Quilting “Besties”

Each Tuesday I send an email to the Wednesday Quilters with reminders about our next meeting at the Church. Each quilter responds to the group, that yes, she will be there at 11 or after a dental appointment or after the delivery person has come and gone. Or they respond with quick explanations of why they won’t be there—out of state at my grandson’s graduation or on a cruise, etc. This correspondence gives us a give update on each member of our group. An easy way to stay in touch even if we won’t be present at that particular Wednesday.

In my emails, I try to add a meme or clip art or gif just to make the “same old same old’ message from me to be a bit different. Last week I found this on a Facebook group, “Cool People Quilt”. I don’t know to whom to give credit , but it is so appropriate for out group.

These are some of the responses I received.

” I appreciate each and every one of you “Besties”

“Agree.  We could make a long list of why we like to quilt together

“My quilting beasties are my therapy.”

There are so many reasons to quilt. Quilting is a creative endeavor, it relieves stress, it keeps the brain working, it results in unique gifts and home decor and it is fun! But most of us quilters need a group of like minded cohorts. A community in which we can share our passion.

My husband supports my quilting habit 100%. I have never been told my day quilting instead of house cleaning or preparing dinner was wasted. He even developed a strategy for visiting quilt shops and has planned trips to quilt destinations—Paducah and the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Full disclosure, most of these trip involve a baseball park and game or two! But, as supportive as he is, he isn’t a quilter! One of his favorite quotes is “isn’t that a little busy?” He doesn’t really appreciate the differences in fabric—not that he is suggesting cheaper fabric..it is my money, but fabric is fabric in his eyes. Sometimes his expectations are unrealistic– his suggestions are not in my skill level. Just because I really admire a quilt, doesn’t mean I can duplicate it. Quilting buddies fill the gap!

My quilting friends give great advice–most of the time requested. “Is this color going to work here?” “Should I add a border or two?” Only quilters understand the frustration of discovering your bobbin ran out half way through sewing the long border–and you had removed all the pins. Only quilters commeserate with you when you need to seam rip the entire row of blocks because you sewed them upside down. And sometimes they help pick out those tiny stitches! Quilters never say “looks fine” when you place your scrappy blocks on the design wall–they will help you make sure the colors are distributed well.

In addition to our shared love of quilting, we have shared much that has nothing to do with quilting. Health and family ups and downs. Joys and sorrows. Recommendations of series on TV and good books to read or to listen to while sewing. Buckets lists and trips taken. Snacks and coffee are important component of the afternoon and great recipes are shared. So yeah, I need my “quilting besties”.

And most importantly, the Quilts Etc. Sale in October would not happen without the combined diligence of the two groups that comprise Quilters at First. We are divided into the machine quilters and the hand quilters with about 12-15 members in each group. Both groups met on Wednesdays in different rooms but on the same hall way. We share our fabric stashes, we admire each others work and sometimes our special desserts! We all contribute to the growing collection of items that will be available this fall at our annual sale and on line.

We invite new members. Each new person adds something special we didn’t have before. So consider yourself invited. All skill levels are welcomed. Leave a comment if you are interested.

One of the highlights of the week is the sharing of finished projects. We ooh and ahh over each one! Usually pricing the items is a group effort. Here is what we had last week.

Do you know an antique car enthusiast? These placemats would be the perfect Father’s Day gift. They are green on the back–flip them over and you have a new set. $40

Diane created these “fidget boards”. They help keep children occupied during “long boring periods” of time. Because they are soft, they won’t make any noise when dropped. These boards are great for folks who are soothed by keeping their hands busy. $40 each

WSU fans, get ready for your next “watch” party. These table runners are approximately 15″ by 35″. $40 each

Perfect for the picnic table on the deck or patio..These star spangled placemats are 12″ x 14″ and for sale for $40.

I know it seems like a long time to the winter holidays–but you know how quickly they seem to arrive! Grab these so you will be prepared for those crazy weeks.

Frosty and his friends are delightful. Each placemat is 13″ x 17″ and the set is $40. BUT…..

……wouldn’t this table runner be a great piece to complete your table? Frosty table runner is 11″ x 33″ and is also $40.

These are a few of the items our different members have contributed to our collection of items for sale. Each member has a different style and interest which has contributed to the vast variety we have to offer. Yay for “quilting besties”!!