PROJECTS
- Block Lotto: Four times a year a pattern for a quilt block is published in the newsletter. Fabric is sold for $.50 to use in the, block. At the first meeting of the next month a winner is drawn from the names of those participating and that person wins all the blocks. This activity is open to all members of the guild.
- Challenges: The purpose of a challenge is to challenge the imagination and the skills of any quilters who choose to participate. A challenge is voluntary, as not everyone has enough time to give in making an entry. Do not be disappointed if only a few participate. It will have been a learning experience for those few, and an eye opener for others who witness the results.
- Holiday Party: At our only December meeting the guild members meet to celebrate the holiday season with a salad and dessert potluck
- Library: The Jean Taylor Memorial Library has been set up through purchased and donated books. Any Guild member may check out a book. See a Library Committee member for a list of available books or how to check out a book. Jean Taylor was a long-time member of ICS who had a great interest in continuing education of quilters. Jean passed away in 1991.
- Quilt Show: The Guild holds a Quilt Show every 2 years in the fall on even years.
- Swaps: Swaps are started by the swap committee, suggestions are appreciated. Signups are taken at all meetings. Once you sign up for a swap it is your responsibility to keep current with the swap. You are in the swap until the swap ends or you say you want to get out of the swap. You are to use good quality 100% cotton quilting fabric.
- Website: Our website includes an introduction to the ICS Quilt Guild and guild activities including each month's calendar, workshops, and programs. Also listed are quilt stores and guild in Illinois, quilt organizations, favorite online places, and other resources.
- Nametag: Each member is invited to make a nametag using white or white-on-white background with a navy print and an orange print. The pattern is available from the Membership Chairman.
- President's Blocks: At the summer picnic the outgoing president is presented with the President's Blocks. Information as to color, size, and choice of the pattern will be in the newsletter sometime in the spring. All members are invited to make a block.
- Show and Tell: Show and tell is held at every meeting of the month. Members love to see any and all projects.
- Summer Picnic: The second August meeting is an indoor picnic. Members get together for a Salad and Dessert potluck. The location changes from year to year.
PHILANTHROPY
- Crisis Nursery: Crisis Nursery is a community service project. The Guild collects various items from Members several times a year to donate to the Crisis Nursery. The Crisis Nursery is a Champaign County child abuse and neglect prevention center that provides emergency services for families and children five years of age and younger. When parents are unable to care for children or parental responsibilities become overwhelming, children may be brought to the Nursery for up to 72 hours. The Nursery offers a safe and loving environment. http://www.crisisnursery.net
- Quilts of Valor: A Quilt of Valor® (QOV) is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand quilted. It is awarded to a Service Member or Veteran who has been touched by war. The Quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”
- Project Linus: Project Linus provides blanket or quilts for children facing substantial distress in their lives. Our guild members will participate by making and donating quilts for seriously ill and traumatized children and teens in need of comfort. The goal is to donate the same number of quilts as we have members. Thank you members for your generosity! http://www.projectlinus.org
State and National Quilt Organizations
- American Quilters Society: AQS is a national organization that sponsors an annual quilt show and contests during April in Paducah, KY, where their office and museum are located. AQS sponsors several shows throughout the year. The American Quilter is the quarterly publication. http://www.americanquilter.com
- Land of Lincoln Quilters Association: LLQA is a guild open to quilters throughout the state. Meetings are held five times a year in various locations. A newsletter is published six times a year. Contact Karen Moon for more information.