Cuddle Quilt workshop 2016

Thanks to our fabulous Cuddle Quilt Coordinator, JoAnn, and the CQ committee, the annual Choo Choo Quilters Cuddle Quilt workshop this Saturday was fun and productive.

JoAnn (left) and Martha cutting strips sets at the August Cuddle Quilt Saturday.

In addition to working on Cuddle Quilts, those attending also discussed and pondered the great mysteries of the world: the Single Sock Syndrome, why "bra" is singular and panties are a "pair," and the invention of the "Needle Trip Meter" to notify quilters when to change the needle in their sewing machines.

Saturday's activities started with kits for the "Summer on the Beach" strip quilt. The majority of the strips were cut from the Choo Choo Quilters CQ stash of donated fabrics. However, a few packages of strips were needed to have enough for the kits. The additional pre-cuts were purchased at local area quilt shops: Chattanooga Quilts, Hyderhangout and Pins and Needles Quilt Shop. Note: the Choo Choo Quilters shop local! 

Step-outs for the quilt top.

JoAnn had examples of various steps in the process and gave demonstrations throughout the day. Everyone sewed, sewed, sewed... chain-piecing strips together.

Janice (left) and Teresa sewing strips.

 Look at those piles of strips behind the sewing machines!

Cristy chain piecing.

Then to the irons to press the seams...

Ironing the pairs of long strips.

After hours... and hours... and hours of sewing strips, the cutting went quickly. Using the diagonal line on the ruler, the blocks were quite easy to cut from the strip tubes. Each strip set yielded 6 blocks.

Martha cutting strip sets into blocks.

The fun part was seeing all the colorful blocks emerge and arranging them into a quilt top.

Veronica laying out the blocks.

This is one example quilt layout using batik fabrics.

Batik blocks in a diamond pattern.

Then we decided to swap a few blocks and introduce polka dots, checks and prints to the mix.

Blocks from different strip sets makes a fun, scrappy quilt.

When cut, these blocks are approximately 8.5" or 8.25" square (about 8" finished). The quilts can be rectangular or square, in any design. To make a child size lap quilt at 40" x 48", use a 5 x 6 layout. Alternate plain blocks might also be an interesting setting.

Quilters should bring any unused or leftover blocks to the next guild meeting so they can be combined to make additional quilts.

We missed those guild members that could not attend the CQ workshop. We didn't solve all the mysteries of the universe, but we enjoyed fabulous door prizes, food and beverages, and we got a huge pile of quilt blocks made!

Be sure to visit the Choo Choo Quilters Facebook page for more photos.

Cuddle Quilt Workshop

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church

3204 Hixson Pike - close to the S Curve in Riverview

Saturday, August 27, 2016       9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Come for a few hours or the entire time!

Summer On The Beach pattern

We're going to be making small, kid-friendly quilts to donate to the Chambliss Center for Children, which provides 24 hour daycare and early childhood education, emergency foster care and residential care for children who have been removed from their homes.

We will have a demo of a quilt pattern called "Summer on the Beach."  This uses fabric strips and tube quilting for a fast and easy quilt that is very cute.  You will receive a printed pattern with step by step instructions.  

We will also have pre-cut strips, batting and backing fabrics available, along with other fabrics if you want to make another pattern.  You can work on piecing any pattern, layering and spray basting your quilt, or even machine quilting during the workshop.  You will learn something new and have fun in the process!

Supplies you'll need:

• Sewing machine, bobbins, thread, needles
• Scissors
• Rotary cutter, mats, rulers
• Iron and ironing boards (we can easily share these)
• Extension cords
• Any fabric you wish to contribute
• Snacks to share

We'll have:

• Tables, cutting tables, chairs
• Drinks, coffee, some snacks
• And a door prize for one lucky quilter!

Hope to see you there!

The Beauty of Collective Wisdom this Monday, August 15

Our August 15 guild meeting will be a fun and social event with all members of the guild.  We will not have a formal program this month, but instead will have several ways to tap the collective wisdom of our members.  

1. Bring your Stumpers - those unfinished projects that need a kickstart.  You can get help with a technique that is giving you trouble, or ask for inspiration and suggestions for your next move on the project.  We've all have those moments, so let the guild members help you over the hump.
2. First and Worst Quilt Show.  We were all once beginners.  Let's have a fun showing of our first and/or worst quilts.  Cristy will bring her 10th grade world history project, and discuss the underreported story of Sunbonnet Sue in the Renaissance.
3. Sit and Sew - bring your handwork projects to work on during the meeting, and we'll have an opportunity to just chat and get to know fellow quilters.  

And don't forget our Cuddle Quilt workshop scheduled for Saturday, August 27.  We will meet at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church at 3204 Hixson Pike.  We get started around 9:00 and stay till about 3:00 to work on our charity quilts for Chambliss Center for Children. Joann Lotan has a special quick quilt pattern called Summer at the Beach to demonstrate, along with precut strips, batting and backing fabrics.  It's a great time for all of us, so plan to attend!

I hope to see everyone Monday August 15 AND Saturday August 27!