We had a fun and super productive meeting! Thanks to everyone who worked on making drawstring backpacks! Here’s a recap of our day:
Drawstring backpacks & zipper pouches: We had 20 finished drawstring backpacks (wow!) by the end of the meeting. Nicely done all! We still have a few pre-cut packs ready to sew (thanks Anna for cutting and Marilyn for fabric!), and if you’d like one or two of these pre-cuts before the next meeting, please send a note to [email protected]. We’ll bring more cording to the April meeting for those who have backpacks in the works. And, we are looking for some more zipper pouches that will hold sustainable period packs. These items will all be gifted to Faces of Hope Victim Center.
Community Giving: We received a treasure trove of finished quilts for donating (thank you Carol M. and Marilyn for your generosity), plus others ready for quilting — and yahoo! our amazing long arm quilters Linda A. and Jamie volunteered to quilt them. Mary brought a completed whole-cloth quilt, which was snatched up for binding. Thanks everyone for helping out! (notes about backing: if passing a quilt to a long arm quilter, please make your quilt back 3-4 inches bigger than the front on all four sides; this extra fabric allows the quilt to be attached to the long arm rollers)
Scaled Triangles & Leader/Ender: Our Modern Quilt Bee is well underway, with nine blocks already completed. We’re looking for more blocks (see attached instructions). And as Marilyn says, any red, orange, or pink will work! Marilyn also brought pre-cut scrappy fabrics for a simple leader ender quilt. If you took some home to sew, bring them back next month. Ultimately, both quilts will be donated to a local organization.
April 22 Meeting Faces Collage: Our own Cathy R. will lead us in making whimsical collage portrait mini quilts. No sewing machine needed; just bring scraps to share, scissors and glue sticks (watch your email for details). We’ll be at the Library at Cole & Ustick (7557 W Ustick Rd, Boise) 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Thanks toLinda Armstrong for her wonderful show & tell! What a variety of beautiful and charming pieces she shared. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out her member spotlight. And, to see photos from everyone’s show & tell, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram feeds.
When: Saturday, March 25, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Where: Library at Cole & Ustick, Sagebrush Room, 7557 W. Ustick Rd. What: We’ll have a sew day making drawstring backpacks. The meeting will feature Linda Armstrong in the Member Spotlight .
Things to know:
Drawstring backpack/tote bag: We’ll be sewing simple drawstring backpack/tote bags to donate to Faces of Hope Victim Center. If you plan to sew, bring your machine and tools; we’ll have a small ironing board and iron available.
Fabric: You can provide fabric, or just come and sew one of our 15 pre-cut kits (big thanks go to Anna Yates for cutting fabric, and to Marilyn Shake for the fabric donation!). BMQG will also provide the cording for the backpacks.
Patterns: Here are a few patterns to choose from, and if you have a different pattern you prefer, feel free to use it!
Bring your show & tell and community giving quilts: We want to see what you’ve been working on! And, if you have any community giving quilts (in any phase) to pass along to a new home, or for a next step toward completion, bring those, too! As a reminder, the Guild provides batting for these donation quilts. Please contact Millissa Masters (BMQG Secretary) to get the batting you need (members, check your email for Millissa’s contact info).
We can use 30 more zipper pouches by late April: Faces Victim Center is working with a high school student to create kits with sustainable menstrual products (like period cups and underwear, washable cloth pads, and organic cotton tampons). They asked if BMQG members would be willing to provide more zipper pouches to package the items, instead of using plastic ziploc bags. If you’re interested in making another pouch, any pattern works. Here’s one we have used: https://blog.noodle-head.com/2012/06/open-wide-zippered-pouch-diy-tutorial.html
How did you first get involved with Boise Modern Quilt Guild?
I moved to Boise during the pandemic and I was looking for a new sisterhood of quilters. I noticed a scheduled meeting in the park on BMQG website and decided to check it out. The members were so friendly and so kind to each other that I knew it was the right place for me.
What is your first memory related to quilting or sewing?
As a young child, I was fascinated to watch my Louisiana grandmother sew dresses for my three cousins on her treadle sewing machine. We could also count on my Mother’s expertise to sew costumes for Halloween and other themed parties. No one in my family quilted.
What’s your most memorable or favorite quilting project?
My most memorable quilt project is a mini quilt entitled “Summer Village” which I completed at home via YouTube tutorials during the first snowy winter living in the Boise foothills in 2020. Quilt friends from Oregon and Washington did the class at the same time and we shared photos and comments through email and text. It helped us find some joy in the isolation of Covid shutdown.
How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic?
I learned to quilt at Temecula Quilt Co. and the shop was filled with Civil War reproduction fabrics. For years, I sewed Civil War reproduction scrappy designs until my first batik quilt at a women’s quilt retreat. My talented quilt friends helped me choose the light, medium and dark batiks I needed to create a colorful sailboat quilt for my husband.
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs?
My favorite color to use in 1800’s reproduction quilts is red. I am venturing out by using solid, bright fabrics on my current quilt project which is Tula Pink’s 100 Modern Quilt Blocks. My new favorite whimsical fabric is Tilda by designer Tone Finnanger. I enjoy incorporating pinwheels into baby quilts. I also find satisfaction working with wool on wool appliqué and wool on cotton appliqué.
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting?
My travel friend Ellen encouraged me to quilt and she and another friend gifted me with a cutting mat, acrylic ruler, rotary cutter, scissors and fat quarters as a housewarming gift. Sheryl Johnson, of Temecula Quilt Co., taught me to quilt and instilled a love for Civil War Reproduction fabrics. Edyta Sitar and Kim Diehl have inspired me with their fabric and design styles.
What do you do when you are not quilting?
I love to read, work in my garden, and travel to new places.
What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet? DEAR JANE
What do you listen to or watch while sewing? Do you have any recommendations?
I enjoy listening to different kinds of audiobooks, including historical fiction and mysteries. I listened to the complete Louise Penny Inspector Gamache series set in Three Pines last winter. I balanced it with the CJ Box Joe Pickett series. For me, reading and sewing at the same time is magic.
Linda’s scrappy plus quilt we saw her working on at Quilt Camp one August
Linda
Linda J’s transparency quilt
Linda J.’s mini for Deb
Linda Jolly
How did you first get involved with Boise Modern Quilt Guild? Linda: I got involved in the Boise Modern Quilt Guild after some of my friends went to the first QuiltCon. It sounded like so much fun I immediately planned on going the following year so of course I had to join the Boise Modern Quilt Guild first.
What’s your first memory of something related to quilting or sewing? Linda: My Mom taught me how to sew and do other needle crafts. She was always sewing something. I started embroidering first, and then sewing clothes and quilting.
What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project? Linda: My favorite quilting project is whatever I am currently working on. Right now it is improv and I’m having so much fun!
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs? Linda: I love all fabric and colors but green is my fav and I like to make mostly simple designs.
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting? Linda: Instagram has had a big influence on me the last couple of years. So many amazing quilters out there. Before that though it was the Sisters quilt show and taking classes from some great teachers there. My daughter lives in Bend so that makes it easy.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? Linda: I would say that half of my stash was/is gifted or thrifted.
What do you do when you aren’t quilting? Linda: When not sewing or long arming you can find me in the garden (flower or veg), walking, attending yoga classes, reading, going to happy hour with friends, cooking, and all the other stuff one must do, but that always comes last!
What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection? Linda: I don’t have many UFO’s. Once I start a quilt I have to finish it. I do have some other projects that are mostly done like a couple of bags and small quilts that need special binding that are all patiently waiting for me to get back to them.
Do you have a preferred snack or beverage while you’re sewing? If so, what is it? Linda: I like to drink tea when I am sewing unless it is after 4pm and then I might switch to wine. I mostly like it quiet so no recommendations on watching or listening to something from me. I usually don’t sew for more that a couple of hours at a time unless I go on a quilt retreat.
Anne joined the Guild last year and brings with her a wealth of quilting and sewing experience, including a certificate in Fiber Arts! Plus she’s an avid reader and involved with lots of other interests.
Anne’s zipper bag
vintage checkerboard
How did you first get involved with Boise Modern Quilt Guild? Anne: We moved to Boise last August. I’ve belonged to quilt guilds in most of the cities I’ve lived in. I find it a great way to make friends!
What’s your first memory of something related to quilting or sewing? Anne: I took the mandatory Home Ec in junior high and made a blouse. And didn’t touched a machine for a long time. In my 30s I lived in the Seattle area, and my best friend said, “Hey there is a quilting class, we should take it.” It was hand quilting so no machine required. I was very skeptical that I would like, but we gave it a go. I loved making my first quilt. Made a second one similar to it, because practice helps me really learn. Bought a sewing machine. And I am still good friends with all of the ladies that were in the class.
What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project? Anne: The most challenging thing I ever did was to get my certificate in Fiber Arts from the University of Washington. It was a year-long program for which you had to apply. After the first few weeks I was sure I wanted to quit, but the professor talked to me about it and explained that being uncomfortable with the program was part of what made you grow in your art, and to stick it out. The program culminated with putting one piece in a gallery show. The piece that I made was an Andy Warhol type of piece with nine versions of a face within a fingerprint. It was hands-down the most complicated thing I have ever done.
How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic? Anne: As is true for most of us, I’m sure, it has evolved greatly, and is continuing to evolve. I love free form quilting without rules. I don’t typically make blocks any longer. I love expressions with color and movement. Lots of applique.
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs? Anne: Bright colors, things that contrast. I mostly work in cotton, but I’m open to anything.
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting? Anne: More than I could mention.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? Anne: So many things (ha ha)
1. I owned a squirrel monkey when I was a child.
2. I have lived in Chicago; College Station, Texas; Wichita; San Diego; Silverdale, Seattle and Kirkland, Washington; Melbourne and Sydney Australia; Las Vegas; Dallas; and now Boise. No – I am not in the military, I just like new adventures.
3. I owned a quilt shop in Silverdale, Washington. I absolutely loved it, but ended up having to close it.
What do you do when you aren’t quilting? Anne: Moving a lot ha ha. I love to travel. We really enjoy playing board games. We try to get out and explore where we live. I enjoy riding my bike. I have a garden this year. Most of all I love to read and will read between 1-3 books a week.
What are you working on now? Anne: I’m finishing up a 365 block applique quilt. I purchased the kit when I was in Las Vegas with the idea that I’d get it done in a year. As of today, I have 10 blocks left to sew down and then complete the borders.
What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet? Anne: In January 2020 I set goals for myself to do two quilts, one to enter and one to just do. I wanted to make a quilt to celebrate my grandmother and make a quilt based on the Beatles song Blackbird. Then of course the pandemic hit, and in spite of being sequestered, I found it very difficult to mentally concentrate on anything for a variety of personal reasons. In spite of making an effort, I did not accomplish either, and I still want to accomplish both.
What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection? Anne: I have a few tops that need to be quilted, which is really more of finding someone to do it for me, or find a long arm to do it. I’m not sure what I will do with them, so not in a hurry. Other than the 365 quilt mentioned above, I don’t keep a lot of UFOs. As I’ve moved around a lot, I pretty much only keep around what I think I will really get to.
Do you have a preferred snack or beverage while you’re sewing? If so, what is it? Anne: Hmm, not while sewing, but I love a good Gin and Tonic. I guess I don’t really snack that much.
What do you listen to or watch while you’re sewing? Do you have any recommendations to share? Anne: I’ll often turn on the tv to things I’ve seen before, because I don’t have to pay too much attention. So I’ll watch movies I’ve seen a thousand times. Some favorites while quilting are: Big Chill, Bull Durham, Moonstruck.
I love music, all kinds in particular stuff from the 70s.
I love podcasts. I listen to true crime, science, anything by Malcolm Gladwell, and fun and interesting things. Some favorites: Broken Record (Malcolm Gladwell), Revisionist History (Malcolm Gladwell), Radiolab, S-Town, The Murder Squad
When: Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Where: Sewfinity, 800 S Industry Way Ste 360, Meridian What: The meeting will feature Marilyn Shake in the Member Spotlight and making zipper pouches.
We’ll be making zipper pouches to donate to two local organizations: Faces of Hope Victim Center and Community Outreach Behavioral Services (COBS). We’re asking you to help make the pouches following this simple tutorial by Noodelhead (or if you have an equally simple pouch pattern, you’re welcome to make that), and then we’ll fill the pouches with personal care items, donated by local businesses. The Noodlehead medium pouch (check here for cutting info) is a versatile size and perfect for our inserts. BMQ is supplying zippers and interfacing — and we need you to bring your fabric, sewing machine and your quilty selves to help make it all come together!
What to bring:
your sewing machine & tools (irons, ironing boards and cutting mats are provided by Sewfinity)
fabric (if you want to get a jump start, cut 2 pieces of exterior fabric and 2 pieces of lining to 9“ x 12”)
you can use one piece of fabric for the exterior, or maybe get creative and piece something to a finished size of 9“ x 12”
Apryl Gardner has graciously agreed to lead us in a pouch-making tutorial at the meeting, along with Cathy Rogers’ own bag-making tips. They’ve both made loads of professional-grade pouches, bags and purses, so have first-hand expertise in this area. Our goal is to make 30-40 pouches in this initial effort. If members are interested in continuing the project, we can add it to our ongoing community giving activities.
Marilyn is a prolific quilter and enthusiastic member of our Guild. Be sure to scroll down for photos of Marilyn’s handiwork.
How did you first get involved with Boise Modern Quilt Guild? Marilyn: My good friend Laura Pukstas suggested we attend a meeting and join. I usually do what Laura suggests so I joined. I’m very happy that I did because I have met so many interesting people.
What’s your first memory of something related to quilting or sewing? Marilyn: When I was in the 6th grade, I received a Barbie doll and a canopy bed for her. I decided she needed a new bedspread and canopy topper so I got on the bus in Waterloo, Iowa and rode it to J.C. Penney to buy some fabric. I had never used a sewing machine but how hard could it be. My dad helped me with the threading and away I went. When it was time to add “puffiness” to the quilt I didn’t know what to use so I went downstairs to the dryer and cleaned out the dryer lint for the batting. I still have the quilt the topper, and canopy bed.
What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project? Marilyn: When I was in high school my mother suggested we make a quilt out of the leftover fabric from dresses I had made. My mother sewed up the whole quilt and had the ladies at church tie the quilt. There were a few blocks leftover that I recently made into 2 table runners for my daughters. Both of my daughters love the quilt that my mom made.
How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic? Marilyn: Whatever I find interesting at the moment. I do like a challenge, it’s hard for me to make the same block over and over again; sampler quilts are a favorite.
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs? Marilyn: I love bright colors, blues and greens, oranges and reds, nothing drab. Tula Pink and Elizabeth Hartman fabrics are my favorites. I enjoy using Kona when it comes to solids.
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting? Marilyn: My dear friend Laura has had a definite impact on my choices – she pushes me to try new things.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? Marilyn: I enjoy putting weird fabric on the back of quilts – skeletons on the back of a floral for example.
What do you do when you aren’t quilting? Marilyn: I might be taking a nap or having a glass of wine.
What are you working on now? Marilyn: Currently I’m working on Moda Blockheads every Wednesday, a row-by-row quilt using Bonnie and Camille patterns, finishing a quilt top that contains hand embroidered blocks from the 1930s, to name a few.
What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet? Marilyn: I want to make a double wedding ring using new technology. Still hopeful.
What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection? Marilyn: My oldest UFO is about 30 years old. It’s made from mostly JoAnn’s fabrics before I knew about real quilt shops.
Do you have a preferred snack or beverage while you’re sewing? If so, what is it? Marilyn: I always have a mug of water by my side, I snack on something crunchy like pretzels or crackers, Starburst jelly beans, a glass of wine…
What do you listen to or watch while you’re sewing? Do you have any recommendations to share? Marilyn: I have a tv in my studio so I turn it on – HGTV, Lifetime, Hallmark, anything mindless. Sometimes I put on an old movie. I recently had on True Lies, and The Tourist.
When: Saturday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. – noon (stay until 2 p.m. if you want to keep sewing)
Where: Main Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd., William F. Hayes Memorial Auditorium (first floor), Boise (Please note: Everyone over age two, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face mask inside all Boise Public Library locations, including inside meeting and study rooms.)
Bring your swap: If you participated in the Paint Chip Challenge and swap, bring your mini quilt to hand off to your swap partner! If you can’t be there, consider getting your quilt to someone who can deliver it on your behalf.
Sew some hearts: Let’s make some simple heart bocks to use in a Get ‘er Done community quilt. The heart fabric is provided — just bring your whites for background (any white will do — including white on white, low-volume prints, solids, etc) and your sewing machine. We’ll plan on making 6-inch blocks using this pattern from Cluck Cluck Sew and then bordering each heart with a 2-inch strips of white. Copies of the pattern will be available at the meeting, or check it out ahead of time.
Wear your mask: We’ll be inside, and we want to help everyone stay healthy!
We hope to see you on the 26th! In the meantime, be sure to check out our latest Member Spotlight featuring original Sister of the Hex Shelly Harshman.
Our resident Sister of the Hex Shelly Harshman is in the Member Spotlight. She’s a long-serving member of the BMQG board, where she oversees all things Membership related. Shelly is quick-humored, and an accomplished quilter with a terrific eye for color.
by Shelly
Shelly
Shelly EPP
Shelly Harshman
Piper, Shelly and Amy
Shelly
Shelly
Shelly’s rainbow quilt
How did you first get involved with Boise Modern Quilt Guild? Shelly: I was looking for a smaller, more modern group to join. When I did a Google search, I was impressed with the colorful logo and the information about this group. I came to a meeting, and felt really welcome.
What’s your first memory of something related to quilting or sewing? Shelly: My mom paid me to make summer shorts for my little sisters when I was around 12. I sewed all my skirts and blouses and dresses while I was in school. My mom was always sewing, and it’s been a part of my life as long as I can remember.
What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project? Shelly: My sisters and I made hexi quilts together. That will probably always be my favorite project. Sisters of the Hex rule!!
How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic? Shelly: I love color, and trying something new. A pattern is just a place to start.
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs? Shelly: I love bright jewel tones, and super scrappy quilts – loads of surprising details to find. Curved blocks are a current favorite. I love a quilt pattern that you have to look at for a while to figure out how they put it together. I’m always up for a challenge.
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting? Shelly: My mom was always sewing, but she’s not a quilter. I thought everybody had matching clothes and pajamas for their dolls. I learned my sewing skills from her. My Grandma Spencer was a quilter and I have wonderful memories of her hand quilting on wooden frames on the covered back patio at her home. Sadly, she passed away before I caught the quilting bug.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? Shelly: Hmmm…. I’ve kissed the Blarney Stone and I drive a Mini Cooper.
What do you do when you aren’t quilting? Shelly: I don’t understand the question.
What are you working on now? Shelly: I’m free motion quilting the backlog of quilt tops that are hanging in my closet. I use my home machine to quilt them. I try to always have something to plan, something to piece, and something to quilt, and some handwork. I received a Featherweight for Christmas this year, and I’ve been loving piecing on it!
What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet? Shelly: I want to make the La Passacaglia quilt. So far, I have a nice big pinterest board with ideas, and have ordered the book and papers.
What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection? Shelly: I’m currently pretty caught up – I have quilt tops that need to be quilted, but the oldest is probably only a couple of years old. Covid has given me more time to work on projects.
Do you have a preferred snack or beverage while you’re sewing? If so, what is it? Shelly: Dr. Pepper and peanut m&m’s.
What do you listen to or watch while you’re sewing? Do you have any recommendations to share? Shelly: I love audiobooks and music. Movies on the iPad distract me unless it’s something I’ve seen a bunch of times. Mysteries and Clive Cussler adventures are favorites.
We’re featuring Millissa Masters in this month’s Member Spotlight and to the BMQG Board, where she’ll serve as our new Secretary. Since she joined BMQG, Millissa jumped in with both feet and we’re so glad she did!
Millissa Masters
Millissa showing the leaders & enders project that started at Quilting Day Camp
Millissa arranging pieces for the leader-ender project
How did you first got involved in with Boise Modern Quilt Guild? Millissa: I first got involved with BMQG through the suggestion of Linda Jolly. We were at a Boise Basin Quilt Guild meeting, talking about groups and I took her recommendation to heart. Here I am!
What’s your most memorable, or favorite, quilting project? Millissa: Moon Kitty, which I loved creating as my first attempt at an Ann Brauer inspired piece. Besides, it won a Judge’s Choice ribbon at the last Boise Basin Quilt Show.
How would you describe your quilting design style or aesthetic? Millissa: My quilting style/ aesthetic is what I would describe as boundaryless. Is that a word? I’m one to always want to learn new techniques and play with scraps which will turn into who knows what.
What colors, shapes, fabrics do you gravitate to? What do you use most in your designs? Millissa: Colors/ shapes and fabrics in my designs?? Ha! Everything!! No seriously everything!!
Is there someone or something that has influenced your quilting? Millissa: I was originally introduced to quilting by a 90+ year old neighbor, Mary, in Redmond, OR during 2009. We only were there 6 months out of the year, but we played in her garden, and she transformed the way I looked at fabric and color. She was a kick in the pants old gal and loved the strong bright colors, which definitely encouraged my direction in color choice.
What might someone be surprised to know about you? Millissa: Not sure, but I am a thrift store, antique junkie who loves estate sales, yard sales and old junk shops.
What do you do when you aren’t quilting? Millissa: When not quilting I love to play in the kitchen, baking & cooking. Or playing with the kitties who keep me on my toes.
What are you working on now? Millissa: Now, I’m working on 5 different projects at the same time. Just a little scattered??
What’s the project that you always intended to do (quilting or otherwise) but haven’t yet? Millissa: There are many in my head that I haven’t gotten down on paper, and they keep coming.
What’s the longest-lasting UFO in your collection? Millissa: Its somewhere at the bottom of one of my piles and its so old I can’t remember what it is!!!! HAHAHA
