Apple Country Quilters

Woo Hoo It's 2012!!!!

2012-01-10T00:41:00.001-05:00

I'll be great to get together again....can you believe it's been a month! After our Christmas Luncheon, we don't meet for the rest of the year so everyone can get ready for the Holidays and our first meeting for 2012 was cancelled due to school cancellation (snow in high country).

We will have our business meeting for January and then, members who will be doing the Brazilian Embroidery class, will stay and have our introduction to the embroidery technique.

September Show & Tell

2011-10-01T20:05:00.000-04:00

We're doing an experiment on You Tube where our Show and Tell slide show is set up like a movie. You can click here to watch the slide show.

Upcoming Baltimore Album Trunk Show

2011-09-14T18:02:00.001-04:00

We are so pleased to have Jane Gorder coming to Apple Country Quilt Guild to put on a Baltimore Album Trunk Show.

Jane was always interested in quilts and took her first quilt class in 1976. Her favorite technique is appliqué and the Baltimore Album Quilts intrigued her. Jane traveled to Baltimore 3 times to study the Baltimore Quilts and learn about the fabrics, colors and designs that were used in the original quilts. Jane learned the Victorian Ladies kept journals, the blocks of the Baltimore Quilts are like a journal, and they all have a meaning.

The quilt in the photo is called the Metropolitan Garden and won best in show and first place in the 2009 East Cobb Quilt Show.

The Trunk Show will be September 20th and will be held at Hope Lutheran Church off Hwy 515 and Old 5. The Trunk Show will start at 10:00 a.m.

If you are not a guild member and are interested in attending the show please leave a comment and let us know how many may be attending.

2011 Gilmer County Fair Quilt Show

2011-08-14T14:08:00.000-04:00

The quilts pictured below are the top placing quilts of each of the nine divisions in the show.

This quilt was also the judges choice...Best In Show.

An 11 year old made this quilt (her first) without the assistance of anyone that knew anything about sewing or quilting!

This quilt was done by a 9 year old.

We had a really great response to our raffle quilt at the Fair. You still have a chance to purchase tickets for this quilt through the Apple Festival in October. The winning ticket will be drawn the second week of Apple Fest.

Just a reminder...this Tuesday, we will be doing a bleaching technique on dark muslin. Linda Daughtry will be with us again...watch for another movie. If you didn't get a chance to do the fabric painting, Linda will also have the paints available for that...just bring your light muslin (pre-washed and fat quarter size or smaller).

OK...Our Fabric Painting Video Is Ready!!

2011-06-26T19:31:00.000-04:00

This was a real learning experience and a lot of fun...hope you enjoy it.

Update! Upon viewing the video in Blogger, I've decided the viewing quality is better at YouTube, so click here to watch it.

Here's some information that Linda email us on where to find fabric paints:

Fiber on a Whim in Marietta has a few colors of the fabric paint.

Dharma Trading Co. offers more brands and colors. Their website is here.

I could not find any on JoAnns website.

Michael's has Setacolor. Click here for Michael's fabric paints.

Blick Art Supplies also carries fabric paint. Click here for their selection.

You can always google the name brands to find more.

Painting Demo Video In The Editing Stage

2011-06-25T17:56:00.000-04:00

Linda Daughtry (here's her blog) presented a fabric painting and pattern design technique last Tuesday to Apple Country Quilt Guild. To say that it was an excellent class is an understatement.

As the title states, the video of our monthly class is in the editing stage and should be ready hopefully sometime tomorrow. In the mean time here are some stills taken from the video.

More Picnic Photos And Demo Update

2011-06-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

Here's Ruth...our picnic (social) organizer extraordinaire.

Isn't this just the perfect place for a picnic!

Tomorrow is our much awaited demo with Linda Daughtry, at Hope Lutheran Church, and we have a clarification on the type of muslin needed...a light neutral color and pre-washed.

2011 Guild Picnic

2011-06-15T19:35:00.000-04:00

Here's a quick video (which is about the best you get with Blogger...I think?) as members are arriving for the picnic. Our hosts are in the bib overalls.

It was a great time and in a wonderful setting...more pictures later.

Sun Bonnet Sue Handles The Summer Heat

2011-06-13T16:11:00.000-04:00

The heat arrived early to the North Georgia mountains...tomorrow hopefully we will be as comfortable as Sue looks on this quilt block. We're having our annual guild picnic at Sherry's house...let there we shade and a breeze!

On June 21st, Linda Daughtry will be back with the guild to teach us her technique using bleach and black muslin.

We will meet at Hope Lutheran Church on the 21st due to Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church. Stop in and visit with us.

More Donation Quilts

2011-05-22T12:42:00.000-04:00

After the guild meeting on April 26th, severak members delivered donation quilts to Safe Choice Pregnancy Care Center here in Ellijay.

Lainee (guild), Rhrenda (Pregnancy Center), and Sharon (guild)

Each mother that comes in for the center's free services receives a blanket and can earn points by taking parenting classes. These points can be used to earn items such as diapers and baby cloths.

This coming Tuesday will be our Show & Tell for May. Before Show & Tell starts, we will have a member of the Georgia Quilt Council there to give us an update Councils efforts to obtain funding for the quilt museum.

April Show and Tell

2011-04-30T09:43:00.000-04:00

Brenda brought in blocks that were colored with crayons, heat set, and then embroidered.

Here's one before any embroidery has been done.

Paula is all done with her QAYG Pentagon Throw.

Close up of hand embroidered pentagon.

Embroidery on backing.

Road Trip To Jasper Quilt Shop

2011-04-29T14:41:00.000-04:00

For our April instructional meeting the quild to a road trip down to Jasper to visit The Quilt Shop On Main.

The shop owner, Karen Williams, demonstated new rulers that have come out and gave a short talk on the shops Civil War block workshop.

Guild Lunch Recipes

2011-04-09T09:02:00.000-04:00

Maureen brought in soup and cake for our guild lunch after working on donation guilds and our raffle quilt. The soup was a health and tasty Weight Watchers recipe, which hopefully counteracted the cake which was oh-so moist and delicious!

Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

3 c. chopped boneless, skinless rotisserie chicken breast
1 (15.5 oz.) can great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16 oz.) container fresh salsa
3 c. fat-free, low sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. ground cumin
Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Simmer 10 min., stirring occasionally.

Yield: 6 (1 1/3 c.) servings

PointsPlus value: 4

Apple Cake

1 1/2 c. canola oil
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
3 c. finely chopped, peeled apples
1 c. chopped pecans

Topping:

1 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
1 stick margarine

Preheat oven to 325. Blend oil, sugar, egg, and extract. Sift together flour, salt, soda. Mix 1/2 c. of the flour mixture with 3 c. peeled, chopped apples. Combine all 3mixtures, adding 1 c. nuts. Bake at 325 for about 45 min. or “till the knife comes out clean”. For the topping, combine brown sugar, margarine, and milk- bring mixture to a boil and boil for 3 min. Pour topping over cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

This coming Tuesday, we will hold our monthly business meeting. If you're going to be in the area, stop in and visit with us.

Cathederal Window Tutorial

2011-04-08T10:16:00.000-04:00

At our meeting last Tuesday, several members were talking about wanting to try the Cathederal Window technique. Click here to see a tutorial posted on Moda Bake Shop demonstrating a machine sewn method that looks very attractive and sturdy.

This coming Tuesday, we will hold our monthly business meeting. If you're going to be in the area, stop in and visit with us.

Red and White Quilt Show

2011-04-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

Just incase you're not an internet quilt surfer, here are a couple of links to the show.

Click here for Picasa slide show of the Red and White quilt show held in New York City.

This link will take to you to the story behind the quilt show.

This Tuesday we will be working on donation quilts and our raffle quilt. We'll be having lunch at the church.

March Show & Tell

2011-03-27T17:13:00.000-04:00

Betty H. brought in a lot of items this month...the first of which was a quilt for her Grandson's girlfriend.

These are some of Betty's biblical wall hangings...one for each month of the year.

Betty's really cute fabric bird houses.

Brenda's patriotic quilt.

Jeanine's quilt top that will be a donation quilt.

Lainee brought in a rotating cutting board that her significant other made for her.

Here's Maureen's color scheme using Veronica's Pentagon tutorial.

Paula's version of the Pentagon quilt.

Take a look at the embroidery that Paula did for each center pentagon.

Sherry's parctice quilt using a panel.

Veronica's Yo-Yo vest.

Warren brought in this quilt and the machine below. His son found it along the side of the road and gave it to Warren.

This Tuesday, we will be working on donation quilts and our raffel quilt. We will working longer and will have lunch at the church. Hope to see you there!

Sewing Machine Maintenance

2011-03-21T18:39:00.000-04:00

Loraine, who has many years of machine maintenance experience under her belt, presented our March instructional meeting. Pictured with Loraine is Brenda's computerized machine and Lainee's older non-computerized machine.

Here's Brenda cleaning with the base of her machine taken off.

Here are some important tips from Loraine:

1. If you have a newer machine that is still under warranty, do not clean/oil in places other than indicated in your owner's manual. The manufactures have little clips in the machine that will let them know if you have been exploring...and it will void your warranty.

2. DO NOT use compressed air in a can to clean your machine...it will only blow the lint into places that you don't want it to go, like computer boards and nooks and crannies.

3. Only use sewing machine oil to lubricate your machine...other oils can become sticky over time and attract lint.

4. Use cheap paint brushes (1" or smaller) or soft craft brushes to clean your machines. The soft brushes attract the lint. Or you can buy the attachments for your vacuum to suck out the lint.

5. Always have a piece of fabric under your presser foot.

6. Check your presser foot plate for nicks if you've broken a needle. Nicks can cause your thread to fray (more lint) or break (more aggravation). You can smooth the nicks with emery cloth.

7. Know what a clean machine looks like so you won't confuse compacted lint with the little pieces of felt that are suppose to be there.

I know there where more tips and I will check with Loraine and update with more tips.

Our March Show, Tell and Ask will be held tomorrow...if you're in the area, stop by and join us...10 a.m., at the First Methodist Church.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T18:45:00.000-04:00

This is Martha's March Sun Bonnet Sue Block.

This is Veronica's March Sun Bonnet Sue Block.

They are both taking the Sun Bonnet Sue BOM class at The Quilt Shop On The Square in Ellijay.

Passing The Pickle

2011-03-13T16:17:00.001-04:00

Betty H. received a copy of The Persian Pickle Club for Christmas and has been generously sharing it with the rest of the guild. Maureen read it and then passed it on to Lainee. It will be passed on to Martha on Tuesday.

Join us this Tuesday for a demo on machine maintenance and care by Loraine.

Our Almost LQS

2011-03-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

Country Stitches is up the road (515) about 16 miles in downtown Blue Ridge.

There will be a tutorial coming soon...as soon as enough pictures can be put together to show the process of making a Pentagon Block quilt.

This Tuesday, the 8th, we will be having our business meeting for the month of March. Y'all stop in and join us at the First Methodist Church, in Ellijay, at 10 a.m.

Meeting Schedule Changes

2011-02-25T16:06:00.000-05:00

Due to illness, we had to switch meeting agendas around and do donation quilts this past Tuesday. The Pentagon Quilt Block demonstration will be held this coming Tuesday, May 1st.

Late last week, our President Maureen was contacted by a reporter from our local newspaper that was interested in finding out just what we did as a quilt guild. Maureen arranged for her to come to our meeting and then contacted members (through our new message system) to bring in examples of their quilting. Maybe there will be an article about us in the paper soon!

A special surprise was waiting for members when they arrive for our meeting. A former member donated a table full books, patterns and templates to the guild.

Our lunch for this donation quilt day was: chicken gumbo from Sherry, vegetable soup from Jeanine, cake from Jeanine, and a carrot cake from Ginger.

February Show ,Tell & Ask

2011-02-19T13:16:00.000-05:00

Pat's Iris Quilt

Here's a close-up.

A donation quilt by Pat.

Sherry started this table runner about ten years ago when she took a class and was looking for input on finishing it.

Sherry's sister did these embroidered biblical blocks and gave them to her to make into a quilt.

Patti wanted to use up some of her stash to make this quilt.

Close-up of center.

Elaine's black and white sampler.

Close-up of stitching.

Here's Loraine's 30's quilt again.

Close-up of her embroidery work.

Brenda's (left) quilt from a kit that she bought on a shop hop road trip. Loraine (right) bought (and finished) the same kit.

Here's the back.

Loraine longarm quilted this for Brenda.

Brenda bought this kit in West Virginia.

Brenda used crayons to color the flowers.

Kathy was a visitor from Big Tree, near Jasper, and brought a stack and wack that she had started to show us.

For some reason she is not happy with it and says she will probably make it a donation quilt.

Kathy said she will be heading back to Alaska for the summer...hopefully she will stop back when she returns this fall.

On February 22nd, we will meet at the First Methodist Church in Ellijay and will have a program presented by Veronica. She will show us how to make a pentagon block quilt using a Quilt As You Go method.

Museum Quilt In Front Of Georgia State Capitol

2011-02-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

Apple Country Quilt Guild's donation quilt to raise funds for the Southeastern Quilt and Textile Museum is now in the hands of the Georgia Quilt Council.

The next guild meeting (Feb. 15th) will be at the First Methodist Church in Ellijay at 10 a.m. We will be having show and tell.

February Donation Quilts and A Little Show and Tell

2011-02-06T13:33:00.000-05:00

These lovely ladies were visitors at last weeks LQS class and came back this week to help us put together donation quilts. Meet Sherry, Ginny and Carol...our new members.

Camera shy Paula's manly donation quilt.

Loraine's (on right) 30's fabric throw.

After announcements and a mini show and tell, we all were hard at making donation quilts.

At every meeting, that we have at the First Methodist Church, the rolling library comes out. It's loaded with quilting books, patterns, and all kinds of acrylic templates.

Pat brought a huge pot of very tasty vegetable soup and cornbread. Janet brought a delicious bundt cake.

This Tuesday, the 8th, we will have our business meeting at Hope Lutheran Church, starting at 10 a.m.

2011 Guild Officers

2011-02-03T14:49:00.003-05:00

Martha - Recording Secretary, Maureen - President, Lainee - Vice-President, Pat - Treasurer

Stay turned for a picture of our 2010 officers.

January Class At LQS

2011-02-02T16:17:00.000-05:00

Our January class was held at The Quilt Shop On The Square in Ellijay.

Everyone enjoying a chat before class starts.

Before Pam (LQS owner) started our class, she wanted to show us our Museum donation quilt that Judy (on right) had long arm quilted and the binding then put on. It's now ready for the state capitol.

Pam presented us with information that a beginning quilter needs to know in order to have a pleasant and productive quilting experience. Even some of the long time (some self taught) quilters picked some bits of knowledge. Here Pam is demonstrating her pinning technique for matching seam where you don't have to sew over your pins or have to remove them.

If you ever wonder if anyone besides your guild members reads your guild blog...meet Kate and Linda...they've been reading the blog and joined us for the class. It was great to meet them!

January Show and Tell

2011-01-24T15:20:00.000-05:00

Sharon's Lap Quilt

Sharon's really big and beautiful quilt...machine quilted by Judy.

Martha's donation quilt made with squares and rectangles.

Lainee's donation quilt made from a panel.

Lainee's first attempt at a donation shawl.

Lainee's experimental donation shawl done QAYG....a work in progress.

Maureen's Hankie quilt top.

Pat's beautiful new bag.

This Tuesday, the 25th, we will have our meeting at The Quilt Shop On The Square and Pam, the owner, will put on a program geared toward new quilters. Pam's putting on a pot of coffee, so if you're in Ellijay...drop in and join us...10 a.m.

Donation Quilts, Soup, Snow and Ice

2011-01-17T13:32:00.000-05:00

Snow and ice has been(and still is)a problem in our neck of the woods this winter, causing us to go two straight months without a business meeting. An executive decision was made that it is more important that we keep on schedule making donation quilts, so we will let the business meeting ride until our regularly scheduled time in February (second Tuesday).

It's that time of year again...when dues are due...you may pay them at any meeting.

The following pictures are from our last gathering almost two weeks ago...

Paula and Pat...look at Paula's man quilt.

Janette...intent on her quilting!

Patti and Ruth getting another one ready to pen. See that big bag of thread on the table...we've shifted from tying with the tread to doing the bigger utility stitch...it's quick and looks really attractive.

Judy (one of our longarm quilters) and Elaine doing the utility stitch.

The Bettys and Ruth checking out the progress of the homespun top.

Yuummm!! Taco Soup and all the fixins courtesy of Brenda.

Loraine (another longarmer) and Brenda fold up another quilt sandwich.

Soups ready...time to eat!

Tomorrow, the 18th, we will meet at the First Methodist Church and have Show, Tell and Ask...and probably work more on donation quilts.

Next week, on the 25th, we will have our meeting at The Quilt Shop On The Square. Since there are quite a few newbie quilters in the guild, Pam will put on a program with all the information a new quilter should know to have a satisfying quilting experience.

Y'all stop by and join us!!!

2011 - Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum Opens

2010-12-31T15:10:00.000-05:00

This is the quilt that Apple Country Quilt Guild is making to be donate to the Southeaster Quilt & Textile Museum, in Carollton, Georgia. It has been long arm quilted by a guild member and is now ready to be bound.

Click on the picture for a better view of the quilting.

Tuesday will be our first meeting in 2011 at the First Methodist Church in Ellijay.

If your still in the area from the holidays, stop in and visit with us anytime after 10 a.m.

Members Take Quilts And Gifts To Nursing Home

2010-12-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

Diane, Janette, Arlene, Jane, Sharon and Betty

Yesterday, Apple Country Quilt Guild had it's annual Christmas Luncheon at Charlie's Italian Restaurant here in Ellijay. We had a wonderful turnout and a really enjoyable gathering.

After the luncheon, some of the members took lap quilts made by the guild and gifts donated by members to the nursing home in town.

Diane, our President, sent in the picture and this note:

"We all enjoyed our visit to the Nursing Home as much as the residents. We delivered over 15 quilts and numerous other gift items for their Christmas. We arrived to find them in the dining room enjoying a pizza party and were able to visit with them individually and as a group. They were all so sweet thanking us for the quilts and even inviting us to their homes to eat or see their sewing. One dear lady told me she would fix anything I wanted if I'd come for dinner. We all left with the spirit of Christmas filling our hearts and the desire to rush home and make more quilts. It was the perfect way to end our Christmas celebration. Hopefully, others can go along the next time we have quilts to deliver."

Guild Visits Home Of Artist Brenda Tustian

2010-12-20T15:13:00.000-05:00

Maureen, Arlene, Brenda Tustian, Diane, Betty, Paula and Elene

On Saturday, December 18th, artist Brenda Tustian had a Christmas Open House at her home/studio in Ball Ground, Georgia.

On the way back to Ellijay, the ladies stopped by the new quilt shop in Jasper (downtown area) and had lunch at a wonderful little pub called Kelly's.

Tomorrow, December 21st, we will be having our Christmas Luncheon at Charlie's, at 11:30 a.m. We will not be having our regular business meeting at Hope Lutheren this month. Any business that needs to be taken care of will be handled at the luncheon.

Christmas Luncheon Rescheduled Due To Weather

2010-12-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

The north Georgia mountains are at a stand still today and probably tomorrow due to an inch or so of snow, cold (26 degrees) and high winds (20 mph). For those of you in northern regions, it's surely not sounding so bad...probably better than your "normal" winter weather. However, here in the South...it's a show stopper, school closer, luncheon rescheduling kind of event!

Fortunately, the Guild had just put into place a new automated phone message relaying system for whenever members needed to be informed of something without much delay. In the past, when information need to be sent out in a hurry, a phone chain was used. Not everyone has a home computer and not everyone checks their email on a regular basis.

Now,Guild members phone numbers are input into a saved directory (we can have up to 15 directories for committees as such) on our new Guild President's phone. Whenever a message needs to be sent, she can record a message on her phone, select a directory and the system will call everyone in that directory. If members aren't available to answer the phone and don't have voicemail or an answering machine, the system will try and call three times at 30 minute (I believe) intervals.

So, in addition to an email update, members received a phone message today to let us known that the Christmas luncheon will now be on December 21st. A job well done by our new Guild President Maureen!

Christmas Tree At Cartecay Methodist Church

2010-12-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

The guild was contacted to see if we would be interested in participating in the 2nd Annual Cartecay Community Christmas Festival and decorate a Christmas tree. Since we still had the ornaments from last years Library Christmas Tree, it was a unanimous decision to participate.

Sharon, Maureen, Arlene, and Diane were at the church on the morning of December 2nd.

Diane sent in this picture and note: "Here's the crew and tree from this morning at Cartecay United Methodist Church. We all commented that the ornaments were even more impressive than we remembered them from last year. The ladies from the church were just thrilled with our contribution."

The 2nd Annual Cartecay Community Christmas Festival will be today, December 4th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Much Accomplished On Charity Quilts

2010-12-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

Birthday girls Venta Lee and Brenda join Pat in hand quilting and conversation. Venta Lee brought a delicious Chocolate
Eau Claire Cake to share with everyone.

Homespun blocks were arranged to be sewn together.

The Betty's piecing the homespun blocks and chatting.

Janette, Sharon, Ginger, Susan, and Jane pinning quilt prior to tying it.

Another quilt put together for tying.

Maureen showing her hand quilting so far on lap quilt. A yummy coconut cake was Maureen's contribution to lunch.

Diane and Janette sharing a moment. Janette brought a huge crockpot full of very tasty turkey tortellini soup for our lunch.

Our Christmas Tree At The Library

2010-12-01T13:38:00.000-05:00

Every year the library here in Ellijay invites organizations and businesses in the area to decorate a tree. This year the guild decorated our tree with ornaments based on the song "The Twelve Days Of Christmas".

On November 18th, (front row) Martha, Lainee, Patti, (back row) Sharon, Maureen, Diane, and Paula meet at the library to hang the ornaments and ribbon garland.

Paula, was the mastermind and organizer of the tree decorations. Guild members started making the ornaments this summer and it was a great learning experience for many of the members.

If you're in the area, be sure and check out the tree...some of the ladies really got into embellishing their ornaments!

Soup And Charity Quilts

2010-11-29T14:00:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's time to work on charity quilts! Plan on staying a while longer this week so we can get some more quilts done. A couple of members have graciously offered to make soup for lunch...there may even be dessert!

See y'all there (First Methodist Church) at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, the 30th.

Linda Daughtry Trunk Show

2010-11-19T19:15:00.003-05:00

We started off the meeting singing Happy Birthday to our birthday girls Pat and Maureen and sharing a delicious cake that Ginger made and coffee.

Those of you that couldn't make it to last Tuesdays meeting really missed a great presentation by Linda Daughtry! Linda is a prolific artist of a wide variety of mediums and styles as well as a very entertaining and enthusiastic.

Hopefully, we will be able to have Linda come back and show us her "Discharge" method using bleach and black fabric.

OK....here's what you missed...it was even better up close and in person!

Christmas Items Needed For LQS Window

2010-11-16T15:20:00.002-05:00

Guild members that have Christmas items for Quilt Shop On The Square's window display needs to bring them in now...Pam has to have the window done by next Tuesday for judging. She needs larger quilts and table runner size items, but if you have other sizes quilts check with Pam to see if she may now have a need for them.

Guild Sign For LQS Window

2010-11-15T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here's the beautiful sign that Veronica made to go in the window of our LQS.

And this is our LQS, Quilt Shop On The Square, in downtown Ellijay. When Pam, the shop owner, changes the window displays with the seasons, guild members bring quilts and quilting related items to fill the window.

Veronica, our very artistic guild member, is taking a Sun Bonnet Sue class at Quilt Shop on the Square.

At our next guild meeting on November 16th, we will have Linda Daughtry, an Art Teacher at Oakland Elementary School, show us how she combines art and quilting. Linda first came to the Guilds attention when she brought in her quilts for the Gilmer County Fair. In those quilts, Linda combined the art of photography and quilting.

We will be meeting at the First Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m.

Petition To Save Walmart Fabric Departments

2010-11-11T11:29:00.003-05:00

Here's your change to let Walmart know how you feel about losing the full service fabric departments!

Click here to bring up the petition and let your voice be heard!

Fund Raiser Date Change

2010-11-11T08:13:00.005-05:00

The fund raiser at Chick-fil-A, for Robin Kelly, will now be held November 19th.

Robin Kelly Fund Raiser Info

2010-11-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

At the business meeting today, the fund raiser at Chick-fil-A for Robin Kelly was mentioned.

This Friday, the 12th, Chick-fil-A will be donating 10% of sale ALL DAY.

Brenda's Binding Tutorial

2010-11-08T17:24:00.003-05:00

Last week on Tuesday, Brenda gathered up the newbies for a lesson on binding using her measuring method.

Maureen, Martha and Veronica tried their hand at Brenda's method while long time member Helen watched their progress.

Ginger had no trouble getting her binding to fit just right.

Tuesday, November 9th, will be our business meeting and will be held at Hope Lutheran Church.

October Shop Hop Favorite Recipe

2010-11-03T15:32:00.002-04:00

Last month guild members, Nancy, Lainee, Loraine and Brenda, participated in the Mystery Harvest Quilt Shop Hop. It was a tri-state shop hop, with sixteen quilt shops in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Every shop served refreshments, with one being featured on a recipe card and given to shop hoppers when they had their passports stamped.

Here's the favorite recipe of Nancy, Loraine, Lainee and Brenda! It's Taco Soup and was served by Pieces Of The Past Quilt Shop in Harrisville, West Virginia.

1 lb ground beef
1 can Mexican style tomatoes, undrained
2 cans stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 medium onion, chopped
1 pkg taco seasoning
4 oz can chopped chilies
1 pkg Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing Mix (dry)
15 oz can pinto beans
15 oz can black beans
15 oz can kidney beans
15 oz can hominy
1 1/2 to 2 cups hot water or chicken broth
Fresh lime juice
Shredded Monterrey Jack Cheese
Nacho Chips

Brown ground beef and onions, then drain. Mix together all canned items and mix with beef.

Combine dry mixes with water or broth and add to beef mixture. Stir together and simmer for one hour.

Add lime juice to soup or serve lime wedges with each serving.

Top with cheese and chips.

Brenda and Lainee have already made this soup at home.

Dahlonega Quilt Shops Road Trip

2010-10-28T19:50:00.000-04:00

On the 19th, fifteen quilters headed to Dahlonega to visit their quilt shops Magical Threads and The Common Thread.

After all our purchases were taken care of, Magical Threads owner Laurelanne came outside to take our group picture.

Front: Bobbie
Second Row: Loretta, Diane, Maureen, Betty
Third Row: Kat, Betty, Ruth
Forth Row: Paula, Arlene, Janet, Lainee, Jeanine, Sharon, Veronica

After leaving Magical Threads, the group headed to beautiful downtown Dahlonega to check out a few shops.

Then it was off to the Oar House for lunch.

Outside seating is available....

...along the banks of the Chestatee River.

After lunch, more purchases were made at The Common Thread.

GAHA Quilt Exhibit

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GAHA's (Gilmer Arts & Heritage Association) current exhibit is the Autum Arts Show and a vintage quilt show is part of the exhibit. Autum Arts runs through November 5th. Visit http://www.gilmerarts.org for the exhibits hours and coming shows.

The pictures are courtesy of Susan, a local blogger, and are just a sampling of the great pictures found on her blog. Also check out Susan's book reviews.

Guild Road Trip and Raffle Quilt Winner

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This morning four car loads of guild members are heading to Dahlonega, GA to visit the two quilt shops there, take in the fall colors, and of course have lunch.

Members not going to Dahlonega will meet at the First Methodist Church and have a sew-in.

Maureen, Diane and Patti selling raffle tickets at the Apple Festival on Sunday morning.

Jeanine and Diane taking the last shift selling tickets.

Two young Apple Festival visitors help in drawing the winning ticket.

Sue, our winner, is a Lions Club member and was working at the Apple Festival when she heard her name announce on the PA system as the winner of our raffle quilt.

Happy Birthday To Us!

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Last week we celebrated our guilds 16th birthday!

Merry, Warren, Betty, and Diane enjoying refreshments before the business meeting.

After everyone had a chance to put a plate of goodies together, we got down to business.

September Show, Tell and Ask

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Diane brought her thrift store find in for us to see. It did require repair to some of the applique, but what a find!

Diane also brought in a bag that a friend had made for her. Her friend found the cord straps, which coordinate beautifully, at a thrift store.

Patty loves 30's fabric.

Patty's 30's fabric butterfly quilt.

Brenda's black & white quilt. The square block were designed specifically for the West Virginia Shop Hop.

Brenda also bought this kit on the West Virginia Shop Hop, which was this past June.

Paula is hand quilting this charity quilt.

Martha made this Tennessee Waltz table runner after watching Warren's (guild man quilter) demonstration earlier this summer.

Patti is doing an applique BOM quilt.

Another block from Patti's BOM quilt.

Patti's Halloween quilt top.

More beautiful embroidery work by Patti.

Martha and Veronica are taking a Sun Bonnet Sue Calendar BOM class at Quilt Shop On The Square, our LQS.

Veronica also brought in her "quilt as you go" blocks.

Destyne, Maureen, Betty, and Jane study the "quilt as you go" blocks.

Martha, Patty, Maureen and June take in the detail of the Sun Bonnet Sue blocks.

This is Business Meeting week for the guild and it will be held at the Hope Lutheran Church. We will also be celebrating the guilds 16th birthday at the meeting.

2010 Raffle Quilt

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Y'all be sure and come to the Apple Festival, held here in Ellijay, on October 9th and 10th and October 16th and 17th.

Guild members will be at the festival selling raffle tickets, giving you a chance to win this beautiful quilt. One dollar will give you one chance to win and five dollars will give you six chances to win.

This Tuesday, we will meet at the First Methodist Church in Ellijay, at 10:00 a.m. We will be working on charity quilts.

Welcome To Our Guilds Very First Blog Posting!!!

2010-09-22T16:57:00.007-04:00

Welcome to the Apple Country Quilters blog! We wanted a means of contacting and connecting with the quilting world and for the quilting world to contact and connect with us. Another goal for our blog is to let people know about our guilds activities and showcase the many talents of our members. Also important to us is having a way of keeping our members informed and having a place to share information and knowledge.

Joining the cyber age will be a real learning experience for many of our members. Until a few weeks ago, most members weren't really sure what a blog was all about and some didn't even know what a blog was. Every week at our guild meetings, we will be helping members get access to the blog and teaching them how to move around in the blog and use it's features.

OK, let's get on with the blogging!

Meet Apple Country Quilters newest member, Martha, who just joined this summer. Believe it or not, this is her very first quilt! Martha took a class at our LQS, Quilt Shop On The Square, to learn how to make this sampler quilt. This beautiful quilt is hand quilted.

Here it is on the bed.

Our next meeting will be this Tuesday, at 10:00 a.m., and will be held at the First Methodist Church in downtown Ellijay. We will be having Show, Tell, and Ask.