2020 - 2021 Guild Challenge reveal

After two years and a pandemic, the results of the 2020-2021 Choo Choo Challenge were revealed at the November guild meeting. These are the 11 entries that were submitted in the "Inspired by 20-20" Challenge.

"Zooming with The Sistas" by Cristy Clark
3rd Place Winner

by Vista Mahan

by Garie McClelland

"Alone Together" by Veronica Hofman-Ortega
1st Place Winner

by Delores Dady

by Ginny Minninger

by Becky Troxler

by Janice Wheeler
4th Place Winner

by Nyki Uhrich

by Sally Richardson
2nd Place Winner

by Cheryel Byrd

The Challenge Winners (voted by viewer's choice) were awarded Challenge ribbons, a fabric tote bag of goodies, and a gift certificate from a local quilt shop. 

Thank you to the Challenge Team of Cheryel Byrd, Deb Horn and Veronica Hofman-Ortega, for their coordination, planning and implementation of the 2020-21 Guild Challenge and for their creativity and beautiful workmanship on the tote bags, goodie bags and award ribbons.

Challenge award ribbons.

Challenge winner gift bags.

All Challenge participants received a goodie bag filled with fabrics, threads, coupons from local quilt shops and other quilty things.

Challenge participant goodie bags.

A commemorative tag and a 2020 symbolic TP roll. 

Congratulations to all the winners and participants!
Well Done. It was a wonderful show.

Choo Choo Quilters, November 2021

How to make a travel jewelry pouch

Here's a fun, fat-quarter-friendly project to make and use yourself or give as a gift. At the April Choo Choo Quilters guild meeting, Deb will be demonstrating how to make a drawstring jewelry pouch with pockets. You'll want to be close to your kitchen cupboard for this project. Join us via Zoom on Monday, April 19, at 6:30 pm to find out why.

Travel jewelry pouch with pockets.

Bring something for "Zoom and Tell" and we'll check in to see how everyone is filling up their Quilting Bingo Card. Anyone have a Quilt Bingo yet?

If you are not currently a guild member, visit the Choo Choo Quilters Facebook page and ask for a Zoom meeting invitation.

Calico Cove retreat house, a virtual tour at the March guild meeting

A quilting getaway, relaxation, and a gorgeous view! These are a few of the things that the new Calico Cove quilting retreat house has to offer. What to know more? At the March Choo Choo Quilters guild meeting, Jodie Justice, the owner of Calico Cove retreat house, will be giving a virtual tour (via Zoom) of her new retreat house.

Looking out from the porch at Calico Cove.

Calico Cove is located in Woodville, Alabama, about an hour and a half drive from Chattanooga. The house is a newly renovated cottage located on a private farm. It's surrounded by trees and nature with a view of the cove from the porch. 

While it was created for quilters and sewers, the house is also perfect for crafting, related activities, workshops or any small group getaway. Basic notions and quilting essentials are available for purchase should you forget something or are looking to try something new.

Natural light fills the dining area and the adjacent covered porch offers space for outdoor eating and conversation.

Jodie has been quilting for 20 years and the idea of a retreat center has been a long-time dream of hers. The house has a full-service kitchen, dining/living room, 3 bathrooms, sleeping quarters, Wi-Fi, smart TV and other amenities. Huntsville, Scottsboro and Guntersville, AL are all about 30 minutes away for dining out, shopping, or to visit nearby attractions.

Come and meet Jodie at the March 15 guild meeting, 6:30pm., and join us for a virtual tour of the new Calico Cove quilting retreat house.