Goodbye to WQI :(

This last weekend was the last meeting of WQI. It was bittersweet.

There were the normal group of members participating in the meeting and workshop events with an additional banquet on Saturday evening that was lovely.

The committee did a GREAT job with everything. All former presidents, board members, etc... were invited (as many as could be located). Luella Doss was there. She started WQI back in 1980. Why doesn't that surprise us. Luella is always sponsoring Wisconsin quilt events/happenings and still is very active in the WQHP (Wisconsin Quilt History Project). Thank you Luella for everything you do for us.

Diane Gaudynski was the speaker for the evening and was wonderful as usual. Her representation of our state in the quilt world is our honor. We love you Diane!

Show and tell was one of the main events of the evening. In attendance at the banquet was a 92 year old quilter who drove herself to the banquet. She brought a quilt she had made this last year for a grandchild/great grandchild that was representative of our world. The top was the heavens, a map of the world, with borders symbolizing many things found in different sections of the earth and at the bottom were penguins from the South Pole. It was great! Another woman brought a quilt replica of a quilt she had made for the Madison Historical Society that had blocks made to symbolize Wisconsin industries, wildlife, heritage, ... She had received some type of grant (I hope I am explaining this correctly) and took great pride in her work, as well she should have. All in all a historic evening.

A committee has put together a blog for those of us that would like to continue to stay in touch. Please feel free to join it at http://www.qhinwisconsin.blogspot.com/. An annual retreat will continue in May to stay in touch and spend time together. We hope you will join us.