It was so nice to see everybody

The holidays are over and we get to go back to our routine.  The new church is being built right beside us and the progress is moving right along.

We had a fun day of catching up and planning our UFO's.  We have 5 birthdays in the month of January so Marie made a crazy quilt birthday quilt for us.

Some of our members have been very busy bees over the month or so we've been apart and it was nice of them to bring their projects to inspire the rest of us.

Next week we are planning our 6 months schedule so bring any and all ideas for our brainstorming session.

Snappy Tote Class was a huge success!

Our group's roster has about 20 people on it and from week to week there are 10 to 15 regulars for our sit n sews and classes.  We have a great schedule that makes opportunities for our members to learn new things.

The class we taught yesterday was how to make the Snappy Tote.  It's called the Snappy Tote because it uses the metal from a carpenter's tape measure to create the "snap" for closure.  It's a very easy class in which you learn how to machine quilt a small project, as well as a few other techniques for basic bag making.

Our group is filled with over achievers and Betty was certainly the outstanding over achiever Tuesday.  I am always emphasizing to the group that a pattern is just a guideline and jumping off of it is highly encouraged for creative development.  Betty jumped off in leaps and bounds and came up with a purse with grosgrain and key chain hooks, as well as a matching Kleenex holder.  Cool!

All the ladies that started the project in class finished it.  

Here is a view of our new church, Northeast Christian Church, being built right beside us.  

More CiJ 2010

Besides making lovely quilts, Marie is a member that really likes to help. She's made our name tags and even planned our retreat to Pieceful Haven this year. She also taught a class. This is a pin cushion caddy that was a huge hit with the club. Her sense of humor is also worth mentioning. Above she is hold a quilt for the Ohio Star Challenge that she made with invisible thread and invisible material.