Committee Descriptions

BLOCK OF THE MONTH

This committee provides directions/materials, at monthly meetings, to enable participants to make a different block each month using varying techniques. By the end of the guild year, the assembled blocks make a completed quilt top. Each kit carries a nominal fee ($3-$5). The committee chooses whether to sell the kits on a monthly or subscription basis. Members can enroll in this program at the September meeting.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

This committee serves the community. Quilts, usually lap or baby size, are assembled and distributed to needy groups. Some of our recipients have been LaGrange Community Nurse & Service Association, Constance Morris Shelter for Battered Women, ABC Quilt Project, South Suburban Crisis Center, The Ronald McDonald House, and Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. The committee prepares and packages fabric to be sewn into individual blocks for quilt tops which are then assembled and tied at one of our winter meetings. Do consider participating in this very worthwhile effort - it's a great way to get acquainted with other members!

DOOR PRIZES

A small committee that solicits free items (rulers, patterns, etc.) from manufacturers to be given as door prizes at meetings. Often members donate fat quarters, patterns or quilting items. Wearing your handmade, quilt-related nametag to a meeting makes you eligible to participate in the drawing.

EDUCATION

This committee provides programs to educate children and the community at large about quilting. A successful children’s program using the book, The Quiltmakers Gift, is presented in conjunction with area libraries. New ideas for this committee are always welcome.

Historian

This committee is responsible for collecting newspaper and magazine articles about SCQG activities/members. Photographs are taken at most events and used in an informational display during the quilt show to educate the public about our work.

HOSPITALITY

This committee is responsible for coordinating/serving refreshments (provided by members) and room setup/signage at our monthly meetings. In addition, they facilitate show and tell, assist with the new member tea and late nighter events and generally help anywhere that hospitality is needed. This committee can accommodate a large number of members and does not require a great time commitment.

LIBRARY

Our guild has an extensive quilt related library available to all members. At monthly guild meetings, the librarian and her committee offer a selection of books, magazines and stamping/template tools for members to borrow. Due date is the following month's meeting. In the event of a problem concerning late returns alternate arrangements may be made by calling the librarian. In addition, books may be reserved by calling the librarian at least 5 days prior to the meeting. A list of available books is furnished to members. This committee adds new titles every year and welcomes members' recommendations.

MEMBERSHIP

This committee handles all aspects of membership. Directories are published yearly. This committee is also responsible for hosting a new member tea, usually held in September, giving new members an opportunity to meet each other as well as the current SCQG board.

NEWSLETTER

A monthly newsletter is published from September through May by this committee chair. It is received via e-mail or US postal service. Members are invited to submit articles. The deadline for submission is no later than noon on the third Thursday of the month for the following month's issue. Important guild information is published in the newsletter and it is hoped that members carefully read and keep their issues for future reference.

CONTRACTS/PROGRAM

This job is divided into a 2-year commitment. The first year the chair serves as 1st VP/Contracts and, with the help of a committee, chooses speakers/teachers for the following year. During the second year this position becomes the Program Chair whose responsibility is to administer the above-mentioned programs/workshops. The monthly program usually consists of a lecture on Thursday night, which may include a slide presentation and/or actual quilts, followed by workshops on Friday and Saturday (limit 20-25 participants). Members must register for these and are charged a fee. This is an excellent opportunity to study under well-known national/international teachers.

The Program Committee also plans two late-niters, one in the fall and one during the winter. This is a social evening, with attendees working on individual project/s or participating in the planned project that is offered. The hours are 6-11 pm and usually pizza is served. This is a great chance to learn a new technique or pattern, get help with a problem, meet new friends or spend some uninterrupted sewing time.

QUILT BOOKS

Working in conjunction with a local area quilt shop, this committee brings a selection of books and patterns to monthly guild meetings which are sold to members at a discount, with the guild receiving a percentage of total sales. All items must be purchased through the committee to receive the discount. Orders for specific books/patterns must be placed at least 11 days prior to the guild meeting for delivery at the next meeting. This is a great way to build your personal library and benefit the guild at the same time.

QUILT SHOW

The quilt show, held bi-annually under the guidance of a chair, is an important committee since most of our operating funds are generated by this event. The success of this event is necessary and guild membership requires every member’s participation in the preparation/presentation of the show. It is an ongoing committee since planning for the next show begins almost immediately after the completion of the previous one. Our talented guild members guarantee the high quality of each quilt show.

Other Activities

Although not board positions, volunteers maintain and chair the following committees: the SCQG website, www.saltcreekqg.org, Vintage Books and 2 1/2" Jelly Roll strips. The exchange allows those who wish to participate to trade 2 1/2" fabric strips (width of fabric), with fellow members at each meeting. Vintage books serves as a "win-win" committee for everyone. A member can bring in used books, magazines and patterns that are no longer wanted; those items are sold at a nominal cost ($1 for books, 25 cents for magazines and patterns) with all profits going to the guild.