Veteran's Day

Thank you to the many men and women who are fighting to keep this Country free. My father was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Navy. He flew in PBY's along the California coast hunting for Japanese submarines. My husband's great uncle was an airman in WWII who lost his life in England aboard the Paper Doll. And his cousin fought in Vietnam and became MIA. They never found his body. He is on the Wall. Wherever you are today, whatever you are doing, stop and give thanks for all that have gone before us to keep this Country free and for all that are currently serving in the Military. And, keep those families in prayer who lost loved ones in the terrorist attack at Ft. Hood.

Alex Anderson

Yesterday I attended an event sponsored by our local Bernina dealer that featured Alex Anderson. It was held at the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas. The morning started with a continental breakfast and shopping. What's not to love there?!?! The Bernina dealer had several machines set up for trial runs. Plus, they had someone demonstrating the new AccuCut Go. Pretty sweet.

After opening remarks, Alex took the stage. She spoke about her early years, learning how to quilt, "Simply Quilts" and "The Quilt Show." She also presented a trunk show. We took a break and then she continued her lecture. The morning ended with a question and answer period and then a book signing. What a delightful person! Her lecture was entertaining, funny, informative and lively. If you get a chance to experience an Alex Anderson lecture and/or trunk show, go for it. You will not be disappointed.

World's Biggest Hexagon Challenge

I want to tell you about a great opportunity to participate in a challenge as well as contribute to charity. Here is the information:

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE PART OF THE

WORLD'S BIGGEST HEXAGON QUILT CHALLENGE?

GATTON, AUSTRALIA MAY 2010

The Inaugural TASA (The Australian School of Applique) will be held in Gatton in May 2010.
In conjunction with TASA we will be having a Retrospective Quilt Show which will display Antique and New Reproduction Quilts. As a special part of this Quilt Show we are hoping to create the World's Biggest Hexagon Quilt. We will be asking the Guinness Book of Records to adjudicate our challenge at the Quilt Show.

The completed Hexagon Quilt will be displayed as a special feature at the Quilt Show. After the completion of the Quilt Show, the hexagon quilt will be made into smaller quilts and distributed to Nursing Homes and Aged Care Facilities.

Everyone who participates in this challenge will go in to a draw for a Fabric Bundle Prize valued at $250 donated by Sew Creative, Gatton. The more rosettes you enter the more chances you have of winning!

So how can you be part of this exciting challenge? There are two styles of rosette which can be submitted.

All hexagons must measure 1" along the completed side. Packs of precut templates are available at most quilt shops and provide an accurate and convenient way of making the hexagons.
Here is a page of templates you can download.
http://moxyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/moxyideas_1in_hex.pdf

Rosette #1

Centre hexagon – green fabric
First Round – Any fabric of your choosing. Let your imaging run wild. Fussy cut, alternate fabrics, scrap fabrics. Anything that takes your fancy.
Second Round – Cream Fabric

Rosette #2

Centre hexagon – green fabric
First Round – Any fabric of your choosing

Completed rosettes must arrive NO LATER THAN 1 DECEMBER 2009

The Great Hexagon Challenge
60 East Street
Gatton, Qld 4343

If you would like a photo of the completed quilt please send a stamped, self addressed envelope with your rosettes and one will be forwarded to you. For our international participants just send a self-addressed envelope.

The completed quilt will also be on display at the TASA, Gatton, 13-16 May, 2010.

Enquiries to Gail Chalker: 07 5462 2401 (work) or email: gailchalker@bigpond.com

I hope you are all able to participate in this great cause. Check out www.paperpieces.com. They have the hexagons you need to create the hexagon flowers.

Until next time - Happy Quilting,

Mindy Peterson