Issue 15: The Joyful and Merry Quilting Newsletter

Merry Moment 🥳 

My Merry Moment this week is about a special kind of love; a love that gives us that “butterflies in the stomach” kind of excitement; a love that takes us to a level of excitement and anticipation in a special “out of this world” kind of way; a love that makes us forget our troubles and just feel joy! 

Now, I know there are those of you who love flowers, and those of you who love traveling, and those who love shoes or books or music…and I must say that I do have a love for each one of those aforementioned items…but MY love keeps me on the “straight and narrow." As many of you know, I love RULERS!!! Yes, you heard me correctly…rulers…not the kind that dictate a country…the kind that help us draw straight lines, that take us from point A to point B without deviation, the kind that sport specialty names like Bloc-Loc and Creative Grid and Quilter’s Select and Good Measure!

Yes! THOSE kinds of rulers! And I have quite the collection. This week I was going through my rulers – sorting them by who makes them, their size, and how they are used. As I was filling up my ruler holders while categorizing my rulers and sorting their corresponding instruction manuals, I discovered something very special about some of my specialty rulers. It didn’t just make me happy or joyful or merry. It made me over-the-moon filled with new ideas to share with each of you. I have a plan and I plan to share it with you this fall. In the meantime, I’m going to plan and prepare so that I can share my discovery! And that makes me very joyful! Are you interested, or intrigued, or curious???

I hope so!

I’m always striving to be joyful... but I’ll always be Mary!

Patchwork Puzzlers 🤔

There are so many great authors in our quilting world. They teach us, entertain us, and help us to perfect our quilting skills. See how many of these authors are familiar to you! Answers to the questions are listed at the end of the newsletter!

Question 1: Which quilting author is known for her innovative techniques in 'Stack-n-Whack' quilts, which involve cutting multiple layers of fabric at once to create kaleidoscope-like designs?
A) Ricky Tims
B) Bethany Reynolds
C) Jinny Beyer
D) Eleanor Burns

Question 2: Which quilting author and teacher is famous for popularizing the concept of 'Quilt-As-You-Go,' allowing quilters to piece and quilt simultaneously?
A) Georgia Bonesteel
B) Marti Michell
C) Nancy Zieman
D) Lynette Jensen

Question 3: Jinny Beyer is known for her expertise in hand piecing and color theory in quilting. What is the name of her groundbreaking book published in 1980, which became a must-have for quilters?
A) "Color Confidence for Quilters"
B) "The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns"
C) "Quilters Complete Guide"
D) "Patchwork Patterns"

Question 4: Which author is the founder of the 'Dear Jane' quilting phenomenon, named after Jane A. Stickle, whose 1863 sampler quilt inspired countless quilters to recreate her blocks?
A) Brenda Papadakis
B) Alex Anderson
C) Judy Martin
D) Barbara Brackman

Question 5: Kaffe Fassett is an internationally renowned artist and quilter known for his bold use of color and pattern. Which book, co-authored with Liza Prior Lucy, helped him become a household name in the quilting world?
A) "Glorious Patchwork"
B) "Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts"
C) "Quilt Romance"
D) "Patchwork and Quilting in Color"

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

 We’d LOVE to welcome you to our Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild! Imagine joining a warm, global community of quilters who support, inspire, and learn from each other every step of the way. We’re hosting a Zoom meeting on August 28th at 7pm CT, and we’d love for you to be there. Just sign up at www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/guildwaitinglist, and we’ll send you the link. Our guild is a virtual quilt circle where everyone is valued, from beginners to seasoned quilters. With twice-monthly meetings, special guest speakers, a block library, free patterns, and fun sew-alongs, there’s always something exciting to be part of. Come join us—we can’t wait to meet you!

A Joyful and Merry Thank You 🥰

Thank you to all of our Joyful and Merry Quilting Community members who “dove in” and registered for the Project Linus 2024 Quilt Challenge! We're so excited that many of you, even if you were new to Project Linus, took the time to ask thoughtful questions, explore our Challenge Facebook page, and then support such a worthy cause. For $25 you will receive two patterns with a complete workshop and step-by-step video guides, plus the option to purchase two additional products at a discount—allowing you to contribute even more to Project Linus. We're deeply grateful for your generosity and support, both from Project Linus and from Joyful and Merry Quilting.

Product Picks 👍

Aren’t we always looking for resources and inspiration when it comes to “our next quilt”? Books, the internet, YouTube videos are all resources many of us regularly use. In our latest YouTube video, "Quilt Builder Card Decks: The Ultimate Resource for Block Inspiration," I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite quilting tools—the Quilt Builder Card Deck Set! Whether you’re looking to expand your block library or searching for your next project, these decks are a must-have, each packed with 40 unique blocks, detailed cutting instructions, and yardage tables. Here’s the link if you’d like to learn more:
CLICK HERE to watch "Quilt Builder Card Decks: The Ultimate Resource for Block Inspiration"

Merry Musings Mailbag 💌

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

Another great comment in response to our YouTube video “Pre-wash or not? A quilter’s guide to prevent fabric bleeding”: Thanks, Gina!

Gina commented: “I love the pinking blade suggestion!! Better yet, bring your pinking rotary cutter to the store when buying your fabric and have them use it to cut—saves you time AND fabric loss!"

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 began on August 1st and is NOW AVAILABLE! 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 link above for information about the course as well as instructions on how to register!

More courses are coming, including our next round of Aim for the Stars participants and our upcoming 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, August 7 at 11AM CDT:
Project Linus Quilt Challenge and the Exploding Pineapple Block--A New Twist

Monday, August 12 at 10PM CDT:
Project Linus Quilt Challenge Info and How to Make Jar Openers – a great little gift or favor!

Upcoming Hangouts: 
Monday, August 26 at 10pmCDT

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

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

SEW YOUR HEART OUT
2024 Jacksonville Florida Quiltfest
September 19-21, 2024
https://www.visitjacksonville.com/events/jacksonville-quiltfest-quiltfestjax/

STAR STRUCK QUILT SHOW presented by Keystone Quilters
NACQA Judged Show
Quilt Registration is open to the public. Deadline is September 3, 2024
Finland Mennonite Church
1750 Ziegler Rd.
Pennsburgh, PA
October 11-12, 2024
www.keystonequilters.org
or call 610-282-0651

CELEBRATING THE QUILT presented by Illini Country Stitchers
October 4-5, 2024
Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 3:30pm
Savoy Rec Center
402 Graham Drive
Savoy, IL
https://www.illinicountrystitchers.com

Joyful and Merry Community Quilt Guild Corner ✨

WELCOME to our newest guild members who took advantage of our (very brief) Early Bird Offer last week! We're so happy to have you!

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! Registration officially opens again on August 28th.

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 open registration again on August 28th and we would LOVE to have you join our guild.
www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/guildwaitinglist

NEW GUILD NEWS

GUILD MEETING SHOW AND TELL:

If you have something to “Show and/or Tell” at our Guild Meeting, please send a good quality photo(s) to [email protected] 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 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 #8: “Big Dipper Block” has been added to our Guild Block Library, and the training videos for blocks 6 and 7 were added to the Guild Resource Page! You are welcome to make the Block 8 using the PDF, but if you would life step-by-step instruction, you will need to wait until the 2nd Thursday of next 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. Bring a project to work on! If you're working on the Outdoor Oasis Picnic and Beach Quilt, you're welcome to work on it or pick something else! It's totally up to you!

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:
Our most recent guild meeting from last week has been added to the Guild Resource Page. 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.com website
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!

All of our archived Joyful and Merry Quilting Newsletters can now be found in the Blog Section of our website! Many have requested a place to access all previous newsletter releases. Head over to https://www.joyfulandmerryquilting.com/blog and you'll find them all as they're released! The weekly newsletter is released on Thursdays.

ANSWERS to this week’s PATCHWORK PUZZLERS:

1. Answer: B) Bethany Reynolds
2. Answer: A) Georgia Bonesteel
3. Answer: D) "Patchwork Patterns"
4. Answer: A) Brenda Papadakis
5. Answer: A) "Glorious Patchwork