Monday, December 14, 2015

Meeting Recap (December 12th, 2015)

Saturday's meeting, our last of 2015, was filled with lots of information and opportunities, here are some things you may have missed, or want to review further.


  • Interested in participating in The MQG's Fabric Challenge "Sashing Stash" beginning in early 2016?  The registration email will be sent by The MQG on December 19th, 9am central. As always there are more members then they have available fabric to give away; but that doesn't mean that if you miss the "free fabric" you can't participate, as this fabric is available at several shops, so check in with them to see if they will carry it.  All of the rules and registration details can be found at this link : Get Ready for the Riley Blake Fabric Challenge Spring 2016!

  • Another opportunity that is available to all modern quilters, or those looking to work on their modern techniques is Lucky Spool's Mighty Lucky Quilting Club. This subscription based club focuses on challenging you with design concepts in the quilt making process.  The challenges will go out each month via email, and participants are encouraged to share their progress on social media using the hashtag #mightylucky . To check out the top-notch Quilters who will be leading these monthly challenges and to learn more about the club, check out this site : Mighty Lucky Quilting Club. For our STLMQG members, be sure to check your email about a potential savings on the yearly subscription price.

  •  We played a quick game of "Yes/No" to see how our members stacked up against one another when it came to answering simple questions like : 
    • I have been known to keep scraps smaller then 2" x 2"
    • I am part of a quilting bee
    • I have brought travelling projects to meetings, kid's events, on vacation
    • Etc.
  • Our main event, our annual Fundraiser, drew lots of excitement as our members took a chance at taking home lots of goodies including patterns, fabric bundles, notions, books, and even gift certificates.  Rene, our Treasurer, is still tallying what we brought in; but first estimations show that it was a profitable day; which will go a long way towards our events and activities in the coming year. To see some of the items that our members won, be sure to check out the hashtag #stlmqg on Instagram.  Thanks again to all those who donated items, as this annual event could not happen without you.

On behalf of the Officers...
Thank You, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!



Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Meeting #60 - December 12th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

This month we would like to reflect on the year, celebrate all of the good times we have had, the new friends we have made, and new quilting challenges we have taken on.  We hope that you will join us as we close out 2015 with our annual fundraiser; which is sure to be a blast.


Date: December 12th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-Officer Introduction
-I Have Game
-Collect remaining items for Fundraiser
---Break to Setup Room----Pay 2016 Dues
-Fundraiser Event
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

::  Please, please, please do not forget your dues!! They are $40 and can be paid by cash or check (made out to the STLMQG).  All dues must be paid by this meeting, so that we can get final numbers into The MQG.

:: Are you new to our guild and haven't had the pleasure of participating in our annual Fundraiser...check out this link from 2013; which breaks it all down for you.  Want to participate, don't forget cash or your checkbook, and a pen/marker; which makes ticket writing easier on you.  For those who donated items, you'll be given your tickets during the break.

:: Don't forget your modern Show & Tell projects, fabrics, books, etc.  Let's be inspired!

See You Saturday!!!


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Sew Me St. Louis 2015

Sew Me St. Louis logo
On October 24th and 25th, approximately 45 of our members gathered to sew, laugh and play together.  As you can see from the photos; which were uploaded to Instagram using the #sewmestl, it was a blast.

Things started quietly; but then kicked into high gear thanks to our wonderful Workshop Teachers...Heather, Jan and Kristy.

Sew Me St. Louis 2015
Photo c/o @stlmqg
(Heather was teaching applique)


Sew Me St. Louis 2015
Photo c/o @moonlightsewing
(Jan was teaching several blocks from her book, Cut and Shuffle Quilts)



There was of course lots of other sewing going on in the main ballroom...

Sew Me St. Louis 2015
Photo c/o @ldpatterson


And of course there were door prizes...

Sew Me St. Louis 2015
Photo c/o @quiltamomma

Saying Thank You isn't enough considering how generous the following companies were; but they all wanted to be a part of our retreat in some way and we could not be more humbled by their donations.  

We encourage you to send them a shout-out on social media, drop them an email, and of course consider shopping with them during this holiday season.   

















There are of course others to Thank...including our Officers for ensuring things went smoothly, as well as Carolyn and Tess from our Events Committee who took the reigns and collected all of the donations, and the handful of members (you know who you are) who donated items and/or volunteered their time.  

We certainly plan on doing this again next October, so stay tuned for info coming in the first quarter of 2016.

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Meeting Recap (November 14th, 2015)

As always, thanks to everyone who came to our meeting this past Saturday, it was nice to finally catch up with so many of you who we haven't seen for a while.  Now onto the recap...

  • It's not too late to submit a quilt to QuiltCon's juried quilt show, check out the rules and how to enter here [Quilt Show/QuiltCon West].  The due date is Nov. 30th.
  • As we approach the close of 2015, many start planning for 2016, and what better way to write down those plans then in your Quilter's Planner.  Stephanie Palmer is the creator of this tool; which you can learn more about and purchase on her crowd-sourcing campaign page.
  • There is lots of local quilt shop news...both happy and sad, here are the details:
    • MerrilyWeSew is moving into its new home in Fenton and should be open the first week of December.
    • JanieLou has moved into its new home in downtown Kirkwood and is open for business.
    • SewMuchFun is a new shop in Collinsville, Illinois, check out their site for more information.
    • InStitches located in Ballwin is closing it's doors.
  • Are you a Maker, Supplier, Designer or Pro-Blogger; have you heard of the Craft Industry Alliance?  It's a new kind of trade organization which you may want to investigate, as they are out to help you strengthen your business.  
  • Quilt National 2015 is in St. Louis for a short time this November. If you are interested in checking out this travelling quilt show which runs Nov 19th-28th check out this link for more info. 
  • Looking for inspiration?  You don't have to look far as the St. Louis Art Museum has an exhibit called "St. Louis Modern" which runs now through January 21st.  Check out this link for more info.
  • What did we learn from the Member's Swap/Challenge Committee Tool Swap that Casey led this past meeting?  That everyone loves Wonder Clips and that there is no shortage of interesting notions out there.  Thanks to the committee for putting this fun swap together.
  • A big thank you also goes out to all of the members who donated quilts for our Project Linus charitable collection.  Look at this lovely stack of 65 quilts (photographed by Jessica Schunke).



  • Speaking of Jessica, we are thrilled to announce that she will be joining the Officers next year in the role of Secretary.  YAY!!
  • If you haven't yet paid your 2016 guild dues, it's not too late.  You can pay at the December meeting or if you are a current member you can mail it in (check your inbox for info on how to do that).
  • Finally, thank you to everyone who donated items to our December Fundraiser.  We haven't started sorting them; but we took a peek and there are lots of great items, just you wait.

Happy Thanksgiving! 


Monday, November 9, 2015

Meeting #59 - November 14th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

We are looking forward to getting back into the swing of our monthly meetings, now that our Fall Events have come to a close.  There is a lot to get to in these last two months, so be sure to check out the agenda below to be sure that you are prepared for what is to come. 


Date: November 14th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-Charity Project Update : Collect quilts for Project Linus
-Election / Officer Update
-Member's Swap/Challenge Committee: Tool Swap
-Collect items for December's Fundraiser
-Pay 2016 Dues-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

:: We know that you've been working on lots of modern things as we've seen the start of them in Elizabeth Hartman's workshop, and lots more during SewMeSTL.  Please consider bringing them to a meeting this Fall/Winter, so we can ooh and aah in person. 

:: Our Charity Projects are coming to a close.  Do you have a quilt to donate to Project Linus?  This Saturday is the last day we will be collecting them. Don't forget Casey's announcement that all those who donate a quilt to us in November or have donated a quilt as part of this project to us earlier in the year will be entered into a drawing for a prize (1 quilt donation = 1 entry, 2 quilt donations = 2 entries...so on and so forth).

:: Have you forgotten about the Tool Swap? Remember to pick up a new tool/notion with a retail value between $10-20 (or combination of items reaching that total). For those who participate we will be doing a round-robin style swap.

:: It's time to start thinking about next year's dues.  Remember they are $40 and can be paid by cash or check (made out to the STLMQG).  All dues must be paid by the December meeting, so that we can get final numbers into The MQG.

:: Finally, who can forget our upcoming December Fundraiser.  Please remember to bring items this Saturday, and come December we will all have the chance to take some goodies home.  Need more details on how this works, check out this link from 2013; which breaks it all down.  Just remember, this is NOT the time to bring in items suited for the free table or the trash bin.  We are looking for top quality donations that you would be proud to share with the guild.



See You Saturday!!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

This upcoming Saturday, October 10th 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

Just wanted to remind everyone that we will NOT be having our regularly scheduled meeting this Saturday, due to our annual quilting retreat later in the month.  

SewMeSTL is a Go!  

October 24th and 25th




We will be sending out the class supply lists, and providing any last minute info by this weekend.


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


As our November meeting will be here before you know it, here are some things you might want to consider prepping for:  


  • We will be collecting 2016 membership dues ($40) which must be paid at our November or December meeting.  All members who do not pay during one of those two months will be removed from the Roster, due to the fact that we have to have final numbers into The MQG by the end of December.
  • Sharing Show & Tell
  • Collecting items as part of our December Fundraiser.  Want to know more about that event, check out this post from 2013; which breaks it all down.

See you all in a few weeks!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

This upcoming Saturday, September 12th 2015



Hello Modern Quilters,

Just wanted to remind everyone that we will NOT be having our regularly scheduled meeting this Saturday, as we are thrilled to host quilter, author, and designer Elizabeth Hartman.


Upcoming Event


Hope to see you there!



Saturday, August 8, 2015

Meeting Recap (August 8th, 2015)

A big thanks to everyone who came out today, we know that time is precious...and we are thankful you spent it with us.  Let's do a meeting recap, shall we, as there were lots of things discussed.


  • Kelly shared the second of our two "BOM" Block of the Month blocks today, as designed/decided by Carol K.  

  • Jessica talked a little about our first charitable project; which was making totes for a local shelter.  Our members came thru as we knew they would, donating a little over 40 bags. If you search the hashtag #stlmqgcares and/or #stlmqg on Instagram, you can see many if not all of the totes which were made and donated. A big round of applause goes out to all of those who helped with this project.

St. Louis MQG // Totes made and donated by our members


  • Our second charity project, collecting quilts for Project Linus is ongoing with a due date of November 14th (our Nov. meeting).  Casey announced that all those who donate a quilt to us in November or have donated a quilt as part of this project to us earlier in the year will be entered into a drawing (1 quilt donation = 1 entry, 2 quilt donations = 2 entries...so on and so forth). Additionally, be sure to enter your quilt into the 100 Quilts for Kids charity drive...which is an online drive encouraging quilters to make a quilt for a child in need.  Please rest easy knowing that you can still entering a quilt into the 100 Quilts for Kids, and yet donate it to our Project Linus collection.  

  • Casey also announced our final swap for this year; which will be a Tool Swap.  We all have those tools that we love and reach for time and again, so let's share that passion with someone else.  All those who want to participate should bring a new tool to the November meeting, with a retail value between $10-$25.  We will then do a brief show & tell so you can let our members know why you chose that tool, followed by a Rob-Your-Neighbor style swap.  If your tool retails for less then the amount noted above, please include an additional item/fabric/thread, etc so everyone who participates can walk away with something of a relatively equal value.

  • Jan Ochterbeck, one of our upcoming SewMeSTL Teachers, shared a little about the workshop she will be leading this October based on her book Cut and Shuffle Quilts. She is one of 4 Teachers we will be featuring this Fall, so keep an eye out for more information as it becomes available.
================================================================

Finally, we have some official guild business to attend to, as Kelly Smith, our Secretary for the last 3 years will be stepping down at the end of 2015.  We have not only enjoyed working along-side her; but appreciated her willingness to step up and give back to our guild in so many ways.  Thank You!!

While the other Officers are happy to continue in their roles; should someone be interested in one of those positions (not just the vacant one), they are welcome to follow the process below so they can be put on the ballot.

If you have been a member for at least one year, and have an interest in giving back to the St. Louis MQG by way of becoming an Officer, we would love to hear from you. Please review the process below regarding how elections work within our guild.

1.   All those who would like to be considered for an Officer position, should review the roles [see this document] so they are aware of what is expected from each of the Officers.

2.   Please inform Jamie Mueller, our Election Officiate, of your interest in a position and she will gather the names and provide them to the current Officers on November 1st, so a ballot can be made.

3.   At the November meeting, candidates will have the opportunity to express why they would like your vote for (___) position.  

4.   All dues-paying members in attendance at our November meeting will be given a ballot which they will use to vote for the candidate they chose.  

Easy Peasy!! 

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

Now, if you are a member who would love to do more; but you don't want to be an Officer, there are always other opportunities available too.  We are always looking for self-starters, who the Officers can count on to assist with various projects and events; which includes making phone calls, gathering item donations, being an STLMQG advocate on social media, and physically being available at meetings/events to help with setup, etc.  Please email us at stlmqg@gmail.com if you are interested. 

As we don't have another meeting until November (due to our two large Fall events). Please! Please! keep your eyes on social media, this website, and your inbox as we will be distributing information you need to know for the next two months via those outlets.

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


We hope to see you in September at the Elizabeth Hartman Trunk Show, or at October's SewMeSTL.



Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Meeting #58 - August 8th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

Just as Summer is winding down, we are gearing up for one of our busiest Falls in quite a while.  This month will actually be our last "meeting" for a while as we have several upcoming events, so we hope to see your smiling faces this Saturday.  


Date: August 8th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-Charity Project Update & Handmade Tote Collection
-Block of the Month progress
-Officer Announcements
-Fall Events
    :: Elizabeth Hartman (September 12th - 13th)
    :: SewMeSTL (October 24th - 25th)
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

:: We want to see your Show & Tell, don't be shy.  We know that you've been working on lots of modern things as we see glimpses of them on Instagram...bring them, we want to ooh and aah in person.  Don't forget this also includes any modern fabric you've recently purchased or books you just had to have. We are raising the limit this month, so please note you can bring up to 6 items.

:: Our Charity Projects are well underway and we hope you are too.  Saturday is the due date for the handmade totes.  Remember if you are one of the members who got the free pattern from Elizabeth Hartman, you are required to have completed and donated at least one bag.  Check out our  [2015 Charitable Projects] page for more details. 

See You Saturday!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

The STLMQG welcomes Elizabeth Hartman to St. Louis

We are excited to be bringing the extremely talented Elizabeth Hartman to St. Louis this Fall and we would like to invite the St. Louis Quilting Community to attend her Trunk Show presentation.

Saturday, September 12th 2015 at The Heights
6:30 pm - Doors Open
7:00 pm - Trunk Show beings

RSVP here to ensure we put you on the list and have enough seating for everyone.  

Please take a few minutes to review the official announcement below for other details such as associated costs, where to purchase her patterns, and social media info.

If you are a local shop or quilt guild and would like to use this announcement, you can download a copy here; but we ask that you forward your members/patrons to this page so they can RSVP.



We hope to see you there!




Sunday, July 19, 2015

Meeting Recap (July 11th, 2015)

First and foremost, WOW...5 years since we started this journey together and we could not be more proud of what our guild has accomplished by way of bringing people together to learn, to make things that challenge us, and most important to build bonds.  So Thank You!!!

Now, if you missed out on any of this month's activities or announcements, check out the recap and associated links below.


  • Carolyn gave us an update on our Charity Project for this year; which you can still participate in.  Check out this post to learn how you can help us support a great local organization. If you are donating a bag, remember they are due at the August meeting.
  • Thank you to all those who have already designed or will be designing a block for our Block Of The Month.  For those of you who are making the blocks as we go along, we love seeing this sampler come together piece by piece.
  • We collected quite a large assortment of siggie blocks which were mailed to the Charleston MQG earlier this past week, as part of the quilt they are putting together for the Emanual AME Church.  You still have time to participate, check out the info here.
  • Hopefully our lively discussion on Starch and Starch-Alternatives was helpful and you walked away with a better understanding of how and why you would use these items.  
  • We hope that the Machine Binding demo went well and for those who are interested in this technique, you can learn more here and here.

Finally, as we gear up for our Fall activities, we know everyone is anxious to sign-up; but we ask that you please be patient with us as we have some last minute things to shore up prior to sending out all of the Info and Sign-Up emails.    

Here are the dates of our events, so you can check your calendar.

  • Elizabeth Hartman (September 12th - 13th)
  • SewMeSTL (October 24th - 25th)

Again, Thanks for Five wonderful years.  We look forward to many, many more.  





Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Meeting #57 - July 11th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

Saturday is a big day for our guild, as we celebrate our 5th anniversary...5 whole years, can you believe it? We have lots to cover, and will be looking for participation, so check out the below agenda.   

Date: July 11th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-5th Anniversary Celebration
-Starch Discussion : Bring your questions and favorite products (Starch, Best Press, Flatter, etc.) as we spread some "starch" love and learn a thing or two about this sewing-room staple
-Machine Binding Demo
-Block of the Month progress
-Charity Project Update
-KC Roadtrip Recap
-Fall Events Communication Schedule
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

:: Don't forget to bring your modern Show & Tell projects, new modern fabric you've recently purchased or books you just had to have. Let's keep it to a limit of 3 though, so everyone has a chance to participate.

:: Our Charity Projects are well underway; but there is still time to participate...so check it out [2015 Charitable Projects].  We are hoping to collect 30-40 handmade totes; which are due at our August meeting.

:: We will have solid fabric and permanent pens available for all those who would like to sign a siggie block as part of the Charleston Modern Quilt Guild quilt for the Emanuel AME Church. All of the blocks signed at Saturday's meeting will be mailed off in a group package; but if you would like to participate and won't be at the meeting, you can certainly send one off yourself.  All the details can be found here [Quilt for Mother Emanual].

:: SewMeSTL will be here before you know it, and we are looking for workshop teachers.  If you are a dues-paying member, you received an email on Tuesday 7/7 with an application link. We'd love to have you participate.  


See You Saturday!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

June 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

Just a reminder that we will not have a meeting this month due to scheduling conflicts at The Heights.

In lieu of a meeting, we have planned a guild roadtrip to Sarah's Fabric in Lawrence, KS; which several of you signed up for.

If you are not attending the roadtrip; here are some other things you might want to check out or do.


  • Thinking of going to QuiltCon 2016 in Pasadena?  Check out the QuiltCon catalog filled with the schedule of events, classes and presentations.  Two of your fellow guild members (Casey York and Becca Bryan) are even teaching/speaking...how exciting is that!
  • Raid your inbox and find the BOM emails that Kelly has been sending...and start a block or two to show off at next month's meeting
  • Check out the STLMQG Pinterest boards for some inspiration, tutorials, etc.  We are in the process of adding lots of new content, so follow us.
  • Looking to grow your Instagram inspiration?  Don't forget to search hashtags that others use, as it opens up a whole new world of inspiration and people
  • How about a Quilt-Along for the Summer?  If simple lines and designs are your thing, check out the Simplicity Quilt-Along

Members, keep an eye on your inbox as we will be sending out a few emails in the coming weeks regarding several of our events this Fall...it's EXCITING stuff !!!

We look forward to seeing you at our July meeting, where we will be celebrating our guild's 5th anniversary as well as doing some educational demos...more info to come.

See you in July.


Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Meeting #56 - May 9th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

Come check us out this Saturday, where we hope to inspire you or at the very least make you laugh. 

Date: May 9th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-Demo : The many ways to piece a HST
-Block of the Month progress
-SewIn Saturday Announcement
-Charity Project Update
-KC Roadtrip News (Hotel Info, Itinerary, etc.)
-The MQG News
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

:: Don't forget to bring your modern Show & Tell projects, new modern fabric or book purchases, etc.  Let's keep it to a limit of 3 though, so everyone has a chance to participate.


See You Saturday!!

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Meeting Recap (April 11th, 2015)

We appreciate the fact that you spent your Saturday morning with us, thank you.  Here is a recap of things you might have missed or need to know about.

  • Members brought in the mini fabric bundles they built based off of last month's focal fabric. Thanks to Casey for leading the activity and the other members of the Swap/Challenge committee for hosting such a fun program. 
  • Kelly talked about our guild's BOM (Block of the Month) and how one to two patterns will start appearing in your inbox the first of every month.  She shared Jan's block; the first you will be receiving in a few weeks.  If you missed it, you can check it out on Jan's blog.
  • Jessica recapped this year's charity project [details here] and mentioned that we will have STLMQG Cares labels beginning next month for anyone who would like to use them.
  • We announced several upcoming events and activities you won't want to miss out on.  If you are a dues-paying member be sure to keep an eye on your inbox soon for more in-depth details.

                 :: June 13th-14th = Roadtrip to Sarah's Fabric in Lawrence, KS

                 :: September 12th-13th = Elizabeth Hartman Trunk Show & Workshops

                 :: October 24th-25th = SewMeSTL


Finally, here are some things that you might want to check out.
 

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Meeting #55 - April 11th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

We hope to see you this month, where we have many announcements to make regarding several upcoming events and activities. 

Date: April 11th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-Swap/Challenge Committee "Focal Fabric" (Fabric Swap)
-Constructing a Quilt Using Negative Space
-Announcements Galore!
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle


 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

:: All those that are participating in the "Focal Fabric" (Fabric Swap) hosted by our very own Member's Swap/Challenge committee, remember that you are to bring your 4 coordinating FQ bundle + the focal fabric to this month's meeting. 

:: Don't forget to bring your modern Show & Tell projects, new modern fabric or book purchases, etc.  Let's keep it to a limit of 3 though, so everyone has a chance to participate.


See You Saturday!!

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Meeting Recap (March 14th, 2015)

As always, thank you for spending your Saturday with us.  Here is a recap of what happened in case you could not attend, or you missed something.



  • Several members who attended QuiltCon shared their experiences with us...what they saw, what they loved, what they bought, etc.  If you were inspired by what you heard, and would like more information about upcoming conferences, be sure to visit the QuiltCon 2016 and 2017 pages. It's never too early to book your room.
  • Julie from the Charity Committee announced our projects for this year; which can be found on our Charitable Activities page.  If you are a dues-paying member be sure to check your email later today for more detailed information.
  • Casey from the Swap/Challenge Committee led the "Focal Fabric Swap"; which had us learning a bit about curating a collection of fabric.  If you participated, be sure to purchase and bring with you to the April meeting, 4 quilt-shop quality modern fat quarters which are inspired by the focal fabric you borrowed. 
  • Kristy went over the MQG State of the Union, including global membership levels reached in 2014, new initiatives and improvements. Here are some highlights (as of Feb 2015):
           ::Globally the MQG has 8161 members, of which 2785 are individual members
           ::There are 139 guilds spread out across all 50 US states, 32 countries, and 6 continents

  • Finally, thanks to all the members who brought Show & Tell.  Your work always inspires us.


Here are some quick announcements you might want to check out.

  • The MQG announced a Call for Entries a few months back, as the Texas Quilt Museum is hosting a juried exhibition and is looking for modern quilts.  All the info you need can be found here.
  • Thimble & Thread's Bi-Annual Quilt Show is Saturday/Sunday March 21st-22nd at the Greensfelder Rec Center at Queeny Park.  Details can be found here.
  • Janie Lou is hosting Carolyn Friedlander for two workshops and a trunk show this September. Details can be found here, and reservations are required.

See you in April !


2015 Charitable Projects

The Charity Committee announced today two opportunities for our members to give back to the St. Louis community. Members are encouraged to participate in one or both of the projects as their time and interest permits. If you are a dues-paying member of the STLMQG, you will receive an email with much more detailed information that you need to read prior to participating; but here's a quick overview.

Project #1: 
Totes for residents of a local shelter for victims of sex trafficking

We will be m
aking nice, large, sturdy totes to be given to new residents of the shelter. They will be able to take their tote with them when they leave the shelter.


To provide some uniformity, we ask that you use one of the following four patterns/tutorials:
(1) http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/2011/10/12-gifts-of-christmas-scraptastic-tote.html
(2) http://www.cloverandviolet.com/2015/02/the-pepper-tote-free-pattern.html
(3) http://www.abrightcorner.com/2013/11/scrappy-quilted-tote-bag.html
(4) http://ohfransson.bigcartel.com/product/perfect-quilted-totes-pdf-sewing-pattern

  • Feel free to make small modifications to the patterns, such as adding a pocket, quilting the bag, or changing the design of the "patchwork section"; but please largely stick to the patterns as written. 
  • Please follow all pattern recommendations for interfacing and bag construction to ensure a sturdy final product.

The shelter has housed girls as young as 13, but the median age is 22, so keep those ages in mind when choosing fabrics. Fabrics should be modern and quilt-store quality. We want these totes to be something the girls will cherish and be proud to use.

We’ll also be collecting items to fill the bags; more information about this will be provided as we get
closer to the final collection date.

Due Date:  We will begin accepting finished totes immediately; but the final deadline will be our August meeting.

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Project #2: 

Children’s quilts for Project Linus

We will also be collecting both finished quilts and unfinished quilt blocks and tops (which we will finish) to donate to the local chapter of Project Linus, which gifts quilts to seriously ill and traumatized children, ages 0-18, through local agencies and hospitals in the St. Louis area.


Project Linus has very few stipulations on the kinds of quilts that can be donated, but it’s important that they meet the following guidelines:

  • Quilts must be new, handmade, and washable and come from smoke-free environments due to allergy reasons.
  • Project Linus accepts blankets of all sizes and styles (including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors). Since we are a quilt guild, we’d like to focus our gifting on quilts, but if you have other types of blankets you’d like to donate, we will accept them.
  • Depending on the number of unfinished blocks/tops we receive, we may also look for volunteers who would be interested in helping to baste, quilt, and/or bind them.

Due date: We will begin accepting quilts and quilt blocks/tops immediately, but the final deadline will be our November meeting.


Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Meeting #54 - March 14th, 2015

Hello Modern Quilters,

We have much to share this month and hope to see you at our meeting. 

Date: March 14th, 2015
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News

-QuiltCon Recap
-Charity Committee Announcement
-Swap/Challenge Committee "Focal Fabric" (Fabric Swap)
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle


 
-------------------------- FYI ------------------------------

:: Hopefully you have been playing around on Instagram since learning the "Ins & Outs" at February's meeting. Don't forget to use the hashtag #stlmqg when uploading your images, so we can see all of the modern things that you are doing.

:: Interested in participating in the "Focal Fabric" (Fabric Swap) hosted by our very own Member's Swap/Challenge committee.  All those who want to join in the fun should bring a 5" x 5" or larger piece of focal fabric to this month's meeting.  Before the April meeting, participants will purchase 4 coordinating FQs, building a small bundle.  In April, the focal fabric and coordinating bundle will be given to it's original owner.   

:: Don't forget to bring your modern Show & Tell projects, new modern fabric or book purchases, etc.  Let's keep it to a limit of 3 though, so everyone has a chance to participate.

:: Finally, don't forget to wear your nametag.  We gathered lots of little goodies from QuiltCon to share with the guild and will be randomly chosing winners from amongst those who wear their nametag.  Are you a member without a nametag, what are you waiting for?  Create a unique one using fabric, embroidery, etc.  It can be any size, any shape...just not a generic paper one pinned to your shirt, or a sticker with your name on it...that's not fun, no matter how you might decorate it.


See You Saturday!!