Friday, December 28, 2012

Fall Quilt Market: An Insider's View


Photo courtesy of True Up

I know Fall Quilt Market is long past but as fabrics that debuted there are now starting to ship I've been thinking about it again. Tina, one of our amazingly talented members, is a fabric designer and was lucky enough to attend.   She has published a series of posts for True Up so you can read about her experience here:

This year Tina also designed her own gift wrap on Spoonflower.  I can't pick my favorite, they're all fabulous!

If you haven't had a chance to meet the delightful Tina yet you should definitely track her down at our next meeting.  Until then, you can see more of what she's been up to at Boston Sewer .

Monday, December 24, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Tree quilt by Laurie Matthews. Pattern available from the fabulous Ann Kelle.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Comfort Quilt for Signe


When Alexis received the devastating news that a friend's daughter was about to undergo cancer treatments she immediately knew what she wanted to do... make a comfort quilt!  Two year old Signe had been diagnosed with brain cancer that had spread to her spine.  Signe was already scheduled to start treatments so Alexis wanted to get the quilt to her quickly.  Of course she reached out to her quilty peeps in the BMQG for help. 

Her only requirements: wonky, scrappy square blocks that finish to 9.5" in a variety of cheerful, girly colors.  Aimee, Alice, and Rebecca all responded and within a week she had enough blocks to make this beautiful quilt. 

Alexis sashed them in white and made this adorable backing. Rebecca made the binding and Linda generously donated time on her longarm  and helped Alexis to quilt and machine bind the quilt.  In no time at all this beautiful quilt was on it's way to Minnesota.

Her Dad reported "when Signe saw her quilt I pointed out some of the different features and she just grabbed it and rolled around in it with this smile."  All the thanks any of us ever needed!

Friday, December 14, 2012

December Meeting Recap

Do you ever wonder what goes on at our sew-ins?  Here are a few shots from our holiday gathering and sewing day...

Taz gets my vote for most organized quilter.  She not only brought everything she needed to sew these beautiful Christmas ornament blocks she brought her own (adorable) pressing station.

Natalie tacked the binding on her quilt while Laurie made an adorable stuffed holiday gift for someone special.

Jen, Jane and Karen were sewing up a storm...

and Liz went wild chain piecing these fabulous blocks together!

Of course, not all of us were quite as productive;-)  Some of us just came to enjoy the snacks, sewing themed conversations and lots of quilty eye candy.  Pictures of a truly fabulous show and tell are coming soon.  Join the fun, our next meeting will be Saturday, January 19th.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Madrona Road Challenge

A big package from NYC came this week from Michael Miller fabrics.  I kind of freaked out a little because my husband found it on our doorstep and my first reaction was to say, "I don't know what this is!  I didn't order any fabric!"  I was so happy to realize that our guild was accepted to participate in the Madrona Road challenge.  Fourteen participants from our guild received small cuts of each print.  Originally, there was an overall deadline to complete the project, but now guilds have more flexibility and the BMQG will present completed projects at the February 16 meeting.  Here are the guidelines:
  • Complete a sewn project from the Madrona Road fabrics - a quilt is encouraged but you can make any sewn item.
  • You are allowed to use solids or other Madrona Road prints - do not add other prints to your project.  If you want to purchase additional MR fabrics to supplement what you already received, that is fine.
  • Present your item at the February meeting - if you cannot attend, please email Alice a picture of your item so that it can appear on the guild blog. 
I am so excited to see what everyone creates - this is going to be fun! 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Get away with the BMQG

There's still time to sign up for our 2013 retreat weekend. Our retreat is a weekend long get-away to the Franciscan Guest House in Kennebunkport, ME. This is always a fun weekend and a great way to get to know the other members.

Dates: March 14 or 15 - 17, 2013. New this year: We have the option of extending our stay to 3 nights if you wish. You can arrive on Thursday and stay through Sunday, instead of the standard Friday through Sunday. We don't all have to take this option - just the people who have the flexibility to do so.

Rates: (tax included): Single rooms: $160.50 for 2 nights, $240.75 for 3 nights. Double rooms (to be shared with a roommate): $107 per person for 2 nights, $160.50 per person for 3 nights. Please note on doubles: you and your roommate need to both agree on the 2 night or 3 night option. You may not split this up. Check in time: 1:00PM for the sewing room, 3:00PM for your room. You may leave whenever you wish on Sunday.

A $50 deposit is required by DECEMBER 16th to reserve your spot at this amazing event. The retreat is only open to paid BMQG members. Pro-rated membership is still available. Contact Rebecca at bostonmqg@gmail.com for details.

Find out more on Big Tent. If you are new to the guild, please don't feel shy about coming. This is a fabulous way to get to know us:-)