Our VP Peggy is taking a leave of absence from her role on the NJMQG executive board. According to our bylaws, the executive board may appoint an Acting VP to carry out the responsibilities necessary.

The board is seeking self-nomination of members interested in serving the guild as Acting VP. The main responsibility is creating and maintaining the guild’s calendar and lists of events and enforcing deadlines we may come upon (challenges, filing paperwork, etc.). The Acting VP will need to attend executive board meetings, usually held the week before a guild meeting, and may fill in for the President as necessary. He or she should be familiar with or open to learning online organizational and networking tools (Google docs, Facebook, WordPress).

Above all, we’re looking for someone who will help us pass along the guild spirit of inclusion, positivity, creativity and community.

If you might be interested (this sounds far more serious than it is– we have lots of fun!) please email your nomination to njmqginfo@gmail.com.

EDITED TO ADD: Thank you to the people who have stepped forward– the guild is considering our needs and the strengths of those who have volunteered, and we’ll update the guild as soon as we can.

Hi Everyone,

I hope you’re spending lots of time quilting during this very inhospitable winter. Here are some events to look forward to. And please add your own in the comments if I’ve missed anything. I’d like to start a monthly events calendar, but for now this will do. We should also do a roundup of upcoming classes– email njmqginfo [at] gmail.com if you’d like to advertise a class that you’re teaching in the area.

March 6 – 9 Quilt Fest, Somerset, NJ

March 15 – Lancaster bus trip The Brownstone Quilters Guild is running a trip to Lancaster on March 15, 2014.  The bus is leaving at 7:00 AM from the parking lot of the Armenian Presbyterian Church located at 140 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652. Email njmqginfo[at]gmail.com for a registration form.

March 21 – Crossroads Retreat

March 29 – March Madness NJMQG will host a day of marathon charity sewing. Save the date– more details to come.

Happy quilting!

If that meeting wasn’t a sign that 2014 is going to be full of creativity, I don’t know what is.  There are so many events to look forward to, and everyone brought in stunning projects to share.  It was great to see so many new faces and to hear each of our quilty goals for 2014.  Don’t worry, I didn’t write them all down, but we do hope you make them!

State of the Guild

Over 2013, our guild had a year to remember.  From Austin Charity Quilts, then To Boston with Love, to forming an official chapter of the MQG, to Cloud 9 visits and challenges, here’s to 2014 and even more events, charity quilts, and excitement.  We are eagerly anticipating upcoming events, including a sewing retreat in March and March Madness.  More details on that to come later – but, you won’t want to miss it!

Program Round Up

2014 is shaping up to be a year of many events.  We are still looking to book either two smaller names, or one big name to come and speak with our guild this year.  Also, be on the lookout for a Leisl Gibson studio tour.  That date will be announced soon!

However,  until then, we also want to spend 2014 focusing on the talent here in our guild.  Since everyone comes to us as a beginning in something, we are looking to infuse workshops and demos more into events this year.  If you are interested in hosting a workshop (hour+ class that would require student participation) or a demo (short time/round robin style) please let us know.  Beth and other current teachers will help you design your curriculum and everyone in the guild could benefit from your expertise!

Retreat

It’s almost here!  On March 21st many of us will be headed to Crossroads Retreat Center to sew, share community, and enjoy time away.  This retreat is open to guests, so be sure to let us know in February is you would like to come or bring someone along.  The more, the merrier!

Guild Quilt

Finally, don’t forget our Guild Quilt.  The challenge is on – each of us have received three fat eighths of colors from our guild logo.  Using those colors, and some additional Kona White, make a block that shows what modern means to you.  At least one side should be 12.5 inches, and the blocks will all be due at the March meeting.  We can’t wait to see how this combines to create a stunning representation of our guild!

Finally?  Who was I kidding?  Let’s get to why we all came – Show and Tell.