The January meeting was held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Jan presented the 2010 guild calendar. It is available on the sidebar.
Jan explained our Basket round robin. A basket filled with various new or gently used items will be awarded every month. The winner of the basket brings it back the following month to be awarded again. It has yet to be determined whether the basket will be awarded through chances sold or as a monthly door prize.
Jane Root, an expert on quilt restoration, was our guest speaker. Jo Ann brought along a quilt made in the 1960s that is showing some discoloration and wear in order to get Jane's opinion on how to restore it.
TIPS FOR RESTORATION
The Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns compiled by Barbara Brackman is a good reference material.
Gutermann cotton thread is the only thread that does not fluoresce under a black light. This is important for quilts that are historically significant. Antique dealers and historians use black light to determine authenticity and value.
To wash or not to wash, that is the question. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you intend to use the quilt? Wash it
- Does it have historical significance? If yes, don't wash it.
- Has it been washed before? If yes, it's okay to wash.
- Will washing further deteriorate the quilt? Don't wash
- Is it an African American Gee's Bend quilt? Don't wash
STORING QUILTS
The best place to store a quilt is on the bed. Acid-free boxes are good for 10-15 years. Acid-free paper is good for 3 years. Use a muslin bag or pillowcase to store your quilt. Make a matching pillowcase to store the quilt, which then provides you with extra fabric in case of deterioration. Provide a record of the quilt.
SHOW AND TELL
Cheryl with stained glass.
Rose with cross-stitched butterflies.
Sharon with baby quilt.
Sharon with vintage appliqued quilt.
Close up of applique center.
Joyce with pillowcase.
Kathy with Match Game quilt.
Brenda with "body bag"...Okay, it's really a garment bag.
Brenda with tote bag and matching garment bag.
Jill with RV place mat.
CHARLEY HARPER QUILT SHOW
Our guild has been asked to create Charley Harper quilts again this year for the Hamilton County Park District. Please review this book and sign up. Check with Marie, our guild secretary, to ensure that two people have not signed up to do the same quilt. Quilts must be turned in by the August meeting at the latest.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT
For only $2 members can participate in making A River Runs Through It quilt. Leslie found this beautiful batik to use in each quilt.
Each quilt should be:
- 22"h x 18" w with the front raw edge folded to the back and hand stitched.
- Have a "river" running through it of the blue fabric as pictured above.
- River will go from left to right, either 6" to 3", or 3" to 6". To be determined when you sign up.
- It should be a Cincinnati area scene.
- Must be submitted by the August guild meeting.
ONE MILLION PILLOWCASE CHALLENGE
Best Friends Quilt Shoppe is participating in the 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge sponsored by American Patchwork & Quilting Magazine. On Superbowl Sunday, February 7, the store will hold a team event to create pillowcases. Sign ups for teams are at the store.
You may also drop off pillowcases you make at home. Our pillowcases will go to local fire and police departments to support Children's Services. They will be distributed to children who have been displaced from their homes for any reason. St. Aloysius Orphanage will also be a recipient.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, February 16. Jan will give a Powerpoint presentation on needles.
NOTE TO READERS: Only first names of guild members will be used on the blog.
