Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Highlights from February 2017 Meeting

Seeing is the best way..... to Doing!


We had a rockin' quilting good time Saturday! We appreciate Leslie White, Faye Jones and Cindy Lammon for making this happen! They came prepared for us to SEE fantastic demonstrations -  each showing and sewing a distinctive quilting technique.  For some of us, seeing the visual steps on how to achieve a certain quilted look....is the fuel we need to trying it out on our next quilted piece.

What are some of the quilting techniques they demonstrated for us:

Machine quilting with rulers:

Here we had opportunity to see how the specific brand, a Bernina sewing machine, coordinates with the same brand rulers. Leslie used a specialized footer that sews along side the placement of the ruler on the fabric. She demonstrated several rulers with different shapes - half moon, multiple curves, diagonals -- so we could see the quilting design effect of each. The rulers are very cool tools!

Leslie White demonstration on Machine quilting with Bernina rulers 

Free motion quilting:

This style of quilting defines itself. It is using the free motion capability of your sewing machine to sew - up, down or side to side - creating a customize design. Of course, experienced Faye, made this look effortless and easy. She demonstrated squiggles, echoing, curved lines, connected bubbles or circles, traveling and more. One of her recommendations "for going rogue" with this technique is to begin practicing with fabrics that have a simple design motif such as butterflies, flowers, circles where you sew the outline of the shape to familiarize yourself with speed and fluidity. Great tip!!!

Faye Jones demonstration on Free motion quilting

Spiral quilting:

This design technique begins with a core circle approximately 3" that then becomes the guide for the next circle layer and next and next and so forth sewing out to your desired circumference. Using her circle template, Cindy started by drawing with a washable pencil on her fabric a 3" circle in the desired location she wanted to start. The initial 3"circle required shorter stitches and a little more maneuvering but as she moved from ring to ring the sewing progressively went faster and easier because the circle was larger. The final look spectacular and very effective in showcasing her quilt design.

Cindy Lammon- Spiral Quilting
In addition, we had unanimous approval for our vote to amend Articles 6 -10 of the GMQG By-Laws which included a change in month for officer nominations & election, adding the Membership Chair position to the Executive Board and adding the formation of Standing Committees.

Thanks to Paige Alexander and Nancy DeJong for their GMQG updates on Financials and Memberships.  Nancy reported we had 40 in attendance with 8 guests. As of February, GMQG has 51 members which includes (from this meeting) one renewal and 4 additional new members. ;-)

As we closed the meeting, we had a drawing for three (3) giveaways. Thank you to Cindy Lammon and Marcie Snyder for donating a quilting book and two pairs of rotary cutters. Our three recipients were delighted.

Upcoming GMQG Events:

  • Modern Quilt Guild's - QuiltCon East 2017 is February 23-26th in Savannah, GA...For those of us going, be on the lookout for other fellow GMQGers, quilt entries by Paige Alexander & Cheryl Brickey AND, AND, AND our Charity Quilt. Thank you again Valorie for keeping our group on task to complete this quilt project in January and successfully shipping it on February 1st to QuiltCon. You did a great job for us!
  • April 7-9th: Our guild is having a first retreat at the Wildfires Retreat Conference Center in North Carolina. The details of the event are here on our website.Thank you Sandy Helsel and Faye Jones for planning and coordinating this weekend away. It's not to late to sign up or participate in a carpool. For assistance, email Sandy at shelsel65@gmail.com
  • May 12 & 13th - Michelle Wilkie Workshop - Modern Quilt Design-Every Day Inspiration. Look for the workshop details on our website. For the Friday night opener, Michelle will speak on "The Skill of Quilt Design" and on Saturday, she will lead a workshop entitled Modern Quilt Design-Every Day Inspiration. Please note: we only have six (6) workspaces remaining for the Saturday workshop. If interested in coming, please do not delay in contacting Dana Blasi at danabird57@bellsouth.net

Upcoming Outside Quilting Events:


Modern Skill Builder - Block of the Month

Look at the response for the January 2017 Block of the Month called Cloud 9 New Block designed by Carole Lyles Shaw (our regional MQG representative). Way to go GMQG in starting the new year off....very impressive.

For February, Cheryl Brickey has an equally challenging design. It is called Ellen's Snowball designed by Cath of Wombat Quilts. The pattern is located at Wombat Quilts
Block name: Ellen's Snowball



Notes for construction details:

The blog post contains a link for 12" block templates. You will have to print out this template page 4 times (for 4 of the "A" template and 4 of the "H" template). Make sure to print at "actual size" or "100%".

For piecing the block:
Use low volume prints for pieces 1 and 6 (try to use fabrics with a white or cream background and white/gray/black print)
Use darker pinks, reds, oranges, and purples for pieces 2, 4, 5, and 7
Use yellow for piece 3

Leave paper on the back of the block when you turn it in.

Philanthropy

Faye Jones reported that we had a total of six (6)quilts donated to families whose homes were destroyed by fire in Gatlinburg, TN. Thank you members who supported and donated quilts. We know the recipients receiving these quilts will be blessed.

And, as you know, Faye is challenging our group to bring in quilt squares that never became a quilt. You know the ones......

Then, her challenge to us is to make a philanthropy quilt from one of those squares. Faye's theory is that a hidden away quilt square could be the inspiration to another.

Our goal is to prove her right in April. We have two months to complete our Block Recycle Challenge.

 We look forward to seeing your creativity in this special philanthropy challenge!

Be in the Know:

Johnny McKenzie has volunteered to organize a mentoring program to connect experienced quilters with members new to quilting who need advice and guidance. For more information or to participate in the program contact Johnnie by email at johnniemckenzie@att.net

Johnny McKenzie is also offering free beginner classes in her home for our members. Two classes "Ready, Set, Quilt" and "Quilt Making/Sewing basics" started in January. For more information or to participate contact Johnnie by email at johnniemckenzie@att.net. Thank you Johnnie!

Show & Share

Marilyn Hagopian- auction quilts for Mary's House in Easley, SC
Faye Jones- Donation quilt (left) and Competition quilt (right) entitled "Story of the Fires"

Sandy Helsel- Vacation photo reimagined with fabric

Didi Salvatierra - 3 versions of Fidget quilts
Valorie Kasten- Quilt Planner cover (left) & MQG Mini Quilt for QuiltCon Swap

Nancy DeJong- Sampler from the Quilter's Planner (left) & a gift Quilt for family member
Carol Kreson- Quilt design from Simply Modern

Laura Scott- Sampler entitled "Winter Solice" 

Valerie Fitzgerald - Samplers featuring the free motion quilting technique

Next Month

Recaps from QuiltCon East 2017....We hope you will plan to come join us March 11th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at:

2310 East North Street, Suite A
Greenville, SC 29607

864-235-5031





Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Plan for GMQG Upcoming "May" Workshop: Modern Quilt Design-Every Day Inspiration

Make your plans to attend the
Greenville Modern Quilt Guild Workshop
with guest lecturer & quilt designer

Michelle Wilkie



Friday, May 12th at 6:30pm
Saturday, May 13th from 10am - 4pm
at
Bernina Sewing Center
in Greenville, South Carolina

Our feature guest, prize winning quilter, Michelle Wilkie has a love for modern quilting and design, which allows her to incorporate both her passion of art and STEM background. Michelle, who is based in North Carolina, is a regular contributor to Modern Quilt Guild and Love Patchwork & Quilting Magazine. She has taught classes for over 15 years to both experienced and newcomers to the art of quilting. Her quilt workshops include Techniques of Quilt Designing, Improvisational Piecing, Hand Piecing and more.

Like many of us, Michelle enjoys challenging herself in quilt design competitions where she has done well. She was the winning entry for the Designer's Choice Award on Threadbias & Penguin+ Fish, Jungle Ave Quilt Design Competition (Sara Lawson @ Sew Sweetness, Quilt Now) and Cloud 9 Cirrus Solids February Block of the Month.

You can learn more about Michelle and her quilt designs through her blog at Factotum of Arts and Instagram.

Workshop Agenda

May 12th, Friday evening 6:30pm
Lecture: The Skill of Quilt Design

Quilt design, like most creative activities, is not second nature to most people. There are several facets to consider when designing, such as how to see and find inspiration, how to take an initial design and edit it, finding your own style then taking it from an idea to reality. 

Michelle will share her discovery and journey of quilt design. She will discuss where she finds inspiration, the importance of visualizing your ideas and how that translates into her quilts.

May 13th, Saturday 10am - 4pm
Workshop: Modern Quilt Design: Every Day Inspiration

Find out more about this photo at the workshop
This class will illustrate and step you through how to create a modern quilt design using inspiration from everyday things around you. Once you have a design, skills to turn that design into reality will be shared.

Class Structure:
  • Introduction
  • Instructor lead topics & exercises (4 topic areas and design opportunity)
  • Making your own block


Workshop Details

Event/Cost:  
  • Friday, May 12th starts with refreshments at 6:30pm and lecture discussion beginning at 7:00pm
    • Lecture is FREE to members & shop employees
    • $5 to non-members. 
    • No need to sign-up. 
  • Saturday, May 13th workshop will be 10am - 4pm
    • $35 for members, payable by check or cash
    • Sign-ups will begin in February - see Dana Blasi
      • Minimum 14 students, maximum is 20
      • You will receive a supply list when you sign up
    • Attendees may bring your own lunch or order an individual lunch with 2 Chefs (more info. to come)
    • After March 11th, we will open it to non-members for a cost of $50 

If you are unable to sign-up at the February meeting, contact Dana Blasi at danabird57@bellsouth.net

We invite you to come join us for this innovative workshop....to challenge and inspire possibilities in your modern quilt designs.
.

Friday, February 3, 2017

It's a rockin' Round Robin....at our next GMQG Meeting on Saturday, February 11th



Come join us.......

You know how your toes tap when you hear the song "Rockin' Robin"... well, we hope you will come to our next meeting Saturday, February 11th for a rockin' "Round Robin" quilting good time.

What does that mean?  GMQG will be rockin' with a Round Robin of not one, not two, but three demo tables where you will be able to go and learn about a distinct machine quilting technique. Our three feature techniques are going to be: Machine quilting with rulers, Free motion quilting and Spiral quilting.

See what I mean....it's going to be a quilting good time!  All you need to bring is YOU.

NOTE: If you arrive and the parking lot is FULL remember there is extra parking next door (to the left of the shop if facing it). Our goal is to leave the parking spots directly in front and nearby Bernina doors available to their customers.



Reminders:
  • Bring your Show & Shares, Philanthropy and/or Modern Skill Builder -Block of the Month
  • Members- we will be voting on a By-Law Amendment Proposal that includes Nominations, Executive Board & Committee Formation
  • Do not forget to make your reservation for April's Retreat the 7th thru 9th at Wildacres Retreat Conference Center. The detail information is on the website or see Sandy Helsel at our meeting. 
  • Also, note on your calendar our meeting date change for April. It is going to be the 3rd Saturday, April 15th - same time and place. The change is to accommodate the April Retreat the prior weekend.
  • Save the Dates for our upcoming GMQG Workshop with Michelle Wilkie taking place at Bernina Sewing Center on Friday evening, May 12th and Saturday, May 13th from 10am-4pm.

You do not want to miss....we look forward to seeing each of you next Saturday from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at:

2310 East North Street, Suite A
Greenville, SC 29607

864-235-5031