July 16, 2010

Is that my favorite storyteller, Pam Brown, on her hands and knees under the table on the floor? Good Gosh woman, that’s why Linda T and I are here. Sandy Turner, our instructor was soft spoken, often humorous, easy going, easy maintenance, highly educated in fabric arts and our professional quilt teacher for the month of July. We were lucky to get her. Her perspective on the Attic Window made for a good and creative workshop. We discovered at the lecture that she learned Attic Windows from our favorite Mariners Compass creator, Judy M.

The quilt tops that produced (many completed) were lovely and inspiring. Some were playful like Phyllis’ fun fish in lavender and purples and Norma’s colorful ladies doing the laundry with a song in their hearts. There were formal and Japanese gardens, like Pam B’s and Fran T’s. Judy K had poppy fields and Gerry McD‘s cherry trees were in full blossom. Tera A created an elegant and stunning forest, Pam McV a bay of sailboats. Jan A made a lakeside fishing village that looked like an actual window with a view. I cannot wait for the show and tell when next we meet. I think that Tera’s is competition-worthy. The color combinations are striking.

Some of my peeps left early: our very own Christopher Robin and Linda Z (my chaufous) because mixed up measures rendered their pictorials useless. Joy and Barbara C did tag team duty on the ironing boards. Carol J brought in homemade zucchini bread. It was yummy. It totally hit the spot and kept us going through lunch.

The afternoon flew by. We looked up at the clock to find it 3:30. Time to pack up and clean up which is how we found Pam B on the floor under the table…

Rhonda Your Rollin’ Reporter

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Business Meeting
March 4, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Jan Andrews at 10:05 am.
Jan announced the silent auction, 50/50 drawing and Boutique drawing. She also introduced guests and visitors.
Treasurer’s Report: Income and outgo is fairly balanced and the income is increased at this time due to membership dues being collected at the beginning of the year.
Old Business: Please pay your dues.
New Business: The Board is presenting an idea to the membership to vary the presentation of the Merit Awards. The suggestion is offer either the traditional gold charm or a year’s membership to the recipient.
Discussion: This is meant to demean the meaning of the gold charm for the winner, but to provide options for them. June Moes moved to change the wording of the bylaws to include the choice as well as a
certificate for each winner. Sue Haley seconded the motion which passed.
Announcements:
Joann Thomas, Moonlight Quilters Guild, announced that quilt show entries deadline is April 7th and can be emailed or handed to her. The number of entries is only limited by space. The show will be one room
smaller this year as one room is committed to another group. Quilt turn in for the show will be June 3rd. Joann encouraged entries.
Linda Sims announced that the Pointless Sisters Show at the Rincon Valley library will be 3/ 2 thru 4/26. She has a few brochures today and they will also be available at the show.
Betty Upchurch told of her continued participation in the Relay for Life to be held this summer, date to be announced. She appreciates all the previous support and hopes for such support this year. She showed a
lovely quilt donated for the auction for the Relay and described the project of making purses out of bras which was set up last year for an activity at the Relay. She is taking donations of used bras, not necessarily in good condition, for this art project. You can also buy a “footprint” for a dollar to inscribe with your name for decorating a store floor somewhere in the community. See her for details.
Betty U. reported that the Boutique is bringing in an average of about $200 per meeting. They have new items every month. She is not setting up another workshop as all storage space is filled but they are
looking for more storage.
Barbara Dedemer announced that they are seeking doll quilts, sizes 10×14 to 22x25inches, for a doll show in Petaluma at the Art Center.
The show will be in July and they want the quilts by June 15th. The quilts will be used for charity. Contact Geri Olson at 707-765-2893 for more information.
Vicki David of Moonlight Quilt Guild is seeding volunteers for the Quilt show. She has signup forms today and you will also be able to contact her to sign up later. You will get free admission to the show and
a free lunch for volunteering for everything except Takedown.
Glenda Ross, Opportunity Quilt Sales, said she has passes for the volunteers for the Opp. Quilt table at the Home Show. She will also have them at the Tri Guild Luncheon and could mail it to you if you don’t get it at the meeting.
Jean Chirhart has some ties available to anyone who wishes them.
Pam McVey announced the winners of the Citrus Fair. There were a significant number from our guild and an uptake in the number of members participating
TSW: Tera Antaree reminded all of the TSW today by June Mose on blue line hand stitching, cross stitch. Next meeting the TSW will be by Elaine Tucker on texturing fabric. In April Melissa Trunick will be doing the Mystery Quilt. Sign up so you can get the supply list. Tera inquired whether enough members would like baby quilt scrap flannel method and an indication of hands confirmed interest so she will add that to the TSW list. The books she ordered should be here in two weeks and she will distribute them to the purchasers then.
Committee Reports:
Program: Linda Thomas and Rhonda Denny said the May guest will be Laura Wasilowski on art quilts.
Please sign up for workshops as they are inexpensive, fun and support the guest speaker program. There are still openings in all coming workshops.
Silent Auction: Mary Wood reminded all to put their names on the bids. Several bids do not have names so come and correct your omissions.
Boutique: Betty Upchurch reported a new item for the table. It is a small bag with a name on it. You can special order these with Jan Andrews. They have some samples available today. The price is $15.
Special activities: Melissa Trunick reminded all of the clean up your sewing room project. She suggested this month’s activity – organize and weed out your magazines. You can scan or photograph particularly
interesting projects and give the mags to the auction table or a friend, put them in mags files and let go of all that weight, gaining space. Have fun with it.
Community Quilts: Lavella Cassinella reported giving away 383 quilts so far this year. On April 1 Valley of the Moon staff will be at the meeting to pick up the current gift of quilts. Please take home kits,
tops and quilts in all states for completion. Any size quilts are appreciated for donation as we have a varied group of recipients. She would like help pinning today so there will be more quilts to finish. She is also continuing to collect orphan blocks. She has added 4 C’s Childcare to our list and is giving them raffle quilt. They are still making wheel chair bags.
Lavella said Dolly gave her 2 doz. baby hats today and others are making tiny soxs as well. She read a lovely thank you from parents of twins.
To question of where children’s books might be donated it was suggested that schools will take them as well as CPI, a parenting program.
Block of the Month: Linda Ziemer and Barbara Cortelyu drew a name for the winner of the Chimney’s and Cornerstones blocks, Carol Lemonnier. The next block, Amish Star, for March. They are selling black fat
quarters for $1 for making these blocks.
Tri-Guild Luncheon: Rhonda Denny thanked all the volunteers. There are some people on the wait list so if you can’t go, please let her know.
Classes by speakers: Rhonda said there are small notices on the tables about future classes. Please sign up and come! They are an excellent bargain.
Opportunity Quilt: Tickets are selling but we are running out of time. Please pick yours up. She sits with the quilt every meeting to sell them.
Tri-Guild Luncheon: Linda Hooper said all is arranged. Helpers need to arrive at 9 am Sat. They still need salad dressing containers.
Sew A Row: Joanie Bellinghausen showed two tops that need another row. See her to take one on.
Library: Sharon Fry noted that the free shipping order is in. Please see her to collect your items. She did the lost and found and noted that the new roster of members has an additional list of members by first nan*
to assist in finding whoever you need. The on line version will be available, corrected, within the week.
Pointless Sisters: announced they are providing a workshop with Liz Berg for $130. Check with them for details.
Dianna Roberts announced she has been published along with Genie Beck and others in “The Secrets of Digital Quilting”, which is in the library. She had some patterns for use of “yoyos”.
Show and tell, the name tag drawing and 50/50 drawing followed and the meeting was adjourned at 11:50
am.
Respectfully Submitted by
Judith Clarke, for Pam Beebe, Secretary

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Regular Meeting
May 6, 2010

The meeting was called to order by President Jan Andrews at 11:30AM.
The new Opportunity Quilt was presented. Renaiscent is a combination of pieced and appliquéd blocks.
Treasurer’s Report– Income for the year has not been as expected, largely due to losing the income from Community Smart Card. Phyllis presented the idea of a fundraiser at Marie Callender’s
in Sept. We would receive 15% from meals (including drinks) purchased by participants between the hours of 7am and 10pm, plus being allowed to put flyers on tables and display the Opportunity Quilt in the lobby. Phyllis will research a date for this.

Committee Reports:
Programs & Workshops–Linda Thomas announced that the speaker for July will be Sandy Turner, Attic Windows. August’s speaker is Jill Schumacher, Quilt Design.
Opportunity Quilt– Glenda Ross will send an email notice and have a sign-up sheet at the next meeting for volunteers for the Moonlighters show. Also, tickets are ready for the new Opp. Quilt.
Bulb Sales– Justine Lott reported we raised $164 on bulb sales.
Friendship Blocks– Veline Ball showed many blocks that have been turned in.
Fair Liaison– Pam McVey told us the dates for the Sonoma County Fair will be July 27 through Aug. 8. Entries deadline is June 4 by mail, June 18 for online entries. The fee is $2.00 per entry for up to 5 items, $1.00 for each over 5. Entries must be dropped off July 8, pick-up is Aug. 10.
BOM–Joyce Wood won the drawing for the April blocks. Judith Clarke and Pam Beebe will do BOM next year.
Sunshine– Mirna asked that people let her know when members are in need of a card.
Moonlight Quilters Show– Joanie Bellinghausen says a professional DVD will be made of quilts exhibited at the Moonlighters show June 5&6. It will sell for $7.00 in advance, $10.00 at the door and there is a sign-up sheet.

Community Projects– Lavella Cassinelli asked for feedback on having the Quiltathon start before the meeting. She counted at least 75 members working on the quilts.
Announcements- 2010 Challenge is “It’s all about color.”Phyllis said quilts are due Sept. 16, they should be no bigger than 30 inches, monochromatic with a neutral background and one zinger color.
Judith Clarke told about the Welcome Home Quilters for Habitat for Humanity. They make a quilt for every child moving into one of their homes, also other quilts to be sold or raffled. They meet at Quilted Angel on the first Tues of the month; everyone is welcome to join.
Library– Sharon Fry introduced several new books and magazines.
Hospitality- Carolle LeMonnier asked for donations of paper plates.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:22p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Beebe
Recording Secretary

The Jane Sassaman Project
 
Friday, June 18th, Luther Burbank Art and Garden Center, 8:15 am: Jane flew in from the Midwest as if a she were a gently wafting curtain in a late spring breeze carrying the fragrance of sweet peas.  I called the class to order with my school bell – I do so love it when my charges echo my greeting – and promptly turned the students over to our superstar instructor.  She asked each of us to say our name and a few words about how long we’ve been quilting, and something surprising about ourselves.  This is when the fun began.
 
Several of our people were on state-ordered furloughs, some played hookie from work, and some were last minute, must-have additions lured in by Jane’s prior lecture, ‘Jane’s Textile Garden’.  Her surprising story had us laughing out loud.  I’ll just say that she had a mouth dropping “wardrobe malfunction” when filming with Alex Anderson that brought the shoot to a stop.  I’d love for you to know what happened but you’d have to attend the workshop to get the inside scoop.
 
This is the third fusing workshop we’ve had this year.  Being mostly ignorant I wondered how many different ways can a thing be fused?  The Answer?  At least three!  I am crazy about Julie Hirota’s ‘Mosaic Method’ and Laura Wasilowski’s ‘Tiny Homes’ had me closed in my little sweatshop for two days working on my ‘welcome’ flag but Jane’s ‘Suns and Moons’ workshop may be the key to my future blue ribbons.
 
Her fabrics are divine.  Linda T. and I split our purchases.  This way, we both ended up with beautiful pieces.  I’m not sure if my workshop sample will be of the celestial persuasion but I am ready to rock once I’ve decided on a theme.  Not everyone used Jane’s fabrics.  Tera A. brought in batiks that made a fine example and still others mixed and matched Jane’s with materials they brought.
 
I am always drawn to black and find these a personal fave with black backgrounds like Diana’s, Joanie’s, Nancy M, and Marilyn H’s.  But my favorite of all was Barbara C’s – not black, but dark and lovely.
 
We had some new faces; Lori, Marilyn H, and Andrea.  It is always good to have fresh perspective through new eyes.  Thank you so much, ladies, for giving SRQG a go.  Thank you, Joanie B, for dragging the ironing boards to and fro.  Thank you Linda Z for the ride in and thank you Linda T for being a super-trooper and a dear friend in facilitating this endeavor.  Thank you, Lynn, for your backwards helping hands in clean up and thank you Judy M and Phyllis for being lodging hostesses for our distinguished guest.  Finally, thank you Santa Rosa Quilt Guild for this excellent community service of teaching the world to sew.
 
Yours, Rollin Rho

Another Avenue for Community Quilts?!

This is so exciting; I’m just thrilled with myself since B-Up taught me Free Motion Quilting! As some of you may know I have a heart for Community Quilts I have noticed that the Wholecloth persuasion is not on the menu. Through Head Mistress Lavella I have access to amazing, in my humble opinion, fabrics. I have washed and made some of the material ready for use.

The SRQG has the Scottish Rite Center until 3p every guild meeting. I say lets squeeze puppies out of this nickel and sew our brains out. I will provide materials for the front back and batting on hand. You bring your machines; extension cords safety pins and a good attitude. We’ll learn together .

I do ask that you let me know if you want to participate, I won’t ask my man to lug my machine about unless there is interest.

Thank you
Rhonda Denny
542.8013
HYPERLINK “mailto:2thebacons@sbcglobal.net” 2thebacons@sbcglobal.net or HYPERLINK “mailto:Rhorholou@sbcglobal.net” Rhorholou@sbcglobal.net

Here’s another inside perspective from our Rolling Reporter, Rhonda Denny. Enjoy!

It is in my blood. My beloved Granny sewed for charity, her family, her dance group, and just for the pure pleasure. We – she and I – are driven by the same energy, compelled to sew non-stop like junkies – always a needle nearby begging to be picked-up. She had a heart for the babies and the elderly and would regularly drop her handmade quilts off at different establishments that served such. I found myself in my young adulthood saying prayers that I would be lead to individuals in need, especially the babies. There has never been a lack.

When Tina W. first invited me to the guild I was sewing for two preteens who were living in little more than a shed in Geyserville. Several months came and went. Occasionally she would ask me again to attend a guild meeting with her but there was always a good reason not to go. Eventually though, I agreed. I found that the universe was in cahoots with her. My sources were suddenly dry and strangers were asking me if I was a SRQG member. Finally, one time at Village Sewing Center I said out-loud, “Why do people keep asking me that?”

Enter my fist meeting, a Quilt-a-thon in February *2008(?). I wanted to ball like a baby. I was completely overwhelmed. There was the ‘Quilts Given To Date’ report and the numbers were astonishing! The guild serves so many in need like Wounded Warriors, Valley of the Moon Children’s Center, area hospitals, and the list went on. Machines were humming and the room was filled with love and fun. There was something for everyone to do from hand-sewing labels for a first-timer, like me, to quilting and everything in between. Needless to say, time stopped for me on this day and I can barely remember anymore what I even did before I joined.

Quilt-a-thon, April 29 2010, Luther Burbank Garden Center 8:30 am: The room is already warm with action. Lavella, Head Mistress, and her entourage have everything staged and are already sewing away. There are donuts and coffee and Betty Up to mentor and teach. To my right is Meadow. She keeps me in coffee, (and like a super trouper at the end of the day carries my machine to the car). To my left sits my sweet Virginia. I am sandwiched in awesome quilting goodness. This is the first time I free-motion quilt in public. Betty had taught me just a week ago a few tricks that made me feel confident. I’m still holding my breath but I make a pretty fine rose with ribbons now, if I do say so myself! As a side note, props to Tera A. B-up told me that she’s never seen anyone take to a meandering pattern so quickly and so beautifully!

I didn’t take notes this outing which bums me out because I like to make mention of all the souls that attended and contributed. I know that it was a full house and that the energy was friendly and encouraging and much was accomplished. It does take a village and the need is great. I want to always be there and never forget…

The last time I saw my granny she was in a convalescent home. She was a mere wisp of a woman, freezing, she said, as there weren’t enough blankets. I was horrified to find that a woman who had blanketed tens of hundreds over her lifetime could be cold…and how is it that a hospital doesn’t have enough blankets?!?

Community quilts makes the guild for me. The relationships, dedication, programs, workshops, minigroups, committees, library and luncheons are the bonus, the gravy, the icing on the cake that keeps me coming back for more! Thank you Tina and thank you Granny and thank you Lavella and thank you SRQG.

Rollin’ Rho

The following story and pictures were sent to us by Terese Thomas who is our contact person for donating quilts to the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton. Here is her most recent update:

Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tax season is over and I have partially regained my sanity. Sleep is a wonderful restorative! Several folks have queried some comments I made in prior posts and it is clear that although I **thought** my words made sense, that they were cryptic to some. This was very much not my intention – chalk it up to extreme fatigue! The new barracks are state of the art, big, beautiful and the space belonging to the Marine residents. I’ve heard from more than one parent of children injured from other military branches of service. Those occupants of military injured housing are forced to pony up into formation for every visiting “suit” and big wig, no matter how they feel or whether any benefit TO THE RESIDENT could be obtained from the show and tell. The Marines, on the other hand, march to a different drummer (didn’t we already know this?); the barracks, having gone through the opening visit, are now off limits to visitors unless there is a very real and vitally important reason. Those areas are to be the resting space, healing area, whatever you want to call them – it is the area for the resident Marines (and staff). Physical wounds have clearly defined healing periods. Psychological and neurological wounds have different modalities of healing and quiet, calm, regimented schedules are all vital elements to the slow cadence of healing steps from these type of wounds. This doesn’t mean the barracks aren’t tidy, squared away and maintained in the expected USMC fashion, but visiting hours are now closed…..

And if you ever wondered about the other service branches, just take a gander at this article from the LA Times….makes you cringe at the treatment of wounded elsewhere

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/health/25warrior.html?emc=eta1

After the opening of the barracks, I’ve been taking the stack of quilts from my spare bedroom. I felt like the Princess and the Pea. I took the first 20, and then this past week took the pillows with family traditions of the school children (thanks Heather) and the remaining 33 quilts – that meant I had 53 quilts on that groaning bed!!

There were also 3 huge feed sacks full of avocados from the Stehly Ranch – and I even remembered to bring some plastic bags from home so folks could taken enough to make nice big batches of guacamole at home….yum

I’ve also been asked more than once about how the quilts are distributed. In the past they had one Marine who was pretty well along in the healing phase to pick and choose the quilts to be put in various rooms. Problem is, you see, that the overwhelming choices of which quilt to take could be more harmful than the healing beauty of the quilt. It is pretty well documented that one of the most common areas for panic attacks is in the cereal aisle of grocery stores – too many choices!! When a small batch of quilts arrive and are photographed, the Marines can select one that catches their eye. The choice from a large selection is daunting, and one Marine is usually assigned that task. Since that Marine is now at another base (serving in a limited duty capacity) someone else will be given the job and I’m not sure whom it will be. SSGts won’t forget to distribute them – never fear!!

I also have to confess about being very remiss in my duties. Last summer I put together a database of which quilts in what numbers had been delivered by me for all you wonderful folks out there. I let the updating of that information fall behind so I’m not certain of the actual number of quilts delivered. Sometime next month I PROMISE to finish that listing and will let you all in on the total number when I take, photograph and send the newsletter of the quilts that have arrived in the past month. New quilts to share!! In the mean time, I was sent a huge batch of photos of the quilts from Bridgeport as they were displayed at a quilt show prior to the CHP escorted delivery. These will be shared a little at a time so as to not overwhelm the ISPs with an email too big. My first effort got stuck in my outbox and is still squatting there, moaning – too fat to squeeze through my own delivery sphincter Seems that three per email is all that can be handled.

Enjoy the spring weather, families, friends, fabric and fiber arts and stay healthy and happy. Blessings and thanks need to be heaped on all of you who help these WII (I remembered the new acronym: wounded, ill, injured) Marines in whatever manner, large and small you can muster.

Therese Thomas

Santa Rosa Quilt Guild
Regular Meeting
April 1, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Jan Andrews at 10:00AM
Our new affiliate Broadway Quilts on Broadway in Sonoma was announced by Jerri, the
owner. Her store will open in mid-April. Kathy Martin will do long-arm quilting.
Old Business: Mirna Estes made a motion that merit award recipients be given a choice between1 year free membership dues or the traditional gold charm. Dotty Zagar seconded. Motion carried.
Dorothy Murray made a motion that $500. Be spent on a new storage cabinet. Dotty Z. seconded. Motion carried.
A get-well card for Jim Wylie of Parkside Sewing was passed around for members to
sign. He is having eye surgery.
Melissa Trunick read a letter of thanks from the Homeless Shelter.
Announcements-
Jan A. announced that the American Breast Cancer Assoc. is requesting quilt blocks. If anyone is interested, see Jan.
Dotty Zagar recommended the Rare Rock Mosaic Museum on Coffey Lane. Free
admission.
This year’s quilt challenge is “It’s All About Color”. The quilt should be
monochromatic, but can have one color as a “zinger” and a neutral background. Entries will be due Sept. 16.
Treasurers Report: Phyllis Gallaway reported a positive balance for March.
The guild will reimburse for mileage at the IRS rate of $.14/mile or actual expense.
Printing/copying at $.03 for black/white,$.05 for color.
The Guild has received an unspecified anonymous donation of $200.
Committee Reports:
Programs & Workshops– Rhonda Denny announced there will be a UFO workshop
April 16 at LBA&GC. She also showed her wonderful quilt “Running Wo-man”.
Linda Thomas said the speaker for May will be Laura Wasilawsky. The speaker for June will be Jane Sassman. MQSC liaison mentioned Laura will also teachon Sat.
Opportunity Quilt– Glenda reminded everyone to buy and turn in raffle tickets. Last
chance.
Newsletter– Pat requested that members pick up copies of the newsletter so they don’t have to be mailed (better yet, read the newsletter on-line.)
TSW– Tera reminded us the Mystery Quilt would be held after today’s meeting.
Judi Mathieson will teach English paper piecing in June. The only supplies needed are
needle, thread and scissors.
June 1, Rhonda will teach how to make her Knot Dollies.
Tera inquired if there was any interest in an EG TSW. Phyllis mentioned she is putting
together a workshop on EQ.
Friendship Blocks– Sharon Mills showed blocks that had been turned in for Leslie Ary,
Joyce Woods and Sharon .
BOM- Joanie Bellinghausen won the drawing for the March blocks. The block for April
is Ohio Star.
Moonlight Quilters Show– Joanie B. reminded members to turn in their entries for the
show. Sue Gray and Carol Jarvis asked for volunteers for the show and for the boutique.
Library– Sharon Fry introduced several new books and magazines.
The treasurer announced we made $1,144. profit from the Tri-Guild Luncheon.
Meg Dawson from VOMCH gave a brief talk about how much our quilts mean to the
children. There were 100 quilts presented to her at the meeting.
Betty Upchurch’s friend Myrl from the Phillipines talked about her quilting business and showed her amazing quilts.
After Show and Tell and raffle drawings, the meeting was adjourned at 12:03PM
Respectfully submitted,
Pam Beebe
Recording Secretary

The guild workshop scheduled for 4/16 had to be cancelled so our innovative Program Chairs hosted a Free Sew Day in its place. The following report was filed with the news room by Rhonda Denny.

As Regards Free Sew Day, April 16th 2010:

It was a beautiful, informative, fun, and productive day. There are so many who took part. Linda T. arrived early. Every table was set and 20 chairs waited. Joni P. brought coffee for all – this gal is a real dynamo in case you don’t know!

Phyllis was first on deck with her ‘Skinny Stem Finished Bias Strips’. The demo was smart and made sense. She gave us a full 30 minutes with this method. I was feeling like I was an expert – until she left the room…

The Lady H, with prepared instructions and Asian fabrics (gifted by our Presidenta Jan) for all to share, explained how to fold fabric into lovely Kimono origami. Her demonstration was easy-breezy beautiful. Now that I am home on my own I am bewildered. However, I do have an excellent instruction sheet and will tackle this even if it hair-lips every duck on the farm…

B-up followed with teachings on ‘Mitered Corner Quilt Bindings’ with previously prepared kits of potholders. I am holding my breath but I am doing it and my ‘Running Wo-man’ looks sew much better now with her new sharp-cornered, mitered bindings. The potholders are not boutique quality but have served to enlighten me.

Tera A. put together an informative, fun, and cute picture board of her ‘Quick Log Cabin’. She had the full attention of the class. The product of her slim-lined method is a sweet toasty quilt for little bodies that need warmth and love. I know Jan A. finished 12 blocks while on-site and Linda Z. followed hard upon.

While Tera gave her lessons, Linda H. and Elaine T. indulged me in a quick tutorial with my much-loved (imho) jumper. Linda, poor dear, was suffering through with a smile as her back was giving her fits. I am looking forward to seeing Skylar’s jumper. The fabric selection was toooo sweet; pink 30’s repo paired with a sage green fairy print. Elaine said she could make it on her own so I’m trusting I’ll see jumpers at the next meeting for one or more of her g’babies.

When we broke for lunch, B ran to a dental appointment. Nourishment was good. We worked hard and the fresh air was the perfect compliment to the break. Lavella dropped off quilts for quilting…

Our ‘Free Motion Machine Quilting’ maven, Betty, was off and running. I’d thought for the past seven years that my machine was broken because the presser foot lever kept getting caught in the raising and depressing. The tool Betty said I needed (that I thought was a dental instrument) is really for free motion quilting and not just for scaring me. Again, she provided kits and the machines were roaring. I really like my quilting efforts. I made hearts that look like strawberries, a kitty cat, ferns and feathers, squiggles, loop-de-loops, crescent moons with stars, and even my name!

To Dotty, Joan, Joy, Gail, Chris, Barbara, Patricia, Nancy, Meadow, our generous instructors, and my partner in Programs and Workshops, Linda T., – I hope I didn’t leave anyone out – a gigantic and heart-felt thank-you! I feel like I’m blossoming in a beautiful bouquet.

Your rolling reporter, Rhonda D

The following story and pictures were sent to us by Terese Thomas who is our contact person for donating quilts to the Wounded Warrior Battalion at Camp Pendleton. This is her account of the first delivery of quilts for their new barracks:

April 1, 2010
Quilts!! We had incoming quilts!! You know that the WWB bed capacity just changed from 26 plus ancillary barracks and housing to the brand spanking new 200+ bed facility. Phew what a change in ALL aspects of operation, and more changes are to come as the whole facility gears up for continuing and escalating support operations. Our little piece of the action is the civilian support manifested by these beautiful and warm quilts. They may seem small and quite possibly insignificant to someone not familiar with these WII (wounded, ill and injured) Marines. You never know when a low period is reached and the physical support of a tangible piece of quilt made by “some civilian” will be soothing, warming, comforting and potentially very uplifting.

So….knowing the everything had to be moved from the old to new facility, all the quilts donated in the past six months were stored in my spare bedroom to keep the staff from having to place them on an inventory list then take them out when the new barracks started. I’ll now be taking them to the new place ten at a time. Here are the first:

Then the **real** magic happened. First the arrival of 67 quilts driven down from the Bridgeport group known as SOS: Supporting Our Soldiers. They have been planning, assembling and quilting for an entire year for this support. Janelle M from Bridgeport somehow waved a magic wand and got two local CHP officers to drive them down in convoy from Bridgeport to Camp Pendleton. They stopped at the Oceanside CHP office to regroup, then showed up at the WWB with back seats literally crammed full of quilts. In addition, Heather C from the Valley Quilt Guild heard of the convoy and managed to arrange for 12 of her guild’s quilts to be added to the genormous pile!! Can you imagine 79 quilts in one place?!?!

There’s Janelle helping SSGt Kerr and Cpl Hutchings doing more unloading.

A plethora/abundance/wealth of quilts

Even Jonah joined in the festivities

The sad thing is that due to the lack of access to the barracks for all future days, these quilts that were already inside will not be individually photographed. It was a huge stretch of rules to allow these folks inside the barracks – past the front desk – and to take the time to photograph them all would have not been allowed nor possible. Apologies to all the wonderful quilters for not acknowleding all their creative efforts. I do know that Cooky A made 7 of the Valley Qullt Guild offerings – SEVEN!! One of them from Heather was a huge effort with extremely detailed quilting with the hunting theme. I talked with several of the staff and it was a unanimous decision to give that quilt to one Marine who was severely burned. He has a great heart and when in civilian clothing is always in hunter khaki. Without being able to describe the quilts each on their own, I will say they were vibrant, manly, patriotic, hunter and lots of other themes very appropriate for the Marines!!

Therese Thomas