Image: sxc.hu

Other crafters make this a mother and daughter session when they  gather with friends in the evening and work on crafts of various types.  These can be sessions at someone’s home, at a local library or community meeting place.

Most crafts lend themselves to “nights out” for gathering with friends to enjoy the socializing, along with sharing ideas and  food whether it’s a potluck meal, pizza fest, or simply a variety of snacks.

These are reminiscent, in a way, of the quilting bees of the pioneer crafters.

Why not share with us your enjoyable times at “crafting bees” or “nights out?”

Post from: Blisstree

Arts & Crafts “Nights Out”

 My grandfather mentioned this in his writing. (He was a newspaper columnist in addition to being a farmer).  Grandfather Coon described his mother going to quilting gatherings at the neighbor’s where the ladies also served refreshments.

Image:sxc.hu

When my daughter and her Fiber Divas group get together for work and planning, they always have refreshments, too.  Also, they occasionally visit fabric shops, galleries, or take a class.  Then they plan on stopping at favorite resaurants for a special treat.

I read on one quilter’s blog, that because she liked to cook and knew others did, too, she was going to add a recipe exchange portion to her blog.  Often quilters post periodic food and recipe items on their blogs or web sites.  Some even compile cookbooks.

 So from time to time, I’ll discuss recipes for quilters and crafters.   Do you have some favorites?

Post from: Blisstree

Quilters & Recipes

As I read the comments left on my post, Quilting Word of the Week – Quilting Bee, I realize many women are fascinated by this activity even if they’ve never been involved in one.  I also enjoy your sharing with me your thoughts about quilting bees.

You don’t have to participate in quilting bees to be a quilter or fabric artist.  But they can be fun.

In fact, the only time I have is when I was learning to quilt with my grandmother and aunt.  They spread their quilts on the large dining table, then tied the top, filling (often a flannel sheet or blanket) and bottom together.  Susie, a neighbor lady might join them.  I felt priviledged, at eight-years old, to help, and I enjoyed listing to their chatting.

Start a Quilting Bee 

One of my readers mentioned she might start a qulting bee and invite some of her quilting friends to join her.  Even gatherings of quilters to work on projects could be consiered a “bee.”  My daughter and her group of “fiber friends” do this. 

Projects to work on:

• Round robins
• Friendship quilts
• Quilt for a friend or baby
• Learning a new technique
• Planning their participation in a quilt show

What quilting projects do you and your friends undertake when you get together?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

The Fascination of the Quilting Bee

While I’m suggesting a Quilting Bee Recipe Book for a bride, why not include a recipe?  I’ve discovered that quilters like collecting recipes almost as much as they do fabric!

No Roll Sugar Cookies come from the quilting days of my childhood.
Cream together 1 cup shortening and 2 cups sugar; add 2 beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla.

Stir in sifted dry ingredients: 3 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well, then chill. Roll into walnut size balls, place on greased cookie sheet and flatten with fork.

Bake at 350 degrees F. until slightly browned. You can sprinkle with chocolate decorettes before baking.

What are some of your favorite recipes to serve at quilting gatherings?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

A Quilting Bee Recipe for the Bride’s Book

  Valentine’s Day brings many thoughts to mind and can revolve around numerous activities.  Caring and sharing, giving thoughtful gifts and cards, special foods and favors, creating memories that last throughout the years.

What can quilters and fabric artists do for Valentine’s Day?

1. 1. Make fabric Valentine postcards with lace and flowers and old-fashioned themes.
2. Hold a Valentine’s Day quilting bee or gathering with each working on hearts and flowers themed pieces.
3. Exchange Valentine colored fabrics and those with heart designs.
4. Arrange a grab bag of accessories for quilting friends to select from.  
5. Or make small bags of accessories you give as favors…containing lace, buttons, charms and threads and yarns.
6. Organize a Valentine’s cookie exchange at a gathering.
7.  Have a family party with Valentine’s, treats, and something you’ve made from your stash.

What do you do for Valentine’s Day in your quilting world?

Do you make cards and postcards to share?  Between now and Valentine’s Day, share some of your ideas of cards and gifts you give to family, friends, and fellow quilters.

(2008) Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

7 Ideas for Quilters as They Celebrate Valentine’s Day

With the Super Bowl high on the entertainment schedule this coming Sunday, even quilters get into the mood.  They may not be attending the game nor even watching it on TV, but they’re planning their own parties.

• You’ll find Super Bowl sales on fabrics and quilting supplies.  If shops are open in your area on Sunday, plan a shop hop.
• Some quilting shops are open Sunday afternoon with gatherings for quilters who aren’t interested in watching the game.  If they do want to watch, then there might be a TV around.
• If friends and family are getting together at your home for game celebrations, plan a quilting bee session in another room for those who aren’t interested in all the play-by-play details.
• If any of your family are football fans, this also would be a time to plan and make items that reflect this.  They’ll make nice future gifts.
•  *Perhaps you don’t want to organize a quilting session, so what about watching a quilting DVD in another room. This could be a movie involving quilting, like How to Make an American Quilt, or an instructional one.
• *You could put together a jig-saw puzzle with a quilting theme. 
• *Gather in your sewing room and discuss books about quilting that each person has brought to share.

What would you do in your quilting world on Super Bowl Sunday if you aren’t a football fan?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Even Quilters Get Into Super Bowl Mode