2019 Block Lotto

We had so much fun with last year's Block Lotto that we couldn't resist doing it again this year! Over the course of the year, we'll "assign" three to four blocks. 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 a wonky star block.
• You can choose to make blocks in any of three sizes: 6”, 9”, or 12” finished (blocks should measure 6.5”, 9.5”, or 12.5” square when turned in). You will receive one ticket per block regardless of the size block you choose.
• The background fabrics should be low-volume prints. The star fabrics should be monochromatic (varying shades of one color) prints in any color.
• You can use any tutorial you want, but here are a few to get you started: Owen's Olivia, Wombat Quilts, and Berry Barn Designs.
• The blocks are due at our March meeting.

Block #2

• Block #2 is a simple quarter square triangle block.
• Start with 10” fabric squares (at least two different colors, but the more the better).
• Use ONLY solid fabrics in bright colors plus light gray.
• Square up your finished blocks to 8.75" square.
• You can use any tutorial you want, but here are a few to get you started: The Crafty Quilter and The Spruce Crafts.
• UPDATE! The blocks are now due at our July meeting (changed from May).

Block #3

• Block #3 is a cute pumpkin block. 
• Follow this tutorial modified from the Patchwork Pumpkin Quilt Block Tutorial by Amy Smart of Diary of a Quilter.
• The tutorial provides instructions for three styles of pumpkin: a 16-patch pumpkin (pictured above right), a strip pumpkin (pictured above left), and a one-square pumpkin (not pictured). Feel free to get creative with how you make the “body” of your pumpkin, as long as the unfinished block measures 9.5” x 11.75”. 
• Please use a mix of orange and black prints. Use a green print or solid for the stem.
• Unfinished blocks should measure 9.5” x 11.75”.
• The blocks are due at our August meeting.

2019 Rainbow BOM

The 2018 Rainbow BOM was such a fun time that we knew we had to bring it back in 2019. But this year, we're taking it to the next level. Here are all of the details:

• There will be 10 months total.
• There are two parts to the challenge each month:
• First, instead of changing colors each month, this year, you will choose ONE spoke of the color wheel (for example, blue or yellow-green) to focus on for all 10 months (see **note** below). For each month, you can only use that color wheel color plus neutrals and one additional color (the additional color can change each month). So, for example, if your color wheel color is yellow-green, your January block could include yellow-green (any shade), neutral, and pink fabrics; then, in February, you could change to yellow-green (any shade), neutral, and yellow fabrics. You do not have to include an additional color (your blocks could just be your color wheel color plus neutrals). You may use solids, prints, or a combination.
• Second, each month will have a “must include” skill, which we'll announce at the monthly meeting. You can choose any block you want in any size, but it must incorporate the skill for that month in some way. Examples may include a triangle, some kind of handwork, paper piecing, curves, etc.
• 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 #stlmqgrainbowbom.
• 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 November 2. Each point will be worth one entry in the drawing for four gift-card 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 Nov. 2 deadine.)
• 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 and design -- it's totally up to you -- as long as they incorporate the skill and follow the color guidelines.
• Finally, as one more incentive, starting in February, everyone who brings their finished block to the monthly meeting will be entered to win a copy of a quilting book related to the next month’s skill. You must show us your finished block at the meeting to receive a raffle ticket.

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Note: To choose your spoke color, refer to any color wheel or check out this post on Shannon Brinkley's blog, which is all about color cards. The post also includes two color cards (one with a 12-color wheel and one with a 24-color wheel) that you can download for free. In addition to being helpful, they make cute artwork for your sewing room. We recommend choosing a spoke from the 12-color wheel, as it will give you a broader range to work with.
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Skill #1 (January)
The skill for January is a 9-patch. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want. First, identify the color spoke you'll use for the year, then get started! The skill 1 block images are due before our meeting on February 9.

Skill #2 (February)

The skill for February is a triangle. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. The skill 2 block images are due before our meeting on March 9.

Skill #3 (March)

The skill for March is a plus. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. The skill 3 block images are due before our meeting on April 13.

Skill #4 (April)

The skill for April is a half-square triangle. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. The skill 4 block images are due before our meeting on May 11.

Skill #5 (May)

The skill for May is paper piecing. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. Because we do not have a June meeting, the skill 5 block images are due electronically on Friday, June 7. You can post your image to IG with the #stlmqgrainbowbom hashtag or email them to stlmqg@gmail.com. These entries will also count for June's book raffle; we will use a random number generator to choose the winner and mail the next skill book to him or her.

Skill #6 (June)

The skill for June is flying geese. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. The skill 6 block images are due before our meeting on July 13.

Skill #7 (July)

The skill for July is a log cabin or courthouse steps. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. The skill 7 block images are due before our meeting on August 10.

Skill #8 (August)

The skill for August is fussy cutting. Again, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. Because we do not have a September meeting (join us for Giuseppe Ribaudo's trunk show instead!), the skill 8 block images are due on Instagram or via email by midnight on September 14. The winner of the book raffle will be chosen from these images, and the book will be mailed to them.

 

Skill #9 (September)

The skill for September is applique. As always, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. You may use any form of applique you'd like -- hand, machine, raw edge, finished edge, etc. Because we do not have an October meeting (yay SewMeSTL!), the skill 9 block images are due on Instagram or via email by October 12. The winner of the book raffle will be chosen from these images, and the book will be mailed to them or brought to SewMe.

Skill #10 (October)

The skill for October is curves! Yes, we've saved everyone's favorite for last. ;) As always, you may choose to incorporate this element into your block in any way you want, and the skill does not have to encompass the entire block. The color 10 block images are due on Instagram or via email by November 2 (that's one week before our November meeting), so we can get the final numbers tallied and the winner announcements ready for the November meeting.

Meeting #89 (January 12, 2019) CANCELED

Our meeting location, The Heights, has decided not to open until noon on Saturday, Jan. 12 due to the snowstorm, which means we've had to make the sad decision to cancel this month's meeting.

Our regular member newsletter will be going out on Tuesday (if not sooner). Be sure to read it because it will be jam packed full of info and all the announcements we were going to be making at the meeting (think new Rainbow BOM, Block Lotto, Hand-Sew Happy Hour, and lots more). Get excited, and we'll see you in February!

Meeting #89 (January 12, 2019)

Hello modern quilters! It's our first meeting of the year, and we can't wait to get started on another great year. We hope you can join us!

Date: January 12, 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: Getting to Know You Icebreaker

---Break--- 

- Announce new 2019 Rainbow BOM
- Announce Block Lotto #1
- Show & Tell** (see info below)
- Door prizes
- Mix & Mingle

**For this month's Show and Tell, we want to see the projects you've been working on, but we also want to hear about the fun new fabrics, books, patterns, and notions you picked up over the holidays! Inspire us!

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

:: We're still accepting dues for 2019, which we are holding steady at $40 for this year. 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 8, 2018)

Thank you to everyone who came out to Saturday's meeting! It was great to see everyone and have some fun!

• Gayle, our Treasurer, gave us the updated financial info. Don't forget you can now pay your 2019 dues of $40. Dues are due by Dec. 31 to remain a member in good standing. You can pay via our Paypal link or mail a check to Gayle (see our member roster for her contact info).
• Krista, our Secretary, announced our membership numbers and passed out our MQG and STLMQG membership cards and pins.
• Marie, our VP, announced several pieces of quilting news and happenings (more about these will be sent via email).
• Jessica, our President, covered several items:
• Our second quilt show has been scheduled for July 20-21, 2019! It will be held at the Kirkwood Community Center. More info in the newsletter!
• Sign ups continued for next year’s committees: Charity, Member Swap and Challenge, Quilt Show, Programming, Social (new!), and SewMeSTL. Members are highly encouraged to consider signing up for one. It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and have your ideas heard. A link to the sign-up sheet will be sent in the newsletter. 
• The Finished Rainbow BOM Challenge will take place in January. Now that we've finished our Rainbow BOM blocks, it's time to make something from them! Finished quilts are due at our January 12th meeting. All finished quilts (any size) will be entered to win one of three $30 gift cards to a fabric store.
• More info about next year's speakers will be coming soon!

• For this month's activity, we enjoyed our annual December ticket raffle. Our wonderful members donated over 150 prizes, which were raffled off to a lot of lucky winners. We hope the winners enjoy their new goodies! Thank you to everyone who donated and bought tickets. This fundraiser helps us to raise funds for lots more fun next year.

• We wrapped up the meeting with another great Show and Tell, including these beauties by Erin Chan and Ann Philiph. 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.

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season! See you in January!

Meeting #88 (December 8, 2018)

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 8, 2018
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
- Reminder about Finished Rainbow BOM Challenge (due in January)

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

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

:: We're still accepting dues for 2019, 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 do an inventory to see where we're at. 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.

Meeting Recap (November 10, 2018)

Thank you to everyone who came out to Saturday's meeting! It was great to see everyone and have some fun!

• Gayle, our Treasurer, gave us the updated financial info. Don't forget you can now pay your 2019 dues of $40. Dues are due by Dec. 31 to remain a member in good standing. You can pay at the December meeting or via our Paypal link.
• Krista, our Secretary, announced our membership numbers and passed out our MQG and STLMQG membership cards and pins.
• Marie, our VP, announced several pieces of quilting news and happenings (more about these will be sent via email).
• Jessica, our President, covered several items:
• This month, Tess McMahon has offered to host a special hand-sew happy hour at her home. More info will be coming in the newsletter.
• Our second quilt show has been scheduled for July 20-21, 2019! It will be held at the Kirkwood Community Center. Help is needed on the Quilt Show Committee. More info in the newsletter!
• We collected items (and in several cases, raffled prizes) for the QuiltCon Charity Quilt Challenge, Nurses for Newborns charity project, Rainbow Block of the Month (BOM), and Block Lotto#4.

• Sign ups began for next year’s committees: Charity, Member Swap and Challenge, Quilt Show, Programming, Social (new!), and SewMeSTL. Members are highly encouraged to consider signing up for one. It’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, and have your ideas heard. A link to the sign-up sheet will be sent in the newsletter.
• We had a show and tell for the 2018 Colors of the Year Challenge entries and then voted on a viewer's choice winner (Jessica Schunke, far right quilt in second picture below). Thank you for all of the lovely entries!

  

• Jessica announced the Finished Rainbow BOM Challenge. Now that we've finished our Rainbow BOM blocks, it's time to make something from them! Finished quilts are due at our January 12th meeting. All finished quilts (any size) will be entered to win one of three $30 gift cards to a fabric store.
• We collected items for the December raffle, but you can still bring more to the December meeting. See this blog post for all the info.
• For this month's activity, we welcomed Beth Snyder, Creative Director of One Canoe Two, for a presentation on her journey and the process of designing fabric (One Canoe Two has several lines with Moda), as well as more generally about her experience as a working creative. She also set up a small pop-up shop of One Canoe Two items during the break. Beth was just delightful and so interesting, and she shared a huge number of her lovely quilts.

• We wrapped up the meeting with a great Show and Tell, including these quilts by Em Komiskey, Kathy Bridges, Pam Hartig, and Leila Gardunia. 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.