May Meeting Reminder
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| Elizabeth Hartman's "Neon Honey" quilt |
Please join us for our May guild meeting: Quilt Trivia edition! That's right, we're having a trivia party, hosted by a professional quizmistress. There will be teams. There will be prizes. There will be snacks. There will be fun.
(What there won't be is door prizes. No tickets this time--if you want a prize, you have to earn it!)
In other news, do you wish you could get together with a smaller group of quilt people and have some sewing fun? Make sure to read the "Small Groups" section below!
In other news, do you wish you could get together with a smaller group of quilt people and have some sewing fun? Make sure to read the "Small Groups" section below!
May PMQG Meeting
When:
Thursday, May 15
7:00 p.m.
Where:
The meeting will be in the community center, which is behind the main church building. There are two parking lots.
What’s in store:
- Quilt Trivia with Molly of Quizzical Empire
- Snacks!
- Show and tell
- Post-meeting sale at Modern Domestic (see below)
- Post-meeting socializing at the Radio Room
About those snacks:
Please bring a finger food to share with the group! (We'll have plates and napkins, but no utensils on hand.) We'll divide up by last name:
- A-M: savory snack
- N-Z sweet snack
Don’t forget to bring:
- A snack to share
- Your Medallion Along quilt-in-progress
- A mug for coffee or tea
- A check for the October retreat, if you signed up and aren't paying online
- Your quilts for show and tell, of course!
Modern Domestic Discount
All day on May 15, Modern Domestic is having a fat quarter sale for PMQG members! Buy four, get one free-- with no limit.
The shop will also be open AFTER our meeting--they're staying open late just for us! Visit them at 1408 NE Alberta. They'll be open until 10:30!
Guests
Guests and non-members are welcome at the guild meeting. Guests are free for the first visit; $5 for each visit after that.
We hope to see you at the meeting!
Small Groups
Do you wish you could get together with a small group of fellow quilters for some sewing fun? We're looking for volunteers to help kick off small groups around town. Your job would be to help organize a get-together for people in your area. If interested, please e-mail portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com with your name and neighborhood, and we'll give you more information.
October Retreat
There are four spots left for our October retreat in the Columbia River Gorge. If you're interested, sign up ASAP!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 10
9 a.m to 9 p.m.
Fabric Depot
This Saturday! Bring your machine and your projects and come have some fun!
Monday, May 12
7:30 p.m.
Powell's City of Books (on Burnside)
The textile designer and DIY maven will read from her new memoir, How to Catch a Frog. (Read Kelly's review!) This isn't a PMQG event; we just thought you might like it.
Charity Sew Day
Thursday, May 29
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Modern Domestic
Learn to make a wonky tree, and help make a quilt for Camp Erin! Our charity this quarter is a camp for bereaved kids. We'll teach you to make the blocks and have some fun weekday sewing together!
Questions? E-mail us at portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com.
2014 MQG Fabric Challenge--Michael Miller
MQG Fabric Challenge
The challenge:
Option 1: Make anything quilted that you like! We're keeping this nice and easy. No restrictions or guidelines other than the fabric guidelines below and it must be quilted. Quilts, bags, wall hangings, anything you are inspired to make is allowed! You may add solids from any manufacturer, and/or Michael Miller prints.
Option 2: Alternately, you may make a block or blocks to give to the guild to be used in some of our yearly raffle quilts. For these blocks the only additional fabrics allowed are solid fabrics (no additional prints so the blocks can be cohesive). The block size is up to you as long as one measurement is 12.5 inches. So 12.5" x 6.5" is allowed, as are 12.5" x 12.5" and 12.5" x 18.5." Please bring these blocks to June's meeting.
The sponsor: Michael Miller Fabrics
The fabrics: Michael Miller Petal Fat Quarters fabrics that were handed out at April's meeting. There are a limited amount that may still be available at the next guild event(s). You don't have to use all of the fabrics. You may also add in any solid from any manufacturer. If you are doing option 1, you may also add in any Michael Miller print.
Who can enter: This challenge is MQG-wide. PMQG members who receive a fabric pack may enter, and MQGs all over will be doing similar challenges
Entry details: Entries will be uploaded to the MQG site between March 2014 and June 23, 2014. Upload them to the MQG forum here
The tags: If tagging your pics on FB, IG, Twitter, etc these are some tags you can use: #mqgfabricchallenge Also be sure to tag @MichaelMillerFabrics
The prizes: 3 winners will each receive a posting on the Michael Miller blog and “A year of Free Fabric.” Every month for a year winners will receive a “Goody Box” filled with fabric from Michael Miller's newest collections.
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| Source |
The challenge:
Option 1: Make anything quilted that you like! We're keeping this nice and easy. No restrictions or guidelines other than the fabric guidelines below and it must be quilted. Quilts, bags, wall hangings, anything you are inspired to make is allowed! You may add solids from any manufacturer, and/or Michael Miller prints.
Option 2: Alternately, you may make a block or blocks to give to the guild to be used in some of our yearly raffle quilts. For these blocks the only additional fabrics allowed are solid fabrics (no additional prints so the blocks can be cohesive). The block size is up to you as long as one measurement is 12.5 inches. So 12.5" x 6.5" is allowed, as are 12.5" x 12.5" and 12.5" x 18.5." Please bring these blocks to June's meeting.
The sponsor: Michael Miller Fabrics
The fabrics: Michael Miller Petal Fat Quarters fabrics that were handed out at April's meeting. There are a limited amount that may still be available at the next guild event(s). You don't have to use all of the fabrics. You may also add in any solid from any manufacturer. If you are doing option 1, you may also add in any Michael Miller print.
Who can enter: This challenge is MQG-wide. PMQG members who receive a fabric pack may enter, and MQGs all over will be doing similar challenges
Entry details: Entries will be uploaded to the MQG site between March 2014 and June 23, 2014. Upload them to the MQG forum here
The tags: If tagging your pics on FB, IG, Twitter, etc these are some tags you can use: #mqgfabricchallenge Also be sure to tag @MichaelMillerFabrics
The prizes: 3 winners will each receive a posting on the Michael Miller blog and “A year of Free Fabric.” Every month for a year winners will receive a “Goody Box” filled with fabric from Michael Miller's newest collections.
QuiltCon Registration Info!
QuiltCon registration for members only will open on June 24 at 10:00 EST.
Based on the volume of registration, we strongly suggest being prepared! Please review this key information with your members at your next meeting.
Member only registration opens June 24 at 10:00 EST.- You must be a member in good standing by June 13.
- The registration link will be posted on the Community site, and via the members newsletter when registration opens.
- Double check that your membership is active. Log-in here.
- Be sure to use the same email that your membership is under. Email addresses are how we will check for non-members.
- The member discount code MUST be used at time of registration, if it is not entered at the time of registration, there will be no refund.
- General public registration opens on July 1.
- Non-members using the discount code will be unregistered and refunded, no questions asked.
- Be sure to watch the video tutorials. They will be will be posted on June 17 under the Resources tab here.
- Be prepared with your second and third choices for workshops as we anticipate them selling out quickly. On average, each workshop holds 25 students. There will be a wait-list.
Heather Ross: New Book & Reading at Powell's
How to Catch a Frog: and other stories of family, love, dysfunction, survival, and DIY, is the new memoir by textile designer and DIY maven Heather Ross. It's a little bit DIY and a whole lot of autobiographical goodness, telling the story of her very interesting, adventurous, and often tragic life, roaming as a child in Vermont's isolated hills, living in Mexico and California, and ultimately making a new life full of love in New York City.
I picked up the book casually on a Friday evening and read the first few chapters, "How to make a teepee from plastic flowers" and "How to make paper flowers." Both pulled me into a world of beautiful neglect described in a way that only an artist can see. Details matter, down to the color of the grass and the scent of the Vermont air. Each chapter details a story, centered around a craft project, resulting in a wonderful narrative flow.
In this passage Ross describes her knitting projects brought back home to Vermont after a summer spent with her Grandpa and Grandma, Yia Yia.
I left Woodbridge with plastic bags full of cheap synthetic yarns, needle, hooks and pins, my determination to become a good wife stronger than ever. We spent that winter in the school house surrounded by yarn and fabric, some of it from Yia Yia and her PX and some of it from my mother, who could also knit and sew and embroider. She came from a family of artists and crafts people, collectors of textiles and artwork, fashionable, worldly upper-class women who could design and make complicated and beautiful things with their hands in their leisure. We knitted up every bit of yarn that we had and then unraveled what we didn't love and knitted with it again.Ross's insights into the artist's life, especially for women born in the 1970s (which I just barely qualify for) are so honest and captivating. She tells the truth of her life without self-pity or judgment. She writes candidly about her mother, father, twin sister, and extended family and friends. She recounts visitning swimming holes and garden plots sown by her mother, learning to ride a horse, growing up as an outsider in her home town, making her own way through college, and starting her textile busines--all with grace and insight.
I admit I ignored my husband and child for the next few days, as I couldn't put it down until it was finished on Sunday afternoon. (sorry family! this is why I can't read books.) Every DIY-loving person needs to read this true and inspiring book!
Heather Ross will be signing books and giving a sneak peak of her upcoming fabric line at Powell's Books on May 12 at 7:30 p.m. (W. Burnside location) and you are all invited. As a bonus, if you purchase a book that night you will receive a signed print from her new book!
by Kelly Cole, PMQG Secretary
Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show Submissions & Volunteers
Are you going to the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show on July 12th? PMQG will have a special exhibit in the show and we need volunteers to be at our exhibit. We need 8 volunteers to work these shifts: 9-11, 11-1, 1-3, and 3-5. There will be a meeting for volunteers 1-2 weeks before the show so you will know what the expectations are.
If you would like to sign up for a shift, please email Cris Pera: cp.artisan@gmail.com.
There is also still time to enter a quilt in our exhibit! Submission has been extended to May 2.
If you would like to sign up for a shift, please email Cris Pera: cp.artisan@gmail.com.
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| source |
There is also still time to enter a quilt in our exhibit! Submission has been extended to May 2.
Entries
to be sent to Gail at gweiss23@gmail.com with:
SISTERS SUBMISSION in the subject line by MAY 2!
Find
entry requirements here
All
entrants will be contacted on MAY 7 to let them know if they will be a part of
the special exhibit.
Entrants
chosen to be in the PMQG special exhibit MUST REGISTER WITH SISTERS by MAY
9th!!
Medallion Along: April/Round 3
Circles and Lines
The April round consists of a plain border with a graphic .5” line, set off with circle cornerstones. The border will finish at 4” wide.
Before you start, make sure your quilt top is currently 28.5” square.
Reverse Circle Cornerstones
This technique requires a fair amount of prep work, but it’s a reliable way to make a perfect circle—and there is no topstitching, which gives a clean look.
Fabric:
Special tools:
Steps:
1. Cut a 4.5” square from freezer paper, using paper scissors. Fold square in half lengthwise and crosswise, and crease to find the center.
2. Mark a 3.5” circle in the center of the square using a compass or template. Cut out the circle and set aside.
3. Grab one of your 5” background fabric squares. Press the shiny side of the freezer paper to the wrong side of background fabric. The paper will stick to the fabric.
4. Trim away the fabric on the inside of the circle, leaving about .5” seam allowance. (It doesn’t have to be exact.)
5. Snip the seam allowance in .5” increments all around the circle. Don’t cut the paper! Then press the tabs to the paper side, making sure they’re flat and firm against the freezer paper. It should look sort of like a flower.
6. Put a drop of glue on the outside of each tab. With right sides up, center the background fabric over the circle fabric. Let the glue dry.
7. Carefully remove the freezer paper from the background fabric. Re-press if needed.
8. Sewing time! Using the zipper foot, sew along the fold line, with the circle fabric on the bottom. Hold the top piece perpendicular to the foot as you sew. Go slow and maintain an even curve.
9. Press. Trim seam allowance to .25”. Trim the block to 4.5”
10. Repeat to make four blocks.
Lined Border
Fabric:
(Or just cut strips the length of fabric and trim after they’re sewn.)
Steps:
1. Sew a strip of line fabric to a strip of background fabric, with right sides together and using a .25” seam allowance. Press toward background.
2. Sew a strip of background fabric to the line fabric, as above. Press toward background.
3. Repeat to make 4 borders. Trim to 28.5”.
Attaching the Borders
1. Sew two of the borders to opposite sides of the quilt top, using a .25” seam allowance.
2. Sew cornerstones to the ends of the other two border strips.
3. Attach the cornerstone borders to the quilt top.
Your quilt should now measure 36.5” square.
Alternatives:
 |
The April round consists of a plain border with a graphic .5” line, set off with circle cornerstones. The border will finish at 4” wide.
Before you start, make sure your quilt top is currently 28.5” square.
Reverse Circle Cornerstones
This technique requires a fair amount of prep work, but it’s a reliable way to make a perfect circle—and there is no topstitching, which gives a clean look.
Fabric:
- Four 5” squares of background fabric
- Four 4.5” squares of feature fabric for circles
Special tools:
- freezer paper
- paper scissors
- a compass or template for a 3.5” circle
- fabric glue (or regular glue)
- zipper foot
Steps:
1. Cut a 4.5” square from freezer paper, using paper scissors. Fold square in half lengthwise and crosswise, and crease to find the center.
2. Mark a 3.5” circle in the center of the square using a compass or template. Cut out the circle and set aside.
3. Grab one of your 5” background fabric squares. Press the shiny side of the freezer paper to the wrong side of background fabric. The paper will stick to the fabric.
4. Trim away the fabric on the inside of the circle, leaving about .5” seam allowance. (It doesn’t have to be exact.)
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| You're basically making a floppy disk. |
5. Snip the seam allowance in .5” increments all around the circle. Don’t cut the paper! Then press the tabs to the paper side, making sure they’re flat and firm against the freezer paper. It should look sort of like a flower.
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| These tabs aren't actually flat enough. Steam helps! |
6. Put a drop of glue on the outside of each tab. With right sides up, center the background fabric over the circle fabric. Let the glue dry.
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| Regular fabric glue works better than a glue stick. |
7. Carefully remove the freezer paper from the background fabric. Re-press if needed.
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| It's all coming together now. |
8. Sewing time! Using the zipper foot, sew along the fold line, with the circle fabric on the bottom. Hold the top piece perpendicular to the foot as you sew. Go slow and maintain an even curve.
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| The moment of truth! |
9. Press. Trim seam allowance to .25”. Trim the block to 4.5”
10. Repeat to make four blocks.
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| No stitching shows! |
Lined Border
Fabric:
- Eight strips of background fabric, 2.25” wide x 29” long
- Four strips of line fabric, 1” wide x 29” long
(Or just cut strips the length of fabric and trim after they’re sewn.)
Steps:
1. Sew a strip of line fabric to a strip of background fabric, with right sides together and using a .25” seam allowance. Press toward background.
2. Sew a strip of background fabric to the line fabric, as above. Press toward background.
3. Repeat to make 4 borders. Trim to 28.5”.
Attaching the Borders
1. Sew two of the borders to opposite sides of the quilt top, using a .25” seam allowance.
2. Sew cornerstones to the ends of the other two border strips.
3. Attach the cornerstone borders to the quilt top.
Your quilt should now measure 36.5” square.
|
| So purty! |
Alternatives:
- Use a different technique to make the circle cornerstones—regular or raw-edge applique would work
- Add an applique circle to the center of each border
- Make plain cornerstones
Have fun!
April Meeting Announcements
Here are the full slides from April's meeting. They may take a moment to load.
Book review: The Modern Quilting Bee Block Party
Here's PMQG Treasurer Lisa with a book review and giveaway!
The Modern Quilting Bee Block Party (C&T, 2011) is subtitled as “The Journey of 12 Women, 1 blog and 12 Improvisational Projects.” The book details a modern, virtual quilting bee and goes into the group's process of supporting each other as they produce 12 quilts.
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| inside: patterns + process |
Working from a pattern in this book, I made Kristen Lejnieks’ quilt from June, which was a great beginner modern quilt. Like the other months’ patterns, it’s relatively basic, but comes together in a striking finish.
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| Lisa's "Wonky Roman Stripe" |
The Modern Quilting Bee Block Party is a great book if you are looking for a better understanding of how bees work. Do note there are only 12 block patterns, so if you’re looking for a straightforward archive of patterns, this may not be the book for you. However, if you are looking for a book that tells a story about how the patterns were created and details the process of trying to recapture the community of the traditional bee using modern technology and a modern quilting aesthetic, then you’ll really enjoy it.
A copy of The Modern Quilting Bee Block Party will be given away at the April PMQG meeting.
Giveaway: Mini Hex N' More, 'N More
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| Lisa's "Mini Northern Lights" detail. Pattern by JayBird Quilts. |
PMQG Treasurer Lisa here. At February’s SewDown I was introduced to Julie Hermand and her amazing rulers. I had so much fun with the class that I bought one of her Mini Hex N’ More rulers to play with. The ruler cuts three different shapes in four different sizes, and while the resulting patterns looks complex, the ruler is surprisingly simple and easy to use.
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| first you cut ... |
As an example, I made a mini-quilt from Jaybird Quilts’ “Mini Northern Lights” pattern. I love how complex the piecing looks, yet the way the pieces sew together in Julie’s clever patterns is very simple and easy to master.
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| ...then you sew! Easy! |
I used a mix of different designers’ fabrics and some solids. Next time, using this kind of pattern I would likely use all solids, so the pattern really pops.
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| Et voila! So cute! |
At the April guild meeting, one lucky person will win three patterns from JayBird Quilts, the “Mini Hex N’ More” ruler and the Jaybird charm pack of cotton solids from Kona in the Jaybird Quilts’ “Night Sky Palette.”
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| All this could be yours ... |
Be sure to check out the giveaways at this month’s meeting for your chance to win all this and more!
April Meeting Reminder
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| 1970s Scrappy Snake Trails, courtesy of Bill Volckening |
Please join us for our April guild meeting! Bill Volckening, quilt historian and PMQG member, is going to show us some funky vintage quilts and talk about “Quilting in the 1970's: When bed quilts became works of art.”
When:
Thursday, April 24
7:00 p.m.
Where:
The
meeting will be in the community center, which is behind the main church
building. There are two parking lots.
What’s in store:
- Trunk show with quilt historian Bill Volckening
- A sneak peek of Violet Craft's new fabric line
- Pincushion swap
- MORE challenge fabric
- Fabulous prizes
- Show and tell
- Post-meeting socializing at the Radio Room
Don’t forget to bring:
- Your Glitz challenge mini-quilt (note hanging sleeve and label requirements)
- A pincushion to swap, in a brown bag
- Your Medallion Along quilt-in-progress
- A mug for coffee or tea
- Your quilts for show and tell, of course!
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| Bowties, c. 1970s, Texas, courtesy of Bill Volckening |
Sisters Deadline Extended!
Submissions for the PMQG Special Exhibit at the Sisters
Quilt Show are now due May 2.
Upcoming Events
April Open Sew
Saturday, April 26 (please note date
change!)
9 am to 9 pm
Fabric Depot
New Member Mixer
Friday, May 2nd
5 pm to 8 pm
Modern Domestic
Modern Domestic discount:
Modern Domestic will offer 25% off on
Thursday as part of their anniversary sale. Visit them at 1408 NE Alberta—just
down the street from St. Andrews!
Guests
Guests and non-members are welcome at the guild
meeting. Guests are free for the first visit; $5 for each visit after that.
We hope to see you at the meeting!
Questions? E-mail us at
portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com.
Sisters Quilt Show: PMQG Exhibit Deadline MAY 2
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| Sisters Quilt Show 2012 |
*Updated deadlines below *
PMQG will have a special exhibit at Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show again this year. The show is on Saturday, July 12. We have room for 16 quilts (maybe more), which will be selected by a jury to best represent the range of modern quilting done by PMQG members.
To submit a quilt for the PMQG exhibit:
Send an email to Gail Weiss (gweiss23@gmail.com) with PMQG SISTERS SUBMISSION in the subject line. Please include the following information:
1. Your Name
2. Phone Number
3. Email Address
4. Quilt Name
5. Quilt Size
6. Quilt Description
7. Three photos (one front / one back / one close-up); no bigger than 1000 pixels by 1000 pixels.
Entries for the PMQG exhibit are due by APRIL 23 May 2.
Note: only current PMQG members are eligible for inclusion in the special exhibit. (Not a member? Join us!)
Entrants will be notified whether their quilt has been selected by April 28 May 7.
If your quilt is selected for the PMQG exhibit:
- Register the quilt on the Sisters website by
May 1May 9, choosing the SPECIAL CATEGORY option. Here's all the information on how to register. - Pay an entry fee of $5 to PMQG to cover shipping costs.
- Drop-off locations and dates will be announced soon!
If your quilt is not selected for the PMQG exhibit:
You can still be a part of the general quilt show! Just register on the Sisters site any time before June 1.
Hope to see you--and your quilts--in Sisters!
Pincushion Swap for April Meeting
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| Faux Cathedral Windows from Diary of a Quilt Maven |
Everyone needs another pincushion, especially if it's super cute!
We'll have a pincushion swap at our April meeting (Thursday, April 24). Here's how to participate:
1. Make a pincushion.
2. Put it in a brown bag. (The mystery makes swapping more exciting!)
3. Bring it to the April meeting.
4. Pick a bag and get a pincushion to keep!
Need some inspiration? Here are some pincushion tutorials to get you started. Share the links you like using the blue button below!
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| Double Tulip paper-pieced pincushion from sameliasmum.com |
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| Jar pincushions from Doodle Craft |
Also, try looking through your sewing books--they often include pincushion patterns.
Medallion Along: March/Round 2
Round 2: X Blocks
Before beginning this round, be sure your quilt top is currently at 20.5 inches.
The March round consists of (24) 4.5 inch “X” blocks.
Step 1: Stitch the Blocks
Make 24 blocks in either Option A or B.
Make 24 blocks in either Option A or B.
Option A: Paper Pieced X Blocks
- Print 24 copies of this paper pieced block pattern, courtesy of our own Cath of Wombat Quilts.
- Don't know how to paper piece? There are lots of tutorials online. Here's a video from the blog Ellison Lane that is pretty clear. Plus, here are some paper-piecing tips and tricks from Cath.
- Paper piece your blocks and then go to Step 2.
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| Elsa's Medallion, Paper Pieced |
Option B: Traditionally Pieced Blocks
- For each block cut:
◦ (1) strip 2 inches by 6 inches in your X fabric
◦ (1) strip 2 inches by 7 inches in your X fabric
◦ (1) 4 inch square (sliced in half on the diagonal) in your background fabric
- Sew each side of the two pieces of the square to the six inch strip, centering the pieces on the strip. Press the seams to the outside
- Slice the block on half on the opposite diagonal and insert the 7 inch strip. Sew back together and press the seams to the center.
- Square the block up to 4.5 inches
- Stitch 24 blocks and then go to step 2
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| Mary Ann's Medallion, Traditionally Pieced |
Step 2: Make the Borders
- Sew your blocks into 2 rows of 5 blocks and 2 rows of 7 blocks.
- Attach the rows of 5 blocks onto the left and right sides of your medallion. Press seams outward or open.
- Attach the rows of 7 blocks onto the top and bottom of your medallion. Press seams outward or open.
- Your medallion should now measure 28.5 inches!
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| Tania's Medallion, Paper Pieced |
To Further Customize your Medallion, Try:
- Making your traditional pieced blocks with “wonky” cuts (remember to cut more generously sized pieces of fabric to start with.
- Using a “Stitch and Flip” method on the corners of Option B to make it look more like Option A (start with a small square, pin to corner of block, stitch on diagonal of square and trim to 1/4inch).
- Making only 20 blocks and including 4 cornerstones of solid blocks or your choice of pattern.
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| Anne's Medallion, Traditionally Pieced with solid Cornerstones, and X strips were reduced by 1/2 inch before sewing |
Thank You!
Thank you to our business sponsors, business members and others who have donated to the Portland Modern Quilt Guild this year.
--
Keep in touch, follow our blog!
Find us on Facebook!
Join our Flicker group!
Come to one of our guild meetings!
PMQG 2014 Sponsors
Bolt Fabric Boutique--10% off purchases
Fabric Depot--25% off purchases for participants at Fabric Depot Open Sew Days
Fabric Depot--25% off purchases for participants at Fabric Depot Open Sew Days
Joann Fabrics (registration required here)--10% off purchases
Modern Domestic--10% off purchases (machines and frame quilting excluded)
Sometimes Crafter Longarm Quilting--30% off long arm services
Sometimes Crafter Longarm Quilting--30% off long arm services
PMQG 2014 Business Members
PMQG 2014 Donations In-Kind, Review Copies, Goods, Services and Other
C&T Publishing/Stash Books Fabric Depot
Fat Quarter Shop
June Tailor
Interweave/F+W Media
Martingale
Michael Miller Fabrics
Mo Bedell
Moda
Modern Domestic
Robert Kaufman
Superior Threads
Violet Craft
C&T Publishing/Stash Books Fabric Depot
Fat Quarter Shop
June Tailor
Interweave/F+W Media
Martingale
Michael Miller Fabrics
Mo Bedell
Moda
Modern Domestic
Robert Kaufman
Superior Threads
Violet Craft
Keep in touch, follow our blog!
Find us on Facebook!
Join our Flicker group!
Come to one of our guild meetings!
Follow us on Twitter! @portlandmqg
Book Review: The Modern Applique Workbook
I was pretty excited to review The Modern Applique Workbook by Jennifer Dick, since my experience with applique is pretty much limited to fusing and raw edge applique. The book is 135 pages long plus pull-out patterns in the back of the book.
The main methods used in this book are freezer paper applique to turn the edges, which the author prefers over a needle turned edge, and zigzag stitching with invisible polyester thread.
Although I was excited at the mention that scraps are great for applique, since as quilters pretty much all we do is create scraps, the later statement that applique fabric must be pre-washed quelled that excitement a bit. I'm a firm anti-pre-washer (mostly due to laziness), and washing scraps is not going to happen. It certainly makes more sense to use scraps if someone has already pre-washed all their fabric, though.
The beginning of the book starts out with an introduction, lists of tools needed and reasons for pre-washing fabrics. I was surprised when I got to the actual freezer paper tutorial; although I had a vague idea of how to applique with freezer paper, I didn't realize that the shape was sewn on with the paper still in (which is later removed from the back)!
Besides using the aforementioned invisible zigzag stitch, the author also gives many examples of other ways to use both straight and decorative machine stitches to applique the pieces down.
Even before making it to the Projects section of the book, I was in love with the Mod quilt pattern that was featured on the inside cover. I felt that it was perhaps a better example of a "modern" pattern than the pattern chosen for the cover of the book.
I also was drawn to some of the simpler, more organic shapes such as "Flame,""Birds," "Trees," "Geese," "Fall," and "Fish." I would definitely make these patterns and love the graceful curves shown in them.
A few patterns I was not as crazy about--the aforementioned cover pattern "Star Bright," which is just a bit busy for me, "Kisses," which I feel could easily be made with regular piecing, "Baskets," which reminds me of my most disliked traditional pattern, and "Cascade," which is made of simple circles and frankly, shows a lot of mistakes in both stitching and quilting in the picture.
Overall I think the technique described is one I would definitely go back to time and again, and there are more than enough projects I love in this book to make me want to own it.
One lucky PMQG member will win The Modern Applique Workbook at our meeting this Thursday!
Thanks to C&T Publishing and Stash Books for the chance to review and give away a copy of this book.
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| Trees, pg. 93 |
Although I was excited at the mention that scraps are great for applique, since as quilters pretty much all we do is create scraps, the later statement that applique fabric must be pre-washed quelled that excitement a bit. I'm a firm anti-pre-washer (mostly due to laziness), and washing scraps is not going to happen. It certainly makes more sense to use scraps if someone has already pre-washed all their fabric, though.
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| Fall, pg. 111 |
The beginning of the book starts out with an introduction, lists of tools needed and reasons for pre-washing fabrics. I was surprised when I got to the actual freezer paper tutorial; although I had a vague idea of how to applique with freezer paper, I didn't realize that the shape was sewn on with the paper still in (which is later removed from the back)!
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| Geese, pg. 107 |
Besides using the aforementioned invisible zigzag stitch, the author also gives many examples of other ways to use both straight and decorative machine stitches to applique the pieces down.
Even before making it to the Projects section of the book, I was in love with the Mod quilt pattern that was featured on the inside cover. I felt that it was perhaps a better example of a "modern" pattern than the pattern chosen for the cover of the book.
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| Mod Quilt, pg. 70 |
I also was drawn to some of the simpler, more organic shapes such as "Flame,""Birds," "Trees," "Geese," "Fall," and "Fish." I would definitely make these patterns and love the graceful curves shown in them.
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| Birds, pg. 81 |
A few patterns I was not as crazy about--the aforementioned cover pattern "Star Bright," which is just a bit busy for me, "Kisses," which I feel could easily be made with regular piecing, "Baskets," which reminds me of my most disliked traditional pattern, and "Cascade," which is made of simple circles and frankly, shows a lot of mistakes in both stitching and quilting in the picture.
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| Cascade, pg.101 |
Overall I think the technique described is one I would definitely go back to time and again, and there are more than enough projects I love in this book to make me want to own it.
One lucky PMQG member will win The Modern Applique Workbook at our meeting this Thursday!
Thanks to C&T Publishing and Stash Books for the chance to review and give away a copy of this book.
March Meeting Reminder
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| Scrappy notecards made at our most recent Sew Day! |
When:
Thursday, March 20
7:00 p.m.
Where:
The meeting will be in the community center, which is behind the main church building. There are two parking lots.
What’s in store:
- Presentation on Color Theory for Quilters by our own Cath and Kelly
- A hands-on color theory activity
- Fabric for the PNW Modern Metallic challenge (it's yummy!)
- Lots of great giveaways
- Next round of the Medallion Along
- Show and tell
- Cupcake potluck celebrating 4 years of PMQG!
- Post-meeting socializing at the Radio Room
Don’t forget to bring:
- Fabric scissors and glue stick, for our color theory activity
- Name tag-- paid members who wear a name tag will get an extra raffle ticket! (Here's some inspiration if you want to make one--or just wear your PMQG button.)
- Your PMQG membership card
- Your 2014 Medallion Along quilt-in-progress
- Cupcakes for our cupcake potluck
- A mug for coffee or tea (we’ll have hot beverages on hand!)
- Your quilts for show and tell, of course!
Important Reminder:
All attendees: to speed up the entry process, when you arrive at the meeting, guests and members renewals will be in one line and members will be in another line. Please have your PMQG membership cards out so you can be checked in and receive your raffle ticket(s)! If you forget your membership card we will also have a membership list to check.
Modern Domestic discount:
Other Upcoming Events:
Monday, March 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Modern Domestic
Come help make quilts for Camp Erin, the retreat for grieving children!
We hope to see you at the meeting!
Questions? E-mail us at portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com
Finishing Details for Glitz Challenge
Here are the final things you will need to know to enter your Michael Miller Glitz mini quilts for the PMQG Quilt Knit Stitch exhibit.
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FYI, the Robert Kaufman Modern Metallic Quilts will have the same label and hanging requirements, but the entry process is different.
Full information about both challenges.
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- Labeling Information: All quilts must be labeled: A cloth label with the title of the quilt and your name, address, and telephone number must be sewn on the back of the quilt. The information on the label can be applied with embroidery or any other permanent means. Do not use a water-soluble pen.
- Hanging sleeve information: All quilts must have a hanging sleeve. Find information on how to add a hanging sleeve here.
- Please take pictures of your quilt before you submit them to PMQG. If your quilt is chosen, you will then need to fill out an online form with info about you/your quilt and include a picture.
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FYI, the Robert Kaufman Modern Metallic Quilts will have the same label and hanging requirements, but the entry process is different.
Full information about both challenges.
Deadline: NW Quilters Show
The deadline to submit quilts for the Northwest Quilters show is March 28, if anyone is interested in participating. The show will be held May 2 and 3 at the Expo Center.
Get all the details here!
(Note: PMQG is not participating in this show as a guild, but individual members are welcome to enter!)
Business Member Spotlight: Bolt Fabric Boutique
Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique
is our business member for March. Thanks to owner Gina Cadenasso for supporting PMQG--
and for telling us a little more about her shop.
PMQG members r
eceive a 10% discount on purchases, so stop by and say hello!
What makes your business special or different than other shops?
Bolt offers a curated collection of a wide range of fabrics, including cotton prints for quilting, crafting and apparel sewing, wool, rayon, linen, knits, denim, and cotton for apparel and accessories, as well as home dec fabric. We’re often told we have trims and fabrics that people don’t see other places. We also have a fantastic staff—I think that makes Bolt a special place!
The Bolt staffers hit the beach
How long have you been doing this?
8 and a half years.
What’s the most important thing you’ve had to learn to do your job well?
I think learning what is necessary for me to do and what I can ask others to do has been essential.
What do you see as a significant aesthetic trend right now?
I think people are valuing traditional fabrics more than I’ve noticed in the past. When I first opened it was hard to sell Japanese indigo fabrics, but now they fly out the door when we have them, as well as ikats. And, of course, there continues to be a focus on solids and simplified designs as far as quilting goes. I think hand stitching and embroidery continue to gain popularity too.
What’s the strangest thing a customer has ever asked you?
We all really delight in the wide range of questions and projects our customers have.
Any new products or services you’d like to mention?
We just started offering scissor sharpening services. Our customers continued to ask, so we’ve got it set up. We’ll post details on the blog soon.
Why do you like being a business member of PMQG?
I think it’s nice to reach out to groups in the area and let them know what we’re about and welcome them to the store. We have a few PMQG regular customers and we’re happy to support them and the group.
If you couldn’t work in the quilting world, what would your dream job be?
That’s a tough one, but I think I’d go back to my formal educational training and say my dream job would be program evaluation work in some sort of social service sector or organization.
Business Info:
Bolt Neighborhood Fabric Boutique
2136 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
Web site: