MQA 2011 Educational Seminar with Deb Karasik

Hattiesburg hosted the third location of the 2011 MQA Educational Seminar with Deb Karasik teaching her paper piecing techniques. Deb is from San Francisco, California, and is the author (with Janet Mednick) of Quilt Mavens Perfect Paper Piecing and of Quilts with Attitude, both published by AQS.



Deb's quilts and patterns feature sharp points and spikes, and she stressed the importance of not cutting off those points when joining to the next piece. She showed tips on getting smooth curves without cutting off points. She had perfected her binding methods by incorporating Sharon Schamber's glue technique, and she demonstrated this for the students.

Binghams in the Hoffman Challenge

Two Pine Belt Quilter members had their entries selected to be part of the 2011 Hoffman Challenge traveling exhibits. Joe Bingham and Betty Bingham have been busy making pillows with their granddaughters but took time to create quilts for the Hoffman Challenge.

"Stained Glass Window" by Joe Bingham

"Samurai Guardian of My Garden" by Betty Bingham

Congratulations, Joe and Betty!

Twisted Tree Program by Jo-Ann Evans

In addition to our presentation of the quilts to the military guests at our July meeting, Jo-Ann Evans gave a brief demonstration of the "twisted tree technique" and showed examples of this to create trees, coral, or other natural objects. She will lead next week's workshop to teach how to make these. She created an underwater scene with coral and seaweed, shown below:

Julie Radavich's granddaughter, Morgan Radavich, attended Mary Nell Magee's quilt camp and proudly displays the quilt she made.

92 Quilts Donated to Military

This is what 92 quilts looks like, all rolled up ready to give to our military families.

Pictured above:

Chaplain Don Malin, 168th Engineer Brigade, MSARNG, from Vet Center, Jackson

Brigadier General Johnny Sellers, Commander 168th Engineer Brigade
Chaplain Candidate Josh Sherer, Camp Shelby
(end of table) Lt. Col. Joy Alexander, Design Engineer 168th Engineer Brigade
Betty Lambert, MSARNG, Wounded Warrior Outreach Program
Sumer Works, Family Assistance Center Supervisor, Camp Shelby
CSM Jason Little, 106th Brigade Battalion, MSARNG
Chaplain Sean McMackin, Camp Shelby

The soldiers enjoyed our potluck luncheon. We had casseroles, vegetables, salads, and a table full of desserts. Below:
James Robinson, Army Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator South MS
George Cain, Army Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator North MS
Chaplain Don Malin
CSM Jason Little
Betty Lambert
1st Sgt. Greg Money, MSARNG State Casualty Assistance Officer

Chaplain Candidate Josh Sherer, Chaplain Sean McMackin

Our July luncheon meeting was especially meaningful with the presence of a group of soldiers and support teams. Our guests explained their service and how they were helping returning wounded soldiers make the necessary adjustment to being back at home. They also assist families in any way while the soldiers are deployed or if a family loses a soldier in conflict. We presented 92 quilts to be given to children whose parent(s) are deployed and to families of fallen soldiers or wounded soldiers.

We had our parade of quilts which members had made for our ongoing Children's Quilt Project. Many of our quilters attend the Children's Quilt monthly meetings, but all members are encouraged to contribute at least one quilt per year. Winners of the viewers' choice voting were Geraldine Simmons (1st), Betty Tudor (2nd). Elaine Magee's name was drawn for the participation award.

We drew for the Blueberry Quilt, a fund raiser for our supplies for children's quilts. We had been selling tickets for a couple of months and continued at this meeting. Several of the military personnel bought tickets, and to the delight of all present, one of the soldiers was the lucky winner!

Sally Henderson with the Blueberry Quilt

1st Sgt. Greg Money, one happy soldier!

We were presented with two plaques to thank us for the care and encouragement of our troops through the gifts of the quilts. The plaques are from the 106th Brigade Support Battalion and the 155th Brigade Combat Team. Shirley Wiltshire accepted the plaques for the quilt guild.

CSM Jason Little, 106th Brigade Support Battalion, MSARNG
with Shirley Wiltshire, PBQ president

Bingham Pillow Factory

Emily Bingham, Betty Jo Pharr, Grace Bingham

We have an ongoing pillow making project for the hospitals. Members Betty and Joe Bingham had a busy week recently and with the help of their granddaughters turned in 70 pillows. The Binghams have renamed their studio "The Pillow Factory." What a wonderful way for young girls to spend the summer--learning to sew and making children happy.