President’s message – August 2022

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Welcome to the dog days of Summer. My childhood Summers were filled with fun adventures outside. I grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania and we enjoyed exploring the woods, riding our bikes around town, and swimming in the pond but those activities eventually evolved to going to movies and Friday night dances at the Ross library basement! I didn’t start sewing until I moved to Florida the Summer I turned 16. When I had my eye on a cute dress that I found in a magazine someone commented ‘why don’t you just make it? You know all southern girls sew.’ Well, that prompted my request for a sewing machine for my birthday and I started making a few clothes for school.

I started quilting after I retired about ten years ago. I attended QuiltFest and was so inspired by all the glorious quilts on display that I was motivated to buy a better machine for my birthday (actually selling a little gold jewelry) and have been enjoying quilting ever since! So, I blame or credit QuiltFest for starting me along my quilted path. I started volunteering the next year as a ‘white glove’ hostess and appreciated being allowed to touch the quilts!

I hope QuiltFest is an inspiration for you as well. I noticed when I signed up, there are still lots of openings for volunteers so please be sure to pick your favorite areas to work and sign up as a volunteer. And don’t forget the Guild will have a table at QuiltFest to share information about our Guild. Karen Bradley will be signing up members to work shifts for all three days of the event. Pick a time and share what you love about being part of a quilt guild.

Enjoy the rest of your Summer and keep on quilting.

Leslee

Message from President – June

Hi Coastal Quilters,

It has been one hot Summer so far and it’s only June! I can see why my plants’ leaves are absolutely toasting, It’s a great time to stay inside and quilt.

QuiltFest is finally coming in July. Have you thought about entering a quilt in the show? It took me several years of looking at all the lovely quilts in our show to decide to put one of mine on display. I read an article once that said ‘If you are nervous or think you’re not good enough to enter a quilt, then you are the one who should be entering. We all know those well-known quilters are good. But entering and seeing your own quilt on display can do so much for you as a quilter.” And although no one likes to be judged, getting feedback on your quilt from the judge/s can be so helpful in your growth as a quilter. I’ve saved all my feedback sheets. (3)

I’ve decided to put a quilt in the show this year. I have several partially done projects that I considered but this one is closest to done and entering it in the show is a good motivation to get it finished; also a tick mark off my UFO list! Another way to enter a quilt or multiple quilts in QuiltFest is to complete and turn in some miniature quilts! You will see them on display and they will be used in the silent auction for a great cause; FSCJ’s Vision Education & Rehabilitation Center. The miniature quilts are due at the August meeting. There is more information in Pat Sena’s article about the measurement requirements.

See you on July 11, 6:00 pm at Whit’s in Jacksonville Beach to enjoy our ice-cream social!

Keep on quilting

Leslee

Message from the President – May

What inspires you?  In a time when we can buy a blanket or quilt with a click of a mouse, why do we spend time cutting up fabric and reassembling it into a quilt?  Whether you follow a pattern’s instructions step by step or completely improv a creation, your quilt is an expression of your creativity.  

I read a quote about surrounding yourself with people who inspire you with their enthusiasm and creativity. They are the ones who feed your creative soul. Our purpose as a Quilt Guild says in part that we are a source of information, and inspiration in quilting and related arts. That is why I am a member of Coastal Quilters. Our Guild through Show and Tell, sit and sew Fridays and our monthly meeting have provided the opportunity to quilters for the past 35 years, to sit and enjoy the company of others who have the same interest. We share what we are working on, get ideas from each other, and work together to learn new processes and techniques. 

I am looking forward to making plans with you for the upcoming months for some fun monthly meeting programs, QuiltFest involvement and our social events in July and December. 

Keep on quilting, 

Leslee

Quilting for Charity

Thanks to all who came out to sew some quilts and placemats for charity; AND for those who delivered some already done! It was a fun day working and chatting together.

May program – Maria Spetalnik, Professional Organizer

Maria Spetalnik is founder of Conquer the Clutter, professional organizers working in the VIrginia/Maryland/metro DC area. They take a holistic approach with their clients. This means not just dealing with the stuff, but trying to help figure out how the stuff took over and what clients really want to do with the space. In that way, clients take control not only of the stuff and the space, but also their life. She’ll be speaking to the guild via Zoom on organizational tips for your sewing space. Bring your questions. There are solutions for everyone’s unique organizational issues.

The meeting is in person at Community Presbyterian Church at 150 Sherry Dr, Atlantic Beach at 6:00pm.