Yes, it's mid-summer already! It was staying cool for so long I was wondering if we were going to see summer. Then I went to Phoenix for a couple of weeks and definitely found 'summer' there.... or the gateway to Hell... at 118 degrees, it's hard to tell the difference. So I come home looking for those cooler breezes only to have the heat follow me. Drat.
It was late August of last year when last I posted on the blog. Wow, again. I really wish I could rein time in a bit... slow it down. Instead, I just hang on and try to keep up with the ride!
So... what's new???
Blocks of the month
I'm hoping to do something a little different this year for our block of the month. Rather than Cindy or I (and previously Marsha) coming up with the different blocks, making the samples, then teaching the patterns to the group, I am hoping to have some of you take on a block. I mentioned this to the Great Falls group last spring, but anyone in either group is welcome. Doris H has already volunteered, and will be doing our block in November. We need 6 more volunteers! Once you tell me what you want to do, I will write and print up the patterns. You will make the sample and teach the block. So.... who's in???
Summer
For me, this summer has been an especially busy on for Project Linus. No conference this year, but there have been some fabric donations and purchases to get us going come fall. All that on top of making deliveries! So my down time from blanket days is certainly not down time! On the really hot days, I've been spending some time downstairs trying to get some things organized, other things ready for our blanket days. Basement is still utter chaos...but I can see some progress.
Blanket Clean-up
A huge Thank You! to everyone for taking a little extra time to do a final clean up on your blankets before you donate them. From stray threads, to pins, to the occasional pet hair.... it's all been incredibly minimal the last few months, and I am able to prep the blankets for delivery in a fraction of the time! That's huge for me!!! I truly appreciated your efforts!!!
Marking Quilts
You might remember me mentioning issues with Frixion Pens after meeting a quilter at the Helena Art Walk last fall. I tripped over another write-up on the issues. It says many of the same things I shared, but there are a few additional points as well. You can read it at... http://quiltskipper.com/2015/08/frixion-pens-all-you-need-to-know/
Project Linus Mystery Quilt Challenge
You might remember me telling you that Mary B, our PL VP, is the one creating the Project Linus Mystery Quilt Challenge. You might remember me mentioning that they are named for her grandkids... and she had a lot of grandkids already, but just added two more in the last few weeks! I think this is a total of 13 now!!! Well, it's time to honor another grandkid with the 2017 Project Linus Mystery Quilt Challenge! This one is named after Ethan, and not knowing anything other than what the photo is implying, I am already excited! Registration for the PLMQC will start in August, with clue release starting in September. I believe the registration fee will again be $15, and if you designate the Great Falls & Helena, MT Chapter on your registration, the entire fee will be donated to our chapter. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, and the blanket does not have to be donated to Project Linus, but we've gotten some great ones from the first two challenges! Be sure to 'like' the PLMQC Facebook page... https://www.facebook.com/groups/848183768557929/ ... and tell all your friends and family about this fun adventure!!!
Okay... that's all for now. I look forward to hearing from all those who are willing to help with the block of the month. Please send me a note ASAP with your idea and we'll find a time to fit it in... gina.projectlinus@gmail.com
Thanks, everyone! I truly do appreciate all you do, all you contribute to Project Linus! You're all the best!!!!
gina
