August 15 Guild Meeting “History of Buttons”
with Sara Mulford - 7PM at Lower Makefield Township Community Center
We have something different for our August meeting as we host Sara Mulford, a specialist in the history of buttons and life member of the National Button Society (www.nationalbuttonsociety.org).
Sara’s talk will be on collecting antique buttons. During the presentation we will learn what role buttons played in history and what materials they were made from. Sara will also discuss what makes a button collectable and who wore the various types of buttons. We will travel in time from the 1800’s to the 1900’s and see how buttons have changed, maybe even identifying some from your grandma’s button box. Buttons will be on display to view close-up. Come, enjoy, and bring a few buttons with you to see if they are of historical value. This is an in-person meeting. We will be having a red, white, and blue theme to celebrate the end of the summer and Labor Day. |
Also at our August Meeting...
Jesse Howe (Howesharp.com), Knife, Scissor and Tool Sharpener will come to the parking lot of the Community Center during our August 15 meeting and will be sharpening scissors, knives, garden tools and serrated knives.
Wrap the items in a towel and securely tie with your name and phone number attached and placed on a table. Mr. Howe will sharpen while our meeting is going on and you can pick them up after the meeting. Prices can be found ahead of time on the website: Howesharp.com. Jesse prefers cash but can take credit cards and/or checks. No Venmo. There is a LIMIT of 4 items/per person. |
New Challenge Announced
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Join us for the Improv "Colourbugs & Curves" Workshop, September 23 - 10-4 via Zoom |
 Buttonpicking at our August Meeting
To build on the fascinating history of buttons and buttonmaking we learned from our guest speaker, Sara Mulford, this month, we are kicking off a new Guild Challenge - Buttons!
Create your piece using at least 10 buttons and some fabric. You can make a quilt, pillow, or bag, embellish clothing, or create something else. There are no size restrictions. Select buttons from our stash or use your own. For more, check out the Member Programs tab. Members’ Choice Awards will be given to one entry in each of six categories. Finish your project by April 2024. |
Two techniques in one workshop! In part one, Linda Sullivan, co-owner of Colourwerx Store, will guide students through her liberating and fancy free slash ‘n sew improv technique while making cute colourbug blocks – no ¼” seams to follow, no rules and stress free piecing. Next in part two, she’ll guide students through sewing perfect curves with her handy tips and tricks - after a few practice blocks, students are guaranteed to conquer their fear of sewing curves with no tears. Both techniques come together in one workshop while working on this cute ladybug quilt!
Registration is $40 members/ $50 non-members. Spots are still available for this fun and educational workshop. Contact us for more information. |
General Announcements
 "Phil Anthrobee"
Philanthropy Bees are coming up on August 26 (Saturday) and September 14 (Tuesday) 10AM-Noon on both days. The same Zoom link for each will be used every time. If you cannot locate the email with the information, it can be re-sent.
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The 2023/2024 Newtown Quilters' Guild Challenges and Block-of-the Month have started. It's not too late to join these fun events. Check out the Members tab for details. You can also find patterns and a size guide for Philanthropy quilts here.
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Food Donations to Bucks County Services
Thank you to everyone who generously brought food to our 2023 meetings so far this year to be donated to the food pantry at Bucks County Family Services. Every item is gratefully appreciated by the recipients.
We urge all of our members to bring a donated item to every in-person meeting. We all have so much in our lives - we do not struggle to put food on the table for ourselves or our family. It is a blessing to be able to share with those in our community who need our help. Please be generous and remember those in need throughout 2023. ~ Nancy Y. |
Message from the President
August 2023 Summertime is a time to relax and take a break from normal routines. At least for those juggling work, kids, etc. During the summer we visit family and friends or travel to an old favorite location or visit someplace new. I also seem to slow down working on my quilting projects. I wonder why that is. My husband and I are empty nesters and are both “almost retired”. We can visit family and travel almost anytime. Is it because old habits are hard to change or is it easier to travel during warmer months? Whatever the reason, it’s important to find time to relax and just be. Summertime beckons us to do just that. Since I’m wired to be a “doer”, I’m slowly learning how to make the time to just be. I’m not there yet, but I’m really trying! There are times when the art and craft of quilting is relaxing and then there are times we need to complete a project to gift or just get it done and off our UFO list. I think we all know what this feels like. (Let’s not even mention those projects that fight us all the way!). While I enjoy making a quilt to give, what gives me the most pleasure is that project where the pattern, fabric choices and complexity of piecing fall into place and it’s a true joy to spend time creating that one-of-a-kind quilt. I call it “being one with my sewing machine.” The world melts away and I’m lost in the sheer joy of quilting. We are heading into the last month of summer and already I’m thinking about how busy the fall will be. (It’s that “doer” brain!) What projects do I need to get done by the end of the year? What about you? Will you be able to finish your challenge quilt or the projects you made the commitment to complete? This is true for the guild, too. We have a full schedule of interesting workshops, programs, and meetings planned for this fall that we hope will spark your quilting creativity. Also, in the fall we will be participating in four community events to share our beautiful raffle quilts. We hope you will find a couple of hours to volunteer at one of these events sell raffle tickets. Between now and then, I hope you are able to make the time to just be. Make a date with yourself to relax, rejuvenate and discover the special pleasure of not doing anything. Well, maybe also enjoy a quilting magazine and your favorite cup of tea. I hope you enjoy the end of the summer! ~ Roxanne |