Oconomowoc Quilters Guild

2026 Retreats

APRIL RETREAT - We have 8 spots open (out of 12)
Lonestar Retreat Center, Belleville, WI
Thurs April 23 (check-in 4pm)- to - Sun April 26 (11 am check-out)
TOTAL COST: $ 245 (plus a shared meal with a team)
Web site:  https://lonestarretreatcenter.com/

SEPTEMBER RETREAT - We have 9 spots open (out of 14)
Wingville Country Retreat, Montfort, WI
Thurs Sept 24 (3 pm arrival) - to - Sun Sept 27 (11:30 am departure)
TOTAL COST: $210 (plus a shared meal with a team)
Web site: https://creativegatherings.org/

New 2026 Challenge

Bock Bock Bucket
● A Chicken Bucket was passed out in December 2025 and January 2026 and you are to label and add two yards of fabric into the bucket. You will swap buckets each month and make at least one 12-1/2’ block (or many) out of the fabric in someone else’s bucket. You may add additional fabric from your stash and we want you to put your skills to work. Paper piece, traditional piece, appliqué and use all your talents
and make these blocks for someone else in the guild. You will get one credit for each different 12-1/2 block you make. Each pattern must be different from others in the bucket. Variety is the spice of life!
● The next month you’ll check in and get your credits from me. Please make sure you return the
bucket each month and also please make sure each block measures correctly.
● Grab the next bucket and make another block or two. You may also call people up and swap
early if you know you’ll miss a meeting.
● Save your credits for the end of the year for fantastic prizes and awards!!!!!!
● Please feel free to ask any questions and keep encouraging our quilters during our quilting journey. It’s going to be a great year!

*This is just a couple of reminders about your  Bock Bock Blocks exchange

• Please remember to iron and starch your fabric before cutting and making your 12-1/2” block. Just about all fabric will shrink a bit after ironing unless you spray with water and/or starch. Nancy Zieman always recommended doing this twice before cutting.
• When pressing make sure you press  not stretch. Margaret will be posting something in more detail about this.
• Please take care with your 1/4” seams so your block measures 12-1/2”
• I have extra empty buckets at my house for those members who want to still join or to swap. I have three extra fabric filled buckets for comfort quilt blocks also added into the mix for anyone wanting to join and make a block but not participate all year. You can contact me to get a bucket.

• National Quilt of Valor Sew Day-Saturday, February 7th, 9am-4pm.

  We are so excited to participate in the National Quilt of Valor sew day at Lord of Life Church on Hwy P.  Thank you to Lord of Life for allowing us to come and use your church.

  This is an opportunity to meet members and create new friendships. You can work on a project by yourself or you can work with other people.  You are invited to bring along friends and or family.  It is open to all.  If you want to come and socialize you are welcome to do that too.  You can come whenever you like and leave when you want.

  Items you might be interested in bringing:

  • Sewing Machine and sewing supplies
  • Sewing Machine Table (if you use one and want you can bring it along)
  • Portable Iron and Mat (there are two irons and ironing boards)
  • Cutting mat and rotary cutter you can use at your workstation (we will have cutting mats available)
  • Extension Cords
  • Spray Starch (We will also have some)
  • Pattern - if you have one you want to try and if you have material you want to bring
  • Portable design wall or tablecloth to use as a design mat

  Items that will be available:

  • Kits, Kits, Kits (we have over 40 kits available)
  • Material (we will be bringing material from the River House)
  • Patterns
  • 2 Irons and Ironing Boards
  • Cutting Mats

  If you want to work on your QOV Quilt Panel challenge that is also an option. We will be taking pictures throughout the day and then posting them on the Wisconsin Quilt of Valor Facebook page. (only if we remember to take pictures)

  It is not a requirement to join QOVF.  The National Quilt of Valor Foundation is giving out door prizes if you participate in the National Sew Day.  You can sew anywhere, not just at Lord of Life.  To be eligible for the prizes you have to be a member of the QOVF. The cost is $10.00.  The registration remains open until February 7th at noon.  If you are interested in joining, please call or email Mary at hiemekm@gmail.com or 262-719-2791.  Our Guild is a member of the QOVF. If you join, join a GROUP and select Oconomowoc Quilt Guild on the national website. 

  Lunch Time:

  How about soups?  Patty R, Amy R and Mary H have offered to make soup for everyone.  Others can bring snacks or items to go with the soups.  Coffee will be available thought-out the day.  Bring your own drinks.
  Please let us know if you have any questions.

  Pat R. and Mary H.

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• Results of our Food Drive efforts - November 20, 2025
  Thanks to everyone that donated all of these much-needed items to the Oconomowoc Food Pantry located on Brown Street adjacent to St. Vinnies.
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