Quick Scarf Craft for January

As a result of our gift exchange at the December Dinner, Ginny garnered a gorgeous scarf from Sherry.  On closer inspection, we realized the scarf was simply made of 13 strands of a variety of yarn types and colors.  "What a great idea!" we all said, "We could make that at the next guild meeting in about 10 minutes!"

And so it came to be.  If you'd like to leave the January Choo Choo Quilt Guild Meeting with a gorgeous scarf, here's what to do:

• Look for some specialty yarns at places like Hobby Lobby or Joann Fabrics, or in your own craft closet.  Specialty yarns can be chenille, eyelash yarns, metallic infused yarns, swirled and textured yarns, boucle tweed, fur yarns, and anything that strikes your eye as being pretty in a scarf.
• Choose a skein of yarn in a blue or green or purple color scheme
• Cut 13 pieces of yarn that are 86" long

Bring them to the meeting.  We will trade them, then knot them, and go home with a beautiful scarf!

Ever Want to Try a Kaleidoscope Quilt?? Here's Your Chance . . .

If you aren't familiar with Paula Nadelstern's creations, take a quick peek, because you probably won't see anything else like it. www.paulanadelstern.com  I bought a book of hers many years ago, thinking I would like to make one, and then realized that my ambition far exceeded my abilities!  But she will be having a workshop nearby, which might give me hope.  Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee, located in Knoxville TN has planned two workshops with Paula Nadelstern Jan 31 - Feb 4, 2011 at the Holiday Inn, Cedar Bluff, just off I 40.  Lunch is included in the class fee.  For more information email rushing@chartertn.net or call 865-681-1466.  

 

Two Day Workshop --- Jan 31-Feb 1, 2011

                 THE PUZZLE QUILT

                 (Monday & Tuesday)

                    9:30AM- 4:30PM

           Fee $150.00 includes lunch

               

Free lecture Tuesday at SMQ meeting, 7PM Messiah Lutheran Church

 

Three Day Workshop Feb 2 - Feb 4, 2011

 THROUGH A QUILTED KALEIDOSCOPE

               (Wed, Thurs, Friday)

                9:30AM  - 4:30PM

         Fee $250.00 includes lunch

 

Besides the Paula Nadelstern workshop, you also have an opportunity to indulge in the quilting world in nearby Townsend.  The Quilters’ Road Show will be held January 8, 2011 at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, Tennessee. The event is free. Regular admission price applies to tour the museum and outbuildings. Cades Cove Heritage Tours will host a 1:00 pm guided bus tour of Cades Cove for $10.00 per person. Please call 865-448-0044 to reserve your place for the tour.

 

This year’s event will feature a bed turning at 3:00 pm by Merikay Waldvogel, a member of the Quilter’s Hall of Fame and a discussion by Mrs. Waldvogel and Becky Harriss on the age, patterns and preservation tips for your quilts. Other featured demonstrations will be Hand Applique by Jane Dunham, Hand Piecing by Cindy Blackberg, Punch Needle by Darlene Bakos and Hand Quilting and Trapunto by Linda Roy.

 

There will be a display of quilts by the Foothills Quilters. Quilt Photography by Mary Grace Photos will take pictures of your quilts. The price is $11.00 per print; CD $25; prints ready same day; appointments are encouraged; call 727-871-0210 for details.

 

Everyone is encouraged to bring your sewing kit and help piece quilts for the Ronald McDonald House. For more information, call the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center at (865) 448-0044.

 

 

Bed Quilts go to Chambliss Shelter

We did it! Nine bed-sized quilts were delivered to the Children's Home/Chambliss Shelter today!

From left: Nancy Allen (Choo Choo Quilters), Cindy Hancock, Assistant Director of Volunteer Services (Chambliss), Christy Finley, Administrative Assistant (Chambliss), Veronica Hofman-Ortega (Choo Choo Quilters) and Ginny Minninger (Choo Choo Quilters).

The request for twin-size bed quilts for teenage residents came to the Choo Choo Quilters quilt guild this summer. The guild has been a long-time supporter to this Chattanooga community organization through the guild's Cuddle Quilt program, an outreach program in which lap-size children's quilts are made and donated by guild members.

A twin size bed quilt made with a crazy 9-patch pattern.

"When we became aware of the older residents, guild members embraced the challenge, dipped into their fabric stashes, and stepped up to meet the need," said Ginny Minninger, who championed this special request for bed quilts for the teenagers.

Nine twin size quilts, approximately 65" x 90" in size, were delivered today for immediate distribution to the teenage residents. The Assistant Director of Volunteer Services said that the quilts are so appreciated and are very much in need. With the prediction of very cold weather in the forecast, this delivery was most timely.