Wednesday, June 21, 2023

A new home for the guild

 Hello!  We have moved! Effective June 19, 2023, the official website for the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild is www.pittsburghmodernquiltguild.com This blogspot website will be retained for archival purposes but will not be kept current.   

Saturday, April 29, 2023

April 2023 Meeting Recap


 

It was a full house for the April meeting, with lots of new and old faces!  We had lots to cover, so let's dive right in!

Q1 2023 Quarterly Challenge - Sew Small

Connie

 Our first quarter challenge left the interpretation up to each member.  With a theme of "Sew Small" the obvious choice would be to create a small project.  Maybe even use small pieces of fabric.  However, it could also mean a small impact on the wallet or the environment through upcycling fabric or using an already-purchased pattern.  One could have decided it meant a large project that was sewn a bit at a time, over many days.  However it was approached, we couldn't be happier with these first quarter participants!

Kawandi Workshop with Vivian

                      


Who:    Vivian Benton & the Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild 

What:     Kawandi, a technique of quilting by hand-stitching scraps, and working from the outside of the quilt inward to the center.  Please see below for Vivian's own words!

Where:  Our Millvale meeting place, 608 Farragut St, Pittsburgh, PA 15209

When:    June 25th, 2023 1-5pm

Why:       Our first workshop of 2023, Kawandi is a trending technique in the quilting world.  We're lucky to have Vivian willing to teach us!

How:       Cost is $35, and a supply list will be sent upon registration.  You can bring cash or a check to the June meeting or mail it to Pittsburgh Modern Quilt Guild, PO Box 105, Wexford PA  15090.

Please contact Erin at pghmqg.programs@gmail.com to let her know of your interest or with any questions.


Here is a description in Vivian's own words:


In this four-hour workshop, you’ll create a placemat-size Kawandi. We’ll follow the traditional method, hand stitching using scraps of fabric. To learn the technique, you’ll do this small project to get you started. With Vivian’s step-by-step guidance and lots of hands-on instruction, you’ll be able to complete your project in this workshop.


Vivian will bring to the workshop several completed Kawandis, including projects started from the beginning, further demonstrating how the technique is done along the way.  This is a stress-free workshop with minimal supplies needed. So don’t be afraid to try your hand at this century-old tradition. Vivian is convinced that once you make one, you’ll be hooked.


*A kawandi is a hand-stitched quilt made of scraps, traditionally made by women of the Siddi ethnic group, descendants of early enslaved Africans brought to India’s west coast by the Portuguese in the 16th century.



















Monday, March 6, 2023

PghMQG Retreat - Camp Crestfield

 

Photo credit: Crestfield

Our 2023 quilting retreat will be at Crestfield Camp & Conference Center!  The location was a big hit last year and we were able to reserve space there again.  

Sunday, February 19, 2023

February 2023 Meeting Recap

         

        Hello, guildies!  Welcome to the first meeting recap of the new officers and programming.  This meeting was packed with information, and some of it warranted its own blog post.  Links to those topics will be provided. Show & Tell is sprinkled throughout.  Let's jump in!

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Tote Bags for WC&S

Lovely case workers at WC&S


Member Judy Irvin spoke at the February meeting about work she has been part of at the Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.  Here is their mission from their own site:


"Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh is a source of hope for survivors of domestic abuse. By offering a holistic approach to healing, our programs and services provide the safety and support survivors deserve. We welcome survivors of domestic violence at different stages in their journey and work with them to meet their personal, individual needs."


As part of their program, WC&S often provide physical resources.  The need for a sturdy tote bag to carry groceries or personal items is frequently there.  Donations of such bags are always welcome, said Judy.    

Other donation opportunities can be found here.

Totes should be anywhere from 15"x17" to 19"x22", with the larger size being very popular.  They don't need to be overly complicated, but should be finished cleanly and have strong seams.  Below are some of the links suggested by Judy.  Response to the survey sent out by Mary following the Feb meeting indicated that many members would be open to making totes at the May retreat.  

Please bring any finished totes to the guild meetings.  We will be accepting them through the June 2023 meeting.



Free Martha Market Bag pattern







If you, or someone you know, is a victim of DV, help is available.

Hotline (24/7) | 412-687-8005

Text Support (9a–5p, M-F) | 412-744-8445



New Raffle Opportunities!

 

There have been some nice changes to the retreat raffle!


Now, when you participate in a variety of activities with the guild, you can earn tickets towards the retreat raffle.  In addition, taking part in the quarterly challenges now earns you 5 tickets!

● Completing Quarterly challenges - 5 tickets
● Bonus for completing all quarterly challenges - 10 tickets
● Presenting the Program for a meeting - 5 tickets
● Serving on a committee or event - 5 tickets
● Posting on social media must use #pghmqg- 1 ticket
● Participating in Show n' Tell - 1 ticket

Here's the dreaded fine print : When it comes to social media, you are on your own with remembering to use the hashtag.  Totals for the week will be tabulated on Sunday mornings.  This is not retroactive, so posts from 02/05/23-evening of 02/12/23 have already been counted. 

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

  January 2023 Meeting Recap


January meeting is a business meeting - recapping the previous year, giving a financial overview and electing a new leadership team.

Please congratulate our 2023 Leadership team:

- President - Mary Gregg

- Vice President, Programs - OPEN

- Vice President, Social Media - Cheralee Stover

- Vice President, Membership - Gail Gausman

- Treasurer - Jen Laverty

Mary's election as President leaves the Program position open. Leadership has decided to hold a special election at the February meeting to fill the position. Any members interested in running for the position, please submit your name and short bio to Judy Kay, Elections Officiate, by January 21st.


Quilt Workshops and Opportunities:

Quilt North is hosting a workshop with Maria Shell, Riffing on Tradition.  This two-part virtual workshop will be held Thursday, January 26 5:30-8:30 pm and Sunday January 29 2-5 pm. Cost for non-members  $70. registration or email quiltnprogram@gmail.com

Three Rivers Quilt Guild is accepting entries for their 2023 show March 30-April 1 at Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington PA.  This year's theme is Drunkard's Path.  The entry deadline is Tuesday, February 21 by mail only.  entry rules    entry form or email threeriversquiltshow@gmail.com

CMU research team invites marginalized Pittsburgh artists to participate in a virtual immersive gallery research study at the Andy Warhol Museum Pop District.  CMU information


Our next meeting is on Sunday, February 5th in Millvale. We hope to see you there.