Greenville Modern Quilt Guild

Monday, April 16, 2018

Highlights from the April 2018 meeting

Modern Plus Sign Quilts with Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander

Our program this month featured two of our own members, Cheryl and Paige, who co-authored their first book, Modern Plus Sign Quilts. We were able to see up close and in person most of the quilts that are patterned in the book. The quilts are all great examples of a modern take on a very old, traditional Plus Sign block. Several of the quilts included "mash-ups" of a Plus Block with another traditional block, such as Pinwheel, Irish Chain and Kaleidoscope and ranged from super simple pieced quilts to applique to paper piecing.

Thank you Cheryl and Paige for sharing your enthusiasm and your beautiful work with us! Be sure to check out the Modern Plus Sign Quilts Blog Hop that Cheryl and Paige hosted on their blogs. Cheryl is at Meadow Mist Designs and Paige is at Quilted Blooms. You can also find their free Modern Plus Block Pillow pattern on the Stash Website.

Announcements:

We welcomed 39 members, 2 new members, and 6 guests at this month's meeting!

Shop News:

Happy Anniversary to Bernina We're In Stitches! Congratulations on three years of serving the sewing community of Greenville!

Membership News:

Nancy deJong has our 2018 Membership Directories printed and ready to be picked up at the membership table. One per member please.

Upcoming Events:

Foothills Piecemakers Bi-Annual Show is April 27-28 at the Pellam Road Baptist Church (stop by on the way to the retreat!)
NC Quilt Symposium is May 31, June 1-3 at UNC Asheville.
Quilters of SC will have a quilt exhibit at the Columbia Quilt Expo on July 20-21, 2018. We encourage our members to enter a quilt. Registration guidelines and forms can be found on the QSC website, quiltersofsc.org. Please note registration forms must be post marked between June 11 and June 14, 2018.

Sew-In Days:

Please join us on April 20, 2018 from 2 pm - 10 pm at the Bernina Store! Come at any time and stay for as long as you like. Bring your own projects to work on. We ask that you purchase a half yard of fabric at the store which is raffled to one lucky participant.

Upcoming Meetings:

May 12 - Special meeting time is 12 - 1. Following the meeting Didi Salvatierra will present an Introduction to Improv workshop. Email Valorie at spydeeland@aol.com to check on current openings in the workshop.

Guild Challenge:

Choose a traditional block whose name begins with the same letter as one of your names and create a quilt in a modern style. This means that you will have at least three letters to work with or more if you have multiple middle or last names.
Resources that catalog traditional blocks are numerous such as The Quilter's Album of Patchwork Patterns by Jinny Beyer, 5,500 Quilt Block Designs by Maggie Malone, and quilterscache.com.
The quilts will be displayed at the August 10 meeting and prizes will be awarded by viewer's choice.
Quilt size not to exceed 36" on any one side.
The interpretation of your block is open to your imagination!
The design must use at least 3 of these 8 elements in modern quilt design:

Bright/graphic color palette
Negative Space
Minimalism
No border
Improvisational piecing
Alternate grid work
Asymmetry
Exaggerated Scale

Journey of Quilters Event:

On May 25, we will be hosting a tour group of quilters at the Bernina Store from 1-3 pm. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for a fun afternoon of demos and refreshments!

Philanthropy:

We collected five Charity Quilts today. They are all appreciated and will go to those needing comfort at a difficult time. Thank you!

Block of the Month:

This month's block is called Transparency designed by Kitty Wilkin of Night Quilter. Follow the link for the tutorial.
Please use a light background and a monochromatic color scheme (light, medium and dark of the same color).

Library Update:

We have 3 new books in our library! Paper Pieced Modern, We Love Color and Improv Piecing.

Show and Share

Marcia Given - Pieced Hearts Warm to Cool - free pattern by Kate Spain

Sara Conrad - Charity tablerunners

Sara Conrad - Feline Friends Challenge

Marilyn Hagopian - Maxwell Tote by Abbey Lane

Nancy deJong - Tulip Table Toppers

Travis Seward - Triangle Challenge for Curated Quilts

Madeline Faner - Whales Charity Quilt

Sarah Mims - Kaleidoscope Block from Paula Nadelstern class

Dagmar Theodore - Foothills QG Black and White Challenge

Laura Hall - Indigo Hand Dyed Triangle using work shirts from her Father and Batik String Quilt

Faye Jones - Charity Strip Quilt and Wedge Quilt

Faye Jones - Asian Lanterns

Paige Alexander - Plus Sign Pouch made by Michelle Blake and QuiltCon 2018 Challenge quilt

Paige Alexander - Pineapple Quilt, pattern published in Quilty Magazine Mar/Apr

Cindy Lammon - Row Addition from Modern Plus Sign Quilts and Economy Block, both for Charity

Cindy Lammon - String Quilt

Valorie Kasten - Tote Bag pattern from Branch and Vine and Charity Quilt

After such an inspirational and fun program, we hope to see lots of Modern Plus Sign quilts in future Show and Shares!

Our next meeting will be at a special time - 12 pm on Saturday May 12, 2018, at:

Bernina Sewing Center

2310 East North Street, Suite A

Greenville, SC 29607

864-235-5031

Friday, April 6, 2018

Modern Plus Sign Quilts - Saturday, April 14, 2018

This Saturday we are honored to have GMQG's own, Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander, share their recently published book, Modern Plus Sign Quilts!

Photo from QuiltCon 2018

Have you ever considered writing a quilt book? For most of us, it seems like a daunting task! This month Cheryl and Paige will not only show us many of the quilts from their new book, but briefly explain the process of turning an idea into a published book.

After seeing the quilts in "person", you may want to add Modern Plus Sign Quilts to your personal quilt book library! The books are available for purchase at the Bernina Store. You can also take this opportunity to get your book signed by the authors.

You don't want to miss it!

Don't forget to bring:

This month's Block of the Month: Improv Curves Block
Any library books checked out last month.
Your Show and Share projects!

Hope to see you Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 1-3 pm at:

Bernina Sewing Center

2310 East North Street, Suite A

Greenville, SC 29607

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Final Registration for 2018 Quilt Retreat

Are you still thinking about attending Greenville Modern Quilt Guild's annual retreat at Wildacres Conference Center? Before you know it April 27th will be here and it will be time to pack your bags!

Deadline for this year's retreat is March 30, 2018 at 5 pm. After that date, registration will be closed and we will turn any extra rooms back to the facility.

Please be sure to contact Sandy Helsel at shelsel65@gmail.com or phone (864) 640-7437 to register by the 31st.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Highlights from the March 10th Meeting

QuiltCon and Trends in Modern Quilting

Our program this month was a review and discussion of QuiltCon 2018. We viewed many of the winning quilts, along with our members' quilts that were juried into the show. The discussion concluded with a look at some of the current trends in Modern Quilting. Hopefully, we all left with some new ideas for our own creations!

Things To Know...

We were happy to welcome 6 new members to our guild this month! With 39 members and 4 visitors, we had a total of 49 present at the meeting.

News From the Shop

Angela Walters' new quilting rulers are now in the shop.
Bernina has released a gold #1 foot for the 125th anniversary of its first machine.
Spaces are still available for the afternoon session of the Aurifil Thread lecture on March 28th.
A book signing party is planned for Friday, March 16th to launch the new book, "Modern Plus Sign Quilts" with our members Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander.
An Accuquilt Trunk Show is coming to the shop in April. Check back for dates.
Scissor sharpening will be available at our May or June meeting.

Membership

Nancy de Jong has a proof of this year's Membership Directory. Members were asked to check the information included before it goes to print next month. If you were unable to attend the meeting and your information has changed since the last directory, please email Nancy at Nancyld54@gmail.com.

Mark Your calendar

The Palmetto Quilt Guld's Quilt Festival 2018 is March 23-25 at the Hilton Head Beach and Tennis resort.
Foothills Piecemakers Bi-Annual Quilt Show is April 27-28 at the Pelham Road Baptist Church.
NC Quilt Symposium is May 31, June 1-3 at UNC Asheville.

Retreat

Currently there are 22 retreaters for the April 27-29 retreat at Wildacres Retreat Conference Center.
Please email Sandy ASAP at shelsel165@gmail.com, if you would still like to register. Guests are also welcome.
If you are planning on going to the retreat, Sandy has scheduled a meeting (prior to our regular monthly meeting) on April 14th at 12:30. She will be discussing car pool plans, supplies to bring, the mystery project and more. Please email Sandy at the address above if you cannot make this Retreat Planning Meeting.

Sew-In Days

Thanks to all of you who joined us in February!
The remaining days for the year are: April 20, June 22, August 17, and October 19, from 2-10 pm.

Upcoming meetings

April 14 - Modern Plus Sign Quits and How to Get Published
May 12 - Improv Quilting followed by a workshop with Didi Salvatierra. Our regular meeting will start at noon and be followed by the hands on workshop. The workshop is limited to 20 members and filled up at this month's meeting. If you'd like to be added to a wait list, please email Valorie at spydeeland@aol.com and put "Improv Workshop" in the subject line. If you signed up at the meeting and are unable to attend the workshop, please let Val know!

Riley Blake Challenge

For those who signed up, Valorie has the fabric supplied by the MQG.
If you didn't sign up, you can still participate in the challenge by purchasing the fabric yourself.
Challenges are due on April 22nd.

Journey of Quilters Event

Our guild will be hosting a quilting tour group at the Bernina Store on Friday, May 25th from 1-3 pm.
The program will consist of Show and Share, demos and refreshments.
All our welcome, but seating will be limited as we're expecting around 30 guests.
We're looking for members willing to participate in the Show and Share and/ or bring refreshments. Sign up at next month's meeting.
We would also like to give each of the guests a hand-made tote bag. Susan provided us with simple online tutorials. Please sign up at the next meeting if you're willing to make 1 or 2.

Block of the Month

We had several blocks turned in from last month's BOM. Thank you!
This month we're making an Improv Curves block from the Knoxville MQG.
Use any colors you choose, keeping the unpieced portion of the block solid or almost solid.
Dagmar suggests placing 2 rulers on your fabric, spaced about an inch apart to stabilize it as you cut the improv curve.

Congrats!

Congratulations to GMQG member, Paige Alexander whose "Casting Shadows" quilt took second place in the Michael Miller Challenge at QuiltCon!

Show and Share

Elise Dunbar - Charity quilt

Didi Salvatierra - hand appliquéd and hand quilted

Ruth - BOM Charity Quilt and "Lloyd & Lola" pattern by Elizabeth Hartman

Laura Hall - "Round and Round" pattern by Thimbleblossoms

Michelle Blake - "See it All Pouch" from Stitched Sewing Organizers by Aneela Hoey

Michelle Blake - "Inside Out Pouch" and Jelly Roll Rug

Sue Bready - Charity Quilt

Travis Seward - Courthouse Steps

Denise Frick - Mini House Quilts made from scraps

Valorie Kasten - Mini quilt from MQG swap and Charity quilt

Nancy de Jong - Charity quilt - Diamonds made from Half-square triangles

Faye Jones - Quilt from Hand-dyed fabric and Charity quilt

We'd love to see you at our next meeting, Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 1-3 pm at:

Bernina Sewing Center

2310 East North Street, Suite A

Greenville, SC 29607

864-235-5031

Friday, March 2, 2018

QuiltCon 2018 and Current Trends in Modern Quilting - Saturday, March 10, 2018

The Modern Quilt Guild's Annual Quilt Show 2018 is now an event of the past. Although very few of us went to Pasadena to see the show in person, most of us have enjoyed glimpses on social media. This month, we'll share our thoughts on the show and discuss current trends we're seeing in modern quilting.

The winning quilts from this year's QuiltCon Show can be found here. Hope you can join us for a lively discussion!

A few reminders:

This month's BOM is Half Rectangle With a Twist.
Please return any library books checked out last month.
Bring your latest creations for our monthly Show and Share!

We look forward to seeing you Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 1-3 pm at:

Bernina Sewing Center

2310 East North Street, Suite A

Greenville, SC 29607

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Highlights from the February 2018 Meeting

Surface Design with Faye Jones

What a fantastic program we enjoyed this month! Greenville MQG member, Faye Jones, shared her experience with surface design on fabric, including samples, tips, and pitfalls. Most of all, she emphasized the importance of just giving it a try and experimenting! Here are some of her resources you may be interested in:

Dharma Trading Company - find dyes and other supplies along with many technique tutorials.
Book: Create Your Own Hand Printed Cloth by Rayna Gillman
Book: Color By Accident by Ann Johnson
Online resources: search rust dyeing, Shibori, stamping with thickened dye, cloth dyeing (Paula Burch articles are excellent).
And of course, Faye is always willing to help you! Feel free to contact her.

Things to Know...

We were happy to welcome 4 new members to our guild this month! Along with 9 visitors and 39 members present, we had a total of 52 attendees!

News From the Shop

A new Block of the Month called "Floral Menagerie" is now available.
New Batiks are on order and coming soon!
Sign up for the program from Alex Veronelli from Aurifil Threads on March 28th.
Check with the shop for February's Monthly Sit & Sew.
Bernina Embroidery accessories are now on sale.
Don't forget guild members get a 20% discount once a month!

Membership

Nancy now has Membership Cards - be sure to pick yours up.

Upcoming Events

Charlotte Quilter's Guild Show is March 9-10 at the Union County Ag Center in Monroe, NC.
Quilters of SC Spring meeting is March 24th in Columbia. Jan Krentz is speaking on the topic "Design Inspiration From Every Day Life".
The MQG Riley Blake Challenge is due on April 22nd. The winner's quilt will hang at Quilt Market.
Foothills Piecemakers Bi-Annual Quilt Show is April 27-28 at the Pelham Road Baptist Church.
NC Quilt Symposium is May 31, June 1-3 at UNC Asheville.
"Tea with the Quilters" Retreat in Atlantic Beach, NC is Dec 9-14. Organized by the Doubletree Hotel Atlantic Beach, the retreat is open to all NC and SC guilds. The cost is $169/night/room for a full package including meals and $69/night for room only. Prices are double occupancy and include access to the retreat room. Prizes, demos and vendors included. For more information or to book contact Whitney Girard at (252) 222-4013 or whitney.girard@hilton.com.

Retreat April 27-29, 2018

The retreat is quickly filling up! After Feb. 28th, rooms will open to non-members. To reserve your spot, contact Sandy at shelsel65@gmail.com.

Sew-In

Please join us this Friday, February 16th from 2-10 pm at the Bernina Store for our first Sew-in day of 2018. Come for as long as you like and bring your own projects to work on. Admission is a half yard of fabric, purchased at the shop. One lucky person will go home with all the fabric!
The remaining scheduled Sew-In days are: April 20th and June 22nd.

Upcoming Meetings

March 10 - Quiltcon Recap and Current Trends
April 14 - Cheryl Brickey and Paige Alexander with show their new book, Modern Plus Sign Quilts and discuss how to get published.

Philanthropy

Faye delivered 9 quilts to the Children's Abuse Medical Program last month. We continue to appreciate and welcome your donations.

Block of the Month

We received numerous blocks for the Ventura MQG quilt drive. Thank you to everyone who contributed a block! They are on their way to California, along with a note of support to our fellow quilters.
This month's BOM is a Half Rectangle With A Twist Block. Follow the link for the tutorial. You can use any colors with good contrast.

Dagmar suggests starting with a 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangle. You'll need to use the 30 degree line on your ruler for making the angle cut. Be sure your rectangles are stacked all right side up before making the 30 degree cut! Finished size is 8", unfinished 8 1/2" square.