OKLAHOMA QUILTERS STATE ORGANIZATION
Volume XXII – Issue 2 Newsletter
OKLAHOMA TOMORROW
September 21, 22 and 23, 2007
Best Western Hotel, Lawton, OK
Letter from the President
We had a great Spring Retreat and are looking forward to a
delightful fall meeting. Our Spring Retreat was also a financial
success. Our checkbook balance looks better and that’s great news.
If we have a good turnout for fall, I hope that we’ll show a small
profit. Whenever we’re away from Western Hills, our expenses are
greater because we must pay a substantial amount for our meeting
space, while it is free at Western Hills. For our fall meeting, if we
rent 50 sleeping rooms, our meeting space will cost $1000/day.
Our board members continue to support the Organization with
potluck meals rather than restaurant fare for board meetings, and
some of us fail to take advantage of the financial perks offered
through our Bylaws. But if you want to look forward to hosting
nationally known out-of-state teachers at future retreats, you, our
members must help the board.
We can achieve greater solvency by increasing our membership, by
raising dues, or by increasing our retreat registration fees. I know
that if a dues increase is presented, it’s very easy to “just say no.”
And I know that some will say, “just let those who come to retreat
pay the higher registration fee.” But in the near future we may be
forced to make one or the other choice.
We’re certainly not trying to pad our checkbook, we just want the
Organization to remain financially healthy so that we can continue
our rich tradition of hosting wonderful teachers and lecturers. Our
future is bright, but we must plan for it. For now, bring a friend—
or two or three—to Retreat. Think about these issues so that you
can thoughtfully participate in planning for the future of YOUR
Oklahoma Quilters State Organization.
Our household is stuffed full these days—my son and his two
children are with us for a while. One of my grandsons asked if a
friend could spend the night and I had to tell him that we’re out of
beds and floor space! You can imagine how much I’m looking
forward to Fall Retreat!
Sincerely, Betty Gilliam, President
Fall 2007
Letter from the Retreat Chairman
Fall retreat—just around the corner and down the pike in
Lawton, OK. Our choice this fall is an older, but nicely
refurbished, Best Western. Our room rate includes breakfast,
so food will be a bargain!
Our featured teacher and lecturer will be Darcy Ashton of
bunnies and kitties and dogs and fish appliqué fame. I took a
class from her last winter and was delighted with her
teaching and her technique. Of course, I walked in with my
Bernina, ready for machine appliqué, rather than hand
appliqué. Well, I got a surprise! She calmly stuck with me
while I struggled to hand appliqué a little heart. That needle
turn is tricky stuff. She assured me that after I’d given hand-
appliqué a try, then I could use my Bernina. What a lovely
lady, and what a nice heart I created.
Her appliqué pattern books are charming—and we all have at
least one grandchild needing a quilt. My grandson is the son
of a fisherman in Florida, so of course my project comes
from the fish book. Her newest book contains patterns for
large and small dogs. For her all-day Saturday appliqué
class, you may choose any of her patterns from any of her
books. Darcy will also teach Sunday morning continuing the
appliqué project and turning it into a small wall quilt.
We’ll also have a great group of local teachers. Some will be
offering handwork, some piecing, and we even have one
teacher who will show us how to create coiled fabric bowls.
Don’t forget the mystery class and lots of room for free
sewing.
Now if that just isn’t enough for you, you can slip through
the fence and wander into the Indian casino next door.
(However, I’d rather spend MY money at the vendors’
booths.)
Betty Gilliam, Retreat Chair
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 Best Western Lawton Hotel
& Convention Center
1125 E Gore Boulevard, Lawton, OK
Tel. (580) 353-0200
When you call the Best Western Lawton Hotel for your
reservation, be sure to mention OQSO or Oklahoma
Quilters to get our special rate.
The room rate is:
$84.93 per night for single or double occupancy (includes
tax). For each additional person (3rd or 4th) there will be an
extra charge of $5.00 each. A full continental breakfast
buffet is included in the room rate for each person.
Check in time is 3 pm, check out time is noon.
If you come for Thursday evening, make individual
arrangements with the Hotel.
Please confirm your reservation before arrival.
Directions: From I-44 East or West, take Exit 37 on to
Gore Boulevard. The Best Western Lawton Hotel &
Convention Center is located on Interstate 44 next to
Comanche Nation Games Casino.
The required meal package includes a dinner buffet on
Friday, and a deli lunch buffet and plated dinner on
Saturday for $53.66 which includes tax and gratuity
(see registration page). The meal package cost must be
paid to OQSO with your registration.
Oklahoma Quilters’ State
Organization
Officers
Betty Gilliam, President, Stillwater
Phyllis Enos, Vice President, Tulsa
Treca Adams, Secretary, Pawnee
Cheryl Gebhart, Treasurer, Stillwater
Denise Marsh, Membership, Tulsa
Anne Gaines, Noble, Publicity & Vendors
Frieda Grischkowsky, Newsletter, Stillwater
Sue Roy, Ways and Means, Newkirk
Directors
SE: position vacant
NE: Sue Adkison, Cushing
NW: Lorene Bishop, Weatherford
SW: Carol Capshaw, Lawton
The advertising rate for the OQSO Newsletter is $15.00
per business card-sized ad. The editor reserves the right to
accept or reject advertising requests. Deadline for accepting
advertising is 30 days prior to publication on January 1 or
June 1. The OQSO Newsletter is published twice a year.
This newsletter may be copied for the use of OQSO
members who are interested in attending a retreat.

Membership Information
™ Do you have a new street address or a new e-mail address? Please note any changes on the
registration form.
™ Are you bringing advertisements or handouts? Please leave all of these at the information table.
™ 2007 membership dues expire on 12-31-2007. You can renew on your registration form.
™ All classes have a minimum number of students that must be met.
™ Please do not purchase fabrics for your classes until you receive a confirmation notice and
supply list.

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 RETREAT EVENTS
The OQSO Board has been busy putting together an
exciting weekend for you. Sharon Gunkel is offering a
Mystery class on Saturday evening. We’ll have a
lecture/trunkshow from our guest teacher, Darcy
Ashton, on Friday night, a variety of classes, vendors,
great food, several contests to enter, and, of course,
show and share. You will meet with your old friends,
make new ones, and spend your free time sewing to
your hearts content in the sewing room.
Our General meeting will be held on Saturday night.
Registration Deadline: July 30, 2007
Registration is $35.00 and is required to attend the lecture.
We encourage you to register for classes as early as possible
to receive your supply lists and any pre-class instructions.
Vendors will be open Friday afternoon and at
different times throughout the weekend. Please
partronize our wonderful vendors!
www.OQSO.com
The OQSO Fall Newsletter is posted on the
above web site. Share it with your guild and
quilting friends.
Do you have news or notices for the web site?
Are you bringing your camera to retreat?
Share the excitement of OQSO by sending
info and pictures to:
OQSO Editor
Frieda Grischkowsky, (405) 372-2707
4923 Woodland Dr., Stillwater, OK 74074
fgrischkowsky@sbcglobal.net
Featured Speaker
Darcy Ashton
Oklahoma-based designer Darcy Ashton has
a background as a graphic designer. She
published her first original book
“Grandma’s Bunnies” in 2002. It was an
immediate success and in the few short
years since, books by Ashton Publications
have been sold all over the United States and
abroad.
She has been designing original quilts for
over 15 years and has written several best
selling appliqué books. She has a unique
easy style that is perfect for those of you
who would love to learn the art of appliqué.
She has several original techniques that
make appliqué easy and fun. Her class will
teach you how to trace patterns onto your
fabric without a light-box, how to create
smooth flawless appliqué, numerous
embellishment tricks, and the best part is her
unique “stay-where-you-put-it” buttonhole
stitch, and embroidered eyes that melt your
heart.
Take a peek at her website:
http://www.ashtonpub.com/index.htm
Calling all teachers
If you would like to offer a class at the
Spring 08 Retreat, please bring a sample
of your project, or be prepared to tell us
about your class proposal.
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 Upcoming Oklahoma
Quilt Events
Block Lottery: Your name goes into a drawing once
for each block you submit. Make as many as you
like.
o Theme: Road to Oklahoma block on black
background with two additional colors. See
reverse side of page with class pictures for
piecing instructions
o Size: 10 ½” unfinished
If you have won blocks at a previous retreat July 13-14 Jubilee Centennial Quilt Show,
and have stitched them into a quilt, please bring it for Dewy, OK
show and share. July 26-28 OK Quilt Show, OKC, OK
Sept. 1st Quilts by the Lake 2007, North
Fork Baptist Church, Eufaula
Oct. 26-27 Pryor Patchers Quilt Show,
Pryor, OK
Oct. 27 Kiamichi Quilt Guild 19th
Annual Show, McAlester, OK
Nov. 9 – 10 Stillwater Quilting: Past &
Present. Cimarron Valley
Quilter’s Guild, Stillwater

(See piecing instructions on reverse side of class-

pictures page)

Mark your calendars

The Spring Retreat will be held on

March 28, 29 and 30, 2008, at
Western Hills, Wagoner, OK.

4

Friday’s classes begin at 1.00 pm,
All-Day Classes: 8:30–11:30 a.m. & 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Half-Day Classes: 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. (morning) or
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (afternoon)
Friday Afternoon – ½ day
Diamond Stars Lerlene Nevaril
Class Fee: $17.50
All levels. Quilt size 42”x42”. Great for using scraps or
the new “Jelly Rolls”. Kits available for $35.95, but not
required. Supply list will be sent.
Celtic Quilting Beverly Martine
Class Fee: $17.50
All levels. Make an intricate Celtic design the fast and
easy way. No sewing required in class. Students will learn
how to transfer the design without marking fabrics.
Blocks can be used for quilt, table runner, or wall
hanging. Instructor will provide kits (kit fee is $10.00).
Students need to bring a mini iron and a 16” square piece
of cardboard for pressing.
Insy/Outsy Pillowcase Sharon Gunkel
Class Fee: $17.50
All levels. An attached inner slip prevents your standard
bed pillow or 14” by 20” travel pillow from peeking out
of the case. When made in a bright novelty print, this
insy/outsy pillowcase makes a great gift for any occasion
or “just because”. Supply list will be sent.
Take Five Pam Dunster
Class Fee: $30.00
All levels. Take five minutes to pick five fabrics,
construct one block in five various fabric layouts and in
five hours you can have a completed quilt top! (I had
trouble limiting myself to only five fabrics, so my quilt
had to have more fabrics – just too many pretty choices.)
It doesn’t get much easier than this. You can make this a
very structured and elegant quilt or let your whimsy take
control and make a scrappy masterpiece. Let your
creative juices lead the way. Pattern to be purchased from
Pam. Supply list will be sent.
Note: Class continues Saturday am!
Saturday Morning – ½ day
Continuation of Pam Dunster’s class “Take Five”.
Saturday All Day
Featured Teacher: Darcy Ashton
Appliqué and Embellishment Class Fee: $35.00
All levels. Learn Darcy’s original techniques that make
appliqué easy and fun. She will teach you how to trace
patterns onto your fabric without a light-box, how to
create smooth, flawless appliqué, numerous
embellishment tricks, her unique buttonhole stitch, and
embroidered eyes that will melt your heart.
Supply list will be sent.
Tree of Four Seasons Betty Gilliam
Class Fee: $30.00
All levels. A sheer and shimmering appliquéd tree rests
against a simple pieced background of batiks. Is the tree
trunk in front of or behind the halo of the tree canopy?
Will beads be added? Will the tree depict Spring,
Summer, Fall or Winter? The tree is appliquéd using a
free-motion quilting technique perfect for the beginning
quilter. Based upon a Sew Be It Pattern, this workshop
will encourage your creativity. No matter which season
you pick, the result will delight your eye. Kit to be
privately arranged with the teacher if desired.
Portable Period Sewing Cabinet Sue Roy
Class Fee: $30.00
All levels. An extension project from about 50 years ago.
This piece can add organization to any sized sewing
studio. There are spindles for threads and pockets for fat
quarters or eighths, trims, and other small quilting
accessories. Decorator fabric or quilted (pre-quilted or
quilted fabric made by you) fabric can coordinate this
cabinet to any décor. Kit of wood frame and hardware is
required. Supply list will be sent.
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Sweatshirt Jacket Pat Gates
Class Fee $30.00 Hand Quilting Beverly Martine
All levels. Make your very own piece of wearable art Class Fee: $17.50
with this quilted sweatshirt jacket. Uses a strip piecing All levels. Learn the fundamentals of hand quilting. A
sew and flip method on a sweatshirt base. Supply list will discussion of quilting needles, thimbles, and thread will
be sent. be covered in class. Kit provided by instructor. Kit
includes muslin, wool batting, quilting thread and
thimble. Cost of the kit is $12.00.
Coiled Fabric Bowls/Baskets etc. Montie Gregory
Class Fee: $30.00
All levels. Do you need some instant gratification? These
baskets, bowls plates & purses are fun and easy to make.
Best of all, you’ll be able to finish a couple of projects in
class. Simply wrap fabric strips around the cotton
clothesline, coil into desired shape and secure with
machine stitching. We’ll start with a plate shape to learn
the technique, then each student will design their own
unique project. Success is guaranteed! Supply list will be Sharon Gunkel Saturday night
sent. Class Fee: $17.50
Have you noticed that creative names for Mystery
Classes elude me? As usual, you’ll choose fabrics with
Saturday Afternoon – ½ day different values and your quilt can be lap sized or larger
depending on the number of blocks you stitch. Join us
4-Patch Stacked Posies Billie Corgan for an evening of FUN!
Class Fee: $17.50
Beginners. An easy delightful small quilt with
kaleidoscope posies made from a dark and a light **************************************
colorway of the same fabric. Kit available for a fee of
$36.00. Supply list will be sent.

Sunday Morning – ½ day

Pickle Dish Table Runner Sue Roy
Class Fee: $17.50
o sewing machine with cords and foot pedal
All levels. Learn tricks to successfully piecing this
traditional pattern using foundation paper piecing. The
o fabric and supplies for classes
giant size makes curved piecing a snap. Coordinated o rotary cutter, small cutting mat
fabrics or scraps are your choice to fit your décor. Supply o fabric and paper scissors
list will be sent. o thread, pins, seam ripper, marking pencils
o iron, ironing surface
Little Wall Quilt Darcy Ashton and Betty Gilliam
o other miscellaneous sewing supplies
Class Fee $20.00 o extension cord or power strip
All levels. Simple piecing will create a charming o canvas tote bag
background for your appliqué panel started in Darcy’s o neck wallets from previous retreats for your
Saturday class. Or, replace the appliqué panel with a name tag
printed fabric scene for a delightful small project. Either .
way, Darcy and Betty will help you create a little
masterpiece. Supply list will be sent.
6
Best Western Hotel & Convention Center Registration Form
Lawton, Oklahoma Pre-Registration Required

Registration Deadline – July 30, 2007

No class refunds after the above date. Registration non-refundable.
Confirmation/supply lists will be postmarked no later than 15 days after the close of registration.
Please PRINT clearly.
Name __________________________________________________________ Phone (________)________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________________ State _______ Zip ____________________ ___________
Guild affiliation ___________________________________
Please check the class(es) requested. Kit/pattern fees paid directly to the instructor (See class description)
FRIDAY - pm _____ Diamond Stars, Lerlene Nevaril…………………….………… $17.50 ________
_____ Celtic Quilting, Beverly Martine ………………….……… $17.50 ________
_____ Insy/Outsy Pillowcase, Sharon Gunkel……………..…..…….. $17.50 ________
_____ Take Five, Pam Dunster (All Day Class, continued Sat. am). $30.00 ________
SATURDAY am _____ Take Five (Continued from Friday pm)
SATURDAY all day _____ Appliqué and Embellishment, Darcy Ashton………………….. $35.00 ________
_____ Tree of Four Seasons, Betty Gilliam… ……….………………. $30.00 ________
_____ Sewing Cabinet, Sue Roy.…………………………………….. $30.00 ________
_____ Sweatshirt Jacket, Pat Gates…………………………….…….. $30.00 ________
_____ Coiled Fabric Bowls, Montie Gregory..………………………. $30.00 ________
SATURDAY pm _____ 4-Patch Stacked Posies, Billie Corgan…..……………………. $17.50 ________
SATURDAY NIGHT _____ Saturday Night Mystery, Sharon Gunkel……………………… $17.50 ________
SUNDAY am _____ Pickle Dish, Sue Roy……… ……….. ……………………. $17.50 ________
_____ Little Wall Quilt, Darcy Ashton, B. Gilliam ………………… $20.00 ________
_____ Hand Quilting, Beverly Martine………………………………. $17.50 ________

Required Meal package (incl. Friday night dinner and Saturday lunch and dinner, taxes and gratuity) $53.66 __________
(Breakfast is included in the room rate)
Registration Fee (Non-refundable) Includes Friday and Saturday Night Programs ……. $35.00 ________
Membership † New † Renewal $15.00 _________
Registered at Best Western? _____Yes ____No TOTAL ENCLOSED ========
Please list roommates on the back of this form.

Please include a SASE for confirmation and supply list

Please make checks payable to OQSO and mail to: For office use:date rec’d ________________
Betty Gilliam total due ________________
3502 W. 24th Ave check # ______ total rec’d _______________
Stillwater, OK 74074 balance ________________

7
Oklahoma Quilters’ State Organization
Frieda Grischkowsky, Editor
4923 Woodland Dr.
Stillwater, OK 74074

8
 A small sampling of Darcy’s
appliqué animals

This little quilt is the perfect setting for your appliqué

or a scenic fabric

Celtic Quilting

Sweatshirt Jacket Pickle Dish Table Runner

Sewing Cabinet
4-Patch Stacked Posies

Tree of Four Seasons

Coiled Fabric Bowls

Take Five
Diamond Stars
 ROAD TO OKLAHOMA BLOCK

Cut:
- six 3” squares of a BLACK background fabric
- four 3” squares of colored fabric # 1
- two 3” squares of colored fabric # 2

For half square triangles, cut two 3 ¾” squares each

from black background and from colored fabric # 2. Draw
a diagonal line from corner to corner on the wrong
side of the color squares. Pair up the black and
color squares, right sides together, and stitch ¼”
away on either side of the drawn line. Cut on the
line; press towards the black fabric. Trim square
to 3”.

Piece together according to diagram. Block should measure 10 ½” unfinished.