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!
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:
We’ll also update you on Quilt Camp and the September 10 Quilt Walk. Other updates:
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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!;
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:
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!
There are just a few spots open for our Summer Quilt Camp (Aug. 12-14 in Stanley) and we’re opening registration to non-members beginning today. Check out the full details here and find the registration form here. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!!
Join us for our annual weekend of “no-host” modern quilting, being in the mountains, and enjoying all the natural beauty Stanley has to offer.
SIGN UPS ARE OPEN to members! Sign up by June 19 by filling out this form. Payment details are in the sign up form. After June 19, registration will open to non-members if space allows.
When: August 12-14 (You are welcome to arrive anytime after 2 p.m. Friday August 12, and stay through 3 p.m. Sunday August 14.)
Where: Luther Heights Bible Camp – Stanley, Idaho (Location on Google Maps)
Cost: $140 per Boise MQG member | $160 non-members
Accommodations:
A few things to note:
Read more about the Luther Heights Bible Camp: http://lutherheights.org/
Join us for a weekend of “no-host” modern quilting, being in the mountains, and enjoying all the natural beauty Stanley has to offer. We are SEW excited to return to Stanley for our retreat after taking a two-year-hiatus!
When: August 12-14 (You are welcome to arrive anytime after 2:00 p.m. Friday August 23, and stay through 3 p.m. Sunday August 14)
Where: Luther Heights Bible Camp – Stanley, Idaho (Location on Google Maps)
Cost: $140 per Boise MQG member | $160 non-members
An online sign-up form will be emailed to all current members on Sunday, June 5. Watch your email! The retreat is limited to 32 attendees. If there are any spots left by June 19, we will open the retreat to non-members.
Thanks to everyone who participated (or just shopped) at our Yard Sale last weekend! Our fabric scraps, half-completed projects and a whole lot of other things went to new homes. It was such fun, and we had a lot of interest from shoppers about the guild. We anticipate seeing a few new faces in coming months.
We’ll be sewing 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 and your quilty selves to help make it all come together. 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.
