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Excitement permeated
the air as MQA members entered the Spring Gathering thanks to Linda
Basden, coordinator for the pre-meeting demonstrations. The choice was
yours: do one or do them all. Options were Elvia Edwards, Neocolor II
Water Soluble Pastel Crayons; Jo-Ann Evans, Angelina Fibers; Gloria
Green, Heat-set Rhinestones; Leslie Kiger, Crayola Quilts; Barbara
Parker, Sashiko; and Judy Spiers, Shiva Artist's Paintstiks.
Pine Belt Quilters
guaranteed that their guests were never hungry whether looking for a
snack, water, soft drink, soup and salad dinner, or the abundant dessert
table.
President Mary Nell
Magee's platform for the year reigned throughout the gathering. No one
could overlook the festive pots of fabric on the tables that proclaimed
many messages on the hearts and stars that substituted for flowers.
Those teasers included the overall theme for the year -- "Imagine the
Possibilities", "Believe in Yourself", and "Achieve Your Dreams".
To the more than two
hundred attendees, program presenters offered a myriad of programs.
Upon reflection it was akin to the Mississippi weather, just stick
around for a while; it will change to something that you like.
On Friday night,
Shirley Wiltshire's "Organizing Sewing Spaces and Stashes" entertained
and informed. Leslie Kiger demonstrated EQ6 which would certainly win
out over graph paper and colored pencils.
Saturday Judy Spiers'
"Turning Photos into Quilts" amazed and made you think that you could
just possibly produce one of these. The "Creative Mind of Martha Ginn"
is just that Creative. Many examples were a part of her
presentation. Dorinda Evans blew viewers away with the Northwind Block.
During the annual
business session, a treasurer's report was given; Linda Jabour reported
on the progress being made by the Martha Skelton Book committee. Mary
Elizabeth Johnson is writing the manuscript, and noted photographer J.D.
Swann has photographed the quilts. Shirley Wiltshire, co-chair of the
Martha Skelton Book Fundraising committee, asked for commitments from
members to help raise funds at a Gala planned in honor of Martha Skelton
on May 31, 2007 in Vicksburg. Officers were elected for the year 2007:
Broach Winsley, president; Cindy Pannier, president-elect, Nan Harber,
secretary, Barbara Cashman, treasurer. The newly elected president
presented her platform of "Growth!"
No gathering would be
complete without the vendors that assist us in adding to our stash by
taking our cash. Thank you to Janet's Quilting Bee, Ocean Springs;
Magnolia Sewing Center, Hattiesburg; and Stitch-N-Frame, Vicksburg. |
Displays from the February Gathering. |
