January 2026
 
A new year is like a fresh bolt of fabric—full of possibility and just waiting to be cut into something beautiful. As we turn the calendar page, we’re also opening the door to new ideas, new friendships, and new quilts yet to be imagined. Let’s make 2026 a year of creativity, learning, and joy, stitched together one meeting at a time.
 
Quilt Day – Saturday, January 17 – Zoom meeting only

• Invitations will be emailed to members on January 15. We will open the meeting on Zoom at 9:00 a.m.Non-members may purchase a guest pass by clicking here.
• Rachel Derstine is our teacher and lecturer via Zoom for the weekend. In her lecture “Keep It Simple but Pack a Punch,” Rachel will demonstrate the idea that quilts do not need to be complex to be compelling.  She will share her thoughts on how to choose great fabrics and simple designs to create amazing quilts.  She will also show some work from artists who have inspired her and speak about how her background has informed her work.
• Space is still available in her workshops:
  • Friday – Bringing Architecture to Life
  • Saturday – Mini Landscapes
  • Sunday – Strata Quilt

Click here for details, the supply lists, and to register (both members and non-members).
 
 
2026 Workshops
Click here for details, supply lists and to register (both members and non-members).  The line-up is:

• March – Jane Sassaman
• May – Kevin Womack
• September – Mary Bajcz and Kathy Schmidt
• November – Carolina Oneto

Jane Sassaman’s workshop is filled but you can sign up on a waiting list. Other workshops are close to full, so register soon to make sure your spot is reserved. If the workshop is full, please place your name on the waiting list with our Workshop Registrar. You might get lucky!
 
2026 Semiquincentennial Challenge for Members
A new guild challenge has begun for the March 21 Quilt Day. The challenge is to complete an 8 ½” block (to finish at 8”) using red, white and blue fabric. The fabric can be solid or prints but be sure to pre-wash your reds.  The completed blocks, of any design you choose, will be collected that day by Patrice Smith, which she will use to make a SafeHouse quilt.
 
Guild Fabric Sale
A new year provides a fresh start for many, and what better time than now to think about your fabric stash?
 
Spring may be a few months away, but you can always get a jump start on spring cleaning.  Perhaps you need to downsize after the summer shop-hops. Maybe you’re ready to admit that the fabric you’ve held onto for years and swore you’d make something with is never getting used and finally needs to go.  Or you’re just ready for a little refresh. Whatever the motivation, we appreciate the donations.  Keep in mind that the Fabric Sale helps fund our goals for SafeHouse Center and we want to make sure that everyone can be wrapped in the warmth and love of a handmade quilt. 

• Donations need to be received by May 1st to be included in this year’s sale. Please email fundraisingfabricsale@gaaqg.com to coordinate drop off/pick up.
• This year’s Fabric Sale will take place on May 16th after Quilt Day and will be in the atrium at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College. The sale opens at noon for both members and nonmembers. As always, fabric is priced by volume and we provide a suggested donation value.
  • Quart Size Zip Lock Bag: $1 – 5
  • Gallon Size Zip Lock Bag: $6 – 15
  • Plastic Grocery Bag: $16 – 30
  • Paper or Cloth Grocery Bag: $31 – 50
  • Paper or Cloth bag PLUS a Plastic grocery bag: $51 – 75
  • Two Paper or Cloth Grocery Bags: $76 – 100
• Thanks to our wonderful board we now have a shiny, new credit card terminal for speedy checkout; cash and checks are also accepted. 

Quilter to Quilter Sale
We are still finalizing the details for our Quilter to Quilter, Crafter to Crafter sale later this year.  Now is a great opportunity to do a little spring-cleaning and get rid of any quilting and craft supplies you no longer want or use. Turn those items into cash by renting a table for a few hours. Or plan on volunteering to be part of the early sales. Fun will be had by all. Watch for complete details in March.
 
 
Next Online Saturday Sew-in
Our Saturday Sew-in is held on the 4th Saturday of each month on Zoom. The next date is Saturday, January 24, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. All members receive an invitation to the meeting two days before. Feel free to drop in and out as your schedule allows. We have so much talent in our guild that we always learn new tips, tricks, and resources on diverse topics while getting some dedicated time to work on our projects.
 
 
Please check out our GAAQG website for additional information about the guild. If you are not currently a member, you can join the Greater Ann Arbor Quilt Guild on our website by clicking the link (at the top of every page). We would love to have you!
 
Sincerely,
Jane Clark,
GAAQG President