East Side Quilters
Meeting in Rensselaer County, New York
Since 1992
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month for our work nights. This is an opportunity to bring your own work, including problems or questions you might have about a current quilt project. Or we might be working on our raffle quilt or charity quilts. Even when we have a group project scheduled, you are welcome to bring your own projects. We sometimes schedule workshops on these nights, often run by our own members.
On the third Tuesday of each month, we have our regular business meeting. Besides general business, we have show and tell for members and visitors, block of the month, block exchanges, and short programs. We sometimes have speakers at these meetings.
Our year starts in January and dues are currently $15 a year with a discount available for Seniors. Dues are discounted after June.
We have about 40 members who are a pretty active and very friendly group. East Side has a nice year round program, which gives everyone a chance to participate and learn. We schedule workshops periodically throughout the year. These are often on Saturdays.
These give everyone a chance to work together, share information and have fun.
In March, sometime around National Quilting day, East Side has their annual "Quilt-In." During this weekend-long event, we get together with our sewing machines and sewing stuff, plus a lot of donated fabric to make quilt tops which are donated to local service organizations. This weekend is a great get away for great causes. You can bring some munchies, a favorite quick pattern and even a sewing buddy if you want. People often team up to make quilts. Come for half a day or all day! Everyone has a good time and we make LOTS of quilt tops. These quilt tops are brought back to Wednesday meetings and are tied and finished over the course of the year.
In the past we have donated quilts to shelters, Ronald McDonald House, Hospice and Head Start of Rensselaer County. At times organizations or community groups have approached us seeking a quilt for a special cause or fundraising need and we are usually able to comply.
The last couple years, we have made place mats which are distributed through our local meals on wheels program to their clients. This is generally done between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Every year we make a quilt, which is hand quilted by our members. This quilt is donated to our host - Castleton Ambulance, for them to use for fundraising. After choosing a pattern, we all make the required blocks and work at assembling this quilt. Everyone is encouraged to quilt on this quilt - it's a great place to learn ALL of the stages of making a quilt. If you're uncertain about something - get involved and ask questions.
In the fall, we encourage members to make placemats out of orphan or sample quilt blocks or interesting fabrics. These are distributed to people in our community who could use a little splash of color in their life, via the local Meals on Wheels program.
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