Quilt Company Hiring

The Quilt Company is adding to their staff!  We are looking to hire a part
time employee for 2-3 days per week.  The hours will include an occasional
evening and Saturday.  Along with the general retail responsibilities the
duties will include helping customers, cutting fabric and running the
register.  We offer a generous employee discount and a competitive starting
wage.  Stop by to fill out an application or call the shop for more
information at 412-487-9532.

The Quilt Company
3940 Middle Road
Allison Park, PA 15101
412-487-9532
www.thequiltcompany.com
www.karensayssew.blogspot.com

Random Notes

• From Three Rivers Quilters:

“Since the show dates are earlier than usual [March 21-23, 2013], our entry deadline is also a little earlier than previous years. Entry forms should be postmarked by February 29, 2013 (early is always appreciated).  One other change from previous years is there is no longer any need to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your entries. We have also added the category of “Art Quilts” to our show this year and know that will become a favorite for some of our guests and our contributors.

“Those submitting more than one entry are asked to indicate the priority order you would like them considered for admission. The priority order is only used when there are more acceptable entries than we can accommodate in our show.”

Note: The theme this year is “Tessellations.” You can get the registration form here: http://www.threeriversquilters.org/QuiltShowEntryForm_2013.pdf

• Some amazing giveaways are going on. 

Sew4home.com is offering up a Big Holiday Gift Box to one incredibly lucky person. It will include twenty-six fabric cuts, each one yard or more of fabric from Amy Butler’s “Alchemy,” Melissa White’s Amelie’s “Attic,” Verna Mosquera’s “Pirouette” and Ty Pennington’s “Impressions Fall 2012” collections…AND…three patterns each from Amy Butler and Verna Mosquera; and Amy Butler's book, “Style Stitches.” That should keep you out of trouble for a while. 

For a chance to win, go over to http://www.sew4home.com/tips-resources/interviews-inspirations/happy-holidays-freespirit-rowan-great-giveaway and leave a qualifying comment. Read the rules carefully. You need to somehow leave your email (registering is easy and safe, then your email isn’t shown in your comment) AND you need to answer the question they ask. Go now. I’ll wait. I already entered.

Spoonflower is holding Twelve Days of Giveaways. Sorry, I’m late to the game here, today (Sunday) is Day Three, but it’s a good one: A three-year sub to the British publication, Selvedge magazine. To enter, hustle over to http://platform.votigo.com/fbsweeps/sweeps/12-Days-Of-Giveaways-Day-THREE.

Any more out there?

lori

Our Coming Year

We have put together a schedule for 2013 that we hope is as exciting for you as it is for us. As with all things, it's not carved in stone. Life happens, there may be changes.

January 6: Sewing Machine Maintenance and Things Quilters Should Consider Before Buying a New Machine
Leader: Ginger Krenn

February 3: Quilters Using Social Media
Leader: TaMara Howard

March 3: QuiltCon Presentation/Introducing the Modern Mood Quilt http://daintytime.net/2010/06/05/modern-mood-quilt-craft-along/
Leader: Jodi and any other QuiltCon attendees

April 7: Show and Sew

May 5: Basic Curves and Circles/Continuing with the Modern Mood Quilt http://daintytime.net/2010/06/05/modern-mood-quilt-craft-along/
Leader: TBD

June 2: Show and Sew

JUNE DATE TBD: Special Workshop Presentation: Color and Value
This is a special workshop offered outside of the usual first Sunday general meeting time. The workshop will be advertised to the other local quilt guilds in addition to members of the PGH MQG members.
Interior designer, quilter, and PGH MQG vice president, Gina Konopack, will lead a special workshop focusing on the use of color and value in quilting.

July 14: (Please note this meeting is being held on the second Sunday because of the 4th of July weekend) Annual General Meeting/PGH MQG Birthday Party

August 4: Show and Sew

September 8: (Please note this meeting is being held on the second Sunday because of the Labor weekend) Traditional Made Modern: Transforming traditional quilt blocks 
Leader: Jodi

October 6: Show and Sew

November 3: Holiday mini-quilt or tree skirt
Leader: TBD

December 1: End of the year party

Interested in teaching your fellow guild members?
We have a lot to learn from one another. If you have an idea for a workshop or are interested in leading a workshop please let us know. You can speak with someone from leadership in person or email Jodi at pittsburghmqg@gmail.com.

AQS QuiltWeek - Lancaster 2013

The American Quilter's Society has opened registration for their quilt show scheduled for March 13-16 in Lancaster PA. 

Class instructors include Kaffe Fassett and Liza Lucy, Alex Anderson, Pam Holland, Pat Delaney, Linda Thielfoldt, Rami Kim, Kathy Kuryla, Eleanor Burns, and more.

More than 110 vendors will be showing their wares at the Merchant Mall.

See AQS QuiltWeek for details and to register but do so quickly! The most popular classes are already sold out.

lori

Hurricane Sandy Quilts, part 2

The Modern Quilt Guild has put out the call for quilts and blankets: http://themodernquiltguild.com/2012/11/19/east-coast-sandy-quilt-relief/ for information about how you can help.

Our chapter’ secretary Pam has sent me a link to another site that’s collecting quilts for victims of the disaster. See http://www.quiltviews.com/storm-relief-where-to-send-quilts for more information. 

lori

ACS Quilt, continued

TaMara finished the back this week. Beautiful job! It really makes the quilt a reversible one.

I love how she featured the seventh block.

The label is in the corner.

And now, hopefully, we line up a great longarm quilter to do the quilting!

lori

More on the ACS Quilt

Some members of the Outreach Committee continued work on our Austin Children's Shelter quilt this weekend. This quilt will be sent off in time to be displayed with 45 others at QuiltCon in Austin this February.

TaMara and Stephanie met at Pam’s studio Saturday morning to work on the back of the quilt.

TaMara designed the back around the seventh block.

The quilt top.

Pam designed the label.

I am SO proud of my committee! TaMara, Stephanie, Kathy, Julie, Pam...You ROCK!

lori

Random Sightings

Some neat sites I've come across recently, and one sent from a member. If you come across a site to share, let us know.

An extensive tutorial on photographing your quilt, from choosing the right camera to handling your closeups: http://www.hollyknott.com/stq/index.htm

Flying Geese gone joyfully modern:
http://www.annkelle.com/fabric-sighting-remixed-geese-quilt/

Zendoodling on a quilt:
https://twitter.com/quiltjane/status/268673468940304384/photo/1

Super-easy quilted coasters:
http://www.modabakeshop.com/2012/11/30-minute-gift-simply-colorful-coasters.html

Sew, Mama, Sew gathered together some links to free tutorials for gifts to make for babies:
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2012/11/november-14-gifts-for-babies/

Don’t you love calendar tea towels? Such a strange concept. Go see the winners of this year’s design contest at Spoonflower’s. http://www.spoonflower.com/contests/161 Like one? You can buy it in your choice of fabrics. Next contest up: Holiday cocktail napkins. Vote for your favorite.

Lastly, an online fabric shop link from our member Julie: http://www.tennesseequilts.com. Soooooo many Kaffe Fassett fabrics! (my downfall.)

And what did you find today?

lori

QuiltCon Austin Children's Shelter quilt

Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild was one of the chapters chosen to make a quilt from the blocks entered in the QuiltCon Block Challenge. Friday, we received the seven blocks that we will turn into a twin-size quilt that will be donated to the Austin Children’s Shelter in Texas after being displayed at QuiltCon in February. This will be one of 46 from guilds across the country.

The outreach committee started working on the quilt on Monday at my house and made quick progress.

The seven blocks we received.

Kathy, busy at the iron.

Pam was in charge of the rotary cutter.

Stephanie checked details on the computer in between time at the machine.

TaMara took down the next block to be worked on.

It's still a work in progress. When we have more photos this weekend I'll post them here.

lori

Give a hand, Give a quilt

So often we hear the call for help in disasters in far away places; now there’s one close to home. Hurricane Sandy has left many Americans homeless and in the cold. Quilters, as usual, are coming forward to blanket them in warmth and love. If you want to help, there are a number of different collection sites to send your quilts to.

Moda Fabrics is collecting quilts and blankets, homemade and store-bought: http://modafabrics.blogspot.com/2012/11/quilts-blankets-asap.html

EQuilter is heading up a drive for 5,000 quilts. Read about it here: http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/quiltrelief.html

Bonnie K. Hunter posted this info on her blog “Quiltville” http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/11/more-quilts-for-sandy-survivors.html

If you have some time to make an extra quilt during this, the busiest time of year for a lot of us, or some extra dollars to buy a blanket during the most expensive time of year, give these sites a visit.

lori

Meeting Sunday

Just a reminder — our monthly meeting is this Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Pittsburgh Project. Our business meeting will be followed by show-and-tell and a general sewing session for you to work on any projects you wish to bring.

The Modern Quilt Guild has announced their Winter Fabric Challenge for all the guilds. You can see it here. We will discuss whether we want to participate in this during the meeting.

If you don’t already get the newsletter from The Modern Quilt Guild you can subscribe here.

lori

The Official Definition of "Wonky"

Wonky 9 patch with insertion strips

I have been asked to define the word "wonky" on a few occasions over the past few months. Having heard the word used over the past few years among other modern quilters I inferred it to mean uneven, askew, or something similar- especially with some of my early improvisational blocks. However, I never took the time to look up the word until now.

Wonky Geese WIP

The official definition from dictionary.com is
Wonky (adjective; pronounced [wong-kee]; British slang)
wonkier; wonkiest
1a. shaky; groggy; or unsteady
1b. unreliable; not trustworthy 
2. Slang- stupid; boring; unattractive


There are other similar definitions, including awry and askew. I'm excited to see the progressive use of "wonkier" and "wonkiest." Maybe we need to have a contest to see which modern quilter can create the wonkiest block. That could be fun!!!

Will we see you all on Sunday? Hope so! - Jodi

November Meeting

Greetings everyone!

Has everyone spent the weekend battening down the hatches in case Hurricane Sandy makes a midweek appearance? I know a couple of us spent our Saturday making incredible blocks in Leona Avny's class at Quilt Company in Allison Park. The class was great and a welcome distraction from the deary weather outside. Leona is a wonderful quilter and all-around person, which is why it saddens me to announce she won't be able to speak and teach for our November meet-up. We are currently trying to reschedule her and will let everyone know if we are able to work out a new date and time.

So, everyone we have a change of plans...

Since the guild began we have been hosting a variety of workshops to introduce various aspects of modern quilting, and I hope each of you that have attended have enjoyed each workshop. Now that we all have some modern quilting techniques in our wheelhouse, perhaps it is time for some free sewing. This Sunday we ask everyone planning to attend to bring their machines and current works in progress for a "Show and Sew." After our meeting ends we will have a show and tell and then get to stitching. Everyone is encouraged to bring pieces created during the modern workshops or other current works in progress and just hang out and sew with your fellow quilters. Hand sewing is also encouraged if you don't feel like bringing along your machine. If you are bringing your machine please remember to bring an extension cord.

Meeting details:

Who? Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild

What? the November general meeting and "Show and Sew"

When? Sunday, November 4, 2012 from 1:00-4:00PM

Where? The Pittsburgh Project, 2801 N. Charles Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Why? Because we all love modern quilting!

As always, non-members are asked to pay $5 for their first and second meeting. If this is your third time to attend the PGH MQG we ask you join the guild for only $15. Your membership is good until July 2013 based on our newly decided fiscal year (July to July).

Most of the leadership team was able to meet today to discuss the November meeting, the December end of the year party, and planning for 2013. We have some great ideas for 2013, but we would love to hear from all of you. Please contact us or talk with one or all of us in November or December and share your ideas of what you would like your guild to provide for you. Have a great workshop, project, swap, or outreach idea? Have a desire to get a group together and attend one of the many quilt shows in our area? Interested in a modern quilt retreat? Please let us know. 

We hope to see as many of you as possible on Sunday. Please stay safe this week traveling about in the potentially crazy weather and stay warm.

Feel free to drop us a line!

Best, 

Jodi

October Meeting Notes

Hi all!
I hope everyone has enjoyed the lovely Sunday weather. I apologize for the delay, but October meeting notes have been posted to the blog for review. Please review the notes and email or bring suggested changes/additions to the November meeting. 

Please note we will be amending our bylaws in November due to the change to our fiscal year, which is now July to July. This means those who have paid 2012 dues do not have to renew membership until July 2013.

As well, according to the notes we had a guest speaker and workshop for the November meeting. I received word today our special guest, Leona Avny, had to postpone the presentation and workshop. She should have more availability in 2013. 

Stay tuned for the announcement about our November activity.
Thank you. - Jodi

 

The History of the Modern Quilt Movement

Hello All,

Recently, our president Jodi McLaughlin spoke to a group of quilters about the history of the modern quilt movement. I had the pleasure of being there and learned a lot! Jodi brought fabric examples from all the current designers, the most important books and quilts that both she and other members of our group made. The audience seemed quite pleased with her presentation and the quilts. Beautiful job, Jodi!

lori

 

Wexford Dry Goods Opens This Weekend

Hello modern quilters.

I had a lovely conversation with Carolyn McKeating yesterday. She let me know her store, Wexford Dry Goods, is opening this weekend. The store will be open this Saturday, October 13 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM for its Grand Opening!!!

Carolyn, who is incredibly talented and a big supporter of the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild, has spent the last few months preparing her shop and ordering some of the latest fabrics. The shop isn't just for quilters and sewists. It features supplies for knitters, too. Two incredible crafts represented in one great place!

I know what I will be doing with my Saturday. Perhaps I will see some of you there! Happy quilting! - Jodi

Wexford Dry Goods
2000 Village Run
Suite 202
Wexford, PA 15090

Hours:
Monday: 10-5
Tuesday: Noon-8
Wednesday-Saturday: 10-5
Sunday: Closed (So, don't miss your local modern quilt guild meeting!)

The store's website is not up and running yet. Carolyn mentioned all social media is currently a work in progress, but she will have it up soon.

QuiltCon Raffle Quilt features one of our own

Greetings All,

I just wanted to let you know that local quilter TaMara Howard has a block in the QuiltCon Raffle Quilt! Her version of a log cabin is on the stunning reverse side of the quilt assembled by Elizabeth Hartman and seen here. 

You can read more about the Gee’s Bend inspiration for TaMara’s block on her blog, Folk Quilts. Go take a look and help us welcome TaMara to Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild. Congratulations! We’re glad to have you with us.

lori

Meeting tomorrow!

Don't forget — tomorrow's our monthly meeting at the Pittsburgh Project, 1–4 p.m. We'll be doing a short business meeting followed by a workshop by Gina on wonky crosses and a Show and Tell. Bring your works-in-progress and completed pieces.

See the posting at September 21/October Workshop: Wonky Crosses for all the details and a supply list for the tutorial and we'll see you tomorrow!

lori

Quilter's Stash Sale

Hi modern quilters.

We received an email from Louise Grace letting us know of a sale she is holding next weekend. It might be worth checking out if you are looking to build up your stash.

Oct. 5, 6, & 7 at 131 Lynnwood Ave., Belle Vernon, PA 15012

"It is a lovely, huge selection of 15 boxes of fat quarters, yardages, supplies, etc.  My sister was a favorite buyer of vibrant colors, patterns, and batiks."

She sent along her contact information should any of you want it. Just shoot us an email and we can pass it along.

See you at the meeting next weekend. -Jodi

Have you seen this?

Hello All,

Cool quilt, fun giveaway. Deadline Sunday night.

aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com

lori

New challenge!

Hello All,

Modern Quilts Unlimited Magazine has announced a competition for QuiltCon with a $1,000 prize. The challenge is to create a modern miniature quilt with a 24" square footprint or less. Quilts can be made by individuals or groups. The winner gets the cash and a subscription to the new magazine.

Go see Modern Quilts Unlimited Quilting Challenge for the details.

lori

QuiltCon Challenge blocks, final week

Hello All,

This was a busy week for Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild on the QuiltCon Challenge block blog! Besides Stephanie and Jodi's blocks earlier in the week, our guild was represented Thursday, Friday AND Saturday.

On Thursday the theme was Log Cabins. Stephanie Akorli, Mona Randall and Gina Konopack were all featured. You can see their blocks at QuiltCon Challenge: Log Cabins.

Curves was Friday's theme. Michelle Urbanek had three blocks in the posting! Go to QuiltCon Challenge: Curves to see them.

And finally, Saturday's post featured blocks with Applique and Embellishment. Ginger Krenn's dragonfly is one of the blocks shown. See this one at QuiltCon Challenge: Applique and Embellishment.

Tomorrow Elizabeth Hartman will begin to announce the twenty winners of the challenge. Those blocks will be made into a quilt to be raffled off at QuiltCon in February to benefit the Modern Quilt Guild. Good luck everyone! I'm betting we'll be represented!

lori

October Workshop: Wonky Crosses

Wonky Crosses

As previously announce the October meeting, which is Sunday, October 7 from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Pittsburgh Project will feature a show and tell and an abbreviated workshop on wonky crosses. Several people recently expressed an interest in having a show and tell, which would give meeting attendees an opportunity to show off recently completed work and WIPs. It's an excellent opportunity to share your creativity, explain your process, and even throw questions out to the group to help you get that project to the next step. Please bring your work or photos of recently completed work to share with the group.

Following the show and tell Gina will lead an shortened workshop on constructing wonky crosses. It's a combination of improv piecing and block building. The example above is a set of four 8 X 8 blocks I put together using fabrics from Marcia Derse's Riverwoods Collection. Derse is a fiber artist from Ohio, and Quilter's Corner in Finleyville carries a lot of her fabrics. These blocks are really fun and easy and look great as you add on to them. This could easily turn into a table runner or quilt depending on how ambition I feel.

General supply list:

• sewing machine
• rotary cutter
• mat
• pins (optional)
• iron (optional)
• extension cord(s)- just in case we don't have enough

Fabric: For 8X8 blocks you will need fabric that is at least 8.5 X 8.5; insertion strips need to be about 10" long and 1.5-2.5" wide. A variety of print and solids fabrics can be used. Scraps are always welcome.

Fees: All guests attending their first or second meeting are asked to contribute $5 to help cover cost of renting the space. Those who have already attended two meetings are asked to join the guild. Dues are only $15 if you have paid for your first two meetings. Please see the About Us page for more information on guild membership and dues.

We look forward to seeing everyone in October. Please email us or leave a comment below if you have any questions. We love hearing from all of you! See you soon, and thanks!
- Jodi

Gina's Flying Geese

Hello All, 

Just a quick note to post the pattern for the Shifted Flying Geese that Gina demonstrated at our September meeting. If you would like a scalable pdf file sent to you, send us an email through the Contact Us link at the right.

lori

QuiltCon Challenge and more

Hello All! 

Lori here, dipping my toes into the blogging pool. Today I want to let you know about the two latest blocks from our group for the QuiltCon Challenge to be posted on The Modern Quilt Guild website.

Yesterday's post featured triangles and one of Stephanie Akorli's blocks was included. Today, the theme was rainbow blocks and Jodi's prayer flags block was among those shown. Nice job, ladies!

If you haven't seen the blocks yet, go to http://themodernquiltguild.com and check them out. So many unique and creative ideas! You can also sign up to get the national blog entries mailed to you as they are posted, just by subscribing to their newsletter.

While you're over there, be sure to take a look at the 100 Days of Modern Quilting page. A while back The Modern Quilt Guild ran fourteen weeks of entries on topics ranging from improvisational piecing, composition and inspiration to shapes, color, prints and solids. Each week featured individual quilts that were good examples of the topic and -- my favorite part -- a round up of links to a wide variety of tutorials for that topic. Some of those links include tutorials for machine-piecing hexagons, binding curvy quilts, making a design wall, creating a quilt block in Illustrator and more. Talk about inspiration! 

Take a look, you'll find something to get your creative juices flowing. Then come back here and post your quilting results on our Flickr page. And feel free to tell us your favorite quilting/sewing tutorial links in the comments, below. We'd love to hear from you!

lori

October General Meeting, Show & Tell, and Workshop

Hello modern quilters!

Our October monthly meeting is Sunday, October 7, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the Pittsburgh Project. In addition to our general meeting we will also host a show and tell of your current projects, and hold a workshop on wonky cross blocks. Please read on for more information:

General Meeting- some points of discussion
Secretary- We had a leadership change at the September meeting (see the September meeting notes for details) and are in need of a secretary. The secretary of the guild takes meeting notes and provides them promptly to the leadership to publish to the Guild's website for our members. The secretary is also asked to attend leadership meetings and provide insight and ideas for guild development. If you are interested in running for guild secretary please email us with a brief bio about yourself. A vote will be held to fill this position at the October meeting.

Forming of new committees- As discussed briefly at the September meeting the guild would like to establish its first two committees- Marketing/Communications and Outreach. The purpose of these committees is to begin exploring marketing and outreach opportunities for the guild. Committee members will be asked to meet as often as needed to develop marketing and outreach plans for the guild. The first Outreach committee project will be the QuiltCon Austin Children's Shelter quilt once materials arrive.

Any one interested in signing up for the Marketing/Communications or Outreach Committees please email us or speak with a leadership member before the start of the October meeting.

Show and Tell
Several people expressed an interest in a Show and Tell at the October meeting. You got it!

After the general meeting anyone who has is interested in participating in the Show and Tell will be given a few minutes to show off and discuss any recently completed modern quilt projects or ask for advice/suggestions for any works-in-progress (WIPs). We ask that participants be respectful of time (i.e. 5 minutes is good; 30 minutes is bad) as we would like everyone to have an opportunity to share their project. Please bring your work as we are eager to see what everyone has been up to lately!

Wonky Cross Workshop
Since we will be hosting a Show and Tell this month we will host an abbreviated workshop on Wonky Crosses.
Gina, vice president, will once again be leading us as we create another modern block- the wonky cross.

Supply list: We will post the supply list in the next day or so. It will be similar to the supplies used for the last two workshops.

November and December Meetings (Looking toward the future...)
November
The PGH MQG hosted three modern quilt workshops- improv piecing, modernized flying geese, and wonky crosses. At our November meeting we ask attendees to bring along the work they made in one or all of these workshops to put together a completed project, such a table runner or mini quilt.

In addition to previously made blocks/tops please bring batting and fabric(s) for backing. There will be an opportunity to make additional blocks during the sew-a-long. Tips on completing projects and quilting will also be provided.

December
We will be hosting an end of the year/holiday party in early December to celebrate the PGH MQG and a successful year. Details to come, but start thinking about it. It will be here before you know it!

Weekend Quilt Block Post

(From the MQG website)

We are getting closer to September 24 when the Modern Quilt Guild will begin announcing the blocks selected for the QuiltCon raffle quilt. Until then we await with baited breath and muse over the daily postings of submitted blogs by category. Two more blocks from the Pittsburgh MQG were posted yesterday on the Modern Quilt Guild website. They were categories as "Angles Both Wonky and Not." One of my blocks and Stephanie's are featured on each end of the bottom row- we were both wonky.

A few of you have received recent notifications from Elizabeth Hartman letting you know your blocks will soon be featured, too. We will do our best to also display the post on our local guild blog to share the quilt block love!

More blocks! More blocks! More blocks!

(Photo from MQG website)

More blocks! More blocks! More blocks!

Mona and Lori both had blocks featured this morning for the Graphic Stripes and Angles category.

Maybe I need more of a life but I am so excited when I wake up in the morning. When I finally sit down with a cup of coffee and breakfast each morning the first thing I usually do is check to see if the MQG has updated the blog with a new post featuring quilt blocks.

Is anyone else feeling inspired by all of the amazing and original blocks people all over the world are creating? I wonder what blocks we will receive when we put together our guild shelter quilt for Quilt Con...

There will be an update post soon. I apologize for the delay. We are finalizing details for October. In the mean time we did post the meeting notes for the September meeting for your review. Lori, our new social media coordinator, also posted photos of the blocks we created during Gina's modernizing flying geese workshop. Thanks, Lori! - Jodi

Weekend Posting of More Quilt Blocks

(From MQG site)

Elmira and Lauren both had blocks featured this morning. This make Lauren's third appearance on the site. Elmira's block is on the top left with the lush green colored stripes. Lauren's is the bottom right block with the two descending improved stripes and white negative space. Both are very unique (as are all the others featured) and shows the variation in interpreting modern quilting. Great work, ladies. Have a great Saturday. - Jodi

Even More PGH MQG blocks on the MQG Blog

(Photo from MQG website)

Happy Friday everyone. Let's start the day with even more quilt blocks from our guild featured on the MQG website! Hooray!

I was so excited to see this particular block of Stephanie's after all the discussion generated at the August meeting about which of her blocks to send. This block in particular was thoroughly discussed because it was based on a more traditional quilt block pattern. Stephanie's bold color choices modernized this more traditional block and demonstrates the positive relationship between traditional and modern quilting.

(Photo from MQG website)

I also wanted to give a shout out to Dia Sue-Wah Sing and her block, which is located on the far right of the first row. Dia does not live in the Pittsburgh area but regularly visits the area. She recently contacted us about joining the guild for when she happens to be in town. This block is beautiful, and I cannot wait to meet her!

We hope everyone has a great weekend! -Jodi

More PGH MQG Attendees Featured on MQG's website

(Photo from MQG website)

We've got two more, modern quilters! Both blocks featured on the Modern Quilt Guild website had really great fabric choices that gave the blocks dimensionality. As you can see above Donna McClure's block is located on the far right of the second row.

(Photo from MQG website)

And, Mona Randall's block is letter B in the photo above. We are so excited both of your blocks were featured on the website this morning. - Jodi

More PGH MQG Blocks Featured on the MQG Website

Melissa's got two blocks up on the MQG site today (Photo from MQG)

What an exciting way to wake up this morning. I checked my email to see the Modern Quilt Guild had a new QuiltCon quilt block challenge feature. Today's focus- Diamonds and Other Angles. Melissa, who has been attending Guild meetings and operates the blog, Classy Quilts, has two blocks featured today. Nicely done, Melissa!

Please click on the embedded links to check out all of the angled blocks and Melissa's blog.

We had a great meeting and workshop this past Sunday. I will be posting meeting notes and an update in the next day or so. Have a great Wednesday! - Jodi

Intro to Modern Quilting Class Offered Locally

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at today's meeting, but I wanted to share some news for those who are unable to attend.

We recently received an email from Karen at The Quilt Company. In her email Karen let us know Leona Anvy, quilter, blogger, and resident modern quilter/employee at The Quilt Company, will be offering Intro to Modern Quilting this Fall. This is exciting news. Not only is Leona incredible talented- she is very passionate about modern quilting. As well, The Quilt Company has stocked up on modern fabrics for those interested in this class and modern quilting in general. 

Three cheers for the growing interest and love of the modern quilt movement!

The class is being offered at The Quilt Company location in Allison Park, and the cost of the class is $25. The class sounds like the perfect opportunity for those intrigued by modern quilting to let loose their inhibitions and explore this burgeoning area of quilting.

Intro to Modern Quilting

No rules, and quite possibly no rulers either! Modern  quilting  is  all  about  freeform  angles, positive  and  negative  space  and  the  freedom  to create.  Our very own Leona, host of the Leona's Quilting Adventure blog will help you bring your creative spirit up to date and show you how to enjoy the process.

 

Sat.  Sept. 29 1:00 - 4:00

Sat.  Oct. 27 1:00 - 4:00

To sign up for the class give The Quilt Company a call. Registration can take place over the phone and they can forward you the class supply list once it is available. Let's go stitch!

Meeting Reminder and QuiltCon Blocks Uploaded

Greetings all!

Meeting Reminder
Just a quick reminder we will be having our general meeting and workshop this Sunday, September 2, at the Pittsburgh Project from 1:00-4:00 PM. We are meeting in the same room as the last two meet-ups at the back of the church caddy cornered from the main building on North Charles. Please leave a comment below if you haven't already let us know you plan on attending. You can also email us to RSVP.

Meeting notes have been uploaded for review on the blog under the Guild Meeting Notes tab. They were uploaded a little late in the month so we should have a couple of copies on hand for you to review.

Lastly, this will be the first meeting where we are accepting membership dues! Lauren will be accepting money at the meeting. You can pay by cash or check. For the time being if paying by check you will need to make it out to Lauren or myself because of how the Guild's bank account is currently set up.

Additional Supply Request for Gina's Triangles Workshop
We are sorry for the late notice but Gina has asked that we all bring pins with our supplies for the workshop. I'm sure a few of us will have extras in case anyone forgets.

Our QuiltCon Blocks
As previously blogged, a couple of PGH MQG members' QuiltCon blocks were featured on the main Modern Quilt Guild website. Now all of the PGH MQG QuiltCon quilt block contributions can be seen thanks to Lori, who uploaded them to the Guild's Flickr page. They can be viewed here: PGH MQG QuiltCon Blocks. Also, if you haven't already join the Guild's group page on Flickr so you can upload photos of your quilts and WIPs.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday. If you are traveling please be safe and we will see you in October. Thanks! Jodi

Featured on the Modern Quilt Guild Blog...

Yesterday Elizabeth Hartman started posting some of the blocks received for the QuiltCon quilt block challenge on the Modern Quilt Guild website. She has divided the blocks into categories and is featuring a different selection each day.

Today she featured scrappy blocks, and I was delighted to see two blocks from PGH MQG's own Lauren J. and one from Gina K. Pittsburgh MQG represent! Click on the link above to see Lauren and Gina's blocks along with the other example scrappy blocks.

It's so exciting to see all of the different blocks created for the QuiltCon challenge. All of the ones I have seen so far are amazing. Deciding which ones to pick for the raffle quilt is going to be quite a challenge.

September General Meeting and Modern Triangle Workshop

One of Jodi's great, great grandmother's quilts

Hi all! I hope everyone is enjoying what remains of summer. I am still in Texas but wanted to touch base about the up-coming September meeting.

The next Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild meeting and workshop will take place Sunday, September 2, at the Pittsburgh Project from 1:00-4:00 PM. Gina, our Guild VP,  will be leading the workshop after a brief general meeting. 

September Workshop: The Modern Triangle
In this workshop we will take the fear out of creating blocks with triangles. We will focus on the traditional "Flying Geese" pattern and explore ways to use this pattern in a modern way!  Using both traditional construction methods and a "flip and stitch method", we will take triangles down the fresh, modern quilt path. With simple adjustments to proportion, placement and color/value/pattern choices, we will explore the endless possibilities of this method. By taking a looser, more improvised approach using triangles, we will set you on a path of creating a variety of dynamic combinations that are truly modern!
 
Supplies
Please bring: fabrics scraps, including some squares of fabrics large enough to cut into squares, rotary cutter & mat, sewing machine and iron! 

RSVP
Please post a comment below or shoot us an email to let us know if you plan to attend.

Meeting Fee or Guild Dues
We ask that all non-members pay a $5 meeting fee. You may do this as a guest of the guild for up to two meetings. If you have already attended two meetings as a non-member and wish to continue to attend guild meetings and workshops we ask that you join the guild as a member. 2012 dues are $25. If you have already attended two meetings your dues for the rest of the year is $15.

QuiltCon Registration
If you are one of the people who expressed interest in attending QuiltCon please send us an email. We have the discount registration code because the Guild is a Golden Needle Sponsor. Registration begins on August 31 at 9:00 AM EST.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, September 2.