12/30/17

Post mortem on Holiday cooking

After a battle, the generals get together and discuss how they thought the battle went, what worked and what didn't.

After our "battles" of cooking for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, and Christmas, I think it's time we have a little post mortem of our own! What did you cook that was awesome? What did someone else cook that was awesome? Discover a new bakery or source of ham? Share with us your battle scars!

Here's something I added to my holiday cooking that I can highly recommend: Arugula, Pear, and Goat Cheese Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette


With all the heavy comfort foods that are traditional with Thanksgiving and Christmas, I certainly had been hankering for something light, green, and healthy. If you bring this to several potlucks, it makes getting yourself a box of Harry and David's Pears more than worthwhile...and with the arugula and pomegranate seeds, it looks like you're eating Christmas holly!

Your turn!
- Cassandra G.

P.S. Reminder that Piecemaker's in  Costa Mesa will hold it's annual New Year's Day sale again this Monday January 1st with everything in the store is 40% off!

12/27/17

New Year's Resolutions for Quilters

Time to start thinking about your New Year's resolutions! Here are some quilting related suggestions for you:

City Celebration by Elyse Marinos
  1. Be honest with yourself. If you really don’t want to complete that quilt that’s been in your closet for the past five years – you no longer like it, or it no longer suits your home décor – get rid of it. Give it to a friend to finish, or donate it to your guild. And don’t feel guilty about it. Someone else will love it, and you are contributing to the good of quilting!
  2. Love what you sew and eliminate "Quilt Envy" from your life.
  3. Make a pact to not purchase any new fabric or patterns until you have finished one (or all) of your UFO’s. (Ed. note: Or at least think about finishing one...that counts, right?)
  4. If you have multiple projects, create an assembly line. Maybe you have several quilts that need to be quilted. Rather than completing one quilt before you move onto another, quilt all of them. Same goes for the binding.
  5. Get up and walk around to break up your sewing time, it will feel good. And be sure to drink plenty of water.
  6. Don’t try to tackle a project all at once. If your resolution is to clean out your sewing room, do it in stages. Give yourself 15 minutes and do one portion of it – like separating all your fabrics into similar groups. Organize your thread drawer tomorrow when you have another 15 minutes.
  7. Accept all sewing compliments, say thank you, and do not point out mistakes.
  8. Sew and quilt how you want, not always how someone else does it!
What are some of your resolutions?
- Cassandra G.

12/20/17

Ho Ho Ho! Time to laugh!

Comic by Scott Nickel
Q:  Where do snowmen keep their money?
A:  In a snow bank.

Q:  How did the ornament get addicted to Christmas?
A:  He was hooked on trees his whole life.

Q:  What do you call a kid who doesn’t believe in Santa?
A:  A rebel without a Claus.

Q:  How do you help someone who’s lost their Christmas spirit?
A:  Nurse them back to elf. (ed. note: I hear spiked egg nog helps)

Q:  What do you get when you deep fry Santa?
A:  Crisp Cringle.

Q:  What should do you if you plan on going away for the holidays?
A:  Leave Santa a note, asking him if he'd mind watering your plants.

- Cassandra G.

12/18/17

Help make quilts for victims of the Thomas Fire in Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties

From Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds (SCCQG)...

The Ventura Modern Quilt Guild has launched an effort in support of the Thomas Fire Victims. Scott Griffin, VP of Ventura Modern Quilt Guild, has designed a beautiful Perkiomen Valley Block to make as relief for Thomas Fires victims.

There is no deadline on block submission, but they would like to get quilts assembled out to the needy folks in January and February as they begin to rebuild. The guild will assemble them into quilts for those in need after this devastating fire. VMQG will be arranging sewing and quilt finishing soon. Visit the VMQG website or email VMQG for more information.



P.S. The Thomas Fire has burned 270,000 acres (an area that more than twice the size of Lake Tahoe) and completely destroyed over 1,000 homes and other buildings; it is only 45% contained. :(
- Cassandra G.

12/14/17

Join us on Facebook to share your quilted Christmas gifts!

Join us over on our Facebook page to share your quilts!



If you're already on our Facebook page, please remember to add other guild members that you're friends with and thanks!

- Cassandra G.

12/12/17

Raincross December Guild Meeting Cancelled

I'm very sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately we have to cancel our guild meeting this month, scheduled for Tuesday December 19th.

The Janet Goeske Center takes a two week vacation each December and unfortunately for us, this year their vacation starts next week and we will not be able to use the building for our meeting. The Raincross Board considered a few other options, but in light of how late the notification was*, we decided that it would be too difficult to find another venue close enough to the Goeske at such short notice.


So, we're moving Christmas to July! Join us on Tuesday, July 17th for CHRISTMAS IN JULY! We'll have our annual Christmas potluck, see Christmas quilts, have Christmas themed demos, and even have a Christmas themed Sew Day (date TBA)...just in time to start getting ready for Christmas next year!

Take next Tuesday as extra time to finish stitching your Christmas gifts, spending time with family, baking cookies, sampling mulled wine, making your list and checking it twice...and the warmest of Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Board of the Raincross Quilt Guild!

*We promise to proactively work with the Goeske going forward to help reschedule our December guild meeting in the future if it falls within their vacation period and do that well in advance so that we all have time to adjust our schedules.



We traditionally ask and receive nominations for Board and Committee positions at our December guild meeting, so this is your official notification of nominations. If anyone is interested in stepping forward to help, now is your chance!

The Board would like to thank Christine S. very much for her amazing work with the Mystery Box this year - Christine let us know that she'd like to pass on this unique opportunity to someone else, so if you feel up to the challenge, please let Jeri R. know!

Update: The Board would also like to thank Sharon G. for helping with Show and Share - she also would like to pass on this opportunity to someone else, so now's a great time for you to step up and help!

I will post nominations for the Board and Committee members before the next guild meeting in January and we will vote on the Board at the January meeting.
- Cassandra G.

12/11/17

Fantastic Feathers were Far Out!


Furiously fathomed fantastic feathers festooned festive and fancy fashions! Raincross Quilt Guild welcomed back Heidi Stagno from Heidi's Longarm Quilting Center in Calimesa to teach us how to quilt feathers, held at Rancho Cabelleros. And it was phenomenal! Check out all the photos.



- Cassandra G.


12/8/17

Correction! Heidi Class at Rancho Cabelleros!

Breaking news! I uncorrected posted that the Heidi Stagno Fantastic Feathers class being held Saturday December 9th is at the Goeske Center, but it is NOT!

This class will be at the Clubhouse at Rancho Cabelleros, from 9am-3pm.


- Cassandra G.

12/5/17

Announcing the official Raincross Quilt Guild Facebook page!

Hey so I figured out this Facebook thing is kinda cool and stuff and that we should have a page where we can share pictures and links of quilts and craft projects! Woohoo!




This a closed group (to keep out spammers, etc.) but anyone can join. Let's keep it focused on quilting and craft projects. Have fun!
- Cassandra G.

12/4/17

Coming up this month December 2017 at Raincross

Here's your monthly round up of upcoming events this month at Raincross Quilt Guild, specifically what to expect at our next guild meeting and any unique events beyond the usual scheduled events*. And don't worry - I'll still post a reminder blog a few days before the meeting with your list of things to bring. :)

*PLEASE NOTE: The second Friendship Quilters meeting that would normally be on Wednesday December 27th has been cancelled (since many people will still be playing with their toys Santa brought them - CHOO CHOO!).

Coming up at this month's Raincross Quilt Guild meeting...

Heidi Stagno from Heidi's Longarm Quilting Center in Calimesa will be joining us again, this time to teach us how to quilt Fantastic Feathers with our domestic machines. The class will be Saturday December 9th from 9am-3pm at the Janet Goeske Center Rancho Cabelleros and costs $35 dollars. Contact Elly H. to sign up for the class. Click here for the supply list.

Other unique RQG activities coming up this month...
The December meeting is our annual Christmas Feast potluck where everyone is invited (but not required) to bring a tasty dish or treat to share!

- Cassandra G.

12/3/17

November 2017 Meeting Review

We had a blockbuster of a meeting last Tuesday night which included our annual Grab Game with 57 members participating! Wow! Check out the pictures!

We had a lot to get through so there wasn't much meeting beyond Show and Share (which was fabulous as usual) and the Grab Game, however...

Heidi Stagno will be teaching another quilting class, Fantastic Feathers, on Saturday December 9th at the Janet Goeske Center Rancho Cabelleros from 9am -3pm with a Salad Potluck Lunch. The class is $35. Elly H. is taking sign ups. Supply list is available here.

On Saturday November 11th, Raincross Quilt Guild and Friendship Quilters held their annual Quilts of Valor presentation to veterans at the East Hills Community Church (click here to learn more and see photos). Susan C. wanted to extend thanks for Jeri R. and her husband Marty for helping us with accommodations at their beautiful church!

Sharon C. noted that if anyone still has out Threads of Love kits to please stitch them up and deliver them back to her. She also introduced a new item that Threads of Love are making, little baby dolls that absorb the smells and pheromones of the mother and are then left with the baby to comfort them. Please sure to contact Sharon to learn more.

Elly H. introduced our next block, Twisting Star. Instructions are available here.

We also had our last Row by Row exchange to make our last rows. The rows will be due in January when everyone will take their rows home. A few rowers did not attend the meeting - if you did not, please contact Cassandra G. so that we can coordinate exchanges. It is VERY IMPORTANT that ALL rows be brought (or sent with someone else if you cannot attend) to the January meeting!

Door Prizes

  • Fall decor - Sherri
  • Turkey decor - Valerie T.
  • Pumpkin decor - Jean H.
  • Picture frame - Katherine R.
  • Acorn decor - Stephanie Z.

- Cassandra G.

11/19/17

Reminder: Guild meeting Tuesday!

Are you ready to gobble up some quilts?! Let's do this!

1956 Spode Turkey Platter
Here's your reminder list of things to bring:
  • Your homemade name badge
  • Your Raincross Quilt Guild pin, which is worth an EXTRA ticket in the door prize drawing! If you don't have one, you can purchase one for $5 at the door.
  • Your kitchen accessory inside an empty, clean food or kitchen item container (cereal box, trash bag box, etc.).
  • If you are participating in the 2017 BOM, the ninth two blocks.
  • If you are participating in Cassandra G.'s Row by Row, your next row is due.
  • If you attended the retreat to Campbell House, the items you made to share.
  • If you were born on March, May, September, or November, you are invited to bring a snack to share (but it's not required!).
  • Bottled water or other non-alcoholic drink
See you all Tuesday!

- Cassandra G.

11/17/17

2017 RQG Quilts of Valor Presentation

This past Saturday, Raincross Quilt Guild and Friendship Quilters had the privilege of honoring our Veterans on Veterans Day with Quilts of Valor at the beautiful East Hills Community Church. Thank you for all your work making the quilts, our QoV chairwoman Susan C. for organizing this charity for us, East Hills Community Church for hosting us, our holders and folders, and of course, our brave Veterans!

Check out all the photos here.


- Cassandra G.

11/14/17

Giving thanks for silly jokes

Your blog mistress and a turkey, circa 1997
Q:  Why did the pilgrims want to sail to America in the spring?
A:  Because April showers bring Mayflowers!

Q:  What happened when the turkey got into a fight?
A:  He got the stuffing knocked out of him!

Q:  What kind of music did the Pilgrims like?
A:  Plymouth Rock

Q:  Why did the police arrest the turkey?
A:  They suspected it of fowl play.

Q:  What are turkeys thankful for at Thanksgiving?
A:  The current veganism/vegetarianism fad.

And remember, Thanksgiving is the time to count your blessings, one by one, as each relative goes home. :D
- Cassandra G.

11/5/17

Free Historic Sewing Patterns & Costumes

While Halloween has passed for this year, as quilters and sewing artists, we always keep our eyes peeled for new ideas and patterns.

I saw this come up recently in a friend's Facebook feed and wanted to share with you all!

Check out this page for several online resources for free historic and costume sewing patterns - what fun!



- Cassandra G.

11/3/17

RQG 2017 Fall Retreat at Campbell House


We had a glorious time at the Campbell House this past weekend and thought we'd share our pictures for those who were unable to attend.

We made Christmas pillows...



And Christmas quilts...




And a Christmas tree out of food...



And Christmas ornaments and a Christmas bag (that I somehow didn't take any photos of but trust, we did)!
- Cassandra G.

11/2/17

Coming up this month November 2017 at Raincross

Here's your monthly round up of upcoming events this month at Raincross Quilt Guild, specifically what to expect at our next guild meeting and any unique events beyond the usual scheduled events*. And don't worry - I'll still post a reminder blog a few days before the meeting with your list of things to bring. :)

*PLEASE NOTE: The second Friendship Quilters meeting that would normally be on Wednesday November 22nd has been cancelled (since that's the night before Thanksgiving and you all should be making me lots of pie).

Coming up at this month's Raincross Quilt Guild meeting...
by Bonnie at Fishsticks Designs
It's the annual Grab Game! This year's theme is kitchen accessories - table runners, pot holders, tea cozies - anything related to the kitchen. Please remember to make a really nice item that you'd like to steal for yourself and "wrap" it inside a kitchen/pantry item container. The container could be an empty cereal box, coffee can, whatever! Be creative!

Also due is your next Row by Row if you are participating. Contact Cassandra G. if you have any questions.

Other unique RQG activities coming up this month...

Quilt of Valor presentation will be Saturday, November 11th, at 2pm at the East Hills Community Church, 20660 Orange Terrace Parkway, Riverside, CA 92508. This event is complimentary, and the quilts are made with love and given freely to our Veterans. Click here for more information. Contact  Susan C. if you have any questions. Susan requests that everyone RSVP, so if you are planning on attending, please do that soon.
- Cassandra G.

11/1/17

October 2017 Meeting Review

Once upon a Tuesday dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious quilt of forgotten lore—
    While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at the Goeske door.
“’Tis some visitor,” I stated, “coming through the Goeske door—
            Only this and nothing more.”
- The Raven by Edgar Allen Poe, liberally modified

Muwhahahahha...sorry this is a bit late but it's been a busy few weeks for yours truly. However! Our guild meeting a few weeks ago was once again an awesome time spent sharing in fellowship and quilts, including with the cousin of guild president Jeri (who was unable to attend *winkwink*), Gypsy Rose! She and her intrepid helper Susan M. showed us some awesome tricks and then presented us with some treats, including how to safely dispose of old sewing needles and pins (drill a hole in the top of an old medicine bottle and simply slip the old needles inside - when it's full, just throw away the whole bottle) and how to secure and stop your Omnigrid ruler from sliding around (outline the bottom using 3M Nexcare Flexible Clear medical tape). Check out the photos and video.

One member (forgive me for not remembering your name) showed us a nifty quilt with alien heads, which she cut using tools available at Vocademy, a makerspace available in downtown Riverside. Click here to learn more about it!

Elly H. was unable to join us as well and with no eccentric cousin to show up, Gypsy Rose showed us the next block of the month.

Susan C. reminded us that our Quilt of Valor presentation is coming on Saturday November 11th. Click here for more information.

For those participating in Cassandra G.'s Row by Row, the next row is due at the November meeting. And Susan M. is restarting the mini 9 patches; please contact her for more information.

We're almost done with Happy Bags (we've made over 400 bags!!) and Dawn M. has requested that if anyone is still working on bags to please bring them to the November meeting. She also really needs more of those Harbor Freight free flash lights, so please if you can, swing by Harbor Freight, buy something and get a free flashlight so that we'll have enough. We'll also be collecting those free "hotel" soaps, shampoos, and lotions for a few adult happy bags for parents of the kids. Contact Dawn M. if you have any questions.

Our next guild meeting is the Grab Game and this year we're doing kitchen accessories - table runners, pot holders, tea cozies - anything related to the kitchen. Please remember to make a really nice item that you'd like to steal for yourself and "wrap" it inside a kitchen/pantry item container. The container could be an empty cereal box, coffee can, whatever! Be creative!

Door prizes

  • Boo decoration & chocolate - Fern
  • Pumpkin decor & sweets - Jinny C.
  • Pumpkin & sweets - Gypsy Rose Lee
  • Witch & sweets Susan C.
  • Pumpkin & sweets - Jan M.

Mystery Bag
Jean H.

P.S.
If you're like me and bought too much Halloween candy, check out this article for places where you can donate the candy.
- Cassandra G.

10/16/17

Corny Jokes (candy corny?)


Q:  Why did the vampire get fired from the blood bank?
A:  He was caught drinking on the job!
Q:  What do skeletons say before eating?
A:  Bone Appetit!
Q:  How can you tell if a vampire has a horrible cold?
A:  By his deep loud coffin!
Q:  How do you mend a broken Jack-o-lantern?
A:  With a pumpkin patch.
Q: Why didn’t the scarecrow eat dinner?
A: He was already stuffed.

Tee-hee!
- Cassandra G.

10/12/17

Reminder: Guild meeting Tuesday!

Trick or treat! Smell my feet! Give me some quilts to eat! (or something like that)

Reminder: This Saturday is the Elizabeth Eastmond class Home Sweet Home from 9am - 2pm with a Happy Bag sew day afterwards at Rancho Cabelleros.



Here's your reminder list of things to bring:
  • Your homemade name badge
  • Your Raincross Quilt Guild pin, which is worth an EXTRA ticket in the door prize drawing! If you don't have one, you can purchase one for $5 at the door.
  • If you are participating in the 2017 BOM, the eighth two blocks.
  • If you are participating in Susan M.'s mini 9 patch group, the brights and white/white blocks are due.
  • If you were born on April, October, or December, you are invited to bring a snack to share (but it's not required!).
  • Bottled water or other non-alcoholic drink

See you all Tuesday!

- Cassandra G.

10/11/17

Sign up now for the Spring Retreat

We're getting a head start on our 2018 spring retreat at Vina de Lesstonac in Temecula (The Nunnery)!


Where: Vina de Lestonnac - Temecula
When: May 18 - 20, 2018
Cost: $270
What it includes: 2 nights/3 days at the beautiful retreat center, PLENTY of room, all meals (AMAZING!), and fun and cute make-n-takes!
Theme: "Our Quilted Neighborhood"

See Barbara M. to sign up!
- Cassandra G.

10/6/17

Photos from the San Diego Quilt Show

Last weekend, Barbara M. and I went to the San Diego Quilt Show at the San Diego Convention Center. If you weren't able to make it, here are a few photos I took that I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

2017 Best in Show - the quilting was AMAZING!

More amazing quilting!

Sparkely!

- Cassandra G.

10/5/17

Miss Demo Night in August? See the video!

I uploaded this a while ago but I keep forgetting to tell you all about it. It's unedited and probably shaky, but if you'd like to see the demos from Jeri R., Lisa J., Samantha N., Carol H., Susan C., and Stephanie Z., be sure to check it out!


- Cassandra G.

10/4/17

2017 Reindeer Dash This Weekend


Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting-tingling, too
Come on, it's lovely weather for a Reindeer Dash with you!

(The sound was so loud, my phone sort of muted it down a bit...but trust me, they're LOUD.)

Hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner, but it's time to make your list and check it twice and get those Christmas gift projects stitched up!

- Cassandra G.

10/3/17

Coming up this month October 2017 at Raincross

Here's your monthly round up of upcoming events this month at Raincross Quilt Guild, specifically what to expect at our next guild meeting and any unique events beyond the usual scheduled events*. And don't worry - I'll still post a reminder blog a few days before the meeting with your list of things to bring. :)

*Usual scheduled events include Sew Night, Friendship Quilters, Featherweight Club, and the RQG Board meeting. If you are interested in those events, please check out the guild Calendar and/or post in the comments below and we'll help you learn more about them.

Coming up at this month's Raincross Quilt Guild meeting...
Cool stuff! Octobery stuff! When I know, you'll know!

But! As a reminder, we meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month and this month is blessed with FIVE Tuesdays...our meeting this month is Tuesday, October 17th, so watch your calendars!

Other unique RQG activities coming up this month...
Elizabeth Eastmond's workshop Home Sweet Home will take place on Saturday October 14th from 9am-2pm at the Clubhouse at Rancho Cabelleros. Contact Andie B. to inquire if there are any spots available. We'll have a potluck salad lunch. Following the workshop, 2pm until we drop, we'll have a Happy Bag Sew Day! Come help us stitch up bags as December is right around the corner.

Our 2017 Fall retreat is Thursday October 26th (or Friday October 27th for those who prefer) through Sunday October 29th at Campbell House in 29 Palms. We'll get the supplies list out to those attending as soon as we can.

Edit: The Quilt Room Tour is POSTPONED until spring as some circumstances changed.

10/2/17

Quilters Estate Sale October 8th

From Cherry Berry Quilts...

"Hello Everyone,

It is with a heavy saddened heart that this email get crafted. As many of you know we recently lost a great friend in Sharon Blackburn. Sharon was an avid quilter and sewist who's skill and knowledge were only exceeded by her generosity and kindness. Sharon was a great mentor to us as we started this business and became a great friend through the years. Her sudden passing was a shock to us all and we are working with her husband Charlie to help liquidate her sewing room and supplies. To that end there are a number of machines that we will outline here that were kept in immaculate condition and a significant stash that needs to be liquidated.

Sunday October 8th 11am-4pm
Cherry Berry Quilts, 1096 Calimesa Blvd B, Calimesa, CA 92320
Fabric $3/yd
Threads, quilts, and other notions

All items will be 1st come, 1 served.
CASH ONLY"

Click here for the flyer.
- Cassandra G.

10/1/17

September 2017 Meeting Review


We had such a great meeting two weeks ago with the fabulous and informative Heidi Stagno of Heidi's Longarm Quilting Center in Calimesa. But first, we were serenaded by Jeri R. and Susan C. singing 'My Favorite Quilting Things', modified by Terri Dobitz and sung to the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein 'My Favorite Things' from the musical The Sound of Music, which was enjoyed by all, including our 7 visitors!

Heidi gave quite a presentation on machine quilting, reminding us that it's not a quilt until it's quilted, we don't have to use cotton thread to quilt our quilts, and when you're stuck in a corner, just ditch it and stitch it! Her workshop the following Saturday was fantastic and I highly recommend that you check out her Quilted Feathers class coming up on December 9th.

Elly H. was not able to join us, but Jeri R. and Susan M. showed off our next BOM, Spinning Pinwheel. Instructions are here.

Also, due to some unfortunate flooding and cancellations, we're postponing the Home Room Tour that was scheduled for October 21st until sometime in the spring.

Susan C. announced that we'll have our annual Quilt of Valor presentation on Saturday November 11th at the East Hills Community Church. If anyone still has an QoV quilt at home, finished or not, please finish if you and regardless, bring it to the October meeting.

Barbara M. announced that we have a few spots still available for the Raincross Fall Retreat to Campbell House, so please contact her if you are interested.

Door Prizes

  • Super grip - Carrie A.
  • Telescoping magnet & fats - Betty D.
  • Personal power strip, super gripper - Judy B.
  • .5 yd of 2 blue fabrics - Susan C.
  • Cake mix recipes, for layer cakes - Barbara M.

Mystery Box

  • Jeri R.

- Cassandra G.

9/29/17

Quilts of Valor Presentation November 11th



Raincross Quilt Guild and Friendship Quilters are pleased to announce their 2017 Quilts of Valor presentation Saturday, November 11th, at 2pm at the East Hills Community Church, 20660 Orange Terrace Parkway, Riverside, CA 92508. This event is complimentary, and the quilts are made with love and given freely to our Veterans. Light refreshments will be served.


Please RSVP to Susan C. with the number of people attending and the name of your Veteran guest of honor.

For more information or to contribute, visit QOVF.org. Download flyer for this event.

Susan asks that anyone who still has a QoV quilt or quilt top at home please bring it to the October meeting so that they can be finished and ready for the presentation.
- Cassandra G.

9/28/17

Quilters the musical this weekend at Ramona High School

Quilters, the musical, is being performed  at Ramona High School this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 pm. The musical is about the lives of American pioneer women based on the book The Quilters:Women and Domestic Art by Patricia Cooper and Norma Bradley Allen.

Several of the 30 inch quilt squares that are featured in the show were made by Raincross Quilt Guild members. Jeri R. and others assembled the enormous quilt.

- Cassandra G

9/26/17

Spots still available for Campbell House Retreat

I'll get the guild meeting review up tomorrow, I promise...

There are still a few spots available for the Raincross Quilt Guild Fall 2017 Retreat to Campbell House in Twentynine Palms (formerly Roughley Manor) -- if we don't get enough people, we may have to cancel, which would be very sad!

The retreat is Thursday October 26th (or you can come Friday October 27th instead) through Sunday October 29th. The prices are $399 for Thu-Sun or $286 for Fri-Sun. The theme this year is Christmas.



Contact Barbara M. today and join us!
- Cassandra G.

9/20/17

Supply List for Heidi's Class this Saturday

What a fantastic presentation by Heidi last night! For those attending Heidi's class this coming Saturday at the Goeske Center from 9am-3pm, click here for the supply list.

We'll have a potluck salad for lunch so bring your salad mix-in or side.

Contact Andie B. if you are interested in attending.

I can't wait!
- Cassandra G.

9/15/17

Reminder: Guild meeting Tuesday!

I find myself reflective this morning and thinking those in Texas, the Caribbean, Florida, and Mexico who've recently been touched by hurricanes and earthquakes. If you haven't done so and have the ability, consider making a donation to a reputable charity. Consider as well that sometimes one's first instinct in giving may not be the best choice.

Be thankful for what you have and be sure to tell someone today that you appreciate and love them - let's make our own thunder burst of love. :)

Hurricane! by Carol Taylor
Here's your reminder list of things to bring:
  • Your homemade name badge
  • Your Raincross Quilt Guild pin, which is worth an EXTRA ticket in the door prize drawing! If you don't have one, you can purchase one for $5 at the door.
  • If you are participating in the 2017 BOM, the seventh two blocks.
  • If you are participating in Cassandra G.'s Row by Row Round Robin, your next row is due.
  • If you are participating in Evie's Mini Hoffman Challenge, your challenge is due
  • Fabric fats or large cuts for Christine S. to put in the October Mystery Box.
  • If you were born on February, May, or September, you are invited to bring a snack to share (but it's not required!).
  • Bottled water or other non-alcoholic drink

See you all Tuesday!

- Cassandra G.

9/14/17

Happy (Belated) Birthday, California!

California just celebrated it's 167th birthday on September 9th (and YOU thought you had a lot of candles on your cake!).

Check out this cool California artwork by 3 Fish Studios - wouldn't it make cool fabric?! Might have to do that yourself!


- Cassandra G.

9/7/17

M&L $20 gift certificate for every $100 you spend

OH BOY! It's that time of year again when M&L Fabrics in Anaheim has there get a $20 gift certificate for every $100 you spend promotion! This promotion is running the entire month of September, then the gift certificates expire the end of October.


See you there!
- Cassandra G.

9/6/17

Stitch in the Ditch

Just an amusing photo from a recent Row by Row Experience run I did with some guild mates...we ventured south to the greater San Diego area and had to stop by Quilt in a Day.

I think I need a sign like this!


- Cassandra G.

9/5/17

Coming up this month September 2017 at Raincross

Here's your monthly round up of upcoming events this month at Raincross Quilt Guild, specifically what to expect at our next guild meeting and any unique events beyond the usual scheduled events*. And don't worry - I'll still post a reminder blog a few days before the meeting with your list of things to bring. :)

*Usual scheduled events include Sew Night, Friendship Quilters, Featherweight Club, and the RQG Board meeting. If you are interested in those events, please check out the guild Calendar and/or post in the comments below and we'll help you learn more about them.

Coming up at this month's Raincross Quilt Guild meeting...
Heidi is coming to give us a trunk show of her fabulous quilts! Also due at this meeting is your Row by Row Round Robin (contact Cassandra G. if you have any questions), the mini Hoffman Challenge issued by Evie following the Hoffman Tour, and fabric donations to Christine S. for the October Mystery Box.

Other unique RQG activities coming up this month...
She will follow that with a workshop on Saturday September 23rd at the Goeske, Quilting on Home Machines for Beginners. The workshop is $25 and spots may still be available - contact Andie B.

- Cassandra G.

8/31/17

Quilters Estate Sale Sept 2nd and 3rd

We received notice of this sale and with approval from the board, are passing the information onto you:

"Dear Patchwork/Quilters,

Many of you knew my wife, Gail Giberson, co-author of "Primarily Patchwork" and avid patchwork author, collector, and teacher. She passed away in July, 2016 from brain cancer.

We are offering 2,000 yards of her fine-cotton fabric collection in 50-yard, clear plastic bags at the low price of $50.00/bag! It is valued at $3.00$-10.00 per yard. There are numerous pieces in each bag, sorted by colors and marked with their dimensions.

What: Quilt Fabric, Notions and Accessories, including:

  • Bernina Arista165 embroidery machine with dozens of rolls of thread, many accessories and training manuals
  • Surger sewing machine. Baby Lock Model # BLE1AT.
  • Folding quilt table
  • Hundreds of buttons including black glass and military types.

When: Saturday, Sept. 2nd and Sunday, Sept. 3rd - 8am to noon

Where: 2833 E. Brookside Ave. Orange, CA (across street from Villa Park shopping center)

Please Reply with your interest and if you will come with friends. We will have donuts!

Thank you,

Jon Giberson
714-637-3064"

See the flyer Jon made here.

Jon, we're so sorry to hear about your loss of your dear wife, may she rest in peace. Thank-you for the invitation to your sale.
- Cassandra G.

8/28/17

August 2017 Meeting Review

We had another rousing round at Raincross Quilt Guild a few Tuesday nights ago. We welcomed visitor Megan and Susan as a new member - so glad you joined us!

It was demo night with Jeri R., Lisa J., Samantha N., Carol H., Susan C., and Stephanie Z. showing us some cool tips and tricks with sewing feet, zippers, quilting patterns, and more! Check out the video.

We've been making survivor bags to help the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (RARCC) and they wanted to extend their thanks to us. They also let us know if that they also need small 6-8" teddy bears, which are given to the children of the survivors. Contact Sandy S. if you have any questions.

Coming up at Raincross:
In September, we'll be joined by Heidi at our meeting for what I'm sure will be a fabulous trunk show, and then the following Saturday, Heidi will give the first of two quilting workshops. Her first workshop will be introduction to domestic quilting and is $25. Contact Andie B. to sign up. Her second workshop will be quilting feathers on a domestic machine, which will be held on December 9th.

Not at Raincross, but there are also two quilt shows coming up in September - the Glendale Quilt Show and the San Diego Quilt Show. Remember to check the Raincross Calendar for all events and please let me know if I'm missing any!

October will be a busy month with the long awaited for Elizabeth Eastmond class Home is Where the Heart Is on the 14th from 9am-2pm at the Rancho Cabelleros Club House, with a Happy Bag Sew Day afterwards. The class is $35 and spots are still open. Contact Andie B. to sign up for the class.

Elizabeth has also graciously offered that if you can't make it to the class on October 14th, contact Andie B. to sign up and we'll find another day to hold another class.

The following weekend is our annual Sewing Room Home Tour, October 21st! More details to follow but we'll organize a carpool for those interested and of course, there will be treats at each house. Mark your calendars!

Finally, our annual fall retreat to the Campbell House (formerly Roughley Manor) will occur the last weekend of the month. Contact Barbara M. to get a spot or get on the waiting list.

This year for our annal Steal Game at the November meeting, make your best Kitchen Accessory! It can be pot holders, an apron, a tea cozy - whatever! And whatever theme/season you'd like. Jeri R. has promised a new method to the Steal Game so that it's more action packed and a bit tighter on time, so get ready! And remember, make something really awesome that you want to keep for yourself.

Finally, looking forward to the December potluck and gift exchange (where the Guild gives each member tickets to put in the pot for various gifts) - this year, the gifts will include two entrance vouchers for the 2018 Road to California - can't wait!

Ramona High School is preparing to put on a production of the hit musical "Quilters" and has asked RHS alumni to help make the oversized seminal quilt for the show. As you can see from this photo stolen from Jeri R.'s Facebook page, Jeri and Mary (and Linda?) show off one of the nearly completed Tree of Life blocks. Way to go ladies!

On July 31st, lots of lucky Raincrossers journeyed to Hoffman Fabrics for our annual tour, organized by Evie. Check out the photos - I did receive a few photos from Evie, but if you also took photos, please email or text them to me (or to the guild) and I'll add them to the photo album. Many thanks to Michelle Flores and her colleagues at Hoffman Fabrics for their time and as a bonus, fabric for us to have another mini challenge! For those who attended (or who wish they could have), Evie handed out little brown paper bags with fat eights of Hoffman Fabrics and has invited us to make something, make anything and bring it back to the September meeting. Thanks Hoffman!

Sharon K. said that Julie from Road to California shared 100 yards of sheer fabric with Threads of Love, so we join Sharon in saying thank you! Check out the sample Sharon made with the sheer - beautiful!

Elly H. introduced our next BOM, Southwest Arrow - very chic. Check out the pattern.

Susan M. announced that her Mini 9 Patch group is starting up again and there may still be some spots open. The next blocks are due at the October meeting: brights and white/white on white with the color in the center and corners. Contact Susan M. to get in on the action.




Door Prizes:
  • Bag pattern kit - Susan C.
  • Tote pattern & fats - Linda H.
  • Book & fats - Jeri R.
  • 1yd batik & magnet - Stephanie Z.

Mystery Box:
  • Carrie A.
Christine S. wants to remind everyone that the October Mystery Box is going to be a fabric bonanza and is inviting everyone to pitch in. Bring in a fat or two to add to the box so that someone can go home with ALL TEH FABRICKS!
- Cassandra G.

8/14/17

Free Motion Quilting Patterns

Samantha N. will be showing us free motion quilting during the demos portion at the quilt guild meeting this week and she wanted to share some free motion quilting patterns to help inspire us all.


As she has quite a few, we're making them available here for you to download and print yourself - enjoy!

- Cassandra G.

Reminder: Guild meeting Tomorrow!

I am, as I'm sure we all are, shocked by acts of hate and loss of life this past weekend. I'm drawn to words I think we can all agree upon...love your neighbor as yourself and love one another.

Love One Another pattern by Timeless Traditions
Find a neighbor, someone to love on today - give them a hug and tell them what they mean to you and that you're happy to see them. Let's break this epidemic of hate.

Here's your reminder list of things to bring:
  • Hugs for someone you haven't hugged in a while
  • Your homemade name badge
  • Your Raincross Quilt Guild pin, which is worth an EXTRA ticket in the door prize drawing! If you don't have one, you can purchase one for $5 at the door.
  • If you are participating in the 2017 BOM, the sixth two blocks.
  • If you were born on April, June, August, or December, you are invited to bring a snack to share (but it's not required!).
  • Bottled water or other non-alcoholic drink
See you all tomorrow!

P.S. Staples has a sale going on 24 count Crayola crayons for $0.50 a box, so if you can, swing by your local Staples and pick up a few boxes for Happy Bags.
- Cassandra G.

8/11/17

Coming up this month August 2017 at Raincross

Here's your monthly round up of upcoming events this month at Raincross Quilt Guild, specifically what to expect at our next guild meeting and any unique events beyond the usual scheduled events*. And don't worry - I'll still post a reminder blog a few days before the meeting with your list of things to bring. :)

*Usual scheduled events include Sew Night, Friendship Quilters, Featherweight Club, and the RQG Board meeting. If you are interested in those events, please check out the guild Calendar and/or post in the comments below and we'll help you learn more about them.

Coming up at this month's Raincross Quilt Guild meeting...
It's Demo night! We'll see demos on using a scallop rules, how to work with minke (and not have a minkexplosion!), and lots of different sewing feet demos. Can't wait!


Other unique RQG activities coming up this month...
Your vacation! Go have fun out there. There are no RQG organized sew days or workshops.
- Cassandra G.

8/6/17

July 2017 Meeting Review

We had an action packed guild meeting last Tuesday (ed. note: pretend it was last Tuesday and not three Tuesdays ago), which included ever vivacious Elly H. stepping in for our wayward guild president Jeri R. (hopefully she was on assignment looking for new and awesome quilt shops).

The first item of note is that the Goeske Center is implementing a new system for signing in. Instead of merely entering your zip code on a sign in sheet, each regular visitor is being issued a scan card (kind of a grocery store rewards card, except your reward is hanging out with all us!). Then during each visit to the Goeske, we are to scan our card and then on the computer screen, scroll through and then tap on the activity we are attending (hint: Raincross Quilt Guild activity is on the last page). For now, the computer sign in at the front desk, but they have promised that they will install a sign in computer in the Hall where our meeting is. As a reminder, our sign ins help the Goeske acquire funding, so it’s important that we sign in every time. Also, if you are eligible, we encourage you to join the Goeske to help support it. If you have questions about the sign in procedure, please talk to our sign in ladies.

Visitor Cathy M. asked if anyone has a good used sewing machine for sale. She is involved with the Braille group that meets a the Goeske from September through July. They make Dammit Dolls and need another sewing machine. If you can help, email me and I’ll email you back her phone number. Cathy was just passing through our meeting as she had missed her bus but it turns out she’s a quilter! We hope Cathy joins us again and show us her quilts!

In addition to Cathy, we had 6 other visitors - thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again soon!

It may be July, but Christmas is coming and that means Happy Bags! Happy Bag Maven Dawn M. told us that she’s still looking for those free flashlights from Harbor Freight and she asked us to keep our eyes open for upcoming back to school sales on Crayons (24 count boxes), colored pencils, and adult coloring books (for the older kids). Keep your eyes peeled for those back to school sales! Dawn also showed us a super cute bean bag that can be made from the scraps of the happy bags, so please feel free to sew those up and include those in your bags!

As noted previously, we finally have a class date and place for Elizabeth Eastmund's class, Home is Where the Heart Is, for Saturday October 14th from 9am-2pm at Rancho Cabelleros. Andie B. is taking signups and there are still spots available, so give her a call. The class is $35 and includes the pattern.

Andie is also taking class sign ups for Heidi's quilting workshop, scheduled for Saturday September 19th at the Goeske, after her trunk show on the preceding Tuesday at our normal monthly guild meeting.

Our lovely substitute guild leader donned her BOM bonnet and showed us our next BOM pattern - flying geese. Elly noted that we can put together our blocks however we'd like - let the fabric speak to you. (Ed. note: what speaks to me is this face!)

Door Prize Winners:

  • rotary cutter & fats - Sharon G. 
  • fats bundle & emery boards - Jan M.
  • homemade gift book & emery boards - Susan H.
  • 1.5 yds of Batiks - Mary M.
  • 1.5 yds of green & buttons - Dawn M.

Mystery Box:
Christine reported that we had 90 Rape Crisis Center bags turned in for tickets - 80 by one group!! - way to go! For the October Mystery Box, Christine is looking to collect fats and/or 1/2 yd cuts, so if you have any you'd like to share bring them to the September meeting for Christine.

winner - Cassandra G. (Ed. note: YAYAYAYAYAYYAY!)
- Cassandra G.