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County Line Quilters |
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What is a Fat Quarter?
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It is a quarter yard of fabric that is
cut in a particular way. Instead of cutting 1/4 yard off of the bolt, a 1/2
yard is cut off the bolt. Then that 1/2 yd is cut across the length, so you
end up with a piece of fabric that is 18" x 22". This is a convenient size
if you just like the fabric and want a piece for your stash. It is
especially convenient for appliqué projects and backgrounds where you may
need a wider piece than 9". If the fabric has a large print you are more
likely to get the whole print if you buy this way. |
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What is Block of the Month (BOM)? Every month during the guild year (Sept thru June), a block pattern is provided to members. You make 2 (or more if you'd like!) of the pattern and then bring them back to the following meeting month. One of the blocks is usually set aside for use in guild charity quilts. Then all the other blocks that were brought back are raffled off between anyone who brought blocks in. The winner usually receives enough blocks to make a compete quilt top. There is no cost to participate. Members use their own stash to make the blocks. Members can participate or not, from month to month. So if you are very busy, you may opt to skip a month and not participate and then jump back in on the next months block. BOM historically has been a good way to try out new techniques on a small scale or just a way to have fun making different blocks than you usually attempt. |
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What is A Quilt Documentation
Day? In Massachusetts, MassQuilts (http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/Community_MassQuilts.shtml) is a non-profit organization affiliated with the New England Quilt Museum dedicated to the identification and preservation of historic quilts in Massachusetts. The Project's goal is to reach every corner of the Bay State with local quilt documentation days over the next several years. Their aim is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the significance of quilts in the lives of their makers, and as part of our cultural and artistic heritage. They document quilts on certain days at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell and help guilds organize a "documentation days" around the state where quilts can be brought for evaluation. For a small fee, they create a permanent record and complete database of quilts made before 1950 and residing in Massachusetts. In the process, they educate quilt owners to properly care for their quilts. MassQuilts plans to share and disseminate the knowledge gathered by the Project through exhibitions, publications, educational media and programs, and further research. |
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I just inherited a quilt.
Should I get it appraised? Nowadays, more and more quilters are insuring their quilts and this requires a an appraisal. Some quilts are also being appraised simply because of their historical value and significance. A quilt appraisal is a written statement of the quilt's value that is determined after the personal inspection of the quilt by a thorough analysis of the current market in which that quilt would normally be available Appraisers can also help determine restoration possibilities, discuss proper care, or assist with accurate documentation. So an appraisal is more than just an "opinion" by a quilting friend, it is an opinion by someone certified to do appraisals specifically on quilts. Understand that you will have to pay for an appraisal of your quilt. If you're unsure what to do, you may want to consider getting the quilt documented and seek advice from the documentation specialists. Remember, they are not certified appraisers, but they see so many quilts that they can usually provide guidance on whether it makes sense to seek an appraisal. If you do decide you want to get a quilt appraised, you will want someone who is certified. PAAQT, (http://quiltappraisers.org/) the Professional Association of Appraisers - Quilted Textiles was established in 1993 as a regulating body for quilt appraisers certified by the American Quilter's Society. Each PAAQT appraiser has been thoroughly tested on knowledge of fabrics, dates, construction techniques, the ability to recognize patterns and regional influences, and their awareness of values of antique as well as contemporary quilts and related textiles. PAAQT members are located throughout the United States, and Canada and their website lets you search for appraisers in every state. |
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Discounts at Fabric Stores -
How does that work? Independent quilting stores and chain fabric stores have long realized that quilters represent a lucrative market. They know that quilters who belong to guilds are likely to buy more, and buy more often. One way for them to woo quilters as customers and retain loyalty is by offering some discounting to quilt guild members. A 10% discount on full price items is not uncommon. You may have to remember to ask at the register if there is a discount for being a guild member and some stores require you show your up to date guild membership card. Some stores don't discount for your membership card but DO offer discounting for repeat customers. They may give you a punch card just for their store. Each time you buy, they punch it and at some point you are rewarded with money off next purchase or fat quarter of some other goody. Some keep a card on file where they track your purchases and again reward you after a certain dollar amt is met.
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