March Madness: A few reminders

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It’s all systems go for March Madness and we wanted to post a few reminders so you’ll have THE BEST time!

Things to bring:
– sewing machine
– extension cord / power strip
– basic sewing kit (scissors, thread, bobbins, pins, etc.)
– name tag
– any fabric or orphan squares you want to donate
– iron/ironing board
– rotary cutter/mat/rulers

Lunch
We’ll be ordering pizza around lunch time. To keep costs down, we’re asking that you chip in $5 to help cover the expense. (Please bring cash)
There is a kitchen with a refrigerator available if you would like to bring something else for lunch. (No charge for using the kitchen!)

We’ll have bottled water and snacks to munch on so you stay hydrated and not hangry as you work.

Upon arrival, check in at the registration desk. We’ll give you any last minute instructions before you join your team.

Any questions? Leave ’em in the comments and we’ll get them answered ASAP!

See you Saturday!

 

 

March Madness: POINTS, PATTERNS, PRECUTS!

Hi everyone! Are you super-psyched for March Madness? We sure are!
Lots of behind-the-scenes planning has been happening and we’ve got more info about Saturday’s event for you below!

TEAMS!

Red Team:
Ashley – Captain
Sue E
Megan S
Aleeda C
Annette A
Rolanda L
Lori B
Mary K
Gemma P

Yellow Team:
Beth – Captain
Judi J
Kourtney K
Kathy M
Diane Q
Mary Jane K
Josie D
Michelle R
Tracy B

If your name is not assigned to a team or you haven’t RSVP’d yet, leave a comment and we’ll make sure you’re on the list!

POINTS!

Each team will start with a point value based on the donations received prior to the start of March Madness.
Any donations brought on the day of March Madness will go towards your assigned team (if you are on a team and you already donated, at the NJMQG meeting, your donation goes toward your team).

Twin Quilt – 100pts
Crib Quilt – 45pts
Pillowcase – 15pts
Precuts – 15pts per quilt set
Orphan blocks – 10pts per block
Pre-made quilt top any size – 75pts
Pre-made binding – 25ptsWound bobbins/spools of thread – 1pt/ea

PRECUTS!
We’ll be using 3 patterns from the Quilts 4 Kids website: The Four-Patch Quilt, Alternate Squares Quilt, & the Rail Fence.
4patch Alt Square Rail Fence

If you’d like to pre-cut some of your fabrics and bag them up into quilt kits, here’s what we need:

FourPatch:
Fabric A: 15 – 6.5″ squares
Fabric B: 3 – 3.5″ strips
Fabric C: 3 – 3.5″ strips
4 – 1.5″ strips for inner border
4 3.5″ strips for outer border

Alternate Squares:
Fabric A: 15 – 6.5″ squares + 4 – 3.5″ strips for outer borders
Fabric B: 15 – 6.5″ squares
Fabric C: 4 – 1.5″ strips for inner borders

Rail Fence:
Fabric A: 20 – 2” (or 2.5″) x 42” strips of various fabrics
Fabric B: 4 – 1.5” x 42” strips for inner border
Fabric C: 4 – 3.5″ x 42” strips for outer border

* all strips are WOF unless otherwise noted

If you’d like to make an alternate pattern, please ensure it measures within the following parameters:
Twin – approx 72″ x 86″
Crib – approx 38-44″ x 44-48″

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to leave them in the comments!

We are “SEW” looking forward to sewing with you on Saturday! See you there!

March Madness Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve heard us talking about it, but maybe you have a few questions about March Madness… well we have all the answers!
Check out the information below and leave a comment should you still have a lingering query. Hope to see LOTS of you there!

When is March Madness?

March Madness is from 9am – 5pm on Saturday, March 29th.

Do I have to stay the entire time?

No! You can pop in anytime, make a square, piece some strips, do some free-motion quilting or just drop off a donation of fabric, thread, snacks, etc.

Where is the event located?

Church of Latter Day Saints | 209 Mountain Avenue West Caldwell, NJ (Map)

Our hosts are Stephanie Mullin and Colleen Wiest

This is a charity event right? So what charities are we sewing for?

We’ll be making twin-sized quilts and pillowcases for Shelter our Sisters, an organization that helps women in Bergen County leave abusive situations. Read more about them here.

We’ll also be making crib-sized quilts for Quilts for Kids.

Additionally, we would like to have a quilt or two on hand for crises or drives that may arise in the coming months.

What do I need to bring?

Good question! Here’s what you’ll need to pack:

–       Your own sewing machine

–       Basic sewing kit (thread, scissors, pins, bobbins, etc.)

–       Iron/ironing board/pressboard (if you have one)

–       Cutting mat, ruler, rotary cutter

–       Extension cord/surge protector

–       Fabric/thread to donate

What don’t I need to bring?

Batting! NJMQG owns a roll.

I can’t attend the March Madness event but still want to help. Can I?

Yes! We need donations of fabric, thread, orphan squares, binding strips – anything that will help us complete quilts to donate!

Can I donate prior to the event?

Yes! Bring your fabric and sewing donations to the NJMQG Meeting on Thursday, March 20th at Rock Paper Scissors between 6pm & 8pm. After that, drop them at West Caldwell LDS Church the day of the event.

What else do I need to know?

There will be some cool surprises, pizza for lunch, lots of sewing, and a chance to work alongside some really talented quilters. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday! Hope to see you there.