Happy 20th Anniversary!!

A look back.......I dug out some old photos the other day to get a better idea of when our little group started - the beginning seeds were planted back in 1993 when 2 friends, Judi  (that's me!) & Kim , decided to form a Friendship Quilters group & taught our first class in the back meeting room of a credit union in Port Edwards, WI.  

Can you believe it?!?!  That makes our group 20 years old this year - woohoo!!!!  What a great way to celebrate by starting this blog so we can connect, share projects, inspiration & friendship no matter where life takes us!!

Our regular group classes started soon after, when The Cotton Thimble opened on West Grand Ave, Wis Rapids.  I remember Mary R in the early years just learning how to rotary cut - now she could literally cut circles around me!!! :D

Over the years, our friendships grew as much as our skills did.  We welcomed new faces, missed others when they couldn't make it & enjoyed projects & laughter.  Our annual picnic & UFO nights grew to be favorites - it was fun to have the whole shop to ourselves!!



 Another special part of our group was the service projects we did - a quilt for the Habitat for Humanity house (thanks Judy B!), a signature quilt for Marshfield's Hope Lodge, small pillowcases for children at the Ronald McDonald house, & pillows & totes for breast cancer patients to name a few.




  2011 brought more change - Barb S. took over being the group coordinator when I left to get married & start a new adventure in northern Virginia.  The group has found a wonderful new home as well, & Barb has introduced more fun & games along with projects.  Each person adds a special touch to the group, has shared ideas & experiences (& maybe a few patterns along the way, too!) & now it is time to add one more facet to the group - sharing online!! Inspired by Jennifer Chiavarini's book, "The Cross-Country Quilters", this Cross Country Friendship Quilters blog can keep us all connected & I can't wait to see what's next!!