2014 Christmas Party

It's official. Our Christmas Party this year was the best ever. The only way it could have been better would have been to have every single member there. Great food, lots of laughter, wonderful gifts. It was a fantastic day.

Before I throw a whole bunch of pictures from that night at you, I have just a quick little bit of business. Our next meeting with be Saturday, January 10th. The (new) Quilt Barn overwhelmingly won the vote, so the meeting will be there. The meeting will start at 6 and be followed by a late night sew. It's up to Heather if she wants to open up earlier for that for a little pre-meeting sewing. $15 dues will be due at that meeting.

Alright- on to the photos!

Bad picture of a great bag! This pattern.

 Divided Basket. Pattern also available at the Quilt Barn.

Pat's snazzy new leg warmers.

There was a lot of excitement over this Weekender Bag- of course.

Pat's finished Scrap Jar Stars Quilt! I promised a prize for the first finished quilt and I delivered.

Emilee's wonderful vintage baby quilt.

Jenele's super cute owl ornaments which I can't get to turn the right way!

Tara's Modern Building Blocks Quilt Top.

And her Charming Stars Quilt Top.

November Meeting Recap

November 8th, 2014
Number in Attendance- 11

1. I have Heather's orange blocks from the Scrap Jar Stars block exchange. If you'd like to get them before the next meeting, contact me (trinasdoings@gmail.com) and we'll work out a way to get it to you.

2. The Guild Christmas Party (also known as the best meeting of the year) is going to be December 6th. It will be at the Hen House Retreat Center right behind The Quilt Barn in Kimberly. The Hen House will be open at 1 pm for those who can come and sew the afternoon away. Our regular meeting will be at 6 pm. Also at 6 will be our potluck dinner and gift exchange. Then we'll stay for a late night sew until Heather kicks us out. It really is a lot of fun and I hope everyone can be there. Email me if you have any questions. Also, let me know what you'll be bringing to the potluck so we don't end up with five pans of funeral potatoes.

3. The recipe for the fantastic pumpkin cake Emilee brought can be found here- Pumpkin Upside-Down Cake.

4. Show and Tell-

Emilee's super cute kid's clothes.

A really uninformative picture of Pat's adorable quilt and matching pillow. The pattern for the quilt can be found here- Half Square Triangle Quilt.

A truly horrible picture of the beautiful quilts Jenele made for her soon to arrive grandbaby. I should be flogged for this one.

A somewhat better picture of the amazing bag that Nicke made for Tara as part of a swap. Tara's going to have to keep her eye on this one when I'm around.

Alexandra's new pillow for her living room redecoration. I wish I had gotten a picture of the back- it has prairie points.



That's it. See you all soon!

October Meeting

Alright, ladies...it's almost time for our next meeting! It will be this Saturday, October 11th at Hancock Fabrics in Twin Falls. This promises to be a busy, fun meeting so try and plan to be there. There are a few things I need to tell you about it.

First of all, this is it- the absolute end of the Scrap Jar Star Blocks exchange. Bring your finished blocks to the meeting (or drop them off at my house beforehand if you can't be there). We are going to swap these blocks come heck or high water!

Next up, we're going to do a little scrap swap, sew along at the meeting. The tutorial we've chosen is Maureen Cracknell's Herringbone Quilt. If you'd like to participate here's what you need to do. First of all, go familiarize yourself with the tutorial. Second of all, prepare some scraps to swap. You'll need at least a gallon size Ziploc bag full of 2.5" by 14.5" strips. Third, prepare your batting. You'll need at least one strip of batting measuring 8" by 64" to get started. The batting needs to be a natural fiber and low loft. If you'd like to make a different sized quilt- it's up to you to figure out the math and what size batting strip you'll need. I'm sticking with the measurements from the tutorial just for easiness sake. Fourth, show up at the meeting (either at 4 or at 6) with your machine, your bag of scraps and your batting. We'll dump all the scraps in a pile and start sewing our own herringbone quilts.

Last of all, we'll be drawing names for our Christmas gift swap at this meeting. Think long and hard about whether you'd like to participate. It's not a huge commitment- just ten dollars worth of supplies, fabric or a finished project. But, it's no fun when the person who drew your name doesn't show up. If you'd like to participate, but won't be at the meeting on Saturday, just let me know so I can put your name in.

I think that's it. Email me (trinasdoings@gmail.com) if you have any questions. See you Saturday!

Scrap Jar Stars Block Exchange

Alright, ladies, the blocks for the Scrap Jar Stars block exchange were due at our meeting on Saturday. First of all, I want to show you how amazing the ones I have look together.

Aren't they going to make an stunning quilt? I, for one, am so excited to start sewing these together!

So.....if you signed up for the exchange and your blocks are almost done, can I challenge you to complete them this week and then bring them by my house? That way I can swap them all out and make bundles for anyone who's anxious to get started to come and pick up.

Email or call me if you have any questions!

Trina

July Meeting Report

July 19th, 2014
7 members in attendance and 1 new visitor

We met in our new home- the classroom at Hancock Fabrics. It worked out great.

1. Our next meeting will be August 9th. We have the classroom reserved starting at 4 pm for sewing time. The official meeting will begin at 6 and then we can stay and sew afterward until 8:30.

2. Due to some conflicts, we changed the date of the September meeting. It will be September 20th.

3. I've been spreading some misinformation about the exchange blocks. I had it stuck in my head that they were due in August. I've been reminded that we originally decided on swapping them in September. Whoops. I'm sorry if I told you August. We will be swapping them at the September meeting.

4. Show and Tell

 Kim and her awesome window pouch.

 Diane's very first finished hexie flower.

 Lucy and some of the adorable clothing she's finished for her granddaughter and her doll.

Peggy's amazing expanding bag.

Well, that's all I've got for today. Hope to see everyone at the next meeting!

May Meeting Notes

We were small in number this month but big in enthusiasm and determination! We had seven members present for some big decision making.

1. I should have member directories ready for everyone at the next meeting. I would have had them this meeting but I didn't realize the copy shop closes at 3 on Saturday! It's a good thing, since I've found a couple of typos and one omission since then.

2. We discussed all our options since the Quilt Barn is moving and will no longer have a classroom for us to meet in. Our next meeting- June 14th will still be at the Quilt Barn at 6pm. After that, we decided that the classroom at Hancock Fabric in Twin Falls is probably our best option. We'll start meeting there in July. It should still be the second Saturday of each month. We are considering moving the meeting to earlier since we will only be able to stay until the store closes at 9 pm. We'll discuss that and decide for sure at the June meeting. We're going to try and meet in the Hen House at least twice a year- for our Christmas party, for example. Because it really is a fantastic place to sew.

3. I decided we should have a really good giveaway since we discussing such serious and somber stuff. Congratulations to Emilee for winning our giveaway- a $20 Quilt Barn gift certificate!

4. I demonstrated some methods for quicker, easier hand sewn bindings. Here's an online tutorial that's closest to how I sew bindings. Would any machine binding expert like to volunteer to demo that for us next month?

5. Just a couple of things from show and tell-

My finally finished English Paper Pieced, hand-quilted Stars quilt.

Emilee's adorable Easter dress and tie she made for her kids.

6. Alright, I think that's all I've got for now. See you all at 6 pm on June 14th at The Quilt Barn!

April Meeting Recap

There's not much to say about the April meeting, except it was AWESOME! We didn't have a lot of business to discuss or a demonstration. What we did have a lot of was fun.

We did a quick show and tell of which I managed one picture.

Hi there, Jentry and your fantastic pinwheel quilt.

Then we had a little bridal shower for Tara.

We gave her the heart quilt top that we all made blocks for.

Go see the picture Tara posted of it. It's much better. My photography skills seem to be rather hit and miss when it comes to the guild. Tara's planning on adding to the quilt- her initials and wedding date at least. I can not wait to see the finished quilt!

We did discuss the Scrap Jar Stars Block Exchange. Anyone got a snappier name for it? We decided the finished blocks will be due at the September meeting. A few more people signed up so you need to make 14 blocks total- one each for the 13 people participating and 1 for you to keep. That's it- we're not adding any more people. The tutorial is here. Those who have started making their blocks reported that they're having a real hard time getting their finished blocks to measure 12.5", no matter how scant their seams. That's ok. Just make sure your finished blocks measure at least 12.25". If you've forgotten what color you signed up for, just email me (trinasdoingsATgmailDOTcom). I've got the list. Remember we're all using the same white fabric- available at the Quilt Barn. They'll let you know how much you need for all 14 blocks. Make sure your other fabrics are good, quality quilt shop cotton, as well.

We spent the rest of the evening eating, chatting, sewing up bunting for wedding decorations, eating some more and working on our own projects. It was a fantastic evening all around. Thank you all!

Our next meeting has been moved due to Tara's wedding. Rather than May 10th, we will be meeting at 6 pm on May 3rd at the Quilt Barn. And we have got a lot to discuss. Heather announced yesterday in an email that The Quilt Barn will be closing it's physical doors in about six weeks and opening much bigger cyber doors. They'll be carrying a lot more modern (yummy) fabric. Exciting news, especially since locals can order online and then pick up their order- so no shipping charges. But, online sales and new location means no classroom for us to meet in. Don't freak out. This is not the death of the Magic Valley Modern Quilt Guild! We have lots of options. We will be spending the meeting discussing what they are. Just a few I've come up with- 1. Find a new meeting place. Preferably somewhere free so we don't have to raise dues. There's got to be a meeting room, church, classroom somewhere where we can meet. Think of all the ones you know of- bring a list to the meeting. 2. Become more of a sewing circle- stop advertising for new members and meet at a different member's house each month. 3. Switch to a weeknight when it's likely not to be booked and meet in the Hen House. That's got some issues like we'd have to leave it pristine when we're done, what if it is booked and work the next day puts a bit of a damper on late night sewing.

So, that's what I've come up with so far. Everyone please come to the meeting with some ideas and potential meeting places. See you all on May 3rd!

Meeting This Saturday!

Hooray for Spring and Hooray for Tara! Come celebrate both with us this Saturday, April 12th. We'll meet in the classroom at the Quilt Barn in Kimberly at 3pm. We'll start off by discussing some business (if I come up with some before then). I don't have a demo planned. Let me know if there is something you would really love to see or to present. We'll talk a little bit about our quilt block exchange. We'll do a show and tell- so be sure to bring your projects to show off. Then we'll help Tara sew bunting for her wedding as well as work on our own projects late into the night. About 6 pm, we'll take a break and have a potluck dinner. Heather is bringing a meat. The guild will provide paper products. Bring whatever sounds yummy to you to share with everyone. See you then!

March 8th Meeting Minutes

Thanks so much to everyone who could be there. We packed the classroom and it really was so much fun!

1. I have a member directory ready for everyone at the next meeting, Nothing too fancy, just a list of everyone's phone numbers, email addresses and birthdays.

2. Lori Holt is coming back to The Quilt Barn for a retreat May 2-4! It sounds like so much fun. There are with or without lodging options. All the details can be found on the Quilt Barn's Blog.

3. Heather and the Quilt Barn Chicks are hosting a sew along for the Sew Together Bag. Details on the blog.

4. Tara's bachelorette party/ bridal shower/ sewing retreat will be March 27-29 in the Hen House Retreat Center and we're all invited. That's the Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Spring Break. Come whenever you can, for as long as you can. There's plenty of beds. We'll be working on our own projects as well as helping Tara sew miles of bunting to decorate her wedding with. I am hereby declaring that Thursday night at 6 our official next meeting. Let's do a potluck dinner, discuss a little business, sew bunting and have fun. All in favor?

5. Speaking of Tara, she's spearheaded our next quilt-a-long project. I'm pretty excited for this one. The tutorial we're using is Scrap Jar Stars by A Little Bit Biased. We'll each choose a color and then make a block (or maybe two? How big do we want our finished quilts?) for each person participating. At the end, we'll each get one block (maybe two) from each person to make into our quilt. We'll make labels for the back with each person's name written in the color of their block. We'll end up with something like this.


We've got 11 people signed up so far.

Tara- Green
Jenele- Hot Pink
Amy- Red
Heather- Orange
Kim- Dark Purple
Mary- Aqua
Trina- Yellow
Emilee- Grey
Autumn- Blue
Pat- Light Pink
Diane- Light Purple

We'll all be using the same white fabric- Moda Bella Solid 9900 97. The Quilt Barn has a large bolt or it ready to go. Please make sure your other fabrics are good quality quilt shop fabrics. And that your colors are bright and clear. 

If you'd like to participate, email me- trinasdoings@gmail.com and let me know what color you'd like to do. There's still room for dark green, dark blue and lots of others. Just no blacks or browns. We want cheerful, rainbowy sorts of quilts.

I think that's everything. As always, email me (trinasdoings@gmail.com) with any questions, concerns or suggestions. I hope to see you all on March 27th at 6 pm for Tara's party!

February 8th Meeting Minutes

Quilt Guild night really is the best night of the whole month, isn't it? A lot went on at the February meeting so grab your beverage of choice and get ready for a long blog post.

1. First off, thanks to everyone who made it to the meeting and welcome to our two newest members- Pat and Jentry. We're glad to have you, ladies.

2. I should have member directories with everyone's phone number, email address and birthday ready for the next meeting. If you know your information has changed and you haven't already updated it with me, please email your correct contact information to me (trinasdoings@gmail.com).

3. Dues are due. It's $15 for membership for the year. Bring your money to the next meeting if you haven't already paid.

4. Nicke demonstrated some of her methods for piecing together a quilt top from different sized wonky blocks. Thanks so much, Nicke!

5. Next month Jenele will be teaching us how to paper-piece the amazingly popular economy block. Along with that, we'll be having a scrap scramble. So, bring along some of your scraps. We'll spread them all out, use them to make some economy blocks and you'll get to pick out some new and exciting scraps to take home.

6. Have you seen the amazing Sew Together Bags Heather has been making? No, well let me show you the one she made Saturday night-




Super cute and super useful. Well, the amazing Heather is willing to help you make one of your very own. She's be at the Quilt Barn at 4 pm before our next meeting (March 8th) to help anyone and everyone make this wonderful bag. You'll need to purchase your pattern from Craftsy ahead of time and have your pieces cut out. Even more good news, when you purchase your pattern you can get a  $5 Quilt Barn Gift Certificate. It's really easy. Go to the Quilt Barn Website, click on the Craftsy button on the top right side, and search "sew together bag sewdemented". Next thing you know, you've got a $5 gift certificate and a cute place to corral some stuff.

7. Lori Holt from BeeInMyBonnet is coming back to the Quilt Barn the weekend of May 3rd. I've heard fantastic things about her classes last time. There will be special in-town pricing if you don't need to spend the night in the Hen House. More information will be available on the the Quilt Barn website soon.

8. Show and Tell!




Pat brought her amazing Civil War Sampler quilt. Look at how tiny those pieces are!




Heather brought some of the things she's working on- Union Jack blocks and a patchwork quilt top.



There's a Candy behind that Valentine's table runner.


Candy with the dresden plate table runner she made from a rescued vintage quilt top.


And, finally, a quilt she recently finished for a wedding gift.


Nicke's been making gifts for a knitter- a sock sack.


And a knitting needle case decorated with an amazing scrappy dresden plate.

Well, ladies. I think that's everything. How was your beverage?

See you next month!

It's Almost Time for the February Meeting!

It's that time again. Our monthly meeting will be this Saturday, February 8th starting at 6 pm at the Quilt Barn. Bring your $15 dues for the year if you have not already paid them. Also don't forget projects for show and tell, your nametag and maybe some treats to share. As always, we'll follow the meeting with a late night sew. So, bring your machine and some projects to work on.

January Meeting Reminder

Our next meeting is this Saturday, January 11th! Some things to remember-

1. We'll be having our potluck dinner that we didn't get to have in January. The guild will be providing the main course (either ham or lasagna depending on what I can find at the grocery store) and all the paper products. Bring whatever you want, no matter what you signed up for last time.

2. Bring your gift for the gift exchange if you have not already gifted it.

3.We'll be doing our final block exchange. Bring 6 granny square blocks if you would like to participate.

4. Dues for 2014 are $15. Please bring it this meeting or next.

5. Bring your machine and projects for our late night sew immediately following the meeting!