Wasn't it just a month or so ago that Dusty asked me if I would be interested in being the next Calico Quilter's president. No in fact it was way back at the beginning of the year. Where has all that time gone to? I hope I have spent it well. Thank you Dusty for the nomination, and thank you Calico Quilters for voting me in.

First allow me to thank the outgoing President, Margaret Phelps and her Board. Thank you for all your hard work. And welcome to my new Board, I promise we will have fun and do lots of fun quilting activities. Please know that I can not do this with out you. And please be patient with me as I learn my new position.

Dear Calico Quilters, my goal is to strive and provide you with a wonderful guild experience. Please do not hesitate to call me if you have ideas, or if you need to give me some advice. Our shared passion of quilting should make this a wonderful 2 years.

I would like to have my new Board meet at the Church at 9:30am for a brief meeting before our regular meeting at 10:00 on Tuesday, August 26th. As well if you would like something on our agenda for any meeting, just send me an e-mail or you are welcome to come to the Board Meeting at 9:30am to present your item.

And so the adventure begins...... Margi Duffy President

Wait until you see the opportunity quilt, I was able to get a sneak preview the other day, and it is too adorable and far too cute. The crowd is at their feet and the applause is deafening. Great idea Desi, adorable blocks Calico Quilters and beautiful quilting Jan. Tickets for this one are going to be easy to sell.

We will be selling tickets at the following places, so mark your calendars:

• Bishop Christmas Fest at the Fairground on November 4th
• Car Show in October Fair in September

Because of the date of our Nite Owls Meeting being the beginning of the Fair, we will have to schedule times by e-mail - bearma@usamedia.tv or phone calls - 873-6147. We will be having 2 hour shifts. Because our meeting is on Thursday we will not sell tickets on that evening, although the quilt will be up and will also have a sign up with my phone number we will not man it that evening.

We need helpers: grab your a fellow Calico Quilters and do it together:

Friday, September 1
2 - 4pm Nela
4 - 6pm
6 - 8pm Margi

Saturday, September 2
10 - 12pm
12 - 2pm
2 - 4pm Nela
4 - 6pm
6 - 8pm Margi

Sunday, September 3
2 - 4pm Nela
4 - 6pm Margi

I need to hear from all of you asap, if you can only work 1 hour, we can make that work... Thank you, Margi Duffy

• Sew & Quilt Embroidery Festival being held in Reno. The dates for the festival are August 18th,19th and 20th. Here is the address for those of you that are interested in going: www.pcmexpo.com/dyn_events.asp?area=Events

Because of the dates of our day and night time groups, we have scheduled our Harvest Soup Party for November 2, during the regular Nite Owls Meeting. That is 6:30 at Highlands. All Calico Quilters are invited. So mark your calendars....more information coming....Margi Duffy

San Diego Quilt Show Aug 31, Sept 1 and 2 San Diego Convention Center 111 West Harbor Drive For info 619-443-2706

LA Country Quilt Guild Garden Party at the Ritz, Sept 14-16 11201First Street, Whittier, For info 562-860-8821

Coastal Quilters Guild Quilt Show Harvest of Colors 2006 Sept 30 and Oct 1 Hwy 101 and Las Positas Earl Warren Show grounds Santa Barbara For info 805-967-0741

I want to congratulate all the new officers and thank everyone in the guild for my wonderful Mule and Donkey Quilt. as many of you know I have loved it since Nela showed me the fabric before she even started cutting and sewing. I guess I coveted it from the get go. And to have it to possess and carress is more that I dreamed. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Thanks very much. Margaret

There were several early arrivals at the park trying to decide whether we should stay and hope it would not rain, or move everything to the Methodist Church. I had just driven in from Wilkerson Ranch and had to use my windshield wipers and Linda Bucknum mentioned that she ran into rain too, but we were there and for the moment the sun was shining. Margaret made a good decision ~ we stayed. We are quilters we can handle some rain. It turned out great, although I would feel a drop or two once in a while...it was pleasant out there.

I heard a lot of oohs and ahh's while the eating was going on, as well during Show and Tell. The brave ones brought their brown bags to exchange and we will be able to see all the treasures at the Christmas Party. Margaret and Jan were very generous in gifts to the Board and Show Committee chairs, new small irons...very special. A personal thank you from me to Jan. The new Board was voted in to cheers and a great time was had by all. Margi Duffy

I would say that our yard sale at the picnic was a wonderful success. We raised over $135 to help with the postage for the QOV's. Thank you ladies. There was lots of good stuff here, I think I missed out on a couple of things I can't live without, maybe next year. Thank you to all who so generous donated items, and to all of you who purchased items. My favorite thing is when so many of you will tell me "you know I do not need this" as arms are full and you are still searching. It was great fun! Again, thank you, Margi Duffy

Free Sewing Night

Some new websites and new stamps are on their way. A friend of mine at Quilting in the Sierras sent me these websites on the Quilts of Gee's Bend. Perhaps you have already heard and seen them, but for those of you who have not - these websites are worth the visit. Also, on August 24th, the US Postal Service will be releasing a set of first class stamps featuring the quilts. You can get a sneak preview of them and even pre-order them on www.usps.com

they are on page 19 of "view all stamps" www.quiltsofgeesbend.com or www.thinker.org/deyoung/index.asp

Enjoy, Margi Duffy

Here's the schedule for BBs, which meets the first Wednesday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch, unless stated otherwise. Hostess will serve coffee and dessert.

Sept 6, Judy Speed-Castleberry 136 Carmelea Ln, Big Pine, 938-2594 Take #395 So, to Reynolds Rd, turn right, go to Olivia, turn left, go to Carmelea, turn right

Oct 4 Carole Sample, 872-2731

Nov 1, Nela Dunaway, 873-8504

Pre-Christmas quilting special. 20% off Edge to Edge and Mix & Match quilting on quilt tops received between September 25th and October 6th.

Wildrose Lane Quilting
352 Wildrose Lane, Bishop
873-8504

www.wildroselanequilting.com