Well, Summer arrived right on time, "Hot and Humid" just what the South is known for! Time to stay inside, drink water, SEW, QUILT and continue with our yoga exercises.
July is here and it includes two important Birthdays. Celebrate America's 249th on July 4th and our Guild's 41st on July 17th. Nan and her volunteer party crew have planned an exciting event for us with door prizes, games and BD Cake and Ice Cream with a multitude of toppings. The party meeting starts at 5:30!!!!!! Hope to see you there for fun and friendship. Don't forget to bring non-perishable food for Martha's Mission Pantry.
If you haven't made a pink and white 12 1/2 square (unfinished) yet, please consider making one and bring it to our July or August meeting, so the committee can complete the quilt(s) we donated to the RAAB Center in October, Breast Cancer Awareness month.
There was a suggestion in the Suggestion Box last month for our Guild's "experts to share tips" with us. I am not an expert, but have learned a few things over the years since I've been quilting; everyone has their own methods and no one method is the absolute. The final results are the same, make a quilt for your family and friends with LOVE sewn in.
Quilt tip of the month - when I have to piece the back, I join the pieces with a half inch seam allowance, using smaller stitches and press the seam open, and I always cut off the salvage. The salvage is very tightly woven on the sides of the length of the fabric, kind of like binding it off the weaving machine. I always cut this off since it is a tighter weave; if left on, the fabric can pucker and not really lay flat.
Hope this helps and this is the type of tips requested. And because of this suggestion, Chris and I are planning "mini workshops" one Tuesday a month at drop-in; handouts will be provided and available at our monthly meetings for those unable to attend Tuesday drop in. Subjects to be discussed include: Needles - why so many different needles and when to use what kind, Threads - all the different weight and ply. Let one of us know if you wish a specific topic to be taught and discussed.
Keep stitching,
Nancy
crystal Coast QUilters' guild