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!

February Work Day Recap 2023

It was a great weekend of fellowship, idea-sharing, and the added bonus of a large donation!  There is nothing like a group of women finding new life in someone else's cast-offs.  Two tables full of fabric scraps were picked through and moved on to new life in many other people's quilting rooms.  Then there is the air hockey table full of those items we won't use and are going to the Thrift Store.  Many found something they could personally use here as well.  Such inspiration and excitement even beyond the next several quilts that will be made from the fabric donation. 

As always, Show and Tell was fabulous.  We turned in 21 quilts and 6 pet beds.  Check out the PHOTOS page to see pictures. 

We started planning our next Friends and Family sewing event.  Put July 7th on your calendar and start thinking about who you want to invite.  This is a time for us to share what we do with others.  Some bring spouses or children.  Others bring friends.  I think some visitors were a bit reluctant last time but in the end, I'm pretty sure all had fun!  Start thinking now of who you can invite!

We also spent some time talking about Hope's plan to read the Bible in a year.  Here is a link to Pastor Mike's podcast if you want to listen in.  Even if you don't get involved in the daily bible reading, I find these podcasts to be extremely insightful and bring meaning to many of the bible passages you've probably read before.  

Subscribe to the weekly podcast here.   Pastor Mike Drop Podcast

Until next time!

January Work Day Recap 2023

It's a new year and things are looking as promising as ever.  I'm confident God has good things in store for us this year.

 

So many reasons........:

• The room was crowded!  20+ quilters each day.  
• 3 Past members spent some time with us!
• 30 finished quilts and 12 dog beds
• A connection was made with the My Brother's Keeper organization, who will make blankets for JOPPA out of our upholstery and other fabrics not suited for quilting.
• Retreat is coming up.  A dinner is being planned for Friday night.  Many people are bringing quilting friends.  Looks to be a wonderfully full house.  You will be receiving a reminder email.
• Some of you asked about receiving blankets.  While HQ isn't going to do this specifically, Here is a link to the DM Guild's effort if you'd like to participate. 
• A question, mostly by newcomers, is:  What size quilts do we need for these organizations?  Well, a guide has been put together to help with this.  There really are no strict rules as there are so many outlets.  But this should give you some idea of the types of partner needs that are more common. See Jody if you need a copy of this guide.
• And finally, thanks to so many who have taken the lead on different tasks.  Help with set up and take down has become a huge group effort.  We are better together, folks!  Many hands make light work, and it's been appreciated!

On to next month!

Photos for this month's quilts has previously been posted.

December 2022 Work Day Recap

What a wonderful way to end the year!  We had a great turnout. A Soup Luncheon was held on Saturday.  It was so nice to take time to slow down, dine and visit!  And such good food as well.  Thanks to all who contributed.  Several gals shared crafty Christmas gifts.  Reindeer, coasters, earrings, cookies.....this group is so creative and generous!

At the end of the year, it's fun to look back on the year's events and activities.  It's amazing to see all that we've accomplished and the fun that we've had.  There have been successes to celebrate but some tough times as well where we've had to lean on one another.  It's wonderful to have this group of women to lean on!

Donations

There were 32 quilts shared at Show and Tell this month.  Here are the PHOTOS.  Missions group delivered these to YESS, Agape, LSI, Bidwell, Joppe, and SHP.  We also had a few more veteran quilts.   

I also wanted to share our totals for the year.  We don't have a goal or any expectations from anyone.  I believe that God provides and that if we serve joyfully many great things will happen.  I think these numbers demonstrate faithfully these two aforementioned beliefs.  We've been blessed with several donations of fabric.  It's always fun to work with nice fabrics but quality fabric also ensures that quilts will last for the recipients.  Having outlets that will take any fabric we can't use is also a blessing, both for us and for them.  Some people are just thankful that we can find a good home for something that was once loved by them.  And who would have thought that this group is also doing a good service for local pet shelters?  No fabric, thread, or batting goes to waste!  And drumroll please.........my counts show 354 quilts/items shared with agencies.  There were also 55 dog beds made from scraps and 191 pillowcases donated to our friends at The Iowa Quilt Block for Ryan's Case for Smiles.  And we're still collecting them but I know we've had 7 quilts already made from the blocks you all made at the Couples and Friends event.  These are going to Veterans that we are aware of.  

Events

This year we organized a sewing event where we invited spouses, family, or friends to sew with us.  It was helpful to have others come to see what we do.  It was a lively night of sewing, eating, and conversation. Many thought this would be a good event to have again. 

We also held a 2022 Challenge, for everyone to try something new this year.  There were no rules, just the opportunity to try something new and share it with others.  Hopefully, the encouragement of others in the group helped you to keep going and possibly master new skills or complete something that you've been trying to get done.  Regardless of what your challenge was, the Show and Tell at our Soup luncheon was wonderful.  Many were very proud of their accomplishments and the new skills learned.  Others were just happy to get some things done.   

We agreed that we should do the Challenge again in 2023 to be thinking about something you'd like to try or get done.  Use this group to help you out with knowledge or encouragement!

Some Business Tidbits:

• A reminder of January Retreat days:  January 26, 27, and 28.  You will be hearing more from about this retreat as we get closer to the time.
• Hope Waukee calendar is where you can find dates and times for our get-togethers.

All of us at Hope Quilters certainly hope that these memories of this past year are happy
and warm and bring much joy to you as you remember them.  Wishing all of you safe
travels and healthy get-togethers as you move through this season of Advent, 
waiting on Christmas and experiencing the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ.  

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

November 2022 Work Day Recap

What a great weekend to be inside and quilting with so many of your Christian sisters❤   Many of you must have had the same idea as we had a huge turnout!  The room was packed.  Besides the 10 tables in the room, we also use an entire flat of additional tables.  Crowded?  No.  More people kept the room warmer. LOL 😁  

We welcomed several newcomers!  I think they all got a good impression of us except for maybe our one visitor who we locked out of the building with her stuff inside.  Oops!  Turned out okay so hopefully she'll give us another chance.  Love to see new faces as they always bring fresh ideas and energy to the group.  

Show and Tell was quite impressive again.  We turned in around 30 items to our various mission partners.  Be sure to check out the blog update in a few days to see all the photos.

• finished quilts: 27 (YESS, Bidwell, LSI, SHP)  
• 1 auction quilt,
• 5 bags and wheelchair blankets for Care Ministry
• 5 finished veteran quilts  (Be sure to show these pics to your guest who helped make the blocks.  They will enjoy seeing the finished product that resulted from their efforts!)
• 12 dog bags of scraps😁😂

Some have asked about the December meeting.  We will be meeting at our regular time/date next month.  However, we are going to plan some fellowship events to celebrate the past year as well as the Christmas season.  All the sewing supplies will be available but feel free to bring last-minute Christmas gifts to work on if you need to.  Additionally, Saturday will involve an extended group discussion as we have the normal Devotion and Show and Tell.  But we will also go into sharing your experiences and the results of this year's challenge.  Whether you have something to show or just want to share what you got out of the challenge it will be fun to see and hear about the work you've done on your own.  

It was suggested we do another Challenge in 2023 so let's talk about how this should work for the upcoming year.   

As always, keep sewing, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

October Work Day Recap

Don’t want to jinx the weather because it’s been FANTASTIC outside, but I wonder if everyone was enjoying this possible last grasp of gorgeous weather creating a lower number of attendance?  LOL

We had another large donation from the Iowa Quilt Block, which is totally amazing.  Please give Shelly a huge THANK YOU if you stop into the store!  The ideas were a’poppin’ and ladies were putting together possible future quilts as we organized it all.  And also a big THANK YOU to everyone who answered the call to come help sort and organize it all on Friday.  This group of women are always so giving of their time (and talents and friendship), it’s what makes this group pretty darned special.

Discussions included topics on Retreats, sizes of batting and quilts fitting on long arms, and signing up for Meals from the Heartland to help benefit Florida after the hurricane if one felt led to do so.  https://mealsfromtheheartland.org/

A reminder was given that we will use December Show and Tell to share members' experiences from the 2022 Challenge.

Drum roll please…QUILT PROJECTS TOTALS!

2 – Veterans quilts
8 – Agape quilts
10 – LSI quilts
5 – Joppa blankets
4 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace quilts
2 – Bidwell quilts
5 – Auction quilts
11 – Wheelchair Bags
1 – Wheelchair lap quilt

Simply. Amazing. God is SO good!  Here are the PHOTOS!

Keep up the amazing work and enjoy the rest of this lovely fall weather!

September 2022 Work Day Recap

Attendance on Friday was a bit smaller group than on Saturday. Still, the ladies that managed to dodge the raindrops (and then downpours!) on Saturday enjoyed a good day of sewing and catching up with one another on all the important stuff in life!

There was a discussion about Blank Hospital could use some Flannel Sheets made for NICU preemie cribs.  Should be an email coming later with more details.

Show and Tell was lots of fun, and always inspiring!  We had 27 quilts, 2 pillowcases, and one wheelchair lap quilt turned in!  PHOTOS on the Blog! 

Care Ministry 1
Agape - 8
LSI - 10 
Auction - 2
Joppa - 4
YESS - 3

The only reminder is for the upcoming Retreat, on September 22, 23, and 24.  You know the drill, get your machines and your projects ready to go!  An email about details will be forthcoming.

Many thanks to the gals who helped get those quilts sorted and counted and delivered!  It takes a dedicated team to get these quilts to the organizations and eventually the people who so desperately need them, and we've got a special group of quilters who step right up to help out!