Thanks to the Star Fire Department for sharing with us about how we help in their service to the community. It certainly gives us a different perspective on how our community quilts enhances lives in community outreach. They meet people in some of the worst possible life situations and it warms our hearts to know we can provide such a small thing as a quilt to someone in need. Often we take life for granted and unless you work with or minister to other people, we pretty much remain in our own life s bubble. I am proud to be part of a dedicated organization that supports giving back to the community. Of course, we can t help every need, but we can make a difference to that one we reach. You may have heard of the story of the starfish, here is my recollection of it. A young and old man walked along the beach one day, they came upon hundreds of starfish that had washed up on the shore, the older man began picking them up and tossing them back in the ocean. They younger man said, We can t possibility pick up all of these starfish and toss them in the ocean, so what does it matter? The older man replied that it did matter the ones who were tossed back in the ocean. So let s make a difference to those people who we come in contact with in everyday life. Till next time, Sew On! Debbie Star Volunteer Fire Department Jackie Squires, Chief; Jimmy Nelson, Assistant Chief; David Bynum, Captain; and Hunter Squires. Captain Squires spoke of the great comfort the quilts we donate to the Star Fire Department bring to those who are given the quilts at fires and accidents. The quilts have been used to cover the elderly or someone injured on their way to the hospital. The firemen try to match up a quilt with the recipient; bringing smiles to those that are scared and afraid. The Star Department had 430 calls in 2017 mostly first aide calls, from toothaches, falls and tree cutting accidents to house fires and auto accidents.
Minutes of Monthly Meeting February 5, 2018 Debbie brought the meeting to order and turned it over to Ann Williams to introduce the members of the Star Volunteer Fire Department that serves her community and distributes the quilts we donate to those in need of comfort. Fire Chief Jackie Squires expressed their appreciation of our donations (and we forgave him for referring to our quilts as blankets from time to time). Debbie presented the firefighters with a much appreciated monetary contribution from the guild, they were then excused. Debbie reminded everyone that dues for this year are due and to see Missy. Also reminder of the Diane Knott Trunk Show on Friday, February 9th at 6:30 and class on Saturday, February 10th to begin at 9:00 a.m. Sewing machines and supplies can be brought in Friday night. March is National Quilt month. The Brandon Library will display quilts during March and April. Be sure to bring your quilts and quilt racks to our next meeting. A sign up sheet was passed around to list the names of quilts and their quilters to be displayed. Marilyn Rose announced that Quilt Day will be held at the MS Craftsman Guild on Saturday, March 10th. Everyone that would like to come quilt, cut or sew to come and participate. The Brandon Library will have a jelly roll quilt class that will be held on June 9th and then again on June 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Those interested can register at the front desk of the library. A motion was made to accept the January minutes as printed in the January newsletter, all were in agreement. Missy Lee gave the Treasurer s report and our guild has a current balance of $4,780.36. Judy Robbins reported that 2 birthday cards, 3 get well cards and 1 sympathy card had been mailed out during January. MQA update reminder of the March gathering on the 2nd and 3rd in Tupelo. March is the deadline to sign up for the 2018 UFO Challenge. There being no other business or announcements the meeting was turned over to Polly Duggan and Sarah McCormick to teach us how to make Rag quilts. After the presentation, Sew-n-Tell was shared and then the meeting was adjourned. Patricia Welsch 2
Rag Quilt A Sew easy Community Quilt Step 1 Cut (80) 9 squares for the top and (80) 9 squares for the back Step 2 Cut (80) 8 1/2 squares of batting (scraps can be used) Step 3 Lay a fabric square with wrong side up. Center batting square on the fabric and top with a top piece of fabric, right side up. You now have a mini-quilt sandwich pin together with at least two pins. Stack the sandwiches. Step 4 Sew an X across each square. You can mark with a ruler and disappearing fabric maker to keep you lines straight. This is your quilting, so you could get fancy practicing different quilting techniques. Step 5 Arrange the blocks eight (8) across by ten (10) down Step 6 Stitch blocks in rows with backing sides together using a 5/8 seam. Yes, you will have the unfinished edges on the front side of the quilt. Adjust your seal allowance a little if necessary but you DO NOT want to catch the batting in the seal allowance. Step 7 Stitch the rows together and then stich all the way around the quilt 5/8 from the edges Step 8 Now sit down in a comfy chair and get ready to do some clipping! Using spring-release clippers make clipping the seams much easier on your hands. Clip all seams and the outside edge, evenly at about 3/8 intervals, taking care not to clip the stitching of the seam. Step 9 Washing a rag quilt is really important to get the exposed edges fuzzy and make it all soft and cuddly. CAUTION! The lint created in your washer and dryer can be significant, so make sure to clean out the lint trap. **Washing the quilt in a huge fabric bag is recommended.** Finished Rag Quilt Ready to give and brighten someone s spirit The above instructions will make a quilt approximately 68 x 85 3 ` 3
Sew n-tell Marilyn Rose 2018 Block of the week Billie Thompson-Crystal Butterflies Sarah Ketchum getting ready for the holidays Easter and Christmas placemats and Apple table runner Marie Yonko Tumbler quilt and Blue Jelly Roll quilt and Tunic ` 4
Sew n Tell Sarah McCormickTurning Twenty quilt Cynthia Simpson Alabama quilt top made from granddaughter s fabric paintings and no sew Christmas ornaments Christy Calhoun Disappearing Nine Patch quilt and Fun fabric microwave bowls ` 5 Diana Carey Jungle Shoo Fly
PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE Brandon Quilters Newsletter 237 Maplewood Dr. Madison, MS 39110 Inside this issue President s note....1 Guests-Star Vol. Fire Dept.... 1 February minutes... 2 Rag Quilt Program... 3 Sew n-tell.4 & 5 Dates to remember.6 Mark your calendar - February 9th, Friday, Sit-n-Sew and Diane Knott Trunk Show at 6:30 p.m. (no charge) February 10th, Saturday, Diane Knott Classes March National Quilting Month March 2 & 3 MQA Spring Gathering in Tupelo March 5th Guild meeting, 6:00 p.m., Brandon Library March 10th Sit-n-Sew and Community quilt work day April 13 & 14 Gulf States Quilt Show, Slidell, LA May 31 Bonnie Hunter class through MQA June 1 & 2 Bonnie Hunter Classes and June Gathering