Meeting #99 (February 8, 2020)

Back at the Heights for this month's meeting! We look forward to seeing everyone who is able to join us. 

Date: February 8, 2020
Time: 10 am-12:30 pm
Location: The Heights
8001 Dale Ave., St. Louis, MO 63117
*Childcare available, please see info here* 
Map

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This meeting will include:

-Welcome & Guild Business:
  :: Membership Information
  :: Financial Information
  :: Quilting News / Around Town
  :: Reminders

-Announcements
  :: Date and Location of 2020 SewMeSTL
  :: Tara Faughnan Workshops and Sign Up Dates
  :: 10th Anniversary Party date/location
  :: New Event Cancellation Policy
  :: Block of the Month Fabric Type
  :: February Fabric Bundle Raffle
  :: Hand-Sew Happy Hour date/time/location
  :: Member collections/charity requests/etc. 

- Guest Speaker: Will McDonald from Just Sew STL!
  :: Mr. McDonald will also be sharpening scissors during the meeting! (Cash Only!)

- Show & Tell (time permitting)
- Draw for raffle prizes
- Mix & Mingle

During the break you can: 
  :: Purchase Raffle Tickets for February Fabric Bundle 
  :: Show BOM Blocks for Tickets to win a Solid Color Card
  :: Turn in #bushfireblocks for our MQG friends in Wollongong, AU
  :: Turn in Block Lotto blocks (not actually due until March)
  :: Pay Dues
  :: Sign In/Attendance Ticket
  :: Complete a new member application

-------------------------- Reminders/Items Due ------------------------------

:: Bring your Scissors/Shears and some cash for Just Sew STL's sharpening services. 
:: Bring your January BOM to be entered for a drawing! The winner will have a choice of several solid color cards such as Moda Bellas and Kaufman Konas!
:: #bushfireblocks can be turned in at the meeting or mailed to Trace Creek Quilting by February 12th. 
:: You are welcome to turn in your Block Lotto blocks though they are not due until March. Details here. 
:: We're still accepting dues for 2020, which we are holding steady at $40 for 2020. Members who have not paid by the February meeting will begin to get emailed notifications that their membership is going to expire and they are in danger of being removed from the roster. Dues can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. You can pay at the meeting or online through our Paypal link.

Meeting Recap (January 11, 2020)

Thanks to everyone who ventured out to the Shrewsbury City Center for our meeting on Saturday! It was nice to have a little breathing room for our growing group. 

• We began with quick introductions of our new board members. 
• President - Emily Amizich
• Vice President - Pam Hartig
• Secretary - Lilo Whitener-Fey
• Treasurer - Tess McMahon
• Tess, our Treasurer, gave us the updated financial info. It's getting down to the wire to pay your 2020 dues to remain in good standing with the guild. They are $40. You can pay via our Paypal link or by cash, check, or charge at our February meeting. 
• Lilo, our Secretary, gave an update on our membership numbers. We have 170 members, provided everyone pays their dues! We will have STLMQG pins and MQG pins at the February meeting if you have not received them yet. 
• Pam, our Vice President, announced several quilting/sewing related events and news items. Check the email for the list, links, and information.
• Emily, our President, covered several items with occasional assistance of the other board members.
• Committee Sign Ups: We offered one last opportunity for 2020 committee sign ups and boy did you all respond! All spots are filled and all chairs are designated. We look forward to what you accomplish throughout the year. 
• The formation of the Welcome Committee was announced and by the end of the meeting all spots were filled. The Welcome Committee is tasked with welcoming and introducing new members to the happenings and organization of the guild. Thank you to everyone who volunteered!
• Hand-Sew Happy Hour's next meeting is Tuesday, January 21st at the St. Louis Hills Bread Co. 
• This month's activity was to divide into groups based on your zip code and get to know the folks who live nearby! Members discussed several topics and then shared a couple of fun items with the whole guild. We learned about fun places to eat, shop, and get creative within our own community. 
• The Charity Committee collected and incredible 175 quilts to donate to Project Linus in 2019! Thank you to the committee (Gina Shelley, Lilo Whitener-Fey, Nancy Dlugosz, Emily DuBois, Ann Philiph, Patti Hawkins, Erin Chan, and Amy Suiter) for all of their hard work; to everyone who made a quilt; and to our wonderful longarmers and Nancy Dlugosz, who donated their quilting and binding services for monthly giveaways.
• The board announced the 2020 Block of the Month (BOM) challenge which is focusing on Solid Fabrics this year. Full details as well as January's designated fabric type can be found in the 2020 BOM section of the website. 
• Also announced was the first 2020 Block Lotto quilt block. It's an adorable envelope block focusing on Valentine's colors and is due at the March meeting. Full details, color designations, and a link to the pattern can be found on the 2020 Block Lotto section of the blog. 
• We wrapped up the meeting with another great Show and Tell. Keep an eye on our Instagram page to see pics of the meeting, show and tell, and our members' projects throughout the month.

2020 Block of the Month

The 2018 and 2019 BOMs have been such hits, we are excited to continue the challenge into 2020! In an effort to further the modern aesthetic overall as well as guide our members in exploring an aspect of modern quilting that can be intimidating, we are focusing on Solid Fabrics this year. Details are outlined below, we hope you will join in on the fun!

• There will be 10 months total.
• Each block must incorporate ONLY the following two elements:
• First, solid colored fabrics. Fabrics that read as solids do NOT fulfill this requirement. Use as many shades and colors as you wish.
• Second, one additional type of modern fabric print to be designated at each of the monthly meetings. You may use more than one fabric, as long as it falls into the designated print type for that month. 
• Additional prints/types of fabrics are not allowed. 
• You can make any block you want in any size and in any color, but it must incorporate solids and the monthly designated print type of fabric. 
• To participate, you must post an image of your block to Instagram or email a picture to stlmqg@gmail.com before the next meeting to earn a point for that month. On Instagram, use hashtags #stlmqg and #stlmqgBOM.
• You earn one point for finishing a block that meets each month's guidelines and submitting the image before that month's deadline (usually the next meeting). You will earn five additional points if you finish at least 9 of the 10 blocks by the November meeting. Each point will be worth one entry in the drawing for four prizes. Winners will be announced at the November meeting.
• Feel free to "make up" missed months after they are due, but you will not receive points for those individual months. (However, all blocks will count toward your nine-block total for the five additional points in November, as long as they are submitted by the November meeting deadline.)
• You do not have to create a finished item with your blocks (although we are planning to have a separate prize raffle for finished projects at a later date).
• Blocks can be any size, design, or color -- it's totally up to you -- as long as they incorporate the correct types of fabrics and follow the guidelines.
• Finally, as one more incentive, everyone who brings their finished block to the monthly meeting will be entered to win a solid fabric color card from various brands such as Bella, Kona, and Cotton Couture! Simply show us your finished block in person at the meeting to receive a raffle ticket.

Fabric #1 (January): Multi-Colored Prints!

We think of mulit-colored fabrics as ones with 4 colors or more. Will we police this, absolutely not. It's the spirit of the challenge that counts! But with so many beautiful multi-colored fabrics it shouldn't be hard to find something lovely to work with. Ready, aaaaaaand GO!

Fabric #2 (February): Low Volume Prints!

A low volume fabric can best be defined as a fabric which shows up as a light solid, or nearly solid, in a black and white photo. These fabrics can vary from the lightest tone on tone fabrics to text fabrics printed on a light background, to light floral fabrics. White, cream, and grey tones by themselves or with a touch of color are all common qualities in low volume fabrics. Don't forget to use #stlmqgbom and #stlmqg, we don't want to miss a single one of your creative creations!


Fabric #3 (March): Geometric

A geometric pattern can be defined as a pattern consisting of lines and geometric figures, such as triangles, circles and squares, that tend to be symmetrical.


Fabric #4 (April): Abstract

A motif that does not depict a person, place, or thing in the natural world and are hard to describe in any other way. 

Fabric #5 (May): Other 

Other refers to anything other than a typical quilting cotton. Linens, Shot Cottons, Flannel, Denim, Chambray, Minky, Felt, Knit, Suede.... the possibilities are absolutely limitless! Get creative, we can't wait to see what you come up with!

Fabric #6 (June): Dots and Dashes

Fabric where the pattern is comprised of dots or dashes.

Fabric #7 (July): Text

Text fabric would include anything that implies letters, words, or numbers. Have fun!!

Fabric #8 (August): Metallics

Metallics are fabrics that include a gold or silver metallic element to them. The metallic section has a different sheen and texture to the touch which adds a whole new level of fun to a project!

Fabric #9 (September): Stripes

Simultaneously all the rage right now and an unbeatable classic, we have stripes for this month's additional fabrics! Due by October meeting time!

Fabric #10 (October): Solids

For your last block, the additional fabric type is solids. Wait, you say? It's already all solid? Yep! And so this last block will be completely comprised of solid fabrics. We will also accept fabrics that read as solids. What a perfect way to end this challenge!! Due by the November meeting time. 

2020 Block Lotto

The Block Lotto continues to be a hit with guild members and so we are rolling it out again for 2020!  (See past Block Lottos from 2018 and 2019) Throughout the year, we will announce three to four blocks and a specific due date. Those who want to participate should make as many of the assigned block as they wish and bring them to the meeting at which they're due. Each finished block is worth one ticket. All of the tickets will be put into a drawing, and the person with the winning ticket wins all of the blocks! Depending on the number of blocks we receive, we may choose to split them among multiple people (for instance, if we have enough blocks to make two throw quilts, they'll be split between two winners). This activity is totally voluntary, and the blocks aren't related. Feel free to join in if and when you choose!

Block #1

• Block #1 is an Airmail Envelope block. PDF pattern for the single block can be found HERE*. 
• Color Schematic:
• The background fabrics should be low-volume prints. 
• The envelope fabrics should be shades of red and pink (prints or solids welcome).
• The interior of the envelope can be anything you like. Think of it as the content of a valentine you would like to send to a quilty friend! Fussy cutting is highly encouraged. :)
• Unfinished blocks should measure 8.5”
• The blocks are due in your nearest drop box by July 15th.


*Pattern borrowed from https://scrapatches.blogspot.com/search?q=airmail. PLEASE NOTE: We have changed the measurements! If you visit her site for more detailed instructions be sure to refer to our PDF pattern for correct cut measurements.


Block Lotto #2



• Scrap Bin Geese! We've been excited about this block all year. The tutorial is found here and is excellent. 
• Color Schematic
• The middle triangles, or 'geese', can be any color! They can be all the same, they can fade, they can be rainbow - whatever you like. 
• We would like to stick with her colors of low volume whites and grays for the sides. Stay with her instructions and you will be just fine. 
• Due Date: These blocks are due in your nearest drop box by September 30th. 

Meeting #98 (January 11, 2020)

Hello modern quilters and Happy New Year! We look forward to kicking off 2020 with you at our upcoming meeting.

Date: January 11, 2020
Time: 10 am-12:30 pm
Location: Shrewsbury City Center
5200 Shrewsbury Ave., Shrewsbury, MO 63119
Sunset Room
Map

Important note: This is an alternate location! Due to construction at The Heights, our 2020 meetings will be split between two locations, The Heights and the Shrewsbury Community Center. Be sure to pay attention each month this year! Thanks for your patience and understanding.

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Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business:
  :: Membership Information
  :: Financial Information
  :: Quilting News / Around Town
  :: Reminders

-Announcements
  :: New Officer Introductions
  :: Block of the Month
  :: Block Lotto
  :: Welcome Committee Formation and Sign Ups
  :: January Fabric Bundle Raffle
  :: 2019 Charity Committee Final Numbers

-------Break------

  :: Fabric Bundle Raffle
  :: Welcome Committee Sign Up
  :: Pay Dues
  :: Sign In/Attendance Ticket

- Activity: STLMQG Members Near You!
- Show & Tell (time permitting)
- Draw for raffle prizes
- Mix & Mingle

-------------------------- Reminders ------------------------------

:: We're still accepting dues for 2020, which we are holding steady at $40 for next year. Technically they were due by December 31, 2019 but we are holding off on removing folks from the roster for just a bit. Dues can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. You can pay at the meeting or online through our Paypal link.

Meeting Recap (December 14, 2019)

Thank you to everyone who came out to Saturday's meeting! It was lovely to see everyone again (it was a packed house!), and we hope you all had a great time wrapping up the year with us!

• Gayle, our Treasurer, gave us the updated financial info. It's time to pay your 2020 dues, which are holding steady at $40 for next year. You can pay via our Paypal link or by cash, check, or charge at our January meeting. Dues are due by December 31 to remain a member in good standing.
• Krista, our Secretary, announced our membership numbers and passed out our MQG and STLMQG membership pins. We're now over 165 members! Note: This year, the MQG is no longer sending printed membership cards. If you'd like a paper copy to use for discounts, etc., you can access and print it online. To access your digital card, log in to your MQG account, click on "My Dashboard" in the right sidebar, then click the orange "Membership Card" link at the top of your profile page.
• Jessica, our President, covered several items:
• Our meeting locations have been set for next year. We're having to split between two locations due to construction at The Heights. All dates and locations have been updated on our Meeting Info page. Reminder: our January meeting will be at the new location, the Shrewsbury Community Center. Be sure to set a reminder in your calendar!
• We are happy to announce our new board members for 2020: Emily Amizich (President), Pam Hartig (Vice President), Lilo Whitener-Fey (Secretary), and Tess McMahon (Treasurer) will be taking the reigns in January. Thank you all for being willing to serve.
• 2020 committee sign-ups are open! A link to sign up will be in this week's newsletter.

• We said a huge thank you to our outgoing board members, who have given so much to the guild over the past 2+ years. We appreciate all you've done, Jessica Schunke (President), Marie Hill (VP), Gayle Larson (Treasurer), and Krista Robbins (Secretary). The guild also presented Jessica with a beautiful quilt designed by Krista Robbins to say thanks for all of her hard work and leadership. The blocks were sewn by countless guild members, the top was pieced by Angie Henderson and Terry Darling, and it was quilted and bound by Lilo Whitener-Fey.

 

• Terry Darling previewed our almost finished QuiltCon charity quilt at Saturday’s meeting. Thank you to Terry Darling for the awesome design and project management, to Lilo Whitener-Fey for the beautiful quilting, and to all of our members who created the blocks and pieced the top.

• The highlight of our meeting was the big ticket raffle. Thank you so much to everyone who donated items (we had well over 200!) and purchased additional tickets to make the fundraiser a success. We hope you had fun and got to go home with a fun new item or two.

• We wrapped up the meeting with another great Show and Tell, including these beauties by Linda Kocher, Dottie Vaughn, and Gayle Larson, among many others. Keep an eye on our Instagram page to see lots more pics of the meeting, show and tell, and our members' projects throughout the month.

Meeting #97 (December 14, 2019)

Hello modern quilters! It's our last meeting of the year and always one of our members' favorites. We hope you can join us!

Date: December 14, 2019
Time: 10 am-12:30 pm
Location: The Heights
8001 Dale Ave., St. Louis, MO 63117
*Childcare available, please see info here* 

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

Agenda:

-Welcome & Guild Business
     :: Membership Information
     :: Financial Information
     :: Quilting News / Around Town
     :: Reminders

- Activity: December ticket raffle! Use your tickets for a chance to win your favorite items.
IMPORTANT! You can still donate items at the December meeting. All the information you need about donations and how the raffle works can be found in this blog post.

---Break--- 

- Draw for raffle prizes

- Show & Tell (time permitting)
- Mix & Mingle

-------------------------- Reminders ------------------------------

:: We're still accepting dues for 2020, which we are holding steady at $40 for next year. Dues can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. You can pay at the meeting or online through our Paypal link.
:: Check those shelves for any guild library books you've got hanging around the house. We have several that have gone "missing," and Marie would like to collect all of our books to pass them on to the new VP. If you've checked out a book, please try to return it at the December meeting. Books will be available to check out again in January.