It was an extraordinary meeting. There were 18 present, and after a productive business meeting and a good and varied Show and Tell, we all got busy helping to make a dent in the table decorations for National Quilting Day Event. There were 4 tables of helpers and  there was organization, cooperation, instruction, sharing and caring. Way to go ladies !! The first photo nearby shows the end result of our efforts – 86 “spring flowers.” Wow. We all brought fat quarters, there were chop sticks and clear rubber bands, cellophane for wrapping and curling ribbons for a feminine touch. Real headway was made and we all went home feeling that we had had a good time and had made a contribution. Great job, ladies !!

But first was Show and Tell and there were some really great items. There was Gisela O’Connor showing a quilt she had made and was donating for the Foster Care youngsters. Then Janice Taylor showed some bibs she had made and a product she found to make ordinary cotton fabric just like oil cloth; remember oil cloth? The product is OdiCoat by Odif which is a Gel Coating for Oil Cloth Effect. There are YouTube videos on using; it needs to dry 1 hour between coats and 24 hours after the 3rd coat. Great for baby bibs, purses and wallets etc. Then was Vicky Hammond showing an embroidered Reading Pillow she had made. The pillow includes a zipper to insert a pillow form, and a pocket on the front for holding a book between readings. Vicky said she has been making these to sell and they are very popular. Julie Shelton showed her Disappearing Nine Patch quilt made with fabrics chosen by her husband! Debbie Sowers showed her Convergence Quilt which she had set on point and was very beautiful. Carol Dillman showed her Christmas project for her grand children, which they gleefully announced were their “cooking costumes.” There were 4 of these aprons, – excuse me, cooking costumes – one for each of the children. Carol said when she asked to borrow them for Show and Tell, terms were negotiated for a 3-day loan. LOL

Weather permitting, the next meeting will be on February 11th when we will continue working on table decorations and other efforts toward a successful NQD. Hope to see you all then. Remember, in the case of inclement weather, we will follow the closing schedule of Virginia Western Community College Evening/Night classes.

ps – remember to bring your machine and tools this Saturday, Jan. 18th to the Library to help with the Donation Quilt! Also, bring any blocks you have made that have not been turned in. If you are unable to stay, please drop by and leave any blocks you have made.  We will be there from 9:00am to 2:00pm. See you Saturday ??