March 2023 Work Day Recap

Wow, what a weekend.  We started with our shelves breaking down and ended with a late-season snowstorm.  We were hoping to get snowed in but everyone decided to be sensible and leave early before it got too bad.  But while we were there it was a typical HQ weekend.   25 quilts and 22 dog beds provided for a fun Show and Tell full of inspiration.  Check out the blog soon for deets and pics. 

Lot's of reminders that are worth noting:

• April's meeting will be "sew at home only".  😂❤ Did you catch that?????  It's Easter weekend and the church is busy as are most of us.  So we won't be meeting in Waukee on the 7th and 8th.  However, feel free to share what you're working on via the Facebook group.  
• We will meet for the April Retreat though.  This is planned for Thursday, April 27th thru 29th.  Look for an email update once we get closer to the date.  There will be volunteer opportunities for help with set up and Friday's meal.  Remember we're asking for $10 for the retreat expenses.
• We didn't get to the topic of sewing with Panels but there was significant interest.   We are going to pick a time at the retreat on Saturday to brainstorm together.  Take a look at the many quilts on the blog made with panels.  We'll talk of other ways to incorporate them into cute quilts.  I have several of Hope's panels we can use and if you have a panel you'd like to work with, bring it along. This will be mostly discussion about design and brainstorming together.  The math of the layout will be important but hopefully, we can make it easy for you.  Please let me (Jody) know if you're interested but can't make it to the retreat.  I anticipate we can work on a design discussion as a regular part of HQ weekends.  

And some general info:

• We needed to order another rolling cart.  Many people took items home just to help with storage until we get it back in the closet.  So if you are looking for something in the closet you'll notice the change in storage space and some things missing.  This is temporary and should be back to normal before the retreat.  Thanks also for the donations to buy the new cart and wheel
• We talked again about the Family and Friends Event.  Be sure to put July 7th on your calendar and find someone you want to invite to be your guest.  This year's project will be a kid's themed scrappy block project.  I want all participants to be sure and try this technique as you will be teaching your guest.  We have supplies ready to go at Hope so see me at the retreat or a meeting to get your tutorial.  I also wanted to share this picture of one of the quilts we made from last year's event.  Our theme was Veteran blocks.  We have supplied 10 quilts using the quilts that you made.  This quilt was personally delivered to the vet and he was surprised and pleased that someone would give him such a nice gift.   We know that what we are doing is appreciated but it's always to get some direct feedback.  Be sure to share this with your guest from last year so they can see what they helped create!            
  
  Until the Retreat, stay safe and healthy!