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!

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. 

January Meeting Recap

One of the two quilts Gerry will be teaching at the Pgh Knit and Crochet Festival

January meetings are always a little different from the rest of the year.  We are looking at by-law changes, electing new officers and trying to both assess the past year's programming while looking ahead to the new year.  We opened introductions (and welcome to all of those new faces!) with the question of what we enjoyed most in 2016 and what we were looking forward to in 2017 for the guild.

December 2016 Meeting : Sew Day at The Quilt Company

This meeting announcement is a quickie so you can get back to perusing the internet for sales all while sitting on your couch in your jammies.

First, the December meeting is this Saturday (12/3) form 9am-4pm at The Quilt Company in Allison Park.  An eVite went out in November with the details and you can RSVP straight from there.  Check you trash and spam folders, just in case.  The December meeting will be held at 1pm if you want to stop by for that.   

Second, because the Quilt Company is on the smallish side, we are holding the vote for the by-law changes until the January General Meeting.  We usually have a great turn out for that meeting and we'll be back at the Pittsburgh Project where we can accommodate everyone.

Third, don't forget about our newest thing- the Upcycled Clothing Challenge!  Those mini quilts will be due in February.  You can get more info on the challenge here.

Four, if you have been consistently making your Inspiration Challenge blocks from the beginning, you should be half done!  Congratulations!  Take a minute to reflect n where you began, where you thought you would be and where you are.  Here is the original post.

Five, we are going to be voting on new officers in January.  Consider taking on a bigger role within the guild.  Talk to any current officer or Pam.

November 2016 Meeting Recap

Let's get right to it, shall we?  Lots of ground to cover this month!  

September 2016 Meeting: Basics 101 and Preparing Your Quilt for the Quilter

   Can you feel the crisp air?  No?  How about the leaves changing?  Hmm... You know that pumpkin spice-everything has hit the shelves, right?  Yes?  Yay! It's almost fall!


For the September 11th meeting, here's a brief recap of what you should bring:

• #Pamqgminiswap is over so please bring what your partner sent you.  You don't have to bring the extras - the mini is fine! ;)

• The QuiltCon quilt blocks are due!  If you took packets, please make sure you bring them to THIS meeting.

• August's Inspiration Challenge blocks are due.  We can't wait to see them!

• Dues need paid asap.  If you did not renew by September 1st, the mother ship (MQG) will be removing you from the roster.  

Also, the Eventbrite email went out to all members for Nikki's FMQ workshop.  The link cannot be added to the blog, so dig into your trash or spam email folders.  We are opening it to non-members on September 15th and space is limited.

There will be a sewing day for the QuiltCon quilt later in September.  THAT email went out a bit ago via eVite, so again, look for it and respond aye or nay.


Our program leaders sent me these notes, so be ready! ;)

Nikki

Thinking about sending your quilt out to a long arm quilter? Learn a few tips and tricks to make the quilter's job a bit easier and your finished quilt even more spectacular!

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“Quilt Construction Tips”

With Gerry Benton

As a quilter, I’m always looking for ways to improve my quilting skills.

Come join me at the September meeting to review the following:

1. Methods for measuring/cutting patterns.

2. Reading pattern directions before starting project.

3. Accurate ¼”  piecing ( template and paper piecing)

4. Threads I use for piecing

5. Machine set up  and maintenance(thread /bobbin  tension and cleaning)

6. Completing block  pressing

7. Bring your questions about quilt construction.

August 2016 Meeting Recap

There was SO much going on in July!  We had QuiltCon charity blocks, Inspiration Challenge blocks, our mini swap with the Capital Area Modern Quilt Guild and more.  Let's start with some updates, shall we?

August 2016 Meeting: Pattern Design and Manual Drafting

It's time for the August meeting!  Before we leap into the details of another great talk given by B, here are some reminders...

~The meeting will take place August 14 (the second Sunday).

~Bring your #pamqgminiswap projects so we can see them before they are sent off. They should be mailed and received by Labor Day!

~If you have the QuiltCon charity block done, go ahead and bring it back.  Maybe pick up another?  They aren't due until September.

~Have you paid your dues yet?  They were due in July.

~This is the first month for the PghMQG Inspiration Challenge.  Bring your block to be entered into the first drawing.
~Also, Pole2Polls will be having a workshop on Aug 20th from 10-2pm if you want to check it out! 

~Are you making pillowcases for Quilters Corner?  They will be collected at the August meeting.  Don't forget!

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Have you ever wanted to…

         …make a particular quilt but couldn’t find a pattern for it?

         …translate a quilt image from a magazine, an online resource or even from your 
            brain into a usable sewing pattern?

         …enlarge or reduce a quilt pattern to suit your preferences?

If your answer is “yes” to any of the above questions, then this lesson is for you! Now let’s learn how to identify the underlying composition of common quilt patterns and how to confidently draft them with ease and accuracy.

Topics we will cover include:

Drafting tools – An explanation of common drafting tools and how to use them

Pattern Formation – A study of the geometry behind various patchwork patterns

Pattern Drafting – A lesson on drafting patterns at a variety of scales to suit our requirements

Template Making – A guide for making fabric cutting templates

 Tools that would be good to bring to the meeting if you have them include:

• Calculator
• Colored pencils, markers or crayons
• Compass                                                
• Eraser
• Mechanical Pencil
• Ruler
• Transparent tape
• Paper-cutting scissors

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.

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.  :)

June 2016 Meeting Recap

It's been an eventful couple of weeks.  In an effort to make sure that this recap didn't end up as long as a George R R Martin novel, a few things were given their own posts.

The guild is participating in #quiltsforpulse.  The Orlando Modern Quilt Guild put out a call for blocks or finished quilts.  You can find that post and all of the information needed here.  Bring blocks to the July meeting or send them to us by mid-July at the latest.

QuiltConEast registration is right around the corner.  If you are thinking of going, don't hesitate.  It sounds like there will be several members going this year and we even have a member who will be volunteering behind-the-scenes.  Get the 411 on that right here.  Member pre-registration starts June 25th.

Okay!  Onto the meeting recap!

June 2016 Meeting: Making Traditional Designs Modern

It's that time again... Meeting announcement time!  June's meeting is all about taking traditional blocks or designs and tweaking them until they feel modern.  The best part is that decision is solely yours.  Everyone has a different threshold for "modern".  Sally is going to walk us through several traditional blocks and cover the different ways that you can alter them until they feel right to you and still honor the original intent.  On the other hand, you might want to steer away from traditional piecing, but you need a starting point.  Using an orphan block or traditional design in an entirely new way might help you get there.  Feel free to bring paper, crayons, pencils, etc to play around with designs. Sometimes the input from the quilter next to you is exactly what you need. :)  

PLUS, it's Paint Chip Challenge Time!  Bring your mini quilts and your entrance card (if you are entering) to the June meeting.  Amanda's last email covered adding the colors to the card and labeling the mini to ensure that you get it back.  They will be hanging at Spool and judged by the public.

All partner emails for the PAMQG Mini Swap have gone out.  Remember, the information you received is for the person you are creating FOR.  If you have any questions, ask Cheralee.  

2017 QuiltCon Charity palette

Last, but not least... The latest QuiltCon Charity Quilt Challenge has been released.  Bring your ideas (drawings if you have them) and your enthusiasm.  We are going to be voting on the coolest one!

May 2016 Meeting Announcement: Sew-In Time!

Hopefully you remembered to get your RSVP for the May 7, 2016 Sew-In on time.  If not, you can always drop by just for the meeting portion of the day at 1:00pm. 

Here are the details about the Sew-In...

The Sew-In will be at St. John's Lutheran Church (the same location as last year).  It will run from 9am-9pm.  Sally will be in contact with those people who responded to the poll about helping to set up and break down the tables.  Side note:  it might seem like a great idea to bring your own iron, but last year we had breaker overload problems. There will be irons and ironing boards available.  Please leave your own at home. Thanks!  Lunch is a potluck affair at noon, and the general May meeting will be at 1pm. Bring some cash if you want to chip in for dinner.  Last I heard, pizza was on the menu. The Sew-In is free for PGHMQG members and $20 for non-members.

Aside from a great day spent sewing (duh), here's what you can expect at the meeting...

• Money for the June Fat Quarter Club will be collected. I (Cheralee) will be choosing the fabrics.  Suggestions or requests are welcome. The cost is $12. 
• Any questions that might need answered about the Paint Chip Challenge introduced last month can be addressed at this meeting.  Here's a link to the info - Click here...
• We are kicking off the Pennsylvania Modern Quilt Guilds Mini Swap!  We are partnering with the Capital Area Modern Quilt Guild and the sign up link is live now.  Click here...
• We will be discussing our favorite sewing gadget.  You'll come away with a ton of new ideas and more reasons to go shopping.  :)

April 2016 Meeting Recap

Where to begin???  This month's talk was about Color Theory, choosing colors based on relationships and identifying colors that don't quite fit.

April 2016 Meeting: Color, Value and Prints

Join us April 3. 2016 from 1pm-4pm at The Pittsburgh Project where member Barbara Cain will present A QUILTER'S GUIDE TO COLOR, VALUE AND PRINT SCALE.


Have you ever asked:

            What is wrong with my quilt?
            Why didn’t my quilt turn out like I expected?
            What is it about that other quilt that I like so much?
            Why do some quilts look great and others fall flat?


Chances are that the answers to these questions have something to do with the quilt’s color, value and/or pattern scale. During this presentation, we will gain an understanding of these three crucial aspects of quilting and we will learn how to use this understanding to our advantage! We will examine both good and bad examples of color, value and pattern scale. We will practice what we have learned with a fun collage exercise and we will kick off our Paint Chip Mini Quilt Challenge!


Please bring the following items to the meeting that will be needed for the practice exercise:

• Fabric scraps (solids and different scales of prints)
• Colored paper scraps
• Old magazines
• Scissors
• School glue and/or clear tape, double sided if you have it

We will also be kicking off the Paint Chip Challenge at this meeting!  If you would like to participate, you will choose two paint chips at random and add a third color of your choice.  You will then construct a mini-quilt (24 inches square or smaller) using these three colors (plus neutrals).  The minis will be due at the June 5th meeting.  They will be displayed at Spool and the winner (who will receive a $50 Spool gift card) will be determined by the voting public.  That sounds fun, right?

Dates to remember:

• Salvation Army's Annual Fabric Fair is April 9th, 2016
• North Pittsburgh Quilters Guild Show is April 15-17, 2016