July 2016 Meeting Recap

During the lazy hot days of summer, everything tends to slow down.  That can include quilting.  Whether it's because you don't want to wrestle a huge amount of batting, cotton or flannel when it's 100 degrees outside or it's because you don't want to be tied to your machine when the great outdoors beckon - you may find yourself wanting a quick, portable and low-pressure form of making come summertime.  That's where embroidery or hand piecing comes in.

QuiltCon Charity Quilt 2017 - Paolo Scirpa

The QuiltCon Charity Quilt committee has come up with a plan!  If you recall from the June recap, there were a handful of ideas percolating and a decision has been made.  After meeting, the group chose a Paolo Scirpa-inspired design.  Paolo uses the circle, square and 60 degree triangle with light and mirrors to simulate infinite art.  Many of the Italian artist's works use repetition and three-dimensional factors.

Here are the results for a quick search of his art. 


At the July meeting, a block from the outer portion of the quilt was available to look at.  Here's a sneak peek from Instagram.  (What's really cool is that there is a bunch of textures, too - Essex linen, chambray, denim!)

Hey @pghmqg - here's the sample block for the background for the #quiltconcharityquilt .

A photo posted by Lauren Jonkman (@ljonkman) on Jul 4, 2016 at 11:50am PDT

One of the things we wanted to avoid was an abundance of fabric left over, like we had with The Bridge Quilt.  The small packets of blue fabrics that could be picked up in July are just enough to finish your block.  We did not purchase any additional yardage if there are hiccups in your assembly. Also, if you take a packet, we definitely need a block made.  Take a couple, there are a ton to make.  ;) 

If you did take a packet, the blocks are due at the September meeting.  If you haven't picked up any, packets will be available at the August meeting.

Here are the instructions for the blue background block.    It is an improv technique, but Lauren has clearly pointed out little hints to make things cohesive from block to block, like stitch length and trimming.  Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!

Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild Inspiration Challenge

Here at the PghMQG, we aren't afraid to throw around a hashtag.  This latest one, though, might be the one for you.

The inspiration challenge is a new monthly series of opportunities for you to stretch outside of your comfort zone.  Each month you create a block inspired by the season unfolding around you.  There are no rules, no guidelines, no limits.  Whatever you make is your own masterpiece.  Try a fabric or color that you have never dared to use.  Make a tiny block or make it oversized.  It is truly up to you.  It's okay to stay within your skill set, but you are encouraged to try a new technique here and there.  Loosen up and let the passing months be your compass...

Not only will these 12 blocks combine to make a potential quilt top, we have lined up some prizes along the way.  Each month when you show your block at show and tell, you will be entered in a drawing for goodies.  For those intrepid souls who make a finished quilt from all twelve blocks, a grand prize drawing will take place with a really special reward at the end.

Here is the link to a worksheet to help you narrow down your options...

Ask yourself these questions:

What are some of my favorite things about the month of _____________?

What is my inspiration point for this month?

What are the color combinations/design elements that I want to explore this month?

Do I want to place any restrictions on myself this month?

 

What are some techniques I want to explore this month?

Of course, if you post a photo on Instagram, use the #pghmqgic tag.  You don't have to just use it on IG, though.  Add it to a Twitter post or throw that baby onto a Facebook picture.  We'll find it.  :)

July 2016 Meeting: Handwork

Because of the holiday weekend, don't forget that the July meeting is on 07/10/2016.  We will be joined by Kori Turner Goodhart from Olive Grace Studios.  The topic is handwork.  In addition to discussing hand quilting and current trends in hand stitching, Kori has created a sampler just for PghMQG members!  Here is the message she sent to share with you.

Hello PghMQG, I just want to start by saying I am so excited to meet you all and want to give you a big THANK YOU for having me come to your home and teach you some embroidery!  Embroidery is my passion.  When Cheralee gave me the idea of an embroidery sampler I was SO excited.  Honestly I have wanted to do this for so long.  I have been stitching since I was a little girl and many summers I was laid up with hip issues and my mom would encourage me to make an alphabet sampler with my name, age and date on it.  I thought wow how cool I get to make a sampler at age 34!  What a way to record our summer.  I don’t know about you but I love to pick flowers out of the garden and use my recycling to house my pretty flowers. Anyway, if you google of Pinterest Embroidery Sampler a lot of images will come up of cross stitch and embroidery samplers from the 1800’s.  I designed this to be up to date and modern but in my sketching style!  I hope you love it as much as I do.  This is what I will be working on over the holiday weekend! I wish you all a Happy 4th of July and I hope you enjoy your family and friends. Look forward to meeting you! Fondly, Kori

Here are some examples of Kori's work.  She has been featured internationally, too!

In addition to the presentation, we are collecting blocks.  Please bring any #quiltsforpulse blocks you have and the charity branch blocks that were first available at the May sew-in.


Now to the exciting part!

The kits are $15 each and included a pre-traced design and the supplies listed.  Cash or card is accepted.  If you will be purchasing a kit, email Kori or Cheralee to make sure enough are brought.  The design is only available as part of the kit.  Micron pens will be available to purchase from Kori and she will have a selection of hoops to purchase as well.  A limited number of pens and hoops will be available through the guild to borrow for the meeting, too.  If you would like your name and city to be traced by Kori so the font matches, please let her know to have that done prior to the meeting.

Kori will also have a small retail collection with her patterns and other goodies.  Feel free to shop and support her!