Purple Paisley Quilters: Recent Quilts

The PPQ quilt Monday nights in the church basement. Don't worry if you've never quilted before, we will teach you and supply materials. We help each other with individual quilting projects and are lavish with praise, admiration and advice (on any aspect of life).

L-R: Cindy Magnuson, Marguerite Thoreson, Mike O'Neil, Vanessa, Betsy Thomas, Tom Casad, Margaret Dibble, Mary George, Louise Ashmun. Learn more about Afghans for Afghans on our Social Action page.

The Dog Scarf quilt, with PPQ and with dog. Left to right: Marguerite Thoreson, Joyce Leonard, Judy LaLonde, Mary Jo Hamilton, Margaret Dibble, Mary George, Sara Holup, in front Michael O'Neill.

Cassie and Mark and their new son, Levi, receiving a quilt from the PPQ. From left to right: Marguerite Thoreson, Louise Ashmun, Nancy Nelson, Judy LaLonde, Levi, Cassie, Mark, Mary Jo Hamilton.

Here are two photos taken at the PPQ annual Fall Retreat, held this year at Lake Wallowa on October 1-3. The one outside is taken on the summit of Mt. Roberts, at the Royal Purple overlook. Left to right: Judy LaLonde, Mary Jo Hamilton, Mary George, Marguerite Thoreson, Louise Ashmun, Margaret Dibble. The second one is taken in the Leonard's cabin. Left to right: Judy LaLonde, Mary George, Mary Jo Hamilton, Louise Ashmun, Margaret Dibble, Marguerite Thoreson. Text: Our annual fall retreat was a big success this year. We stayed in the Leonard’s beautiful cabin at Wallowa Lake (a Service Auction bargain) and hiked, rode the tram, watched kokanee salmon spawn, shopped, knit, quilted, played Mah Jongg, and toasted the sunset with wine and Cheetos. The weather was perfect, the food all gourmet, and companionship unsurpassed.

Left, Rita Styer, Right, Mary Jo Hamilton. Text: 2004 winner of the PPQ award for First Best Quilt in the adult category at the Latah County Fair quilt show. The quilt was made by Shaun Carson, Moscow.

Left to Right: Mary Jo Hamilton reading poem, Rev. Joan Montagnes looking bemused, Nancy Nelson (alias the oak tree). Text: On the occasion of Rev. Joan Montagnes' 10th anniversary of her ordination, an all-congregational potluck was held in her honor. An original poem by the PPQ was read. Although a red leaf maple will be planted to commemorate this occasion, that has not yet occurred. Nancy Nelson ably stood in as surrogate tree.

A poem for Rev. Joan on the occasion of the commemeration of the 10th anniversary of her ordination

I think that we shall never see The equal of Joan’s ministry. A seed was sown 10 years ago, An opportunity to grow.

Pullman was the family hall. Joan was waiting for a call. Pullman was the place to wait Until our church became Joan’s fate.

Seven years on the Palouse, Not too tight and not too loose. A perfect fit in every way, Joan continues day by day.

Sermons, music, caring calls, Meetings, potlucks, costume balls, Finance, RE, New UU, So many things for Joan to do.

Long range planning, movie night, Making sure the sermon’s right, Secretary, sexton, Rod All get Joan’s discerning nod.

So Joan, in thanks for all you do, We plant this maple tree for you.

The Purple Paisley Quilters have been commissioned to create a festive banner for the UUA Pacific Northwest District. The banner will be publicly unveiled during the PNWD General Assembly, hosted by our church in February 2003.

From the January 2003 newsletter:

"Nancy Nelson is project leader for this, being the one who created the design. Her first assistant is Louise, a hard working new member of the PPQ. Much of the early work is applique, which will be followed by a lot of hand quilting. This is something everyone can get involved in; if you would like to put a few stitches in the district banner, come by on Monday night and help out. No experience required, all materials supplied."

The two sides of the banner depict the east and west sides of the PNWD. Here is a detailed view of the inland side, partially obscured by Donna in the picture above.