Tresa Keys presents "Gramma, Gracie, and me, a tribute to 1930's quilts and quilters

BUSINESS:

- Janet Steinke opened the meeting at 7:00 PM, Monday, April 27, 2015 covering the following business:

- A special thank you to Barb Schippa, Vicky Gray and Sally Leep for all the planning that went into the INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL Bus Trip in March, which turned a small profit.  Everyone had a great time, and came home tired but very inspired.

- A reminder that the RED & WHITE QUILT CHALLENGE is underway to be completed summer of 2016.  Handouts explaining the rules were available.

- Guild name tags can be purchased for $12.00, $11.00 cost and $1.00 to the guild.

- Next SEW-IN night falls on Memorial Day, so there will be no meeting that night.

- Also a reminder to keep bringing your quilts for SHOW & TELL!!

- Tulip Time Quilt Show begins next week. See the Tulip Time website for details and hours.

- Upcoming programs reminders:
           June – Nora Jones from Downers Grove presenting her doll collection and doll quilts
           August – Downers Grove Quilt Bee will present bee challenges thru ought the years.

RAFFLE PRIZES went to:
- A lovely package of fat quarters from Queen Bee Quilt Shop – Rita Witteveen
- Quilting Essentials – Sharon Lowe
- Thanks to Tresa Keys for generously providing a raffle gift of 1930’s fat quarters and a ticket to their LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY QUILT GUILD juried show June 19-20, 2015, won by Peggy Cleair.

PROGRAM -  Tresa Keys from Harbor Springs, Michigan presented a wonderful and spring like trunk show titled “Gramma, Gracie and me” highlighting her extensive collection of antique quilts as well as quilts constructed using reproduction fabrics.  Her program focused on depression era quilts which she considers an enduring tribute to the resourcefulness of the quilt makers of the times. Her work and collections have been influenced by a longtime admiration and friendship with Judy Rothermel, and Tresa’s early Kansas roots, and her love of American Girl doll “Kit” from the 1930’s era.  Here's a snippet of Tresa's collection:

 Guess Who???

Glad you could join us!

Barb Schippa

Big Red Quilters Guild Secretary

Next Guild Meeting - Tresa Keys, "Gramma, Gracie and me"

Greetings everyone! This is a friendly reminder that our next guild meeting is this coming Monday April 27, 7:00 PM at Beechwood Church.

Tresa Keys will present a trunk show titled “Gramma, Gracie and me” highlighting antique quilts as well as quilts constructed using reproduction fabrics.  Her program will focus on depression era quilts which she considers an enduring tribute to the resourcefulness of the quilt makers of that time.

We hope you can join us. The presentation is free to all members, and just $5.00 to non-members so invite your friends, family, and fellow quilters for an enjoyable evening looking back at this beloved era of quilting.

INTERNATIONAL QUILT SHOW OR BUST!!

43 eager quilters joined the fun on a FRIGID (and I mean frigid at 14 degrees F before wind chill at 7:00 AM) Saturday, March 28 traveling to the INTERNATIONAL QUILT SHOW at the Rosemont Center in Chicago.  The day went off without a hitch, returning promptly at 11:00 PM.  We played games on the way down for cash to spend at the show.  We watched “How to make an American Quilt” on the way home. By the end of the day we were all tired, sore feet, but well satisfied that the day was well spent viewing the many wonderful quilts and shopping at a wide range of vendors.  One person on our bus even won a new sewing machine!  Here’s a snippet of the day, including a little inspiration for our upcoming guild challenge RED & WHITE:

Saturday, March 28, IQF Bus Trip Reminder:

IMPORTANT – please arrive at the bus no later than 6:45 AM (EST) for check in, as we will depart at 7:00 a.m. SHARP!

·        Our bus is #10, look for hot pink signage in the window.

·        The bus leaves from Holland Sam’s Club park lot (2190 North Park Dr., NE corner of the lot near Steak-n-Shake) US 31 and James St.

·        Food and beverages are allowed on the bus so feel free to bring snacks, coffee and/or soft drinks.

·        Donuts and water will be provided on the way.

·        Be sure to bring a pen along for games.

·        Wrist bands for entrance into the show will be distributed on the bus. (For those who need to purchase a ticket, you can either go on-line to Quilts Inc. at www.quilts.com to buy and print your ticket or you may purchase your ticket at the door).

·        Bus will depart from the quilt show at 6:00 p.m. sharp.  Plan to be at the drop off location with our group to catch the bus by 5:45 p.m. (CST), as the bus will be parked off site, and only come once everyone is ready.

·        We will stop for a quick ‘grab and go’ fast food dinner (choices include McDonalds, Dairy Queen, Taco Bell, Little Caesars, Jimmy Johns) on the way home.

·        All-star cast movie “HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT” will be shown on the way home for those that can keep their eyes open.

·        Estimated return approximately 11:00 p.m. EST.

·        Questions – contact Barb Schippa (616)566-0261 or Vicky Gray (269)967-8300

See you Saturday!

Sue Nickels of the Holly Girls presents at February guild meeting

PROGRAM - Despite the artic weather conditions we’ve had recently, we had a fantastic turnout last night with a warm welcome for award winning quilter and author SUE NICKELS of the HOLLY GIRLS duo as our program speaker.  Sue shared her quilting journey and inspiration, including humble beginnings of her 89 year old mother sewing elaborate dresses complete with bows and petticoats for the two young sisters using very simple tools.  After the program members inspected the amazing intricate machine quilting up close, all done on their home machines, their trademark.  Their quilt TWO OF US won Bernina of America Best Home Machine Workmanship Award at Paducah 2014.  The duo was featured in AQ American Quilter’s magazine January 2015 issue.  Thanks to Sue Nickels for generously providing books for as our program prizes this evening. 

STUFF THE BUS - seats are still available for the International Quilt Festival in Chicago Saturday, March 28.  The $55.00 ticket cost includes transportation (via a B&W 56 passenger coach, free wi-fi, on board restroom), show entrance, donuts, bottled water, plus a movie on the return trip. We will make a food stop on the way back (cost not included in ticket) or you may pack something that doesn’t need refrigeration. The bus will depart Sam’s Club/Holland parking lot at 7:00 AM SHARP and return roughly 11:00 PM.

RED & WHITE QUILT CHALLENGE – Honoring our new BIG RED Quilt Guild, we are pleased to announce our upcoming challenge.  We will cover this in depth at our April meeting when most snowbirds have returned but here are some important things to get you started:

·        2 categories - Traditional and Modern/Art

·        Quilt must be completed during the challenge period

·        Quilts must be completely finished, no tops accepted

·        Quilts must have 3 layers – top, batting and backing

·        Any shape (bed size, table runner, oval, etc) equaling 216 inches minimum (total) up to 352 inches maximum (total) of the outside edges

·        Limited to the Red and White colors families only (must read ‘red’ or ‘white’, for more information web search Infinite Variety three centuries of red and white quilts, the Joanna S. Rose collection or Pinterest Infinite variety three centuries of red and white quilts)

·        Entry form submitted at the April 2016 meeting with completion deadline by the June 2016 meeting when they will be judged

·        Prizes award for both categories

·        You may enter multiple quilts in both categories

UPCOMING PROGRAMS – Be sure to mark your calendar for our April 27, 2015 general meeting.  We welcome Tresa Keys, famed 1930’s style quilter and her presentation and trunk show.

SEW-IN – hope to see you 6:00-9:00 PM Monday, March 23, at the Lodge at Beechwood Church on Ottawa Beach Road.

Our meeting was adjourned shortly by 9:15.

Sue Nickels & IQF bus trip

Greetings!  In the midst of our winter, it’s fun to look forward to things that don’t include snow shovels and frigid temps…like quilting.  We want to be sure you’re thinking about a couple upcoming important guild events. 

First up, we are so excited to welcome award winning quilter and author SUE NICKELS of the HOLLY GIRLS duo as our program speaker next Monday, February 23, 2015.  Their quilt TWO OF US won BERNINA of America Best Home Machine Workmanship Award at Paducah 2014. They are featured in AQ American Quilter’s magazine January 2015 issue, so we are very honored to have Sue next Monday.  Be sure to join us, and invite non-members (for $5.00).  Our business meeting and Show and Tell will follow as well.  Please be sure to join us Monday!

Second, reserve your bus seat for the International Quilt Festival in Chicago Saturday, March 28.  The $55.00 ticket cost includes transportation (via a B&W 56 passenger coach, free Wi-Fi, on board restroom), show entrance, donuts, bottled water, plus a movie on the return trip. The bus will depart Sam’s Club/Holland parking lot at 7:00 AM SHARP and return roughly 11:00 PM.  Space is limited so send payment soon.

Hope to see you!

Barb Schippa

BUS TRIP - International Quilt Festival, Saturday, March 28, 2015

Calling all quilters……..Would you love to go to the International Quilt Festival in Chicago Saturday, March 28, but don’t want to hassle with driving and parking? 

BIG RED QUILTERS GUILD has made it easy peasy, we’re chartering a bus!  The bus will depart Sam’s Club/Holland parking lot at 7:00 AM SHARP and return roughly 11:00 PM. 

The $55.00 ticket cost includes transportation (via a B&W 56 passenger coach, free Wi-Fi, on board restroom), show entrance, donuts, bottled water, plus a movie on the return trip. 

Space is limited, and offered to BRQG members first so send payment and the attached form by January 26 to ensure your space.

For more information about this event contact:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/988849431132488 or

http://bigredquiltersguild.blogspot.com/

President – Janet Steinke 616-928-8992

Vice President – Marie Yutendale 616-298-7034

Secretary – Barbara Schippa 616-335-2771

Treasurer – Vicky Gray 269-967-8300

Programs – Barb Walsh 616-796-8032

Membership – Char Litwinski 616-994-6460

 

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