Each newsletter we would like to introduce to you one of our fabulous staff at Shoo Fly Quilts. Jennifer comes to us from working previously at other fabric and sewing machine stores. Her knowledge of quilting is extensive. Jennifer started quilting during the bicentennial from her mother and grandmother who were both quilters. They shared their knowledge and love of quilting with her. Jennifer also learned a lot through trial and error, reading books and taking numerous classes. Her favorite quilts are the traditional ones. "The patterns of old intrigue me. I sit and think how did they do that? Women long ago were very innovative, making their own patterns and not having the tools that we have today, not to mention that they were doing it by candlle light!" says Jennifer. She also loves the history associated with the quilts and traditional blocks, especially the quilt block names and how they got those names. Jennifer likes to hand applique but her talents are applied to all aspects of quilting! She lives at home with her husband, Rick, dogs Kane and Mike and cat, Mr. Chips. She has one son who is married to (we hope) a future quilter. Stop in and say hello to Jennifer, better yet take a class from her, she is patient, kind and very gifted and we are blessed to have her as part of the Shoo Fly Family!

Spring is in the air and at Shoo Fly Quilts! New arrivals of beautiful spring florals have taken us by storm! I love the sights and sounds of the spring! The smell of fresh cut grass, new blooming flowers and tiny birds singing! I also love the looks of fresh new fabrics! Check out our new lines: Willa by Moda, with bright yellow, blues and pinks; Buttercream & Figs by Moda with yummy pastel peach, greens and yellows; Tess by Moda, fabulously bright turqoise, bright green and pinks that will make you giddy!; Robyn Pandolph by South Seas will inspire you and indulge you to bring the outdoors in with her gorgeous cabbage roses! The bright blendable designs and colors will insprire you! Fabric is available by yardage or fat quarters. We also have numerous kits already made so you can start your next quilting project right away!

"Lake County Impressions VIII" Traditional & Contemporary Quilts Wall Hangings Silent Auction Raffle Quilt Quilt Show Cook Book Door Prizes Merchants Mall When: Saturday, May 21, 2005 & Sunday, May 22, 2005 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Where: College of Lake County Athletic Department, Physical Education Center, Bldg #7, Grayslake IL Admission: $4 (children under 12 free) For more information, send self-addressed stamped envelope to: Northern Lake County Quilters Guild P.O. Box 418 Antioch IL 60002 Categories (A) Applique: Hand Quilted-Any Size: Any and all methods of applique, all sizes excluding miniature. Must be hand quilted. (B) Applique: Machine Quilted-Any Size: Any and all methods of applique, all sizes excluding miniature. Must be machine quilted, either on your home machine or on a long arm machine. (C) Art Quilt: Original Design-Any Size: Must be your own original design. Not a copy or interpretation of an existing design. Can not be a purchased pattern. Not based on a traditional pattern. Can be any size, except miniature, any quilting technique. (D) Pieced Small: Hand Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring between 16"- 45" on the longest side. Hand quilted. (E) Pieced Small: Machine Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring between 16"- 45" on the longest side, and quilted by machine, either your home machine or hired long arm quilting. (Home machine and long arm quilting will be combined in the small and applique categories this year.) (F) Pieced Lap: Hand Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring between 46"- 70" on the longest side. Hand quilted. (G) Pieced Lap: Machine Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring between 46"- 70" on the longest side. Machine quilted on your home machine. Not long arm. (H) Pieced Lap: Long Arm Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring between 46"- 70" on the longest side. Quilted on a long arm machine. (I) Pieced Bed: Hand Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring 71" or greater on the longest side. Hand quilted. (J) Pieced Bed: Machine Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring 71" or greater on the longest side, machine quilted on your home machine. Not long arm. (K) Pieced Bed: Long Arm Quilted: Pieced quilts, measuring 71" or greater on the longest side, quilted on a long arm machine. (L) Miniature: 15" or smaller on the longest side, any technique, hand or machine quilted. (M) Miscellaneous: Clothing, tree skirts, table runners, any quilted item that doesn't fit in any other category. (N) Group: Any quilt that three or more people participated in the construction of or finishing of in any way. Any size, any technique. This is where Block of the Month, round robins, raffle quilts, and block exchanges would go. (O) Antique: Any quilt that is more than 50 years old. These are for display only and are not eligible for voting. Antiques will be displayed in a roped off area, and will have an attendant present at all times during the show for safe keeping. (P) Challenge Quilts: This category is for the Guild's 2004 Challenge "Changing Spaces" quilts. These will not be eligible for voting. Every quilt except antiques and miniatures must have a hanging sleeve.