It was great to get together again in Room 134 for the final December meeting, especially since we had to forego a true meeting in November (just three hours of sorting a donation and organizing shelves.) We had a very small crowd each day but we had fun and got a lot done. Friday brought rain all day and Saturday brought us a snowstorm, did we expect anything different from Iowa weather?
Each member needs to do what is best for them and if not gathering in person yet is your decision, that is absolutely okay. We were very
safe. Masks on all the time and a huge room for only 5 of us. A few stopped by, dropped off a quilt, said "Hello". A few sent warm messages, wishing we could all be together again but just not ready for close contact. And that's okay. It certainly was a fitting end to this challenging year.
You've been busy in your quilting rooms over the past couple of months! We were able to give 28 quilts to missions for distribution to LSI, Bidwell, Door of Faith, and YESS. One thing that is sorely missed (as with many things this year) is our ability to do a "Show and Tell" with all your beautiful quilts. Since we never know if we'll be able to gather in-person or if any of the quilts will make it to a monthly meeting that might actually occur, let's try this option: Send your finished quilt photos to Cathy to put on the blog. You may not be used to taking a photo of them, since we did that at the meetings, but we still want to see them! They are so cool and that's the most disappointing thing about missing Show and Tell. Feel free to post them on our Facebook page, too!
The recent donation we received was quite a blessing! (Photo HERE) Here's a list of some highlights:
- 2 bags of non-quilting fabric
that will be used in the Journey to the Light program for
costumes.
- 1 full bag of 30's fabrics
- 2 bags of homespun
- Lots of flannel
- 2 bags of yardage to add to
HQ bins
- Several large yardage
pieces for backs
- Several finished quilts and
tree skirts. Some went to missions, the tree skirts will be kept for
the quilt auctions
- Kits, kits, kits: Quilts in
different degrees of completion. Kits cut and ready to sew, orphan
blocks enough to make several quilts, etc, etc.
- Christmas decorations,
patterns, some odds and ends that are going to Many Hands Thrift Store.
- 2 bags of unusable
fabric went to the animal blankets
Our kit bins (3 of them) are quite full. So much
inspiration. Please stop by to get one or two to make sure you
have something to do in the next snowstorm. They are front and center on
the rolling cart in the closet. If you'd like one or two but can't make
it to the closet let me know and we'll try to work something out to get them to
you.
A few final business items:
- Be sure to let Linda know when you get your quilts back from the quilter.
- We are on the calendar for our regular meeting dates and times in 2021. This means the 2nd Saturday of each month and the Friday before. Of course, we will adjust as necessary as long as we are still working through Covid concerns.
- April is going to be a change because there is a Wedding that will conflict with our Saturday time. We have decided to meet only on Friday that month but extend the time. So we have the room from 8 to 8 on April 9.
Hopefully, that will give us plenty of time to sew and those that need to work can still come in the afternoon and evening.
- We have the retreats scheduled as usual for the 4th weekend (Thurs, Fri, and Sat) of January, April, and September. At least you can put them on your calendar and we'll make a decision at the time if Covid will affect any of the details.
As our year draws to a close, prayers for a blessed Merry Christmas for all of you. Prayers for a safe environment for us to again have large gatherings with hugs, shared treats, Show and Tell, and a regular schedule. And even if the new normal doesn't look like it used to, have faith that being together will not be the challenge that we've had this year. 2021 is going to be a good year.
Here is some information on Hope's big upcoming Christmas events. These are sure to brighten your season. There are some volunteer opportunities listed as well.
“Journey
to the Light” Christmas Candlelight Drive-Thru Experience
Online
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, “All Eyes on Jesus.”
Don't forget to check out the PHOTOS page! We've also received ANOTHER donation, which you can see in the second photo! People are so generous, and God is good.
