April.   Coordinator – Maria Calderon Weinstein.
• WINNERS CHOICE QUILT DISPLAY & RAFFLE (October meeting)
  Comfort Quilters display the results of this year’s summer quilting project and raffle off one or more of the quilts, you get to choose. Coordinated by Comfort Quilters.
• FALL QUILTING RETREAT (November)
  Come for days of sewing with friends at the Center at Mariandale.  November 2-4 now full.  If you think you have signed up for the fall retreat and have not heard from Jody, please contact her ASAP. Coordinator – Jody Sullivan.
• HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE (November meeting)
  November 18^th will be our exciting Holiday Boutique where talented members of the guild will sell their hand-made items just in time for the holidays.  If you are interested in selling your items (half-table $10), please contact Rona Spar.
• SUPER SATURDAY (January)
  January 30^th with a snow date of February 20^th at the Yorktown First Presbyterian Church.  There will be six or more classes from which to choose, with registration beginning at the October meeting.  Classes are taught by our talented NSQG members.  Class information will be announced at the September meeting.  The cost including lunch is $30.   Coordinators – Lefa Alksne, Lori Light Schmiedel.
• SPRING QUILTING RETREAT (March)
  Come for days of sewing with friends at the Center at Mariandale, March 12-14.  Coordinator – Jody Sullivan.
• UGLY FABRIC AUCTION (May meeting)
  Bring your ‘Ugly Fabrics’ to Guild and Comfort Quilts meetings, September thru April.  Coordinator – Liz Titus.
• TRIPS – Stay tuned

Contact the coordinator via our directory for further information.

CURRENT SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs) – 

• Improv I – meeting on Zoom and in person (currently full).
• Improv II – meeting the last Thursday of the month, 10 am on Zoom and sometimes in person, currently room for more members.  Contact Rita Romeu.
• Inspired by Art – meeting the last Tuesday of the month on Zoom, currently room for more members.   Contact Tamar Drucker or Carol Weber.
• Scrappy 2.0 SIG – meeting the 1^st Tuesday of each month, 10 am upstairs at Somers DeCiccos, currently room for more members. Contact Serena Berger.

Contact the coordinator via our directory for further information.

SIG PORTRAIT QUILTS –

The Inspired by Art SIG plans to exhibit our portrait challenge in November at the Putnam Valley library. We would like to invite any NSQG members that have portrait quilts to join us.  Any works close to 16″x20″  or smaller are suitable.  Evelyn Kipp will pick up the pieces at the September and October guild meetings. Please let Tamar Drucker or Carol Weber know if you would like to join in.

The 2027 Raffle Quilt was coordinated by Fran Jacobson and quilted by Deborah Oaks. Thanks to all who participated!

The recipient of the proceeds from the 2027 Quilt Raffle will be the Westchester Institute for Human Development. We are honored to help an organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of people of all ages who have developmental disabilities and vulnerable children through professional education, direct service provision, and innovative research.  Thank you, Janet Wright, for sponsoring WIHD.

Celebrating 250 Years

(Click pics to enlarge)

Our red, white, and blue challenge quilts are on the move!
Currently at the Katonah Library, the exhibit looks amazing.
Exhibit schedule HERE.

Plans for our 2026-27 member sponsored guild activities are underway!

See our CALENDAR or MEMBER ACTIVITIES page for the latest event information.  Plan accordingly so you don’t miss anything!

Be sure to contact us to offer help or with ideas for future events!
Rona Spar, activites@northernstarquilters.com

We will again host a HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE at the November Guild meeting.

If you are interested in vending at the boutique, please contact me to reserve your space, Rona Spar, ronaquilter@gmail.com.  Each space is just $10.

Last year’s boutique was a rousing success with multiple guild members selling their beautifully crafted items for members and guests to purchase as holiday gifts for family and friends.  Guests will be admitted free of charge to the November meeting, so encourage friends and family to visit and add to the excitement.

SIG Fiber Art Exhibit – “Pictures at an Exhibition”

by Linda Finegan

The NSQG Improv2 SIG reminds you that their Fiber Art exhibit – “Pictures at an Exhibition” is now at the Mt. Kisco Library, details and schedule HERE.

And a good time was had by all! 

The Ugly Fabric Auction raised $1133 to help support guild activities.  Thanks to all who participated – with special thanks to Liz Titus for managing the heavy lifting and her Ugly Fabric Elves for helping sort and fold.

And for those of you who now have too much fabric (Ha!) and are clearing space,

Comfort Quilts is always in need of quilting fabric (1/4yd or larger).  Contact Karen or Carol, comfortquilts@northernstarquilters.com to donate fabric to Comfort Quilts, thank you.

Liz TItus and her Ugly Fabric Elves

Visit our PROGRAMS website page for details on upcoming lectures and workshops and to signup, just click on the program you are interested in.

2026-27 updates are in progress …

Questions? Contact Kathy Tuttle, programs@northernstarquilters.com

Our May meeting was a fun time. We had 64 members attend our Ugly Fabric Auction in spite of it being a stormy evening! The Ugly Fabric Auction is always a lively affair. We are looking forward to our June salad supper meeting as we wrap up another terrific year.

Jeanne Hinrichs, Shelley Lounsbury, membership@northernstarquilters.com

See our CALENDAR or MEMBER ACTIVITIES page for event specifics.  Plan accordingly so you don’t miss anything!
Rona Spar, activites@northernstarquilters.com

AQS Bus Trip Members

Share A Favorite Quickie Project!

For the June Salad Supper, we again ask you to share a small project with guild members.  Bring a sample of your finished item and copies of it’s directions (or other quilting tips that you wish to share.)  You will be assigned a space on the display tables for your item, you do not have to stand there.

To reserve a space, please email Rona Spar at ronaquilter@gmail.com

Ugly Fabric Auction

Come to the May Guild Meeting prepared to bid on bundles of fabulous fabrics for amazingly low prices!!   There will be bundles of cottons, silks, flannels, linens, batiks, solids, patterns, baby designs, etc. etc. etc….  Arrive early to preview the fabric. Be sure to write down the bundle numbers on which you want to bid.
Payment by  cash or check only.  Bring a bag to carry home your prized  purchases.

Last chance to donate at Comfort Quilts on May 6.  NO donations accepted day of the meeting!

Questions? Contact Liz Titus bt97mail@gmail.com

SIG Fiber Art Exhibit – “Pictures at an Exhibition”

The NSQG Improv SIG headed by Rita Romeu announces two exhibits of our challenge quilts. Members are invited to see these quilts at the locations below. This year our theme was Abstraction by transforming a musical work into a visual textile creation. SIG members were assigned movements from Modest Mussorgsky’s famous orchestral suite, “Pictures at an Exhibition.”  Mussorgsky transformed into music his visual experience of the paintings.  We set about to “hear” his music into textile form. Our constraints were (1) one “Pictures” movement per member, (2) a 20″ x 20″ size, and (3) using identical solid black fabric somewhere in our designs. During the exhibit of our works, Mussorgsky’s suite will be playing in the exhibit areas to create a visual and aural experience for visitors. Come, see and listen!

Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester, NY 10709

• Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23, 2026, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Opening Reception May 9, 2026 1 –  3 p.m.

Mount Kisco Library, 100 East Main Street, Mount Kisco, NY 10549

• On view all June 2026 during library hours
• Opening Reception June 6, 2026 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Guild Challenge – “Celebrating 250 Years”

At the April meeting, we were treated to a beautiful display of 33 quilts celebrating the upcoming birthday of our country.  Here’s a huge thank you to all of members who chose to participate in this year’s Challenge.   Members voted on their two favorite quilts and here are the results.

• First Place – Helen May
• Second Place – Laura Demos
• Third Place – Annie Terrano
• Honorable Mention – Donna Brunell, Tamar Drucker, Joan Galanin, Carolyn Salon

Schedule for the traveling Challenge Exhibit:

• MAY – Mahopac Library – May 6-30
• JUNE – Katonah Library – June 1-27
• JULY/AUGUST – Somers Library – June 30-August 18
• AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – Chappaqua Library – August 21-September 29
• OCTOBER – Briarcliff Library – October 2-30
• NOVEMBER – North Salem Library – dates TBA

If a Challenge quiltmaker would like to sell her quilt, please email Nancy Mirman at nmirman@optonline.net   The quilts listed for sale right now range from $50 to $750.

Sit N Sew

Our second “Sit and Sew” event on April 25th was attended by 22 of our members at the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps in North Salem.  What a great opportunity to get to know other quilters and see what they are making!  Everyone enjoyed sewing, socializing and snacking on delicious goodies.

Visit our PROGRAMS website page for details on upcoming lectures and workshops and to signup, just click on the program you are interested in.

Questions? Contact Betty Moulton and Kathy Tuttle, programs@northernstarquilters.com.

It was so nice to see so many of you at our in-person meetings this March and April.  We had 85 quilters attend in March and 90 in April.  That is nearly half our membership at each meeting!

Guild membership renewal time is coming soon.  The membership cycle runs from the first of July through the end of June.   Registration for 2026/27 will begin July 1, 2026.  All current members will receive a link to complete their registration.    NSQG membership fees have increased slightly this year to $50.   This allows the Guild to continue to bring members all the programs, activities and friendship opportunities that we all enjoy.

We hope to see you all at our May meeting.
Jeanne Hinrichs, Shelley Lounsbury, Membership@northernstarquilters.com

Visit our PROGRAMS website page for details on upcoming lectures and workshops and to signup, just click on the program you are interested in.

Questions? Contact Betty Moulton and Kathy Tuttle, programs@northernstarquilters.com.

See our CALENDAR or MEMBER ACTIVITIES page for event specifics.  Plan accordingly so you don’t miss anything!

Rona Spar, activites@northernstarquilters.com

Share a Project Display for June Guild Meeting

At the June Guild meeting, any member can display a small project you wish to share with your quilting friends.  All you have to do is display your item on the table and provide a pile of instructions for distribution to those who are interested.  No need to stand at the table.  No charge. Email to me at ronaquilter@gmail.com if you want to reserve a space & a description of the item you want to show.

Still to Come –

• RED, WHITE AND BLUE Challenge  – Display and voting will take place at the April guild meeting. Chair is Nancy Mirman.
• AQS SHOW IN HARTFORD, CT. – Registered bus trippers will be contacted with final trip details at the beginning of April. Coordinator is Rona Spar.
• SPRING SIT n SEW – Sit N Sew with member friends for the day, Saturday April 25, $5. Contact Joanne Visovsky to register.
• UGLY FABRIC AUCTION – LAST CALL to donate at the meeting or at Comfort Quilts.  Save your pennies and get ready for a fabulous auction at the May guild meeting. Chair is Liz Titus.

How nice it was to be together again at our March meeting.  Many of the 85 attendees commented what a pleasure it was to see fellow Guild members in person.   There was a lot of chatter and an expansive Show and Tell.  We look forward to seeing even more members at our April meeting.

The annual membership fee for NSQG will have a slight increase for the year 2026/27 beginning July 1, 2026.  The new annual membership fee will be $50; a five dollar increase from its current rate.  As we all know, there isn’t anything costing less these days.  The Board determined this increase was necessary to maintain the high standards of our programs and activities.   Considering all the Guild offers its members, the annual fee is still a great bargain!   Members will be able to register for the 2026/27 year beginning June 1.  As in past years, everyone will receive an email reminder.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any membership questions.

Jeanne Hinrichs, Shelley Lounsbury
Membership@northernstarquilters.com

For information on our upcoming lectures and workshops, visit our PROGRAMS website page and click on the program you are interested in.
To sign up and pay for a workshop, CLICK HERE.

Questions? Contact Betty Moulton and Kathy Tuttle, programs@northernstarquilters.com.

March Workshop (in-person)

There is still room in the March workshop with Gyleen Fitzgerald. We have a dozen participants signed up and can accommodate a few more. She is making it easy for us by bringing the book and ruler for participants to purchase.

See our CALENDAR or MEMBER ACTIVITIES page for event specifics.  Plan accordingly so you don’t miss anything!

Rona Spar, activites@northernstarquilters.com

2027 CHALLENGE SUGGESTIONS  – Due by the end of March

Your proposal must include the topic, size, color(s), method(s) of quilting, voting parameters, and any other pertinent details.  If your challenge is chosen by the board your will be responsible for announcing the challenge, collecting the quilts, arranging  for display/voting, ribbons, and hanging the quilts at the next quilt show. Send challenge suggestions to ronaquilter@gmail.com

Still to Come –

• RED, WHITE AND BLUE Challenge  – Bring your challenge entry to hand in at the March meeting.  Chair is Nancy Mirman.
• AQS SHOW IN HARTFORD, CT. – The April 11^th AQS bus trip registration is CLOSED. Coordinator is Rona Spar.
• SPRING SIT n SEW – Sit N Sew with member friends for the day, Saturday April 25, $5. Contact Joanne Visovsky to register.
• UGLY FABRIC AUCTION – Bring donations of quilting fabrics to the March meeting or to Comfort Quilts.  Chair is Liz Titus. Chair is Liz Titus.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone in person at our March meeting! Please stop by the Membership Table to check in. We will have print directories for those of you who do not have a copy yet.
An updated digital version of the directory will be sent via email in late February or early March. Please save it to your computer or cell phone. If you see any errors in the information, please notify us at membership@northernstarquilters.com.

This year’s NSQG pins for our raffle quilt, “Shimmering Triangles” are available at the March meeting, $5, and there are still a few pins for sale from last year’s quilt; they make a nice addition to your project bag or name tag. Let us know at check in if you would like to see other pins we may have available.

See you soon,
Jeanne Hinrichs, Shelley Lounsbury
Membership@northernstarquilters.com