Christmas Party

Let me tell you- crafty ladies know how to party. Enough food for a group three times our size, a fabulous gift exchange and sewing late into the night. I heard a rumor that the evening lasted until 4 am for some!















More details on some of the gifts can be found here, here, and here.

Reminder

Christmas Party and Sewing Night is tonight! 7 pm at the Hen House (behind the Quilt Barn). Potluck dinner with ham provided by the guild. Gift exchange. Sewing into the wee hours of the night. I'm so excited I could squeal. See you there!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Last Minute

Sewing Night Tonight! 7pm until we all get tired and go home. At the Quilt Barn. Come and bring friends!

(Sorry for not posting this reminder earlier but my laptop has been having problems this week.)

Alright ladies! I'm here with a little meeting recap and a few announcements. If you weren't there, our meeting this month was an absolute hoot. Lots of girl talk (which I will not post here), lots of great show and tells, and Tara demonstrated paper-pieced hexagons. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so all I have are two not great camera phone pictures.





I hereby promise to bring my camera to meetings from now on so we can share more of our wonderful creations here on the blog.

If you missed Tara's demonstration or would just like to know more about English Paper Piecing, here are some great online tutorials.
Quiltville
Sew Mama Sew
The Sometimes Crafter
Crafty Stylish
How to Sew a Patchwork Ball
Of course, there are a ton more tutorials out there and a ton of shapes other than hexagons.Do your own web and Flickr searches. It will keep you busy for days. I'm working on a paper-pieced quilt using diamonds right now. I'll bring it again sometime to show and tell.

Alright- listen up. Time for announcements.
1. We decided to change the date of our Christmas party/potluck/sewing night. It will be December 10th starting at 7 pm in the Hen House- the retreat center behind the Quilt Barn. Don't worry, we'll have someone out in front of the store pointing out the way. The Guild will be providing a main course. Bring either a side or a dessert (or both!) to share with everyone. We'll eat, have a small gift exchange, tell racy stories and sew late into the night. This is our only meeting for the month of December. Everybody come! It is going to be a fantastic evening.
2. I've started a Flickr group for our Guild. Join it! Right here. Seriously, click the link right now and go join the group. While you're there, add any pictures of anything you've made for a guild swap. Heck, add any quilty pictures you want.
3. If you have a crafty blog, let me know (trinasdoings@gmail.com) and I'll add it to the list on this page.
4. We have a Facebook group, as well. If you are on Facebook, you have to add me (Trina Rowlands) as a friend and then I can add you to the group. I want to try and get the group more active- get some quilty discussions going to tide us over until the next guild meeting.

I think that's all for now. Thanks for reading to the end. Thanks for participating in the group. Quilt guild nights are the best nights of the month. I love talking to you ladies and seeing the things you create.

Trina
(the new quilt guild internet diva)

Charity Quilting Weekend

hello!

As some of you know we were going to be having a charity quilting blitz this weekend.

We are going to have to postpone it and replan for another time, maybe next weekend.

We are still having out late night sew this Saturday 7-12 PM.

I have also posted on facebook. If you know of any members who arent on facebook or read the blog please pass this message along.

See you Saturday!

Cathedral Window

This Thursday, August 11, is our next Guild meeting. I know the summer has been (and still is) a busy time for all of us so we really appreciate the efforts of everyone. Some guilds dont have summer meetings and I am glad we are still meeting up.

I am demo'ing cathedral windows this month. I know, not such a modern block. However, this block is all over the blogaspere. Everyone is trying their hand at this block. It involves alot of folding and you can use your scraps for the windows.

I am going to use Hyena in Petticoats' tutorial. She does a great job showing how to make this block. The great thing about this block is that it is a quilt as you go. No backing required. Hyena in Petticoats even shows you how to add a bit of batting to the windows to make it a bit warmer. A great way to use up batting scraps.

Here is the link. I will come back later and add a picture of the block I will be demo'ing. Hope you can make the meeting. See you there. Tara

Hey everyone!

Don't forget that our fun picnic is tomorrow (August 4th) at 6 pm at thompson park over on addison! Hope to see you there!

July 14, 2011 Meeting

Welcome- Have any new members introduce themselves (sign-in sheet and email sheet updated)
Member Book- we will be handing them out in August/September
Facebook- check us out and join our group on face book (Magic Valley Modern Quilt Guild) we are really going to being utilizing this forum as well as bumping up our presence on the blog.
Birthdays- Happy Birthday to Trina!!!

Summer Scramble- what a great way to get rid of unwanted things and find fun new things!
Picnic- we are planning a potluck picnic at the Thompson park on Aug. 4th at 6:00. the guild will be providing chicken. So sides, drinks, and desserts would be needed.
Bunting Swap-  lets swap! Trina and Tara, both of your buntings turned out amazing! 
Charity Quilt project- We have already had a few quilt tops turned back in! Way to go members let's try and reach our goal of 50!

Visit Our Blog: (http://magicvalleymodernquiltguild.blogspot.com/) Check the blog for the latest happenings, calendar of events and a newly updated look.
Intermission- snacks & socialize
Block of the Month- Our Mystery Block of the Month is turning out great, Don't forget to make your next two blocks: a House and a Square
Don't forget sewing night is July 23rd at 7pm
Show &  Tell-
Details for August 11th meeting
    -Demo- Hoops
    -Bring things for Show & Tell
    -A new swap will be announced
    -Sewing Night is August 20th, 2011 7-Midnight
  

What is a Quiltalong?

Maybe you have heard KZ and I talking about online quilt-alongs. Sometimes it is hard to describe things that are going on out there on the internet so I thought I would show some that I know about.

The fun thing about quilt-alongs in that you get very detailed photo instructions and a group of other quilters going through it too, offering help and support. Often there will be a Flickr group for the participants to show their blocks and finished quilts. You get to see how the same quilt looks in different fabrics. On Flickr, too, there is a discussion forum so you can talk with the other quilters.

Even if a quilt-along is over the information is still there and you can still participate.

Single Girl Quilt Along (based on a pattern) from I'm a Ginger Monkey
Supernova (free pattern given) from Freshly Pieced
Farmers Wife Sampler (based on a book) from Fresh Cuts
Blogger's Block-a-palooza (free patterns) from Quilt Dad and other bloggers
Paintbox Quilt (free pattern) from Oh, Fransson
Quilt as You Go (free tutorial) from Sew Take a Hike

There are so many quilt-alongs. Try typing it in Google or Flickr and see if there is anything that inspires you.

Tara

July Meeting Reminders

Hello all,
our July meeting is coming up. It is this Thursday at 7 o'clock at the Quilt Barn in Kimberly.
We love new visitors too so if you are a new quilter or experienced we would love to have you join us.
Here are a few reminders for the July meeting.

Bring your Mystery Quilt blocks. All of them. Last month you were asked to lay out your blocks and see what needed to be tweaked. What needed to be edited, added, etc. We would like you to tell us what you changed (if anything).

If you are participating in our latest swap, Bunting, then bring that. The new swap will be announced.

Bring your nametag. Members are fined .25 for a missed nametag.

Dues are up for renewal. It is 15$ for the year. We are putting together a member book so if you have any changes in your info let us know.

July is also our Free Yard Sale.This is the time to de-stash and clean out. Bring in your unfinished projects, patterns, magazines, books, fabric, notions, etc. that you dont need anymore. Bring something, take home new to you stuff.

I had an idea regarding the patterns we bring in. How about we have a member's lending library of patterns? We would have a box of patterns that could be signed out and returned. I would like a volunteer to manage the box of patterns and the sign out sheet.

I hope to see you all there this Thursday. As usual, there will be a giveaway and treats.

Tara

June 9th Meeting Recap

in case you missed the meeting or need a little refresher, here's what went down:

                                             Welcome!!!
Name Tags- Don’t forget to make your name tag at least 3” x 3” with your name on it.  (at the june sewing night we will be providing some fun supplies to make one if you don’t have one already)
Member Book- we will be handing them out in August.
Facebook- check us out and join our group on face book (Magic Valley Modern Quilt Guild) we are really going to being utilizing this forum as well as bumping up our presence on the blog (Trina is our go to facebook lady)
Summer Scramble- quilting yard swap at the July meeting, bring something get somethings (bring anything sewing related- notions, books, fabric, unfinished projects, etc. that you don't want anymore)
Picnic- we are planning a potluck picnic at the twin falls city park on Aug. 2nd at 6:00. This will be in addition to our regular meeting and sewing night (more details at the July meeting)
Bunting Swap-  Introducing the new swap, they will be due at the July 14th meeting. Make any size bunting for any occasion.
Charity Quilt project- we are going to be making quilts for the local foster program (quilts for teenagers are in great need) and we will also be making some for the joplin tornado victims. Our goal is to complete 50 quilts (but lets try for 100)! I know we can do this and really give back to the community! Tara has also made kits that can be checked out.
Visit Our Blog: (http://magicvalleymodernquiltguild.blogspot.com/) Check the blog for the latest happenings, calendar of events and a newly updated look. We will be starting member profiles again. I will be posting the agenda on the blog instead of sending it out in an email.
Intermission- snacks & socialize
Block of the Month- Let’s share our fifth block and find out what our sixth and seventh block is, don’t forget to bring your block next month. How is everyone liking the BOM and what do you think the theme is?
Demo-Needle case
Show &  Tell- We saw some great quilts and lots of fun things
Details for July 14th meeting
    -Demo- Hoops
    -Bring things for Show & Tell
    -A new swap will be announced
    -Sewing Night is June 23rd, 2011 7-Midnight
    -Any suggestions please email me (magicvalleymqg(at)gmail(dot)com)

Next Swap Bunting

Our last swap, Mini Quilts, was a huge success. We may need to do another.

Our next swap is another fun one, bunting. What is bunting? I will have some examples but you can also go to sites like flickr and google and type in bunting for inspiration. Moda Bakeshop probable has free patterns.

Forth of July from Sugar Tot Designs
Hankie Bunting from The Craft begins
Triangle Bunting from Whipper Berry

Any season, size and technique allowed. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. I know what I am making and I hope you join me in this swap.
Another great way to use up your old scraps or the new ones you got at our last meeting.

Needle Keepers

Great meeting everyone. The Scrap Scramble was a blast. I sorted through the leftovers and am going to see what I can come up with for a charity quilt..

Here is a link to the strawberry needle keep that I used as my inspiration for the demo. Happy Zombie. She has some other fun free patterns so check them out too. Monica is the designer of one of my favorite Christmas fabric lines. It came out last year and the Quilt Barn carries it. Anyone else make something with it?

Next month is our Summer Blast free yard sale. Bring your unfinished (and unwanted) UFO's, fabric, notions, books, patterns, whatever and go home with new to you stuff.

Thanks to everyone who took home a kit for our 50 Quilts Drive. I cant wait to start seeing them finished. I have put the basket of kits under the big ironing table in out meeting room. If you want one or need another help yourself. That area will also be the drop off location. Dont forget to sign out the kit and back in when the top is done.

One last thing, we are on facebook! Come join us. Look us up under Magic Valley Modern Quilt Guild.

One last, last thing. Dues are due next month.

Paper Piecing

Our last meeting I discussed a bit about paper piecing, hoping to demystify it a bit.

I want to share with you this Flickr group, Ringo Pie. It is a virtual quilting bee where that month's theme is paper pieced. Check out the other pages to see the great blocks. This month's theme is packages and mail.

While you are at Flickr type in 'paper piecing' and check out the amazing photos.

I was so inspired through this search I found a free pattern for my quilt swap quilt. I have my fingers crossed I can pull it off.

We now have a Facebook group where we can chat. If you are on facebook look us up, Magic Valley Modern Quilters.

One last thing, this month's meeting and sewing night are combined. Many of our members are taking off on our usual date to attend Quilt Market in Salt Lake City. I can't wait to hear about everything.
Our combined meeting is May 21. I will be doing a quick demo on cathedral window blocks. See you there.

Mini Quilt Swap Details

Mini Quilts will be due at the May 21st Meeting (note: May's meeting & May's sewing night are both being held at the same time)

Mini Quilts must be based on some aspect of one of the inspiration pictures (you will be able to show us, which part inspired you at the meeting). You can choose anything from colors to shapes to patterns to help inspire your mini quilt.

Your mini quilts cannot be smaller than 12" x 12" or larger than 24" x 24" (finished sizes). The swap will be random and based on the mini quilts that are brought to the meeting.

Here are your inspiration choices:

#1

#2

#3

I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with! -kz

Pin Cushion Swap

Our March meeting was alot of fun, we swapped our pincushions!! Above is the cushions made by Jenele for KZ.

The cat cushion was made by KZ for Jenny and the others were made by Jenny for Heather.

Pincushion made by Diane for Trina.

Pin Cushions made by Suzanne for me, Tara.

A few pincushions were missed. Also, you can see the pin cushions made by Trina for Suzanne on her blog here.

We aannounced our new swap, a mini quilt swap. Mini quilts are due in May and details will be discussed in its own blogpost soon.

Alos, we revealed this month's mystery block, a square. I shared a block I made, a wonky log cabin. You can made a square in a square, anything that comes to mind when you hear 'square'.

House Blocks

First, sorry about the shodding instruction sheet for the mystery blocks. It just wasnt coming together well that day.
The links to the tutorials are quite excellent however. I made two blocks, the above one uses the Fredas Hive tutorial. I quite like this block. I added the outer borders to bring the block to the size I chose, 12.5.

And in Modern Quilting tradition I riffed on the theme, houses. I found this terrific tutorial on flickr. Search mushroom house tutorial. She has a few others that I would like to try. And they are free.

Now on to the tree block.

I am also going to finish the other blocks for the year so I can have it ready on time to share with you.

How are you doing on your blocks.

Mystery Block #2

Block 2 of the Mystery Quilt is a tree.

This tutorial is a good starting point, Little Forest Tree

Other great sources of inspiration
Tree Quilt
Whimsical Tree

Adjust your block to meet the size you have chosen.
Bring your finished block to the next meeting and show it off. At our next meeting we will also be announcing the next block.

Mystery Quilt Block 1

As announced at our last Guild meeting the first block for our 2011 mystery quilt is a house.
Here is a link to a simple house block. You can embellish it as you like. Go for it.


Freda's Hive Cottage Block Tutorial

You can make the final size of your block as you wish. It would be helpful if all the coming blocks are the same size. 8.5 or 12.5 are a good size. Most people at the meeting said they are making an 8.5 block.
You can use the cottage house block as a starting point or you can use your own house block. A treehouse, salt box house, barn, chapel...its up to you. The overall theme of the other blocks is Nature, if that helps.
Need some inspiration? Go to Flickr and type in house quilt block, or whatever else you are looking for.
Dont forget to bring your blcok to the next meeting to show everyone.

Dresden Plate Tutorial

Hello Guilders. I finally have the tutorial up for the Dresden Plate block.
I used the templates from Material Obsession, a great book.

I used the cardboard from a layer cake as my wedge template. I needed 16 plates per block and I knew I wanted 12 blocks. I traced the template on the cardboard from a layer cake. I traced and cut the appropriate number of wedges.

Fold each wedge in half and then sew along the longer end 1/4 inch. I chain stitched all the wedges.

I forgot the next picture but here are the deets.

Clip the corner on the folded edge a smidge. This reduces the bulk in the corner. Turn the fabric out, poke the corner out, and iron the flap down.

Now for the centers. I traced the template on the fabric and pinned in on to non fusible web.

As an aside I found the circle template too small and had to recut a few.

Sew on the line.

Cut out 1/4 beyond the line. Snip the web and use this to turn the circle right side out. Iron flat.

Join the wedges to make a flower. Iron seams.

Fold the background fabric in half and finger crease the middle. Fold in the opposite direction and finger crease again, creating a cross in the middle. Use these cross hairs to center your flower.

Using the stitch of your choice (I used a straight stitch close to the edge) attach the flower to the background fabric. I used spray baste and a few pins to hold the fabric.

Attach the center circle in the same way.

Voila. Join your blocks as you wish. Use sashing or join the blocks they are. You can add borders.

The book, Material Obsession, gives the fabric requirements and a great way to hand quilt the top.

Pincushion Swap

I am very excited about our new swap, pincushions. Sign ups were at our January meeting and are due at our March meeting. You still have time to sign up. Leave a comment or sign up at the February meeting.

I promised I would put up some patterns for you to take a look at. If you google 'pincushion tutorial' you will get more ideas than you can look at.

Also take a look at Flickr. Lots more inspiration.

Here are a few titorials to get you started. I am looking forward to see what you create.

A pincushion in a bowl from A Very Dandioslion Life

Best pin picture and tutorial from Tall Scrapper

Pincushion patterns from Moda Bakeshop

Easy pincushion from Whip Up

Easy Square pincushion from Paper.String.Cloth

60 free patterns from TipNut