Inspired By You

Where does our quilting inspiration come from? 
At a meeting this past spring, Nancy asked us where we find inspiration for our quilts, and many of us named designers or web sites or books.
After thinking about it for a while, I realized I am inspired by YOU, Ties that Bind members.

I'm inspired by members who volunteer to help sew each month at Sew Many Pieces and chair our booth at the Winter Quilt Show.

I'm inspired by leaders who manage our charity fabric collection (and make great bourbon fudge!)

I'm inspired by people who go the extra mile time after time, and still are cheerful and fun!

I'm also inspired by people who are too shy to let me take their picture (!), or who had not yet arrived when my grandson decided we should leave, or who let us sew together in her shop (thanks, Mickey!), or who couldn't make it that particular day.

As you probably guessed, these photos were taken at the June charity sew at Sew Many Pieces.
We can be very proud of all the work Ties That Bind does for local charities.  We are not a huge group, and yet we make quilts for those in need, and make items to sell to raise money to donate.  Everyone contributes in her own way, in accordance with our circumstances.  Take a bow, ladies!

Inspired By Nancy
At the May meeting, Nancy sent two quilts by Colleen that she had made for charity, using a pattern that intrigued many of us.  I talked to Nancy about it at a chance meeting in the park, and mentioned that I might share it here.
Note:  This is NOT the block of the month.  I'm providing the pattern here just in case you are interested.

Here's what the block looked like. 
To make one block, you will need two fabrics, one light and one dark.
From each fabric, cut 4 rectangles, 2.5 in. x 4.5 in.

Ok, easy cutting.  Now for the sewing.

Arrange the rectangles like this, with four in the center, alternating colors.  Sew the four center rectangles together on their long edges, as shown above.

Now sew the side rectangles together on their short edges, as shown above.

Add the side rectangle sets to the center set, matching the center seam.
And that's it!  The block should measure 8 in. finished (8.5 in. unfinished).

You can also turn it this way for a different look.

If you'd like to make a 12 in. finished block, cut the rectangles 3.5 in. x 6.5 in.

Ideas for quilts are all around us.  But I find the best ideas and inspiration at our monthly meetings, when our members share what they've been working on.

Thanks for sharing!  See you at the July 18th meeting!

May/June Update

 

Hello, Summer!  No snow prevented us from meeting in May.  Suddenly it's summertime, with picnics, gardening, lawn mowing, vacations, and, always, quilting.

What's happening in June?

June 7th:  Charity Sew at Sew Many Pieces in Richfield, starting at 10:00.  This will be the last one organized by our faithful charity quilt committee until fall.  They are taking the summer off.  More details about the summer at the June guild meeting.

June 9th:  Saturday Open Sew, Germantown Community Library, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have to be out by 3:00, because that's when the library closes.  Bring your sewing projects, machines, etc.  An ironing board and iron will be provided.  You can bring your lunch, or take your choice from lots of nearby restaurants.

June 15th and 16th:  Annual Rummage Sale at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg.  Friday, June 15th, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 16th, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. 

Do you have sewing/knitting/quilting items to donate to the museum sale?  Donations will be accepted on Tuesday, June 12th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, June 13th, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

June 20th:  Ties that Bind Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Pilgrim Lutheran Church
462 Meadowbrook Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin
All are welcome.

Here's Homework Puppy to remind us what to bring in June.

*Pincushion Competition!  Bring your cutest/best/most useful pincushion.  (I believe this needs to be made by you.)

*Your favorite notion

*Brown Bag for the Brown Bag Challenge

If you'd like to participate, here's what to do.  Get a brown bag.  Put a fat quarter in it.  Put your name in it (Not ON it).  We'll exchange them.  Each participant will make something with the fat quarter in the bag they drew for the person whose name is in the bag.  This will be your Christmas gift to that person.

*Cash contribution for the food pantry (if you so desire)

*  Your appetite!  We are having an ice cream social for our refreshments.

What about the Block of the Month?

When the newsletter hits your email box, it will include a copy of the pattern for the Block of the Month (thanks to Pat Patoka and our faithful newsletter editor Pam!).  I asked to have the pattern early so I could make up a sample for you.

This is how far I've gotten.  The background is pieced, and the rickrack is sewn down.  The rickrack will be flower stems, did you guess?

The pattern is called Spring in a Jar.  Next up, sew down the jar.

I'll post again when I get it done, with step by step directions and photos.

For now, stay cool, and keep quilting!

   

March Pillowcase Madness

Last Friday and Saturday (March 16th and 17th), the sewing machines were humming away at Sew Many Pieces in Richfield.  You will definitely recognize most of these hard working ladies.  They are making pillowcases to donate for kids, for the APQ 1 Million Pillowcase Challenge.

Ironing and cutting have to happen before any sewing can begin.

Then there's the rolling and pinning to get the hem done right.

On to the machines!

These ladies put the pedal to the metal.

Not a great photo (sorry), sort of an action shot of the serger crew.  BTW, aren't these nice T shirts?
This was only the morning of the first day, so I'm sure there are many other volunteers not pictured.

Great job, one and all, generously donating space in the store (thanks, Mickey), organization, fabric, time and energy to help kids in need.  Quilters make it happen!