The Modern Quilt Guild defines modern quilts as ones that are primarily functional and inspired by modern design. Modern quilters work in different styles and define modern quilting in different ways, but several characteristics often appear which may help identify a modern quilt. These include, but are not limited to: the use of bold colors and prints, high contrast and graphic areas of solid color, improvisational piecing, minimalism, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work. “Modern traditionalism” or the updating of classic quilt designs is also often seen in modern quilting.

The following posts show examples of modern quilting from our members and other modern quilters.

Posts from the ‘Modern Quilting’ category


Mar
2024

Charles Cameron comes to Boise June 7 & 8

categories: Events, Improv Quilting, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings, Sew Days

We’re so excited to welcome Charles Cameron to Boise in June. Charles will lead a one-day workshop (space is limited) and give a lecture at our BMQG meeting. Both events will be at JUMP, with space provided as part of their Jump it Forward Program.

ONE DAY WORKSHOP Register here!
Friday, June 7 • 10 a.m.— 4 p.m.
Crooked Crosses & Bent Boxes: An introduction to semi-improv quilt design
If you want the look and feel of improv, but you’re not quite ready to give up your ruler, ‘semi-improv’ is for you! Join award-winning quilter and designer Charles Cameron for hands-on instruction at each step of the way, using his original Crooked Crosses and Bent Boxes quilt pattern. We’ll also explore the use of different fabrics, colors and prints, and layout options. And, there’s time for you to work toward making your own 30”x30” wall hanging or 15”x60” runner.

  • Cost: $100 for Boise MQG members / $125 for non-members
  • Includes lunch & pattern! Bring all your favorite tools (sewing machine, rulers, rotary cutter, etc.); we’ll have cutting and pressing stations set up.
  • Workshop Size: Limited to 24 participants. Registration open to Boise MQG members only until March 31. On April 1, registration opens to non-members as space allows.
  • Parking: Once you’re registered, watch for details on what to bring and where to park at JUMP.

PUBLIC LECTURE
Saturday, June 8 • 10:30 a.m.— 1 p.m.
Color! An engineer’s guide to color value & placement in quilts
Join us for an engaging conversation with Charles, an engineer by training who is very methodical about color selection. We’ll briefly discuss color theory basics, and then look at lots of examples to see how colors enhance the overall effect and design. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced quilter, you’ll find ways to become more adventurous with color, and get tips for when you’re stumped deciding on color scheme.

  • Cost: FREE for Boise MQG members / $10 for non-members (cash or check only at the door)
  • Members, please note: this meeting will replace our regularly scheduled meeting
  • Parking is available at the public parking garage adjacent to JUMP (parking fees apply; first hour is free). Whatever your parking plan, please allow a little extra time.

While you’re marking out these June dates, don’t forget to add these upcoming events to your calendar:

  • Saturday, March 23: BMQG Monthly Meeting, 10:30 a.m. at the Bown Library; featuring a panel on Quilt Judging
  • Saturday, May 18: Featherweight Maintenance Class with Mary Simmons – watch for more info soon
  • August 15-18: Quilt Camp at Luther Heights Bible Camp near Stanley
  • September 27-28: Boise Basin Quilt Show
  • October 24-27: Nampa Modern Quilt Guild Retreat at Trinity Pines in Cascade; open to BMQG members; registration information available soon, with optional extra night on Oct. 23
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Jan
2024

After-Holiday Sew Party is Jan. 27

categories: Events, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings, Sew Days, Swaps

Join us for an all-day after-holiday sew party! We’ll sew, show, eat (potluck!) and swap.

When: Saturday, Jan. 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (swap happens at 11:30 a.m., followed by potluck lunch, then show & tell at 1:30 p.m. )

Where: Red Rock Christian Church, 1124 S Roosevelt St. (corner of Roosevelt & Kootenai), Boise

Parking: Please park in the lot on the north side of the church for easiest access to our space.

It’s a potluck: Bring your favorite food to share for a potluck lunch.

Tea towel swap: If you want to participate in this swap (purely optional), create something from a tea towel. It could be a bag, an apron, an embellished tea towel, a pin cushion or anything else you come up with! Use a vintage tea towel, a brand-spanking new one, or one from your kitchen drawer. In a pinch, bring one you pick up on the way to the party (because hey, life happens!). Need some inspiration? Check out our Tea Towel Crafts Pinterest board and consider the kind of creation you’d like to get!

  • We’re fortunate to be able to use this space at no charge. A basket will be available if you’d like to throw in a few bucks as a donation to the church — purely optional and no pressure or obligation.
  • Bring your community giving projects in any phase of completion to show and pass along.
  • Door prize and raffle prize not to be missed!
  • We will be at a church facility, so please no alcohol or pets.

Members, check your email for additional details.  Looking forward to seeing you on the 27th!

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Nov
2023

Annual Meeting Dec. 2 featuring Cheryl Arkison

categories: Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings

Join us Saturday, December 2, for our annual meeting and special guest speaker Cheryl Arkison!

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Sewfinity, 800 S Industry Way, Suite 360, Meridian (please, no children at this location due to safety precautions)
  • Annual business meeting: We’ll be electing officers (members, check your email for details on elections), looking back at 2023, and getting a sneak peek of what’s in store for 2024.
  • Dues: Every membership is based on the calendar year, and beginning January 1, 2024 annual dues will change to $30. Renew now and pay our current $25 rate! You have two payment options: 1) pay online with PayPal at the Boise Modern Quilt Guild Membership page (small service fee added), or 2) mail a check payable to Boise Modern Quilt Guild to Shelly Harshman, 1196 W Bear Track Drive, Meridian, ID 83642. (You can also bring a check to our Dec. 2 meeting).
  • Show & Tell: As time allows, we’ll fit in a little show & tell.
  • Guest Zoom lecture: Then at 11:30 a.m., we’ll be joined by Cheryl Arkison, who believes life is too short not to play with fabric. Cheryl believes that no piece is too small or too loud, and that fabric is meant to be used. “IMPROV IS MY LOVE LANGUAGE: Loosely inspired by the idea of the five love languages for showing and feeling love, this presentation shares my theories on the love languages of quilters. Mine just happens to be Improv. Want to find out yours? Join this fun presentation. Illustrated with quilts and stories. Knowing your love language will help you understand your quilting joys and frustrations.”

It’s going to be a fun, jam-packed meeting, so we hope you can attend! (Please note that we are combining our November and December meetings. Stay tuned for our annual after-holiday party on January 27.)

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Apr
2023

April 22 Meeting & Faces Fun!

categories: Improv Quilting, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings

We hope you can join us for the April meeting, when we’ll be making Faces Collages!

April 22, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Library at Cole & Ustick (7557 W Ustick Rd, Boise)

Cathy Rogers will lead us in making whimsical collage portrait mini quilts, inspired by Jean Impey. No sewing machine needed, but plan on bringing these supplies:

  • Fabric for the background; you can use just about any kind of fabric you want and any size will work — a good starting place is a fat quarter or larger; you can also come with a pieced background of two or more fabrics to create additional visual interest
  • Fabric for the skin; again just about anything works; think traditional skin colors, or go wild with colors like purple, green, blue, even prints, stripes, dots or anything else.
  • Fabric scraps to share; anything works, and novelty fabric is especially good for this purpose! We’ll also bring the guild’s supply of fabric, so there should be an ample amount available.
  • Scissors rather than rotary cutters; this is an improv approach so no rulers needed either.
  • Water-soluble glue sticks to attach your pieces to the background; no need for interfacing or fusible web.

You can expect to leave the meeting with a face collage complete (or mostly complete) and ready to finish at home. Use your domestic sewing machine or a long arm machine for quilting. We’ll have a few completed examples and tips for how to finish your face. Some example pictures are attached.

Also, bring zipper pouches (we need about 20 more of the 9×11-ish size to give to Faces of Hope for sustainable period packs) and drawstring backpacks (we’ll have additional cording if you need some to finish up). You can also turn in any completed scrappy leader/ender and scaled triangle blocks.

Hope to see you next Saturday the 22nd!

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Dec
2022

Member Spotlight: Linda Jolly

categories: Improv Quilting, Member Spotlight, Members, Modern Quilting

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.

 

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Nov
2022

Dec. 3 Meeting & Guest Speaker Tara Faughnan

categories: Events, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings
  Mark your calendars for our annual business meeting and featured guest speaker Tara Faughnan!

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 10:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Please note start time; the library opens at 10:00 a.m., and we’ll allow a few minutes for everyone to settle into the meeting room.)

WHERE: Library! at Bown Crossing, Martie Brennan Multipurpose Room, 2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., Boise, ID 83706

Here’s what is planned:
  • Annual business meeting: We’ll be electing officers (see details below), looking back at 2022, announcing our annual holiday swap, and getting a sneak peek of what’s in store for 2023.
  • Guest lecture: Then we’ll have a chance to hear from Tara Faughnan on Color and Design. Drawing on 20 years of experience in quilting and textile design, Tara will share some of her approaches to the creative process, and discuss the importance of value, proportion and color when designing a quilt. Tara will join us via Zoom on the library’s large screen, and we’ll follow her presentation with time for Q&A. Check her out on Instagram or Pinterest.
About the Annual Business Meeting:

As a non-profit we are required to hold an annual meeting to take care of a few quick — but important — items of business. We promise to make the business part go quickly! Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • Dues: Dues remain at $20/year; renew or join by December 8. You have two payment options: 1) go to the Boise Modern Quilt Guild Membership page and use the PayPal to pay online, or 2) mail a check to Shelly Harshman, 1196 W Bear Track Drive, Meridian, ID 83642. Please make checks payable to Boise Modern Quilt Guild. (You can also bring a check to our Dec. 3 meeting)
  • Year in Review: We’ll review our financial information, how this last year went, and make some announcements for next year’s guild events.
  • Voting: We have a couple of upcoming changes to our Board of Directors:
    • President: Lindsie Bergevin is stepping down after three years of service (a huge thanks to Lindsie for everything she’s done for BMQG!!). Current nomination: Darla Christiansen
    • Vice President: Current nomination: Marilyn Shake (position formerly held by Darla)
    • Secretary and Treasurer: Current nominations (respectively): Millissa Masters and Kathy Stockton, both currently serving in these positions.
    • Additionally, Shelly Harshman remains as an appointed, non-voting board member overseeing Membership.
    • If you’d like to know more, see the Position Descriptions of Board Members page on our website.
    • A few rules about the vote:
      • At the meeting any member in good standing may nominate another person to the board with the second of another member.
      • To be qualified as an elected officer, a member must be in good standing, and have been active in the Guild for at least one year.
      • Renewing and new members are allowed to vote.
      • A member does not have to be present to be on the ballot, but you must be at the meeting to vote.
Hope to see you there!
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Aug
2022

Gather Your Quilts for Sept. 10 Quilt Walk!

categories: Events, Modern Quilting, Quilt Show

Gather up those quilts you’ve been making and get ready to show them off at the Sept. 10 Modern Quilt Walk in the park. The Quilt Walk is an informal way to share the art of modern quilting in an easily accessible location — and to capitalize on greenbelt foot traffic expected at Art in the Park that same weekend. Members, watch your email for a sign up form and details (and if you’re not a member yet, but want to display your modern quilts, please join us as a member!).

It’s Simple: We’ll spread our quilts out on the lawn, bring our own chairs and snacks, and BMQG will have a couple of information tables. It’s an opportunity to talk with people about your craft and artistry. Here’s a glimpse at how the Central Washington MQG hosted a similar event last year. (photos: Michelle Bartholomew)

When: Saturday, Sept. 10; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Adjacent to the Boise Greenbelt in Ann Morrison Park; we’ll display on a stretch of grass between the footbridge used for floating take out

Who: Anyone in the Boise MQG is welcome to participate and display quilts, no registration fee. We’ve also invited the Nampa MQG to participate.

Questions? Send us a note at [email protected]. We hope you’ll join us!

The mission of the Boise MQG is to develop and encourage the art of modern quilting; encourage new quilters and other fiber artists from all backgrounds to explore modern quilting; offer educational opportunities; and support “charity” or other works that provide back to the community through the use of modern quilting skills.

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May
2022

Member Spotlight: Marilyn Shake

categories: Improv Quilting, Member Spotlight, Members, Modern Quilting

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.

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Apr
2022

April Meeting Recap

categories: Community Projects, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings

A giant thanks to special guest Lindsay Crouch of RipleyClark.com for sharing some of her vintage quilts. Watch for a separate post soon with photos and tips about caring for old quilts. We were also excited to welcome new members to our meeting! Here’s what else:

  • Watch your email for details about the May 21 BMQG quilty yard sale (early sign up here if you know you’ll be there) and how to participate in the Modern Bee Block Project, using a block design featured in the Modern Quilt Guild’s Modern Monthly newsletter.
  • BMQG is purchasing quilt batting to use in the Get ‘er Done quilts. If you need any for the Get ’Er Done project you’re working on, please contact us at [email protected]. And if you haven’t already, check out this story on our blog to see where our Get ‘Er Done quilts have gone. Thanks to Marilyn Shake for providing quilt labels for our projects! If you are doing the binding step on a Get ’Er Done quilt, be sure to pick up one at the next meeting you can attend, so you can include it in the binding along the back bottom edge.

Show & Tell

  • Karen F. brought her 2021 Temperature Quilt, complete with a label and backed with fabric aptly named “Weather Report.” Another of Karen’s stunning quilts is also on display at the Main Library front desk.
  • Betsy showed two Get ‘Er Done quilts: a sweet pastel baby quilt, and a black & red quilt that was a joint effort between Betsy and Linda J.
  • During spring break car trips, Apryl passed the time by twisting fabric scraps into handmade rope, which eventually turned into a cheerful fabric bowl. You can find plenty of tutorials online, here’s one.
  • Deb made a block to give Y seams a try, and then wondered why …. she also completed an orphan block quilt from the Get ‘Er Done pile.
  • Marilyn spent part of her 100 Day Project plowing through her scraps to make Jen Kingwell’s Bonnie Lass quilt from the Quilt Lovely book.
  • Dawn came to her first meeting and shared the vintage scotty dog quilt created by her great grandmother. Dawn inherited the quilt top, later adding a border and backing, hand basting it for stability. Now she’s ready to find vintage fabric from the quilt’s origin era and hand quilt to finish the entire piece. We can’t wait to watch this quilt as it progresses!
  • Darla shared her recent house quilt finish, made with birthday blocks from quilty friends.
  • Karen H. also joined us for her first time, and shared a photo of a recent quilt finish she gifted, plus she showed us two charming round pieces. Each uses fusible appliqué and is machine quilted, and was made based on an article from the Spring 2022 issue of Art Quilting Studio, detailing how to make fabric bowls.
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Apr
2022

Get ‘er Done! Quilts find homes in the community

categories: Community Projects, Improv Quilting, Modern Quilting

As part of our mission, the Boise Modern Quilt Guild provides opportunities for giving back to the community through the use of modern quilting skills. And as usual, our members jump in to help, and participate in making Get ‘er Done quilts — so named because the seeds of these quilts are often extra blocks or neglected projects that simply need a little attention and TLC to get done.

The Get ‘er Done project is a continuation of other community efforts. Since 2021, at least 10 BMQG quilts have found homes with local families and organizations. A huge thanks to everyone who’s helped stitch these together, and for folks who help deliver the quilts! Here’s a recap of where the quilts have gone.

Where Quilts Went

  • Blue/red/yellow improv blocks: St. Luke’s Foundation
  • Three Sisters of the Hex quilts (Denise Arellano memorial): Dave Arellano, Arellano family friend & daughter, and Denise’s sibling
  • Gray/multi leader-ender project from 2021 day camp: Christmas gifts for seniors
  • Pink/green from Gwen-Darla-Jeri-Cathy R.: Christmas gifts for seniors
  • Second gray/multi leader-ender from 2021 day camp: St. Lukes Foundation
  • Three kid quilts from Marilyn: St. Lukes Foundation
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