There are only a few spaces left in the Feb. 25 and April 20 to 22 workshops.  Contact Dawna from the Program Committee for registration information.

There are only a few spots left in the Spring Retreat, so do not delay. It will be full very soon. 

How to register:  Please contact Iona, the 1^st VP.  To access the registration form, log into the site,  go to Members Menu/Admin link,  download and mail the registration form (The form has mailing address at bottom of form).  

Here are a few notes to make our guild meeting participation a pleasant experience.

Here's your chance to reveal your inner button/bead as you create a work of wonder for this year's Button and Bead Challenge!  Dig out that jar or box from your cupboard (or someone else's) and rediscover a little childish delight as you fondle, sort and revel in the marvels of each little (or big) button or bead. 

We invite all members to create a little (or big) work of art to donate to the brown bag draw at the June banquet.  All sizes and formats are welcome! 

To help get your brainwaves meandering, consider this high-minded gem of button history:

The Chinese once wore buttons as symbols of the five principal virtues of Confucius: Humanity, Justice, Order, Prudence and Rectitude.

  These were made by the Endowment Committee on Wednesday.

  We've completed the first step ...
  gluing buttons to a styrofoam ball.

  The next step is applying the grout or gluing seed beads
  in lieu of grout.

  These balls were on display at the Endowment table
  at the Jan 18 mtg.

Here are your instructions so that you can make a Beautiful Button Ball:

This is an opportunity for you to share your quilts and inspire others.  

The challenge will be held in conjunction with the Victoria Creative Stitches & Crafting ... Alive! show that will be held in Victoria BC March 9^th and 10^th.  All quilts will be donated to our injured Canadian Armed Forces members after the show.  Entry deadline is March 3^rd.  Quilts of Valour - Canada Challenge is not a competition and is open to any quilter.

Information brochure and entry form    (Link)

Delivered by Dr. Anne Bissonnette in a visually rich Power Point presentation, the event will give everyone a peek into the hair fashions that were high art from 1748 to 1804, during the powdered glory days of Marie Antoinette.

The organizers of the International Quilt Festival of Ireland have extended an invitation to their event that will be held from June 7 to 10, 2012   www.IQFOI.com

Feeling itchy for a little project to tease your brain and limber your fingers?  Here's something just for you!  The Napa Valley Quilters Guild in northern California has invited our guild members to participate in a block exchange this spring. 

• We'll be exchanging 12 1/2" blocks made from 100% cotton on the
  

• Theme:  Anything Alberta.  That includes geography, climate, economy, history, happenings and any other eclectic, zany, whimsical or just plain silly-serious thing to be found in Alberta. 

• 2 categories - traditional (pieced or appliqué) or arty (must be mail able, so go lightly on the 3D effects, ladies). 

• Sign up at the February meeting. 

• Blocks are due at the May 16 meeting. 

• For more information contact Sharon Rubuliak at sharonru <at> telus.net   or 780 464-2690.

• Speaker:  Kim Caskey (2011 Continuing Education Grant Winner)    (Link)     

• Printable Labels for Your Charity Quilts    (PDF)    (Word)

• Batting and backings will be available for your Charity Quilts

• Register for Coffee Night with our Beekeeper    (Link)

• Endowment will have more samples for their Button & Bead Fundraising Challenge    (Link)
  

• Napa Valley Block Exchange Sign-up    (Link)
  

• Housekeeping Notes for our Meetings    (Link)

Our Beekeeper would like to extend an invitation to everyone, especially, new Guild members.  On Tues., Feb. 21^st she will be hosting an informal coffee night.  The purpose of this get together is to provide new members an opportunity to meet other guild members and to talk quilting.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Myrna, our Beekeeper.  Her contact information is in the newsletter and in Exec Contact Info. 

Terra is our charity focus for the remainder of the year.  Our May meeting is the deadline for your items.

• Creativity Workshop
  

      I'm looking for someone to make a quilt for my son in time for his graduation in May.  Thank you.

      Jackie Collins

      (780) 569-4672

      This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

      Posting Date:  Jan. 16  

Now is your chance to sign up for the class or classes of your choice! Register for just one day and take that class that REALLY appeals to you. Consider adding a second day to take another class offered by the amazing teachers that will be here in Halifax, or perhaps a two-day class offering an in-depth quilting experience is your choice. Whatever your preference, registration is now wide open to all quilters, whether you choose to attend as a full delegate or simply want to take in a class or two.

Why Quilts Matter: History, Art & Politics is a nine-part documentary series scheduled for Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 PM Pacific Time on KSPS-TV (PBS) beginning November 1st.

website:  http://www.whyquiltsmatter.org

At the Sept. meeting, the steps to the mystery quilt project were presented at several stations. It was a great opportunity to visit with other members.

All of the steps have been compiled into one document. The Baby Burst steps can be downloaded as a pdf:  here

If you send us a photo of your Baby Burst quilt, or your block, we will start a gallery of the photos.

A link has been created in the Main Menu under Guild Activities for Mystery Quilt. The pdf can also be found in the Newsletter section after you have logged into the site.

Thank you to Pat Lore for creating this mystery quilt project.