Quilt Guild Meeting: November 18, 2025
22 members attended our November quilt guild meeting which was led by our president Kathy Pierce.
Old and New Business
Sue Nebeker thanks everyone for their support of American Heroes Quilts. After 21 years she has decided to end this amazing endeavor. In that time over 35,00 quilts have gone to our injured soldiers wrapping them in love and thanks for their sacrifices. We are all in awe of what she has accomplished. She expects to close down by March 2026.
Although we initially thought the Vashon Fire Department would like twelve 65” x 93” (extra long) twin size quilts, it turns out they would like 22! Each firefighter keeps their own bedding in a locker to be used when on duty. Therefore it isn’t the number of beds but the number of firefighters that need quilts. We will do our best to fulfill their wishes and are hoping to have at least some quilts to them in 6 months.
Sharon sent around a card for our Toodie who is now on hospice. Toodie taught so many of our members how to quilt. I know every time I iron I hear Toodie’s voice saying “press not iron”. Toodie was voted Best of Show in our quilt show last spring. She is an amazing woman.
Now that all the money has come in, Sharon announced that our October auction raised $746 up from the initial estimate of $686 reported in last month’s minutes.
Georgia reported that Anne Rindge is downsizing and asked if there was an interest in a mini-auction this spring. There was an enthusiastic “yes” response.
Barb brought up a discussion about moving Sew Day from its own day to having it after each quilt guild meeting (noon – 4ish). People who intend to stay would bring their lunch. Several members liked the idea and it was decided to give this a try for 3 months. The next Sew Day will be after the January 20th quilt guild meeting.
December is our annual holiday tea. Christine will supply the plates, cups, and silverware. A signup sheet went around and members volunteered to host a table, bringing centerpieces, napkins, and serving tea. All attendees are asked to bring either a savory or sweet treat to share. In order to ascertain how many people to expect, members who did not sign up to attend at the meeting are asked to contact Marian (mbrischle@sbcglobal.net ) if they plan on coming to this event.
The guild will support the John L. Scott holiday toy drive. New, unwrapped toys and/or cash donations are welcome. See the attached flier.
Our annual dues are $30 and are due by the end of January. Please make checks out to Vashon Quilt Guild. They can be mailed to 9731 Elisha Lane, Vashon or given to Sharon Aukland.
Our current membership roster is attached. Please check that your information is correct and send any changes to me by replying to these minutes.
Challenge:
Half square triangles (HST) are the first topic in our new skills building challenge. Sharon showed us a clever accordion half square triangle method by Beth Helfter that allows for different color combinations in each triangle pair. (check it out on YouTube). Barb introduced us to Triangulatons, a software program for creating grids that make several half HSTs at once. Anne brought in the low tech version of making multiple HST using Thangles or Triangle Paper which are pre-drawn grids readily available from vendors on the internet. Denise showed a method using glue to adhere the fabric pieces and a special ruler for getting perfect seams allowances to make perfect HSTs. In December Kathy asks that we show our blocks created with HSTs.
We discussed ideas for upcoming quilt guild programs. Chris offered to coordinate the creation of a garden themed quilt that VIGA could raffle off, using the money for farm bucks. Jo Ann suggested bringing Quality Sewing back in to update us the on their latest wares. Georgia thought it would be interesting to hear from the person responsible for ordering the Pharmacy’s craft goods. Kathryn thought we might want to invite a woman she knows to talk about repurposing clothing. Judy suggested we bring in our works in progress which could lead to discussions about how to quilt the tops and other decisions as well as encouragement.
Show and Tell:
Sharon’s orange and black Halloween themed quilt (star points made into bat wings) was so clever. It involved zillions (by my estimate) of half square triangles.
Andrea brought in 3 quilts. One, a pretty quilt for Fred Hutch, was made up of vertical rectangles interspersed with horizontal rows of squares. Another was scrappy bright leaders-and-enders blocks softened by solid light blue blocks to make an inviting bright quilt. The third was an AHQ combining scappy leaves and big star blocks. These quilts are so cool. There was a great deal of discussion as to how to use the leaders and enders to such a great effect.
Georgia showed us her Lap App (https://www.lapappstore.net), a tool that allow her to better do handwork. She can adjust it to many positions and use it to rest her wrists or provide a comfortable table top to work on without shoulder strain.
Laura brought in an amazing machine appliqued Christmas themed quilt. There were gingerbread men, candy canes, reindeer, etc. It was beautifully done as well as entertaining.
Janice had a pile of quilts to show us. 4 were for Fred Hutch. One had small fish panels, two were colorful squares, and one was half square triangles with black sashing. As always we are amazed by her color choices and beautiful work. She also had two adorable baby quilts featuring pinwheels.
Su showed us her lovely starry AHQ quilt.
Kathy returned from her trip through the Panama Canal with a beautiful piece of handwork. The tiny stitches and bright colors on a dark background were amazing.
Upcoming Meetings: Holiday Changes to Schedules
The machine quilters group usually meets the last Monday of the month. Instead of our regular meetings in November and December, it will meet on December 1 at 1:00 at Kathy’s.
The Featherweight group usually meets the fourth Tuesday of the month. The November meeting has been cancelled and the December meeting is TBD.
The applique group meets the first Tuesday of the month. The next applique group may meet on December 2nd at Judy Dohm’s. An email will go out to determine if there is enough interest in meeting in December.
There will be no Sew Day in December.
Our December quilt guild meeting will be held on the second Tuesday of the month which is December 9th.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Bell