NOVEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER

Hello, ladies!  I have heard from oh-so-many people about how wonderful our show was this year,...again!  Nice job.  There are so many talented people in this group, we all learn from each other, are influenced by each other, and above all, care about each other.  I'm proud to be a member of such a wonderful group of people, altho my work was missing from this years show.  Next year I should have something.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.
In the meantime, having missed the meeting, two ladies were kind enough to send me notes.  Thank you Linda and Yvette!  So here we go:

Our latest quilt show:

was a complete success.  We received very positive comments such as high end, elegant and diverse.  We drew a lot of visitors, even on Thursday evenings until about 7 p.m.  They liked the open feel with cubes rather than portable walls.  And 102 people signed the guest book, but we know there were many more.  As with all shows, we have learned lessons to take forward into the next event.  

1: Having all guests sign the guest book when they enter was one suggestion.  

2: When delivering your quilts, you should rank them in the order of preference so that if there are too many quilts, we can be sure which we can eliminate so that each person is represented.  (example:  I have 1 quilt to show, you have 10.  One of yours is bounced if there isn't room)  

3:  Description cards should be used (4.25" x 5.5") to describe the techniques/materials used, or the concept behind the piece.  This is an excellent idea.  Who ever happens to be on hand may not be familiar enough with your work to understand what all went behind the product.  The fonts and general format are to be determined.

4: The cases in front of the windows should be left there for better lighting.  Apparently the black coverings did not help to make the items visible.  

5:  We may look into having some type of collapsible shelving for the next show since we are all producing more "shelf" type items.

October 15 - 25, 2014:

These are the dates for next year's show at the Naperville Art League.

Challenge:

The latest and greatest challenge has been chosen!  Try a technique that is new to you, any size you'd like.  As to the technique, it is allowed if you have played with the technique, but haven't used it in a completed piece. Due date is March 2014.

You are more than welcome to hit Cheryl's blog where she reported on 52 techniques.  http://muppin.com/wordpress/index.php/blog/

Programs:

Any ideas?  Anyone?  Please bring your massive list to the next meeting!  It would also help if you have done some research on the program or speaker in advance.  Thanks.

Shows in the area:

1:  SAQA has a show in progress at the Fine Line in St. Charles.  Check out their website listed below, hit "Calendar", and you're rolling!  http://finelineca.org/

2:  There is a Fine Art of Fiber at the Chicago Botanical Garden, which begins on November 7 (Thursday).  Parking is free for MORTON ARBORETUM MEMBERS!!!  How's that for a bonus!? 

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/fiber

3:  There is also a show at the Morton Arboretum.  It opens with a reception on November 8th, and runs the weekend.  Sharon Malec is the featured artist!  (You go, girl!)  I checked out their website and couldn't seem to find anything on the show.  Can you help us out there, Sharon?

Member Notes:

1. Joan went on a mission trip to a poor area of Kentucky.  Quilters there could use quilting supplies such as crochet thread, sewing machine needles, some fabric, etc.  Joan, please let us know how we can contribute, and who to pass it all to.

2. Catherine taught classes at the AQS DesMoines show, and will be teaching in Houston.  Also, the Alzheimer's wallhanging she donated was recently auctioned.

3. Cheryl Sleboda will be included in the next season of Quilting Arts TV beginning this Thursday and running for 4 weeks (I'm late so "this Thursday" was probably last week.  Sorry.)  WYCC Channel 20 and 1 p.m. Thursdays.  Her car keys quilt is in the Quilting Arts magazine Nov/Dec issue, and will be in the Houston show.  She will also be teaching in Houston.

4.  Sharon Malec briefly demoed the horizontal Blackfoot spinning  spindle and a blending board for wool.

5. Yvette showed several hand-dyed silk scarves.  The fabric was  from Dharma, and the dyes from Procion.  Alice warned us that some colored beads fade.  She suggested washing some to test them.

November 25, 2013:

is the date of our next meeting.  Seven p.m. as usual.  There will be no meeting in December!!!  Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and the holiday of your choice after that!

xo,

Laurie