Crafty Gemini, September 2016

 Program

          The October meeting had two small programs. Betty did a wonderful technique with raw edge applique (example below by Shirley) , and Beth showed us mod blocks by Elizabeth Haugh, pattern found here. Both of these are amazing modern techniques that can be used in any quilt, and they are great scrap busters.

Shirley's applique example

Elizabeth Haugh's Mod blocks photo.

Designer Highlight

     While Suzie and Yvonne were at the Crafty Gemini Epic Quilt Retreat, the guild was learning about the Crafty Gemini, and Vanessa's influence in modern quilting. She has a great youtube channel, a new fabric line, and she is a wonderful at teaching techniques in quilting, sewing clothes, and crafting that are great for all skill levels. She also has a bag of the month club.  She makes quilting fun and easy with a modern flair. 

Crafty Gemini video:

  https://youtu.be/tL4ia95sUCc?t=5m

You can find out more about her here

http://craftygemini.com/

Block of the Month

There's been talk of making a block of the month quilt. We really enjoy bringing you modern blocks and new techniques every month. Below is a great example of a skill builder. 

Pile O Fabric Skill Builder Block of the Month:

http://pileofabric.com/pages/skill-builder-bom#2013quilt

Also, the Eastern Sunrise block was shown, you can find the free pattern here to build on your paper piecing skills that Becky showed us a couple months ago.

 Charity Quilts

Betty, our Secretary, takes donations that you give of quilts and pillowcases to Favor House. We want to thank you for your wonderful support. Great job, ladies!

                                           Favor House: http://www.favorhouse.org/

Getting Published

Juliette and Janie gave some great information and link to C & T Pulishing below. 

C & T Publishing: http://www.ctpub.com/

Sit and Sew 

You all asked for a sit and sew once a month  on a Saturday. We are getting  info from A &E on availability, and we will let you know.

We welcome you to come and join us in learning about modern quilting and new techniques. Bring some quilts to show and tell. That is my favorite part. 

Happy Sewing 

Yvonne 

VP Social Media 

Carolyn Friedlander, August 2016

This month, Becky gave a great power point presentation on Carolyn Friedlander. Carolyn is a modern fabric and pattern designer, as well as an author. Becky, our current president this year, has set a goal to focus on one modern designer to highlight each month. Modern quilting and fabric is always changing, so highlighting these designers gives our members a very good picture of modern quilting.  

Here are links to information about her:

Carolyn Friedlander website: http://carolynfriedlander.com/

Carolyn Friedlander video: https://youtu.be/_Ss7_R qye74

Her book: https://smile.amazon.com/Savor-Each-Stitch-Quilting-Mindful/dp/1940655013/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1472344385&sr=1-1&keywords=savor+each+stitch

Charity

  Betty, our secretary, also chairs our charity sewing for Favor House in Pensacola. This organization helps women and their children who have need a safe place to stay when they have to leave their homes due to domestic violence. Betty accepts donations of quilts from baby to twin bed size and takes them to Favor House, frequently. If you'd like to donate any quilts for this cause, please see Betty.
The website for Favor House is: http://www.favorhouse.org/

Betty (Secretary and chair of charity quilts) on Right with Liz (member) Left.
These are 16 quilts to be donated.  

Member Discussion

   Becky also led a wonderful member discussion. We discussed some different ideas about how to continue the block lottery in a way that will encourage as much member participation as possible. Many members liked the idea of incorporating a skill building series, and a block of the month quilt along. During the following month, please think about what skills you'd like the guild to cover, ideas for blocks, and any block of the month ideas that you have for suggestions. Next month, bring your ideas, patterns, books, etc. to the meeting for further discussion.

Juliette, our librarian, is asking for donations for the library of quilting books. We all have accumulated extra quilting books! Please consider going through your collection and donating the books that you no longer use to help expand our library.

   

   Elections for next year's officers will be held in November.

 We have 5 officer positions: President, Vice President (Social Media), Vice President (Membership), Treasurer and Secretary.  Any member can run or be nominated for any of these 5 positions. We encourage you to get involved and put your personal touch on the next year. Our officers work together with our committee chairs and members to keep our guild strong and fun! We've already been having some wonderful discussions about block lottery for next year, we can choose to keep the modern quilt designer's going, or we can dive into modern techniques, quilt challenges, or many other great opportunities. Our guild is about teamwork, so don't be afraid to jump right in!

     All the current board members will be here to assist in the transition process for the new officers. We will be here for support as the newly elected member can learn the ropes, and we will all be available for any questions that arise during the next year. If you have any inclination towards these positions, please feel free to ask us what we do. You can self nominate, or you can make suggestions to us of whom you think would be good in the position, and we will contact that person to see if she is interested in running. I've also attached the guild's bylaws which give descriptions for each officer and committee position. Keep in mind that while some parts of what is listed is required, some of the descriptions are meant as possibilities.

Our current officers, Becky (President), Yvonne (VP Social Media), Donna (Membership),Suzie (Treasurer), and Betty(Secretary)

    Becky, Donna, and Yvonne, our guild's founders, have strived to create a foundation for this guild to grow upon. Once our first elected officers came on board, they along with our members help to even further the ground work to make it easy for the future elected officers. We as individual board members have taken on certain tasks that are not required of our position. Becky brings you designer highlights and her wonderful in depth newsletter. Donna has helped with welcoming committee,quilts of valor, also taking on Integrity and greeting you all at the meetings. Betty has taken on Charity quilts and shares the benefits of the  MQG has to offer. Suzie has taken on Hearts for Pulse, birthday fat quarters, swaps, and photos. Becky and Yvonne have put on personal presentations and work together on programs. Other board members and regular members continue to take care of many other aspects of the guild. All areas are important to the greater whole.

What would you like to do as a board member?

By-laws have been added in a separate tab for you to look over. Our roster has been newly updated by Donna and sent via email. It can also be found in our Facebook file tab. If you are a member, but do not have email or facebook, please contact us via email at pensacolamqg@gmail.com, and we will be glad to send you a copy by regular mail.