By Sue Magyar
I hope this email finds everyone in good health and high spirits as the holiday season approaches.
As some of you may already be aware, attendance at the Saturday, November 2nd, Getting Ready for the Holidays, was very low. Later, comments that came in were somewhat negative in relation to the three projects offered. These 3 projects were presented at the last General Membership Meeting and no objections or negative feedback were received at that time.
As everyone is aware, communication is key to addressing and meeting the expectations of our membership. The Education Committee members have been polling their quilting groups, and we’ve come up with some ideas and suggestions.
Here's a list of comments that were received:
· Projects weren’t quilting related, and no sewing required.
· Others were glad not to have to haul their machine.
· Projects were subpar and would not be something they’d give as gifts.
· Perhaps we should go back to zoom, especially since winter event, travel might be difficult.
· Others were not at all interested in zoom.
· One group had no interest in a second event in the winter besides the General Membership Meeting in early October. Winter roads, different life stages and interests, such as winter travel to the lower 48, were cited as two of the reasons.
· Many already have too many Holiday or Christmas items, as they’re getting rid of “stuff”. How about handy gift ideas not related to holidays.
· Alternate scenario might be to have three projects after the October meeting. Just present the project, give out patterns, and go home and put together at your leisure.
· Would like to see more ideas like the red & white quilt project.
Are there any more comments? I would love to hear them! If you hear an idea/complaint/grievance from someone else, please share. There is no way we can know these things if they aren’t told to us. I don’t care what it is. To make anything work, we need to talk to each other.
Remember, if you don’t like a project your group has picked, come up with another idea, and let your group know. You aren’t going to be stuck presenting it unless you want to. There are others who will do that for you. You are the voice of the guild.
We’re also thinking of a special project to be presented after the April meeting. Just show an idea then along you go.
Also, we’re working on finalizing three contracts for 2025: Pam Ventgen, Deb Tucker, and Kris Rutledge. All should be great! More news on that later, and we hope to have sign ups available at the retreat in February to kick these off.