April Minutes

The April meeting of the Emerald Coast Modern Quilt Guild was held on April 9, 2016 in the small chapel at First Baptist Church of Crestview.  Natalie opened the meeting with a moment of silence.

Natalie reminded members of the Modern Quilt Continuum and asked each member to write their name on a post-it note and place it on the banner at the place where they believe they see their current modern quilting style.  She promised we would come back to that thought before the meeting ended.

During QuiltCon in February, ECMQG hosted "QuiltNon" on Instagram and Facebook.  The guild awarded 3 prizes to QuiltNon participants.

We had a lengthy discussion about charity quilts.  Jennifer presented our latest Honor Quilt.

Wendi read an email from the chairman of the Celebration event at Emerald Coast Hospice.  The quilt we made hangs in their reception office.  They were delighted with the bright and cheery nature of the quilt and the fact that it was completed so quickly.


 Susan discussed our relationship with Fisher House, particularly the care for the young airman recently hurt in a traffic accident on base.  The guild presented the young man's mother a quilt made by Mary while she was here this winter.  Susan noted all the help that Fisher House gives those who use their services.  Benefits are available to any military member or family if they have served for one day.

Wonky House block from the December block lottery

We discussed our next charity project - the 2016 Fisher House quilt.  She suggested that members make any kind of house block and bring it to the June meeting for Fisher House. Blocks should include the colors of sky, grass, and sand.  There will be instructions on the blog by the May meeting.

Show and Tell came early in this meeting.  Several members shared quilts and other projects they had made.

We have received the fabric for the latest Modern Quilt Guild Challenge.

The fabric is Sashing Stash by Riley Blake.  The challenge deadline has been extended to May 31.  Fabric was distributed to those who signed up for the challenge.

 Only 22 members have signed up for the May Shop Hop.  We must have at least 30 members participate to make the trip feasible.  If we do not have at least 30 members by April 11 we must cancel the event.  If we cancel, we will have a Sew Day in its place.

The June meeting will be devoted to a Sew Day, and will have a "competitive quilting" theme and consist of a Jelly Roll Race, and an Improv Challenge!  All members should bring their sewing machines!  There will be prizes!  After the race, members are encouraged to "hang out and sew." 

Laraine introduced our June Swap, which will be a blind (unpartnered) Mini Quilt Swap featuring high contrast and graphic areas of solid colors.  Details are here.  It is a requirement that participants post at least one progress photo on Instagram or Facebook.  Mini quilts may range from 16" to 24" and do not have to be square.

Natalie reminded everyone of the MQG Webinar "Modern Machine Quilting."  Check the MQG website for details.

Senorah, a Junior Member, won this month's Block Lottery featuring 21 blocks. 

Next month's block will be the Tidal Pool block by Molli Sparkles using Kona Navy and any tone-on-tone print.

Laraine Acosta has volunteered to be our new treasurer beginning in July.

 Natalie had planned a "working lunch," so the meeting adjourned briefly for members to fill their plates.

When the meeting resumed, Natalie asked everyone interested in participating in a quilting bee to take a different colored post-it note and place it on the Modern Quilt Continuum banner where they feel they would be comfortable.  Wendi explained how bees operate and the commitment required of members who participate.  19 members joined ECMQG Bees.  They are divided into 3 hives, which are explained in more detail here.  The first two queens met with their hives to distribute fabrics and discuss matters relating to each hive.

The meeting adjourned at 1:20 and was followed by a Sew Day.