22 Jun President’s Message – July 2025

As I sit here staring at my computer, contemplating my monthly President’s Message, I realize that it’s almost July – our year is nearly half over!! Reflecting on these past six months, I marvel at the beautiful works of art that our members have shared during Show n’ Tell, and I keep wondering how each month can be lovelier and more creative than the prior one. As I think of our June meeting and our “mini” Quilt Show, I wonder how and where the creativity and talents of members began. I’m asking each of you to reflect on your early years of sewing and quilting and try to remember who was your first influence – your first inspiration – or your first teacher. Was it your mom? Your grandmother? An aunt? Or possibly a neighbor? Just like the baton was passed on to us, I think it is our responsibility to pass the love of quilting along to the next generation. While we enjoy the creations that we make, we also enjoy the friendships and camaraderie that go along with our quilting. Thus, we need to pass along not only the skills, but the friendships and the contentment of doing what we love to do.

Our June Program, presented by Tracy Hansen of The Dancing Bobbin Quilt Shop in Spring Hill, was educational as well as inspirational. Tracy displayed a remarkable collection of panels and so many creative ideas to make them into lovely quilts. She shared her expertise in creating “one of a kind” borders and layouts for quilts that began as panels. She is a prolific teacher who shared a plethora of dynamic quilts.

When Tracy added her program quilts to our members’ extraordinary Show n’ Tell quilts, and then with the addition of the Outta Your Box Challenge quilts – all I can say is, “Oh my golly” what an array of inspiration, beauty, and talent was displayed at our June Meeting. Thank you all!!

Our “Outta Your Box” gals have been working overtime to hone their skills. Irene Neilan shared her beautiful Sashiko stitching that she learned at a “small group” led by Isie Radock; Coleen Quinn-Cooil showed her coiled rope bowl made in a class taught by guild member Lynn Rinehart at Stitcher’s Garden; and Mickey Wilhoite shared her felted snow bunny created in a class taught by Cindy Haley, who was a vendor at our recent quilt show. Thank you, ladies, for participating and challenging yourselves.

Our July 1st Guild Meeting, “Christmas in July” should be an enjoyable and creative day. Sew many Christmas crafts to choose from. Not feeling creative? Come join us and just be social. Michelle has planned a relaxing day for all guild members at the Williamson County Public Library. We’re going to have to pass on Show n’ Tell quilts and Outta Your Box Challenges this month, but I’m looking forward to a fun day at “Christmas in July!!”

See y’all in July…… Keep on Quiltin’……… Lots of Hugs, Joyce