Friday, December 13, 2013

December 14th Meeting --Cancelled--

 
 
Saturday, December 14th meeting is Cancelled
 
 
Members, an email has been sent to you with more information. 
 
Friends, Guests and Interested Parties...we look forward to seeing you on January 11th, 2014.
 
 
Please stay warm and stay safe!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Meeting #40 - December 14th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

We hope that you will join us on Saturday to help bring 2013 to a close.  It is sure to be a fun-filled day, so don't miss out.  

Date: December 14th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

   =================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Charity Committee Update
-Member's Swap/Challenge Committee (Fat Quarter Swap)
-Volunteer Opportunities
-Ticket Raffle
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

***Don't forget to pay your 2014 Membership Dues, as renewal memberships must be completed this month.  There are lots of perks including Sew-Ins, sponsored fabric challenges, etc.  All members will also receive a pretty cool MQG membership pin.  $40 gets you all that and more...cash and check are accepted. 

***This month's BIG event is the Ticket Raffle; where you can buy tickets or use the ones provided in exchange for your donation last month.  There are lots of amazing items up for grabs including books, fabric, notions and more.  Want to know more about how this works, check out this link.

***Did you take a name at last month's meeting for the Fat Quarter Swap?  Don't forget to bring your Fat Quarters for your Secret Swap Partner, we will be exchanging those at the meeting. 

 ***Bring your Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 2 pieces/items a member please. Have a bee block or quilt top in progress, that counts too, bring it...we'll hang them up on the wall.

***We will be collecting finished pillow covers, and new pillowforms for our STLMQG Cares "Pillow-Bomb" project.



See you Saturday!!


Sunday, November 10, 2013

Meeting Recap (November 9th, 2013)

Thank you to all of the members and guests that attended yesterday's meeting, we love seeing you each and every month.

  • 10 Minute Tip - Carol shared lots of tips for how to prepare bias binding.
                  **If you would like to share with us a 10 Minute Tip, find the 10 Minute tip button along the right sidebar to sign up**
  • There is so much going on with our STLMQG Cares "Pillow-Bomb" project, so be sure to check out the STLMQG Cares tab along the top to see how you can get involved.  We have our first big Pillow-Making marathon coming up next Saturday and hope to see you there.  A big Thank you to everyone who made pillow covers, and bought pillow forms to the meeting.  We have a long way to go; so let's not lose any steam.

  • An enormous Thank You to everyone who donated items to our 3rd annual Ticket Raffle.  We were blown away by the response and are positive that you will be thrilled with all of the spectacular items up for grabs.  We will be posting photos in a few weeks to whet your appetite :-)

  • We can't wait to see all of the exciting things that you make for the Riley Blake Challenge. While the quilts might not be due until February; don't forget that you can post sneak-peeks on Instagram using the hashtag   #mqgrileyblakechallenge

  • Thanks for sharing all of your beautiful quilts and blocks during Show & Tell, it is always lovely to see what everyone is working on and has recently finished.

  • Are you interested in learning more about SewDown: Nashville.  Be sure to check out the pevious link and don't forget that registration opens Monday, November 11th.  Visit The MQG Community site to learn more and for a discount code.

  • The Member's Swap/Challenge committee issued their final swap of 2013.  It's a definite stash-builder, so don't forget that little piece of paper that you selected and remember to purchase 4 FQs for your secret Swap Partner. 

  • Our final Sew In Saturday of 2013, will take place on Saturday November 30th from 9am-9pm.  Kelly, our Secretary, will be sending out an email over the next week or so with sign-up information.  This is a great opportunity to not only crank out some pillowcases, if you wish; but also for starting or finishing some of those handmade holiday gifts. 

  • Have you heard about Janie Lou's first BOM (Block of the Month)?  Check out their newsletter, stop by the store or give them a call to learn more. 

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Meeting #39 - November 9th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

It is hard to believe that November is already upon us; but before we bring 2013 to a close we still have quite a few things planned, so don't miss Saturday's meeting

Date: November 9th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

   =================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-10 Minute Tip
-Charity Committee Update
-Member's Swap/Challenge Committee Announcement
-Discuss Election & Volunteer Opportunities
-Ticket Raffle Item Collection
-Show & Tell
-Riley Blake Fabric Challenge
-Mix & Mingle


***It is time to pay your 2014 Membership Dues.  In order to remain a member you must pay during November or December's meeting, $40...cash or check are accepted. 

 ***Don't forget that we want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 2 pieces/items a member please. Have a bee block or quilt top in progress, that counts too, bring it...we'll hang them up on the wall.

***We will be collecting finished pillow covers, new pillowforms and any modern fabric you are donating to our STLMQG Cares "Pillow-Bomb" project.

***Did you hear the news about our Ticket Raffle in December?  We collect items this month, so please don't forget to bring them.  Have questions, check out our post.

See you on Saturday!!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ticket Raffle 2013 - The Ins & Outs

Our STLMQG Ticket Raffle is always a lot of fun and the $$ we raise goes right back into our guild.  This will be our 3rd year hosting the Ticket Raffle and while many of our members are well-aware of how this works, we want to make sure that everyone can get in on the fun.

How This Works:
Members donate fabulous items at the November meeting and are issued tickets in exchange for the retail value of their complete donation.  Items are bundled, if necessary, or left as is and brought back to the December meeting.  In December, members can purchase tickets or use those they were issued to take a chance at winning the items which were donated. 

Donation FYI:
Donations should be things that your fellow members would like to win, and should generally be modern, new and unused...there are of course a few exceptions; which are listed below.  The key to donating is to create excitement in that item.  Do not use this as an opportunity to unload your magazines from 1997, that box of items you were going to donate to Good-Will or items which otherwise should be trashed. 

Acceptable Donation Items:
  • Quilt-Shop Quality Modern Fabric (Charm Packs, FQs, Half-Yards, Gallon bags of modern fabric scraps, etc)
  • Patterns (Totes/Handbags, Modern Quilt Patterns, etc.)
  • Finished Handmade Items (Modern Quilts, Handbags, WallHangings, Pillows, etc)
  • Thread (Aurifil, Gutterman, Speciality, etc)
  • Crafting Supplies (English Paper Piecing Supplies, Embroidery Kits, Fancy Yarns, etc)
  • Be Creative!!  We've had donations of Wine & Restaurant Gift Certificates in the past which are perfect too.



Ticket to Donation Exchange Rate (November Meeting):
If the estimated Retail value of your entire donation is…
$10 or less = 5 Tickets
$11 - $30 you receive 10 Tickets
$31 - $50 you receive 15 Tickets
$51 and up = 20 tickets

Tickets for purchase in December:
3 Tickets for $1 

Ticket Raffle Directions:
Buy your tickets, or use the ones you received in exchange for your donation.  Write your full name on the ticket, or make up small stickers (Return Address size) to place on the back, if you don't want to write your full name over and over.  Find the item/items you wish to take a chance on, place your ticket into the corresponding bag and cross your fingers. There is no limit to the amount of tickets that you can place into each bag, so if you really want an item…put “all your eggs in one basket”.  Winners will be randomly selected.  There is no limit to the amount that you can win. 

Misc:
If you have any questions, do not hestiate to ask.
 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Meeting Recap (October 5th, 2013)

Yesterday's meeting was jam-packed with lots of news and information, so let us get to it right away.


  • 10 Minute Tip - Ann shared lots of tips and tricks for how to prepare your quilt for a Longarm.
                  **If you would like to share with us a 10 Minute Tip, find the 10 Minute tip button along the right sidebar**

  • There is so much going on with our STLMQG Cares "Pillow-Bomb" project, so be sure to check out the STLMQG Cares tab along the top to see how you can get involved.  A big Thank you to everyone who made pillow covers, bought pillow forms, cut and/or donated fabric. 


  • Our Officer elections will be in November.  If you have been a member for at least one year, love and understand modern quilting, and are interested in running for office, please contact Jamie by the end of October and she will put you on the list.  Want to know what the Officer's responsibilities include, check out this PDF.

  • We Want You!!!  We have several amazing committees and want you to be involved.  Drop us an email if you are interested or sign-up at the next meeting.
    • Member's Swap/Challenge Committee - Responsible for creating 1 Quilt Challenge and 2 Swaps a year.  They are the ones who created the Ohio Star Challenge.
    • Education Committee - Responsible for creating two education opportunities (Demos, Panels, etc.) sharing things that would be of interest to our modern guild.

  • Riley Blake Challenge - This Quilt Challenge kicked off this month and is due at our February 2014 meeting, to see the rules, visit our Challenges tab at the top of our blog.

  • Panel Discussion (Pattern Writing/Submission) - Thanks to Casey, Krista and Kristy for sharing their insight into the world of pattern writing and magazine submission.  Here are some of the websites and various things which were mentioned.

  • Finally, just a heads-up reminder that we will be collecting 2014 dues in November and December; which are $40...cash or check.  In order to remain a STLMQG member, you must pay by the December meeting.  This is so we have an official member count; which is submitted to The MQG and determines our affiliation fees for the 2014 calendar year. 



STLMQG Cares - Supporters

The STLMQG would like to thank the following Supporters for their generosity in helping us to "Pillow-Bomb" Siteman Cancer Center.




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http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome

Spoonflower

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Intrepid Thread

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The employees of Bunzl who contributed through "Jeans Day"
************************************

And of course, last; but certainly not least all of the STLMQG Charity Committee and Members, who graciously donate their time.  You all are doing a fantastic job, no matter if you are contacting and following up with Supporters, cutting yards of donated fabric, making actual pillow cases or buying pillow forms. 
Thank You!!     


----------------------------------------------------------------------
This page will be updated with Supporters as they join with us on this project.
Visit the STLMQG Cares tab to learn more about our progress.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Meeting #38 - October 5th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

Your eyes are not deceiving you, our meeting is this coming Saturday.  So set that alarm because you are not going to want to miss it.

Date: October 5th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

   =================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-Riley Blake Fabric Challenge (Fabric & Rules distributed)
-10 minute Tip
-Charity Committee Update
-Show & Tell
-Upcoming Elections (Opportunities, Process, Etc.)
-Panel Discussion (Pattern Writing/Magazine Submission)
-Mix & Mingle



***Don't forget that we want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 2 pieces/items a member please. 

***Have a bee block or quilt top in progress, bring it...we'll hang them up on the wall.

***We will be collecting finished pillow covers, new pillowforms and any modern fabric you are donating to our STLMQG Cares "Pillow-Bomb" project.


See you on Saturday!!

Sunday, September 22, 2013

STLMQG Cares - Pillow Tutorial

So, have you started to pull some modern fabric from your stash or maybe picked up a yard or two at a local shop...so now what?  Make a pillow cover of course...

Q:  Can I use any pillow-cover tutorial?

A:  In an effort to streamline our process and the project overall, we have decided to use one tutorial. 

Please use the following tutorial; which was created specifically for this project and was tested for accuracy and ease of assembly.  This tutorial creates a well-fitted pillow cover that includes finished seams; which will strengthen the durability of the pillow.


This file is very large, so please download it to your computer.
One note before you start assembling pillow covers, please make sure that you have a handful of our STLMQG Cares labels on hand, as you'll need them prior to pillow assembly. 

These are available at each STLMQG meeting.  If you cannot wait until the next meeting, please email the STLMQG and we will forward your request.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Visit the STLMQG Cares tab to learn more about your next steps and about our progress.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

STLMQG Cares - FAQs



Question 1: What is our project goal?

A:  Our guild's goal is to make 1,000 pillow covers and collect 1,000 pillow forms so we can deliver them to Siteman Cancer Center on Valentine's Day, February 14th, 2014.

----------------------

Question 2: What size pillows are we making and can I donate a pillow form?

A:  The size we agreed on is 14" x 14" square.  We will gladly accept brand new pillow forms, so long as they are cotton or poly filled.  We cannot accept down-filled pillow forms, as they have the potential to cause allergies.

----------------------

Question 3: How much fabric do I need to make a pillow?

A:   The pillow front requires one FQ of Modern 100% cotton quilt-shop quality printed fabric.  The pillow back requires a 1/2 yd of coordinating 100% cotton "solid or semi-solid" quilt-shop quality fabric. 
*Don't forget that you also will need a STLMQG Cares label; which are available at our STLMQG meetings. 

----------------------

Question 4: Who do I contact for more information, or to learn how I can get involved?

A:   If you are a STLMQG member, please see the "Responsibilities" pdf; which was emailed to you on September 25th.  If you are a non-member, part of the quilting industry, a member of the media, etc...you can send us an email here.

---------------------

Question 5: I am a member of the STLMQG; but missed the kickoff in September.  How can I participate?

A:  YAY!  We are very excited that you want to help out as we will not be able to reach our goal without the support of our members. To start, please locate the STLMQG Cares tab at the top of our blog, that is where all of the information you need to know will be located.  Second, start digging through that modern stash of yours, or consider visiting your local quilt shop to pick up some modern fabric (see Question 3 above, or visit the Pillow Tutorial post -coming soon-)

--------------------

Question 6: Is the guild planning an event to sew and assemble pillows on a larger scale?

A:   Yes, we have plans to do so and will be updating our Events page as details are finalized.

--------------------

This page will be updated as new questions and topics arise. 
Visit the STLMQG Cares tab to learn more about your next steps and about our progress.

STLMQG Cares - Modern Fabrics 101



Remember, we want our pillows to be a breath of fresh air.

Q:  What fabrics should we use for the front of the pillow?

A:  The front of the pillows are to be a modern fabric print, quilt-shop quality. 

For anyone who has questions about what is or isn't a modern fabric, we thought this post might help.

The below are some general guidelines for those who need them. 

Modern Fabrics are similar to those found in the below mosaic.  They are clean and saturated prints; generally not fussy or super-complex.  Some usually feature white + color; but that is not a requirement. 

We are not asking you to seek out the exact prints below; but rather ask yourself...does X or Y Fabric play nice with the below?
     -- If the answer is yes, then you are on the right track. 
     -- If the answer is no, then please consider pulling/buying something else. 

This mosaic was made using BigHugeLabs


Modern Fabrics Are Not::
  • Batiks
  • Civil War or 1930's Reproduction prints
  • Dull & Muddy colors...Forest Green, Brick, etc.
  • Pastels...Baby Pink, Pale Yellow, Baby Blue
  • Novelties...in the way of clowns, food-related prints, oriental-inspired, etc.
This list is not meant to say that the "Not Modern" fabrics are not beautiful in their own way; but we are striving for our pillows to have a consistent and modern look.
Q:  What fabrics should we use for the back of the pillow?
 
A:  The back of the pillows are to be a solid or semi-solid, and as always quilt-shop quality. 

Solid fabrics in colors that coordinate with the front of the pillow are what you want to use.  We would prefer that you don't use white for the pillow backs, it is just too light and shows it's age super fast.  Solids such as Kona, Bella, Cotton Couture, Soho Solids, etc. are all great choices. 

Alternatively, you can use semi-solids; which are super subtle prints that generally read solid when seen from a distance.  Things like this, or this and other variations. 



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Updated 9/22::  A question was asked whether the premium cottons from Jo-Ann's were acceptable to use.  Yes, so long as you pick from DS Quilts, Cloud 9 Organics, ModKid Studio, Juliana Horner or the modern Michael Miller prints that they carry.  Not all of their premium cottons are modern, so it's helpful it you stick with those listed above.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Hopefully this post has helped answer some questions you may have had about modern fabrics.
Visit the STLMQG Cares tab to learn more about your next steps and about our progress.



Monday, September 16, 2013

Meeting Recap (September 14th, 2013)

Thank you to everyone who came to our meeting yesterday, it was a packed house.  Let's get to it and don't forget to read all the way through to the bottom.

  • Lynne kicked off our STLMQG Cares "Pillow Bomb" campaign to benefit Siteman Cancer Center.  Everything you need to know regarding this charitable event can be found on the STLMQG Cares tab.  We'll be posting pillow-cover tutorials, who to contact for what, monthly events and other ways that you can be involved.   Also, once we start receiving pillow forms and pillow covers, we'll add a graphic so you can see our progress.  

  • We will begin the Riley Blake Challenge in October, and it will be due in December.  Stay tuned for more information.

  • The other anticipated part of the meeting had to be the Ohio Star Challenge quilts.  This journey started back in June and WOW!!!! you all did not disappoint. There was so much creativity that we couldn't resist covering the walls.  Below are just a few of the many quilts that were made.  We've created a Google Drive PDF, click here and download it to see them in full color. If you made a quilt, please be sure to upload a photo to our Flickr page.

                                   









Here's some things going on that you might want to know about:

We need your participation:
  • Beginning in October, we are going to feature a 10 Minute Tip at every meeting.  We know we have lots of clever members, so find the blue button along the right hand side that says "10 Minute Tip" and you'll be taken to a Google Sign-Up form.  This button will remain on our blog, so sign-up whenever you have something you want to share.  Thanks Hannah for the suggestion.


  • In October we are hosting a Pattern Writing/Magazine Submission Panel Discussion.  Yet, we can't do this without you.  We need 2 things...Panelists and Questions.  Want to be on the Panel?  Have a question you want answered?  Send us an email.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Meeting #37 - September 14th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

The weather is supposed to be absolutely beautiful Saturday (upper 70s), so it is a great time to come and see what we are up to.  We have Challenge quilts to see and lots more, so don't miss this meeting.

Date: September 14th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

***Don't forget next month's meeting is the 1st Saturday, October 5th...mark your calendars***

 =================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-Ohio Star Challenge Quilt Reveal
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

***We have an extra special Fabric Raffle this month as our very own Cindy Lammon has put together a bundle of coordinating fabrics that would make any quilter happy, and of course who wouldn't want the chance to win a copy of her new book "Simply Modern Christmas" too.


***We have seen some sneak peeks of a few Ohio Star Challenge Quilts and we can't wait to see them all in person.  Why did you made what you did?  Was it challenging, was it fun, did anything funny happen along the way?  You'll have an opportunity to talk a little about your quilt, so don't be shy.  And of course, while this challenge WAS for fun, there's no harm in having a few prizes for the top 3 Favs (as will be voted on during the meeting).

 ***Also, don't forget that we want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 2 pieces/items a member please.

***For anyone who is wondering about the Riley Blake Fabric Challenge, as soon as we get some news, we'll let everyone know.

See you on Saturday!!
 
Following the meeting, don't forget that Cindy Lammon will be at JanieLou signing copies of her new book.  If you don't already have a copy, JanieLou will have them available for sale.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Meeting Recap (August 10th, 2013)

We had a packed house this past Saturday as we welcomed familiar friends and new faces.

Let's do a recap, shall we...

  • We opened the meeting with 85 due-paying members and closed it with 90...WOW!!!
  • Last week we received our official 501c3 group exemption non-profit documentation from The MQG.  The MQG has announced that they are working on the membership cards, a new blog button and fingers crossed will soon be announcing the next Fabric Challenge.
  • Lynne announced that our Fall Charity Project will be...Pillows!!!...supporting Siteman.  Did everyone get a chance to see the super cute pillow she brought with her?  All due-paying members will be receiving a survey in their email over the coming weeks asking for feedback on the charity project...Stay Tuned!
  • Our members unanimously voted to add the following to our By-Laws under Article 10 in regards to amending By-Laws.  The bit about voting via online ballot was added since we understand that in some instances it is necessary for all members, including those who are unable to attend our meetings, to vote on By-Law Amendments.  This will be added to our By-Laws this week with an amended date of 8/10/2013.


"Amendments to these by-laws shall be made by majority vote of members present as a regular or special meeting.  If deemed necessary, members may also vote via online ballot, instructions and information to be provided in an email.  The changes must be posted on the Guild's website(s) for all to see."

  • The first online ballot to be sent out will arrive in due-paying members' inboxes later this week.  It will pertain to adding an amendment in regards to "children attending meetings"...which was a discussion that was held during the meeting on Saturday.
  • Our members recapped Jacquie Gering's presentation and workshop, showing some of the projects they made using her crazy piecing technique. 

  • Did you find some "new to you" modern fabric that you want to add to you shopping list?  Thanks to our members who brought in some of their new fabric purchases, it was great to see the color, scale and quality of some of the prints hitting shelves now.   
  • It was great to see what everyone was working on in Show & Tell. Thanks for sharing!!
  • We closed out our meeting with a little group-activity.  We wanted to know what activities/techniques/challenges you would like to learn?  What Speakers would be a good fit for the STLMQG?  Additional thoughts and suggestions you may have for our guild?  And don't forget, you don't have to wait for a questionnaire to offer suggestions.  Thanks to everyone who participated, we can't wait to add these to our growing list and put them into action.



Thanks to everyone for coming out, participating and supporting our guild!

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Meeting #36 - August 10th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

We have so much to look forward to now that we are an affiliated MQG and we want to hear from you.  There will be lots of opportunities to offer your feedback and help to shape our future, so you won't want to miss this meeting.

Date: August 10th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

=================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-Charity Announcement/Volunteers/Etc.
-Our Guild's Future (Activities, Education, Speakers)
-ByLaw Amendment Proposition
-Jacquie Gering Recap
-What's New in Modern Fabric  **Participation Wanted, see below**
-Mix & Mingle

***Okay, fess up...we know that you have bought some of the new modern fabrics that have hit the market over the last few months.  We would like to ask our members to bring some of their goodies to the meeting for a little "What's New in Modern Fabric" activity.  If you bought a F8th/FQ bundle, we'd love for you to bring the whole thing if you don't mind...otherwise, if you just bought a few pieces here and there, that's good too.  Don't bring your whole stash, just a few fabric-pretties, so you can show your fellow members what's new out there.  Don't worry, the fabric will be in your possession the whole time and of course, we realize that people might bring the same print/collection, that's okay because we want to hear about what drew you to those prints anyway.

 ***We want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 2 pieces/items a member please.

See you on Saturday!!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Modern Quilt Guild Affiliation - Guild Membership Approved

Hello Modern Quilters,

As you may remember from the post that was written last week, our guild had a decision to make regarding if we would be affiliating with The Modern Quilt Guild.

We sent out emails to all of our due-paying members, included documentation about the affiliation, the required changes to our by-laws, etc.  Thank you to all of those members who took the time to read the information and vote, your participation shows that you are invested in our guild's future.

As the votes were tallied, we did receive our majority and therefore our guild will be affiliating; which we are very excited to be doing. Thank You again!

So, you are probably asking yourself...What's Next??

First, we will be providing The Modern Quilt Guild with all required paperwork this week; which includes a copy of our amended By-Laws, our Financial documentation, List of Officers, etc. 

Second, we will be uploading all of our members into the database.  This database will not only make it easier for the Officers to manage our guild; but will provide each member with an opportunity to participate in The Modern Quilt Guild community site.  Each due-paying member will receive a confirmation email, asking you to verify that you are in fact a member of the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild.  It is important that you click through to the link in the email and verify this information, otherwise the Officers will not be able to properly communicate with you.

Third, once you have confirmed you place as an STLMQG due-paying member, take some time to check out the new community site, play around and have some fun.  It is still a work in progress, and new features will roll out throughout the year. 

===============================================================

We have updated our About Us section to include the amended By-Laws; but you can also find them here for quick reference.  As stated in the previous post and email sent to you, we were required to include specific wording in regards to 501(c)3 status.  The By-Laws were amended on Saturday, July 28th...after all of the votes were tallied.



If you have any questions, you can reach us at stlmqg@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Saturday, August 10th.

 

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Modern Quilt Guild Affiliation

Hello Modern Quilters,
 
If you have been following along with the Modern Quilt Guild (MQG) announcements lately, you’ve seen several mentions of “Membership opening soon”…and have probably wondered exactly what that meant. If you joined us at our July meeting, we shared with you our guild’s Past, Present and Future; which led up to the announcement.

PAST: We shared the amazing charitable work that our guild has put forth for our local community and on a national level. Additionally, our members have strong creative spirits and have had their work in travelling quilt exhibitions, been published in countless magazines, authored books or started their own small pattern companies. We also shared with you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a successful guild, and how we are continuously recognized on a national level whether it be through our programming, or social media efforts.
 
PRESENT: If you attended the meeting, you saw first-hand how much friendship, laughter and joy is always present; whether it was tossing around a ball of yarn during our informal icebreaker, or socializing with friends over a slice of cake.
 
FUTURE: We announced that in a few weeks we would be affiliating with the national Modern Quilt Guild and not only becoming an officially recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization; but that we would have many great benefits including a streamlined membership tracking interface, a private members-only forum, and also the ability to collaborate with other guilds for fun things like swaps and challenges.


 
As mentioned during the meeting, the Officers are confident that this in in the best interest of our guild and our members; yet since there are a few changes that we need to make to our by-laws, we wanted to dot all our I's and cross all our T's. You might be asking yourself...
  • What does affiliation means?
  • How it will effect our guild?
  • What benefits are there?
  • What are associated costs? etc.
We know that while we have a guild of 80+ members, not every member is able to attend our meetings and this is an extremely important decision, so we are providing this info here on our blog and in an email that was sent out about 2:30pm (Tuesday) giving you ample time to review the documents below and to cast your ballot.
 
Below are two linked documents; the first is a brief PDF answering many of the questions you may have regarding affiliation. The second is the amendments we must make to our bylaws as required by the IRS (in order to receive the non-profit status).
Once you have reviewed both documents, please click the link that is in the email sent to you; which will direct you to a super simple 2 question ballot. You have until Friday, July 26th 11pm to vote.
 
 
Thank you for your support and enthusiasm these last 3 years!!
 
  

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Meeting Recap (July 13th, 2013)

Boy, Oh Boy!!! Wasn't Saturday's meeting a lot of fun?  For those who missed out, it was our guild's 3rd anniversary and we had a lot to celebrate; but before we get ahead of ourselves, let's start with the business side of things.

  • Kelly, our Secretary, announced that we had 80 due-paying members
  • Rene, our Treasurer, provided us with our financial status
  • We then started into announcements and misc. quilting news
  • We announced new rules regarding "Children at meetings".  Essentially, nursing moms with babes in arms are always allowed, as are children up to the age of 1 year.  Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to bring your children to a meeting, we are collaborating with The Heights to help provide "Tot Care".  If this is something that you need info on, please contact us and we'll send the info along to you for future reference. 


  • Can you believe that it's almost time for Jacquie Gering to visit St. Louis...it seems like it was so far in the distance; but we are only days away now.  If you missed the announcement, check out this link.  Both events are closed to due-paying members only.
  • Our Members' Swap/Challenge Committee discussed the Ohio Star Challenge; which is currently underway.  If you missed the announcement at June's meeting, it's not too late to get in on the fun as the quilts are due in September.  Check out the Challenge tab at the top of our blog to get all the details.
  • We cut the cake and spent some time socializing with one another, preparing for what would be an interesting Icebreaker/Game to follow...let's just say a skein of red yarn was all it took to get the group laughing.  Well, that and a few misplaced throws :-)


  • We closed out our meeting by looking back at our guild's past accomplishments, enjoying our present and looking towards our future as we joyously affiliate with the MQG in a few weeks time.  Keep your eyes here on the blog and in your inboxes, as we'll be sending you info on what affiliation actually means and how it will help our guild continue to be one of the strongest in the nation.


In closing we wanted to Thank all of our members for another great year, and for those new faces
and guests that joined in on our fun...Welcome!
 
Just as a reminder, if you want to know more about our guild, this blog is our main "billboard";
but we also have a home on Flickr, Facebook and Pinterest too.




Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Meeting #35 - July 13th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

Can you feel the excitement?  YAY!!!  It's our 3rd anniversary this month and we are so excited to be sharing it with all of you.  We have games, some prizes, cake (who doesn't love cake) and some announcements that we can't wait to share with you. 

Date: July 13th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

=================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-Jacquie Gering (Volunteer Sign-Up, Workshop & Presentation Info)
-Ohio Star Challenge Q&A Session (Members' Swap/Challenge Committee)
-Games
-Cake Break
-Show & Tell 
-STLMQG Past, Present & Future
-Mix & Mingle

***Make sure that you wear your modern quilting nametag each and every month. It shows your appreciation for your fellow member and the guild.

***We want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 2 pieces/items a member please as we have a lot to do this month.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Here's us in our humble beginnings, at our 1st meeting in September 2010. 
I believe there were 11 of us in attendance that day.

 
 
 
And here's us just a few months ago.


 
See you Saturday!!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The STLMQG Welcomes Jacquie Gering

We are so overjoyed to welcome Jacquie Gering to St. Louis this July for two member's-only events.  If you are not familiar with her work, her book or her story, you are in for a treat.  If you know her and love her like we do, then be prepared for a great adventure.


Though she has been sewing all her life, quilting is a newly found passion for Jacquie. The improvisational spirit of the quilts of Gees Bend inspired her to make her first quilt and the improvisational approach provided the freedom she craved and the opportunity to explore her creative potential. Jacquie’s quilt designs fuse her Mennonite background and respect for tradition with her modern design aesthetic. Quilting Modern, Techniques and Projects for Improvisational Quilts is her first book.



Jacquie is a contributing designer and author for Stitch, Modern Patchwork, Quilter's World and a regular columnist for Quilting Quarterly and her quilts have been featured in other national and international publications. She is one of the designers featured in the books, Block Party and We Love Color. Jacquie is a leader in the modern quilting movement and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Modern Quilt Guild and is one of the founding members and former president of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. Jacquie teaches and talks quilting across the country and shares her designs and quilting knowledge on her popular blog, Tallgrass Prairie Studio.

===========================================================

Friday, July 19th 
Quilting Modern : Honoring Tradition
In this 1 hour lecture, Jacquie shares her journey to find her voice as a modern quilter. 

--Free to STLMQG due-paying members, $10 if you forget to wear your nametag--

Doors Open:  7 pm
Lecture:   7:30 - 8:30
Meet & Greet:    8:30 - 9:30
Light refreshments will be served

--------------------------------------------------

Saturday, July 20th 
Modern Crazy Piecing
--3 hour workshop = $35--

  Workshop 1    9am-12pm
Workshop 2    2pm-5pm


*Due to the large number of members wanting to attend, we are offering the same workshop
twice (morning and afternoon session). 

**Both events are open to STLMQG due-paying members only, due to the nature and size of our guild**

Both the lecture and workshop will be held at:
Trinity Lutheran Church
14088 Clayton Road
Chesterfield, MO  63017 

-------------------------------------------
Workshop Sign-Up:

The cost is $35, of which $5 will be donated to a local charity on behalf of Jacquie. Sign-ups are first come, first serve.  You will reserve your spot by using the Sign-Up form; which will be emailed to due-paying members on June 15th.  This reserves your spot for 10 days. IF YOU DO NOT PAY FOR THE CLASS BY JUNE 25TH, YOUR SPOT WILL BE RELEASED TO THE FIRST PERSON ON THE WAIT LIST. Information regarding how to pay will be included in an email confirming your reserved spot.


Cancellation Policy:

If you sign up and pay for a spot then cancel before July 17th, you will be refunded $30, less the $5 charity donation. Any cancellations after 12AM CST July 17th will not be refunded under any circumstances.
 
============================================================

The STLMQG is also collaborating with Janie Lou Quilts on Manchester.  They are carrying Jacquie's book, available now (price is always 25% off retail).  They are also offering STLMQG Workshop attendees, a 15% discount on fabric/supplies.  YAY -let's support our local quilt shops. 

Thanks Janie Lou!!  



Sunday, June 9, 2013

Meeting Recap (June 8th 2013)

We were happy to see so many familiar faces at our meeting yesterday, and equally excited to see some new faces as well.  Thanks for spending your Saturday morning with us.

  • The Sew-In Saturday Sign-Ups were sent out yesterday at 9pm.  We are close to "sold-out" already, so if you didn't get an email, please check your spam folder immediately...and if you received an email and haven't signed up yet...what are you waiting for :-)
  • Lynne, our VP and Charity Committee Co-Chair, reminded us of some of the activities and collections that are going on around the nation right now.  Additionally, both she and Tonie, will be working on putting together a local activity in the next few months.
  • Cindy, speaking on behalf of the Member's Swap/Challenge Committee announced our next Challenge featuring the Ohio Star block.  Everything you need to know about the challenge can be found under the Challenge tab at the top of the page.  For all those participating, the quilt is due in September.  We can't wait to see how you modernize this traditional block.
  • We are excited to be bringing Jacquie Gering to St. Louis this July, where she will be sharing her amazing talent with our guild.  Look for a separate blog post and email later this week, highlighting info on her lecture and workshop.  These events are open to STLMQG due-paying members only.

Next month is our 3rd Anniversary as a guild and we could not be more pleased to be sharing in this celebration with all of you.  We'll have cake, some special giveaways and other surprises too.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Meeting #34 -- June 8th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this Saturday.  New to our group, Welcome! Bring a friend, the more the merrier.

Date: June 8th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

=================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-Challenge Announcement (Members' Swap/Challenge Committee)
-July Speaker (Volunteer Opportunities & Workshop Info)
-Show & Tell : Expanded Edition
-Next Meeting Date (July 13th)
-Remaining Questions/Comments
-Mix & Mingle

***This month's Fabric Raffle is a Fat 8th bundle of Rashida Coleman-Hale's Tsuru by Cloud 9 fabrics, this is organic fabric people...get excited.

 
 ***If you didn't bring your Room-By-Room Swap item to last month's meeting, please be sure that you bring it with you this month, otherwise drop us an email to let us know. 

***Make sure that you wear your modern quilting nametag each and every month. Not only does it show your appreciation for your fellow member and the guild; but it's a simple way to enter yourself into our monthly DoorPrize drawing.

***We want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  This month is an Expanded Edition; which is an opportunity to share a few more projects then usual with your fellow members.  Let's see your in progress and finished works, newest modern fabric purchases, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 5 pieces/items a member please. 
See you Saturday!!

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Giving Back -- To Boston With Love

Our hearts are full this morning as we share with you the pennants that our members contributed to the "To Boston With Love" collaborative effort.

 
Several weeks ago our guild, along with countless other guilds and individuals signed on to help the Vancouver MQG collect pennants (flags) for Boston.  Words could not express the outpouring of support from the quilting/crafting community, and then to learn that the Boston Museum of Fine Arts would be exhibiting the pennants this coming Memorial Day weekend thru July 7th was a tribute no one would imagine.


Our members got a small taste of our contribution at last Saturay's meeting.  Yet, it wasn't until Lynne, our VP, finished the PEACE centerpiece and photographed them together (38 in all); that we saw the magnitude of love and support. 










Sunday, May 12, 2013

Meeting Recap (May 11th, 2013)

Thanks to everyone who came to our meeting yesterday, we had a full house; which always means a great time.

  • Tonie C. and Lynne M. were announced as Co-Chairs of the Charity Committee.  You'll be hearing from them over the coming months as they look for your support and enthusiasm on future projects.
  • While we are on the subject of charitable activities, a BIG Thank You to everyone who contributed blocks and pennants for Boston.  It's not too late to make a pennant, or send a block...check out this link for more info.  If you took a photo of your pennant, please make sure that you upload it to Flickr, so we can all see it's loveliness.  Before the pennants are mailed off, we'll be taking some photos to share with you all too.
  • Our Handwork 101 mini-demo session was a big hit and we certainly could not have done this activity without our amazing Teachers (Yuko, Jessica and Jamie)...Thanks Ladies!!!!  Stay tuned for a reference post that includes some further information about handwork resources, tools, etc.
  • The Members Swap/Challenge Committee organized another great swap and our members did not disappoint.  The Room-By-Room Swap was filled with items of all shapes, sizes and colors...you can see some of the items in our Flickr photopool.

Our next meeting is Saturday, June 8th...mark your calenders. 

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Meeting #33 -- May 11th, 2013

Hello Modern Quilters,

We have some great things on the agenda this month and hope that you'll join us Saturday, let's keep our fingers crossed for some great Spring weather. 

New to our group, Welcome! Bring a friend, the more the merrier.

Date: May 11th, 2013
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Location: The Heights

=================================================================
Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s for 2013
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Monthly Fabric Raffle
-Support for Boston Pennants & Block collection
-Handwork 101 Mini-Demos (Embroidery, Hand-Quilting & English Paper Piecing)
-Room By Room Swap Reveal/Exchange
-Show & Tell
-Next Meeting Date (June 8th)
-Remaining Questions/Comments
-Mix & Mingle

***Don't forget that your Room By Room Swap project is due this month.  We've seen some pretty awesome stuff in the Flickr pool already and can't wait to see it all.

***If you are participating in the "To Boston with Love" Pennants or "Quilts for Boston" block collection, your items are due Saturday. If you want to participate; but missed the info, click here.

***Make sure that you wear your modern quilting nametag each and every month. Not only does it show your appreciation for your fellow member and the guild; but it's a simple way to enter yourself into our monthly DoorPrize drawing...and remember the new rules about nametags.

***We want to see your modern Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc. Let's limit this to 2 pieces/items a member please.  We should have enough time; but note that this event will be cancelled if we run over.
See you Saturday!!