If you find yourself in charge of planning games for quilters for an upcoming club meeting, retreat, or party, you have a fun task. All you need is a little imagination, which you already have since you are a quilter!
To plan games for quilters, get inspiration from your children's parties. An age old kids' favorite is "Pin the Tail on the Donkey." How about a quilter's version, like "Pin the Block on the Quilt" where players try to get as close as possible to pinning into place a missing block from a paper version of a 9-patch - blindfolded, of course, just like in the children's version of the game.
Another game for quilters is QUILT, instead of BINGO. You'd need to make cards for each player and create pieces by which to call the letters and numbers (for example, Q-12, U-25, I-33, etc.).
How about a spin off of the children's party favorite "Clothespin Drop?" Instead of a clothespin, use a thimble. Have the participant try to drop the thimble inside. Give each player three tries to see who scores a thimble in the bottle the most times.
Are you looking for a guessing game for quilters? How about pouring old bobbins - some empty and some still partially wound - into a fish bowl or large glass vase? Give each quilter one guess to see who gets closest to the total amount of bobbins actually inside the glass container. Including bobbins that are still wound with a little thread along with empty ones should create a challenge for your quilters.
Create a challenging game for quilters by giving them a sheet of paper and asking them to list as many quilt patterns as they can think of...but limit the time to a minute or two at the most. The quilter with the most quilt patterns listed wins the prize.
If you like to create word searches or crossword puzzles, take time to print out enough copies so you'll have plenty of games for quilters at your event.
If you are planning games to be ice breakers or to promote team spirit, why not plan a scavenger hunt? Divide your quilters into teams and give them a list of items they must find. Items could include various quilting supplies, a certain fabric print or brand, the sky is the limit!
Another fun team game for quilters is a thimble or bobbin relay. Whichever sewing notion you choose, have team members race to successfully carry the notion to the finish line. The catch - they must carry it in a teaspoon!
If you have a door prize to give away and want to do something other than simply draw a name for it, you can turn the giveaway into a fun game for your quilting friends. Color code empty thread spools and dump them into a bag. Have only one "Gold" spool. Fill the bag with shredded paper, Easter basket grass, etc., if you'd like. Each guest gets to draw a spool from the bag. The quilter who draws the golden spool gets your special door prize!
Don't stress too much if you are planning games for quilters. Remember, quilters generally have a good time when they're with fellow quilters whether there are planned games and activities or not. Quilters have historically been known for their fellowship - just look at the old quilting bees when the women of the church or community gathered to piece and quilt treasured heirlooms.
Your quilting event will certainly be a success with the right mix of quilters, snacks, and a couple of special games for quilters.
------
Penny Halgren, a quilter of 27 years, enjoys sharing her knowledge of quilting with those who would like to learn how to quilt. Sign up for a free newsletter, quilting tips and quilt block patterns at http://www.How-to-Quilt.com
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://pennyhalgren.articlealley.com/games-for-quilt-guilds-544177.html
Cute sewing patterns for tote/ beach bags?
I'm creating a beach bag for the summer, I have the cutest fabric for it..but all I need is a pattern!!! Does anyone know one or a website for patterns?
BTW
I'm sewing the bag.
Thanks!! =)
Answer
I have a cute, simple, versatile pattern. I just wish I could get the descriptive pictures to post with he instructions.
The bag is made on a square or rectangle design. You can decide how big or small you want it and adjust accordingly. I'll use a 15" by 15" inch square for my example here. You'll need about 1/2 a yard of a main fabric and 1/2 a yard of a complimentary fabric.
Cut 2 15" by 15" squares out of each fabric. Cut a 2" by 2" square out of 2 of the bottom corners of these body pieces. (The side with both squares cut out will become the bottom of the bag.)
Cut 2 strips at least 3" by 18" out of your main fabric. Usually you can cut these strips from selvage edge to the fold and then cut that long strip in half at the fold.
Cut 2 5" by 7" rectangles from either fabric. This will make a pocket on the front of the bag so you can cut both pieces from the main fabric or both from the complimentary fabric or one piece from each.
Fold each of the 2 long stips in half the long way and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance. Turn. Iron. You can top stitch if you want to. These will be your 2 handles.
Take the 2 pocket pieces and place right sides together. Sew around the edges leaving a 2" opening in one side. Clip corners. Turn. Iron. You can top stitch one of the 7" sides making this the top edge of the pocket.
Place the finished pocket on the right side of one main fabric body pieces. Put pocket center at center of body and about 3" to 4" down from the top edge. Sew down one 5" side, across the bottom 7" side and up the other 5" side.
With the main fabric body pieces right side together sew down one side until you get to the place where you cut out the 2" square. Sew the bottom between the 2" squares. Sew up the other side from the 2" square to the top. Where you cut the 2" squares should now open up, match side seam to bottom seam and sew.
Repeat for complimentary body piecies exept for the pocket.
Turn the main fabric body right side out. On front pin each end of one handle strip about 2" from side seams. (Make sure the handle isn't twisted.) Repeat for back side.
Place the main fabric body inside the complimenary fabric body making sure right sides are together and the handles hang away from the bag tops. Pin, matching side seams. Sew around the top leaving 3" to 4" to turn bag.
Turn bag through the hole you left. Iron. You can top stitch to close the hole or slip stitch.
This makes a lined bag. You can make it reversible by adding a pocket on the complimentary fabric body.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
If you believe you can give a better answer? Please help others and answer below.
Posted in 
Tags: 
