Friendship stars are a classic nine patch quilt block dating back to the 1840s when pioneer women would exchange them with friends. Often women would embroider their names in the center square and get together to sew them into a quilt to give to a friend who was moving. This became commonplace during the western expansion. Friendship stars remain a popular quilt block to this day in general especially for memory quilts

Here’s some modern takes on this timeless quilt block,

We’ve been studying and reimagining these classic quilt blocks since January and collecting them to eventually turn into sampler quilts for Mary’s Place by the Sea; however, we are taking a summer intermission right now and will resume in August. Stick around to see what’s next!

There’s always something to learn in quilting and no shortage of knowledge and talent in our guild. We continue to tap into that every month with member led educational programs. Recently Bridgit gave us a great lecture and demonstration on different methods of hand quilting. Bridgit does most of her quilting aboard the NJ Transit trains on her commute into Manhattan.

What a great presentation and the q&a and discussion that followed.

Speaking of friendship, at least two times a year, we like to turn a meeting night into an informal gathering of food and friends. Guilds are formed when folks with a common interest get together as an organized group. We meet, share our love of the art and friendships are formed both in and outside of the meetings. It’s wonderful!Our good friend Denise offered up her home and yard in Manasquan but Mother Nature was being finicky that day and we had to take the fun back to Old Spool. Grateful to Julia and Patrick for always being so accommodating and to Denise, hopefully we can get a rain check! These get togethers give us a chance to chit chat with everyone and to get to know our newer members better, something there isn’t always time for at regular meetings. And we eat, lots of yummy food and desserts! It’s always a great time. No matter if it’s a meeting or a party, there’s always time for show and tell!

That was two meetings worth of show and tell, we haven’t been that productive!! Will return to our regular monthly posts soon. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer, thanks for reading and following along!