Meeting Recap (March 8th, 2014)

Thank you to everyone who came to our meeting yesterday.  We had a lot to do and hopefully you had some fun along the way.

• Kelly, our Secretary, provided members with official "membership pins and cards"

• Rene, our Treasurer, gave everyone a breakdown of our finances and what guild funds are used for.

• If you haven't already filled out The MQG Annual Survey; which was emailed to all MQG members, please be sure to take the 15-20 min. to complete it.  It is your opportunity to have a voice in what the national MQG organization does as it relates to activities, charity, education and governance.

• Have you heard...QuiltCon 2015 is a Go!  It will return to Austin, TX next year on February 19th-22nd.  Hotels rooms are filling up fast, so if you are looking to attend, we would suggest that you book a room now.  You can learn all about this exciting event, by visiting the QuiltCon webpage.

• The Bits & Pieces "Fanfare of Quilts" Quilt Show is March 15th-16th at Queeny Park.  There will be over 350 quilts; as well as vendors, demonstrations, raffle quilts, door prizes, etc.  

• STLMQG's 1st Sew-In Saturday of 2014 is happening next Saturday, March 15th, details were sent via email already.  It is open to the first 25 due-paying members, and the "entry fee" is one quilt-shop quality, modern Fat Quarter.  Our new Sew-In location is 

SouthSide Church of God

12145 Tesson Ferry

Sappington, MO  63128

*Google Map*

(Located near the intersection of 270 & Tesson Ferry)

• Krista, Chair of our Education Committee, is looking for help to create education activities this year. If interested, you can reach her via her blog Sew What's Cooking? or use your member roster.

• Lynne, our VP, and several of our members talked about their experiences as part of the charitable Pillow-Bomb project that was carried out on Valentine's Day, February 14th.  A BIG Thank You goes out to everyone who cut fabric to make kits, bought pillow-forms, made pillow-covers, made a monetary donation or helped deliver the pillows.  There will be one more delivery made, details to follow.

• The next MQG Fabric Challenge has been announced, it features Michael Miller "Petal Pinwheels". Our guild has already been signed up to participate and Kristy will let everyone know when the fabric arrives. Each participating member will receive six Fat Eighths as shown below.  Want to get started right away, we learned that O,Sewpersonal in O'Fallon Missouri has some of the collection in stock. The challenge rules can be found here.

• Thank you to Em, Tonie, Krista, and Laura for their presentation on Quilting Bees and for sharing their blocks, quilt tops and finished quilts.  If you are already part of a Quilting Bee, we hope that you were inspired and learned something new; and if you are interested in being a part of one, there are lots of opportunities to do so.  Em mentioned the 4x5modernbee, and Kelly mentioned do.Good.Stitches. If you are looking for block ideas, Rachel from StitchedInColor wrote a great blog post about "Designing Collaborate Quilts".

• Casey, Chair of the Member's Swap/Challenge Committee, announced the first swap for this year; which starts in April and ends in May.  All those who want to participate should bring in a magazine tear, or inspirational photo that you admire (please note that you will not get it back). You will then fill out an index card providing your name, what you admire about the photo (color, print, etc), and the "cut" of fabric *up to 1 yard* that you would like to receive based upon that photo.  Names/Inspirations will be swapped in April and you will purchase up to 1 yard of fabric for your secret partner using the photo as inspiration.

• We had our first WOW Show & Tell with 7 people finishing WIP from their WOW card...YAY!  We also had a handful of people show a current WIP that they had a question about, to those members...hopefully you received some answers which will help you turn that WIP into a finish.

Until next time, be sure to stay connected with us on Facebook and with one another on Instagram, etc.  

Meeting #43 - March 8th, 2014

Hello Modern Quilters,

There is lots to discuss and fun to be had at this month's meeting.  We hope to see you all there.

Date: March 8th 2014
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership Information
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Fabric Raffle
-Charity Committee Update
-Scrap Sale (To benefit our Pillow-Bomb project)
-Michael Miller Fabric Challenge Information 
-Membership Challenge/Swap Committee Announcement
-Quilting Bees 101
-WOW (War on WIP) Show & Tell 
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

***As we wrap up our Pillow-Bomb charitable project, we will be selling scrap bags this month with proceeds funding the purchase of pillow-forms, so don't forget your checkbook or cash if you are itching to get your hands on some new scraps for your stash.  

***This is the first month during which we will have 2 separate Show & Tells...the first being for those WOW (War on WIP) items you may have already finished and the second being our usual Show & Tell. Please be respectful of everyone's time and limit what you bring.  

See You Saturday !!! 

Meeting Recap (February 8th, 2014)

WOW was definitely the word for yesterday, and for several good reasons.  Let's start the recap, shall we.

• WOW #1  : Lynne, VP and Charity Committee Co-Chair, gave a brief breakdown of our Pillow-Bomb project. We have now collected over 700 pillow-covers.  Additionally, thanks to a handful of donations from members and company-match programs; we were able to purchase 250 pillow-forms; bringing us closer to our goal.  As discussed during the meeting, we will be polling our membership to see how much $ our guild would like to spend to purchase additional pillow-forms.  Stay tuned for more information and to see how the Valentine's Day drop-off proceeds.

• WOW #2  : The big Riley Blake Challenge reveal was Ah-Mazing!  Not only were there so many wonderful quilts; but such creativity and precision too.  Some people have begun posting photos of their quilt on Facebook, and Flickr...so if you missed out, head over there.  If you would like an entry into The MQG contest, please note the details in your latest MQG newsletter; which have also been abbreviated below.
• Take a nice photo of your quilt
• Visit The MQG Community site, and upload a photo to the forum...specifically the Forum Topic titled Finished Riley Blake Challenge Photos.
• Deadline to participate is February 17th.

• WOW #3  : Literally WOW; which stands for War on WIP.  We chatted a bit about our WIP, learning that our reasons for pushing them aside are quite familiar including losing interest in that project, not having the skill/equipment to finish, actually forgetting you started it in the first place, etc.  We then got down to business and started filling out our WOW index cards; which will be available for editing through September.  If you want to know more about this year-long activity, visit our WOW page ====> here...and don't forget #stlmqgwow if you are on Instagram.

Here are some things that you may want to know about:

• Janie Lou is having another small Sew-In on Friday, February 21st and Friday, March 21st.  The cost is $5 and you can sign-up by visiting their shop.
• The Mustard Seed Theatre is doing a play about some of the Gee's Bend community. Visit their website to learn more.
• The bi-annually Bits & Pieces Quilt Show Fanfare of Quilts 2014 is Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th at Queeny Park.  You'll see over 350 quilts, and have the opportunity to shop from several vendors.  Visit their website to learn more ===>
• O, Sewpersonal in O'Fallon Missouri is now open.  Visit their Facebook page to learn more. 

The dates for our Quarterly Sew-In Saturdays are as follows; and will remain tentative until a new venue has been secured.  Please bear with us during this transition.

• March 15th
• May 3rd
• August 23rd
• October 4th

Additionally, this year's first Webster Groves Sew-In will take place on Saturday, February 22nd.  Look for more information from Kelly, our Secretary.  

Thank you for another wonderful meeting. 

We will see you again soon!

Meeting #42 - February 8th, 2014

Hello Modern Quilters,

Are you asking the same question we are...How is it February already?  Well don't look now; but it's nearly meeting time too.  We hope to see you all there.

Date: February 8th 2014
Time: 10am - 12:30pm 
Location: The Heights

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

-Welcome & Guild Business
   :: Membership #s
   :: Financial Information
   :: Special Announcements/Quilting News
-Charity Committee Update
-Riley Blake Challenge Reveal
-WOW (War on WIP) Kick-Off  
-Show & Tell
-Mix & Mingle

***It is time to show us your Riley Blake Challenge quilts.  We've enjoyed seeing the sneak-peeks, and cannot wait for the big reveal, so don't forget to bring them with you. 

***Have any last minute pillow-covers you've been working on, or 14" pillow-forms you forgot to drop off last month?  This is your last chance to donate those items for our Charity project.

 ***Please bring your Show & Tell projects, fabric, books, etc.  Let's limit this to no more then 3 pieces/items a member please.  

***We are kicking off our WOW event this month, so be thinking of what WIP you want to add to your index card.  Don't know what WOW stands for?  Read this post.  Are you a Blogger?  Why don't you write a post about your WIP.  Are you on Instagram? Share a WIP  photo with us...remember to use #stlmqgwow

***Finally, please be sure to check your email, Facebook and/or this blog before you head out on Saturday morning...should there be any updates or cancellations due to possible inclement weather.

See You Saturday!!

WOW (War on WIP)

Many quilters have a Love/Hate relationship with their Works in Progress.  We stuff them into plastic bags or tubs, hide them in drawers or behind our fabric stashes so we don't have to look at them.

This year the St. Louis MQG is challenging it's members to participate in the War, the War on Works in Progress that is...cleverly named WOW; by our friends in the Austin MQG, who came up with this idea. So, how can you participate...it's fairly easy; but involves a painful first step.

You have to take inventory of your Works in Progress...so take a deep breath and let's begin

***************************************************************

February Meeting

• Each member is encouraged to bring 1-3 WIP to show to the group
• Group discussion - How many do we have?  What's our oldest? Is there a strategy we have used in the past to complete those WIP? Etc?
• Members take an index card, write their name (First & Last) at top, followed by the WIP they expect to finish by December.  Kristy, Guild President, collects the cards and will bring them back each meeting, thru September.

Throughout the Year

• Each WIP you have listed on the card, finish and show to the group at a meeting enters you into the WOW drawing in December. 
• Update your card as needed, thru September, removing items you have given up hope on, adding items you want to tackle instead.  
• Bring a WIP to a meeting and ask that question which is keeping you from finishing.
• Encourage and support one another on social media.  If you are a Blogger, consider writing a post about your WIP and show your readers your progress throughout the year.  If you are on Instagram, use the hashtag  #stlmqgwow to ask questions, get feedback on layout ideas, etc.  

WIP Definition:  We really want to encourage our members to finish those quilts (we are a quilt guild) and complex projects that have been sitting around, so for the purposes of this challenge, the following applies.

• Must be a quilt larger then 24" x 24", and should not be something that you just have to put a binding on...that's just cheating.
• Can also be a complex non-quilt item like a Weekender Bag, etc.
• Please keep napkins, pajama pants, curtains, etc off of your WOW index card, as they won't count towards your chance at a prize come December.

So whose ready to play ?  

Meeting Recap (January 11th, 2014)

Excitement...is about the best word that wraps-up this past Saturday's meeting.  We are confident that it was a great way to kick-off 2014, so stay tuned as there is so much more to come.

Here are some things that you may have missed, or want to know about:

• The numbers are in, and we are excited (see there is that word again) to report that we have 88 members for 2014...YAY!!  Welcome back friends!  Everyone who is a member should now have access to The MQG community site; which is a great way to learn about things happening in The MQG itself, participate in the forums, meet other MQG members from across the country/world, etc. 

• Our Ticket Raffle was an enormous success, of course most of that is due to those members' who donated such amazing prizes, and those that bought chances to win.  We raised $1164; all of which has been deposited into our STLMQG account and will go towards paying for our room rental, future activities, etc.  

 

• So, how is your Riley Blake Challenge quilt coming along?  The big reveal is next month, February 8th.  While we will have a few prizes within our guild, if you want to be entered into the larger MQG prize opportunity, you must upload a photo of your finished piece onto the community site (Finished Forum) by February 17th or earlier.  Ten finalists will be announced on February 19th, and the final winners announced on February 24th.  Also, don't forget that if you are on Instagram or Twitter, you can use hashtag #mqgrileyblakechallenge to tag and find other's in-progress and finished photos. Check your MQG Newsletter for more information.

• Speaking of The MQG Newsletter, did you see that members will now be receiving a PoM (Pattern of the Month) in your newsletter this year, designed by 12 different MQG members...including two St. Louis MQG members.  The first quilt pattern is called Broken Bars, and was created by Austin MQG Member Rebecca Roach.  Please note that the newsletter, and now free patterns are just some of the benefits of MQG membership, as was the pin members received at this month's meeting.  

• Anyone fancy participating in the 2014 Pantone Quilt Challenge?  If you haven't heard, Pantone's color of the year is Radiant Orchid.  There is a challenge going on, co-hosted by Adrianne and Anne. You can learn more on their blogs.  

• Did you all have fun with the Fat Quarter Swap?  A big thanks to the Member's Swap/Challenge committee for that activity.  We hope that you all have a few more new-to-you fabrics to add to that stash.

• For those who signed up to participate in a Committee for 2014, emails went out today.

 

• Our Pillow-Bomb project is going strong; but we have a ways to go.  Thanks to everyone who brought in pillow forms, and made pillow-covers over the Holidays, your commitment to our project is very appreciated.  As Lynne mentioned during the meeting, our deadline for pillow-cover collection is our February meeting, so let's all give one last push and see how many we can collect.

• It looks like we have a hit on our hands with the upcoming WOW (War on WIP) event that will run throughout 2014.  We will be writing up a separate blog post detailing the directions on how you can participate in this activity.  In the mean-time, I know it's scary; but take a deep breath and consider taking stock of what WIP (Works in Progress) you do have.  

We can't wait to see what adventures are in store for everyone in 2014.  

Thank You!

Meeting #41 - January 11th, 2014

Hello Modern Quilters,

Okay, let us try this again shall we? 
We hope that you will join us on Saturday to help ring in the new year.  It is sure to be a fun-filled day, so don't miss out.  

Date: January 11th, 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 absolutely 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 back in November.  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 November'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. 

 ***It is likely we will not have much time to do Show & Tell; but if you have something and want to put it up on the wall anyway, that is fine.  Should we have time, we will open the floor accordingly.

***We will be collecting finished pillow covers, and new pillow forms for our STLMQG Cares "Pillow-Bomb" project.  Please remember that we are nearing the end of our project (February), so it is important that we put forth our best effort to help those at the Siteman Cancer Center.

 

See you Saturday!!