November Program: Edrene Heiss
Guild Presentation
If you’ve ever wandered through the Fine Art of Fiber (FAOF) show at the Chicago Botanic Garden, chances are you’ve stopped in your tracks in front of one of Edrene Heiss’s kaleidoscope quilts. Her pieces are the kind that make viewers lean in, tilt their heads, and whisper, “How on earth does she do that?” This November, you won’t have to wonder. Edrene will take us on her 14-year kaleidoscope journey, sharing the evolution of her work, the surprises she’s discovered along the way, and the creative spark that keeps her returning to this mesmerizing style. At the meeting she will present a dazzling kaleidoscope quilt trunk show and a clear explanation of how she achieves visual complexity using simple construction techniques. This is one of those programs that becomes the talk of the guild—make sure you’re in the room for it!
Workshop
Spend a full, joy-filled day with Edrene Heiss as you explore the magic of bilaterally symmetric fabrics and design your own kaleidoscopes. No sewing machine needed! Your $40 kit fee gives you access to Edrene’s extensive collection of symmetric fabrics plus all the fusibles you’ll need to create two stunning kaleidoscope designs as you play, fuse, trim, and let the creativity flow. Spaces are still available in the workshop, so sign up today!
President’s Report
“Adventure” is the word that popped into my mind this morning when I thought about the guild’s monthly albatross – I mean newsletter. There are a number of definitions, but the one I was thinking about was: “State of Mind: A psychological sense of excitement, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone or face unknown risks.” We are all on an adventure, and being open to pivots, trying new things, or taking risks, whether socially or creatively, can result in great new things.
The Tuesday night guild meeting offered a case in point. The speaker, Sara Hochhauser, was stressed due to forgetting her computer, and a number of members jumped in to help figure out how to move the meeting forward (very much appreciated by the way). In the end, Sara simply talked without her presentation details, and the evening became a low key chat with a great deal of useful information. I, for one, appreciated the hands-on sharing without a screen, and I learned a remarkable amount.
It is worth remembering “adventure” when members ask for help, whether for the quilt show planning, a committee needing support, or a service project to take on. Helping is a great way to start in, meet new people, learn something, and be exposed to new ideas. I love taking my granddaughters to museums, and while they may have no interest in reading all the plaques (dang it), we have a wonderful time exploring. No idea where these adventures will lead, but I can only hope those little seeds sprout!
Member at Large
There will be no afternoon meeting of Village Quilters Before Dark in November. The church has a previously-scheduled event that afternoon so the space is not available.
Our next meeting will be on December 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm. We are preparing something for that meeting and will keep you posted as to what the program will be.
So far, there is enthusiasm for an afternoon group, which is great to see.
Sharon Pierluissi
Service Blocks
Our November service block is an easy one – Roman Coins. Use bright scraps to make a center strip, then add white/white-on-white strips to each side. Easy-Peasy! Vary the width of the bright scraps to make the strip more interesting. Instructions are available on the Service page. There will no service block for December. Feel free to make additional blocks from prior months or more of the November block.
In Memoriam
On Saturday, October 24, the Guild lost a talented quilter and dear friend. Barb Schober was a member for many years and had been struggling with health issues for several months. In true Barb spirit, she gave her Thread Talk presentation at the 2025 show before leaving for the hospital! Her talent and her friendship will be missed. If you would like to pay your respects to Barb, see her online obituary.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 2, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Lane, Libertyville. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 3, at noon at the funeral home, followed by interment services at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.
Block of the Month
Due to unforeseen difficulties (as sometimes occurs with tech “solutions”) the November BOM will be late. I am working on the problems, but it will take longer than anticipated.
For those of you who have signed up for updates, I will email you the files as they become available. If you haven’t signed up, the page is still available or you may just send me an email and I will add you to the list. I will also post the files to the Members Facebook Page and the website in the Members Only section as soon as I can. It may take a week or so to get them finished and tested.
I hope you’ll stick with me through this last block and the optional border in December. November’s block is not difficult to make, but it is challenging to write the cutting and assembly directions due to the many pieces and my unfamiliarity with the image software. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Kearstie Grenier
2027 Quilt show
We have a tentative date for the 2027 show: October 8-9, 2027, at College of Lake County. More information to come after contracts are signed and details finalized. If you’re interested in helping with the show and didn’t have a chance to sign up at the last meeting, please reach out to Christine Tindell or Nancy Smith.
Retreat Information
Sign-up for the January 22-24, 2027 retreat will begin on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
If you want to sign up yourself and a friend, you may do so, but you will only be able to register and pay for one person at a time.
Additional dates for 2027:
April 16-18, 2027. Sign up on Monday, March 1, 2027, at 8:00 am.
November 5-7, 2027. Sign up on Friday, October 1, 2027, at 8:00 am.
Treasurer’s Report - September 2026
Bank Balance as of August 31, 2026: $39,473.68
Income: $2,534.00
Expense: $3,819.53
Bank Balance as of September 30, 2026: $38,188.15
September income derived primarily from retreat income ($1,984.00), workshop ($275) and membership dues ($200). Major expenses included reimbursement for speakers’ travel, meals, and hotel ($1,303.32), and hotel rental for retreat ($2,013.00).
Respectfully submitted,
Leitha Schaal, Treasurer
2027 Quilted Postcard Pen Pal Exchange
How about a bit of sunshine on a cold dreary day in January, or a happy valentine wish in February? We are pleased to announce our annual Postcard Exchange. The Postcard Exchange will take place during January and February 2027. You will be provided with a different Pen Pal each month. Participants will receive an email in late December 2026 that will provide all of the details.
We have five different Guilds participating: Northern Lake County, Village Quilters, Prairie Patch, Southport, and Flying Needles. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate!
If you are interested in participating, please sign up by December 15, 2026. Sign-up sheets will be available at guild meetings, or you can reach us at postcards@nlcqg.org.
The postcard exchange is a great way to express your creativity in a small 4 x 6 project and meet some awesome guild members. Last year we had some very talented pen pals.
Robyn McGarrigle and Rose Gray
Postcard Co-chairs, NLCQG
Membership News
Welcome new members: Janet Brownlie and Elaine Mahon
We have 115 members as of October 2026. We had 54 members attending our October meeting!
We’ve had a number of seasoned guild members step up to mentor new members. Would you like to be mentor? Just let Rose or Robyn know and we will assign you to a new member.
Please remember to silence your phone during the meeting, and to wear your nametag. If you forget, your 25 cent “fine” will go to support the library.
Rose Gray and Robyn McGarrigle are your membership co-chairs. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us!
Happy November Birthdays!
Erica Rendall - 11/2
Judy Hillebrand - 11/3
Caren Volrath - 11/5
Patricia Swank - 11/12
Melinda Stawicki - 11/13
Carol Rickel - 11/14
Barbara Peterson - 11/16
Jill Cappelle - 11/17
Gwen Jaeger - 11/18
Erika Eddy - 11/20
Jennifer Durot - 11/24
Ligia Colello - 11/26
Yolande Sherrod - 11/26
Patti Carrington - 11/29