The Possum Town Quilters Of Columbus, MS, USA: January 2024 Meeting

Possum Town Quilters met for their regular monthly meeting on Saturday, January 13, 2024. The meeting opened with a welcome from guild president, Karen Cauley. There were 19 members in attendance and 3 visitors. Minutes for the Nov 23 meeting were approved as written on the blog on motion by Tonya S. with a second by CC Coggins. The treasury report was given by Treasurer, Judy S. The treasurers report was approved with a motion by Tonya S. and seconded by Julie M.

Old Business

Challenge (Rent) Quilt Report - Karen C. reported that Barb D., Terri H., and CC Coggins need to be reimbursed for quilting work provided for the last challenge quilt, Moda Blockheads. PTQ is awaiting an amount for reimbursement. The quilt was donated to the Columbus Arts Council for auction. We are awaiting status on the results of the auction.

Charity Quilt Committee - The 16-patch quilt block charity quilt was spearheaded by Kimberly S. It has been pieced and is being quilted by Maple Street quilters.

Raffle Quilt Committee - "Words from the South" - Tonya S. and Patti M. - The challenge was to take a common southern saying and turn it into a quilt block. Participants selected a saying and will design a block around the saying. Blocks will measure 10 1/2" (10" finished"). Backgrounds should be neutral, either white, beige on tone, or tone on tone in whites or beige. You can use any technique you choose to include applique', foundation paper piecing, traditional blocks, symbols, pictures. Only stipuation...NO WORDS! We want others to be able to guess the saying protrayed in the quilt. IMPORTANT: The picture should fit into a 10" square. Blocks will be due at the Feb 3rd guild meeting.

PTQ Library Christmas Tree - The PTQ Christmas tree was decorated and taken down by Brenda C., Judy S, Gwen S, and Karen C. Thank you ladies for taking time out of your schedule to take care of this project. Gwen S., we appreicate your interest in the CLPL and for helping PTQ to have a presence in the community by participating in the Christmas tree decorating activity annually.

Beautifully done!

New Business

Announcement by Carol James - Carol updated the guild on the declining health condition of one of our special members, Linda Baine. Linda is no long able to sew and Carol is helping her family find homes for several sewing machines and sergers. There are several machines, all in good condition, available for purchase. If intersted, please contact Carol J, for more information.

Columbus-Lowndes Public Library (CLPL) Quilting Day Program - Brenda Durett, Librarian at CLPL, has contacted Gwen S. regarding the next quilt day program. She said the date for the next quilt day has been set for March 12, 2024. This next year, in addition to traditional bed quilts, she would like to showcase other items made using quilting techniques such as handbags, totes, rugs, potholders, tree skirts, jackets, etc. Please begin thinking of items you could include in the Quilt Day program. It's a great opportunity for Possum Town Quilters to show what we do and peak the interest of potential new quilters in the community.

Pigeon Forge Quiltfest "Celebrations" Quilt Contest 2024 - Brenda C. announced the theme will be "Celebrations". We must have at least 5 participants. Our collective theme will be the 30th anniversary of Quiltfest "Happy Birthday Quiltfest". The 30 year anniversary color is green and a pearl is the symbol. The quilt piece will be limited 20" X 20" and 20 percent of the quilt must be green. Each piece will need a 4" hanging sleeve and a label. Binding for each quilt piece will be dark green. The contest committee selected fabrics to be used as the common focal point and packets were available at this meeting. If you are interested in participating in this challenge, please see Brenda C. Finished projects will be turned in at the PTQ meeting on Sat, Apr 13th.

Quilt of Valor (QoV) Program Participation - Ina Johnson has taken the lead on the QoV program for PTQ. This year we would like to complete an entire quilt to be donated to a worthy recipient. The pattern will be a simple Ohio Star. We will have a sew day to work on blocks on Sat., Feb 17th. Lunch will be provided.

Block of the Month - Judy S. told the group that we will kick off a block of the month sew along in Feb. She said we will choose color theme and there will be a total of 10 blocks. Each month the block will introduce a new sewing technique.

General Announcements

2024 Calendar - Karen C. distributed copies of the 2024 PTQ activity calendar. A copy can be found on the PTQ Blog.

MQA Spring Gathering

MQA Spring Gathering will be held in Wesson, MS, Feb 9-10 at Thames Center at Copiah Lincoln Community Center. Complete information can be found in the MQA Newsletter . There will be 3 vendors on site. Please take advantage of this fabric "retail therapy" opportunity. The vendors have worked together to make this a special treat for their MQA visitors.

Program

Judy S. presented an interesting program on "Getting Back to Basics". She reviewed quarter inch seams, cutting and measuring, and use of rulers. It was a great refresher even for seasoned quilters.