December & Quilts Given

At our November meeting our members presented a great program on tips and tools every quilter needs. We heard reports on the newest products available plus handy gadgets and every-day items that can make our work go easier. Sorry, no pictures!

Wanda Wallace, Clara Oakes, Sharon Harris, part of our CQ team

We encourage each member to make at least one children's quilt each year, and we were proud to have 74 quilts to give this month. Added to our 83 we had given in July, this brings our children's quilts to 157 for 2010 PLUS 21 isolet covers for the NICU at Forrest General PLUS 9 full-sized quilts to soldiers or their families.

A stack of quilts ready to be given to children

Riley Rouse and Kim Newell accepting quilts for Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention

We were privileged to have several military families and children's service agencies with us at our December meeting. We always make and donate stockings to Domestic Abuse Family Services along with a table full of gifts for children and mothers. We donated quilts to Wesley Medical Center, Forrest General, South Mississippi Regional Medical Center (Laurel), Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention, South Mississippi Children's Services, Lamar County DHS, and DAFS.

Marilyn Howell holding an armful of stockings; gifts to stuff them fill the table behind her

Sha Polk, Sonya Duncan, and Annie Jackson receiving quilts for South Mississippi Children's Center

Sharon Nobles and her son Robert, who is leaving for basic training

John and Sarah Odom accepting the quilt for their daughter, CPT Rachel Odom, who is serving in Alaska

Debbie Davis' son serves in the Air Force and his wife serves in the Army, as shown by their quilt label

More about the soldiers' quilts: earlier in the year our member Betty Bingham asked for donations of patriotic blocks using a pattern she provided. She also asked for names of military personnel to receive quilts. These patriotic squares were used to decorate our tables in July, then taken home by members to assemble, quilt, and bind. Some quilts were completed by one person, some were by group cooperation. Betty and her husband made pieced heart labels for each of the quilts, personalized for the intended recipient. One quilt was for a fallen soldier's family; eight were for serving military personnel. Two soldiers were there to receive their quilts; two sets of parents and grandparents received theirs. Many had touching stories to tell, and our members applauded and stood to express our deep respect and thankfulness for the sacrifices of these brave men and women.

Viewers' Choice and Raffle Quilt Winners

The viewers' choice quilt was The Battleground Quilt by Kathy Honeycutt of Columbus, Mississippi (pictured above). Kathy's quilt was made from Pam Holland's book The 1776 Quilt: Heartache, Heritage, and Happiness. The original quilt on which this is based was seen in an East German museum by Pam and later developed into patterns. Pam tells a fascinating story in her book, and Kathy's execution of the quilt is excellent, recognized by her blue ribbon in the Mixed -Large category.

Her award for Viewers' Choice is a Janome 2010 sewing machine sponsored by Kelley's Pins & Needles of Hattiesburg.

The lucky winner of the Sweet Magnolia Cabins raffle quilt was Sue Rutka. Congratulations!

More Scenes from the Show

Our president, Shirley Wiltshire, visits with the Three Mennonite Sisters--Barbara Cline, Polly Yoder, and Julia Graber. The three inspired us with their Power Point presentation of their close -knit famiy, their love of quilting, and how they are passing on this tradition through generations of their family. They have begun a joint blog you might enjoy checking out. Barbara is staying in Mississippi a few days to teach at Julia's home. She had copies of her book, Star Struck Quilts, available for purchase. She also announced that C&T is publishing a second book for her soon.

The vendors had mountains of fabric, tempting longarm machines, and every new gadget you could desire!

Sally Henderson shows a group how she quilts with her embroidery machine. Sally brings new quilts to Show and Tell every month, and she happily shared her methods with the eager audience.

The Silent Auction area is a popular place, with 30 items up for bids. There are wall hangings, baby quilts, stuffed animals, doll quilts, table runners, and dolls. The boutique is filled with handmade items and quilt magazines at give-away prices.

Judging Results--Special Awards and Category Awards

See our website (Fiber Art & Quilt Show page) for the Awards list.

We're Ready! Show Opens Tomorrow at 10:00 A.M.

The vendors have arrived and are setting up--wow--what treats are in store!

The Hoffman Challenge has been hung. This is an exhibit of 40 quilts which travel to venues like ours.

Just a few more pieces to hang . . .

Pine Belt Quilters celebrated 25 years in October of 2009. We're still celebrating and looking forward to many more productive and educational years. This display features some of our quilt show booklets, picture albums, and other memorabilia. The two quilts pictured are from our Anniversary Challenge. Martha Ginn's (left) features photos from our past, and Jo-Ann Evans' (right) highlights milestones and presidents' tenures from 1984 to the present.

The Convention Center is bedecked with chrysanthemums AND quilts. Come with rested feet for viewing and shopping.

Kathy Kansier has already appraised two quilts hanging in the show and other quilters will be bringing in their quilts for appraisals during the show. If you haven't made an appointment, it's not too late.

We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Judging Continues; Hanging Continues

Judge Kathy Ward examines a small art quilt. The large quilts have been judged and are being hung.

It's looking very good!

We are proud to have 21 entries in the Youth Category. The ages of the quilters range from 6 to 14, but all are enthusiastic. A 10-year-old asked her grandmother, "When is the judge going to judge my quilt? When do I have to be there?" Grandmother replied, "She will judge all the quilts today and tomorrow, but you won't be there." The child replied, "Oh, boy, what a relief! I thought I had to explain it to her and answer questions."

Some of the Youth quilts are pictured above and below.

The Judging Begins, Also Hanging the Show

Judge Katharine Ward previewing a category of quilts as they are being turned one at a time. She then examines each quilt and dictates her comments to a scribe for recording on the judging sheet for the quilt maker.

Meanwhile, in the Grand Hall Ike Austin of the Lake Terrace Convention Center staff does the climbing on the ladders as the PBQ members hand him the quilts in order.

Voila! A row completely hung!

Check-In Day

Check-In Day has finally arrived! Want to know what 400 quilts look like in white bags lined up in number order by category? The largest category--Pieced Team-Large--is pictured on the left. As the quilts came in, they were put in their proper place under their category sign. When a category was complete, the bags were taken into the judging room where the quilts were unfolded, had their number tagged to the lower corner and placed on a table.

Meanwhile, the Convention Center staff were assembling the pipe and drape system in the large hall and the PBQ hanging crew were assigning the location for each quilt.

When the judging process began, the judge had helpers fan out the stack so she could get an overview of the entire category. She then went back and judged each quilt with a scribe writing her evaluation and comments. As a category was judged, the quilts were taken to the large hall to be hung on the pipe and drape rods.

Judging will continue all day Tuesday and Wednesday, at which time the room has to be cleared so the vendors can set up their booths. Stay tuned for more progress!

Quilts on display at the Visitors Center

Quilts by (top row): Maryann Hyatt, Carolyn Watts, Nancy Knight,
Maryann Hyatt, and Carolyn Watts; (second row): Nancy Knight, Maryann Hyatt, Vivian Plummer; (third row): Doris Dunn

Our PBQ member Nancy Knight hung a quilt display in the north end of the Hattiesburg Visitors Center (in front of Lake Terrace Convention Center). Kristie Fairley, Deputy Director of VISITHATTIESBURG, said the display is beautiful and issued this invitation:

"We would like to invite all the members of Pine Belt Quilters to come by the Visitors Center and view the display. If a member comes by the Visitors Center between now and Thursday, October 7th (the day before the show), we will give them a prize--a tote bag! Just a small way for us to say "Thanks" to the PBQ for what they contribute to our community."

We say "Thanks" to VISITHATTIESBURG for supporting our show with such great advertisement. Kristie has bags in three colors--green, orange, yellow, with the name of our show printed. These will be great to take to the library, grocery store, or to carry a project.

Also, be listening to KZ 94.3 on weekday mornings for the Hattie jingle featuring the promotion of the upcoming Quilt Show.

Another Hattiesburg American Article

Our local newspaper published another article last week, listing the entire Schedule of Events for the three days of the quilt show. http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20109160314. The online version omits the picture, but the schedule will help show visitors plan when they want to be at the show. There will be information on vintage linens (by Carol Vickers of Decatur), using beads on your quilts (Ann Bankston of Ridgeland), quilting on your embroidery machine (Sally Henderson), and other features.
We encourage quilt owners to take advantage of the opportunity to have a certified appraiser give them information and a value estimate of their quilts. These can be family heirloom quilts or even newly made quilts hanging in the show.

Thanks to Our Show Sponsors

Thanks to all the individuals, businesses, and organizations who agreed to be sponsors for our show and to advertise in our show catalog. This support makes possible a much greater show than we could do alone!

SPONSORS
Bernina Sewing, Etc., Ridgeland
Magnolia Sewing Center
Kelley's Pins & Needles
David & Wanda Wallace
Wesley Medical Center
Dr. Carrol Wicker
Forrest General Hospital
Pine Grove
Dr. and Mrs. John & Della Faust
Oak Grove Family Dentistry
Mary Nell Magee
Samuel E. Farris
S. Christopher Farris
Jonathan M. Farris
Timothy M. Farris
Katie Rose McClendon
Martelli Enterprises
Superior Threads
Robert St. John
A Gallery
VISITHATTIESBURG
Lake Terrace Convention Center

When you visit the show, be sure to see the ads at the back of the show catalog.

Hattiesburg American article about our show

Forrest County quilters preparing for the upcoming Fiber Art & Quilt Show include Debbie Demarks, Bonnie Bolt, Sharon Barnes, Martha Ginn, and Pat Routon. The show is set for Oct. 8-10 at Lake Terrace Convention Center

Our local newspaper, the Hattiesburg American, has a newsy article and picture about our show here:
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20109030320

Billboard Advertising Quilt Show

How great it was to see this colorful billboard last week put up by VISITHATTIE on Highway 42 Bypass on the way to Petal. It is quite eye-catching. We have been having people ask, "Is this the year for your show?" (This happens every year, but we are glad they can begin to see publicity for it.) Four-color full-page ads will appear in Mississippi Magazine, Delta Magazine, Portico Magazine, and Country Roads Magazine. In addition, there will be radio ads, radio jingle spots, rack cards placed in the 12 Mississippi Welcome Centers, shops and restaurants.

The quilt show weekend will compete with USM's homecoming game, but we hope quilt lovers will make time to see this great show.

Schedule for Quilt Show Special Events Announced

We have an exciting line-up of lectures, demonstrations, and trunk shows at our 13th Biennial Fiber Art and Quilt Show. Consult this schedule to help plan your time at the show.

QUILT APPRAISALS by Kathy Kansier, AQS certified appraiser, conducted by appointment Wednesday through Sunday. More information and sign up: Martha Ginn 601-264-6884 or marthaginn@bellsouth.net.

SHOW HOURS: 10:00-6:00 Friday & Saturday; 10:00-5:00 Sunday

ADMISSION: $5.00; $3.00 under 12

All events free except as noted:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
11:00 a.m.--Enhancing Your Quilts with Beads, Ann Bankston, Village Bead Shop, Ridgeland (repeats at 3:30 p.m.)
12:00 noon--Trunk Show by Kathy Ward, show judge, Riviera Beach, FL ($5.00)
1:45 p.m.--Quilting with Your Embroidery Machine, Sally Henderson, Hattiesburg
2:45 p.m.--Care of Vintage Linens, Carol Vickers, Decatur
3:30 p.m.--Enhancing Your Quilts with Beads, Ann Bankston, Village Bead Shop, Ridgeland (repeat)
6:00-8:00 p.m.--Quiltings of Three Mennonite Sisters: Julia Graber (Brooksville, MS), Barbara Cline (Bridgewater, VA), and Polly Yoder (Greenwood, DE) ($5.00) (repeats Sat. 2:00 p.m.)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
11:00 a.m.--Using Hand Dyed Fabrics in Your Quilts, Studio M, Mary Ingalls, Denham Springs, LA (repeats at 1:00 p.m.)
12:00 a.m.--Color and Design for Quiltmakers, Kathy Kansier, appraiser, Ozark, MO ($5.00)
1:00 p.m.--Using Hand Dyed Fabrics in Your Quilts, Studio M, Mary Ingalls, Denham Springs, LA (repeat)
2:00-4:00 p.m.--Quiltings of Three Mennonite Sisters, Julia Graber, Barbara Cline, and Polly Yoder ($5.00) (repeat)
6:00-7:00 p.m.--Lagniappe, Martha Ginn, Fiber Artist, Hattiesburg

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10
11:00 a.m.--Adding Machine Embroidery Blocks in Your Quilts, Betty Moore, Petal
12:00 noon--Back Basting Applique, Rhoda Libiez, Hattiesburg
1:00 p.m.--Smocking and Heirloom Sewing Trunk Show, Linda Lowe, Hattiesburg
2:00 p.m.--Bindings, The Finishing Touch, Jo Ann Lischynski, Green Springs, OH
3:00 p.m.--Hand Applique, Betty Allen, Columbia
4:00 p.m.--Drawing for Sweet Magnolia Cabins
4:00 p.m.--Close of Silent Auction
5:00 p.m.--Show Closes
6:00 p.m.--Begin return of quilts to makers

Quilts for Homes of Hope for Children

Martha Ginn (PBQ) and Sarah Dixon (Communication Director for HOHFC)

The Boys' Cottage is finished and the first two little fellows have moved in. They are brothers, ages six and eleven, and we were pleased to give them their very own quilts. We also donated a quilt for the 4th Annual Silent & Live Auction held August 7 at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center.

Work is continuing on the Girls' Cottage. Winning $250,000 from the Pepsi Challenge, helped tremendously, and HOHFC is eligible to try for another award.

You can vote once a day per email address on the Pepsi Refresh Everything website. Visit http://www.win250k.org to find information about voting.

August meeting--Molas

Our August program was provided by Therese Springer from Diamondhead and Sharon Pease from Saucier, who are avid Mola collectors. They showed us pieces they had purchased on two trips to visit the Kuna Indians on San Blas Island off the coast of Panama. They explained that the word "mola" actually refers to a blouse which contains an applique/embroidered panel on the front and the back but that we commonly refer to the stitched panels as "molas." They described how the makers would strive to make the chanels as small and uniform as they could, with the entire surface evenly covered, and this was the mark of a good piece rather than a "tourist" piece. The children are taught to sew beginning about age three. There is little electricity on the island, and only for the hotels and other tourist spots, furnished by generators. Although the molas are hand-stitched, some joining seams are by machine on hand-crank Singer sewing machines, and the children turn the wheel for the mother.

Pictured: Sharon Pease and Therese Springer

The women joined in having (temporary) "nose tattoos" applied while they were in Panama. The Indians ascribe to the custom that the larger the nose, the more attractive the woman, and these marks would call attention to the nose.

Pictured: Judy Byrd, Otha Mae Edwards, Barb Peters, Shirley Wiltshire, Pat Routon, and Kathy Houseal, displaying their pieces made during Bonnie Bolt's Christmas workshop.

Quilt Show News--Save the Date--Oct. 8-9-10, 2010

Our deadline for entering quilts in the October 8-9-10 show was July 21, and we have received almost 400 entries. Plans are being made for many of the exciting features of this 13th show, held again at Lake Terrace Convention Center, intersection of Highway 49 and I-59 in Hattiesburg, MS. Be sure to SAVE THE DATE on your calendar, and if you want to stay overnight in Hattiesburg, please make motel reservations soon. This is a USM homecoming game weekend and we also have troops returning from Iraq. For motel information, see www.visithattie.com, the "Stay" tab.
In addition to the judged show, here are some of the special events you can look forward to during the show:

Quilt Appraisals by AQS certified appraiser, Kathy Kansier available Wednesday through Sunday, appointment needed. Contact Martha Ginn, 601-264-6884, or email marthaginn@bellsouth.net to schedule. Cost $45 per quilt; written appraisal and photo.

Trunk shows and and lectures:
Julia Graber and her Sisters
Katharine Ward, show judge
Kathy Kansier, "Color and Design for Quilt Makers"
Carol Vickers on care of old linens
Studio M on dyed fabraics and supplies
Village Beads on embellishing
Others: back-basting applique, binding, hand applique, color theory

Hoffman Challenge Traveling Exhibit

Of course, "Sweet Magnolia Cabins" raffle quilt, door prizes, 20 vendors with lots of merchandise to tempt us. We hope to see you!

Parade of Children's Quilts; Christmas in July

We encourage all our members to make at least one children's quilt during the year, and these are paraded around the room for a viewers' choice vote at the July meeting. Thirty new quilts were brought in.
Many of these quiltmakers also participate in the monthly meetings to work on quilts all year long, and we could not comfort as many children without this help. We were given ballots to vote for our choice. There were so many charming quilts that it was difficult to choose, but Sally Henderson's teddy bear quilt was the winner. Two prizes were awarded--hand-dyed fabric furnished by Kelley's Pins & Needles (dyed by Mary Nell Magee). The names of each quilter who brought in quilts were put in a hat and Elaine Magee's name was drawn to receive the second prize.

Sally Henderson's teddy bear quilt, also Vivian Plummer holding Paula Jones' cowboy quilt

Kelley McKenzie of Kelley's Pins & Needles was our vendor, and we were treated to shopping time before and after our potluck lunch. We gave lots of door prizes, many patterns furnished by Lucy A. Fazely. We had a hundred members and guests at this meeting, so the food was a real feast.

We gave away 80 completed quilts at this meeting. Pictured above receiving quilts are Cherie Wright from Wesley Medical Center, who will deliver the quilts to Angie Stringer, director of Women's Services. Natisha Polk from South Mississippi Children's Services and Lisa Mann from Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention each received 20 quilts for children their agencies serve.

Forrest General's representative, Tangela Boutwell (not pictured) picked up her 20 quilts later. She also received 11 more isolette covers for the Forrest General new NICU. We had previously given Tangela 10 isolette covers, and this completes our 20 covers we promised, plus an extra! These covers had to be made in so many odd-shaped pieces that we lost count and overshot our goal. We are proud to have this interaction with FGH and be able to share our talents in ways that minister to children.

Bonnie Bolt showed us several of her Christmas decorative projects that she will be teaching at the Christmas in July workshop. She will have three patterns from which to choose. What a good way to get an early start on Christmas gifts!

Gulf States Quilting Association Show

Several Pine Belt Quilters participated in the Gulf States Quilting Association show "Treasures of the Gulf States" at the Northshore Harbor Convention Center in Slidell, La., June 18-20. The show exhibited more than 300 quilts and offered shopping with 14 vendors. Marcus Weekley, Violet Newby, Betty Bingham, Martha Ginn, Leslie Kiger, and JoAnn Kenney had quilts in the show. Ribbon winners were:
"Covington Medallion" by Leslie Kiger, quilted by JoAn Knight, Best Machine Quilting
"Asian Elegance," by JoAnn Kenney, quilted by Diann Loper, 3rd place in Large/2-Person/Pieced/Longarm
"Fairies in My Garden," by Betty Bingham, quilted by Diann Loper, 2nd place in Small/2-Person/Applique/Longarm
"Pacific Coast," by Martha Ginn, 3rd place in Pictorial

Nickel Quilts and Kids' Quilt Camp in June

Seven young girls, ages 7-12, participated in a Kids' Quilt Camp at Kelley's Pins & Needles, taught by Mary Nell Magee. Each girl was required to have a parent/grandparent with her, so there was always an adult to help in case the teacher was involved with someone else. The girls selected their own fabric and sewed the strips and joined the squares. Pictured above with their quilts are Destiny Golden, Kali Lodrigues, Harley Blanchard, Kayla Anastasio, and Hanisee's grandmother holding Hanisee's quilt. The girls are all eager to enter their quilts in the Youth Category of the Pine Belt Quilters show in October.

Our June program was by Mary Nell Magee on Pat Speth's Nickel Quilts. Mary Nell showed several examples of the scrappy quilts that can be made using Pat Speth's techniques or shortcuts. She encouraged quilters to add as much variety into their fabrics as they could for more interesting scrap quilts. There are many cuts ready to purchase, such as fat quarters, layer cakes, and charm packs. We can build our stash (or fabric inventory) by cutting ends from all the other fabrics we use for other purposes. These squares, strips, and rectangles will then be available for specific cuts needed in projects such as the Nickel Quilts.

Applique with Violet Newby

Destiny Golden, 10-year-old granddaughter of Wanda Wallace proudly participates in Show & Tell at our May guild meeting by showing the quilt she designed, sewed, and quilted. We have several young people who are learning to quilt and preparing to enter the Youth Division of our show in October.

Our program was by Violet Newby, who has recently moved to Mississippi. Her son, Marcus Weekley, (also pictured) has been a PBQ member for several years, and they enjoy expressing themselves through their quilting both individually and as a team. Violet also led the May Workshop on Applique.

Violet began quilting in 1993 after many years of making clothing for herself and her children. When one of her 10 siblings asked for her help in making a quilt, Violet quickly learned how to quilt and has become a prolific quilter, though the sister has only made two or three quilts after getting Violet hooked on quilting.

Violet's passion is hand applique and she pays close attention to use of color in her applique. She demonstrated using opposing textures of background and applique fabrics for greater interest. She said to try combining stripes and circles, using an unexpected patterned background behind solid colored pieces. She reminded us to look at our fabrics during different times of the day, under different lighting conditions before settling on choices for a quilt. Fabrics look different at the store under the flourescent lights than they do in our homes. Take the fabric to the front windows for natural light.

Violet said "There is music in all of us...Find your own voice." Remember that the work does not have to be perfect; enjoy what your are creating and let it express yourself, thereby adding your voice to the music all around us."

Back to Basics

We have lots of new members who want to learn the basics, and more experienced quilters are always generous in their sharing of information. At our April meeting four of our members presented an excellent overview of what we all need to remember.

Betty Allen (top picture) stressed the importance of an accurate 1/4" seam allowance. She suggested (1) purchasing a 1/4" foot for our machines, (2) placing a guide on the throatplate (something like a stack of Post-It notes), and (3) testing by sewing three strips together and measuring the center one. If it is not what you were trying to stitch, make an adjustment so that the finished product is accurate.
Rhoda Libiez (far left) gave a rotary cutter demonstration, stressing (1) using the right ruler for the task, (2) holding the cutter upright and tight against the ruler, (3) squaring up and then keeping the excess on the correct side--right for right-handed, left for left-handed.

Gloria Green (center) discussed blocking and squaring up. Dritz dressmaking boards are useful for this task, using more than one board if necessary. Large quilts can be pinned to the carpet, pinning every inch to get the edges true. Use a square ruler to get accurate corners and mark the cutting line on all four sides. The quilt can be spritzed with water and allowed to dry in place. Blocking can be done before and after applying the binding.

Ella Lucas (far right) demonstrated measuring and applying borders, stressing that the quilt should be measured through the centers both vertically and horizontlly for getting accurate size for the borders. For the most economical use of fabric, side borders should be sewn on first, then the top/bottom ones. Multiple borders should be sewn together and applied in one operation. Multiple borders require mitering corners, whereas block borders can be butted. Ella recommended her favorite resource book to the group: Better Homes & Gardens Complete Guide to Quilting.

Many people have been generous in their donations of fabric for our Children's Quilt projects. We sort these fabrics and group by color and size, often cutting smaller pieces into squares as kits for others to take home and sew into a quilt. Larger pieces are reserved for backings. Batting and solids and children-themed fabric often has to be purchased, so sometimes these donations contain quilt tops that can be converted to money for this purpose. We recently received four tops and auctioned them to our members, gaining $475 for our batting fund.

Workshop participants Susan Ellis, Frances Good, Betty Bingham, Shirley Wiltshire, and Vivian Plummer show their little sewing bags made by Polly Duggan's Razzle Dazzle instructions. Polly taught the group how to spice up their projects with sparkling threads and embellishments.

Susan Cleveland Piping Hot Curves

Susan Cleveland taught her Piping Hot Curves technique to a class of eager Pine Belt Quilters on April 19. Comments from the participants ranged from, "It was a great class!" to "The best teacher we've ever had!" Susan is nationally known for her neat, crisp pipings and bindings. She was the featured speaker at Gulf States Quilting Association's April quarterly meeting in Mobile and taught several other guilds while on this trip--her first time to the Deep South. She was very impressed with the beauty of the azaleas and other spring blooms--very different from the melting snow and remains of cold Minnesota winters.

Showing Mary Ann Scruggs how to set her machine for the best results.

Susan is the author of Piping Hot Curves, Piping Hot Binding (booklet, tool, cording), and Marvelous Miters. It was agreed that we hope this isn't her last trip to the South. See Susan's website: http://www.piecesbewithyou.com/.