The April Meeting Recap

Gayle showing her "Modern Mosiac Block" top from the first lottery blocks

It was a packed house at Sew Bee It yesterday morning!  Jean started us off by sharing comments the judges had given her on the quilt she entered at this year's QuiltCon.  It was informational not only to see what the "modern" quilt judges were looking for, but what judges in general are looking for when they review quilts at a show.  A big thanks to Jean for sharing her experience.

Jean sharing comments made by the Judges from QuiltCon

It was announced at QuiltCon that there would be a formal guild process for the Modern Quilt Guild, including dues starting in 2014.  I shared some information about where that process is at and there would be more details to follow.  I will forward a FAQ from the national MQG--it is six pages long, but has large print--so not so scary if you are interested in finding out more.  Or forward any questions you may have to Sandi or I.

And bring your laptop in May if you want to stay later at Sew Bee It and find out more about all this social media stuff.  I will share information I have found discovered along the way about Facebook, Blogger, Flicker (still learning...).  What some of the pros and cons are and what you may or may not want to participate in.  And try to make it easy and fun along the way.  Even if you don't have a laptop, I will have handouts with links and info.

Everyone shared the completed Celtic Knot blocks from the March block lottery and Debra was the winner! 

For the April block lottery, Gayle showed everyone the Granny Square block.

It looks like a fun and easy way to play with your scraps!  Gayle outlined that blocks are to be made of prints on the inner 2 1/2" cut squares, then a coordinating solid or print in the next set of squares and white or a white on white toned fabric for the outer ring of squares.  There are more details at:  http://mamaspark.blogspot.com/2012/04/granny-square-and-tutorial.html.

Here is a finished block--

And the best way to press your seams is to press open the seams as you initially sew blocks together and then as the rows are sewn together, press the seams to the towards the outside edges of the block.

Denise and Brenda had the April program from Chapter 5 from Quilting Modern, "Free Yourself".  This chapter was about freeing piecing and improvisational piecing techniques.  Denise demonstrated the magic number, paneling and trimming methods of piecing on her portable design board.

Magic Numbers--3, 6, 9 and 12

Paneling

Trimming sewn pieces for a new block

And Brenda shared her approaches to the Urban Garden and Sea Glass Quilts.  I loved her motto--"if you don't like it, then hack it up, turn it around and add some background".  This style of quilting is a challenge for her and I loved how she took the ideas from the book and made them her own.

Urban Garden style in greens

The Clown Hat

Thanks to Denise and Brenda for a great program!  

This blog is getting long, so I will have Sandi share show and tell later this week after she returns from her quilting retreat--I am so jealous!!

Have a great week and happy stitching!