Nov
2022

Dues Updates

categories: Members, Monthly Meetings

We hope you had a good Thanksgiving holiday, and we’re thankful for your participation in the guild! A few notes and updates:

Renew by Dec. 8: A reminder to renew your annual membership soon. Dues are $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 form 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)

Changes to dues starting in 2023: Membership dues will change to $25 beginning on January 1, 2023. (Renew now and save a few bucks!)

  • The change in dues represents the first increase since the Boise MQG was established in 2010. The board voted unanimously on November 18, 2022, to increase the annual dues by $5, with a potential $5 increase every year for the next couple years to meet the needs of the guild. (We’ll provide more details about this at our Dec. 3 meeting.)
  • Membership to BMQG includes automatic membership to the national Modern Quilt Guild (a $35 value), which includes access to hundreds of patterns, QuiltCon perks, shopping discounts, online events and more.
  • Local MQGs pay a flat annual fee based on the number of members in their group. As our guild has grown, the amount we send to national MQG has increased to $840 — for 2022 that’s about $17 of each member’s dues — and is our guild’s single largest expense. The immense value we receive from this affiliation provides all of us access to MQG information and programs, and notably, our guild’s designation as a 501 (c)3 charitable organization.
  • Your BMQG board members work continually to use guild funds judiciously — keeping costs low (e.g., finding no-cost meeting room options) while spending money for programs that align with our mission (e.g., bringing in guest speakers and purchasing batting for community donation quilts).

Dec. 3 Annual Meeting: We look forward to seeing you on Saturday for our annual business meeting (including board elections and 2022 Review) and amazing 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.) Tara joins us at 11:30 a.m.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and see you on Saturday!
BMQG Board

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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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Sep
2022

Quilt Walk recap & fall updates

categories: Community Projects, Events, Quilt Show, Quilt Walk

Quilt Walk: Thanks to everyone who came out to the inaugural Quilt Walk in the park. It was so fun to show off our quilts of all sizes and styles in an informal setting! And we had fun inviting passersby to vote for People’s Choice. There were 48 quilts on display, and more than 130 people cast votes; Lynne’s Bar Quilt was the winner. It was great way to connect with the community and share our love for quilting.

Zipper Pouches: We delivered nearly 40 pouches to the Faces of Hope Victim Center and Community Outreach Behavioral Services (COBS), all filled with personal hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, tampons, etc. And, we have more than 30 more ready to fill. Thank you all for your generous response in making these beautiful pouches! Watch for details on what’s next.

Quilt Walk 2022
Quilt Walk 2022
Fay talks with a Quilt Walk visitor
Lynne’s bar quilt took people’s choice at the 2022 Quilt Walk
Liz Edrich, Faces Development Director and Darla Christiansen, BMQG
Lynne’s Bar Quilt won people’s choice
Liz Edrich (L) and Chris Davis with arms full of zipper pouches
Quilt Walk 2022 in Ann Morrison Park
Quilt Walk 2022

Be sure to mark your calendar for these upcoming quilty events:

Sep. 18: Final day of the Stephen Towns: Declaration & Resistance exhibit at Boise Art Museum. His work draws visual inspiration from medieval altarpieces, nineteenth-century photography, Dutch wax print fabrics, and from African American story quilts.

Sep. 30 – Oct 1: Treasures of the Valley Quilt Show from Boise Basin Quilt Guild at Expo Idaho, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day.

Oct. 13-16: MQG Sessions is a member-only virtual event. You can spend the weekend learning from some of the best quilting instructors in the comfort of your own home. For one flat rate of $95, members will have access to over 20 hours of lectures, social gatherings, and more. Every education session is recorded and registered attendees can watch live and replay the recordings on demand for 14 days following the event.

Oct. 22: Boise MQG monthly meeting; 10:15 a.m. We will be meeting at the downtown Boise Library! Marion Bingham Room for a Sew Day and show and tell. There will be plenty of space to sew, iron and cut, so feel free to bring a project to work on.

Dec. 3: Boise MQG Annual Meeting, 10:15 a.m. (no meeting in November)

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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.

The Central Washington MQG 2020 outdoor quilt show. Photo: Michelle Bartholomew
The Central Washington MQG 2020 outdoor quilt show. Photo: Michelle Bartholomew
Central Washington MQG 2020 outdoor quilt show. Photo: Michelle Bartholomew
click to enlarge Quilt Walk map

Questions? Send us a note at boisemqg@gmail.com. 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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Aug
2022

Quilt Camp!

categories: Events, Members, Quilt Camp

We had a great time at Quilt Camp — which you know if you were there, and if not we hope you’ll be there next time! A big hearty thank you goes out to Luther Heights for their amazing hospitality, terrific facility, and delicious food!

The scrap tower
Laura N. & Nancy
Linda A. (center) and friends
Linda
Amy’s minky sasquatch
Apryl’s rainbow plus
Lindsie’s Birch top finished
Deb, Darla, Cathy R.
Hexi Sister Shelly
Cassie
Lindsie’s ByAnnie bag
Danielle’s row by row
Cathy R.’s little people
Marilyn’s Daisy Block by Pen & Paper
Fay’s a Big Winner!
Laura N. assembled this Get ‘er Done quilt
Quilt Camp 2022
Piper’s a Big Winner!

Here’s what some of our attendees said when we asked what they liked best, and what could be improved:

“Delicious food” (“agree”)

“Great location & atmosphere in the lodge”

“Food, organized, everyone’s friendly”

“Longer! Longer!”

“More days!”

“More mixer / group activities”

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Aug
2022

Quilt Camp is almost here (no August meeting)

categories: Quilt Camp

Just a reminder that we will not be having our normal guild meeting in August. Instead we are excited to be hosting our annual summer retreat at Luther Heights outside of Stanley, near Alturus Lake. If you can’t join us for camp, we will miss you, but hope to see you next time.  If you signed up, please check your email for retreat details. See you soon!

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Jul
2022

July 23 Meeting & MQG updates

categories: Block of the Month, Monthly Meetings, Sew Days

The July 23 meeting will be at Julia Davis Park, 700 S. Capitol Blvd. in Boise, 10 a.m. – noon. We’ll gather in a shady area near the Rose Garden. (please note, Zoo Boise is hosting an event that day so parking may be a bit more crowded than normal). What to bring:

  • a chair or something to sit on, water, sunscreen
  • additional finished zipper pouches (we’ll plan on filling them that day)
  • your completed Modern Block of the Month
  • show and tell!

We’ll also update you on Quilt Camp and the September 10 Quilt Walk. Other updates:

  • Inaugural MQG Sessions: Have you seen that Modern Quilt Guild is holding a member-only virtual event October 13-16? You can spend the weekend learning from some of the best quilting instructors in the comfort of your own home. For one flat rate of $95 members will have access to over 20 hours of lectures, social gatherings, and more. Every education session is recorded and registered attendees can watch live and replay the recordings on demand for 14 days following the event. Registration will open to MQG members only on July 26th, 2022 at 11 a.m. CDT. Check out the faculty and schedule here: https://www.themodernquiltguild.com/sessions/
  • QuiltCon is Coming: Registration opens on August 16. MQG is using a virtual waiting room this year to better manage the registration process. Information will be provided prior to registration day about how this process will work. Be sure to check out the QuiltCon Challenges page to learn more about the various technique and fabric challenges for QuiltCon 2023 (and if enough people from BMQG are interested in participating, we’re looking for a couple of volunteers to lead the effort).
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Jul
2022

Member Spotlight: Anne Barnes

categories: Member Spotlight, Members

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

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Jul
2022

Announcing our Modern Quilting Bee + June 2022 Meeting Recap

categories: Block of the Month, Community Projects, Monthly Meetings, Sew Days

Modern Quilting Bee

We’re kicking off a Modern Quilting Bee Project! It’s simple to participate, and we think it will be so fun! We’re starting with this 16.5-inch unfinished block.

You’ll need to login as a member of MQG — once logged in, you can follow this path to the pattern: For MQG Members > MQG Journal > Previous Issues > MQG Journal Issue 02 > scroll down the page to find “Issue 02 / Block Study / Barbed” and click on More.  If you trouble getting to the pattern, email us for help.  (Barbed quilt block by Molly Wardlow; photo by Laura Loewen)

Barbed quilt block by Molly Wardlow (Photos by Laura Loewen)
Millissa is leading our Modern Block of the Month

Millissa (BMQG Secretary) is leading the effort and has chosen a tranquil blue and aqua color theme, you can also throw in a natural off white if you are inspired.

  • Make your block using these similar colors, using either solids or prints. Don’t worry about finding an exact color match.
  • You can use the Clearly Perfect Slotted Trimmers ruler, or something like it for quickly making a batch of Half Square Triangles (HSTs). Or, check out this tutorial if you want to brush up on tips for making HSTs.
  • Bring your completed block to the July 23 meeting.
  • Eventually, the completed quilt will be part of our Get ‘er Done quilts and gifted to a community organization.

Zipper Pouches

Anne’s zipper bag

A giant thanks to everyone who joined us for making zipper pouches! We collected 31 completed pouches by the end of the meeting – and we know there are more out there being stitched up. The pouches will be filled with personal care items, including items from Jill Shelton Wagers, DMD and Hilton Garden Inn at Pioneer Crossing, and donated to two local organizations: Faces of Hope Victim Center and Community Outreach Behavioral Services (COBS). We especially appreciated the tips and tutorial from Apryl and Cathy R.

If you’re working on a pouch, plan to turn it in by the July 23 meeting. You can follow this simple tutorial by Noodelhead (or if you have an equally simple pouch pattern, you’re welcome to make that). If members are interested in continuing the project, we can add it to our ongoing community giving activities.

Show & Tell

  • Marilyn was in the Member Spotlight, and brought a collection that illustrated her journey as a quilter. She made her first quilt for her doll’s bed, and not knowing any different, she cleverly used dryer lint as batting. After that, there was no stopping Marilyn! She admitted that she “love(s) weird backs” and Elizabeth Hartman designs.
  • Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Marilyn in the Member Spotlight
    Cassie’s quilt top
  • Cassie showed the quilt top she finished during Friday night Club Mod get togethers. There are so. many. HSTs. She’s also leading girls at her church to make fabric bracelets using this fabric and paper version and this fabric-wrapped cord version.
  • Darla showed a purse that’s part of the Sew Powerful purse project. The purses are sent to Zambian girls to use for carrying feminine hygiene supplies, thus allowing them to stay in school all month. Find the pattern here. A group of friends will send a package of purses at the end of October, and if you’d like to make a purse, simply get it to Darla, Jeri or Cathy R. by the October meeting.

Get ‘er Done quilts: If you’re helping make quilts to share in our community, Anna Y. reminded us that throw or twin bed sizes would be especially appreciated by some organizations, though smaller baby quilts will also be accepted. Need batting? The Guild recently purchased a supply for this very purpose. Send us a note to let us know what you need!;

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Jun
2022

Join us in June for Zipper Pouches!

categories: Community Projects, Member Spotlight, Monthly Meetings, Sew Days

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.

We hope to see you soon!

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