Posts Tagged ‘improv quilting’

Charles Cameron comes to Boise June 7 & 8

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

Annual Meeting Dec. 2 featuring Cheryl Arkison

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.)

April meeting was a hoot!

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.

April 22 Meeting & Faces Fun!

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!

Member Spotlight: Marilyn Shake

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.

April Meeting Recap

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.

Get ‘er Done! Quilts find homes in the community

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

February Meeting Recap

We had a full and fun meeting, with lots of show & tell and swaps. Watch for a separate post soon dedicated to just our Paint Chip Challenge Swap.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Club Mod 2022: This year, we’re using Club Mod to focus on finishing Unfinished Projects (UFOs), and appreciate Cassie for the refresh idea! Join us at 7p.m. on Zoom on the second Friday of each month. Work on the UFO of your choice, or just join us for some socialization to go with your sewing. Want to get serious about it? Complete this optional UFO Challenge Commitment form.
  • March 26 Meeting: We’ll meet at Sewfinity in Meridian, owned by BMQG member Angela Bowman. Angela recently won a prestigious Judges’ Award at the QuiltCon Quilt show for her quilt “Chloe,” and will share a bit about herself and her work. In addition to Angela’s presentation, we’ll show some of the quilts featured in the show at QuiltCon and then, of course, make time for shopping.
  • May Yard Sale: While you’re spring cleaning, consider what you might want to sell at a quilty yard sale. Watch for details on location and date. We’ll ask you to contribute a $5 flat fee for space (the proceeds will go to a local non-profit—if you’ve got a suggestion for the board to consider, let us know!), and from there you can sell fabric, notions, completed quilts, craft items, books …. whatever needs to find a new home.
  • Membership Dues: If you haven’t yet paid your 2022 dues, please do so soon. We’re updating our roster of current members, and renewing your membership means you’ll get emails and updates about events and activities this year.

SHOW & TELL

 

  • Linda J. showed a quilt made of her hand-dyed indigo fabrics; she also created a black and white quilt as part of a modern improv class with Carole Lyles Shaw – this started out as 24“ pinwheels that were cut up and put back together
  • Gwen and Linda J. made transparency quilts by Modern Quilt Studio
  • Karen F. participated in a MQG Mini-Swap and received this small quilt from England; she also made lots of blue and yellow small quilts from her stash and leftovers from another swap
  • Elizabeth finished a ByAnnie.com Project Bag from our last retreat, which she said was easier than expected
  • Carol quilted her large scrappy, striped quilt on her domestic machine
  • Betsy set a goal of finishing one UFO per month, and a small redwork piece is her latest
  • Linda A. took some blocks from the Get ‘er Done stack last summer, and brought back the impressive finished product
  • Fay is working with her church quilt group to make quilts using the Pineapple Quilt Block Foundation Paper blocks we received in last summer’s Sew Day swag bags. If you aren’t using yours, consider passing the pattern along to Fay for this project.
  • Jeri finished her 2021 temperature quilt, which includes a key about temperature ranges; she also showed a quilt of brights with black frames that she purchased in Minnesota while traveling this winter
  • Nancy S. made a quilt using adorable fabric with “sweater bears” that her husband loves to use as his TV quilt
  • Nancy E. finished two quilts using our beloved Birch fabric
  • Lindsie showed off some hand stitching in progress from a QuiltCon class.

100 DAY PROJECT
Darla and Jeri were inspired by Sarah Ruiz’s presentation at QuiltCon about 100 day projects. Sarah’s approach is to pick your own timeframe (maybe 5 days or 30 days are better for you), and then decide your own rules. Anything goes, whether it’s sewing one seam a day (Darla’s goal toward finishing some UFOs) or putting two pieces together every day (Jeri’s plan for a neglected project) — you get to make the rules and change them if you need to. Marilyn has joined in and if you are interested, you’ll find lots of #100dayproject inspiration on social media.

GIVING BACK / GET ‘ER DONE
Deb and Lindsie completed two small quilt tops that were passed along to Marilyn for quiltiling. There are still plenty of orphan blocks that could be assembled into tops, so please check out the Get ‘er Done table at our next meeting. You can assemble just the top, finish the quilting, or bring your own Get ‘er Done quilt in progress and someone else can pick up the next step.

Member Spotlight: Millissa Masters

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!

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

August Meeting Recap

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!