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Next Meeting:
February 16, 2008
Largo-Kettering Library

  Agenda:

  10:00 a.m.
  Fons & Porter Workshop
  11:30 a.m.
  Business Meeting
  12:30 p.m.
  Light Refreshments
  1:00 p.m.
  Show & Tell/Clean up
  2:00 p.m.
  Trunk Show

Note:  Please turn all cell phones to vibrate during the meeting.

Coordinator's Corner

February 2008

Rather than finished quilts, let’s inventory the following items stashed in your sewing room or quilt studio:

• The number of UFO’s (UnFinished Objects)
• The number of WIP’s (Works In Progress)
• The number of PIGS (Projects In Grocery Sacks)
• The number of UWOA’s (Unfinished Works Of Art)

Whatever we call them, many of us have at least two or three of them. Wouldn’t it be great to finish them this year? My New Year’s Resolution is to complete one UFO per month. I am already a month behind. I will do better.

At the January meeting, Uhuru resolved to

• Complete the application for 501(c)(7) status
• Hold a trunk show at the Largo-Kettering library in February
• Attend the Hampton Quilt Festival in February 2008
• Produce a quilt show in June 2008
• Finish the 2008 Raffle Quilt and enter it into the Maryland State Fair
• Participate in the Original Sewing & Quilting Expo in October 2008
• Complete two community service projects
• Hold a retreat in November 2008.

For a totally volunteer organization, this is an ambitious list of resolutions. If we are to finish the year with everything accomplished, we will be required to carefully manage our resources: time, money, personnel, expertise, patience, faith, words, and wits. Uhuru, are you ready?

Sewfully,
Carol

Fons & Porter Study Group by Carol Williams

The Fons & Porter Study Group is winding down. If you need more blocks for your top, use the blocks from the 2008 Block of the Month series. To honor a special request, we will be exploring bias appliqué using the Celtic True Lover’s Knot block (see page 182 of the Quilter's Complete Guide). Anyone who has completed this block or who has experience with appliqué using bias strips is welcome. Cynthia York will be leading the discussion. We will also talk about how to prepare the quilt top for quilting.

In July, look for information about the Creativity Study Group.

The Charm Exchange Jackie Tyson-Hope, Chair

In honor of Valentine's day the theme for February's charm squares is predominantly red with black or white background, or just red. We have 16 participants this month: Cynthia York, Myra Sumpter, Mia Baker, Nadine Mills, Jayne Hirst, Cornelia Carter, Deb Sanger, Jennifer Morris, Denise Davis, Dawn Felix, Jackie Stafford, Elsie Houston, Pat Johnson, Charlene Marshall, Jackie Hope, and Linda McKenzie.

Cut 6-1/2” (six-and-one-half-inch) squares of 100% pre-washed cotton (please make sure that the size and quality of your squares are what you yourself would like to receive). Please remember to cut off the selvedges before you cut your squares. Place squares in a baggie with your name on it, and put it in the "Charm Squares" basket or hand them to Jackie.

If you signed up but are unable to come to the meeting, please mail your squares to Jackie or have someone bring them to the meeting. If the number of exchanges is small enough, charm squares will be sorted and distributed before the end of the meeting. Please e-mail or telephone Jackie if you have questions.

Block of the Month Cornelia Carter-Sykes, Chair

February's Block of the Month is the Lover's Lane block (http://www.quilterscache.com/L/LoversLaneBlock.html) from Quilter's Cache. Remember our "each one teach one" motto, so if you find you have a suggestion or pointer for completing the block, please share it with your fellow quilters.

	Quilters' Recipes

Dump Cake (very easy)

In a 9x13 pan, spread two 16oz cans cherry pie filling (NOT cherries -- has to be
pie filling) -- spread it out evenly
On top of that, spread one 16oz can crushed pineapple, including juice
On top of that, sprinkle 1 cup or more of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
On top of that, sprinkle one box (DRY) yellow cake mix
Cover all that with 1-1/2 sticks of butter, sliced thinly; cover the entire surface with the butter
Put in 350-degree oven for 1 hour til crust turns golden brown ... enjoy!!

Birthday/Hospitality Dawn Felix, Jocelyn Herbert, and Pat Johnson

The Hospitality Committee will offer light refreshments, i.e., beverage, fruit, cookies; any member is invited to bring items to share.

A Very Happy Birthday to Myra Sumpter (6th); Carolyn Burgess (11th); Sara Vogt-Knox (15th); and Felicia Few (23rd)

Sew Help Me... Tips to boost your creativity

Push your fabric around; make creative labels

• If you're working with small pieces and you can't get a good grip with your fingers, you can use a wooden skewer, a cuticle stick or rosewood stick to guide the fabric under the presser foot.

• For a unique quilt label, try embroidering a motif on it. You can use an object that reflects the theme of your quilt. Also, a broderie perse technique will create a unique look.

Just Sew You Know...

A couple of years ago I signed up for a "Trip Around the World" class at my local quilt shop. I complained to the shop owner that I had problems being consistent with my cutting, and this quilt required that I cut 24 half-yards of fabric into 2" strips.

She recommended that I purchase the Fiskar Cutting Ruler System, which consists of a 24" quilt ruler with a blade attached to it.  Because the ruler is already marked in inches, cutting fabric is a breeze. The blade is attached to a metal piece which is attached to the ruler, and you can place it anywhere on your cutting mat and cut even strips. I was so pleased with the ease of use and the cutting speed. I really was able to zip right through the cutting really fast!  I was able to fit all the strips from the 24 half-yards of fabric neatly into a shoe box. The fabric looked as if it had been machine cut.

The ruler was so easy to use that I have used it to make several "Trip Around the World" quilts. A quilt that looked intimidating to me was made less so with that tool. So.... give it a try.

Gingher Rotary Cutter

Gingher has used all your years of quilting experience to create a unique and beautiful 45mm rotary cutter. The sleek design, the ergonomic handle and the elegant metal casing all make this rotary cutter something extraordinary. The ergonomic handle is precisely shaped and weighted to give you the maximum amount of control and comfort while cutting all types of fabric. A stylish design and a dramatic nickel finish round out the inviting features of this rotary cutter, retailing at $69.99. www.gingher.com

Uhuru Quilters Guild Road Trip to the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XVIII, Hampton, VA, February 23, 2008

You do not want to miss the first Uhuru Road Trip of 2008!! This year we have two options for you: 

Option 1 - $60 per person - No Refunds (replacements accepted)
Price includes round trip deluxe bus transportation, one day admission to the show, and a buffet dinner and soft drink at the Golden Corral restaurant.  

Option 2 - $48 per person - No Refunds (replacements accepted)
Price includes round trip deluxe bus transportation and one day admission to the show.

Please bring your $60 for option 1 or $48 for option 2 to the February Guild meeting, or mail your check to T. Morrow, 1407 River Birch Pl., Accokeek, MD 20607. Note: the bus trip is limited to 55 people; you must pay in advance to reserve your seat.

ITINERARY (Note - times are approximate)
7:00 a.m. - Leave from Home Depot, Oxon Hill, MD
10:00 a.m. - Arrive at the Quilt Show
4:00 p.m. - Leave for Restaurant
5:45 p.m.- Pick up Option 2 people from quilt show 
6:00 p.m. - Leave for Oxon Hill, MD
9:00 p.m. - Return to Home Depot, Oxon Hill, MD
Refer any questions to Tammie at tammietrekkie@yahoo.com

Sandra Duncan will display her quilt, Harriet Tubman - Underground Railroad, at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA, February 21-24. Sandy Hassan will have quilts on display at the G Street Falls Church store from March through May.  Exact dates have not been firmed up yet. Sandy's new web site is still under development, but you can view it at sondrahassan.com