April 2023 Meeting

Possum Town Quilters met for their regular monthly meeting on Saturday, April 8, 2023. The meeting opened with a welcome from guild president, Gwen Sisson.  There were 19 members in attendance.  Minutes for the March meeting were approved as written on the blog on motion by Terri H. with a second by Tonya S.  The treasury report was given by Treasurer, Karen C. and approved and seconded as presented.  Marilyn H. provided door prizes for the meeting.

Old Business

Small Quilt Challenge - The Pigeon Forge "Water In Your World" small quilt challenge pieces were due today.  After the mini quilts were collected, they were photographed and will be mailed in time to meet the challenge deadline.

Guest Speaker/Teacher Update

Our guest speaker and teacher will be Dorinda Evans, a well known friend, quilter/teacher from the Jackson Quilt Guild. Dorinda is an award winning quilter and is as entertaining as she is talented.  Dorinda will treat us to a bed turning on Friday evening, May 12th in the Omnova Theater, 7:00 pm, in the Rosenzweig Arts Center.  Then on Saturday, May 13th, 9:30 am, she will teach a class for guild members.  More information on class details will follow. The class will be for PTQ members only. Members will be given 3 tickets each, one for themselves and 2 for guests.  The auditorium seats 85 and we would like it filled to capacity. 

New Business - 

Committee Reports 

Charity Quilts -  Kimberly S. reported that 81 pillowcases are ready to be donated to The Dream Center Golden Triangle in West Point, MS for their Bedz for Kidz program.  Thank you to all that participated in this worthwhile cause.  

We need 5 more blocks put together to have enough for the 16-patch quilt if anyone has time to work on them.  Sashing has been cut for this quilt and hopefully we can get the quilt top put together soon.

Pilgrimage Committee - Artisan Day will be held on Saturday, April 22nd.  Maple Street Quilters, which is primarily composed of PTQ members, will have a hand quilting demonstration that day.  Money received for participation in the event will go to Maple Street for purchase of batting and supplies.   

General Announcements - 

Remember to promote our local quilt shop, Magnolia Heirlooms.  Although no longer considered to be a new business, they are still trying to make people aware or their business.  We can help by sharing their FB link on our own FB pages.  They have several upcoming classes scheduled if you know of anyone that may be interested:

Serger Project Class:  Easy Zippered Bag - Apr 18, 5:30 pm

Spoonful of Sunshine:  Kimberbell 1-Day Virtual Event - Apr 22, 9:00 am

Easy Serger Pieced Quilt Class: Apr 29, 9:00 am

Summer Nights:  Kimberbell 1-Day Virtual Event - Jun 10, 9:00 am

Also, be sure to check out classes offered by Lady Bug Fabrics in Aberdeen, MS.

The Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) will host an exhibit at the Rosenzweig Arts Center Galley throughout the month of April.  Members Shannon J. and Julia G. are SAQA members also.  Please take time to enjoy the fabulous art work by our very talented MS fiber artists.  Below are just a few of the wonderful pieces on display.

MQA Summer Gathering News - Patti M., current MQA Education Director, reminded the Guild that the MQA Summer Gathering will be held in Raymond, MS, Jun 2-3.  The conference will be at Eagle Ridge Conference Center and there will be lodging provided for some on-sight.  Hotels are available nearby and all details regarding The Gathering can be found in the Common Threads newsletter.  There are 5 great classes to choose from so please take advantage of these great learning opportunities taught by some of MQA's finest teachers.  Registration opens on Apr 24th.  Jump on-line fast to secure a spot in your desired class as spaces are limited.  Full details can be found in The Common Thread newsletter at the link below:

https://www.mississippiquilt.org/newsletter

Program 

Raffle Quilt - We had a Sit and Sew to work on the Moda Block Heads quilt.  Members brought sewing machines and enjoyed working on this UFO together.  There is still a ways to go to completion but we made good progress.  The goal is to have this quilt completed to be given to the Columbus Arts Council in Aug.  They will raffle off the quilt to raise funds to support the various programs offered by the Arts Council. Many thanks to those able to stay and help out.  

Show and Tell

                                             Ruby J. - Vintage hand embroidered quilt of states

                                        found in a neighbors trunk.  Made by her neighbor's

                                           grandmother, Ruby took it apart to add sashing.

                                   Ina J. - "Kaleidoscope"                                         

 Stack and Whack Quilt

Julie M. - "Snowbird" pattern by Camille Roskelly

of Thimble Blossoms.  Fabric is Nantucket by Camille

Roskelly.  Julie made this quilt for her grandson.

                                                      Marilyn H. - Finished T-Shirt Quilt 

Following Show and Tell, the meeting was adjourned for fellowship and chicken strip plate lunch.  

March 2023 Meeting

Possum Town Quilters met for their regular monthly meeting on Saturday, March 11, 2023. The meeting opened with a welcome from guild president, Gwen Sisson.  There were 18 members in attendance.  Minutes for the January meeting were approved as written on the blog on motion by Terri H. with a second by Ebba K.  The treasury report was given by Gwen S. (for Treasurer, Karen C.) and approved on motion by Judy S. and seconded by Lawana S.  Marilyn H. provided door prizes for the meeting.

First door prize winner - Gwen S.

Old Business

Guild Scrapbook - In Jan, the topic of maintaining the Guild scrapbook was tabled pending further discussion.  Gwen S. reiterated the need for someone to assist in maintaining scrapbooks for historical purposes.  There are currently several scrapbooks full of memorabilia needing to be electronically stored as a tab on the current blog.  Marilyn H. volunteered to take a book at a time and begin scanning, as she can, to a flash drive.  The idea of possibly donating the physical scrapbooks to the library after scanning is complete was discussed.  For the time being, the minutes on the blog will serve the purpose but we do need to capture newspaper articles, publications, awards, etc. for archives and safekeeping.  

Reminder/Update - Brenda C. reminded members that the Pigeon Forge "Water In Your World" small quilt challenge pieces are due at the next regular guild meeting on Saturday, Apr 8th.  After the mini quilts are collected, a team will photograph and mail them in time to meet the challenge deadline.

Guest Speaker/Teacher Reveal - Brenda C. announced our guest speaker and teacher will be Dorinda Evans, a well known friend quilter/teacher from the Jackson Quilt Guild. Dorinda is an award winning quilter and is as entertaining as she is talented.  Dorinda will treat us to a bed turning on Friday evening, May 12th in the Omnova Theater (time TBD) in the Rosenzweig Arts Center.  Then on Saturday, May 13th (time TBD), she will teach a class for guild members.  More information on class details will follow.  Members need to get tickets at the April meeting to sell for $5 each.  The auditorium seats 85 and we would like it filled to capacity.  Money from tickets will be used to offset per diem costs for Dorinda.  Fee charged for bed turning and class is $200 per event.  

Second door prize winner - Marilyn H.

New Business - 

Committee Reports 

Challenge Quilt (rent quilt) - The "Magnolia" print quilt donated by Annette Pennington will be used as our RAC "rent" quilt.  Barb D. has matched a backing fabric and is in the process of quilting it.  Thank you, Barb!

Charity Quilts -  Members met on Saturday, February 25th, to make pillowcases to donate to The Dream Center Golden Triangle in West Point, MS for their Bedz for Kidz program.  More than 50 pillowcases were made and will be donated to the program.  Thank you to all that participated, either in person at the work day, or by donating pillowcases made at home.  

In other Charity Quilt business, we currently have six remaining quilt tops needing backing fabric and quilting.  Terri H. sent photos of all quilt tops last month for fabric matching.  If you can donate backing to complete these quilts, it would be much appreciated.   

Raffle Quilt - The Moda Block Head quilt blocks need to be squared up and sewn together.  It was decided that the Raffle Quilt Committee will be in charge of the April program.  We will have a Sit and Sew on Saturday, April 8th, to put the quilt blocks together.  Bring sewing machines if you wish to help.  

Historical Committee - Reference Old Business above in regards to need for a volunteer to spearhead updating the PTQ scrapbooks.  

Internet Committee - Solicit help to scan and digitize scrapbook

Pilgrimage Committee - Artisan Day will be held on Saturday, April 22nd.  Maple Street Quilters, which is primarily composed of PTQ members, will have a hand quilting demonstration that day.  Money received for participation in the event will go to Maple Street for purchase of batting and supplies.  

Publicity Committee - Gwen S. handed out cards for members to present to use when inviting someone to visit us at PTQ.

General Announcements - MQA will be featured in the upcoming edition of "Quiltfolk" magazine to be released in April.  Our own Julia Graber will be featured in the magazine along with several guild members who are also MAQ officers.  We are all looking forward to this special Mississippi edition.  

Remember to promote our local quilt shop, Magnolia Heirlooms.  Although no longer considered to be a new business, they are still trying to make people aware or their business.  We can help by sharing their FB link on our own FB pages.

Naomi Perry, a former PTQ member and friend, will be featured in an upcoming quilt show in Colorado.  Congratulations, Naomi!  So proud of you.

The Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) will host an exhibit at the Rosenzweig Arts Center Galley in April.  Members Shannon J. and Julia G. are SAQA members also.  We look forward to more information coming soon.  

Third door prize winner - Judy S.

Program

The March meeting featured a demonstration of hand quilting techniques including:

Hand Applique' - Brenda C.

Hand Quilting - Maple Street Quilters

                                                         Red Work Embroidery - Rita W.

                                                        Crumb Block Piecing - Judy S.

Show and Tell

Rita H. - "Gulf Shores" Pat Sloan BOM

                                                     Pat H. - Hand Quilted Vintage Bouquet

                                   Terry T. - "Story Time" Quilt. Terry machine embroidered

book titles on the bindings.

                                                                 Shannon J. - Art Quilt

                                      Terri H. - First quilt completed on her 

                                                            long arm quilter.  

                                                    Marilyn H.  -  T-Shirt Quilt in progress

Following Show and Tell, the meeting was adjourned for fellowship and pizza lunch.               

January 2023 Meeting

Possum Town Quilters met for their regular monthly meeting on Saturday, January 14, 2023.  The meeting opened with a welcome from guild president, Gwen Sisson.  We also welcomed our first new member of the year to the guild.  Sandy  Nix is a long time quilter, originally from Corinth, and she brings a lot of knowledge and expertise to the Guild.  We look forward to getting to know her better in the coming months.  There were 23 members in attendance with no visitors.  Marilyn Hood provided 3 door prizes for the meeting,  The first door prize winner was Molly Champion!

Old Business 

1.  Changes to the By-Laws - At the Nov 12, 2022 meeting, changes/updates to several Articles in the current by laws dated July 2018 were submitted for consideration.  Members were given handouts with the following edits for review. 

    Article IV - Election of Officers 

    Section 1.  At the regular Guild meeting in August July, a Nominating Committee of three members shall be elected by the membership.  No person shall serve two consecutive years on this committee.

    Section 2.  The Nominating Committee shall submit a proposed slate of officers to the entire membership at the regularly scheduled September August meeting.  Additional nominations from the general membership can be made from the floor at this meeting,  The consent of any proposed nominee must be obtained prior to the vote.

    Section 3.  The election of officers shall be held at the regularly scheduled September (no change) meeting.  The election shall be presided over by the Chairperson of the Nominating Committee. In the event there is only candidate for each office, then voting shall be by a show of hands. In the event there is more than one candidate for any office, then voting shall be by written ballot.

    Article VI - Meetings

    Section 1.  The regular meetings of this Guild shall be held third Saturday on the day and time designated by the guild members.  The day may be changed by the majority vote of the membership.  

    Section 2.  The regular monthly meeting in September (no change) shall be known as the Annual Business Meeting and shall be for the purpose of receiving reports of officers and committees, electing officers, and transacting any other business that may arise.  A quorum of at least 40% of the general membership is required for the conduct of any business, either at a meeting or by mail or email.

    Article VII – Committees

    Section 2.  Challenge Quilt: This committee is responsible for presenting a challenge block project to the Guild each year, from which a quilt will be made for donation to the Columbus Arts Council in lieu of payment of a monthly fee for the Guild meeting. In addition to preparing and presenting the annual block challenge, this committee is also responsible for arranging for the judging of the challenge blocks and for overseeing the timely piecing and quilting of the challenge quilt. (removed scheduled days of the month for meeting).

A motion was made by Lauren Hutchins to accept amended bylaws as stated.  The motion was seconded by Terry Turnage.  Amended bylaws were approved unanimously.  

2.  Historical and Publicity Committees - Gwen stated there is still a need for someone to take the lead on the Publicity Committee to submit news articles to the local papers and television station regarding current events in the Guild.  Gwen serves as liaison with the Columbus-Lowdnes Public Library, Rita Williams is currently responsible for submitting Guild news for inclusion in the Mississippi Quilt Association (MQA) Common Thread newsletter.  Since there were no volunteers to take on this role, Gwen will assume this responsibility.  Volunteers are always welcomed to help with these duties at any time.  There has not been anyone overseeing the historical committee responsibilities such as scrapbooking, posting or scanning articles for archives, etc.  We are looking for a volunteer to step forward to assume these duties.  There was some discussion as to what could be done to collect documents for future reference but no volunteers,  A suggestion was made to table this discussion until the next meeting in Feb,

Second Door Prize  Drawing - Barb Deacon was the winner!

New Business

1.  Pigeon Forge 2023 Quilt Show Challenge - Brenda Crownover discussed details of the upcoming guild challenge which will be displayed at "A Mountain Quiltfest" in Pigeon Forge, TN June 5-8.

https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/quiltfest.

The theme for the challenge is "Water In Your World".  Members were encouraged to participate, using any technique or combination of techniques.  Fabrics in a wide range of blues had been selected, cut, and packaged for distribution.  Brenda said quilts should be comprised of at least 20% of the fabric in the package and should measure 20" X 20" finished,  We would like to have at least 10 members participate in the challenge but everyone is encouraged to participate.  Finished pieces, to include a 4" hanging sleeve on back, are due to be turned in at the monthly meeting on Sat., April 8th.  Detailed instructions for making a 4" hanging sleeve can be found at the following link:  

https://www.americanquilter.com/quiltweek/aqs-quilt-contests/hanging-sleeve-instructions

2.  Mystery Quilt Teacher - Brenda announced that Dorinda Evans has agreed to teach a class for the Guild to be held May 12 and May 13,  On Friday evening, May 12th, Dorinda will treat us to a bed turning showcasing many of her beautiful quilts and entertaining us as she does so well.  Dorinda is an international, as well as a national, quilt teacher.  She is considered an accomplished quilter and teacher in the world of quilting and we are fortunate to have her come share some of her time with us.  On Sat, May 14, Dorinda will teach a class on Color and Value.  This class is sure to be fun as well as a great learning experience for everyone.  Judy S. made a motion to approve having Dorinda Evans as a guest lecturer/teacher on May 12-13.  Patti M. seconded the motion.  Motion was approved unanimously.   

3.  MQA Gathering News - Patti M., current MQA Education Director, reminded the Guild that the MQA Spring Gathering will be held in Corinth, Feb 10-11.  There is a great slate of guest speakers lined up for Friday night and local quilt shop, The Treasure Chest, will be staying open late for our shopping convenience.  On Saturday there will be more guest speakers along with 3 vendors for shopping therapy.  If you have not registered for this event, all pertinent information can be found in the current Common Threads newsletter or at the link below;

https://www.mississippiquilt.org/event-registration

Patti also mentioned the dates for the 2023 Summer Gathering have been set! Mark your calendars for June 2-3, 2023. Details are still in the works but the date and the place are firm.  She wanted to share the dates and that it will be held at Eagle Ridge (1500 Raymond Lake Rd, Raymond 39154) this year. There will be an opportunity for us to bunk where we're having the gathering so that is fantastic! We're really excited about this opportunity and hope it works out well for future MQA gatherings. Mark your calendars now.  

4.  Date Change for Feb Guild Meeting - Due to the MQA Spring Gathering falling on the regularly scheduled Guild meeting date, a suggestion was made to move the Feb monthly Guild meeting to the 4th Sat. this month or Feb 25th.  Everyone agreed.  

Committee Reports

1.  Charity Quilts - Kimberly S. gave update on status of charity quilts.  We currently have 8 quilt tops to be finished.  She suggested rather than starting a new charity quilt that we finish the ones on hand.  Terri H. offered to take pictures of the tops to share so that backing fabrics could be donated for each.  Kimberly told us about "Beds for Kids" in West Point.  They are in need of someone or some organization to make pillowcases for the children. A suggestion was made to have a short business meeting on Feb 25th and use the remainder of the time as a Sit and Sew to make pillowcases.  Please make a note to bring your sewing machines and plan to stay and help work on this charity project if you can.  Look for youthful novelty fabrics or colorful fabrics to share.  Prewash fabrics in fragrance free detergent, if possible, before bringing,  If you have not made a pillow case before, there is a great tutorial on Missouri Star Quilt Company.  It's quick and easy.  Link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrYWCma9wgM

Judy S, said that currently there is no Habitat for Humanity house ready to break ground but that Maple Street Quilters are hand quilting a quilt to be ready for the next home when the time comes.  Kimberly said the 16 patch quilt blocks are still on the works.  If interested in helping finish this quilt top, please see Kimberly.

2.  Challenge Quilts - We have a really pretty magnolia quilt top that can be used for the "Rent" quilt.  Barb Deacon volunteered to provide batting and quilting.  The Guild had previously agreed to pay $100 to any member for charity quilting services,  

3.  Publicity - Update in Old Business (2.) above

4.  Internet - Blog address is http://possumtownquilters.com/.  Updated minutes can be found here each month along with yearly calendar of events and other information.

5. Historical - Update in Old Business (2.) above

6.  Artisan Day - Artisan Day is normally held during the annual Historic Home Tours (Pilgrimage) which is Mar 16-26 this year,  Initial dates we have been given on Artisan Day are Apr 14 or 15.  These dates will be verified and an update will be given at next meeting,

General Announcements

1. Judy S. passed out updated membership directories and member pictorials.  

2.  Jan 28th is Local Quilt Shop Day.  Be sure to let Magnolia Heirlooms know they are appreciated as well as the other quilt shops in our area.  Let's go shop til we drop...or until the money runs out 😄

Third door prize won by Patt Moore!

Program 

Gwen asked members to bring examples of their favorite labels,  She show
ed several labels she had made and some pre-printed panel labels she had purchased.  There are so many options for labeling your quilts but the main thing is to just do it!  Make a personal note, a historical record, of the quilt name, date, and any information such as a special note to the individual receiving the gift.  All agreed a personalized hand written message is best, when possible.  

Show and Tell

                                                    Marilyn H. - Bookcase Quilt

                                                     

                                                                          

                                                     Gwen S. - Fidget Quilt 

                                                     Rita W. - 3 yard quilt made

                                                 with glow in the dark frog fabric

                                                  Patti M. - Quilted journal book  

           

                                                   Barb D. - Quilted journal book

                                                      Brenda C. - Quilted cover                 

                                                             for a journal book

                                                Karen C. - "Glenna's Ribbons"

                                                  Shannon J. - Scrappy square

                                                      panel for future curtains

                                    

                                                 Shannon  J. - Christmas Tree

                                                               Wall Hanging

                                                  Jennifer R. -  T- Shirt Quilt #1

                                                  Jennifer R. - T- Shirt Quilt #2

                                                     Molly C. - "Good Fortune" 

                                                  2018 Bonnie Hunter Mystery

                                                     Molly C. - "Stack A Posey"

                                           Molly C. - PTQ Block of the Month, front

                                                  

                                           Molly C. - PTQ Block of the Month, back

                                                          Julie M. - "My Star"

Julie M. - "Rose in Bloom", back

                                                 Julie M. - "Rose in Bloom", front 

                                             

Terry T. -  "Tis the Season" BOM

                                                   Brenda E. - "Beautiful Day"

                                                       fabric by Corey Yoder

                                                  Brenda E. - 3 yard quilt kit from 

                                                               Fabric Cafe'

                                                        Brenda E. - "Shimmer"

                                                   Brenda E. - Halloween Jellyroll 

                                                                   Race Quilt

                                           

                                                    Brenda E. - Civil War pattern

                                                               from MSQC

                                                

                                                                                         

                                                 Brenda E - Jellyroll "Sizzle", front 

                                                 Brenda E - Jellyroll "Sizzle", front 

Brenda E. - "Chilhowie" 2022 Mystery

                                                 Quilt.  1st Bonnie Hunter Quilt👏👏

                                     

                                         Judy S. - Combined Signature Quilt using

f                                        friendship blocks from 2008, 2015, & 2022

Following "Show and Tell" the meeting was adjourned.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch with all the fixings, including desserts. Thank you to Judy S., Molly C., Jennifer R., and Brenda C. for providing lunch for us.