Sept and Oct Block Lottery 2015 - Woven Chevron and Zig Zag Blocks

For our October meeting we have 2 blocks for you to participate in, yes that is TWO blocks to play with. 

One is actually a September block that will be turned in with our October meeting as well as the block for October. 

We will have 2 lotteries for that meeting so it should be lots of fun!

Sept block:

Woven Chevron block completes at 8.5in unfinished. Color palette will be Kona or Bella white for the back ground & aqua and coral/salmon for the colors.

We found this block at Elven Gardens blog & she has some lovely block tutorials there, it is well worth a look around!

http://theelvengarden.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/desperate-house-wives-qal-woven-chevron.html

When putting this block together, make sure to sew a scant 1/4” as well as press your seams. I am a starching queen as it seems to help maintain the correct size for my block. We are doing a lot of the HST’s for these lotteries in October because you can come up with so many variations!. On that note? One of the things you need to pay attention to is when you put your blocks together, is the direction of your pieces. If you don’t? You might end up with your own design… LOL!

Oct Block:

The October block is called the ZigZag path and is done in Halloween fabrics & solids with a background of black. I changed the color scheme up as follows from the original post: the teal was changed to black (background), the "white" is the solid color to match the print (in mine, the solids were purple, orange, grey & green with prints to match) & the “red” in the pattern is the actual Halloween print. 

http://www.pieceandquilt.com/2015/01/how-to-zig-zag-path-quilt-block-30-days.html

For those of you that don’t like Halloween prints? How about some QOV blocks out of red, white & blue? I think this block would make some stunning blocks for the QOV.

Some tips for this block that I discovered is to use a scant 1/4 inch seam on the diagonals as well as cut the 4 7/8 inch blocks as 5 inch blocks. This gives you a little more room to press & starch & then cut down to a 4.5” block. Also remember to refer back to the diagram so that your design matches the the correct spin/pattern! Otherwise your seam ripper will become your best friend once again. LOL!

Happy sewing!

Elaine
Block Lottery Coordinator 

August - Yes August - Meeting Minutes

Our regular meeting was held August 8, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Crestview.  It was well attended.  Kira brought the meeting to order at 10:00 am.  She welcomed everyone and introduced visitors and 1 new member.

Kira announced that it was Melissa's last meeting.  Melissa is moving to Pennsylvania.  She was a founding member and her creativity was a great inspiration to all.  She will be greatly missed.

Two of our members celebrated birthdays in August.  Bev and Susan received birthday lollipops and a hearty round of Happy Birthday.

Kira talked about the benefits of being a member of the guild.  Benefits include:

• programs
• swaps
• block lottery
• friendship and quilty associations both in meetings and online
• membership in the MQG
• free monthly quilt patterns
• webinars
• fabric challenges and free fabric

The national guild is looking for 2016 pattern submissions.  You only need to submit a concept - not a completed pattern.

The MQG should announce Riley Blake challenge winners soon.

Maureen Howard presented a $300 check to the guild from her friend Kathy Tanner to be used toward Quilts of Valor.

Kira introduced Kathy, Alice and Leesa from the Chautauqua Quilter's Guild.  They have invited ECMQG to be the guest guild at the Chautauqua Quilt Show that they host in February, 2016.  The theme of the show is "Quilting With the Stars," (quilts do not have to be stars.) They explained the details of the show and presented some lovely quilts that will be displayed at the show.  They hold the show every two years.  In 2014, they had between 500 and 600 people attend during the 2 days.  They invite a different guild as their guest each time.  Details of requirements to display quilts in the show will be emailed to ECMQG members later in the year.  For now, be thinking about quilts to display.  We would like every ECMQG member to display a quilt.

Twenty blocks were submitted for the Block Lottery.  Donna was the winner of the "instaquilt."

The September block is the woven chevron block.  Details will be on the blog.

Since September is our Sew Modern Quilt Lab, our October block, called the "zig-zag path" was presented as well.  Elaine reminded everyone that any of these blocks could be made in red/white/blue for Quilts of Valor.

The Executive Board is proposing a change in the by-laws which will be presented at the October 10th meeting.  An email will be sent out two weeks prior to that time explaining the proposed changes.

Our program for October will be "15 minutes of Play" with Natalie and Cindy.

There will not be a regular meeting in September since we will be holding our first ever "Sew Modern Quilt Lab."  Marcy presented the etails of classes and costs is on the blog.  Classes are filling up!  There will be a "Sew-cial" on Friday evening.  Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.  The "Sew-cial" is free, so come join us and sew and socialize.  We will also have an open sewing room all day on Friday and Saturday.  It will be an exciting event.  Don't miss it!

 Susan M. presented the completed quilt guild members made for Fisher House.  Members made the blocks and the quilt was completed by Natalie.  The quilt will be auctioned in September to raise money for Fisher House.

Deb and Kristy reminded members of the St. Simon's Craft Fair which will be taking place the first weekend in November.  Members are urged to make items to donate and sell at the fair.  Members are are also able to sell commission items at the fair.  Commission items will donate 10 percent of the sales price to the guild.  For ideas on what to make to sell, see our Bazaar Ideas Pinterest board.  We were also reminded that we will have a craft booth at the Chautauqua Quilt Show and that members we would need items to sell there as well.

Marcy presented the program on how to machine bind a quilt.

Several members shared their beautiful creations with us during Show and Tell.

The meeting adjourned to a fun lunch and sew day.

4th Anniversary Scrap Swap Challenge

Once again, it is time for our annual Scrap Swap Challenge to commemorate our 4th Anniversary!   This may just be the most exciting, most fun swap of the year!  This swap is open to all ECMQG members in good standing.

Here's what you do:
1.  Fill a **quart size** zip lock bag with fabrics from your scrap bin - all colors and sizes.   You will want to have a bag full of scraps that reflect the things you like.

2.  Bring the bag to our guild meeting on August 8th.

3.  Put your zip lock in a brown paper bag, which will be provided.  Do not put your name on it.

4.  Each member who brought a bag will take a bag from the table.

5.  The recipient of each bag will confer with the donor about the item they would like to receive. 

6.  Sewists will have two months to make a fabulous scrappy item for their partner from the scraps their partner provided.  Sewists may add only one other fabric to complete their project. 

7.  Bring your creation to our meeting on October 10th for the Big Reveal!  (Be sure to return excess scraps.)

8.  Oooh and ahhh over all the wonderful quilty goodness at the reveal.

9.  Be sure and thank your partner for your gift.

July 2015 Meeting Minutes

Our July 2015 meeting took place at the Niceville Presbyterian Church.  Before the meeting, there was lots of eye candy, as Marcy had created this fabulous display to announce our First Ever Modern Quilt Lab!

Welcome

Kira called the meeting to order and our five visitors introduced themselves.  One member had a birthday and received a fabric lollipop.

Riley Blake Challenge

The Riley Blake Challenge using "The Cottage Garden" fabric by The Quilted Fish was discussed and members showed off their creations.  Because the challenge ends July 31, 2015, all entries must be uploaded to the MQG Community Page by the deadline.


Chautauqua Quilt Show

We will be participating in the Chautauqua Quilt Show next February with all quilts completed no later than February 10, 2016.  A quilt show was one of our 2015 goals; joining with another guild allows us to "learn the ropes."  This is not a juried show, however, viewers will award "People's Choice" ribbons in several categories.  All entries are welcome.  We would love to have a fabulous representation of modern quilting.  

Individuals may enter as many quilts as they would like.  The theme for the show is "Quilting With the Stars."  There are many star quilt blocks and quilts  pinned to our Pinterest board for inspiration.  Our group quilt effort will be wonky stars.  

Some of the rules were discussed, such as large quilts must have a quilt sleeve on the back for hanging; each quilt must have its own "pillowcase" to keep it clean; all quilts must be labeled; etc.  A representative from the Chautauqua Quilter's Guild will attend our August meeting to answer questions.


Upcoming Meetings

"Her Light Within" made by Kira for Cindy in the 2013 Scrappy Swap

Our annual Anniversary Scrap Swap Challenge will begin at the August meeting, so bring a ziplock back full of scraps for your partner to make you something yummy.  Participants will know who they are sewing for and who is sewing for them, so they may ask what their partner might like.  Sewists do not have to use all the scraps, but they may only use one additional fabric.  Finished projects will be gifted in October.  Please ensure you can meet that due date.  

September will be our retreat, "The First Ever Sew Modern Quilt Lab," taking place Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12.  There will be NO regular meeting.

Cindy will do our presentation in October, "15 Minutes of Play," (improv quilting.)


Block Lottery

We had 22 Blooming Star blocks for this month's block lottery completed!  And the winner is...Jean Turner.  

The August block will be the Sticks and Stones block from the Missouri Star Quilt Company (who also happen to be one of our sponsors for the retreat) in either yellow or orange tones, and using either Kona or Bella white.


Charity Quilts

ECMQG Dutchman's Puzzle Quilt for Fisher House. Blocks by ECMQG members.  

Our current charity quilt projects were discussed.  We have nearly finished our second Quilt of Valor - it just needs to be bound.  

Members were reminded that we also collect Block Lottery blocks in red/white/blue fabrics for future QOV quilts. Many thanks to Jennifer and Bobbi, who often make them.  Everyone is encouraged to do the same, time and fabric stash permitting.  There are specific requirements for Quilts of Valor which can be found here.

Natalie finished the Fisher House quilt top.  It needs to be quilted and bound and presented in August prior to the September silent auction.  Several people (thank you) put their names in to finish it.  

As we were meeting, Melissa J completed the binding for the reverse rainbow baby quilt which we chose to donated to the Ronald McDonald House.

Membership

Four of our visitors became the newest ECMQG'rs!  Welcome Carmen, Jessie, Pam & Pat!  New ECMQG logo buttons were given to everyone present.  

Door Prizes

Lots of prizes were given to ten lucky ECMQG'rs!


The First Ever Sew Modern Quilt Lab

Marcy gave us the overview of the presentation she's given to other local quilt guilds about our retreat, The First Ever Sew Modern Quilt Lab.

Registration will open Monday on the blog.  The first week will be for guild members only.  After that, registration is open to all.  ECMQG'rs receive a discount; class sizes are limited.


St. Simon's Craft Fair

Kristy and Deb discussed ideas for the St. Simon's on the Sound Craft Show to be held in Ft. Walton Beach the first weekend in November.  Members are asked to make one or two items for the show which will be sold to support the guild. 

Members may also make their own items to sell with 10% of the proceeds being returned to the guild to cover the cost of the booth.

All items should reflect who we are as a guild and be made with a modern aesthetic.  Specifically, asked and answered, was a question about sewing with licensed materials (NCAA logos) for collegiate items.  You can not.   You can use the colors, but not officially licensed logos.  

Please bring all items to the October meeting.  The sign-up times for helping at the booth will be available then. 

Show and Tell

Several members showed their quilts and other items to the guild members.

After the meeting, we enjoyed a delicious "picnic" lunch and several members stayed to sew.

Respectfully submitted,
Wendi Mihalik

First Ever SEW MODERN QUILT LAB - Registration is OPEN!

Class descriptions and fees can be found here.   

The schedule can be found here. 

Registration can be found here.

June 2015 Meeting Highlights

Our June 13th meeting, at the WFPL Main Library in downtown Pensacola was called to order by VP Natalie at 10:35 with 28 members and two guests. 

After asking for a moment of silence for members who were facing difficult situations, we began the day with a our little birthday tradition - singing and a FQ fabric lollipop!.  We were unable to celebrate June birthdays as they were absent, but we were more than happy to sing and celebrate two belated birthdays (May) for Deb R and Eliana.

Next on the agenda was the lottery drawing for the wonky ROYGBIV log cabin blocks.  

 18 colorful blocks were created and submitted.

Wendi was the lucky winner!!

Elaine and Susan presented the block of choice for July which is the Blooming Star Block.

  
Click here for the color inspiration, tutorial links, pictures, and sewing tips.   

Next we moved to easily our favorite activity - fabric swap!  Where else can you bring in one yard of fabric, and leave with eight different fabric pieces?  The Tula Pink F8 swap was a resounding success.  Many thanks to Cricket and Nona for sorting and organizing all of these pretties! 

 

The group effort for this years Fisher House Charity Quilt yielded 16 completed Dutchman's Puzzle blocks.  Open sewing time was devoted to sewing additional blocks as the completed quilt needs to be presented in August.       

Our first Quilt of Valor is complete for 2015 and it is stunning!  (Currently, it is displayed at A&E Fabrics)  We began collecting the x + blocks for this quilt last August and with the combined efforts of many guild members - Kim, Bobbi, Whitney, Kira, Jennifer, Cindy, Becky, Donna, Kira, Kassie, & Rachel - more than 30 blocks were contributed.  Natalie pieced the back; Kira quilted and bound it.  Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

We have a small collection of blocks for future QOV quilts, but definitely need more.  Current in-the-works projects are an Origami Star quilt, a Reverse Rainbow Starburst quilt, and a Hearts quilt.  Please contact Cindy for specifics. 

Marcy provided an update on our retreat, which will be September 11 & 12, at the church.  There is no regular meeting in September.  The plan, as it stands now, is for several full day classes, as well as several half day classes.  There are also plans for free demonstrations, door prizes, open sewing time, etc.  Discounts will be available for members for classes and the open sewing time, and class sizes will be limited.  More details to follow.  Please contact Marcy with ALL offers of help!  

Natalie will be teaching us how to make this fabulous bag at our Retreat in September

Subject to change, classes currently scheduled are:  clam shell with Gina,  improv with Cindy and Diane, free motion quilting with Wendi, pixelated quilts with Kira, a purse/bag with Natalie, scrap lab with Marcy, paper piecing with Susan, and beginning quilting with Jean.  

Door prizes were won by eight lucky ECMQG'rs!  How can you go wrong with F8 bundles, charm packs, books, and these quilt themed note cards?   

Show and Tell

Ten members presented quilts and other creations for show and tell.  Completed block lottery quilt tops were presented by Cricket and Natalie.  Several other quilts were gifts for family, friends, and grand babies.

Announcements

 1.  The St. Simon's Craft Fair will be held November 6-7, 2015.  Kristy Shaffer has procured two booth spaces for ECMQG use at a cost of $320.  This fee was paid, in advance by the guild.  A percentage of individual sales, as well as items donated and sold, will reimburse this fee.  The space will be decorated with a modern aesthetic.  Gina will be giving a demo on gift ideas for members to make for sale/donation at the July meeting.  A volunteer list will be made available at the October meeting.  

2.  The July 11th meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1800 E John Sims Parkway, Niceville, Florida because of a previously scheduled church event.    

3.  Early details for the Chautauqua Quilters Guild Quilt Show - Quilting with the Stars - February 12-13, 2016 in DeFuniak Springs, Florida were presented.  We are the guest guild!  This is not a judged show.  The theme is stars.  If you have a quilt you are considering for display, it must have a sleeve on the back.  Natalie has volunteered to help those who need a sleeve on their quilt.  This is a great chance for the guild to learn about hosting quilt shows without stress. 

4.  The MQG Riley Blake Challenge is due July 31, 2015.  Our "show and tell" for this challenge will be at the July meeting.
  

Our program, "Social Media and the Modern Quilter," was presented by Wendi.  Subjects covered were:  Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram (IG), the MQG website, Facebook, and the ECMQG blog.  For those who were still confused at the conclusion of the program, Wendi assured them that help was available!  

Our program, "Social Media and the Modern Quilter," was presented by Wendi.  Subjects covered were:  Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram (IG), the MQG website, Facebook, and the ECMQG blog.  For those who were still confused at the conclusion of the program, Wendi assured them that help was available!  She and Natalie are available to help with questions at the end of the meeting.  There will be a detailed presentation on each of the social media mentioned on the ECMQG blog.

Thanks to everyone who helps.  We can't do it without a little bit from everyone.  

See You In Three Years

This Tuesday evening, we'll hope you'll join us in saying a temporary goodbye to ECMQG's founder, Kelly S.  As most of you know, Kelly and family are heading to Germany for their next USAF adventure.

We picked one of Kelly's favorite local restaurants, Cactus Flower Cafe for her send off.  

Shops of East Hill

3425 N 12th Avenue 

Pensacola, Florida 32503

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

6:15 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Come for appetizers and a drink.  Come for dinner.  Or come for dessert.  

Kelly is the reason the greater Pensacola area (and parts of southern Alabama) is part of the vibrant, supportive, creative modern quilting community.  We are going to miss her!

See you Tuesday night.

Kira, Natalie, Cindy, Wendi, and Nona
ECMQG Board 2015