Call for Original Modern Quilt Designs

Quilter's Home magazine is looking for original modern and contemporary quilt designs.

The guidelines and application process are as follows: The quilt must be your original design and you must still have the quilt in your possession. Send photos of the quilt to Quilter's Home editor, Jake Finch. If your quilt is chosen, you send the quilt to them and they will write the pattern (and pay, but a rate is not stated). Send an email with photographs to alljake@hotmail.com.

Meeting 042111

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Congratulations again to Jill for winning Project Modern Challenge II!
• New Facebook page.
• Saturday, May 21: Fabric Depot all-day sew, PMQG member's free
• PNCA Quilt Show has closed.
• Sisters Quilt Show: Anyone interested in pitching in for a bus ($40 ea.)
please let us know asap so we can plan accordingly
email: portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com if you did not put your name on the list already
• If you have paid your membership and have not received your card or button please let us know.
email: portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com
• Susan Beal organizer of Quilts for Quakes announced that 27 quilts are on their way to Japan!
• PMQG Banner: we would like to make a guild logo banner to mark our presence at
various events—our first being the Sister's Quilt Show
We want to collaborate with you, so we're asking everyone who wants to partake to
submit a 6"x6" block (includes a 1/4" seam allowance)—
any fabric or block pattern you can dream up (seriously).
If you need a visual (and the math), below is a sketch of what we're thinking:


10 MINUTE TUTE by Megan Pillow with "Envelope" Closure
Measure pillow and add 1/2," so a 20" x 20" pillow would be 20.5" x 20.5"
1. cut one piece "20.5 x 20.5," two pieces "20.5 x 14.5" to allow for a 6" overlap
2. layer the three pieces together pretty to pretty
3. sew a 1/4" seam around all four edges
4. turn inside out
5. stuff the pillow



PRESENTAION by Susan Beal "Log Cabin Quilting"

Susan brought along a few of her favorite books.

Let the presentation begin!























We have been experiencing difficulties with Blogger and regret that half of April's meeting post was deleted. Fortunately we're able to post some of the lost photos on Facebook—so head over there and check them out!

FYI: PMQG On Facebook

Turns out the way we went about creating our Facebook page wasn't the best, so we've made a new one. We do apologize for the inconvenience and please repost any time sensitive items that may have been on our previous page. You can find the new page by 1. searching for Portland Modern Quilt Guild, 2. going to the bottom of this page and clicking "like," or 3. clicking this link (link will only work if you are signed into Facebook).

See you all at the meeting tomorrow night!

April Meeting Reminder

Our April meeting is this week, Thursday, April 21st from 7-9 pm. As always it is at PNCA (1241 NW Johnson St) and this month we shall be in room 101. Remember to bring your solids block for the April Swap & Challenge. Kristen Reid, Claire Michie, Alexandra Kloch and Beverly Bently - you are signed up to bring snacks to the April meeting.

If you haven't managed to stop by PNCA gallery 214 yet know this is your last week to see fellow members quilts in our first show. The building is open from 9 am - 9 pm, but hurry; the show will be taken down on Thursday to facilitate returning the quilts to their makers.

Additionally we have reserved room 101 from 6-7 for a binding get together for Quilts for Quake Survivors. When I left the quilting bee on Friday night Rachel and Cherri tallied up 15 quilts that had been quilted that week. If you can make it to PNCA early for some sewing and gabbing that would be great. Bring hand sewing supplies so we can get those quilts finished.

And finally, a slight change in membership-joining protocol. If you haven't joined yet and want to do at the meeting please arrive early. Our treasurer, Rachel, will be set-up to accept new members before the meeting only (from 6:30-7:00).

Project Modern Challenge 2 Announced

Well PMQGers we win again!

The Modern Quilt Guild just announced the challenge 2 winners and our very own Jill was one of three who won the heart of the judge, Malka Dubrawsky. Congrats to Jill and all other PMQGers who submitted (see all 71 entries here). We cannot wait to see them all in person at the April 21st meeting.

Jill's quilt is currently on display at PNCA through April 21.

Charity Quilt Sewing Bees


This week PMQG members, Cherri, Susan and Rachel, are hosting two quilting bees for Quilts for Quake Survivors at Cherri's studio Sew On. There will be long-arm quilting, binding and piecing action going on Thursday, April 14th from 1 pm - 6 pm and Friday, April 15th from 1 pm - 9 pm.
Join them for either or both days as there will be work to do. While Cherri and Rachel command the long-arm there is space for cutting fabric, piecing blocks on sewing machines and a cosy spot for hand stitching. Snack and drinks will be available and it'd be great if you could bring something to share too. Drop Cherri a note at getyoursewon@gmail.com to let her know if you can make it so she has an idea of the number of people to expect. If you have fabric, blocks or quilt tops to donate as well as your time please bring those too.


Sew On is located at 6635 N Baltimore Ave, Suite #263, Portland Oregon. It is a big orange building just under the St. Johns Bridge.

The 12" Solids Block Swap (& Challenge)

The swap for our April meeting is a 12.5" block (for a finished 12" size) made entirely of solid fabrics. And it is a challenge… Say what?
DSCN1604.JPG.jpg

Step 1) Make a 12.5" quilt block using only solid fabrics. Choose solid fabrics in colors you love, 12" finished size - that is all you need to remember for April.

Step 2) Put your block in a paper bag with your name and email address. Swap it at the April meeting and meet up with your swap partners before you leave.

Step 3, the challenge) Turn that block into _______ and return it to it's original creator at the May meeting. Into what? The challenge portion will be announced at April's meeting.

Step 4) Give the challenge item back to it's original block creator at the May meeting.

Yes, you get your block back as a completed project.

Some solid inspiration can be found on The Modern Quilt Guild's Robert Kaufman Kona Solids Challenge Quilts flickr group.

A First Thursday event: PMQG Quilt Show at PNCA

Portland Modern Quilt Guild's first quilt show opens this Thursday!

We would love to see you at the the opening reception of our quilt show during First Thursday, April 7 from 5:30 -7:30 pm at Pacific Northwest College of Arts, 1241 NW Johnson St. The show will be displayed in Gallery 214; join us for snacks, drinks (including beer and wine) and quilt viewing but don't worry the dress code is casual.

Bit of housekeeping

Welcome new members! I hear that a few of you still need to fill out our online membership form so we have your contact info - the sooner you fill them out the sooner you get the welcome email. And all members, you can use the form if you ever need to update your contact info with PMQG.


Around town:
PMQG member, Susan has two book signing's this weekend for her new book Modern Log Cabin Quilting -- Saturday 5-6 pm at Modern Domestic and Sunday at 4 pm at Powell's.

The exhibit, Weaving, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow has opened at The Museum of Contemporary Craft and runs until July.

And mark your calendars for First Thursday. PMQG has their first show at PNCA and it opens on Thursday, April 7. More details soon!

Meeting 031711


PMQG—You're 1!
A Year Ago this March we had our first meeting. Many thanks to Elizabeth for spreading the National Modern Quilt Guild word and spearheading our creation.

Announcements
PNCA's April First-Thursday Exhibition will feature quilts from PMQG members. The show runs April 7–17ish.

Ten Minute Tute: All About Zippers
Presentation by Jen

Jen has learned many tips and tricks from Modern Domestic's Amy Alan. One such tip is mastering the zipper—and mastered she has.

Her go-to product is Wonder Tape: washes away and doesn't gum-up your machine. Check out her favorite tutorial!

Program: Notions
Presentation by Meredith of Modern Domestic; prior to coming to Oregon she worked as director of the The City Quilter in NY.

Featured Notions: Oliso Smart Iron Pro, Best Press, Fusible Web, Teflon Pressing Sheet, Iron Clean (looks like dryer sheets), Point presser with Clapper, Foam pad with measuring canvas 36x54 + marine grade ply-wood—use to make a pressing table.

Thanks for the 25% off coupons Meredith—and thanks MD!

Members share their notions:
Pétra: stiletto for turning
Monica: magnetic automotive store tool and paper plates to organize projects
Brittany: fabric on freezer paper applique
Michelle: 1" x 6" ruler (sold at Art Stores)—used to assist in sewing thick fabrics; poker round tip to flat tip
Rachel: Comfort thimble (comes in many sizes); serrated snips
Cherri: Ruler that adds a .25 in seam; light weight snips @ MD only cut thread; use paper tags to organize projects (attach with pins)
Heather: wrapping paper cutter by Scotch; Kwik Klip (closes safety pins), mustache trimmer (easy seam ripping)
Susan: Sidewinder Bobbin (plug/batteries); wear scissors around neck on string

Fabric Match MIXER
PMQG officers have made it their mission to get us all interacting with each other—remember last month's Portland map? This month everyone was handed a quarter of a charm square upon entry, when Christina said the word we quickly found our matches and met new friends.

Show and Tell

Elsa has been quilting for "a lot of years."
"Took the art quilt class here at PNCA—this is one of the pieces I've made."

Pétra has been quilting for 2 years.
"Linen with Lotta Jansdotter fabric, untitled"



Alyssa has been quilting for 1 year.
"For my boyfriend, Dan, who lives in a yurt. It was inspired by the yurt ceiling."

Claire—this is her first quilt!

Nancy (Right) has been quilting for less than 100 years.
"Franmed? and inspired by Tania (Jean Wells)
Tania (Left)
"Off the wall Landscape"

Violet has been quilting for 19 years (with an 18 year break).
"Wool coat jacket quilt; gift for my husband"

Kristen has been quilting for less than a year.
"Hexagon Spring Bee Table Runner; machine applique class at Modern Domestic with Anna Joice.

Alexandra has been quilting for 3 years.
"'The Mammoth' A nine patch to cover our corduroy couch—that just kept getting bigger."

Cheran has been quilting for 20ish years.
"My 13 year old niece wanted to learn how to quilt—we designed a simple top, which she pieced 3 years ago. I stole it from her to finish for her 17th birthday."

Cathy has been quilting for 1 year.
"Kids quilt"

Jasmine has been quilting for 10 years.
"Square in a square variation, sock monkey style; one more UFO done. :)"

Marilyn has been quilting for 35 + 15 = 50 years.
"Designed on EQ5 and was left on the computer for awhile. I never expected to execute, but decided to meet the challenge some months later—lots of fun."

Paula has been quilting for 1 year.
"Two vintage quilt tops from husband's grandmother and a vintage sheet quilt."

Maurice has been quilting for 4 years.
"All red random paths."

Jeanette has been quilting for 21 years.

Kristen has been quilting for 2 years.
"Scrap quilt"

Jen has been quilting for 2 years
"Riley Blake 'All Star 1' for third boy."

Charm Square Swap

The End.

April Swap reminder: Solids blocks!


In our rush to choose charm squares and the lovely Kona solids brought by Heather, the reminder about April's swap was forgotten. Make a block of any design you wish using all solid fabrics! The block should be 12.5" to make a 12" finished block. Above is a paper pieced block from Megan, blogged here. Maybe you'll be the one to go home with it!

Also, make space in your schedule Saturday April 2nd to attend the book signing for member Susan Beal's book Modern Log Cabin Quilting. The signing is at Modern Domestic from 5-6 and then there is open sew until 9! Hope to see you there.

1 year anniversary meeting on Thursday

That's right, celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your favorite quilters on Thursday. We'll be in room 101 at PNCA, 1241 NW Johnson, at 7pm. As always, meetings are open to everyone, and new quilters are welcome. This month marks PMQG's one year anniversary and yes oh yes, there will be cake!

Our program this month is Notions. We all know about rotary cutters and cutting mats, but what about those other gadgets and tools that make our sewing easier, quicker and better? Come hear about the tools your fellow quilters wouldn't do without, bring a favorite of your own and tell us why we want one too!

Remember to bring:
  • A favorite notion (or two) to show to your fellow quilters
  • A cup or mug (you can do it!) for water.
  • Your name button if you have one.
  • A quilt for show in tell, in any stage of completion
  • For the "Lucky Charms" swap: charm squares (5 inch squares) of modern, quilt shop quality fabric. You can bring up to 40 squares and exchange them for the same number of squares brought by other quilters. See Elizabeth's Charm Squares 101 for information on cutting your own charm squares.
  • And if you signed up to bring a snack, don't forget!

And finally, an important reminder:

Friday is the last day to submit a quilt for the April show at PNCA. If you're on the fence, do it! The minimum you need is one picture of your quilt and a couple sentences sharing an aspect of modern quilting that appeals to you that is reflected in your quilt. Show off your stuff ladies! You can submit up to two quilts for consideration in the show. See the above link for the other details.

Are you coming to the meeting on Thursday? We'd appreciate a comment below to let us know!

Venue Change! Survey Link!

Despite what appeared to be well-laid plans, we had to change the location of our sewing day. The new location is Fabric Depot (700 SE 122nd Avenue in SE Portland)! This is great news if, like me, you always forget something crucial when you go to a sewing day.  The room is huge and, of course, very well suited to sewing. We know it won't be as convenient a location for some of you but we hope it will still be a blast!

Also, don't miss your chance to be entered into a drawing for quilter-friendly goodies. Rachel is doing a brief survey to help her understand the micro-culture of PMQG better as she writes up an analysis of our group for a class. If you've ever attended a PMQG meeting, she wants to hear from you! Tell her about yourself and your perception of PMQG and get your name in the hat. The drawing will be at the next PMQG meeting. You must complete the survey by 5pm Thursday, March 17th to be included. We know how you all like a giveaway!

Details of the upcoming meeting will be posted in a few days. We hope we'll see you at next week's meeting!

All Day Sew March 19th

What could be better than having eight straight hours to sew alongside your PMQG pals?

Nothing!


So plan to come sew with us Saturday March 19 from 9am-5pm. We'll be in a big well-lit room at TaborSpace at 5441 SE Belmont Street in close-in Southeast Portland. If you're not familiar with this part of town, it's very accessible: just a few minutes drive from our downtown monthly meeting location, with easy parking. Venue change! We'll be at Fabric Depot, 700 Southeast 122nd Avenue in southeast Portland.


The sewing day is FREE to members! If you're not a member but you'd like to join us, you can come for just $10.


What to bring:

  • Your project and sewing machine (don't forget the pedal, cord and machine feet!)
  • A power strip or extension cord if you have one.
  • Sewing tools. We will provide a couple ironing boards and irons and a couple of cutting mats but the rest is up to you! Remember rulers, rotary cutters, scissors, thread and pins! Consider labelling common items so they don't get mistaken for someone else's.
  • Drinks and snacks as desired.

Food and drink will be available in the adjacent cafe, as well as within walking distance at Caldera restaurant.


Please help us plan and set up appropriately by RSVPing to portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com if you're planning to come. We can't wait to spend a day enjoying laughter and the happy hum of sewing machines!

Modern Quilt show in April at PNCA

Exciting news for PMQG members! The Continuing Education program at PNCA has offered to host a show of quilts from the Portland Modern Quilt Guild in Gallery 214 next month. The show will open on first Thursday, April 7th, so put that on your calendar right now!

We are thrilled with this development and we hope that you will submit your modern quilts to be considered for the show.  There is space for up to 15 quilts in the show. The selection process will include both PMQG officers and PNCA staff and faculty. You have two weeks from today to submit your quilts for consideration.

Guidelines:

You may submit up to two quilts
The maximum size of quilts is 80" wide by 90" tall
The quilt design must be your own original work, not a pattern of someone else's
To submit a quilt you must be a dues-paid member of PMQG. (If you're not 100% certain you've paid your dues, ask us)
Quilts should be modern

What does that mean? You tell us.

It's clear that modern quilting is personal to each of us, and a bit hard to define. This show offers us an opportunity to share with each other and the community our thoughts on what modern quilting is right now. Be a part of this dialogue by sharing what modern quilting means to you, and discussing what makes your quilt "modern".

Submissions: 
Entries are due by midnight on Friday, March 18th.
Please email your entry to portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com.
If you are submitting two quilts, please email your entries for each quilt separately. 
Your email should include:
Your name
Quilt name
Quilt dimensions
Your statement explaining what modern quilting means to you, and discussing what makes your quilt "modern".
Up to three photos of your quilt. One photo should show the entire quilt. The other photos may show details or the back, as you desire.

We expect to have final decisions made by March 30th at the latest. Quilts will be due to a designated PMQG contact or PNCA by April 2. We know this will be a tight turnaround for those that are chosen, but we will help you make it work. Cross our hearts. Your quilt will be on display until April 21st or 22nd.

A big thank you to PNCA for kicking it up a notch! We are thrilled with the idea of sharing our members' fabulous work with the community. Ok everyone....get busy on those sumissions!

Sponsor update!

We're happy to announce that a new sponsor is offering PMQG members a discount: The Ribbon Jar is an online Oregon business, (started by one of our very own members) selling beautiful and unique ribbon and trim by the yard. To get the PMQG discount, please use the code from our discount list (the link is in your PMQG welcome email). Thanks to Julie at the Ribbon Jar for this offer. She says she's excited to see what our members can do with these ribbons!

And a big squishy thank you to all of our local sponsors:


Joann Fabrics also offers our members a discount, but you will need to register for their program in advance of using the discount, so if you haven't done that yet, hop to it!
If your business is interested in offering a discount to PMQG members, email us at portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com.

Meeting 021711



Thanks again PNCA for a year of accommodation and support!

Announcements
We now have Facebook! Looks like the discussion feature works! ;)

Budget Update
At time of meeting: $858 in the bank; $335 in PayPal

Color & Design
Presentation by Kristen (member); she teaches design at Chemeketa Community College.

Choose your color palette, but Kristen recommends the lower two charts





Notes:




GIVE-AWAYS!
1-$5 and 2-$10 gift certificates from Cool Cottons
Solid Fabric Pack from Pink Chalk
The latest issue of Stitch Magazine
Needlebook from Monica, pattern at Inspire Magazine
2-Bottles of Fabric Glue from Rachel

Ten Minute Tute: Glue Basting
Presentation by Rachel

Curved quilt with glued piecing

Notes:
Glue—Elmer's (cheaper) or Roxan's—purchase applicator separately
The glue allows you to tack down the fabric in lieu of pins (pins can distort fabric) and fusible

Portland Location Mixer
Members arranged themselves on a make shift Portland map—get to know your neighbors!

N

SE

W

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Show and Tell
Kathie Serlet | Nested Boxes
"Given to me by Anne Matlock for our 2011 'Pay It Forward'"

Anne Matak | French Chickens

Jasmine Stiner | Auction quilts made from my son's kindergarden class sewing lesson.

Pétra | Birds and Bugs


Jen | Hex Robot & The Baron

Elizabeth | Echino Improv Quilt

Alyssa Hursh | Luca's Quilt

Alexandra | Spring Nine Patch (doll) & Patchy Paris Valley (crib)
Both improv quilts—of my design


Monica | Dream On, "You Are Here" giant block, pot holders, cathedral window
(The Sometimes Crafter has a cathedral window tutorial.)

Michelle Freedman | First Block Experiments: Cement Block #1, Secret Garden
I'm a new quilter and this is a sample of my process of discovery. I am still experimenting. :)

Kimberly | Rockets and Robots

Heather | Hexagon Quilt & Rectangle Squared Quilt


Rachel | Drunkards Path


Susan | Bright Furrows | Made for my son Everett.
Check out Susan's blog for details about her PNCA class she's teaching in July.

Mug Rug Swap!






A friendly reminder.

Quilt on my friends and "Do Not Be Scared!"

February Swap: Mug Rugs

As announced at the January meeting our February swap will be Mug Rugs. This will be a blind swap, so bring a wrapped mug rug and chance determines who will get which mug rug. There is no need for a partner and if you want to participate just bring a mug rug to give and get a mug rug.

What is a mug rug? Well, I'm no expert (I've yet to make one) but the definition seems to be: small, useful, mini quilts that are bigger than a coaster and smaller than a placemat. The idea is that it fits your mug of tea/coffee/cocoa and a small snack. Probably the kind of snack that you think won't be messy enough to warrant a plate but then always manage to get crumbs next to the computer (or maybe that is just me).

Megan has suggested that a smaller than usual binding suits this project and recommends checking out this Single Binding Tutorial by Very Kerry Berry. And I dug through possibly thousands of mug rug photos on flickr for a little inspiration.