There was, of course, a business meeting, going over Treasurer’s report, committee reports, etc etc etc (to quote a very old Yul Brynner movie, The King & I). It was announced that Kelly Y would continue to do the BRQ monthly newsletter – good job, Kelly! All business and NQD meeting business and Opportunity Quilt get-together business taken care of, it was time for the program, “Are You Ready for Christmas?” with Kathy Wi showing quite a few quick and easy gift ideas involving sewing or quilting which included playing card holders made with two CD discs having covers sewn half way down in order to hold playing cards, mug rugs, hot pads, a quick and easy carry-all made with a hot pad to carry all the “small stuff” you deem important and necessary. And these were only a few of the tricks Kathy pulled out her bag – quite literally!!
Kathy W showing playing card holders made of 2 CD discs covered in fabric with the top half open to hold the cards. 
Kathy W with dish towel scarf, useful as hand wiper and handling hot items. 
Kathy W showing Dollar Store hot pad with top half of zip closing bags sewn in the center to hold purse items or sewing/quilting items together in an orderly manner. To close, fold in half and button it up with a button and loop! 
Another quick item, make a hot pad using fabric and double layer of batting. Don’t forget the hanging loop when you sew on the binding! 
And Kathy’s favorite, mug rugs. She likes to sew the fabric and batting “envelope style,” cut a turning hole in the fabric and applique something beautiful over the hole! No fuss, no muss and no binding . . .
As always, Show and Tell was beautiful, intriguing and exciting. See the pics below. Some of the not-so-excited facial expressions were just caught at the wrong time, I am sure. Ahem.
Cathy H – Blessing Barns 
Cathy H – Night Time Whispers. 
Cathy H – Night Time Whispers, back showing spider web quilting. 
Cathy H – Round Robin quilted 
Dawn W – Beautiful Christmas time table runner 
Debbie S – Her first embroidered quilt, a Claudia Creations pattern. Even the quilting is embroidered, all done on her home sewing/embroidery machine. 
Gisela O was gifted a bunch of blocks, took it all apart and started over to finish with quite a beautiful quilt. 
Janice T – back of 2.5″ blocks Christmas tree wall hanging. 
Janice T – and here is the front of 2.5″ blocks Christmas tree wall hanging. She is more excited about it than shown when the camera caught her. Really! 
Kelly Y showing Vortex, ever increasing hexagons in shades of blue. The quilting really does it justice. 
Vickie H showed this Santa’s Night Out table runner, with Santa’s sleigh and 9 named reindeer.
So, that is it for the November 14, 2023 meeting of the Blue Ridge Quilters. Next month is our annual Christmas party – including an Ugly Sweater Contest we are told – that should make for some pictures for sure! Be sure to tune in next month, my last month at doing the website and effective January 2024, Kelly Y will be taking over this fun spot. Give him the excellent support you have shown me.
Till next time . . . gotta go now and make pumpkin pies . . . fingers crossed. Have a truly thankful Thanksgiving Thursday and every day.
Blue Ridge Quilters 