Sunday, March 31, 2013

Home Machine Quilt Show - Call for Entries

The HMQS has added a modern quilt category for the first time.  While many modern quilters are not interested in making show quilts this is a great opportunity for all of us to show off our modern quilts.  It is great to see the modern quilting movement gaining recognition like this.

The category description for the show from HMQS states:
Modern: Quilts that are functional, include bold colors, and are inspired by modern design. Minimalism, asymmetry, expansive negative space, and alternate grid work are often a part of modern quilt compositions, as are improvisational piecing and solid fabrics. 
This show is particularly focused on quilting that is harmonious with and appropriate to the quilt design. This doesn’t mean that simple or straight line quilting isn’t considered, or that other parts of the design don’t count. It just means that there is a particular focus on how well the quilting complements the design.

Entries are due on April 13th and quilts are due in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 27th.  The quilt show will be held May 9th-11th.

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Quilty

Do you read Quilty, the new magazine by Mary Fons?  If not, now is the time to start!!!  Two of our fabulous BMQG members are featured in the latest issue.

This adorable Princess and the Pea quilt was improv pieced by our fabulous President, Laurie Matthews.

Also featured is August Intensity by the insanely talented Emily Blatt.  This beautiful quilt screams summer... but I'd be happy just for a hint of spring:-)  The fat quarter friendly pattern is available in the magazine if you want to make your own!

Since it's new it can be hard for find Quilty locally.  I've heard it is available at Jo-ann's or you can instantly order a download copy from Quilty.  You'll definitely want to check this out!!!




Thursday, March 21, 2013

Sew-vivor Top 10

Insanely talented BMQG member Jen of A Quilting Jewel is always busy, but I think she's setting a new record these days!  If you haven't heard, her beautiful Sunrise Delight quilt is competing in the 1st round of Sew-vivor.


Challenge #1:  Emerald.  The Top 10 Competitors could sew anything the wanted using Emerald, the 2013 Pantone color of the year.

Jen designed another paper pieced pattern for this challenge.  It was amazing to see it go together in 1 day at retreat.  She was so focused!!!

I LOVE the circular quilting design. It really accentuates the design and shows up beautifully in the against the soft yellow.  

Check out the other contestants at Family Ever After... and vote for your favorite;-)

Monday, March 18, 2013

Retreat Recap

I think everyone who attended this weekend would agree, our 2013 retreat was an unbelievable experience!!! 

The Franciscan Guest House provided us with a wonderful workspace with plenty of ironing boards, cutting stations and design walls. 

And our sewing stations were awesome with power strips, task lighting and plenty of room to spread out and get things done.

I have never been surrounded by so much creative energy.  This is an absolutely awesome group of talented AND productive women.  I wish I'd gotten a final count on how many projects were completed but several people were able to complete not just one but multiple projects.  I also forgot to get a group photo:-(

A huge thank you to the amazing Aimee Raymond for putting together yet another fabulous retreat!!!  Again, I failed to get a picture of Aimee but here's all the cool loot she amassed for doorprizes:-)

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Precious/UFO Challenge Update

I wanted to highlight some of our member's quilts that have been entered into the BMQG Precious/UFO challenge.  So many members have been participating and it's truly inspiring!
 
Let's start with some of the "Precious" projects:
 
Check out Liz's baby quilt that she made for a good friend.  I love all of her fabric choices but you have to congratulate her for using some rare Heather Ross prints.  This is one lucky baby!

Natalie inspired us all at a recent meeting when she shared her AMH voile patchwork voile top.  She has admitted to me that she has a bit of an obsession with these gorgeous fabrics.  I can't wait to see this one completed.
 
Jen has been doing a great job with completing a lot of WIP's but she also made a Precious project.  She has a bit of a thing for Tula Pink fabrics (who can blame her?!)- and while I am still waiting to see that Full Moon Forest creation, she has dug into some Nest charm packs to create this beauty:

One of my favorite BMQG moments recently was witnessing Jane hugging a Fandango layer cake that she's held onto for years.  It wasn't long after that meeting that she gained the courage to use it to make this stunning quilt:

BMQG members have done a great job cutting into their precious fabrics and we've also had quite a lot of UFO finishes:

Alice finished this appliqued mini quilt that she had started twelve years ago.  I am excited for her to have completed this- the details are so intricate and pretty:


Stephanie completed this Castle Peeps quilt- she had completed the top a while ago but was soon able to add a border and had it finished in no time.  It was even featured on the popular blog, Quilt Story. 

 
Now I don't intend to enter my name into the drawing for prizes, but all along, I have been trying to play along with this challenge.  My list of UFO's is down to a meager pile of three (from eight!) and although I haven't used my City Weekend yet, I have cut into some precious fabrics to complete this Denyse Schmidt 36-Patch:

 
This post has featured a small sampling of all of the projects members have completed for this challenge.  I wish I could show them all.
 
As a final reminder, this activity will be wrapped up at the April 20th meeting.  I am going to be checking in with people at the retreat (and emailing those not in attendance) to be sure that I have everyone's entries accounted for.  It is very simple to enter but the rules include: you must be a dues-paying member and you must have shown your project at a BMQG meeting show and tell.  If you feel so inclined, please use the time at the retreat to finish up that WIP or finally cut into those fat quarters you've been hoarding- we've still got over a month left!



Sunday, March 10, 2013

QuiltCon Lectures on Craftsy


Didn't make it to QuiltCon?  The Modern Quilt Guild has partnered with Craftsy to bring you several lectures and presentations from QuiltCon for free!  Check out these fabulous presentations by Angela Walters, Amy Butler, Mary Fons and more.


Monday, March 4, 2013

Everything You Wanted to Know About Retreat But Were Afraid to Ask


Hello retreaters!  It's hard to believe but retreat is almost here!!!  For those of you who are going Aimee has put together this fantastic post that hopefully covers everything you need to know.  Of course if we did miss something please don't hesitate to ask!

Where are we going?  The Franciscan Guest House, 26 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME - 207-967-4865.
When can I get there?  Check in time is 3PM.  Please check in at the front desk for your key.
Can I carpool? Always a good idea!  Please post on Big Tent if you are in need of a ride or would like to provide one.
Are there any quilt shops on the way?
  • Portsmouth Fabric 112 Penhallow St, Portsmouth NH (big selection of modern fabrics, don't miss the sale section in the basement).  
  • Knight's Quilt Shop 1901 US Route One, Cape Neddick, Maine (mainly traditional but has a lot of Moda).
  • Mardens, 1247 Main St, Sanford, ME (this is a surplus and salvage shop similar to Building 19, so the selection is what it is.  Prices are $4-5/yd.  I have found Anna Maria Horner, Amy Butler, Heather Ross, Joel Dewberry & Jennifer Paganelli there among others.)
Suggestions for what to bring? 
- sewing machine (do not forget the power cord and foot pedal!)
- presser feet, screw driver, etc
- sewing machine manual
- sewing machine needles
- pins
- marking pen
- seam ripper
- bobbins
- thread
- scissors
- rotary cutter
- rulers
- cutting mat (we only need a few people to bring these and we share)
- iron (same as above, no need to bring an ironing board - those are provided)
- starch/Best Press
- projects (fabric, batting, etc) 
Is there anything else I should bring?
- toiletries & hairdryer (the hotel does not provide even basic shampoo)
- iPod and headphones (the room can get a bit loud at times and it's nice to have the option to zone out on your own)
- snacks
- wine/alcohol/beverage of choice
- walking shoes (personally, I need to get out and get some fresh air and the Kennebunkport area is beautiful and walking/jogging friendly)
- seat cushion (some of our more petite members found the chair height to be a bit low - alternatively you can use a bed pillow from your room)
- cash
What will be provided?
- breakfast each morning
- lunch on Saturday (sandwiches and salad)
- water, coffee and tea throughout the day
- power strips, lighting, work tables
- ironing stations, cutting tables
- design walls
- take out menus for area restaurants for dinner options if you choose not to go out
Is there any programming?  No, the entire weekend is open sewing time.  While we do lock the sewing room at night we will happily make arrangements for early birds/night owls to have a key so you can sew whenever you want. 
Any other suggestions? 
- please label your items that are generic (rotary cutters, scissors, etc)
- I made this portable pressing table for last year's retreat and loved having it.