October 2022
/Program: Julia McLeod – Everything but the Cotton
Tuesday October 18, 2022, at 7:00 pm via Zoom
Julia McLeod is an international award-winning quilt maker. Born and raised in England, Julia worked as a textile designer in the woolen and worsted mills of Yorkshire and Scotland before taking a job with a luxury tailoring company on London’s Savile Row. A design position at a menswear company in New York City brought her to the US, and she’s been here ever since. Julia discovered quilt making on travels through the small Amish towns of Pennsylvania.
Most of us these days make quilts using quilters’ cotton, available in abundance from our local or online quilt stores. But before easy access to the quilt shop, before internet shopping, how and where did quilt makers obtain their materials? And how did those particular textiles influence the design and construction of their quilts? What can we learn from quilts made from a restricted supply or unusual types of materials?
Join Julia McLeod for a fascinating look at quilts made during times of privation, shortages, sanctions, incarceration and hospitalization. This talk showcases both historical and contemporary maker and highlights some unique quilts. For more information, visit her website: juliamcleodquilts.com.
The lecture is followed by a trunk show of Julia's quilts, made using salvaged neckties, kimonos, saris, vintage blocks and more.
October Workshop: Julia McLeod - Starting with Silk
Wednesday October 19, 2022, at 9:00 am via Zoom
Spend a day learning how to work with silk with international award-winning quilt maker Julia McLeod. Many of us have silk treasures from trips abroad, neckties or prom dresses that are too special to cut up so we leave them tucked away in a drawer or box. It’s time to get them out and make something beautiful!
This workshop has three elements: You’ll begin by determining the fiber content of your fabrics by using the burn test. We will then cover two very different ways to work with silk: First, a very free, improvisational piecing technique Julia calls ‘Pieces, Pairs and Panels’ and second, a foundation piecing method that gives stability and ultra-precise results, even with the lightest weight silks.
Working with your stash, you’ll construct elements in these two techniques that can be combined into a small, pillow-sized finished piece.
NEED SILK TIES FOR THE OCTOBER WORKSHOP?
If you missed your opportunity to stock up on silk ties at the Brown Bag Hustle, there are still plenty of ties to choose from. Email Enid to schedule a time to stop by her house Thursday, October 6 through Wednesday, October 12 to pick out your ties. See membership directory for contact info.
November Workshop: Heather Kojan – Half Square Triangle Master Class
Wednesday November 16, 2022, at 9:00 am via Zoom
Half square triangles are so versatile and sometimes so finicky! We'll explore 10 different ways to make half square triangles, including ways to size them up or down to suit any project. We'll also explore construction techniques as well as quilt designs using HSTs.
NOTE: See workshop registration for details on class materials you will need to order from Heather’s Etsy page.
Program Co-Chairs: Linda Spring and Enid Mattimiro
Christine’s Chatter
Our September meeting was small but very fun as we brought back a few things we have missed for the past few years. IQI visited with their opportunity quilt made with men’s silk ties. Trust me, the photo of this quilt doesn’t do it justice. It is radiant in person. I hope you are able to attend their show in November. For information, visit illinoisquilters.com.
We also had our library open! There are some wonderful books available to check out. Liz Greenhill is our librarian and it was the first time she served in this capacity. Show and tell also returned!
The highlight of the meeting was our speaker RaNae Merrill. I am always awed by how some quilter’s minds work with pattern and design and hers was no exception. Below are photos taken during her presentation.
Erica Jarrett showed the quilt tops that we pieced for the twins who were victims of the Highland Park shootings. A HUGE round of applause for our talented guild members and your willingness to give to those in need! Here are the finished quilt tops.
Liz Greenhill announced our next service project opportunity, which is donating quilts for Ukraine. See her article for more details. These will be collected at the April meeting.
I have been looking forward to our virtual speaker for October who will talk about fabrics other than cotton for our craft. I hope to attend her workshop the day after our meeting.
Carol Schwartz and Barbara Schober have volunteered to plan the December holiday gathering! If you’d like to help, please let them know.
I just came back from a long cool weekend in Door County. On the way up north, Celia and I stopped at Primitive Gatherings, Lisa Bonjean’s shop and retreat center. It is very impressive!
Fall is my favorite time of the year. Apples, pumpkins, fall decor and beautiful leaves are among the things I appreciate the most! This season definitely inspires creativity. Are you stitching up a fall project?
Keep up all of your good work!
Christine
Future Program Survey
If you were at the August or September VQ meetings, you most likely participated in our Survey/Questionnaire regarding upcoming speakers and workshops for the 2023-2024 year. We got a lot of input – thank you! We are crunching the numbers and looking to recruit speakers and teachers that will please and entice the majority of members. Watch for updates!
If you missed the survey and have a specific suggestion, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Kathy Sorkin and Cheryl Mercy
Service Project Opportunity
We are collecting quilts of all sizes and colors to donate to people of Ukraine who have been affected by the war. The donations will be handled by UMANA – Ukraine Medical Association of North America. We have a contact with this organization and they will handle the transport and distribution of our quilts to make sure they are delivered to those in need. For more information about UMANA, check out their website at umana.org
Quilts can be donated any time between now and April, 2023. If you can’t get to a meeting, we will be glad to pick up your donation. A representative from UMANA will be present at our April meeting.
This is the most giving group I have ever been involved with, and I’m sure UMANA will be pleased and thankful! To donate and ask any questions, please contact me.
Liz Greenhill
September Retreat Success
There were 28 excited and happy quilters at our retreat in September. We had so much fun sewing and catching up with each other. The fun began at 8:00 am on Friday and continued until late in the afternoon on Sunday. Several spent the night at the hotel and others went home. There was some sleep needed in there. Many projects were started and some were finished at the retreat. There will be some good show and tells to come.
Thanks to everyone who helped, attended and supported the retreat. We all loved the adorable chicken pin cushions that Judy Hillebrand and Sue Minster made and distributed to each quilter. The caramel apples from Sally Evanshank were delicious as were all of the treats that everyone brought. As usual we had more than our share of sweets and crunchy salty goodness.
We are hoping to have our next retreat in the spring. Presently we are in communication with the hotel to firm up a date. The plan will be to get the contract signed and then to open up registration online on January 1, 2023. When we have a date set we will let everyone know.
Sharon Pierluissi
Below are a few photos of the fun!
Treasurer’s Report
Balance as of 7/31/2022: $29,699.24
Income: $2,770.18
Expenses: $2,370.49
Ending Balance as of 8/31/2022: $30,098.93
The guild generated income from the Brown Bag Hustle, membership dues, and workshop fees. The guild incurred expenses in programs, rent, insurance, UPS Box rental and the deposit for fall retreat.
Respectfully submitted, Donna Derstadt, Treasurer
Membership
Please welcome two new members – Kathleen Jurevicius and Amy Andrews Payleitner!
Beginning November 1st through April 30th, 2023, dues are $25 for the remaining 2022-2023 fiscal year. Invite a friend to join our fun. We love new members! If you have any questions about VQ Membership, please contact Andrea Krier or Sharon Pierluissi
Happy October Birthday to the following members!
Diane Hines – 10/2
Karen Jacobsen – 10/29
Barb Jolley – 10/15
Sue Ann Kuby – 10/26
Sarah Stannard – 10/6
Carrol Stovold – 10/22
Myretta Taylor - 10/16
Nancy Zamor – 10/8