Issue 12: The Joyful and Merry Quilting Newsletter

1: Patchwork Puzzlers 🤔

How much quilting trivia do you know? Today's questions are in a "true or false" format. Do you know the meaning behind these traditional quilt blocks? Answers to the questions are listed at the end of the newsletter!

1. The Log Cabin quilt block traditionally symbolizes home and hearth, with the center square often representing the fireplace.
   True or False?
2. The Bear Paw quilt block is said to have been inspired by the sight of a bear's footprint.
   True or False?
3. The Double Wedding Ring quilt block is a symbol of friendship and hospitality.
   True or False?
4. The Broken Dishes quilt block was named to signify bad luck and misfortune.
   True or False?
5. The Churn Dash quilt block represents a simple farm tool used to churn butter.
   True or False?

JOYFUL AND MERRY COMMUNITY QUILT GUILD MEMBERSHIP OFFICIALLY OPENS AUGUST 28TH

Would you like to join a wonderful community of quilters from all over the world? We would LOVE to have you as a member of our Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild. 

The vision of our community quilt guild is: "To create a warm and inclusive virtual space where every member feels valued. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive community, free of judgment, where quilters of all levels can come together to learn, to share, and to grow.” We have two meetings each month, special speakers, a block library, a chat forum, training videos, free patterns, sew-alongs, live Zoom quilt chats and more! 

The Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild will officially open registration again on August 28th and we would LOVE to have you join our guild. www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/guildwaitinglist

PROJECT LINUS FALL QUILT PATTERN FUNDRAISER

For those of you who are not aware of Project Linus, it is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Project Linus makes and donates new, handmade quilts, afghans and fleece blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children in the USA. In the past I have hosted a Mystery Quilt Challenge Fundraiser. I know many of you are aware of this challenge and have participated over the years. While this beloved challenge won't be returning, I have some thrilling news to share! Next week, we will unveil a brand-new quilt course that's guaranteed to spark your creativity and bring you joy. This course isn't a mystery, but it promises to be something VERY fun and VERY new,introducing an innovative way to create a beautiful quilt. The best part? Your participation will directly benefit Project Linus, helping us continue our mission of providing comfort to children in need. This exciting new venture is proudly sponsored by Joyful and Merry Quilting, and I can't wait to share all the details with you very soon. Get ready for a fun adventure in creativity combined with quilting like no other! Adults, kids, groups, students, teachers - all are welcome to join in! Are you intrigued??? As soon as we’re ready to make the big announcement, you’ll hear it first, in our Joyful and Merry Quilting newsletter, so stay tuned!

2: Merry Moment 🥳

Not too long ago, I found myself in the waiting area of a very quiet office. There wasn't a sound in the room—complete silence! Although I do enjoy peace and quiet, I couldn't help but think how much more pleasant my wait could have been if music had been playing. I love music; it stirs my creativity and helps me focus on the task at hand. I realize it can be distracting to some, but for me, total silence can be even more distracting. 

Recently, someone posed a question on our Chat Forum about what other quilters enjoy doing while quilting. As I considered the options, I realized that while I do enjoy watching a Hallmark Christmas movie (or any Christmas movie) while quilting, my favorite activity is listening to my music playlists on Pandora. My playlists include 70’s Light Rock Radio, Swingfield Big Band Radio, Diana Krall Radio, Happy Radio, and the Piano Guys Radio. Listening to music makes me happy and brings me joy. I can't think of a merrier way to enhance my quilting hours and uplift my spirit when I'm alone. 

However, nothing is better for me than quilting with friends. Whether it’s in person at a retreat or quilting bee, or during our pre-guild meeting Zoom chats, these communal quilting experiences are consistently filled with special, treasured moments. I don’t always get as much quilting done during these sessions, but the sharing and conversation are always such a joy that they rejuvenate my mind and spirit! But if in-person quilting isn't an option, music is my go-to. Music makes my quilting experience even more joyful than it already is, and I always welcome opportunities for more joy!

 …I’m always trying to be joyful, but I will always be Mary! 

3: A Joyful and Merry Quilting Thank you🥰

• Thank you again to those who have helped me proof our Joyful and Merry Quilting Patterns!!! What a relief it is to have Janet Johnson, Mea Cadwell, Cathy Haverdink and Lesley Singley! Our block library is growing and I am so grateful for the assistance of our fellow quilters!

4: Quilting Secrets, Fixes, and Tips 👀

(If you have a quilting tip to share in our newsletter, please email it to [email protected].)

From guild member Denise W: Denise made a suggestion with regard to the pressing markers. I tried her suggestion, and I’m sold! Here it is: Denise suggested that you “paint” or “mark” the seam with the pressing marker before opening up the piece to press. You can see where the pressing solution needs to go (directly on the seam) and when you press the seam either open or to one side, the pressing solution works its magic. Thanks Denise! Great tip!

5: Product Picks 👍

I love to foundation piece, and am always looking for new ways to make the process more streamlined. Freezer Paper has been a popular foundation piecing technique for quitesome time. But how do you do it? I’ve made a lot (and I mean A LOT) of mistakes along the way, but I think I have it figured out. Here’s the link my mistakes and my blunders followed by success and ultimate victory over the freezer paper! Here’s the link:

Foundation Piecing With Freezer Paper: Full Tutorial

6: Merry Musings Mailbag 💌

This section of our newsletter is a comment by one of our subscribers to one of our YouTube videos.

Connie had a question about rotary cutters so I contacted OLFA and received a very helpful response. 

Here’s the conversation:
Hi Mary….How frequently should a rotary cutter be replaced? I replace my blades frequently but what about the actual cutter itself? Thanks for all you do…Connie

My answer:
Hi Connie,
Thanks so much for your email and for your question. I contacted Olfa since they are probably one of the most popular cutters, and received the following response. They really are a great company and I had no idea their cutters had a lifetime warranty. I did check to see if there was anything definitive when it comes to replacing a cutter, but I really couldn’t find any additional information. 

The response from Olfa representative Yvonne Busdeker: Good afternoon. Thank you for reaching out on this topic. I can only speak to OLFA rotary cutters which all have a lifetime warranty. So, if something breaks, goes missing, etc. just contact our customer service department and they’ll help make it right. 
As for the life of a rotary cutter people have owned their rotary cutters for 35-40+ years. OLFA rotary cutters are designed and built to last.

Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Regards, Yvonne Busdeker, Olfa

7: Quilting Tips Tutorials and Ask the Quilter! 🙋‍♀️

This section of our newsletter is dedicated to the Tuesday YouTube Quilting Tips Videos and questions asked and comments made by our subscribers. If you have any additional positive suggestions to add to the conversation, please comment! We’d love to have your insight.

This was a comment by @stephaniefulk5797 on our "Do Pressing Markers Cause Fabric Shrinkage in Quilting" YouTube video:

“I am in a sewing group and shared your method for flatter seams. I bought a pack of the refillable paint markers and a bottle of Mary Ellen’s and gave everyone a pressing marker last time we met. Game changer! Thank you for sharing this great method.”

8: Joyful and Merry Quilting Course News, Previous Hangout Topics and Links, Night Owl and Daytime Quilting Hangouts Schedule

QUILTING COURSE NEWS

Beginning Quilting: From Novice to Confident Beginner: Open registration begins on August 1st. If you are a beginning quilter or a self-taught quilter and are curious about this course, please go to joyfulandmerryquilting.com/beginner and watch the video. I would LOVE to share my quilting knowledge and expertise with you. I have been quilting for 30+ years and “trial and error” was the primary way I learned how to quilt. With this course, you can skip the “trial and error” part and join with me as we explore the world of quilting together. Click on the video link for information about the course as well as instructions on how to register. 

Aim for the Stars Quilting Course: Aim for the Stars is a quilting course for “Confident Beginners." It’s the perfect place to learn new quilting techniques while enhancing those you already know. You will not only grow your skills as a quilter, but you will make a beautiful quilt with the instructions for six alternate patterns for the same quilt! If you would like to be added to the waiting list for this “Confident Beginner” course, please go to: joyfulandmerryquilting.com/aimforthestarswaitinglist and we will notify you when registration opens again.

More courses are coming, including our foundation piecing course “The Cutest Apple in the Orchard” and I would love to have you join me! Keep watching the newsletter for details.

Night Owl Quilting Hangout and Daytime Quilting Hangout Schedules with links to previous hangouts:

Previous Hangout Links:
Wednesday, July 3 at 11amCDT Topic: Martelli Templates and Pressing Marker Substitutes

Monday, July 8 at 10pmCDT Topic: Tied Up in Circles Quilt Block (Note: This pattern is free to Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild members and available on the Guild Resource Page) Get The Pattern Here [$7]

Wednesday, July 17 at 11amCDT: Triple Triangle Triad

Monday, July 22 at 10pmCDT: On Monday, July 22, we had a GREAT Night Owl Quilting Hangout! I showed off my new Martelli Table Light – which is a vision lifesaver over my cabin sewing table, where the lighting is very limited! We also made some half-square triangles (actually 8 at one time) and I shared the formula to make ANY SIZE half-square triangle using a very simple formula. If you weren’t able to join us LIVE, click here to watch the replay.

Upcoming Night Owl Quilting Schedule: 
Monday, August 12 at 10pmCDT
Monday, August 26 at 10pmCDT

Upcoming Daytime Quilting Schedule: 
Wednesday, August 7 at 11amCDT
Wednesday, August 21 at 11amCDT

9: Shop Hops, Quilt Shows, and More

If you have a local shop hop, quilt show, or another quilting-related event that you would like to share, please email [email protected] one month prior to the event and we will include it in this section of our newsletter.

THE MID-ATLANTIC SHOP HOP: July 1-August 31 States included: Pa, Va, WVa, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. Click on the link for details: https://allmidatlanticshophop.com

EUREKA MONTANA QUILT SHOW:This is an Annual Outdoor Quilt Show held since 2005. It’s always held on the first Saturday in August. Submitted by Jolene Myers.
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Admission is FREE
Hundreds of quilts are on display and line our Main Street through town
For more information go to: www.Eurekaquiltshow.com

THE GREAT WISCONSIN QUILT SHOW: September 5-7, 2024. Alliant Energy Center
Thursday and Friday, 9am-6pm; Saturday 9am-5pm
https://quiltshow.com/

10: Quilt Shop Savings: Some Great Deals to Check Out💰

BATTINGSUPERSALE.COM: If you are interested in learning more about batting and quilting tools and how to make the best choice for your current project, Lyn Heilman can help! Lyn owns battingsupersale.com and in addition to GREAT prices and EXCELLENT service when it comes to batting, she also offers monthly lectures and classes on batting. Go to www.battingsupersale.com and click on “Lectures and Classes” for information.

11: Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild Corner ✨

The Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild will open a VERY LIMITED TIME Early Bird registration tonight! Click the link in the special announcement at the top of the newsletter for all of the details. We would LOVE to have you in our guild! Here's the latest guild news and reminders:

NEW GUILD NEWS

GUILD MEETING SHOW AND TELL: If you have something to “Show and/or Tell” at our August 1st Guild Meeting, please send a good quality photo(s) to [email protected] before July 31st and I will add you to the schedule. It’s difficult to show our quilts at our live Guild Zoom meeting, due to lighting, space, etc., so we will screen share the photos and then call on the guild member submitting the photos to give us the details during the meeting. Don’t be shy! We would love to share in your joy as you show share your creativity with the guild! Photos must be submitted in advance just to make sure we have enough time allotted for those members who will be sharing. I’m sure we all agree that being able to show our quilts “up close and personal” via Zoom is something unique to our guild. I will look forward to receiving your entries for our next meeting!

AUGUST SCHEDULE: Since August has 5 Thursdays, we’re scheduling the August meetings as follows. There will be no meeting the last week of August. Don’t forget to register for the Zoom, as always. Links will be available on our Guild Resource Page as soon as they are scheduled. You will also be emailed with the links as well.

•  August 1 – Guild Meeting
  • August 1 – Guild Membership opens with a limited number of places available - CLICK HERE to get on the waiting list! (or tell your friends to get ready to join!)
  • August 8 – Training Videos Released
  • August 15 – Guild Meeting 11amCT
  • August 22 – Extra Guild Meeting Sew-a-Long
  • August 28 – Guild Membership officially re-opens with a limited number of slots available. Please invite your friends to join us! Here is the link to the waiting list.
  

SAMPLER BLOCKS OF THE MONTH CHALLENGE: 
The Sampler Block of the month - Block #6: “Jewel Box” has been added to our Guild Block Library. The training videos for blocks 6 and 7 will be available on the Guild Resource Page on August 8th! You are welcome to make the block using the PDF, but if you would life step-by-step instruction, you will need to wait until the 2nd Thursday of the month when the training is available.

*GUILD REMINDERS*
 The following is general information that is posted in each newsletter as a helpful guide and resource for our guild members.

CALENDAR:
Just a reminder – all of the Joyful and Merry Quilting Community Guild Meeting Zoom Links are available on the Guild Resource Page of the joyfulandmerryquilting.com website. You MUST register ahead of time in order to participate in the meeting, by clicking on the link.

EXTRA GUILD MEETINGS:
Our next “EXTRA” guild meeting will be held at 7pmCT on August 22nd. Chat opens at 6:30pmCT.

JOYFUL AND MERRY QUILTING COMMUNITY CARE CORNER: 

This will be a spot in our newsletter for members to share their needs and concerns, whether they're related to health, personal challenges, celebrations, etc. It will be a place where we can support and care for one another, share joys and struggles, and provide encouragement to each other regardless of our beliefs or backgrounds. We want it to remain a place of inclusivity while still fostering a sense of community and support within the guild. In this spirit, let’s turn our attention to those in our community in need of some extra support right now:

We don't have any submissions for our Care Corner this week. If you would like to post in our Community Care Corner, simply send your "Community Care Corner Request" (on sentence) to [email protected] and I will post it in the newsletter. You can post it anonymously or add your name - totally up to you.


RECORDED MEETINGS:
Please keep in mind that our recorded meetings will only be available for 3 months or until we run out of room on our Zoom Account, whichever comes first. So, if you missed a meeting, be sure to watch the recorded version ASAP, so you don’t miss out.

WEBSITE MONTHLY TABS:
Once we move into a new month, we will have a tab that will take you to the archived files from previous months…just in case there’s something you want to review. Depending on how often our members access this feature will decide the length of time the previous months will be available. We hope you enjoy this feature!

GUILD MEETING TIMES AND MISSED MEETINGS:
We want to make sure you take note of this information. We are still having members access the meetings at the wrong time, and accidentally missing out on the guild and quilting fun.

TIME ZONES: Please keep in mind that our Guild Meeting Times are listed in CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME. If you live in another time zone, make sure you double check (and triple check) the guild time and then adjust it to accommodate for your time zone. We continue to have members join our guild meetings an hour or two early or an hour or two late and in the process, miss the actual meeting. The meetings are recorded, but if you want to join the meeting LIVE, please make sure you have the guild time adjusted to YOUR particular time zone. 

CHAT SESSIONS: If you have time, please join us half an hour before our guild meetings for our Guild's Community Chat sessions: 6:30pm CDT for evenings and 10:30am CDT for daytime meetings. This is such a fun time getting to know each other and I hope you’ll join us when you can. Please note that entering before the designated time strains our recording time allotment, so we have instituted a waiting room where members will be admitted to the meeting once the host is there and the chat session opens.

JOYFUL AND MERRY COMMUNITY GUILD FOUNDING MEMBER CHAT FORUM: 

We have been enjoying our Community Chat Forum! It's a great alternative to Facebook, where all guild members are included in the chat. Here's how to get to the Chat Forum (or you can click here):

1.  Go to the joyfulandmerryquilting.comwebsite
2.  Click on your “LIBRARY”
3.  Click on the “JOYFUL AND MERRY COMMUNITY QUILT GUILD FOUNDING MEMBER”
4.  Click on “FEED” and you will be taken to the Chat.  You can post pictures, questions, comments, etc.  It’s a great place to get to know our Founding Members and share our love of quilting!
   
   

EMAIL PREFERENCES: 

Important: Guild Membership is Non-Refundable
Please do not mark any guild emails as SPAM or unsubscribe from them. Since this is a virtual group, email, Zoom, and our website are the primary ways to stay involved. Unsubscribing or marking emails as SPAM removes you from the email list, and by law, we cannot reverse this action. 

Some members who have marked our emails as SPAM or unsubscribed have requested a refund, which we cannot provide. All information sent via email is also available on our website's resource page. If you prefer not to receive emails, you can still access all guild information, links, patterns, etc., by visiting joyfulandmerryquilting.com and clicking on “Library,” then the Guild tab. 

Some members still experience issues with not receiving emails. The most common problems are unsubscribing, your email provider sending our emails to your spam folder, recipients marking emails as SPAM, or using different email addresses for the guild and newsletter subscriptions. Please email [email protected] if you continue to have issues with email and we will do our best to help you remedy the situation. 

Please be very careful with emails from joyfulandmerryquilting.com through our Kajabi email service. If you no longer wish to receive them, simply delete them. Do not unsubscribe unless you intend to. By law, we cannot re-add you to our email list, and you will no longer receive any correspondence from us. If you label our emails as SPAM, your email address will be permanently removed from our list. 

Additionally, if you forward our emails and the new recipient clicks Unsubscribe or marks them as Spam, your email address (not theirs) will be removed from our list. We understand mistakes happen, but some cannot be corrected. Please be careful. Thank you!
 

That's it for this newsletter! Have a joyful and merry week of quilting!

ANSWERS to this week’s PATCHWORK PUZZLERS:

1. Answer: TRUE
2. Answer: TRUE
3. Answer: FALSE (The Double Wedding Ring quilt block symbolizes love/romance and marriage, not friendship and hospitality)
4. Answer: FALSE (The Broken Dishes quilt block does not signify bad luck and misfortune; it represents everyday domestic life)
5. Answer: TRUE