QOV Sew Day

We got to see some of the QOV quilt tops that were made during the Natl Sew Day. I understand 20 were made.  Here are four of them, and the wonderful embroidery blocks are by our very generous and talented Deanna. And thank you to the 20 ladies who worked so hard on these! We so appreciate your work for the Veterans and the guild.

Ran out of battery juice - hope to show more in future.  Do you have a photo of one not shown here?  Send it to our guild's email, and I'll add it.  Thanks!

Guild Retreat in April

For further info, contact Barbara M.  You will find her in the guild directory.  Don't have a directory? Email the guild at raincrossqg@gmail.com and someone will forward the information to you.

Have a friend who'd like to go with you, but is not a member?  That's fine - they can sign up, too.
A few photos of the center:

Needle Therapy:

Read about this group here.

Hope to see you there!  Need to reserve your place by March 17th. More than half the spaces are taken. Don't wait!

This Month at the Corner Pay N Take

LOL - there's a little bit of Dory in all of us.

The Corner Pay N Take is All about Fabric this month!  See the Lady with the Black Hat (aka Jennifer H) at the meeting next Tuesday.  

Now I know Why I must Quilt Daily

Surprising Health Benefits of Quilting

By Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D., MSW  |   Submitted On February 04, 2014

You know that quilting makes you feel good, but now there's scientific evidence to back up what you've always suspected-not only does quilting make you happy, it's actually good for your health. Researchers at the University of Glasgow published their findings in the peer-reviewed Journal of Public Health after conducting qualitative research using a local quilting group as their source. The end result? "Quilting seemed to possess some distinct properties for enhancing well-being that would not be replicable through outdoor/physical activity." In other words, that's dry research speak for saying quilting gives you a workout you're not going to find in your local step class.

The biggest perk? When you're happy and doing something you love, your brain gets saturated with dopamine and serotonin, otherwise known as happy chemicals-especially when you're doing "meaningful work" using your hands. According to Kelly Lambert, PhD and a member of the neuroscience department at Randolph-Macon College, quilting complements these conditions perfectly.

Get Healthy and a Stunning Quilt

Next on the health benefits list is a decrease in stress levels. Dr. Lambert says quilters "feel a sense of accomplishment that increases your 'reward chemicals' and decreases the chemicals related to stress or anxiety." Of course, lower stress levels are linked to a variety of good things from a lower risk of heart attack and stroke to lower body fat. In a time when stress levels are breaking through the roof for most people, who wouldn't benefit from a little cultivation of mindfulness?

If you're more into quantitative proof, a clinical psychologist published research in the Journal of the American Medical Association showing evidence that quilting leads to decreased blood pressure, heart rate and perspiration. Finally, according to Harvard neurologist Marie Pasinski, MD, quilting is a soother for the brain. The Glasgow research echoes these sentiments, with the participants saying that quilting was a (relatively) easy way to embrace creativity, and the use of different colors and textures gave them a "sense of wellbeing."

Straight from the Source

The Glasgow participants specifically cited, time and again, bright colors and how they elevated their moods-particularly during those dreary British winters. Most of the group also said there was something captivating about quilting and that they got into a flow, much like a runner's high. It's relaxing and at least for a little while, their anxieties were put on the back burner. However, quilting also requires problem solving skills, like when new patterns and shapes are required. From newbies to quilt masters, everyone said that at some point they always find a new challenge.

Finally, getting that tangible end result is a built-in reward that offers plenty of satisfaction and the feeling of achievement. During the social aspect of quilting as a group, the women said they felt inspired and all those compliments don't hurt when it comes to getting a self-esteem boost. Quilting is "uniquely good for you" concluded researchers-a sentiment that's obvious for quilters, but it's quite the rush to get a nod from the world of academe (kind of like nailing that tumbling blocks pattern on your first try).

Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D. is a writer with a vast array of subject matter expertise. Along with publishing articles for large and small businesses, she researches, writes and publishes reports on various public policy issues.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jillynn_Stevens,_Ph.D.,_MSW

You Could Be the One!

Our new officers for the year have been voted in. You can see the list under the Contact/Forms tab. If you have any questions, they are happy to provide an answer or take your suggestions.  We do need a chair in the Community Service group.  Jennifer H who is the head our large CSG says there is a need for someone to coordinate the Happy Bags project. Let me tell you about this position.

The Queen in charge of Happy Bags - my name for this much needed volunteer - stores the happy bags and other items donated, keeps a tally of how many are already made and what is needed, gives tickets for the end of the year thank you drawing, shops toward the end of the year, coordinates a sewing day if needed to have enough bags, schedules a "fill the bag day" and delivers the bags to the Loma Linda event.

Now that sounds like a lot.  Let me take a moment to thank every chair of Happy Bags we've had in the past.  You made us look good!  Thank you!!

But you know what?  It need'nt be a one person job - could be two or three working as a group. Now wouldn't that be fun!  You could meet for lunch and plan your strategy for the year - I know a quilt store right next to a deli.  It's always fun to shop with a friend when it comes to filling those bags, or maybe just one of you has a space just waiting to hold those items til it's time to get them ready.  I can see a lot of good times being had by this group.

Want to do just one part of this job?  That would work, too.  Maybe you just have available storage. That would be wonderful! Pick a part of this community service project and let Jennifer know. Sometimes it takes many hands to do one thing.

Please think about this and consider stepping forward to help these young cancer survivors.

Jennifer H's contact info is in the Directory or you could talk to her at the Corner Pay 'N' Take.

Hope to hear from you!

Directions for making a Happy Bag can be found under the Community Service tab.

2014 BOM Reveal

Yes, ladies, we want to see your 2014 BOM of all those colorful blocks you made last year.  Please bring them to the Feb 14th meeting.  Look forward to seeing yours!

Here's Elly's.