Recap of the Quilter's Christmas Party

I think everyone that attend the Quilter's Christmas Party (physical and virtual) all had fun.  I know I did.  While I didn't get a chance to take many pictures at the physical party, I still wanted to share insights with you today.

SewCalGal wishes to thank the following Sponsors that have generously donated prizes for the Quilter's Christmas Party:

ASF/Lightware Solutions/The Reading Light (Beam N Read), Kelly Jackson of I Have A Notion (IHAN), Island Batik,  Martingale, American & Efird LLC, SewEZI Quilting, Lark Crafts, Cozy Quilt Designs, Craftsy, Judy Chain of Sew Fun Quilts, New Leaf Stitches, Rebecca Goldsmith of  Piece O' Cake Designs, Fabric.com, Ebony Love (Love Bug Studios),   Lily Patch Quilts and Sizzix.

Both the physical and the virtual Quilter's Christmas Party were held on Sunday, December 9th.    Everyone that attended received a Door Prize Ticket just for coming.

While I'll soon be announcing winners of the Door Prizes and Raffle Prizes, as well as the Golden Ticket Prizes (aka Grand Prize), this coming week.  But today, I wanted to share highlights with you on the recent Quilter's Christmas Parties.



Virtual Party Highlights:

Martha (Quilt to the Edge) shared a great tutorial to make really cute quilted coasters.


Nina Lise (Mrs Moen) shared a tutorial on how to make really cute pillow covers.  And, her post today (12/10) is for a giveaway where you could win one.  Her giveaway is open thru December 16th.



Terrie (Bits and Pieces) shared a tutorial to make really cute bookmarks.



Kelly Jackson (I Have A Notion) created captured on video some of the party participants dancing a fun jig.

 

And she also shared that she is donating a Beam N Read Light as an additional raffle prize. Thank you Kelly!



Dana (Stormy Days) shared a wonderful story that I hope everyone reads.  It is really what Christmas is all about!


Physical Party Highlights:

Insights on Operation Homefront:  Gayle Morelan, from Operation Homefront shared insights with everyone about this Nationwide program.  SewCalGal's summary is that this program typically helps low-level enlisted soldiers and their families.  They work with various banks to help provide mortgage free homes where the need is great and funds can be raised to assist.  Typically, as wives are often in a location where they do not have friends or family to throw them a baby shower, group baby showers are frequently held where the wives are invited and given baby gift baskets and/or items appropriate for babies.  Many states, offer homes where a wounded soldier (and their family) can live as they exit the Military until such time they are well enough to get a job and find a place to live on their own.

The Operation Homefront also showcases emergency situations on the respective state website, where you can essentially help Military families with special needs.  For example, a Military family of a wounded veteran is struggling with finances to cover rent, after a death in the family has resulted in them taking on caring for two more children, expanding their family of 5 to 7.  While donations to Operation Homefront are always appreciated, they also share such insights where you can donate to directly help situations like this.

And, 94% of every dollar donated to Operation Homefront goes to needs defined in their Mission Statement.  To clarify, only 6% is used to cover rent of their warehouses, printing flyers, website maintenance, or other administrative costs.  Few non-profits are that efficient!

As they also are in need of toys, for a Christmas Party for kids of special needs Military family, many attending this party also brought toys to this party to donate to OH.

A few members of Champagne Quilters attended the party and shared insights.  This is not a quilt guild, but a group of quilters, that belong to various quilt guilds.  Monthly they meet to work on making baby gift baskets that are donated to women, about to have babies, when their spouse is off in a war zone.  More volunteers in every state are needed to help in this manner.  It might be a good opportunity for quilt guild's, or individual quilters.  Anyone interested can contact their local Operation Homefront to drop off such donations.


And many attendees brought items to donate for these baby gift baskets.

Julie Herman (Jaybird Quilts) attended the party.  She recently moved from Philadelphia to Southern California and SewCalGal was delighted to have her attend.  She also generously helped to create fun at the party, by decorating the tables with oodles of quilt magazines and patterns, which attendees were allowed to take home for free.

Linda Nitzen of Sizzix gave an insightful demonstration of cutting fabric with the Sizzix Big Shot and Big Shot Pro.  Plus, we were all treated to a wonderful show of beautiful quilts, table toppers and wallhangings that had been made using Sizzix die cutting tools.   

Linda also donated a Sizzix Big Shot and dies that will be used to help raise funds for Operation Homefront, by way of a Silent Auction that will be announced by SewCalGal shortly.

SewCalGal also did a quick sharing of the Silhouette Cameo, SLICE Fabrique and the AccuQuilt GO!.

We had a yummy potluck lunch.

There were plenty of door prizes (oops, I forgot to take pictures of all the door prizes wrapped and under the Christmas tree).

Wonderful raffle prizes.

And the Grand Prize (aka Golden Ticket Prize) was definitely a prize everyone wanted.  Packed full of notions donated by Kelly Jackson (IHAN),  a Beam N Read Light, threads donated by American & Efird LLC, and multiple packs of beautiful fabrics donated by Hoffman California Fabrics!

Everyone at the physical Quilter's Christmas Party and virtual party all had fun.  I'll be sharing more insights, announcing the winners for the door and raffle prizes, as well as the winner of the Golden Ticket Prize (virtual party) the week of the 15th, as well as more info on the Silent Auction fundraiser for Operation Homefront.



While the party is over, if you still wish to make a donation to Operation Homefront, you can do so by clicking this button and donating any fund you wish through their website.

To make a donation to Operation Homefront click here.  And, be sure to enter "SewCalGal" in the comments so that I can recognize your donation accordingly.  Operation Homefront will be providing SewCalGal a report tomorrow, which will be used to allocate raffle tickets for which will be used to select winners for raffle prizes and the Golden ticket prize.  And, SewCalGal will be able to announce the total amount of money raised. But, so far we've exceeded our goal of raising $1,000 for Operation Homefront.  Yippee!  Thank you to everyone that has donated for this cause.

Provided byFund-Raising-Ideas-Center.com

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Hanukkah!

Cheery Kwanzaa!

Delightful Diwali!

Peaceful Ramadan!

And a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!

And, don't forget I'll be announcing the winners of the Door Prizes and Raffle Prizes this week.