We had a jam packed May meeting of charity related topics. Sally Y introduced her neighbor Margaret Lewis who founded the Village Project Africa where their motto is “Love Changes Lives”. The children who live in the village are often taken from abusive homes and given a place to thrive. Margaret explained the needs of the village and how we can help. Of course quilting is key! Please refer to the guidelines for this arm of our charity endeavors for more information. Alice W presented Margaret with some beautiful quilts she is donating to the cause. What a wonderful gesture.
Our Membership committee reported there are currently 215 paid members, with 108 in attendance and 5 guests. Only 4 of those in attendance had May Birthdays, so it was a small group we sang Happy Birthday to!
Cheri W, program chair, announced the 2023 Guild Challenge, and it tied in perfectly with our guest speaker for the day, “Patriotic Summer Fun”. The guidelines are: Red, White, and Blue fabrics; something to help you celebrate summer, be it a quilt, picnic item, or outdoor game; for personal, charity, or QOV use; big or small, you choose!
And then we got to the touching part of the day. Christine Hurley with the Indiana chapter of Quilts of Valor spoke about the organization and what it does for our veterans. Quilts of Valor was started by a Blue Star Mom whose son served in Iraq. Kathryn had a dream and the ending of the dream was a soldier wrapped up in a quilt for comfort and support. Her motto is “Quilts = Healing”. QOV has presented over 345,000 quilts to veterans of every branch of service, including reserve and national guard members. Even those who never saw combat are eligible to receive a quilt.
And the guild was privileged to see a quilt presented this very day. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Coy Turner was the recipient of a Quilt of Valor. He served 2 tours in Afghanistan, 1 tour in Iraq and 1 tour in Kuwait. During his time in service he received 2 Bronze Stars and 4 other medals, highlighting his deeds while serving in the Army. What a special honor for the guild to watch the presentation by Christine Hurley and Katrina Jewula, of the Indiana Chapter of QOV. After the presentation, Mr Turner shared some sentiments and his appreciation for the recognition the organization gives to veterans. What a special day it was.
The audience was so receptive to Christine’s need for support of this endeavor, that a motion was made, and passed, for the guild to pay the $75.00 fee for the guild to become a QOV group and work towards helping supply them with quilts. Details of this new committee will be worked out and we will provide details of how you can participate when things are set. Stay tuned!
After our presentation BOM drew names for the Tulip Blocks made for the April block. 4 lucky quilters took home blocks!
Sandy M with another Succulent Garden
Always using up those leftovers for the back. 
Sandy M used a recent donation of hand dyeds for this wonky stunner!
Cindy K made 14 placemats for Easter. Lovely quilting.
Sam B made tea towels for her MIL. 
Anne H and Becky M made QAYG Eggs!
Anne H also shared a Dresden Plate pillow made with her Brother’s ties.
Carly C shared her mom’s charity quilt, it’s wonderful Audrey!
Laura J made a Ukraine Heart inspired quilt for charity.
Kerrie G used a crumb method to create blocks for a top. 
Sue F had a very 3D quilt, wonderful illusion.
Sue F also shared her charity quilt made with fabric she never used for her grand-daughter. 
Laurie F used fabrics to match a darling birdcage fabric she used as border and backing.
The sweet back fabric.
Amanda S shared a wallhanging she made for her sewing studio.
Amanda S also finished a kit her husband bought for her for Christmas 2021.
Tameria O brought in the QOV her husband’s was presented. 
Sally S also shared a recent Succulent Garden….
with a back that has an eclectic print of Cowboys and horses on it. 
Sally S also finished a top with a previous BOM winnings.
Barb N made a Hawaiian block wallhanging in memory of a family friend’s loss.
Linda W shared 2 quilts made with the same fabric purchase. What a neat difference!
And their backs with the gorgeous fabric line.
And that’s all she wrote! Be sure to check out the Calendar for all upcoming events and meetings. There are still spots available for the Lori Dickman Scrappy Starlight Workshop in June.
The May Community Sewing date is the 2nd Annual Jelly Roll Race where quilters will race to see who can finish their Jelly Roll first!
Delaware Sewing in May will be for personal sewing or making Name Tags, contact Chris Behme if interested,