Friday, December 24, 2010

More Holiday Favorite Recipes

This recipe is from my Aunt Jan and has been a family favorite on Christmas morning.
DANISH SQUARES
6 cups of flour
6 T. of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup oleo (2 sticks)
Cut shortening into dry ingredients.
1 1/4 c. milk
3 eggs- separate. Beat yolks with milk. Save egg whites.
Mix package of yeast with 1/2 c. warm water
Add to rest of ingredients, cover and let stand overnight in refrigerator.
In the morning, spread the dough on 2 greased cookie sheets (11 x 13" pan)
Beat egg whites until frothy. Spread on dough. Add brown sugar and cinnamon
to the top. Let rise 2 hours. Bake 20 min at 350 degrees
Drizzle powdered sugar frosting on top.
CARMEL FRUIT DIP - this is always good for a fruit tray
1 package 8 oz. soft cream cheese
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla flavoring
3/4 teaspoon of carmel flavoring
Mix together and serve with apple slices, bananas, grapes.
HEAVENLY HOT FUDGE SAUCE -
1/2 c. butter
2 square of bitter chocolate
3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tall can of evaporated milk or 1 2/3 c. of cream
Melt butter, then add chocolate. When melted add sugar
gradually. Slowly stir in evaporated milk.
Cool until sugar is dissolved.
Enjoy on ice cream with whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Happy Holidays

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Cookie Time

Have you made any Christmas cookies? This recipe is one everyone will love.

Carla's Snickerdoodle Cookies
3 1/2 cups flour
1 T. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 T. light corn syrup
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Topping: In a small bowl, stir 1 cup sugar and 1 T. cinnamon together and set aside

Measure dry ingredients into a bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, cream the butter, add sugar and mix thoroughly. Add eggs, corn syrup and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Cover bowl and chill for about 1 hour.
Roll balls of dough bout the size of a walnut and roll in the cinnamon sugar topping to coat.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 2 1/2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
Cookies will puff sightly and the surface is slightly cracked.
Let cookies cool on cookie sheet a few minutes then move to wire rack to finish cooling.

Carla said her dad loves these cookies and she likes to keep him stocked up.
I think they would go great with a cup of tea or cocoa.
Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 13, 2010

December meeting

The December meeting was held with ten members present.
Members donated toys for the "Toys for Christmas" program.
Christmas quilts were shared along with Christmas gifts members have made
(quilts, wall hangings, journals)
Old business:
  • Debbie E. brought the last row quilt top that is completed.
  • Drawing will be at January meeting with all row quilts present.
  • Quilts of Valor - no report from red team, blue team showed a pillowcase they made and quilt is being returned from volunteer long arm quilter. White team's quilt top is completed and they will be requesting a long arm quilter after Christmas.
  • T-shirt designed for quilt group by Porter's prints needs approval.

New Business

  1. Colleen plans to give instuctions for a block of the month for members starting in January. Members will choose their own fabrics.
  2. Joyce from Quilts and other Notions will be scheduled to come to a meeting in February or March.
  3. A trip to Sisters, Oregon for the 35th annual outdoor quilt show held July 9th was discussed. Airfare from Des Moines to Portland, Oregon, hotel for 5 nights, car rental, 9 quilt shops, lots of fun -- priceless. Sandy has a tentative itinerary.

Machine quilting was discussed. Here is a web site of a blogger trying to spend an hour a day machine quilting
http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/

Happy Holidays!!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Countdown to Christmas

***Christmas Quilt with Laurel Burch fabric and panel designed and made by Sandy E.

Do you have projects to finish before Christmas? Open sewing on Saturday,
December 11 from 8:30 - ?? at the REC building. BYOSM- (bring your own sewing
machine). Get away from the phone and interuptions. Also bring a favorite Christmas CD.

Looking for a Christmas stocking pattern. Maywood Studio offers free patterns
on their web site: http://www.eeschenck.com/default.asp?SuperStore=348&s=348
There are several cute stockings.

Saturday, I went to see the quilt show in Creston and gathered the patterns for 12 quilt blocks in the Creston downtown stores. The blocks were designed
by Joyce Franklin at "Quilts and Other Notions" and a sample
in the shop showed the quilt set together.
So many quilts- not enough time!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Quilts of Valor - team update

I am proud to report the status of what this group can do when we work together.

BLUE team has been assigned a long arm quilter volunteering her time in
Macomb, IL. The quilt arrived and will be quilted soon and mailed back for
the binding, label and cover(pillowcase made from the same fabric).

RED team sent their quilt top to team member Betty who is donating
the long arm quilting. Thank you for volunteering. Hope to see it at our
next meeting if it is completed before sending the finished quilt off.

WHITE team reported in with a quilt top finished.
Sorry, no photo available at this time.

Open sewing at the REC building, Saturday, Dec. 11. 8:30 -??
Do you need time to sew on UFO's / Christmas presents?

Quilt meeting Monday, Dec. 13 **at REC 7:00 pm for show and share
(bring a Christmas quilt or other projects) Also bring cookies or snacks
to share if you wish to.
Joann suggests anyone who wishes to can donate an unwrapped toy
or item for Toys for Christmas. Pillowcases for the Beacon of Light will be collected.
**Note the room will be open for those who wish to sew from noon on also that day .

Remember the reason for the season.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Quilts of Valor–Red team report

 

11-19-2010 -Mission Accomplished. 

The Red Team has reported in with a picture of their wonderful patriotic quilt.   Congratulations to team members:   Janet, Joann, Pat and Betty. 

Picture041

Monday, November 15, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is National Family History Day
The Surgeon General is encouraging all Americans to use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to learn more about their family's health history.
Families share genes. A person in the family with chronic health conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, cancer) may mean that other persons in the family are at higher risk of developing the same condition.
To help keep track of your family health history, use this free interactive tool from the Office of the Surgeon General: www.familyhistory/hhs.gov/ or visit the CDC's family health history site at www.cdc.gov/Features/FamilyHealthHistory/

Friday, November 12, 2010

Mission Accomplished- Quilts of Valor


The members of the Blue Team have a quilt top completed after working together to pick fabrics, cut, sew, measure, cut some more, sew some more. What a day! We are proud to have accomplished our mission on Veterans Day also.

Here is the website for the Quilts of Valor Foundation http://www.qovf.org/
There is still a need for quilts to show we care about the men and women protecting our country and freedom.

Still need to make a pillowcase cover, label and request a longarm quilter.
Stay tuned for the rest of the story.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Giving Thanks and Sharing

The Clarke County Piecemakers donated a laundry basket full of canned goods and foods needed to make Thanksgiving dinner along with a check for the purchase of turkeys. The donation came at a good time as "the food pantry is getting lots of requests for help with the holidays approaching" stated one of the community center staff. Twenty members enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner and visiting with each other. We went around the table telling what each one of us is thankful for: Friends, Family and Health. Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 1, 2010

November Meeting

Monday, November 8th at 6:30 is our next meeting at the REC.
We are starting earlier than usual to have a potluck.
Bring a dish to share and your own table service.
We are also planning a Thanksgiving basket to be donated to the Food Pantry.
Any canned goods are greatly appreciated.

Sewing for Christmas was a big success and I am looking forward to the
show and share at the meeting.
See you then.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Happy Halloween


Here is what you can do with a little orange fabric.
Model is grandaughter #2. At least when she spits out her carrots, it matches.


For another fun Halloween activity idea, go to http://missouriquiltco.com/ and look at their Halloween video. Save it in your favorites as there is a new daily special with $5.oo shipping.
Anyone with a fall/Halloween quilt, send me a picture to post in the blog.





Thursday, October 21, 2010

Christmas quilt




At the AQS show in Des Moines, I purchased a kit of Christmas flannel for a very cozy quilt.
The Primitive Gathering booth was quite crowded and I spotted the fabric in another lady's arm and then saw the sample made up using the very simple + already owned book Turning Twenty-Book 2. Another shopper was also purchasing a kit also. No time for indecision. Not many left. One came home with me. Stay posted. How many days till Christmas???
http://www.primitivegatherings.us/ Sorry, picture of fabric to follow.

Free sewing time this weekend at the REC building starting on Friday at noon and continuing Saturday until the last sewer is ready to quit. Mini- classes with projects if you wish.
$20.00 charge for non-members.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Sewing for Christmas

Sewing for Christmas will start at the REC building at noon, Friday October 22, with free sewing time.
Bring a power strip to share. The club's ironing board and iron is already there.
Class start Friday night at 5:00 journal cover and 6:00 Christmas tree wall hanging.
Carol gave an update on supplies for the journal cover 3/8 yards of quilted fabric (quilt your own ahead of time) 1/2 yard of contrasting fabric, 1"velcro, button 1 1/8" size. and a composition book 7 1/2" x 9 1/2" or a calendar/date book if you want.
Saturday's class schedule:
8:30 Tissue box cover
9:00 Paper pieced ornament
10:00 Rick Rac Table Runner
11:00 Mini Mitts
Lunch Break
1:00 Casserole Cover
2:30 Christmas Stocking
Free sewing time until the last person is ready to leave.
Homemade gifts are the best.
Non- members are welcome-but will be charged $20.00. Call me to register.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

October 11 Meeting

Clarke County Piecemakers October meeting will be at 7 pm at the REC building.
Old business includes:
1) Final preparations for Sewing for Christmas on Friday, October 22 5-10 pm Saturday,
October 23 8:30 - til when the last quilter is finished.
2) Veteran's Day quilt workshop - Red, White, Blue team - are you ready to sew?
3) MoJo doll finished projects.
4) Quilting Challenge: anyone finished with designing a quilt of five fabrics 1/2 yd each from their stash.
NEW Business: HELP!
Please bring any program ideas you have.
Use your immagination and come up with a slogan for our quilt group to put on a t-shirt
The AQS had a t-shirt for sale- PIECE, LOVE, QUILT

Thursday, September 30, 2010

AQS Quilt Show Tickets


KCCI TV station is having a giveaway for four tickets for the AQS quilt show
in Des Moines October 6-9, 2010 at the Hy-Vee Convention center.
Go the web site http://www.kcci.com/ and at the bottom of page where there is a link to the contests and giveaways they are sponsoring. If you don't win tickets, they are available at the door.
You don't want to miss quilts from quilters from across the United States,
but also the quilt show and exhibits from the local quilters in the
Des Moines Area Quilt Guild.
This picture is a birdseye view looking down on the main exhibit floor.
My advice: wear good walking shoes and use their package check service.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Get a Pattern, Pick your fabric, SEW


Quilts of Valor will be sewn by our quilt members in November.

Clarke County Piecemakers will have three teams - Red Team led by Pat C.,

Blue team led by Carla B, and White Team led by Sheryl J. Blue team has one opening.

The Purple Heart team is open and needs four members.

1. Patterns- each team choose your own. Quilt must be at least 55 x 60 inches.

2. Fabric- Use good quality 100% cotton fabric that will wear a long time.

3. Sew date will be Nov. 11 Veteran's Day or whatever your team decides. Location is being checked on depending on availability.

Quilt members who want to contribute, can check with a team leader as backing, batting and fabric will be needed.

Each team will need to keep a journal to record the story of the quilt. This is meaningful to the recipient. Also make a presentation case and be sure the quilt is labeled.

Feel free to recruit non-guild members to be part of your team if you would like.
After a quilt top is made, a long-arm quilter that volunteers will quilt the quilt and return it to be finished.
This will be a fun and I can't wait to see the results.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Upcoming Quilting Events




1. Quilt Meeting is Monday, September 13 at 7:00 pm at the Christway Church in Osceola.
The Southern Hills Longarm Guild has a display "Quilting Makes a Quilt" that will be shown by Betty M.


2. Seven quilt shops are on the Fall Shop Hop Sept 15-18 with a free drawing in each shop, sales and a free tabletopper pattern in each shop. Shops include Betty's Quilt Shop and The Sampler in Chariton, Greenfield, Lucas, Creston, Robinsons-Osceola, and Pella. Quilt with Us is having a Trixie the Trolley trip to go to all the shops. Hours will be 9-5 unless specified. There is also a grand prize of 4 bundles of fabric and second prize of 3 bundles of fabric.


3.Advance tickets for the AQS show in Des Moines October 6-9 at the Hy-Vee Hall are on sale now and need to be purchased by September 15 for a discount. $9.00 day or $10.00/day after Sept.15 and if purchased at the door.


Multi-day tickets are $15. AQS member or $30. non-member.


Register by calling 1-270-898--7903 or online at http://www.americanquilter.com/


Also the Des Moines Area quilt guild will be having a show in the adjoining area.


Lots of quilts to see, classes to take, and vendors with goodies on display.


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Quilts of Valor

Service Project Idea
This year on Veteran's Day, November 11th, lets organize a "sew-in "with three teams of 4 members each.

Red Team, Blue Team, White Team.

Each team will chose a pattern and gather fabric donations from their members and other quilt guild members. Popular choices are red, white and blue quilts, but can be generic/neutral also.

Each team will need 2 sewing machines and an ironing board. While one person is sewing the other person is pinning, pressing, etc. and then switch off.

Goal: three quilt tops finished in one day.


Feel free to recruit others (non members) to your team.

If unable to join us that day, consider inviting friends and holding your own sewing day to complete a quilt top.

For more information: http://www.qovf.org/

Quilt guild member Joan experienced passing out quilts to hospitalized servicemen and women first hand. Ask her about it.

Volunteer at the Sept. 13 meeting at the Christway Church in Osceola

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Organizing your Fabric

Here are comments from Rae Ann in her quilter's blog:
http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/2010/08/inexpensive-way-to-house-your-stash.html

Great ideas and interesting comments on inexpensive ways to house your stash.

I like to put my fabrics and pattern together. This is one way of making sure all the fabric will be there when I finally get ready to do that project.
Now to not start any more projects and finish a few of them.
Right now mine are in 6 dresser drawer and a few plastic boxes.

How do you store your fabrics and projects?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Book Review

Simple Shapes - Spectacular Quilts by Kaffe Fassett is a new book available to check out of the Osceola Public Library (when I return it).
Kaffe Fassett is a world renowned designer who has designed quilt fabric and patterns.
There are 23 quilt projects in this book and gorgeous color photos. Kaffe answers the question he often gets asked "What Inspires You?"
Geometric shapes are all around us-squares, rectangles triangles, diamonds, circles, quarter circles-in nature and the manmade environment.
All levels of ability can find a project to make in this book.
My favorites are Yellow Potpourri and Tumbling Fans.
Check this book out or order your own $35.00.
Hancock's of Paducah -fabric catalog - has a selection of fabric by Kaffe Fassett.
www.hancocks-paducah.com (website) if you would like to view more.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

John L. Lewis Festival


The staff of Quilt With Us store in Lucas announce that
the Lucas Sew and Sews Quilt Guild is sponsoring
"Stitches on Fire" quilt show at the
Lucas Fire Station in Lucas, Iowa on Saturday, September 4th
from 10am to 4 pm.
The Southern Hills Longarm Guild will also have a display
"Quilting Makes the Quilt."
There is no admission charge but donations are accepted to be
used for projects to benefit the Women's Shelter. Tickets are available for a raffle quilt. The Quilt With Us store will be open for shopping

The town is having the John L. Lewis Festival. Activities include a parade at 11am, Lucas Co. quilt barns, coal mining museum and a delicious lunch at noon in the Community Center.
Fun for all ages!

Sewing for Christmas


Congratulations to Colleen for three blue ribbons and a red ribbon at the Iowa State Fair. Outstanding job!!
The club quilt and the row quilt were both a group effort by guild members. The quilts were displayed but did not recieve a ribbon.


The next meeting will be held at the Christway Church in Osceola- Monday, Sept. 13 at 7 pm.

Volunteers are needed for a service committee that will help organize sewing efforts for a good cause.


Save the Date.
I am busy preparing supply lists and cutting instructions for the "Sewing for Christmas" weekend sew-a-thon that is scheduled for October 22 and 23 at the REC.
Come for all the classes or come for one.
Free for members. $20.00 for guests.
Sign up now - space is limited.

Friday, October 22 5:30pm quilted journal cover
6:30pm Christmas tree wall quilt
Saturday, October 23 8:30 Casserole Cover
10:00 Table Runner
12:00 Lunch break
1:00 Mini Microwave Mitts
2:00 Paper Pieced ornament
3:00 Christmas Stocking
4:00 Tissue Box cover
5:00 - ? Free sewing time to finish projects
Open until the last quilter goes home.

RSVP - Reserve your space for the classes you want to take. Suuplies
and pre-cutting instructions will be available.

*Sewing machines may be kept set up for both days.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

News from Quilt with Us

Mary at Quilt with Us in Lucas announces the beginning of a new BLOCK OF THE MONTH.
The start up cost is $10 to receive the first block to make.
Return this block on Wed. Sept. 15 or Sat. Sept. 18. The blocks will be made using black and white fabrics. The best part is that the cutting is done for you-all the pieces are cut and ready to go. You may enroll in the BOM anytime until Sept. 15.

For the construction equipment lover in your family, new fabric is in with the big machines they love. Check it out!

The deadline for the bus trip in Sept. has been extended. Spaces still available to go. It would be a great girlfriend getaway. Call Mary if you want to go.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Clarke Co. Fair -Part 10


"Starry Night"
This quilt is a Marti Mitchell design made by Joann J. who does alot of her quilt designs. This quilt was a block of the month. Joann says "I wish I would have made two. Both my sons would like to have it. They will have to decide after I am gone, who gets the quilt."


When the quilt guild had a two color quilt challenge, members drew the color of the quilt they were going to make from a basket that had 48 colors in it. NO peeking! Joann J's color was mauve. The pattern she chose to make was 3-D Stars from a 3-D pattern. This quilt has stars in it. Do you see them all. The stars are made 3-D by folding fabric squares in half diagonal and sewing the seams into the seams. It was easy to find fabrics this color and even the backing is a mauve print. Machine quilted by Betty M.


Quilt members helping with the program "Every Quilt Tells a Story" at the Clarke County Fair. Linda B. moderator, Joan C. and Sharon W. quilt handlers.


Carol J. recieved a blue ribbon on this quilt "The Color of Purple" It also was selected as the best of show at the Clarke County Fair. Excellent workmanship and use of color. Congratulations Carol!

The Clarke County Fairgrounds was the recipient of the funds raised by the raffle quilt. Participating members designed and completed a block from the selection of fabric chosen with the option of adding one additional fabric. The quilt was put together by Colleen with an outstanding design. Machine quilter Sharon W.completed the quilt with her special talents. This quilt was won by Vickie M. and she promises to give it a good home.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Save the Date

Clarke Co. Piecemakers are planning a fun sewing weekend at the REC on Friday, October 22 at 5:30pm and continuing on Saturday, October 23 until the last sewer goes home.
Projects have been chosen to help you get ready for Christmas.
Friday-5:30 quilted journal cover
6:30 Christmas tree wall quilt
Saturday-8:30 Casserole Cover
10:00 Charm square table topper
12:00 Lunch break
1:00 Mini Microwave Mitts
2:00 Paper Pieced ornament
3:00 Christmas Stocking
4:00 Tissue Box cover
5:00 Free sewing time to finish projects

RSVP - Reserve your space for the classes you want to take. Suuplies and pre-cutting instructions will be available.
No charge for memebers. $20.00 for non-members/guests.
Sewing machines may be kept set up for both days.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

August Quilt Meeting

Monday, August 9th at 7:00 pm is the next meeting at REC.
* Sharon W. will present a program on Putting A Label On Your Quilts
* Sewing for Christmas - dates and projects to be announced
* We are currently looking at a location for the meeting in September- Murray?
* Bring show and share.
* The Winner of the Fair Quilt raffle was Vickie M. from Murray. $$ raised???
* Discussion of the Clarke Co. Fair bed turning quilt show.

VISITORS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Clarke Co. Fair- Part 9


The Un-Wanted Quilt by Darlene H. - When Darlene’s 97 year old mother in law had to give up her home and possessions to enter a health care facility, her two daughters began to sort and distribute her treasures among the relatives. When it came my turn to choose a quilt, this top appeared in the bottom of a storage box. It was just a top, unfinished, no identification of who or when. No one in the family ever remembered seeing it before. Why? We wondered? Grandma had shown her quilts to many of us, many times. Was it not important because it wasn’t a completed quilt.? Was it not finished because they thought it insignificant to not be pieced or quilted? But -- it did intrique me! I asked if I could have it since on other had wished to claim it. I became the owner of the “un-wanted” quilt top. I admired it for a couple of years just as it was. Sometimes I folded it, displayed it on my wall quilt rack.
I believe (in my heart) the top was made by my husband’s grandmother. She died in 1965 when she was 68 years old. The top had to be made prior to her death. She loved to crochet, embroider and quilt. There was a Workbasket booklet full of patterns and ideas and recipes. I recall the book having embroidery patterns stapled in the centerfold. The flower designs embroidered on this quilt were part of an “on-going series” There is no proof of this. Just a memorable intuitive feeling of what I remember about her. Her granddaughters(who are my sister- in laws) agree with the assessment of this “un-wanted” quilt top.
Sometimes later, I decided to finish the top with quilting.
I purchased muslin for the back in keeping with the embroidered blocks. Some of the green blocks aren’t exact square….and that means some of the others probably aren’t either. The setting of the blocks with the middle row of flowers appearing straight up and down while 3 rows on each side are turned sideways, to appear upright when displayed on the bed. This was the traditional method of setting quilt blocks used in yesteryear or vintage quilt making. The top was quilted in 2006 by my friends of the Bethel Community church. The un-wanted quilt is now a very cherished quilt.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Clarke Co. Fair - Part 8


In 2002, Debbie and her husband were building a new house. Debbie needed inspitation for decorating their master bedroom. While on a journey to western Iowa, she stopped at the Prairie Star quilt shop in Elk Horn. On the wall they had a sample of this quilt. She recognized immediately this was her inspiration for their new bedroom. She purchased a kit, took it home and started sewing immediately.
The quilt was finished before they moved into their new home on February, 2003. The scraps of the points of all the stars were saved and made into a table runner for their dresser.



Debbie's grandson, Chase lived with his grandpa and grandma from the time he was 8 years old until he was 11 years old. During that time he watched grandma do a lot of quilting. One day he told her he wanted to try it. They went shopping until he
found fabric that appealed to a 9 year old. That fabric is the monster fabric in the center of the quilt. Grandma designed a border to fit the one yard piece of the monster fabric. Grandma cut it out and assisted Chase in sewing all of the blocks
together. They then assembled the blocks and the monster fabric into this quilt.
The quilt top got "buried" in the sewing room until it was discovered in the spring of 2010. Grandma had Sharon W. machine quilt it and she creatively placed monster 3 toes footprints in it. It is now ready to give to Chase. Hope he isn't too old (14 1/2years) for a monster quilt!!



Debbie started quilting in 1972 before she knew how or had taken any classes. She had always admired large bed quilts, but decided that was way beyond her expertise.
She made a crib quilt for her daughter in 1993 and did alot of "cheater quilts" at that time. She found a new quilt shop in a small town near her. They were just starting a Block of the Month by Thimbleberries. She thought she might try a few of these blocks and see how she did. This is the quilt that came from those blocks. This was the first LARGE quilt she did. This was done before she knew what a 1/4" seam was. It didn't turn out too bad and all fit together. Thankfully she has learned a lot more about quilting now, but has never turned out a quilt of this large size again.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Clarke Co. Fair - Part 7


This quilt is a Bear Paw variation also made by Colleen. It was entered in the Clarke Co. Fair as a quilt top and received a blue ribbon. After it was machine quilted by Sharon W. it was entered in the 2009 Iowa State Fair and recieved a blue ribbon.



A popular pattern used in antique quilts is the Dresden Plate. This quilt was made by Lillian Snow from the Humboldt Iowa area who was a friend of Colleen's grandmother. During the depression, Lillian earned extra money for her family by making and selling quilts. Colleen said her mother remembered Lillian bartering with her mother for quilts. This is in wonderful condition for an antique quilt.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Clarke Co. Fair - Part 6



The LeMoyne Star pattern was used with Christmas fabric to make this special qullt by Sharon W. in January 2000. It was machine pieced but hand quilted. Can’t you just see this quilt decorating her home at Christmas time. All quilters need to make a Christmas Quilt.



This is the Corvette Quilt made by Janet J. Actually she made two of these quilts. One for her brother in law and one for her husband. The checkered fabric had been curtains that she made for her brother in law. When he moved and no longer needed the curtains, Janet recycled the material into the quilts with the Corvette “novelty” fabric.
Note: even the fabric is used on the back to make it two quilts in one.




Signing up to do a "Block of the Month" from Quilts and Other Notions in Creston offers participants fabric and a pattern each month. On the designated day, participants return with their completed block to get the next block until all blocks are completed one year later. Moda fabric was used in this block of the month and Joan C. chose coordinating fabric to complete this quilt. Machine quilted by Sharon W.

Clarke Co. Fair - Part 5


The Yo-Yo quilt story by Darlene H.- Back in the early 40’s my
Parents and siblings lived in a small town where I was a young teenager- maybe a 7th or 8th grader to keep me busy - protecting me from boredom or idleness, my mom showed me “yo-yo’s” She had lots of scraps- some from dressmaking and others were feedsacks in those days. I was intrigued by the sewing of these circles gathered to create little flower like designs. And I made lots - collected them in a shoe box. Then it became a larger box.
Then the urge came to do something with all those yo-yos!
Mother and I planned and decided to sew them together in a square- 64 yo-yo’s per block. Soon the big box held the 8 x8” square blocks instead of gobs of yo-yo’s.
One day I decided I wanted to arrange those blocks into some kind of order. We chose to make rows of three to form a sashing look. Pink was the color we chose-whether it was a favorite at that time-whether it was mother’s choice- just why pink is uncertain. - but we only had a small amount, maybe we thought we could always get that shade whenever. Only three or four blocks were attached. And then I lost interest.
Living a life interfered! There was high school, the social activities of school, church, friends- busy fun filled days left no interest in making yo-yo’s. There were friends- girls and boys-a little college, teaching, marriage, children and an active farm life. No time for yo-yo’s..
After my marriage, I moved all my belongings to my new home and that included the box of yo-yo’s. Down through the years it was placed in the far corner and ignored. At one time when we were packing to move to
a new house, I opened the box ”just to see” and Oh my !!. A mouse had decided to make a nest in a corner of my yo- yo’s. I was very dismayed! However I cleaned things- washed the blocks and repaired all the damaged ones and re-made yo-yo’s. But again I put them aside for something else and more years passed.
In my mother’s later years, she began asking about my yo-yo’s -
Have you finished them? When are you going to finish them?
Often enough she asked until I began to consider them again.
This time when I purchased fabric for the sashing set I got 5- 6 yards- enough that I would have enough to finish in the same shade. Again it was pink. I suppose it was destined to be the color for whatever reason.
I made yo-yo’s while traveling, while on vacation, at campouts, and musical festivals. I finished making the top with exception of the bottom row before mother died in 1987. There are 2,726 yo-yo’s. It has some vintage pieces in it. It is heavy - only a showpiece. Now belonging to my youngest daughter Susan at my bequest. She cherishes it.




Raspberry Melange quilt by Darlene H.- Sometimes in the long, dreary, not too ambitious days of winter, I turn to my quilt related books of yesteryear. That’s what I call my quilt magazines that are over 4-5 years of keepsakes. This particular winter I found myself wanting to make this block and then maybe that one too. I realized not all would be enticing enough to complete anything of an approved size to be useful. If I was going to make several, why not make them all the same color way. So into my stash I dug and chose a piece of white on white. It had been around for several years and there was enough yardage to provide the background for many assorted sizes and variations. Then I needed color, something pretty, eye-catching, vibrant, and desirable for any kind of décor. I seemed to have any abundance of shades of mauve, deep roes, reds in deep tones and reds with a violet hue. I placed all fabrics in a basket. Then when I found a design I wished to try I used these fabrics. Pretty soon there was quite an amount and assortments of sized blocks when I decided it was time to make plans.
Using graph paper and a good eraser. I started placing and shifting the
Finished blocks around to balance the overall look. Then I began to make spaces of various sizes to fill in. Some are from those various yesteryear
Magazines. Some are those I drew myself or altered or conformed the design to fit the desired size. Some are favorite designs I’ve used before and some will never be used again! The leftovers were pieced into strips to provide the perfect border and emphasize the fabrics used in the blocks.
It was pieced and appliquéd in 2002 and hand quilted by a dear friend who is now deceased. I chose to name this quilt “ Raspberry Melange”
Quite an odd name, but the colors remind me of ripe raspberries and melange means mixture, medley, hodgepodge and a hodgepodge it is!
It really wasn’t made for anyone special except for my desire to try out some of those quilt patterns that were a “little bit different” It hangs on my bedroom wall in the winter and makes me warm just looking at it!
I refused $600 from an insurance salesman who wanted it to his wife for a Valentine’s gift. This was a chagrin to a couple of family members who thought I could make another.. But alas there will never be another one like it!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Clarke County Fair Part 4



Many quilts are made for grandchildren.
Funny Farm Quilt- was made for Levi born March 13, 2010 by his grandma, Sandy. This is the perfect quilt for a farm boy and is politically correct by not favoring one brand of tractor over the other.
The tractor blocks are alternated with funny animals and blue and orange chicken wire fabric. The yellow fencing border adds to the quilt and coordinating fabric was used for the backing. This quilt was machine quilted by Sharon W.



Sisters -Joan’s sister, Carol lives in California. They keep in touch by computer using SKYPE that allows video chatting. The sisters like to talk and show their quilting projects in progress. Carol sent Joan an Oriental fabric panel and a pattern called “Window on the East” and challenged her to make this for the 2010 Iowa State Fair. Joan looked in several quilt stores to find the perfect coordinating fabrics. The miter seams for the windows gives depth to the quilt. Betty M. machine quilted cranes into the extra spaces to accent the cranes in the panel. The two Japanese girls could be sisters. Joan thinks of her sister every time she looks at her quilt.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Shop Hop Trips

There are two opportunities to travel and shop with other quilters in September.
Strip'N Stitch is the Fall Bus Shop Hop sponsored by Quilt With Us (641-766-6486) September 24 - 26
*12 Shops, 4 States, 3 Days, 2 Nights - "Priceless" the fun you will have.
Cost is only $229. per person/double occupancy. Registration deadline is Aug. 14.
Seating is limited.

Quilts and Other Notions are offering a bus trip to 8 shops, in Iowa, Minnesota and -Nebraska on Sept. 11-12 for $99. Food, lodging and transportation are all included. Call -641-782-8874 to reserve your spot.

Clarke Co. Fair - Part 3


Joan visited Japan for two weeks in 2005 and became interested in the Japanese culture. A pattern in the Love of Quilting magazine showing English tea pots and cups was modified into this quilt and it is named Oriental Tea by using oriental fabric fat quarters purchased by Joan. The handles on the cups were eliminated because Japanese tea cups have no handles.
Note the contrasting thread used to stitch around the tea pots and cups and the antique silver buttons placed on top of the teapots. Machine quilted by Beth Lura of North Dakota.




Change of Heart
After a friend, Sue, adopted Caitlin over 18 years ago, she planned a baby quilt using white blocks with appliquéd hearts from primary colors. As all new mothers of infants find out quickly, there just was no time to make the quilt. Some years later, Sue gave the fabric to her friend Laurie and told Laurie to do with it what she wanted. Well, Laurie liked the idea of the baby quilt and dreamed of making the quilt as Sue had originally planned, surprising both Sue and Caitlin. However, once Laurie received Caitlin’s graduation announcement in the spring of 2009, she remembered the fabric that was still untouched in her sewing room. Thinking it would be fun to do something with the original fabric, Laurie knew the original plan would not fit the grown up Caitlin. Caitlin had developed a love of the arts, music and stage production. With only several weeks to make the quilt, Laurie dug into some quilt magazines and found the pattern that would work. And she knew batiks would fit Caitlin’s personality. The result was a warm palette on which to appliqué the red hearts – the original red fabric Sue purchased for the quilt. Once the quilt was done, Laurie felt certain there would be times when Caitlin would appreciate a cooler, quieter quilt, so made a second cool quilt that serves as the back of the quilt. The pieced binding finished off each side with corresponding colors. Needless to say, both Sue and Caitlin were surprised with the graduation gift, a “change of heart” from the original plan, but filled with tons of love for them both.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Clarke County Fair - Part 2


Anniversary Quilt - To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Clarke County Piecemakers it was decided to make a quilt. Fabric was purchased and divided up to the members. The original eight members made blocks of red and white fabric. Current members made blocks of black and white fabric. There are 36 blocks in all with the signature of each member on the block they made.

The center medallion is an embroidered sewing machine with the name of the quilt guild and date made by Linda B. Members Joanne, Pat W. and Pat C. set the quilt blocks together. Sharon W. machine quilted it and Sue C. put on the binding.
It has been a group effort to finish this project. This quilt will be entered in the 2010 Iowa State Fair in the quilt made by a group category.




“Roses Roses” is an heirloom quilt made by Carol. She took a class at Quilt with Us in Lucas. Each block is different and designed using the pattern "Beyond the Color Purple" by Jenny Haskins. The machine embroidery was done on velvet and then appliquéd to the block. Silk ribbon was used in a border for accent. The machine quilting was done by Betty M.
This quilt was shown at 2009 Clarke County Fair and the 2009 Des Moines quilt guild show.

Clarke County Fair


Here are some of the quilts made by quild members and their stories that were part of program "Every Quilt has a story tonight at the fair.



Red, White and Blue Quilt- Joan’s sister in law knew she loves red white and blue fabrics and when she found a great deal on a fat quarter package of the Nantucket line by Moda fabric co. she purchased it and sent it to Joan.
The quilt alternates blocks of large half square triangles and blocks of small half square triangles set in a pinwheel design for a scrappy quilt. A red and cream stripe binding accents this quilt. Machine quilted by Sharon W. Joan retired in September 2009 from the Naval Reserve as a Commander and serving her last year in active duty at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.




Sometimes fabric just calls out your name and gives you inspiration for a beautiful quilt. Joanne walked by this fabric line three times while shopping at the Creekside Quilt shop in West Des Moines and Decided she couldn’t go home without it. The Carpenter Star pattern by Debbie Maddy was used to make this quilt. Machine quilted by Betty M. Joann makes quilts for her family members but plans to keep this quilt and use it on her bed.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Quilt Art Calendar 2011



Colleen's quilt was chosen to be in the Quilt Art Calendar 2011 and can be found on the page for March 21 - 27. Congratulations Colleen!
The Crisscross quilt has 3,361 pieces and is 96 x 96 inches. Pattern by Sandy Klop - American Jane.

Calling all members! Can you help?

The 8th Annual School Clothing Giveaway will be held on Tuesday, August 10th at the Osceola United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Used clothing of all sizes are given away, along with new school supplies, and new socks and underwear. If your group is interested, we could use your help in a few ways:

• workers on Monday, August 9 to help with set-up all day long

• Tuesday, August 10th to help people "shop" for their clothes
by donating new school supplies, socks or underwear

• by donating good, clean, used children's clothing

• by donating funds to be used to purchase those items

With hundreds of people coming through the doors each year, the Giveaway has proven to be a very successful event, and is always very rewarding for those who help make it happen.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter, and if your group would like to help, or has questions, please contact Joan Peterson (342-3433 or jpet@ iowatelecom . net) or Anna Frohling at the Methodist Church (342-2830 or oumc@iowatelecom.net).

Every Quilt Has A Story

The Clarke Co. Piecemakers quilt guild meetings are held at the REC building the second Monday of the month.
The guild is planning a bed turning program showcasing quilts made by members.
The program will be at the Clarke County Fairgrounds during the Clarke County Fair on
Thursday the 22nd at 7 pm in the exhibit building and the program will be repeated Saturday July 24 at 2 pm. Please join us for a very interesting showcase of quilts made by our local fiber artists.