The US & Canadian Chapters Exchange Meets Again

The first of June three chapters from Sequim , WA traveled to Chilliwack , BC Canada . The Sequim Chapters represented were the Rainshadow Rhodies, the Sequim Prairie Chicks and the Lavender Blues and were hosted in Canada by the Happy Appys of Chilliwack and coordinated by Maureen Goldsmith of Chilliwack , BC .

It was a little over a year ago when the Happy Appys were hosted by all the chapters in the Sequim and Port Angeles WA area. This year the gathering was held in a delightful community hall and if you peeked in the window of that hall you would have thought these ladies had know each other for years. These friendships have become so very special to these TAS members that the group has scheduled a date for a gathering in June 2005.

The Happy Appys outdid themselves for three days as wonderful and gracious hostesses. They provided lovely accommodations for their guest in their beautiful homes and presented each with beautiful hand made gifts, all made by the Happy Appys. To some, a morning walk with a special pet was a great treat. One day they all went on a special private tour of a Dried Flower Garden Shop and of course we also visited their wonderful local Chilliwack quilt shop. We had fabulous yummy meals, of which some were catered, and I am wearing them all very well! They all giggled, stitched and ate and most important they had show-and-share that came at the drop of a thimble.

One day the Happy Appys chapter leader Maureen Goldsmith taught all the ladies a Penny Rug class with a pattern she designed. This was a special treat, as some had never done this before.

When Jaydee Price arrived home she wanted to show the Happy Appys how much she really cared about her trip. She immediately she sat down and designed a full basket of flowers pattern, appliquéd of course, and sent this with a note of thank you to each of them. She also sent this design to the five Washington appliquérs that went with her to Canada , to thank them for being great traveling buddies. As Jaydee puts it, "This is something chapters should ALL do from time to time. A real stitch together". As you can tell a great time was had by all

One of my most cherished moments was to hear Donna Mae Baldwin read us some of the poetry she has written. Not only does she appliqué beautifully, but she writes wonderful poetry. She uses her poetry as labels on her quilted items. Donna Mae also composed a special poem about our TAS visit to Canada , which she so graciously allowed us to add to this article.

Article By: Loretta Bilow