March Sew Day Recap

We had back-to-back Sew Days at Fabric Depot this month, February 22 and March 1. I was so busy working on my own projects that I didn't get to take as many pictures as I should have! But here are a couple from last weekend:

Brittany made this paper-pieced My Little Pony pillow, featuring Pinkie Pie (that's a lot of Ps!) It's for a friend's 2-year-old's birthday.  I'm sure she'll love it!

Elsa made the Triple Star block from Modern Bee: 13 Quilts to Make with Friends. It's for a bee, appropriately enough. Look at those lovely points!

Mary Ann finished this top, which was from the Do Good Stitches Faith Circle bee. The pattern is called Scrap Boxes. Once it's completed, the quilt will go to charity.

Jolene pieced this queen-sized quilt for her 13-year-old niece, who is a fan of both purple and horses. Lucky girl!

Kelly taught us how to make notecards using scraps of fabric. You get all the fun of playing with shapes and colors, but it's WAY easier than making a quilt! PMQG will use these as thank-you cards for the sponsors who donate raffle prizes and other goodies ... much nicer than a pre-printed card, don't you think? (We could use more, if you're inspired to make some!)

We hope to see you at our next Sew Day at Fabric Depot on Saturday, April 12!

January Charity Sew Recap

Ten  PMQG members participated in the Charity Sew Day at Modern Domestic on Thursday, January 30. We made enough of these fun wonky stars to complete a top! (Never fear: there are more, and this isn't the actual layout.) Cath will finish the assembly and quilting, and then we'll give it to Camp Erin, which serves children who are grieving.

Do any of these blocks look familiar? Michelle brought in this top, which she assembled from some of last year's Block of the Month donations. Dramatic!

Michelle also recently pieced this lively top from some more donated blocks.

Meanwhile Gail spent the day sewing these tumblers from pre-cut material that was donated to the guild. The photo doesn't do it justice!

Pretty impressive! But what's more impressive is how much fun everyone had. Charity sewing is a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and practice sewing in a low-pressure environment. We hope to see you at the next Charity Sew Day!

January Sew Day Recap

We had one of our busiest sew days ever on Saturday, January 4. When I showed up at about 1 p.m., almost every seat in the room was taken, and the fabric was flying.  So many great fabrics, so many beautiful quilts in progress! Here's a small sampling of what folks were working on:

Elsa finished this paper-pieced potholder block-- part of a collection of kitchen-themed blocks by Quiet Play. The colors don't actually match her kitchen, she says--but they are super cute. 

Tanya spent the day making half-square triangles for a new, yet-to-be determined project. She used a technique where you make four at a time--pretty cool! 

Veronica made at least one tote bag, start to finish. 

Anne is focusing on embroidery and hand work this year. This flower piece is a mug rug. She's also resolved to quilt up 16 UFOs this year--wow! Good luck, Anne! 

Christin was sewing up a nice gray border for this colorful top. The pattern is from Karla Alexander's New Cuts for New Quilts, which Christin won at a guild meeting raffle.

Diana was making a giant chevron quilt. Her niece had requested gray and green, which, as Diana pointed out, is pretty much the color scheme of winter in Oregon. But the generous use of white makes it crisp and fresh. 

Mary Ann finished this baby quilt top, for her best friend's mom, who is about to become a grandma. (The mom and auntie have already received their quilts!) The block is called "Dutch pinwheel." 

Sew Day is a great chance to connect with other quilters, see what other people are working on, and of course, work on your own projects.  Our next Sew Day is February 22 at Fabric Depot. It's free for members and $10 for non-members.  Hope you can join us! 

2014 Membership, Meetings, and Sew Days

We're excited for the new year with PMQG! Here are some important details and dates about the coming year.

Membership for 2014 opened up at our December meeting. Membership for 2014 will be $40. This is the first time we have raised our membership rates, and this increase is due to joining the MQG officially, as well as now having to pay for a meeting space every month.

Ways to pay for membership:

• Bring cash or check in the amount of $40 to any meeting
• Pay via debit or credit at any meeting. A service fee of $1.50 will be added.
• Pay online via Square. After filling out this membership application you will be given the Square link. A service fee of $1.50 will be added.

2014 Online Membership Application
(no need to click the link if you are paying at a meeting, we will collect your info there!

What you get with membership:

• Free monthly Sew Days
• Name Badge
• Discounts to our numerous sponsors (2014 discounts and sponsors TBA)
• Official MQG membership
• Ability to take part in official MQG challenges
• Community!

Our 2014 meetings will be held at St. Andrews Church

806 NE Alberta Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97211

Meeting dates for the year (please note, we will be off our usual schedule for the first several months)

Meetings are held at 7 pm unless otherwise noted

2014 meetings  held at St. Andrews Church unless otherwise noted  
Thurs., Jan 9th 
Tues., Feb 18th
Thurs., March 20th
Thurs, April 24th
Back to third Thursday:  Thurs., May 15th  
Thurs., June 19th  
Thurs., July 17th
Thurs., August 21st  (park, Details TBA)  
Thurs., September 18th  
Thurs., October 16th  
Thurs., November 20th
and the second Thursday:  Thurs., December 11th


Special Shopping Event on Meeting days this year:

Modern Domestic Day-of-Meeting Specials--With your PMQG membership card, check for special deals at Modern Domestic, located on Alberta street near St. Andrews. The January 9th meeting Shop Hop deals is: 20 % off fabric, notions, thread, books, patterns, and accessories.


2014 Fabric Depot Sew Days:

9 am to 9 pm unless otherwise noted

January 4th
February 22nd (4th Saturday, 12:30 pm to 9 pm)
March 1th
April 12th (2nd Saturday)
May 3rd
June 7th
July 5th
August 2nd
September 6th
October 4th
November 1st
December TBA

Fabric Depot Sew Days are for Open Sew. Bring your machines, machine cords, extension cords, projects, rulers and cutting mats and irons. Tables, cutting counters, and ironing boards are provided. Free for PMQG Members and $10 for guests.