SEW 'N TELL

January 2009
Issue No. 208
Web Address: http://www.aaqg.net

Mailing: Ankeny Area Quilters' Guild, P.O. Box 961, Ankeny, IA 50021

“Sharing a common thread!”

Board Meeting PRESIDENTS LETTER

The next board meeting will be Tuesday,
January 6, 2009, 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church in Ankeny.
Jo FiField presents Big Stitch quilts at our
January 13th meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Come enjoy Jo Fifield's trunk show of Big Stitch quilts
from king size to wall-hangings. Our meeting location
is Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny.
Don't forget to sign up for Jo Fifield's workshop,"Big
Stitch, Long Stitch, or Utility Stitch" on Wednesday,
January 14th. It's a hands on project; you bring a quilt
or a 15” square of fabric sandwich ready for quilting
and she'll provide the rest of the supplies. The cost is
$20 and the class meets from 9am-12 or 1 p.m. at Holy
Trinity Lutheran Church in Ankeny. Please call Linda,
964-5594, to sign up.
Mickey Depre is coming back to our guild on February meeting because of weather. We had very good sales in
10th. Her program is "Tips, Tricks and Other Stuff". The Dec but I know at least half of you who wanted to
presentation features lots of tips and tricks plus movie
demos of various techniques, like machine appliqué (her
way), binding, and more. It will be followed by a short
trunk show.
"Autumn Oaks Trio" is the workshop Mickey will be time also.
doing with us on February 11th. Sign-up for the
workshop at the January meeting. Students create their
own version of a wall-hanging with background/wavy
border guidance. Students choose from 10 different leaf
patterns to further personalize their quilt. Pattern purchase Kay Huntimer and Barb Pighetti. Remember, you must
is necessary.
WEATHER REMINDER
If Ankeny School District closes for weather reasons
we will not have a meeting!
By the time you get your newsletter the Christmas and
New Year will be a thing of the past, boy that was fast.
Maybe now that my ornaments are made I can make
one of the quilts that I have in kit form. My fear is that
I will not get my president's challenge done. See the
garage sale article about the continued garage sale in
Jan, but I can tell you that so far we have made over
$100 just on the items that had a 0, meaning that all the
sales came to the guild that is a really great start.
Sorry that is all I got!! short letter huh.
Yappy Hew Near,
Your President----Debbie Pierschbacher
GARAGE SALE
We will have the Garage Sale again in Jan before and
after our meeting. So many did not make it to the Dec
participate could not. If you have things to bring be as
early as you can so some shopping can be done before
the meeting. Also if you have things that did not sell in
Dec bring them back. We will keep the business part
of the meeting asap (as short as possible) to give more
December Prizes
Congratulations to Karen Brockelsby, the block lottery
winner. The door prize winners for December were:
be wearing your name tag to be eligible to win the door
prize. The block lottery pattern for January is on the
last page of this newsletter. It is also available on our
website: www.aaqg.net
 Secretary's Report
AAQG Board Meeting Minutes, December 2, 2008
Deb P. was ill so we just had a phone meeting.
Quilt Guild Meeting Minutes, December 9, 2008
Deb welcomed everyone for coming on a snowy, icy
evening. We started the evening with a delicious soup
dinner. The announcements were in a Fa la la format!
One more basket is needed for the Country Store.
There are stickers with new member name and
addresses on the sign in table; they are also in the
newsletter. We will do the garage sale again next
month since attendance was low and garage sale items
were high. There is still room for the Jo Fifield class-
you will need to bring a quilt top that is basted from the
wrong side; or a 15 inch sandwich basted square. The
block lottery will be Crystal Block. Door prizes were
awarded, birthdays were acknowledged. All enjoyed
show and tell. Deb surprised the group with a drawing
of ornaments that decorated the tables.
Please add these changes, corrections and new or
renewed memberships to your directory:
Jenna Ingle
213 SW School St.
Ankeny, IA 50023
email: jingle77@aol.com--phone: 965-1585
Christy Tigges phone number----965-9131
Joan McKernan
1543 E. Bowman Rd.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
email: jemckernan@verizon.net-phone: 760-375-7146
Jacque Johnson
Adel Quilting & Dry Goods
P.O. Box 126
Adel, Iowa 50003
phone: 515-993-1170
Lois Kern is looking for a copy of the Fall 2008
Edition of Easy Quilt Magazine. She is specifically
looking for the Autumn Stars pattern. If you have a
copy to share with her please contact her at: phone—
964-5205 or email--Kernlm@aol.com
Thanks!
Debbie P. read this poem at the December meeting and
we have had so many requests for it we thought all
might enjoy it one more time!
A Quilter's Dream come true!
'Twas the night before Christmas,
And the quilts were not made.
The threads were all tangled, the cookies delayed.
The stocking weren't hung, the pantry was bare.
The poor weary Quilter, was tearing her hair.
Stacks of fat quarters, tipped over in streams.
Visions of Log Cabins, had turned into dreams.
When what to her wondering eyes should appear,
But a bus full of quilters with all of their gear.
They went straight to work with just a few mutters,
Sorting and stitching and brandishing cutters.
The patterns emerged from all of the clutter,
Like magic the fabrics arranged in a flutter.
Log Cabins, Lone Stars, Flying Geese & Bear Tracks
Each quilt was a beauty-even the backs.
Her house how it twinkled, her quilts how they glowed.
The cookies were baking, the stockings were sewed.
Their work was all done, so they folded their frames,
And packed up their needles, without giving their
names.
They boarded the bus, and checked the next address.
More quilts to be made, another quilter in distress.
She heard one voice echo, as they drove out of sight,
Happy quilting to all and to all a good night!
Quilting Connection
238 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010
phone: 515-233-3048
www.iaquilts.com
iaquilts@netins.net
Over 6,000 bolts of quilting fabrics, kits, notions,
hundreds of books, patterns, Husqvarna Viking
Sewing Machines and Sergers, on site machine
repair and servicing, quilting classes and classes
for machine and software mastery.
Celebrating 10 years in downtown Ames!

Country Quilt Studio
Vicki Swensen
975 W. Lincolnway; Suite B
Nevada, Iowa
515-382-1815
www.countryquiltstudio.com
LONGARM RENTAL—CUSTOM QUILTING
Classes, Retreats, Workshops
Cecilie Vogt shared this message with fellow guild
members. It's a fun and easy way to help others---in
your jammies! Join Pepperidge Farm in the fight
against breast cancer.
Pepperidge Farm is a sponsor of Susan G. Komen for
the Cure®, and is committed to joining with women
everywhere in pursuing an end to breast cancer forever.
Visit the site to learn more, get inspired and get
involved!You can help make a difference by playing
the Circles of Inspiration Game.
Click the link below, or paste the URL into your
browser window. www.pepperidgefarm.com/pink
Cyndee Davis has some exciting news to share with us.
Her quilt has finally been published in “Quilts for
Men” by the Landauer Corporation. To view photos of
the book and the quilts in it visit
http://www.connectingthreads.com/Books/Quilts+for+Men
Ankeny Sewing Center
109 N Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50021
phone: 515-963-8967
ankenysewingcenter.anidus.com
marylouasc@netins.net
Stop by and see our NEW, LARGER location
(next to Curves for Women)
Horn cabinets, Husqvarna Viking Sewing
Machines and Sergers, quilting and specialty
clothing fabrics, threads, embroidery software
and designs. Classes for machine and software
mastery. On site machine repair and servicing.
Adel Quilting & Dry Goods Co.
909 Prairie Street in Adel, IA
phone: 515-993-1170
www.adelquilting.com
—and Chat with us at our new Blog!
www.adelquilting.blogspot.com
Quilter's Cupboard
131 Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, IA 50021
phone: 515-963-8758
http://www.quilterscupboardiowa.com/
Hours:
Monday-Friday., 10 am-5:30 pm
Thursday, 10 am-7:00 pm
Saturday, 10 am-5:00 pm
 Block Party Studios, Inc. ● Pieces from the Heart Quilt Show
Held March 7-8, 2009 in Morris, Illinois. Includes
Unique products for quilters including hand internationally known teachers such as Karen
printed fabric, patterns, kits McTavish, Barb Black, Beth Ferrier, Anne Lulie, and
Londa Rohlfing. Quilt entries and classes open to non-
We now sell quilting fabric members. Visit their website:
www.PiecesFromThe HeartQuiltGuild.com
30% off select notions all the time! for more information and entry forms.
1503 West K Avenue, Nevada ● Garden Dreams Quilt Show
presented by Sinnisippi Quilters, Inc. of Rockford,
800-419-2812 Illinois on May 2-3, 2009. Quilt entries from non-
members accepted. Visit their website:
check our website for directions to our store www.sinnissippiquilters.org for details and entry forms.
Secure shopping online
Hours M-F, 8:30-5, Sat 10-5 Seven Sisters Quilting
Long-Arm Machine Quilting
Creekside Quilting
Jennifer Peil
9926 Swanson Blvd., Clive, IA 50325
Ankeny, Ia
515-276-1977
www.creekside-quilting.com 515-277-0187
Hours: Mon-Wed 10 am-5:30 pm, Thurs 10-7 pm peil3104@msn.com
Fri-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 1-4 pm
Call for a free estimate.
3700 bolts of fabric, notions, books, patterns
Classes, Friendly staff of experienced quilters
Join us for Retreat on March 26-29, 2009
submitted by Therese Lumley
Quilt-Related Events
At the January meeting I'll be there for the Retreat Sign
Up's come one come all. Don't forget to bring your
Feel like taking a road trip? In the depths of winter,
check book or money, you must pay for the Retreat at
here's some “quilting warmth” to look forward to...
the time of sign up. The opens will go fast, so make
sure there is a space reserved for you. This will be a
● I-80 Quilt Shopper's One-Stop Spree
Retreat to remember. I have been working very hard
The I-80 Shopping Spree features 11 quilt vendors
to make it the best retreat ever. This one you won't
offering fabrics, kits, books, notions, and gifts for sale
want to miss. Any question be sure to call me.
all under one roof for your shopping convenience. It is
held on President's Day weekend—Sunday, February
15, 10-5 and Monday, February 16, 10-4 at the Little Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday!
Amana Holiday Inn, Exit 225 along Interstate 80. Janietta Peek January 2
Make it a fun-filled weekend with your friends. Create Christy Tigges January 4
your own sewing retreat or just have a fantastic Gayle Breneman January 10
shopping day. Open sewing area is available for a fee. Mildred Stromer January 20
For more information contact Kathy (563) 927-8017 or Pearlyn Reitz January 23
Barb (319) 668-1977. Karen Brockelsby January 25
Marie Witt January 31
If blizzard/icy conditions happen please call ahead!
 The Sampler
102 S. Grand, Chariton, IA 50049
641-774-2116 or carolsampler@mchsi.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 am-5:30pm,
Sat 10:00 am-3:00pm
Over 4400 Calicoes, Solids, Flannels, Batiks, 30's
Prints & Bright Kids Prints
Quilt Guild Discount & Mail Order Available
The Week After Christmas
By Dessie Nichols
'Twas the week after Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even her spouse
The quilting frame had replaced the tree by the stair,
In hopes she'd not be disturbed, as she quilted there
Outside the flurries of snow from the sky,
Made not a sound as they floated by.
The needle also made not a sound
As through the quilt it slid up and down.
When out from the kitchen there arose such a clatter;
She flew out of her chair to see what was the matter.
There in his longjohns, stood a sleepy-eyed spouse,
Grumbling, "Why can't I find something to eat in this house?
A knock on the door gave them both a fright
Who'd be calling at this time of night
They opened the door, and what a surprise!
A very weary-looking Santa stood before their eyes.
"I know it's past Christmas, and you think I'm out of my mind,
But I'd like one of your quilts, if you'd be so kind.
"You see I'm ashamed," he said with a pause,
"But I forgot a present for Mrs. Santa Claus.
"Sir, please help me 'cause you must know how I feel,
A woman can make a man feel like a number one heel."
The lady smiled, and turned with a grin,
Returned with a quilt, and handed it cheerfully to him.
"Here, Dear Santa, is my latest creation."
And she gave it to him without hesitation.
"the Quilting is good, and the colors quite nice,
""I want her to enjoy it; there will be no price."
"Thank you and God Bless. I knew quilters were great!"
"now I must hurry, as the time is quite late"
And they heard him exclaim, as he turned to depart,
"Only a quilter would have such a big heart.
Posh Fibers
modern & traditional inspirations
full bolts at wholesale
designer fabrics, patterns & kits
quilting, sewing, crafting
excellent service
great prices
secure online shopping
POSHFIBERS.COM 5YARDSHOP.COM
becky mcgregor, owner
720 ne 42nd St., ankeny, iowa
p: 515.975.0906
e:info@beckyquiltsandcomforts.com
In January, February and March on the following
dates, Posh Fibers is sponsoring "Mini Sewing
Retreats". These will be held at St. Anne's Episcopal
Church on West First Street in Ankeny. The times for
each retreat are from 5:00 PM to 12:00 PM on Friday,
and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday. The cost is
$20.00 and includes 4 meals, snacks and drinks. There
will be fun, music, drawings, etc. Bring whatever you
want to work on. Cutting tables and ironing will be
provided, and space for your machine. Come and
bring a friend! 515-975-0906 to reserve, with
payment due at the time of your reservation.
The dates for these retreats are as follows:
January 23, 24
February 20, 21
March 13, 14
CLASSES are also starting at Posh Fibers for the
winter/spring. We have a beginning class, a "Quilt
Smart" Lone star class, a "Creating with Layer Cakes"
class, Handbags, Fusible Web Applique and other
classes all planned ahead. For further details, call 515-
975-0906 or go to www.poshfibers.com and click the
page "For Our Local Customers".
THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU! YOU HAVE
MADE STARTING THIS BUSINESS SEW MUCH
FUN!
The Evening Stars small group welcomes new
members to join their group. They meet on the 4th
Tuesday of each month, at Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church at 7 pm. Their next meeting is January 27th
They will be making pincushions. For more
information please call or email Cecilie Vogt,
phone: 964-2827, email: lynnvogt@msn.com
 Ankeny Area Quilters Retreat
March 26 – March 29, 2009
Christian Conference Center, Newton
Come join us for 4 days and 3 nights or 3 days and 2 nights of fun, sewing, eating, prizes and
getting to know each other. You can sew as much as you want, sleep as much as you want
or don’t sleep at all! Cost includes meals, a room to share with your friends,
and shower and bathroom facilities in each room.
4 days -3 nights including 3 suppers and 3 brunches $140.
3 days - 2 nights including 2 suppers and 3 brunches $118.
Refunds will only be issued if the cancellation is made 14 days or more days prior to the
retreat. Reservations may not be sold or given to another guild member. Payment must
accompany registration and spaces are on a first come, first serve basis. Roommates
will be assigned when the registration is full. Please make checks payable to AAQG.
Payment can be made at the January, February, March Guild meetings. Your check will NOT
be cashed until after the March meeting. Once the retreat is full there will be a waiting list.
You may mail check and reservation form after the January meeting to:

Therese Lumley
701 N W Linden
Ankeny, IA 50023

Name:________________________________Phone_____________

Address:________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:___________________________________________

_____3 days ____ Thursday - Saturday or ____ Friday - Sunday

_____4 days (Thursday - Sunday)

Roommate(s) Preference:_________________________________________

Check here if you can bring an iron AND board _____

Check here if you have a talent to teach and share with others. _____

Please tell what you would like to teach and share with others?
French Seam
Instructions:
Step #1 With wrong sides together, stitch 3/8" seam.
Step #2 Trim seam allowances to 1/8". Press open.
Step #3 Fold right sides together and press again along edge of fold.
Step #4 Stitch 1/4" from fold. Press to one side.

Celeste Muehlenthaler is sharing with us the “roll-sew-pull” method of construction for pillowcases which
dramatically reveals a perfect finished edge. That's the MAGIC of this project.

Celeste added a little piping (a strip of fabric between the body of the pillow and the edging) in her pillowcases
for a pop of color. If you would like the piping cut either a 2 ½” or 3” strip the width of the fabric.
Also, you can adjust the case edging and make it wider. Some cut a 12 x 42” strip of the edge/trim instead of the
9 x 42” strip listed in the instructions. If you make your edge/trim wider you will need to adjust your fabric A
requirements. It will take 1/3 yard of Fabric A for one pillowcase and 2/3 yards for two pillowcases.
Thanks to Linda Northwick for the idea (she tried to talk me through several times!!), to Joyce Romick for
coming over and actually holding my hand sewing these!! Joyce told me this pattern was given to guild
members years ago, I just thought I'd resurrect it for people who hadn't seen it yet! Thanks to Jenny Gruenwald
and Country Cupboard for letting us sew in her classroom and for her kind, patient employees (Joyce & Cindy)
who helped!
The pillowcases in the pictures are not standard size, don't judge size by them. I'm making pillowcases for
preschool for "Day & Night week!" We're having a pajama party on Friday! I made them small so the children
can put stuffing in them. Only 27 more to go!!

pin piping to body of pillowcase accordion body of pillowcases pin edge fabric around to front
inside edge fabric here is your “hot dog”

pull “hot dog” out fold pillow in ½ right sides together Viola! Pillowcases!!
then serge and sew on long & short sides