Posts Tagged ‘group quilt projects’


Feb
2024

February Open Sew and Lots of Community Giving Quilts!

categories: Community Projects, Meeting Minutes, Monthly Meetings

Our Saturday open sew meeting had lots of community giving show & tell, and plenty of time to sew and visit. Here’s a recap:

Community Giving Quilts: Anna showed several quilts for donation. Just recently, quilts have been distributed to the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (4), MSTI (3), Ada County Victims Services (4), and Children’s Home Society (2). She reported that the best part of donating quilts was talking to the recipients who are very thankful and happy to receive the quilts.

Animal Mats: The Idaho Humane Society uses small mats to set at the base of kennels. You can simply make a quilted mat (fabric on both sides, batting or even an old blanket sandwiched in the middle, zigzag or binding around the edge) that eventually can go to the animal’s new home. Bring yours to the next meeting and Jeri has volunteered to deliver them to the Humane Society. Finished sizes are: (1) Cats: 18“ x 24” (2) Small animals: 24“ x 36” (3) Dogs: 40“ x 25”

Backpacks & Zipper Pouches: Jeri recently took 8 filled backpacks with 8 pouches to the Agency for New Americans. We can use more pouches and backpacks to donate in several places. A backpack tutorial is attached; and a couple of helpful zipper pouch tutorials from Noodlehead are here and here.

Announcements and upcoming items: 

  • The next guild meeting is March 23 at Bown Library. A panel discussion on quilt judging will feature our own Fay, Millissa, Karen F., Linda J. and Carol M.
  • Mary will teach a class about Featherweight sewing machine maintenance; tentatively scheduled for May 15 — stay tuned for details.
  • Cathy R., Pam, Jeri and Darla presented some Modern Quilts to the Nampa Quilt Guild. Pam did a great job running the little quilt show and talking about Modern Quilting.
  • Diane is giving away a complete Hawaiian quilt pattern.
  • Marilyn is looking for batting scraps to make “frankenbatting” — if you have extra, bring to the next meeting

Show and Tell: participants showing quilts included Shelly, with 8 quilt tops made by her niece for donation,; Linda Cooper; Margaret Eastwick with pouches; Faye with a donation quilt; Sarah and Stephanie; Debi with an English Paper Piecing pattern using Tula Pink fabrics; Michelle with her gingham quilted jacket; and Cheryl (first time attending!) with 3 small art quilts from an online class she is taking. Mellissa showed 3 donation quilt tops — fabric is from Shelly; Marylin had donation quilts; Elizabeth showed her Violet Craft elephant quilt; Karen Falvey had some colorful quilts (front and back!). Watch our Facebook and Instagram feeds for photos.

We hope to see you on March 23 for our next meeting!
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Jul
2023

July meeting recap

categories: Monthly Meetings

Thanks for joining us in the park despite the heat! A few notes from our meeting:

Quilts for organ donor families: Thanks to Matt Coffin, RN for sharing about the Cascade Life Alliance’s efforts to give a quilt to families of deceased organ donors. These quilts become family heirlooms and tangible reminders of the deceased donor. Here are some general guidelines Matt provided:

  • size: lap size quilts are best; they can be placed on the donor’s lap/legs, without interfering in the medical team’s work
  • colors & themes: there are considerably more male donors in our area, so consider gender-neutral designs and colors (green, blue, red, brown, orange, low-volume); there is less need for pinks and florals
  • wash and label: please wash your finished quilt and add a BMQG label (available at meetings)
  • a few other things: please no religious symbols, logos, political references, etc.; and there is little need for pinks and floral quilts; no need for children’s fabrics or designs

Bring completed quilts to monthly meetings. Finally, if you haven’t already, please consider becoming an organ donor yourself.

Faces Collage entry for BBQ Quilt Show: All of those cute faces will go on display at the Boise Basin Quilters annual quilt show, Sept. 29-30 at Expo Idaho. Thanks to Pam P. for volunteering to oversee this effort! The quilts will be entered in the Group Challenge, non-judged category. To participate, members can communicate directly with Pam (watch your email for details).

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Apr
2023

April meeting was a hoot!

categories: Community Projects, Events, Monthly Meetings, Sew Days

Our April meeting making face collages was so fun and energetic! A huge thanks to Cathy R. for coaching us through the process and for her design inspiration! And, we’d love to see your face when it’s complete — members, watch your email for a future group show & tell.

  • July target for Scaled Triangles & Leader/Ender: Turn everything in by the July meeting, and from there we’ll start assembling quilt tops for donation. So far we’ve received 22 of the large Scaled Triangle blocks (wow!), and quite a stack of completed scrappy leader/ender blocks. If you’re working on the leader/ender blocks, you can bring completed, or partially-completed chunks (pairs or half blocks) to the next meeting; you may want to exchange other partially-completed blocks to mix up fabrics. Finished leader-ender blocks should turn out 6.5“ but you might find yours are a little skinny. No worries, they’ll all go together great!!
  • Community Giving: We’ve already delivered 26 quilts so far this year – that’s so amazing! Thank you Linda J., Jamie H. and Mary S. for some recent long arm quilting, and to everyone who has helped with binding, piecing and delivering. Warm Spring Counseling Center expressed an interest in receiving four “cozy” quilts to use in therapy offices during sessions with children clients — so if you’re inclined to sew with minky or flannel, this might be the project for you.
  • Drawstring backpacks & zipper pouches: This week we’ve delivered more than 20 finished drawstring backpacks and 30 zipper pouches for sustainable period packs to the Faces of Hope Victim Center. Thank you Pam P. for helping with deliveries!
  • Spring cleaning: We’ll be clearing out the burgeoning collection of donated fabric, orphan blocks, books and patterns in the coming months. If you’re doing the same, please refrain from bringing your unwanted items to BMQG, and instead find another good home.

To see photos from everyone’s show & tell, check out our Facebook and Instagram feeds (this is thanks to Apryl!). And, the May 27 meeting is open sew! Bring your projects, machines, tools and say hello. We’ll be at the Bown Library in east Boise (2153 E. Riverwalk Dr., 83706), 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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Apr
2023

March meeting recap

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

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 to Linda 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.

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Mar
2023

Join us March 25 for Drawstring Backpacks!

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

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:

  • 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
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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)

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

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.
  • 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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Aug
2021

August Meeting Recap

categories: Community Projects, Improv Quilting, Member Spotlight, Members, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings

It was great being in the park for our August meeting and thanks to everyone for finding their way to a new location. A special welcome to new members, and thanks to Lynne Crawford for stepping into the Member Spotlight! We loved seeing Lynne’s quilts and other handiwork.

Announcements & Upcoming Events

  • Sept. 11 Quilt Walk: Gather up those quilts you’ve been making and get ready to show them off at our inaugural Modern Quilt Walk in the park on Sept. 11. 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.
    • If you’re thinking about participating, let us know by completing this form.
    • We’re celebrating modern quilting — and other handiwork (whatever you’re making and proud of!). Our quilts will be front and center, but you’re also welcome to bring other items (e.g., bags, works in progress) that show the range of things we all make.
    • Read more here and watch your email for additional details as we get closer.
  • Club Mod: We’ll take a break for September as we’ll be on the eve of the Quilt Walk (see more below), and then you’re invited to join the Friday night sew party at Club Mod, October 8, 7-9 p.m. on Zoom. Sew on your projects, chair dance at your machine, and maybe win a prize!

Show and tell
Possibly the favorite part of our meeting….? Here’s a sampling of what we shared (scroll down for details):

  • Delanie designed and worked on this Baby Birch Quilt at the July Quilting Day Camp.
  • Millissa spearheaded a leader-ender project that we could all sew on during the Day Camp. She created a design that uses scraps to make a modern, vibrant quilt.
  • Jeri showed her Center Point quilt by Elise Lea for Robert Kaufman. She also assembled orphan blocks from Artisans for Hope and Darla pieced the back. It’s off to Gwen for quilting and will eventually be returned to Artisans to sell.
  • Apryl is in a mood for minis! She’s making fabric collage postcards (aiming for 100) and the Hamilton mini is for her daughter.
  • Gwen had a few bits of stripes and polka dot fabrics that she’s turned into a bright and cheery quilt.
  • Cathy R. quilted the three (three!) Sisters of the Hex quilts. Thanks in advance to Betsy, Cassie and Lindsie for finishing the binding.
  • Ginny showed off her giant log cabin Ray Quilt by Carolyn Friedlander.
  • Kathy S. made this donuts-and-coffee themed quilt for her husband.
  • Betsy showed off her very scrappy, very beautiful Japanese X block. You can find tutorials and patterns on Pinterest, and here’s just one example of what you’ll find.
  • Nancy S. showed her Bee Sweet pattern with bear fabric from Hobby Lobby
  • Fay made a Christmas quilt with the bundle of winnings from July’s Day Camp raffle
  • Linda is getting ready for fall with Bats and Boos, a mystery quilt from the FatQuarter Shop.
  • Lindsie shared the 2022 Quilter’s Planner that she helped design again this year. You can check out the customizable planner made just for quilters at QuiltersPlanner.com (and a tip from Lindsie: pre-sales end Tuesday, Aug. 31, so if you get your order in today, you’ll get the clip-in bookmarks bundle for free).

Hope you see you at the Quilt Walk on Sept. 11!

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Jul
2021

Quilting Day Camp 2021 Was So Much Fun!

categories: Events, Modern Quilting, Monthly Meetings, Quilt Camp, Sew Days

Our quilting day camp was such fun! Thanks to everyone who spent the day with us to sew, talk, pose for close-ups, eat, win, and all the rest. Shout out to Millissa Masters for her work designing and organizing a leader/ender project, which one day will be another Get ‘er Done community quilt; to Linda Jolly for applying her magic touch to the hexi quilts; and to everyone who helped sew (an unsew) the hexi blocks.

And, we had truly generous donors who contributed to our prizes and swag bags. Please support and thank these terrific folks:

Here’s what some of our attendees said when we asked what they liked about the retreat:
“Food was great, lots of social time and great prizes.”
“Seeing everyone! Working on the community quilts. Sharing ideas and seeing what everyone is working on. I left renewed and inspired.”
“Seeing everyone again and just chatting with people. Getting my creative juices flowing again!”
“So very happy to get out of the house and sew. Thank you!!! LOVED the swag bag and I am excited for the tshirt.”
If you attended and have pictures to share on social media, be sure to tag them with #boisemqg. And, check out our Instagram profile @BoiseMQG for more photos in the coming weeks.

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Jul
2021

Quilting Day Camp registration is closed

categories: Events, Quilt Camp

We are getting so excited for our upcoming Quilt Day Camp next month! We’ve now closed our registration, and are making final preparations for our event!

Here are some photos from last year’s retreat in Stanley, to give you a flavor of what to expect this year. We’re also doing a countdown sponsor spotlight on our Instagram and Facebook pages, where you can see some sneak peeks of the swag and raffle items that were donated this year.

Day camp details

When: July 24, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (We’re starting early! You’re welcome to arrive as early as 7:30 a.m.)

Where: LDS church at 3200 Cassia St., Boise 83705 (Because of the hot weather, we’re moving inside to the spacious gym space inside the church building.)

Cost: $40 per Boise MQG member | $65 non-members

  • Morning treats (baked goods, coffee, juice) and catered lunch is provided.
  • Those fabulous collections of swag are back! Plus, an expanded raffle ($1/ticket), so bring your cash and hope to win. Contributions to the swag and raffle come from the likes of Sewfinity, Quilt Crossing, Roost Books, Kitchen Table Quilting, QuiltCon, Cotton and Joy, Alison Glass, Pen and Paper Patterns, Aurifil, FreeSpirit Fabrics and more!
  • We will bring some extension/power cords, but you may want to bring your own just in case.
  • Ironing boards with irons, cutting tables with mats, and a couple design walls will be provided for your use.
  • This will be a “no-host” retreat, meaning that everyone brings their own sewing machines, necessary tools and projects to work on.
  • We’ll bring Sisters of the Hex supplies and see where the project stands.
  • The Get ‘er Done table (for donation quilts at any stage) and Free table will be set up. Find or bring fabric and scraps, orphan blocks and unfinished projects (at any stage).

Some things to note:

  • Masks are optional; we’ll supply hand sanitizer.
  • We will be at a church facility, so please no alcohol.
  • Restrooms and water available.
  • Feel free to bring your own snacks/food.
  • Sorry, no pets.
Thank you! Please contact us if you have any questions!