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!

March 2023 Meeting Recap

 

Here's to keeping this recap short & sweet!  

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!

January 2017 Meeting : General Meeting

If you only make it to one meeting this year, this is a good one to shoot for.  We will be voting on the by-laws, swapping scraps, electing officers

and getting member feedback for programming this year.

Cross your fingers that the QuiltCon quilt will also be ready for its big reveal!

*Members bringing scraps get first choice, of course.

*Don't forget that we will also be having a January sew day independent of the general meeting.

Since it's a fresh, new year - a blank slate - why not assess those UFOs you have and bring them to the meeting?  Get some input from your quilty friends and find some motivation to get it done or get rid of it!  (Sometimes, finished IS better than perfect.) We will be running a UFO Finish Along in 2017 to keep you motivated. We will log your UFOs at this next meeting and as you finish them throughout the year you will get a ticket for each one to enter in an end of year prize drawing. UFOs must be at least partially started for this event. 

See you January 8th at 1pm at the Pittsburgh Project!

November 2016 Meeting Recap

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

November 2016 Meeting: Quilt As You Go

Quilt as you go... There are several reasons why you might want to give this a try.  Maybe you don't have a long arm machine.  Perhaps you want to control every aspect of your quilting.  Rounding up orphan blocks and creating something is both useful as well as psychologically beneficial.  It could also be that you just want to add an additional skill to your quilting bag of tricks.

At the November meeting you'll be experimenting with two methods for QAYG - joining pre-quilted blocks and quilting while you also piece.  There are MANY methods to QAYG.  We are just going to cover these techniques with a few tricks to customize them for yourself.  I am linking the handout in case you would like to get creative!  Click here for the November handout.

We WILL need our machines and notions!  Don't bring irons, the guild will set up a few stations.


For QAYG, you will need the following supplies.

Joining Pre-Quilted Blocks:

At least 2 pre-quilted blocks (do not trim them!)
Strips at least 1" wide and the length of your blocks to use as sashing


Ticker Tape Method:

Square piece of muslin or background fabric
Square pieces of batting larger than the muslin
Square piece of backing larger than the batting
Assorted scraps


Here is the handout for the seasonal table runner and templates:

Tutorial
Templates

October 2016 Meeting: Applique

The October meeting is less than a week away!  The topic will be applique, but before we get to that, let's get a few reminders out of the way.

~The FMQ workshop is October 22nd.  See you there!

~The QuiltCon Charity Quilt sew day was a success!  As of today, Zsofia is ready to hand off the top for the next step of the construction.

Ok, writing about myself in the third person feels weird, so I am just going to write normally.

I wanted to do something different with applique.  I am also going to be going over quilt-as-you-go methods in November, and I wanted to get back to doing a project during the meetings.  I came up with this plan.  In October, I have created a pattern that I will share with you and the several ways I think you can use it for holiday, or geometric-inspired blocks.  (You can use these blocks or your own orphan blocks in the QAYG meeting in November.)  I am going to cover applique methods, what has worked for me and what has not.  I am also going to go over the tools specific to applique, like interfacing, threads and templates.  Because applique is not limited to quilting, we will also go over combining different weight fabrics.  You can use this information in the many handbag and wallet patterns that are out there, or to enhance your inspiration challenge blocks!  Because I have really been enjoying the way we all share our own experiences in the icebreakers, PLEASE feel free to bring questions and stories about what has and has not worked for you.  Finally, I will show you some examples from social media of creative examples of applique methods.  I have a few photos that we will discuss and how to approach turning them into applique designs.  To be clear, you will work on the applique between the October and November meetings.   

At the end of the class, you will receive guidelines to prep and quilt your applique blocks (or an orphan block) to be ready to use in the quilt-as-you-go meeting in November.  We WILL be sewing in November.  If you are going to be at the FMQ workshop, this would be a perfect chance to get those stray blocks, or your applique design block, all quilted up for November.  If you aren't going to the workshop, that's cool, too!  You'll be able to easily get it done between the meetings.  You do not have to do any blocks before hand to do the QAYG.  We will cover 4 methods, and you will still be able to participate.  Stay tuned!                  -Cheralee

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!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“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: 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!

***************************************************************************************************************

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.

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!

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.  :)

The Pennsylvania MQG mini swap is here!

Hi!  Thank you for your interest in the Pennsylvania Modern Quilt Guilds Mini Swap!  (We’re going to use #PAMQGminiswap from here on out.)  This swap was created in the hopes that modern quilt guilds across our state could interact with, influence, and introduce each other.  If you haven’t ever taken part in a mini swap, that’s OKAY. It’s easy, and fun. We are honored to have the Capital Area Modern Quilt Guild from Harrisburg participating with us!

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

March 2016 Meeting: Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival

They put us at the front entrance!

The March meeting has a few things that you need to know, so if you have ANY questions, don't hesitate to let us know.

WHO:

The Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival graciously offered to hang the Bridge Quilt.  The founder, Barb Grossman, attended our last meeting (and became a PghMQG member!) where she suggested we should have our meeting in the Festival's Creative Open Studio.

WHERE:

The Festival is on the 3rd floor of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown. Here are the details for directions and parking.  Don't forget parking might be a fee, too, depending on how you arrive.  We will be meeting in room 315.  There will be skein winding, coat check and concession services plus a marketplace! 

WHEN:

Because of the Festival's program, our meeting time is going to shift just a bit.  We are starting at 11:15am (in room 315).  The doors open at 8:30am and the close at 3:30pm. You are encouraged to go check out the other cool stuff.  The Festival runs from Friday, March 4, 2016 through Sunday, March 6, 2016.

WHAT:

• We will have a QuiltCon recap provided by those that attended.  It will also give us a chance to see the Bridge Quilt hung "in the wild" (in public) and see the reactions from the other attendees.  
• Amanda will have the FQC bundles to hand out.  The Show & Tell and business portions of the meeting will be condensed to a quick couple of minutes.  
• Barb said that the Creative Open Studio is full of machines provided as test models, so don't feel obligated to bring your own if you don't want to.  

• At that point, we have been invited to take part in their block challenge.  "Creativebug is sponsoring a Creative Block Challenge, featured in the new Creative Open Studio. You are invited to create a 12 x 12 inch block with a variety of materials (yarns, fabrics, fibers, scraps, silks, notions, ribbons). All of the machines are graciously provided by Babylock,Brother, Innova Quilting Systems and Janome, as well as FeltLOOM®. These machines as well as a variety of cutting tools will be available for your use the entire weekend. All materials will be provided for you and 3 winners will be selected by Creativebug with a special prize awarded to each winner. Test your skills, challenge your creativity and have fun in this year’s new Creative Open Studio. This is free with your admission and is open for everyone creative, regardless of your skill sets."

• The blocks can be donated after the festival for charity quilts for the East End Cooperative Ministry or returned to you.

WHY:

The opportunity to take part in more "maker" concentrated activities was too good to pass up.  The positive attention that the Bridge Quilt has brought to the guild has been a blessing as far as building bridges (ha!) to other communities who create.  We can support our knitting and crocheting brethren and help grow the modern quilting presence in Pittsburgh.  The logistics might be a little complicated, but the payoff is seeing firsthand the faces of the people who Ohh and Ahh over our work.  (As I write this, I am flooded by Instagram images of people who are taking their photos with our quilt in Pasadena.  That is SO cool!)

HOW:

The admission to the Festival can be found here.  There are multiple options depending on how many days you want to attend.  If you are only coming to the festival for the meeting, the cost is $10.  Amanda sent out an email on February 2nd titled "Some Random Tidbits" with instructions on how to get $5 off your Sunday admission or a combo discount on a class and admission for Friday, Saturday AND Sunday.  If you need that email again, post here and I will forward it to you.  Here is the full schedule for you to check out. 

 

Establishing a Modern Quilt Guild in Pittsburgh



Modern Circus Baby Quilt


Hello! I am relatively new to the Pittsburgh area and would like to establish a local Modern Quilt Guild with anyone interested in modern quilting. Please visit the Modern Quilt Guild website to learn more information about modern quilting.

This post is my first step in establishing the Guild. I am also currently working up setting up a meeting to take place in April or May 2012 at a locally-owned fabric/quilt store. Basically, I am following these guidelines and am eager to find modern quilters interested in getting together to share our work, learn from one another, and make amazing modern quilts.

If you happen to come across this new blog site, please shoot me an email if you are interesting in getting involved and making this happen. Thanks. Jodi