My thoughts and prayers have been you all of you who have experienced the scariness of the fires. I know for some of you that it came far too close. I watched the flames from my back yard and asked for protection over all of you and your families. Please remember that you have a lot of people that care about you here in Calico Quilters, if there is ever anything we can do to reach out and help you please let us know.

We said good-bye to Sue Wallace last guild meeting. It was a sad thing to do, because we have come to know her and care for her. But it is also exciting because of her new job and a whole new adventure. I am hoping that we will see her now and again. One of my favorite quilt shops is up her way in Clovis, Quilter's Paradise. Another reason to visit.

OK< now I have seen it all, I received in the mail an application for a QUILTER'S VISA CARD. It even has rewards when you purchase stuff at quilt shop. How fun is that.

Also, some exciting news - Quilts Inc from Houston Texas has sent out a notice that they will be bringing International Quilt Festival to Long Beach California. July 25-27, 2008 with classes beginning July 24th. A show full of antique and contemporary quilts exhibits, great classes and teachers, special events and tours, and super shopping. If you are interested in receiving a free postcard and info, see me at the meeting I will have a list that we can then sent to them for fun information. A year is not that far away.

So many things on the calendar, remember to reserve your spot with Marty for the retreat, and mark those calendars for Sept 13th Jan's Photo Workshop, a great way to get a jump on those challenges items for the quilts show in May. (Yea it is almost that time again) Before you know it, we will be making Baby Stockings and looking forward to a Santa Workshop with Courtney.

I hope to see you all at the picnic, do you realize that it has been a year that I have been your President, it has been fun and I could not have done it without the support of Dusty and my Board. Thank you….Gracias!!

Remember you can never have too much fabric or too many bears,

President, Calico Quilters,

I have some very exciting news for you. Below is a letter from the founder of the QOV Foundation. This is an honor, and a testimony directed to all of you who tirelessly give and give. Congratulations and thank you for allowing me to be your chairperson in this, it comes with great personal fulfillment.

All those words are meant for you CALICO QUILTERS!!

A couple of things, Please consider making drawstring bags if you cannot make a quilt. These are in need and great to send the quilts in. You will notice besides Catherine Roberts name is a 2/10. She has challenged all of us to make at least 10 QOVs this year. I hear that the children from the Methodist Church are also busy making QOVs. Thank you so much, I am positive that the soldiers who are fortunate to receive one of your quilt will be blessed.

They did not have stats on the website yet, but we all know the great need. Keep up the good work. Giving a little to our soldiers who have given so much.

~Margi

Time to start thinking about those Baby Stockings. For those of you that are new to the guild and are wondering what are the baby stockings. Each year the ladies of the guild make baby stockings for the babies born at NIH. These stockings are then given out during the Christmas Holidays and those lucky babies get to go home in a baby stocking. Each stocking is unique and no two stockings are alike. These stockings can be turned in at anytime to Georgia Wade. On October 18th there will be a workshop for baby stockings. There will be further information in another newsletter. If you have any questions and you need a pattern, please contact Georgia.

~Desi

• Welcome new members Cindy Dunaway of Bishop and Dee Fie of Big Pine.
• Thank you to Judy Speed for taking over the Sunshine Chair.

Happy Birthday to the following members!

Laurie Morrow 8/10
Doris Blume 8/13
Carole Johnson 8/16
Mary Jane Carr 8/24

Congratulations to Meagan and myself for winning the polka-dot 4 patches. They are far too happy.

I have to take a moment and send a big THANK YOU to Marilee and Marge that both donated an Eagle Block to the QOV's. Set with our Friendship Stars they are going to be gorgeous. Thank you for your generosity.

Well after scaring us so bad, we are all so HAPPY that Nela is feeling better. Please do not do that again!

Our next block exchange was handed out by Linda Bucknam. By the way, I packed up my stuff, and did not receive one, if someone can drop off a copy at the shop for me, I would really appreciate it. Our next fabric square exchange was picked by Marty and it is 10" leafy prints. OHHH a great one for a fall quilt. Remember we will have a meeting on July 26th, see you then. ~Margi