Another post-holiday quilt retreat!

The guild received the following information about a new quilt retreat - Rusted Star Quilt Retreats - in Canton, PA. Canton is a little less than 2 hours from State College - close enough to drive to but far enough away to count as a real vacation destination! For retreat dates, prices, and addition information, click on the link.

From Laura Perry:

I wanted to reach out to you as the President for the Centre Pieces Quilt Guild and alert you to a new quilt retreat in our area (Canton, PA) which will begin in 2026.  I am Laura Perry and will be the host for the quilt retreats.  

A little bit about myself - I am a long time quilter and hobbyist (crochet, counted cross stitch, embroidery) and owned and operated Perry's Patches & Quilting (a brick and mortar quilt store) from 2012 through 2019 in Troy, PA.  I am now retired from 32 years as an administrator in PA Public Schools and wish to share my passion and time with quilters who are such a caring and friendly group of people.  I don't wish to have a commitment to a full-time career as I have 7 grandchildren and like to be available for their activities and have my 87-year old mother who lives with us so I need flexibility in my schedule.

I have partnered with a wonderful Airbnb, Rockgirt Historic Retreat, 72 Rockgirt Lane, Canton PA 17724.  The owner is also an artist and has many interests like me.  Making the connection with the owner has been such a blessing and I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and hosting retreats in a location that provides peace, comfort, and character.  

I would be most appreciative if you would share this information with your guild members.   I look forward to any inquiries.

Thank you so very much and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Laura Perry

Rusted Star Quilt Retreats

 

Looking to wind down after the holidays? Check out this upcoming retreat!

 Looking for a retreat? Check out the Friends & Fabric Quilt Retreat!

To register: https://form.jotform.com/252553299883068  

Hamming it up at the CPQG annual luncheon!

What goes better with quilts than ham? Yummmmmmmm!

Mark your calendars for the January 14 Annual Quilt-a-palooza! Just kidding - it is CPQG's annual luncheon.  This year it is being held at The Honey Baked Ham Company located in the Creekside Plaza at 1724 S. Atherton, State College. This is the little strip mall across from the Hills Plaza and below Sheetz.  

The luncheon is 11:30-3:00 and a boxed lunch will be available by pre-order. There will be the opportunity to pre-order by mid-December through the first week of January. If you do not pre-order you can order at Honey Baked Ham the day of the luncheon. An order form will be available on the December 15 Sunday membership email that Diane sends out. Hard copies will also be available from Becky T. at QBs and UFOs. ** ALL ORDER FORMS MUST BE SENT OR GIVEN TO BECKY T. FOR COLLECTION - DO NOT CONTACT HONEY BAKED HAM DIRECTLY ** 

No pre-payment is required; all payments for your lunch will be paid the day of the luncheon. If you have questions - give BeckyT. a call once the order form is out.

Would you and a friend conduct a small activity for the luncheon? Reach out to Becky T.

This is the ONLY MEETING IN JANUARY

November's evening meeting recap

 The program for November's evening meeting highlighted the Christ quilt collection. Arlan and Pat Christ shared stories behind 30 quilts from the Packwood House Museum in Lewisburg, PA, made during the period 1840-1940. Our photographer was granted permission to use a few of the photos on the CPQG website. Enjoy!

Arlan and Pat

We learned about barred backings and double blue, or Lancaster blue, fabrics.

Brilliant colors!

Scherenschnitte pattern

November's Wednesday workshop

 As we approach the busyness of the holidays, we were able to take some time out and learn something new thanks to Gail A. Check out these photos:

Gail showing an example made by Barbara Z

A small version of the braided runner for Christmas

Lining up the strips for quilt-as-you-go

Showing progress as borders are added

Checking on progress

Cindy R, Sally R, and Barbara Z hard at work with Debbie B observing

Holly K ready to start

Becky F and Suzy A checking for proper alignment

Judy R checking Barbara Z’s cornerstones

Leslie D practiced slow-stitching while caring for her mother

Lenore C’s Friendship Star quilts

Becky S’s birthday crown for her 95-year-old friend (finished and mailed off the next day)

A flannel Potato Chip quilt done by a student in the recent sewing class

Staying healthy.

 

Months ago, guild president Lenore provided information on the benefits of quilting(see below for some links on the topic). But did you know that you might just be able to double those health benefits by singing? Singing while you quilt - I would bet that many of us do just that. Personally, I often talk while I work on a quilt - usually when my points don't line up or I accidentally slice an important piece of my quilt (or my body). In those instances, the words I utter are not joyful noises! But this article - Are You Singing Enough? - details the benefits by reducing stress, boosting cognitive health, improving respiratory function, and stimulating the immune response. Another benefit is that singing facilitates social bonding - can you imagine the melodious quilting we could be doing? 

Instead of whistling while you quilt, try singing while you quilt. Your mental health may thank you!

 The Health Benefits of Quilting for Older Adults: Mindful Crafting for Well-Being

The Benefits of Sewing and Quilting for your Health

New APA Poll: Americans Who Engage in Creative Activities at Least Weekly Report Better Mental Health

November 19 - Wednesday gathering: Quilt as you go Table Runner!

Come join your fellow guild members on Wednesday, November 19 at Pine Hall Lutheran Church 1760 W College Ave, State College, PA 16801 for a Quilt as you go table runner presented by Gail Anderson!   

The “Quilt as you go Table Runner” is a braided pattern with a center square and outside borders that enhances its appearance.

Materials needed:

• Center square – 5” square
• Braid fabrics – Select 6 different coordinating colored fabrics -jelly rolls work well. From EACH of the 6 fabrics, cut two 2 ½ strips. From each strip, subcut into two 2 ½ “ by 6” rectangles and two 2 ½ by 8” rectangles.
• Narrow border and binding – Cut three 1 ½ strips and four 2 ½ strips for binding.
• Wide outer border – cut four 3 ½ “ strips.
• Backing and batting – 20” by 60”

Equipment needed:

·         Sewing machine, rulers, scissors, notions, etc

·         Irons, pressing mats or ironing boards. Pressing stations will be set up. Each later of strips will need to be pressed before sewing. 

·         Extension cords

Each sewer will need about 3 feet of work space to sew and press the runners. Project instruction sheets will be available at the meeting along with show and tell.

Early arrival at the meeting will help with set up so all can start working at 1:00.   

Just an FYI:

 

Toys for Tots quilts can be dropped off at the November 11 meeting and the November 19 meeting.  The quilts will be delivered in early December.