Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Highlights from November's 2016 Meeting

Quilting Spaces

Our quilting spaces are personal to us, set up just right.....for inspiration, efficiency, organization and most importantly, to sew and create quilts of all kinds. This past Saturday, it was one of those meetings where we had opportunity to crossover and see behind the scenes of many of our expert and diligent quilters by getting a glimpse into their "Quilting Space".

Eleven of you submitted photos of your quilting space/nook/room to Cheryl Brickey. Cheryl in turn put together a phenomenal slideshow so that each member who submitted photos could dialog with our group about their quilting space. It was interesting and insightful. I think we gained a greater appreciation for our quilting friends. Thank you Faye Jones, Cindy Lammon, Madeline Faner, Valorie Kasten, Dana Blasi, Carol Kreson, Sandy Helsel, Johnnie McKenzie, Paige Alexander, Didi Salvatierra and Nancy DeJong for your participation and to Cheryl Brickey for bringing it all together.
Of course, we definitely all walked away with some invaluable tips from our members who were featured so here are a few ideas noted:

-Flat surface ironing board was made with a metal cart on wheels and for the ironing surface MDF covered in batting and cotton fabric. The benefit was a larger ironing space as well as added shelf space below on the cart for storage.

-Utilize inside of a closet door to hang specialized quilting rulers....out of sight but not out of mind......easily accessed.

-Make a sewing table with two bookshelves. Turn the bookshelves (with 2 shelves) sideways, lay crosswise a pre-made table or countertop and/or simply a board and you have a sewing table plus storage.

-Add hooks to side of sewing table to hang those specialized rulers and tools.

-Wood can be your friend....take a solid piece of wood, cut grooves approximately 1/2" to an 1" in depth so the specialized rulers can be inserted and stand up.

-Lastly, a neat way to showcase your quilt competition ribbon awards. Utilize the height of your room, by making your ribbons the border. Simply take a thin, flat board and hot glue cork strips to it, then attach to the wall and begin adding your ribbons. It keeps the special award and memories visible!!!

All wonderful DIY ideas!!!!

Congratulations to our newly elected 2017 GMQG Board:

New-elected:
  President:  Cindy Lammon

Re-elected:
  Vice President:  Faye Jones
  Treasurer:   Paige Alexander
  Secretary:   Marcie Snyder

Board Advisors
   Darlene Sanford
   Marilyn Hagopian
   Cheryl Brickey

And, a special thank you to members who participated in the GMQG 2017 program agenda survey. You all provided great feedback and ideas.....the fuel needed for the Board members to begin planning and strategizing for next year.

Recognition and Thanks



What's in Cheryl's bag?
Our current guild President, Cheryl Brickey has been in leadership for four(4) years (two years as VP and two years as President). When we (GMQG) officially joined the Modern Quilt Guild in 2015, Cheryl led the way.  We have all been inspired by her charisma and steadfastness in building a great foundation for GMQG to build upon. She is a spark that has greatly contributed to the sparkle of GMQG today. In December, Cheryl will be passing the baton to incoming president, Cindy Lammon.

So what was in her bag?  Beautifully sewn "thank you" gifts that she made and presented to various members who had worked with her through the years on special projects, organizational planning and implementation and/or instrumental in one of our meeting presentations. Each gift was so pretty and distinct and welcomed by the recipient. Thank you, Cheryl.

Be in the Know

  • It was good to see you all Saturday 🌝. We had a great turn out. Paige Alexander reported 27 in total attendance. Of the 27, we had 7 guests with four (4) of those becoming new members. Great news......Welcome! 
  • This is the season for 2017 Membership renewal....December is the last month to "renew" for existing members. It is $35.00
    • Why be a GMQG member?  Lots of reasons.......
      • Our parent organization, Modern Quilt Guild, has an abundance of resources, webinars and inspiration exclusive to members. Plus, free admittance to QuiltCon when you register.
      • 20% Discount at various fabric stores (ie. Bernina Sewing Center)
      • GMQG "specialized" workshops in 2017- reservations open first to our members 
      • And....many more.
    • To renew, please see Paige Alexander or Nancy DeJong at our next meeting on December 10th. They accept cash/check.  
  • QuiltCon East – It's practically next door to us this year in Savannah, GA. Learn more about the schedule for lectures and workshops. Registration began on June 25th for all MQG members.  Remember MQG members can receive a FREE four-day show pass and member discounts, but you will need to sign-up through the MQG registration process to receive the free pass.
    • 9-Patch Challenge....Learn more. Submissions are due November 30, 2016
  • GMQG Retreat - is in the planning phase for 2017. Faye Jones and Sandy Helsel are at the helm. So stay tuned!!!!
  • Cindy Lammon enjoyed the October Sew-In Day and thanks each of you who came and participated. We will continue to have more in 2017.
  • And, on Tuesdays at Bernina Sewing Center they randomly select bolts of fabric and mark it down to ⭐$7.00/yd. ⭐. It is a great way to save on a quilting project or add to your stash for the future.

Quiltcon 2017 GMQG Charity Quilt

Valerie Kasten is coordinating this amazing project for GMQG. Her dedication and enthusiasm to keep our quilt project moving forward is so appreciated. It is not an easy feat !!!! Last month, it was a series of blocks and here is what it looks this month. FANTASTIC!

Valerie Kasten, Project Coordinator (left) and Cheryl Brickey (right) variation of her Plus pattern design

Philanthropy- Block of the Month

As you know we are working to prove Faye Jones, right!!!! The past couple of months she has challenged us to bring in and donate our unwanted, packed away or unloved quilting blocks for someone (like you or me) to take home and be inspired by.  Her theory: "Your unwanted project may be the seed of inspiration for another".

Well, kudos to our group, we had a buzz happening around our Philanthropy table this month. It was quite a spectacle. Thank you to the overwhelming response.

Okay, here is Faye's next step instructions for us. Your assignment is to create an inspiring child's quilt for our Greenville Hospital System (in Greenville and Spartanburg). But, before they are donated, Faye wants to have a little competition. You have until April 2017. At our April meeting, you will anonymously bring in your quilt(s) for our group to vote on the results (Faye will announce several voting categories such as: Best transformation, Best Creativity, etc.).

Faye Jones, we accept your challenge ;-)

Now that the cooler season has arrived our "comfort" quilts for GHS are ever more important. Along with Faye, we extend a huge thank you to our following donors this month:

Nancy DeJong

Marilyn Hagopian

Cindy Lammon

Faye Jones (and several below)



Show & Share

Thank you to all who brought their wonderful works to share with us this month. Several of the projects shown were memory quilts (some still in the works), well loved quilts or represented a unique "like" that you have. It is amazing how textile can visually portray a personal story!

Another takeaway from our Show & Share were that several of you sought the expertise of a quilter for your special project. Two professional quilters whose work was recognized on one or more of the following projects this month were Carol Alperin and Johellen George.

Nicole McClelland - recently received an award for her quilt "Congratulations"

Carol Alperin - Memory quilt made of blue jeans

Carol Kreson (also below) - Quilts inspired by photos


Carol Kreson- table runner for a Christmas gift

Michele Blake- made a great bag....functional + really pretty!

Denise Frick- GMQG newest member

Tonya Morin (left) quilting enhancements added to a beloved quilt she made several years ago

Dana Blasi- (this and next three slides) working on a memory quilt




Dana Blasi (right) - King size quilt project for the fisherman in her life!

Cheryl Brickey's- challenge quilt square

FYI-Cheryl Brickey's quilt is featured in 2017 The Quilter's Planner

Cindy Lammon (also next two quilts) -what you can do with the shape of a triangle

The pop of red is just the right touch.

Magnificent colors 

Paige Alexander-quilt square challenge (also two projects below)

Paige led a workshop for a nearby quilt group where they made a quilted Christmas table runner

Paige's quilt challenge to modernize traditional patterns. 

Faye Jones (also two below)- Asian lanterns quilt for a friend

Faye's modern twist on curved piecing
Faye quilted with pink thread on white fabric to create an adorable, feminine quilt using a pink
and white fabric for the backing. The coordinated hanger was a nice touch...so sweet.

Tiffany Baird (also below) -experimented on quilting first then assembling quilt.
Turned out great!

Tiffany's table runner - a good conversation piece.

Next Month - GMQG Celebrates Christmas Together


It's that time of year. Come join us for our Christmas celebration on December 10th. We will gather at Bernina Sewing Center from 12pm to 2pm.

Join us for lunch, good conversation and if you want to participate, bring a few extra dollar bills for a fun auction. The proceeds from the auction are for GMQG 2017 projects.

Lunch will be provided - BYOB- (bottle water will be provided).

We look forward to seeing you at:




2310 East North Street, Suite A
Greenville, SC 29607

864-235-5031


Thursday, November 10, 2016

Parking for GMQG meeting this saturday

This Saturday, the parking lot that Bernina is in is having a fair until 1pm.

There should be enough parking left in the parking lot, but should there are no parking available, you can park in the lot next to Bernina.  The lot is for an office building and is on the left side of Bernina if you were facing the store (side of Bernina closer to Pleasantburg)


See you Saturday!

Friday, November 4, 2016

Share with us your Quilting Space/Nook/Room on Saturday, November 12th


Quilting Spaces

We invite you to participate by submitting some photos of your Quilting Space for this Saturday's "Inside Look".......

Each month we are inspired by your quilting projects, so the thought behind our upcoming meeting--- Where do these quilting inspirations come together at?


This weekend, if you have not already done so, grab your smartphone or camera:  1) Take a couple of photos (personalize it even more by being in the photo as well [optional]) and submit photos to Cheryl Brickey at cheryljbrickey@gmail.com

It's Easy!!!!


The deadline for photo submissions is Tuesday, November 8th.



Reminders

GMQG 2017 Officer's Elections. Please come to vote. Currently, the ballot reads as:

President:  Cindy Lammon
Vice President:  Faye Jones
Treasurer:  Paige Alexander
Secretary:  Marcie Snyder

If you have any comments about the ballet, please email our current President, Cheryl Brickey.

Membership Dues reminder: We want you to renew your membership for 2017 with us or if you are thinking about joining -- now is the time! Paige Alexander will be receiving our renewal dues of $35 in November. She can accept either check or cash. Thank you to the 19 who have renewed already. 

Last, but not least, bring your Show & Share, Dear Quilty and Philanthropy projects for us to see.

We hope you plan to join us on November 12th from 1:00 - 3:00pm at:

2310 East North Street, Suite A
Greenville, SC 29607

864-235-5031