Randomness #2

Here's a few Quilt related things that are going on that I thought you'd want to check out. 

1. Nancy L. sent me an email with this interesting Sew-In idea.  Yet, just to clarify it turns out that Nancy P. sent it to Nancy L. first...then to me.  Thanks Ladies!!!

What is 1,600 inches long when it starts and finishes 48” x 64”? The Jelly Roll 1,600 Quilt!

Click on the link above to be taken to the Heirloom Creations Blog where the article and

accompanying video can be found.

2. Nancy from Westminster Fibers (with brands such as FreeSpirit Fabrics and Rowan) sent me the following link to Tina Givens' newest fabric line Pernilla's Journey, as she thought our members would love to see what's new and upcoming.  To learn more about Tina Givens and to check out her newest line, click here.

Also if you are interested in sewing clothes, there is an online sewing class being held which features Jennifer Paganelli (from Sis Boom).  You can find out more info here.

3. Have you seen the photos from Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red & White Quilts, an exhibit held in New York right now.  No matter if you are a Modern Quilter or Traditionalist, the shear size of the exhibit and the way in which they are displayed is worth appreciating.  Brige S. shared the below links on our Flickr page.

Photo from NyLovesNYC blog

HERE and HERE are some articles; but I imagine Googling the exhibit name will give you many as well.

4. If you haven't visited our STLMQG Flickr page recently, people are uploading photos of their "Just One Star" blocks and a handful of Mug Rugs have appeared too.  Discussions have surfaced around what to look for when buying a new sewing machine, sewing machine repair, etc. 

5. Mary Claire shared information on the Spring Shop Hop that is happening this weekend (actually Thursday thru Sunday) at several quilt/fabric shops around town.  There are prizes to be won and of course fabric to be bought.  Remember if you pop into a shop that doesn't carry Modern Fabric, ask for it, start a conversation.  Let's show these Shop Owners that there is a market in St. Louis.


6. If you haven't satisfied your Solid Fabric happiness yet, there is a Modern Solids Quilt Along that is just starting right now over at PatchworkSquared.  You can pick up the kits at Fat Quarter Shop or any other Kona solids for 20% off by the way(use coupon code kona20)...or you can pull your own collection of solids and join in the fun. 

7. A heads up that The Quilted Fox has uploaded their Kona Solids inventory to their website.  Just search for "Kona Solid" in the search field.  As Marsha said, if you are local...remember to head on over to the shop too.  Maybe you have a Solids Only Challenge to work on and need a last minute solid :-)


8. Finally, we've all seen the horrific videos and photos of the devastation that continues to torment Japan and many of us have want to do something; but don't know what.  The American Red Cross comes to mind first; but also know that there are several grassroots movements going on too.  Check out Modern Relief and Quilter's Newsletter for more information.

If you have some other quilt-related news, let's hear it.  Visit our STLMQG Flickr page and tell us about it.

Just One Star

Have you heard about Moda fabrics Just One Star challenge?

Moda has a goal of donating 100 quilts to the Semper Fi Fund by June 14th, 2011 and they need your help!

All you have to do is make one star block!

Easy right?

Just follow this link to view details of the challenge and the star block pattern instructions.

Bring your finished block to the April STLMQG meeting and we'll mail it for you!

But wait;  there's more!

Jamie Mueller has generously offered to host a give-a-way for those who participate!

We'll randomly choose one participant to receive a surprise quilt pattern from Sunflower Quilts!

Looking forward to seeing your blocks!

Meeting Recap (March 12th, 2011)

Saturday's meeting returned to Bindings, Borders and Squares in St. Charles; where we quickly got down to business, and learned some new skills all while having fun...as always.  Our numbers continue to grow, as we signed up 4 new members; bringing our total membership to 54.

A special THANK YOU to our 5 Mini-Demo Demonstrators (Grace, Jamie, Marianne, Sally and Marsha), who opened our eyes to many new and interesting things. 

Below you will find some highlights and important info:

• If you haven't already checked out Jamie Mueller's Member Spotlight, scroll down below this recap or click here.  As always, if you'd like to participate just let us know.

• Since we have had many new members join us over the past few months, it's important to remind everyone that if you haven't already done so, you should make a nametag for yourself.  Not only does it allow you the chance to be entered into the door prize drawings (when you wear it); but it's a nice way to show your creativity in the "modern-style".

• Please mark your calendar for our guild's 1st Sew-In Saturday (May 7th, 9am-6pm at Brown Shoe Company in Clayton, MO).  This is an opportunity for due-paying members to get together, work on an unfinished project, start something new, and be inspired by what your fellow guild members are making.  More information to come, so check back here over the next few weeks.  Sign-ups will be required. 

• We are happy to report that we have created our first committee, led by our very own VP, Mary Claire.  She is heading up the Charity Quilt Committee and said a few words on the subject.  More information to come; but in the meantime, if you know of Non-Profit organizations and such which could use quilts, please get in touch with Mary Claire so she can start gathering information.  If you are a member, you can find her info on your roster...otherwise send our guild an email and the info will be forwarded.

• Do you drink coffee?  Do you enjoy milk and cookies?  Do we have a swap for you.  All interested members selected a name "from the hat" and will be making a Mug Rug for their secret partner (due in April).  There is a Mug Rug craze spreading all over Flickr (as seen here), online (here) and even in other quilt guilds across the nation.  Remember it should be bigger then a coaster; but smaller then a placemat...and of course, dare I say it - considered modern :-)

• We saw alot of great quilts during Show & Tell.  Here's some of the Quilt-Alongs and Tutorials that were mentioned and/or used.

 Cherry House Quilts Quilt-Along (The quilt that Tracy B. made)

 Moda Bake Shop: Building Blocks Quilt pattern created by Cindy Lammon 

Moda Bake Shop: Ruffle Quilt pattern created by Jamie Mueller

Shadowbox by Mountainpeek Creations (The quilt that Linda O. made)

• It has come to our attention that the directions for the Solids Only Challenge differ between the paper rules and the online rules, as it relates to the size of the finished quilt.  The paper says 120-160 and online says 120-180.  So, in order to be fair to anyone who may have used the larger size...please note that the size that WILL be allowed is 120-180.  Thanks!!! 

Our next meeting is April 9th at Oakbend Library.  Mary Claire will be presiding while I'm in KC for a wedding.  She and some fellow members will be hosting a Who's Who of Designers and Manufacturers...you won't want to miss it.

Here's a few other Sites/Links/Organizations that were mentioned during the meeting:

QuiltsforKids.org

Just One Star 

Member Spotlight #4

Name: Jamie Mueller

Flickr Name:  Jamie Mueller  Blog:  www.jamiemueller.blogspot.com  and  www.sunflower-quilts.com  Area of Town:  Farmington

Misc: I am married to my wonderful husband Jon of almost 4 years who fully supports my quilting addiction.  We live with our three cats who love to lay on all of the quilts I make!

What brought you to the STLMQG?

---I love modern fabrics and the fresh outlook Modern quilters and designers have on quilting.  I live in Farmington where there isn’t a huge selection of quilt shops that carry modern fabrics. I wanted to be a part of a FUN, inspirational group of crazy quilters like myself to hang out with and share ideas with!  After our first meeting I was HOOKED and wanted to keep coming back for more.  I get so inspired after our meetings and LOVE the people I’ve met through this guild.  Kristy, our President, and Mary Claire, our Vice President, come up with awesome swaps, challenges and activities that keep this guild interesting!

Do you participate in other guilds or bees?

---I sew on Monday nights at my church and we work on quilts for World Relief.

When did you start quilting?

---I’ve quilted and sewn off and on for my entire life.  My Grandma does the most amazing embroidery and my Mom is the most talented quilter I know and I am so blessed to have them in my life!  My family owns SunFlower Quilts in Houston, Texas so you can say quilting is in my blood! J

Why do you quilt?

---This is a tough question and it took me a while to be able to put it into words besides just to say that I love it!  Quilting is a family tradition for me and I don’t want that tradition to end!  I want to share the art of quilting with everyone that I come across! The process of turning a silly little idea in my head into a beautiful quilt is so much fun and amazes me to this day!  Quilting is what I enjoy doing and God keeps leading my heart and hands towards it!

What was your most recent fabric purchase?

---Amy Butler Soul Blossoms yardage.

 What is on your "I want to make this" List?

--- Geez my to-do list goes on and on and really doesn’t end…I’ll share a couple things

    -Spiderweb Quilt

    -I want to reinvent the Dresden Plate (not sure how yet, but I want it to happen)

What is something you struggle with?

---  Time!! Not only do I have my blog and Flickr to keep up with, but the shop’s blog/Flickr/Facebook/Twitter as well!!  Writing patterns is so time consuming and the hardest part of quilting for me!  I love quilting and it’s just so hard to find the time to do all the sewing I want!   
What do you do when you aren't quilting?

---  Besides all of the Internet stuff that I have/like to do, I love watching sports and being outside. I have a large family and love seeing them!  There always seems to be something going on, whether a birthday or a sporting event.  I love watching my little sister Erica play basketball and run track.  I love playing with my nephews and watching them grow up!  My family keeps inspiring me with new ideas of things to make and having a big family is a great excuse to make more stuff J 
Anything else you want to say?

I love hexagons!

I love cats!

Baseball is my favorite sport!

I’m from Texas!

I could eat steak and a baked potato everyday!!

I’ve designed 4 projects so far for Moda Bake Shop and the last one was just on March 9^th called Sugar Baby!  We currently have a giveaway going on through March 16^th on my blog (www.jamiemueller.blogspot.com) and the shop’s blog (www.sunflower-quilts.blogspot.com) for a FQ bundle!!  Go and check it out!!

Also, through March 16^th on www.sunflower-quilts.com we’re having 10% OFF your entire order so be sure to check that out!!

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Here are some photos that Jamie wanted to share with you

Meeting #7 --March 12, 2011

Hello Modern Quilters,

March has made it's presence today and we are here to let you know what is scheduled for the next meeting.  It's sure to be another educational and fun one, so don't miss out.

Date: Saturday, March 12th
Time: 9:30am-Noon
Location:
Bindings, Borders & Squares Quilt Shop
325 Droste Road
St. Charles, MO 63301

**Please consider carpooling.  When parking, please do not park in the 3-5 spots directly in front of the shop, those are for customers***
==================================================================

Agenda:

- Welcome & Guild Business
- Special Announcements
- VP Chat
- Program: Mini Demo Day
         -Grace (Free Motion Quilting)
         -Jamie (Hexagons)
         -Marianne (Continous Bias Binding)
         -Sally (Tube Quilting)
         -Marsha (Hand Piecing)
- New Swap Announced
- Show & Tell
- Next Meeting Date (April 9th), Location (Oakbend Library)
- Remaining Questions/Comments
- Closing Remarks
- Door Prizes
- Mix & Mingle

Don't Forget:
**If you would like to share a quilt/book/fabric/etc during Show & Tell, please make sure that it is of the Modern variety.

**Make sure that you wear your nametag, otherwise you will NOT be eligible for Door Prizes.  If you have a nametag from another guild, consider making one just for the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild. While wearing another guild's nametag is okay...spread some love our way too :-)
 
**We are always looking for Door Prize donations, so if you have some modern fabric scraps, or other fun things you'd like to donate, please consider us.