November Meeting Recap

First things, first. We are now an Official MQG with tax exempt status. After months of paperwork, celebration is in order along with a huge thank you to those who spent hours looking at paperwork! Now we’re officially a non-profit organization, an official 501(c)(3) status. Other than reading the word official twenty times, what does that mean for you? You are entitled to all of the benefits of being a Modern Quilt Guild.

Whew, it seems that we are multiplying each month. It was so exciting to see some many new faces. Everyone can visit with us up to two times before you are required to join. For the upcoming year, our dues will be $45.00. These will be due at our December meeting – and Jessica will be taking either cash or check. You can now also pay us via PayPal for a $1.61 convenience charge. The address is njmqginfo at gmail.com.

Speaking of our next meeting: we’ll be having a Holiday Party/Holiday Swap. I know I can’t wait to see what everyone creates and swaps. Also, it was pretty strongly decided that we will continue to do show and tell next month, especially since so many of our creations will be gifted by our next meeting in January. Be on the lookout for an email for treats you can bring. Treats to eat, that is!

Charity Quilt

As a non-profit we will be working to make sure we hold up our end of the bargain with charity quilts. Our first quilt is in the making, and it is ready to put together. If there are any takers for putting together the quilts – piecing, basting, quilting, binding, please let us know. Send an email to Melanie at melintheattic at gmail.com or Stephanie at stephaniemmullin at gmail.com. At the moment, we will use any and every talent you have! And we know you have it in spades. Speak up, friends!

Open Sew

December’s date will be during the day, December 5 at 10AM.
Work on charity quilts, bring your own fabric, and bring your own sewing machine.
Tables, irons, power cords will all be there.

Quilt Retreat

Aleeda has planned a quilt retreat that will be held March 21-23, 2014. Please see the information post here and contact her with your RSVP and questions.

Nametag Swaps

Another pair of nametags were swapped at our November meeting. Don’t be shy to sign up and swap with a newer member if you’d like to have a nametag made! And, then don’t forget to wear them – if you’re like me! (Sorry, Margy!)

Now, onto the good stuff. Show and Tell. Just when I think you people can’t get more talented, another meeting comes along.

Quilty Question

Hello, again!  This Thanksgiving will mark my first year as a quilter, and I’ve spent a lot of time recently reflecting on this year.  First and foremost, I’m thankful for the people I’ve met on this journey.  I’m also indebted to those who inspired me to start quilting: my grandmothers, mother, and Pinterest! 

Which brings me to today’s question – Who, or what, inspired you to start quilting?  I’m always so intrigued by why people started making quilts.

Quilty Question

Welcome to November everyone!  With the return of cold weather, I know I’m even more excited to finish a few more quilts this winter.  Now I don’t mind sitting under a full quilt, but I do still mind using the iron.  That never gets easier.

This week I want to know:  What is your favorite quilt block?

Of course I have a few.  If I want to whip up something super easy, I love the St. Louis 16 Patch.  The quilts that I’ve seen in this block are absolutely stunning, and I love it so much that I’ve made three quilts with this block.  I made all three in a 2 week time span, so I’m telling you it is the fastest block ever.  In fact, I didn’t use one pin on any of them.  Life changing.

chicopeetop

Another favorite I have is the fabulous x-plus block that swept through the quilting world earlier.  It is phenomenal and I’m thinking this will be my Bee block!

Now, in my dream world I have two blocks that I am completely dying to make, but I don’t know if I have the patience or stamina to tackle them.  The Pineapple Block and the Courthouse Steps.  That’s a lot of ironing, but I might make them into pillows?

So, what are your favorites?  I’d love to add more blocks to my ever growing “quilts-to-make” list.