Randomness #8

Grab your paper and pencil, we have some announcements to make and things to share with you that are happening around the web.

• While our Madrona Road Challenge deadline is Feb. 9th, it was announced today by the MQG that there is an additional element to the national challenge.  If you finish and upload your project to the Challenge Flickr pool by January 31st, you not only have the opportunity for your item to be reviewed and possibly selected by Michael Miller Fabrics to show in their QuiltCon booth; but Violet Craft herself will select her personal favorite and send that winner a "care package". 

• Have you heard about the ScrappyTripAlong?  It all started in late December when some quilting gals got together and decided to start making a quilt using their scraps and this tutorial.  Mania struck and practically overnight blocks started popping up all over.  A Flickr group was formed which now has over 780 members. 

• Looking for a quick charitable activity?  Val from PinkPlease! is looking for volunteers to make one 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" block by the end of January.  The resulting charity quilt will be donated to a silent auction for The Heroes Foundation, which is a cancer philanthropy located in Indianapolis, IN.  The quilt that was made last year (as pictured below) raised $1000.  It's not too late to get involved.  Head on over to her blog to sign up.

Photo borrowed from Val at PinkPlease!

 

 

 

• The official Sew-In Saturday dates have been confirmed...WooHoo!!!  If you haven't been to a Sew-In Saturday, you are missing out as it's a solid 12 hours (or 6 if you choose a 1/2 day) of sewing, friends, food and fun.  This year we are upping the excitement and offering an optional workshop at each of our Sew-Ins.  While you do have to be at the Sew-In to participate in the workshop, it's not a requirement that you do participate. 

 

March 30th

June 29th

August 31st

November 30th

 

  **Cindy Lammon will be hosting the first workshop on March 30th; where she will be showing

us her techniques for Machine Quilting.  More info coming in early March.

 

 

• Finally, just wanted to remind everyone that we are back to our normal second Saturday meetings.  We hope to see you on February 9th, where we'll be revealing our Madrona Road Challenge projects.

 



Have you heard?

We talked about a few of these events during the meeting a few weeks ago; but we wanted to make sure that you had all of the info in front of you.

St. Charles Historical Society is hosting "One Hundred Years of Quilt Making" with guest speaker Ann Hazelwood. 

• When: Saturday July 28th
• Time: 12pm (Noon)
• Where:  Stegton Regency Banquet Center  1450 Wall Street, St. Charles MO  63303
• Fee: $15
• Questions & Reservations: 636-946-9828

 

 

We've been told that there is a cute little quilt shop in Owensville, MO that has modern fabric including Pre-Cuts galore, pearl cotton, embroidery items, etc  Wanna check it out...here's what you need to know

• Name: In The Niche
• Site:  In The Niche
• Address: 106 E. Peters Ave  Owensville, MO  65066

Interested in submitting your quilts into a Quilt Show...how about this

Cornucopia of Quilts, sponsored by Scheffel Financial Services, Inc. and Curated by Joan Wentz and Jenice Belling.  Jenice owns the Quilted Garden in Edwardsville, IL. 

• When: November 2-23rd
• Where: Edwardsville Arts Center  6165 Center Grove Rd  Edwardsville, IL  62025
• Submitting:  Our VP, Mary Claire, tells us that if you are interested in submitting your quilt to this juried show, you should sent Jenice an email with photos and quilt information.

Looking for other Quilt Show opportunities...how about QuiltCon.  Make sure you check out the following posts for all the info you need.  Quilt Show Entries open on August 1st and remember you don't have to be attending QuiltCon to participate.

 

• Categories
• Category Examples
• Guidelines

 

Beat the Heat

With temps over 100 the next few days, what better way to beat the heat then to stay indoors and do some quilting, organizing or even a little Retail Therapy.

• Have you checked out Jeni's (In Color Order) Refresher Course in StashBuilding?
• Did you miss her earlier posts about the "Art of Choosing"

• Need some inspiration?  Have you visited Pinterest lately?
• Are you on Facebook?  Did you know that Shannon from Fabric Nosherie posts when she gets new fabric in the shop...recent uploads include Riley Blake Chevrons and an adorable coinpurse pattern.
• Or maybe Etsy is more your thing.
• Have you visited our Fabric Shop tab located right under our Blog Header.

Stay cool and stay tuned...next week we have a guest post from Bon Bon Atelier.

Randomness #7

It's about time that we did another Randomness post, as there are a handful of things happening around town, around the blogosphere, etc. that you might want to know about.

• It's not too late to sign-up for our 2nd Sew-In Saturday; which is this coming Saturday, April 28th from 9am-9pm.  Even if you can't stay for all 12 hours, we have 1/2 days sessions still available too. 
• Did you hear, our very own VP, Mary Claire is published...YAY!  She has 3, count 'em, 3 projects in the Modern Patchwork special edition magazine out now. 
• Have you heard that the next installment of the Blogger's Quilt Festival is going to be starting up in a few weeks.  Don't know what this is?  Hop on over to Amy's Creative Side and check it out.  The fun starts May 18th and runs through June 1st. 
• Have you heard about Design Seeds?  It's a site "For All Who Love Color".  Everyday Jessica, the creator, uploads several inspirational color palettes that are great for not only quilting; but art, home design and even wedding ideas.
• What does Modern Quilting mean to you?  That's what the people from QuiltCon want to know, and they are asking for modern quilters to make a block as part of their QuiltCon Block Challenge.  The deadline is August 15th, so you still have more then enough time to express yourself.  More information available here.

If you have suggestions for future Randomness posts, send us an email.

Quilt Show

This past weekend was the Bits & Pieces Quilt Show "Fanfare of Quilts".  From the crowded parking lot, I could tell right away that it was gonna be a packed house.  There was a little bit of something for everyone, no matter your style-preference...whether Traditional, Art, Contemporary or even Modern.

We cannot Thank Bits & Pieces enough for allowing our STLMQG to share in the excitement and have a little showcase all our own at this year's event.  You may remember last year when our guild participated in the Solids Only Challenge, sponsored by Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  You can check out a past post here.

A handful of members elected to have their quilts shown in this event and I'm proud to say that it was an exciting booth full of color.  For anyone who was unable to attend the show, here's a tiny little peek into our booth.

Juli Ann's wonderful logo

 

1/2 of the booth

I wish I could say that I was able to take lots of great photos; but this my friends is all...and I barely got those, as it was impossible to steal away a quick second without people crowded around or walking in front of the shot.  Not that it's a bad thing...crowds are good; but they make for sad photoshoots.

Thanks Again to Bits & Pieces!! 

Randomness #6

It's been a while since we did one of our Randomness posts; and since there are alot of things happening we thought you would enjoy a recap.

• First up for all you St. Louisians, the Bits 'n' Pieces Quilt Show "Fanfare of Quilts" is Saturday/Sunday March 17 and 18th at Queeny Park.  There will be 400+ quilts, vendors, special exhibits (including some of our STLMQG Solids Only Challenge Quilts), and demonstrations.  If that wasn't enough, there will be door prizes and raffle items too.  No matter what style of quilting you enjoy, there is sure to be something here for everyone.  Let's show our support for not only our STLMQG members; but for the St. Louis Quilting Community. 
• Tickets for each raffle are $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5. All raffles will be drawn on Sunday afternoon of the show. You do not need to be present to win.
• Babylock Sofia 2 embroidery and sewing machine, donated by Jackman's Fabrics, MSRP approximately $1000.00. 
• Bits raffle quilt, "Sunset over the Valley" -- a beautiful queen size batik with amazing machine quilting.
• Ticket raffle for charity, this year 100% proceeds go to the Humane Society of Missouri. Lots of nice hand-made items and donated items -- small quilts, decorating items, gifts and so on.
• Multi Purpose Cutting Table, donated by Unique Sewing Furniture (vendor with Cobblestone Cupboard at the show). This table (MSRP approximately $1100.00) will be in the ticket raffle for the Humane Society.
• If you didn't sign up for the MQG Newsletter, then you may have missed out on the huge annoucement that went out last Monday, introducing QuiltCon.

• This inaugural convention and quilt show by and for Modern Quilters happens February 21-24 2013 in Austin, TX and will feature top modern quilting instructors and will attract attendees from around the world.  You can read all about QuiltCon on the official website found here.  For all you STLMQG members, we have some exciting news to share with you during next month's meeting...stay tuned.
• Have you been paying attention to the MQG 100 Days of Modern Quilting series?  You may have noticed a few familiar names appear recently.  A handful of your fellow STLMQG members have been featured on the site.  We've created a collection of their links here.  Stay tuned because there are more STLMQG members coming soon.

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

We'll have another Flickr Feature Friday contributor later in the week and then announce our meeting agenda next Tuesday.  Until then, we hope that you are finding a few minutes to Quilt...and/or working on your Secret Pouch Swap that is due in a few weeks.



 

Randomness #5

Hi Everyone,

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

• If you visited the STLMQG Flickr page this morning, Mary Claire mentioned the 100 Quilts for Kids campaign.  There will be giveaway opportunities and best of all, it's all for a great cause.  If you would like to learn more about this campaign, please click on the button below.

• Have you heard about the Modern BOM (Block of the Month) going on over at Sew, Mama, Sew!  Alissa from Handmade by Alissa, will be presenting a new block tutorial each month.  It's a great way to learn some new techniques and create some interesting blocks.  Head on over and check it out.  There is also a Modern BOM Flickr Group if you'd like to share photos of your finished blocks.



• The new DS Quilts Collection, titled "Sugar Creek" has started showing up at several Jo-Ann's locations around town.  You can see a preview here.

• You might remember us talking about The Sewing Summit; which is a Sewing and Blogging conference in Salt Lake City, taking place on October 7th-9th.  To learn more about this event and it's organizers (Erin from Two More Seconds and Amy from Amy's Creative Side) click here.  Recently in cooperation with The Sewing Summit (Megan from Canoe Ridge Creations and Jeni from In Color Order) have created a fun series called Travel Handmade.  This series is about bags of all varieties and is filled with tutorials, pattern reviews and additional information to satisfy the sewist in all of us. 

• Our 2nd Sew-In Saturday is this weekend (August 27th) and it's sure to be a blast.  We have 27 attendees expected; which I believe is more then double our 1st Sew-In back in May.  If you missed the opportunity to sign up, or could not make it because of a prior engagement...we have good news.  We will have 1 more Sew-In this year.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 24th from 9am-6pm.  Sign-Ups will open in a few weeks and again will be "First Come - First Reserved".

Randomness #4

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know about a few things that are going on, in case you want to participate, know about, etc.

• Wendy shared with me this site: Generation Q Magazine.  It's a modern/contemporary Quilting eZine.  This all started because Quilting Home Magazine is no more after Aug/Sept issue, so let's all rally behind Generation Q Magazine and show them that Modern Quilters need to be counted and are excited that a Magazine is finally noticing us.  Thanks Jan for the update.

• We now have a Twitter Account....yay!  Check us out @STLMQG and if you have a Twitter account, go follow us.  We are a little slow with the tweets as we are still learning, so bear with us.

• Are you looking for more HABITAT fabric?  Go check out the Challenge tab along the top header of our blog, it will link you to some shops that carry some.  For those due-paying members who weren't at July's meeting and want to play along, I'll be bringing the fabric in August.

• The Modern Quilt Guild has announced Project Modern Challenge #4.  This one could be the hardest of them all; but the most fun to make because it is called "Find Your Own Voice".  Click here to check out the rules and what it's all about.  FYI, Denyse Schmidt is the judge this round and September 30th is the due date.

• If you missed the announcment in June, all of our meetings will now take place at the Kirkwood YMCA, there is a time change as well. We are now meeting at 10:30-1pm.  I'll be sending out an email reminder and highlighting this when the August Agenda is created.  Thanks to everyone for bearing with us during this transitional period.  I met with the Facilities Director earlier in the week and we are good to go.  The space is great...here's a sneak peek.  Oh, and the parking situation...we got that covered.  As some of our members mentioned, there is a church parking lot across the street, and behind/connected to it is a free parking lot too.  There should be more then enough parking; but as always, if you can carpool...I would advise it :-)

• Did you hear the news, Shannon from Fabric Nosherie, wants to know what you want her to carry in her modern fabric shop that is opening in Webster Groves later this fall.  You can leave a list in her "suggestion box", found in the comment section of her blog post...or you can hop on over to Flickr and leave a list there, as she asked us to pull one together too as a group.

• Did you get caught up in the Denyse Schmidt craziness when it premiered at Jo-Ann's Fabrics a few months back.  Well, get ready...because she has another line coming out called Sugar Creek.  See a sneakpeek here. 

• If you are like me, you always want to participate in Quilt Alongs; but you have enough on your plate right now.  Regardless I wanted to share with you one that is starting soon, in case you want to save it for later. 

                  -  Summer Sampler Series
          

I think that's it for now, if you have something you'd like to share with the group, let me know.

Randomness #3

Hi All,

Just wanted to share some cool things that are going on that you might want to be a part of, take advantage of, know about, etc.  Remember, if you find something that you think the group would like to know about, send me an email.

SewMamaSew!
Not only are they having a great big sale on alot of great fabric right now; but next week starts Giveaway Day.  Giveaway Day is a week long event where you can enter to win some awesome giveaways of all varities, just by checking out the participating blogs, reading their posts and commenting.
On the flip side, if you write a blog and want to participate, it's super-simple.  It's a great way to connect with tons of new readers and possibly get yourself a few new followers along the way.  Plus, who doesn't like prizes.  Everything you need to know, can be found here.  If you want to sign up to host a giveaway, the deadline is this Friday...so hurry up.

QuiltHome.com 
Rene forwarded an email to me that all Moda Fabrics are on sale by using coupon code QHAMF25 at checkout.  The coupon expires on Monday, May 22nd at 11:59pm (Pacific)

Fabric Nosherie
As discussed during the last meeting, later this Fall a modern fabric shop will be opening in Old Webster Groves (Can we get a big round of Applause).  You can read Shannon's blog: Fabric Nosherie to check out the progress.  In similiar news, I've invited Shannon to attend one of our meetings to talk with our members...I'll let you know when she plans on attending.

Quilt Calculator
If you are anything like me, you don't have ready access to any sort of Quilting Calculator, or Yardage Calculator...so you might do it old school on graph paper, or use Adobe Illustrator, Excel or even PowerPoint.  I've done a little Google searching and came across this gem.  Now there might be better ones out there; but I've been looking for a while.  This one is pretty cool and even shows a cutting diagram.


That's it for right now; but remember to check in here and on Flickr.  You never know what you'll find.

Thanks!!

Painter's Canvas: A Mission Possible

There has been alot of chatter and excitement behind the scenes at the St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild, all of which has lead to a wonderful opportunity for those members who chose to accept a "Secret Mission".

I am here to reveal the big secret; but I want to start by saying that none of this would be possible if it wasn't for Elizabeth, one of our wonderful members who happened to run into Laura Gunn. 

If the name rings a bell, it's probably because you have come across Laura's fabric collections (Lantern Bloom, Poppy, Magnolia Lane and Painter's Canvas).  Lucky for us, Laura lives right here in St. Louis.

Michael Miller Fabrics will be showing her new lines Magnolia Lane and Painter's Canvas at the International Quilt Market in less then three weeks.  Laura contacted our guild and proposed a crazy idea.  Would any of the STLMQG members be interested in making a modern quilt using her Painter's Canvas line.  The quilts will be photographed, shown at market and later returned to the owner.  Of course the answer was YES!where do we sign up.

Five brave souls accepted the challenge to make a lap-size quilt in two weeks and are hard at work planning their design and selecting their color palette as we speak.

The "Secret Agents" as I like to call them are none other then...

Mary Claire 
Jamie Mueller
Lynne M. 
Juli Ann D.
and Me, Kristy Daum

Keep a lookout for in-progress photos popping up on Flickr and on our blogs.

In the meantime, rush on over to check out Laura Gunn's fabric collections and her blog.  Let's show this local Gal and Fabric Designer extraordinaire some love!

Magnolia Lane

Painter's Canvas

Paint in My Hair...Laura's blog

Colette Pillow Photo - sent to us by Laura Gunn

Virginia Pillow Photo - sent to us by Laura Gunn

And if you have read this far, I encourage you to visit our Flickr page NOW, RIGHT NOW
to learn how you could meet Laura Gunn.  Look for the Discussion Topic: Secret Mission Part 2

Flickr, Flickr, Who hasn't visited Flickr lately...

STLMQG Members...

If you haven't visited our Flickr page in a while, I encourage you to get on over there.

St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild

Not only do I give information on how to sign up for our Sew-In Saturday (which is Saturday, May 7th); but there is a special discussion thread you won't want to miss out on.  Hint Hint Nudge Nudge

-Your Politely-Nudging President

Kristy

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.

Randomness #1

I came across this YouTube video today and I thought it was worth sharing with all of you.

This video was taken during the International Quilt Market, Spring 2010 and features Lizzy House.
Lizzy is a fabric designer for Andover fabrics, who is responsible for the popular fabric line Castle Peeps.

During this presentation, Lizzy talks about how to attract and keep young quilters.  I think this also applies to modern quilters (of all ages) as well.  Plus, as an added bonus she mentions the Modern Quilt Guild.



This is part 1 of a 2 part presentation.  If you wish to view the second part, I'm sure you can find it on YouTube.

This post was also created to let you all know that I've started another tab (Local Quilt Shops); which can be found in the header of this blog.  I'd like to make sure that we show some love to those shops which cater or offer services which would be of interest to a Modern Quilter. 
As our new homepage is built and evolves, this information will also be housed there too.