Valori Wells Workshops
We’re excited to announce our April speaker Valori Wells! Valori is an accomplished professional quilter, author, fabric and pattern designer, painter, and photographer. She has been designing fabric for 14 years and is the Co-Owner of the Stitchin' Post, which her mother opened in 1974. Marks is Valori Wells' newest fabric collection in which she collaborated with her mom, Jean Wells. Marks captures the freedom of nature in pattern, color and texture. The woven imagery is created with hand carved blocks that are carefully layered and printed resulting in unique color palettes. Join Valori as she takes you through the journey of creating the Marks fabric collection and quilting projects.
Valori will also be teaching two workshops while she is visiting us. They will be $75 for PMQG members and $100 for non-members.
Screen Printing with Valori Wells on Friday April 22nd from 9-4
In this workshop you will learn how to print fabric using the silk screen printing technique. For this experience you will use Valori's screens and learn how to mix ink and print on fabric. In the second half of the class you will experiment on your own fabric. There will be an overview of how to make your own screen as well as ideas how to use the prints. You will go home with some wonderful prints and full of ideas.
A $20 materials fee is required and will be collected in class.
Click here to sign up!
Block Printing with Valori Wells on Saturday April 23rd from 9-4
In this workshop you will learn how to block print starting from a drawing to the final printed piece of fabric. The first half of the workshop will focus on the design and cutting the design out of the block. The second half of the workshop will focus on mixing ink and printing.
A $20 materials fee is required and will be collected in class.
Click here to sign up!
March Meeting Recap
Lisa Congdon shared what it was like to be a judge at QuiltCon. In one word...HARD! ;) Violet will soon have a blog post sharing what she learned from interviewing Lisa, and the rest of the judges.
Show & Tell
March Meeting Reminder
PMQG Meeting This Thursday - QuiltCon Recap!
We are so excited to have Lisa Congdon at our meeting this week! We will host a Q&A on her experience judging at QuiltCon West.
We'd love to have lots of questions to ask her, so don't be shy! ;)
Please email us your questions at portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com
What to bring:
- Any quilts that were submitted to QuiltCon. All QuiltCon Entries!
- Green quilts for St. Patty's Day!
- Your regular Show & Tell Quilts
- Questions for Lisa Congdon
- Name Tag
- Mug for tea (if you'd like)
Raffle
Remember, we always have raffle prizes. Upon entering, you will receive one ticket for coming, two tickets if you have your name tag on. Disregard the numbers on the tickets and write your name on back on the ticket. Put your ticket(s) in the bucket(s) of the prize you would most want to win. Extra tickets available for purchase (cash only). $1 for 1 ticket or $5 for 6 tickets.
Thursday, March 17th, 7pm
806 NE Alberta
Modern Domestic will offer PMQG members 20% off their purchase ALL DAY Thursday. They stay open just for us until 7 p.m., so stop by before the meeting!
Also, Carolyn Friedlander's quilts are being displayed in the classroom. Don't miss out on seeing these beauties up close!
1408 NE Alberta St.
Other March Events:
Fabric Depot Sew Day
Saturday, March 19th, Noon-9pm
New date and time due to Fabric Depot having a special event.
Charity Sew
Thursday, March 31st, 10am - 4pm
at Modern Domestic
Spring Retreat is Full
But if you'd like to be on the waiting list, please emailportlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com
Saturday Sew Day at Fabric Depot
Don't miss our second Sew Day of 2016!
For those new members that haven't attended yet here are the details...
Stop in to Fabric Depot, 700 SE 122nd Ave, and stay as long as you'd like we'll be there from 9 AM to 9 PM in the large classroom at the west side of the store.
Bring your own machine and project, of course Fabric Depot is at your fingertips for anything you forget. A cutting matt is handy if you'll be doing a lot of cutting but there will be a few available as well as irons. You can also bring a snack to share if you'd like.
Come and sew or even shop and stop in to say hi see you Saturday!
January 2016 Meeting Recap
We're excited to kick off the new year, and had a jam-packed meeting of new announcements and a lovely presentation from Marie Deatherage and Joyce Brekke.
Below is the slideshow of the announcements. We will have more information coming shortly about the retreat and the Sisters show.
Local Authors Marie Deatherage and Joyce Brekke shared their book, Pieces of Portland, and many quilts with us.
Show & Tell - if you hover over a picture and there is an icon of a hand, click on the photo and it will link to either their instagram or website.
April 2015 Meeting Reminder
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Membership
Members enjoy discounts at local and online vendors, special pricing on guild events, and the satisfaction of supporting this wonderful organization. We include links to member blogs on the left hand side of our page, opportunities for swaps, challenges, meet-ups, sew days and more!
PMQG members receive discounts from these sponsors:
Business Memberships/Sponsorships for 2015
2015 Business/Sponsor Membership Application
Paying online includes a small service fee. After completing the application you will see the link to pay via Square Marketplace.
PMQG members receive discounts from these sponsors:
Bolt Fabric Boutique--10% off purchases
Fabric Depot--25% off purchases at Fabric during the entire weekend of Open Sew Days (must pick up coupon at Special Orders desk and be prepared to show PMQG card)
Fabric Depot--25% off purchases at Fabric during the entire weekend of Open Sew Days (must pick up coupon at Special Orders desk and be prepared to show PMQG card)
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
Connecting Threads--10% off entire order (discount code given out with membership card)
Sometimes Crafter Longarm Quilting--30% off long arm services
Connecting Threads--10% off entire order (discount code given out with membership card)
Business Memberships/Sponsorships for 2015
Long Arm Business Member
- $60 per year and must quilt 2 or more charity quilts.
Benefits:
- Business listed on Sponsor page of the guild blog.
- Business listed on blog sidebar.
- Business posted to the guild Face Book wall, business blog, and website links.
- Long Arm business members can show their quilted charity quilts at the PMQG meeting Show and Tell.
- Long Arm business members may have one person from their business attend and participate in PMQG meetings and events as an individual member.
Business Member
Click on the link if you would like to pay for a business sponsorship pay online with a credit or debit card, or if you are sending a check. If you are planning on paying at a meeting, there is no need to fill out this form.- Category is for a quilt related business only.
- $100 per year
- Responsible for helping guild with giveaway items at least twice a year.
- Business listed on Sponsor page of the guild blog.
- Business listed on blog sidebar.
- Business may post to the guild Face Book wall, business blog, and website links.
- May have their own table to sell products at the Holiday Swap and Sell.
- Business members may have one person from their business attend and participate in PMQG meetings and events as an individual member.
2015 Business/Sponsor Membership Application
Paying online includes a small service fee. After completing the application you will see the link to pay via Square Marketplace.
PMQG 2015 Business Members:
Longarm Quilters:
Colleen Barnhardt
Christian Cooper
Elisa Corcoran
Dawn Graf-Thiessen
Jolene Knight
Kazumi Peterson
Katherine Pippen
Nancy Stovall
Sisters Quilt Show -- Call for Submissions
We have room for 12-16 quilts depending on size. We have a panel of 5 judges who will curate our display.
Please submit a photo of the quilt top with the finished size by Friday, May 1st. (The quilt does not need to be finished - just the top ) We will let everyone know the following week.
Entries must then be registered with the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show by June 1st. That can be done online at their web site.
Please submit your photos via email or snail mail, with the size included, to the PMQG attention: Cris Pera
Events
Upcoming Events
April Open Sew
Saturday, April 4th
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fabric Depot
Bring your machine, tools, projects, cutting mats, iron, and extension cords/power strips for a fun day of sewing. Free for members, $10 for guests.
April Guild Meeting
Thursday, April 16th
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
April Charity Sew
Thursday, April 23rd
10 am to 4 pm
Modern Domestic
1408 NE Alberta
MD supplies machines and tools, PMQG supplies fabric, so all you have to do is show up ready to sew for charity, no need to bring anything other than a spool of neutral thread!
May Open Sew
Saturday, May 2nd
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fabric Depot
Bring your machine, tools, projects, cutting mats, iron, and extension cords/power strips for a fun day of sewing. Free for members, $10 for guests.
May Charity Sew
TBA
Modern Domestic
1408 NE Alberta
MD supplies machines and tools, PMQG supplies fabric, so all you have to do is show up ready to sew for charity, no need to bring anything other than a spool of neutral thread!
May Guild Meeting
Thursday, May 21st
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
May and June Weekender Bag Workshop with Kimberly Lumapas
Saturday, May 30th and Saturday June 6th
9:00 a.m. to 3 pm
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
Sign ups coming Soon
July Modified Letty Bag Workshop with Sam Hunter
Saturday, July 25th
9:00 a.m. to 5 pm
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
Sign ups coming Soon
Saturday, April 4th
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fabric Depot
Bring your machine, tools, projects, cutting mats, iron, and extension cords/power strips for a fun day of sewing. Free for members, $10 for guests.
April Guild Meeting
Thursday, April 16th
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
April Charity Sew
Thursday, April 23rd
10 am to 4 pm
Modern Domestic
1408 NE Alberta
MD supplies machines and tools, PMQG supplies fabric, so all you have to do is show up ready to sew for charity, no need to bring anything other than a spool of neutral thread!
May Open Sew
Saturday, May 2nd
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fabric Depot
Bring your machine, tools, projects, cutting mats, iron, and extension cords/power strips for a fun day of sewing. Free for members, $10 for guests.
May Charity Sew
TBA
Modern Domestic
1408 NE Alberta
MD supplies machines and tools, PMQG supplies fabric, so all you have to do is show up ready to sew for charity, no need to bring anything other than a spool of neutral thread!
May Guild Meeting
Thursday, May 21st
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
May and June Weekender Bag Workshop with Kimberly Lumapas
Saturday, May 30th and Saturday June 6th
9:00 a.m. to 3 pm
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
Sign ups coming Soon
July Modified Letty Bag Workshop with Sam Hunter
Saturday, July 25th
9:00 a.m. to 5 pm
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta St.
Sign ups coming Soon
2015 Fabric Depot Sew Days
First Saturdays of the month, 9 am to 9 pm unless otherwise noted
Fabric
Depot Sew Days are for Open Sew. Bring your machines, machine cords,
extension cords, projects, rulers, cutting mats and irons. Tables,
cutting counters, and ironing boards are provided. Free for PMQG Members
and $10 for guests.
PMQG members will now receive a 25% off coupon to use on their purchases during Saturday and Sunday of Open Sew weekends! Go to the special orders counter to receive your coupon (must show membership card) and be sure to mention the coupon when getting fabric cut.
PMQG members will now receive a 25% off coupon to use on their purchases during Saturday and Sunday of Open Sew weekends! Go to the special orders counter to receive your coupon (must show membership card) and be sure to mention the coupon when getting fabric cut.
April 4
May 2
June 6
Sunday July 5th (please note, 1st Sunday)
August 1
September 5
October 3
November 21st (please note, 3rd Saturday)
December 5th
May 2
June 6
Sunday July 5th (please note, 1st Sunday)
August 1
September 5
October 3
November 21st (please note, 3rd Saturday)
December 5th
Meetings
PMQG meetings are free to PMQG and MQG members. Guests are welcome to attend their first meeting for free. After that they may pay $5 per meeting or are encouraged to join the guild.
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at 7:00 pm. Please note that meeting days may have changed.
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta
Portland, Oregon 97211
2015 meetings
held at St. Andrews Church unless otherwise noted
Meetings held on third Thursday unless otherwise noted:
Thursday, April 16th
Thursday, May 21st
Thursday, June 18th
Thursday, July 23rd (4th Thursday, please note Date Change!)
Thursday, August 20th (at park, details TBD)
Thursday, September 17th
Thursday, October 15th
Thursday, November 19th
Thursday, December 10th (please note, SECOND Thursday)
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at 7:00 pm. Please note that meeting days may have changed.
St Andrews Church
806 NE Alberta
Portland, Oregon 97211
2015 meetings
held at St. Andrews Church unless otherwise noted
Meetings held on third Thursday unless otherwise noted:
Thursday, April 16th
Thursday, May 21st
Thursday, June 18th
Thursday, July 23rd (4th Thursday, please note Date Change!)
Thursday, August 20th (at park, details TBD)
Thursday, September 17th
Thursday, October 15th
Thursday, November 19th
Thursday, December 10th (please note, SECOND Thursday)
Charity
Upcoming Charity Sew Days:
Where: Modern Domestic
1408 NE Alberta St. Portland OR 97211
What to Bring: Yourselves! We supply the fabric, Modern Domestic supplies the machines and tools. If you would like to bring a spool of neutral colored Gutermann or Aurifil thread to use that would be appreciated.
We will be working on charity quilts for TBA.
Our chosen charities for 2015 are:
TBA
Our chosen charities for 2014 were:
Quarter 1: ALS Association
This PMQG charity drive has ended, if you still would like to donate please follow the link.
Quarter 2: Camp Erin, a camp for grieving children. When the campers arrive, they are greeted with a teddy bear and a quilt on their bunks. Quilts for camp Erin should be minimum 50"x 60" and be child appropriate in theme and fabric. Campers are aged 8-18 and the camp often has a special need for quilts that may appeal to boys, espcially teen boys. Join a PMQG Charity Day, or bring finished quilts or blocks to any meeting or PMQG event to help with this charity. We will be doing a large quilt drive at our July meeting. Bring finished quilts to the July meeting to present to representatives from Camp Erin.
Quarter 3: Raphael House
"Raphael House of Portland is a multi-faceted domestic violence agency dedicated to ending intimate partner violence for good."
Quarter 4: Project Linus
Project Linus' mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
April Charity Sew
When: Thursday, April 24rd, 10am-4pmWhere: Modern Domestic
1408 NE Alberta St. Portland OR 97211
What to Bring: Yourselves! We supply the fabric, Modern Domestic supplies the machines and tools. If you would like to bring a spool of neutral colored Gutermann or Aurifil thread to use that would be appreciated.
We will be working on charity quilts for TBA.
Our chosen charities for 2015 are:
TBA
Our chosen charities for 2014 were:
Quarter 1: ALS Association
This PMQG charity drive has ended, if you still would like to donate please follow the link.
Quarter 2: Camp Erin, a camp for grieving children. When the campers arrive, they are greeted with a teddy bear and a quilt on their bunks. Quilts for camp Erin should be minimum 50"x 60" and be child appropriate in theme and fabric. Campers are aged 8-18 and the camp often has a special need for quilts that may appeal to boys, espcially teen boys. Join a PMQG Charity Day, or bring finished quilts or blocks to any meeting or PMQG event to help with this charity. We will be doing a large quilt drive at our July meeting. Bring finished quilts to the July meeting to present to representatives from Camp Erin.
Quarter 3: Raphael House
"Raphael House of Portland is a multi-faceted domestic violence agency dedicated to ending intimate partner violence for good."
Quarter 4: Project Linus
Project Linus' mission is "to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Retreat Door Prizes
I received the most wonderful box of books in the mail from Potter Craft! Sadly they're not for me to keep, but we'll be giving them away as door prizes this weekend at our second ever PMQG retreat this weekend. If you're an attendee you'll have a chance to win one of the following books or many other lovely prizes donated by PMQG sponsors.
Quilting on the Go by Jessica Alexandrakis is full of "English paper piecing projects you can take anywhere." Since English Paper Piecing (EPP) can make use of such small pieces, I appreciated the section on "Making the most of scraps." Other tips I found useful were the pages dedicated to creating a travel tool kit, since having a dedicated set of tools to grab sounds much smarter than my current flurry of racing around the house, desperately trying to find needles, templates, and everything else needed for EPP.
Although it seems like many people I know (myself included) utilize EPP for hexies, I feel like I know fewer people that use other shapes such as triangles, diamonds, half hexies, squares, rectangles, and more shown in this book. Seeing templates in these less common shapes along with projects made from them is inspiring and opened my eyes to some new possibilities with EPP
I felt that the resource section at the back of the book was especially good, with several pages of black and white quilt patterns that could be copied and used for color placement practice, and a plethora of actual size templates.
Several projects caught my eye, especially the Tanuki Striped Throw. This throw is made from a puzzle piece combo of two diamonds and two squares stitched together to make a larger unit. I love the creativity of combining these different shapes together!
Glorious Patchwork by Kaffe Fassett is full of the vibrant colors and patterns that we expect from Kaffe, set in fun quilt layouts that enhance the beauty of the fabrics used.
Glorious Patchwork is arranged by color schemes, and although I usually think brights when I think Kaffe, it was fun to see a variety of color palettes represented here. The book starts with a section on pastels, and even though I wouldn't normally consider myself a pastel fan, I really enjoyed these quilts. One of my favorites from this chapter, the Herringbone Baby Quilt, actually uses leftover pieces from one of the quilts earlier in the book, and I really love that "use it up" philosophy.
Following chapters are Circus, Leafy Gardens, Antique Stone, and Renaissance. Of course I was drawn to the brighter colors of the Circus palettes, but it was also fun to check out all the color schemes and the different patterns represented. This book also contains many templates in the back as well as patterns for foundation paper piecing and other quilting resources.
Dare to be Square Quilting by Bob Davis has the perfect combination of whimsical design and tips for efficient piecing. The quilts are designed for beginners and every pattern in the book is made up of squares and rectangles. I love the owl on the cover as well as the skull pattern (called Basket Case), but I also really enjoyed the more abstract pattern Two Left Feet, which consists of lines that seem to double back on themselves to form open squares and rectangles. Moving through the book, there are also patterns for a whimsical stag and a giant alarm clock.
After the section on quilts there are smaller projects which, due to their construction of squares and rectangles, have a great modern, clean look to them. Pillows, table runners, placemats, and aprons are represented, as well as one of my favorite projects in the book--the Gridlock Grocery Getter shopping bag. This would be a great book for anyone starting out or who likes to make fun, pictorial quilts, or anyone who likes the clean lines and negative spaces of modern quilting.
Modern Log Cabin Quilting by our very own Susan Beal is definitely a guild favorite and a great one for every quilter's library. This book celebrates a basic block and so many wonderful, creative layouts and alternate ways to use it.
Even though I've had the chance to review this book before, it was fun to read through it again to see what I've missed. The Modern Cross pattern that graces the cover is a beautiful classic for full sized or baby quilts that is a great pick whenever you need a simple, beautiful quilt. One thing I was excited to find was a pattern for a t-shirt quilt. Several people have been asking me lately about them, and besides a vague idea about the need for interfacing, I really had no idea where to start!
Another quilt that jumped out at me was the Northwest Modern Quilt. It does look very modern with its large expanses of negative space, but after examining how it was put together (starting with a rectangle rather than a center square) it surprised me what a different look it was from a "typical" log cabin block. Besides a great variety of quilts, Modern Log Cabin Quilting also contains patterns for napkins, coasters, pot holders, pillows, and more.
While not solely a quilting book, Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts has a wealth of information that any fabric lover would enjoy, in a large, beautiful, coffee table worthy book.
At almost 400 pages, this book contains so many tips and patterns on a range of sewing related topics such as fabric, setting up a sewing area, applique, embroidery, quilting, dyeing, and fabric printing. The books is organized with chapters on Basic Techniques followed by projects arranged alphabetically (to name just a few--animals, bags, clothing curtains, flowers, pets, pot holders, slippers, wall decor). As you might imagine, the back of the book is full of tips and techniques. There is even a cd included that contains templates and patterns.
It's pretty difficult to pick a favorite out of so many patterns, but two projects that I really like are the Cross Stitch Silhouette tote and the Bird Embroidered Pillows. I like that the needlework techniques are shown incorporated into finished projects (tote bag and pillow for these two). Sometimes when finishing a needlework project I can't think of anything to do but frame it and put it on the wall, so I enjoy these kinds of useful patterns and ideas.
Thank you so much to Potter Craft for providing these great retreat door prizes, and good luck to all of our attendees!
About Us
We are a group of Modern Quilters who are addicted to sewing, fabric, and learning new techniques. Our group came together in 2010 as a part of the Modern Quilt Guild movement.
We meet monthly to learn and share. We also get together monthly for Open Sew, Charity Sew, and Hand Sew Happy Hours.
We have a message board and a place for members to share photos of their creations on Flickr. Join the Flickr group to share your own creations or to participate in the message board!
You can also like us on facebook, tweet on twitter @PortlandMQG, and make sure to connect with #PMQG on instagram
Many members of PMQG also keep blogs, which are listed at the left hand side of this page. These are a great way to get to know some of your fellow Portland area modern quilters.
Our business member links are on the right hand side of this page.
The 2015 PMQG Officers are:
President: Elsa
Vice President: Teresa
Secretary: Veronica
Treasurer: Tam
Programs Director: Cris
The Portland Modern Quilt Guild is full of happy ambassadors of the art of quilting. Feel free to contact us.
email:
portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com
mail:
Portland Modern Quilt Guild
P.O. Box 6431
Portland, OR 97228
We meet monthly to learn and share. We also get together monthly for Open Sew, Charity Sew, and Hand Sew Happy Hours.
We have a message board and a place for members to share photos of their creations on Flickr. Join the Flickr group to share your own creations or to participate in the message board!
You can also like us on facebook, tweet on twitter @PortlandMQG, and make sure to connect with #PMQG on instagram
Many members of PMQG also keep blogs, which are listed at the left hand side of this page. These are a great way to get to know some of your fellow Portland area modern quilters.
Our business member links are on the right hand side of this page.
The 2015 PMQG Officers are:
President: Elsa
Vice President: Teresa
Secretary: Veronica
Treasurer: Tam
Programs Director: Cris
The Portland Modern Quilt Guild is full of happy ambassadors of the art of quilting. Feel free to contact us.
email:
portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com
mail:
Portland Modern Quilt Guild
P.O. Box 6431
Portland, OR 97228
2015 Mini Quilts
This year-long challenge will encourage members to try new patchwork techniques. From January through November, there will be new a new style introduced each month that members can explore by making a mini quilt. The only rule is size--no more than 36" on any side.
January:
Improv Piecing
February:
February Mini Quilt: Paper Piecing
If you haven't tried paper piecing yet, now is the perfect time! You can find lots of paper piecing tutorials and patterns online with these quilters/designers:Penny Layman: sewtakeahike.typepad.com
Charise Creates: charisecreates.blogspot.com
Amy Friend: duringquiettime.com
Kristy: quietplay.com
Cath: wombatquilts.com
Sam Hunter: hunterdesignstudio.com
Teresa Coates: crinkledreams.com
Remember to keep your quilt under 36" wide/long to participate in the 2015 PMQG Mini Quilt Challenge.
February Meeting Recap
It was wonderful to see so many of you at our meeting last Thursday! If you missed out or want to look back at the things we talked about, here's the PDF version of Elsa's presentation:
February 2015 Meeting Reminder
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Book Review: Handmade for Baby
As crafters, we normally have a list of projects in progress as well as a list of ones we would like to start. I know for me that the excitement of a new baby, whether it's in my family or a friend's family, can definitely skyrocket a project to the top of my to-do list!
Handmade for Baby: 25 Keepsakes to Create with Love, by Charlotte Rivers and Emily Gregory, is full of fun projects to inspire you to create something for a baby in your life or your next charity project. Many of the projects include techniques or patterns that would work well for a child of any age or even an adult, such as the Hand Painted Storage Buckets or the Decorative Garland that would be great for a Baby Shower, as suggested, or for any party or room decoration.
The Hand Sewn Cushion shown on the cover is another project that would be a fun gift for anyone but would definitely be adorable in a baby's room. The addition of piping lends a sophisticated touch and the applique lends a bit of personality to the pillow.
Overall I would say that Handmade for Baby has a great combination of the whimsical and decorative, balanced with items that are not only beautiful but also useful. There are clothes for babies (hats, pants, booties, and a skirt) as well as wall decorations and bunting, cushions, a blanket and a quilt, toys, a soft book and quite a bit more.
While this book doesn't firmly fall into the quilting category, there is one quilt in it (a darling chevron quilt) as well as other quilter friendly projects such as an Applique Welcome Banner, the aforementioned cushion and storage buckets, and sewn Fabric Blocks. Beyond quilting, there are projects in many other mediums such as clothing construction, knit, crochet, painting, block printing, paper crafts, sewing with felt, and more. With cute projects and clear instructions, I think this is a great book to have in any crafting library.
The end of the book has a few great resources like sections on crochet and knitting basics. Following each chapter is an "inspiration gallery" which shows projects from that chapter with slight tweaks, such as changing the materials used or changing the finished size of a project to take it in a new direction.
Thank you to Interweave/F+W for donating copies of this title. Lucky winners will go home with this book at our February Retreat!
Handmade for Baby: 25 Keepsakes to Create with Love, by Charlotte Rivers and Emily Gregory, is full of fun projects to inspire you to create something for a baby in your life or your next charity project. Many of the projects include techniques or patterns that would work well for a child of any age or even an adult, such as the Hand Painted Storage Buckets or the Decorative Garland that would be great for a Baby Shower, as suggested, or for any party or room decoration.
The Hand Sewn Cushion shown on the cover is another project that would be a fun gift for anyone but would definitely be adorable in a baby's room. The addition of piping lends a sophisticated touch and the applique lends a bit of personality to the pillow.
Overall I would say that Handmade for Baby has a great combination of the whimsical and decorative, balanced with items that are not only beautiful but also useful. There are clothes for babies (hats, pants, booties, and a skirt) as well as wall decorations and bunting, cushions, a blanket and a quilt, toys, a soft book and quite a bit more.
While this book doesn't firmly fall into the quilting category, there is one quilt in it (a darling chevron quilt) as well as other quilter friendly projects such as an Applique Welcome Banner, the aforementioned cushion and storage buckets, and sewn Fabric Blocks. Beyond quilting, there are projects in many other mediums such as clothing construction, knit, crochet, painting, block printing, paper crafts, sewing with felt, and more. With cute projects and clear instructions, I think this is a great book to have in any crafting library.
The end of the book has a few great resources like sections on crochet and knitting basics. Following each chapter is an "inspiration gallery" which shows projects from that chapter with slight tweaks, such as changing the materials used or changing the finished size of a project to take it in a new direction.
Thank you to Interweave/F+W for donating copies of this title. Lucky winners will go home with this book at our February Retreat!
Jessica Darling Color Party Workshop Recap
Our first ever PMQG workshop, held last month, was a smashing success! It was so much fun to sew with fellow PMQG members in a classroom setting! The room above the gym where we hold our meetings at St. Andrew is a perfect size for about 14-16 attendees and worked out well for our needs. It's bright and airy, with a nice little nook with a mini fridge, sink, and room for us to make coffee and tea!
So what did we do at the workshop? Each attendee brought a couple yards of a "party host" fabric (aka, a focus fabric). Then we added in a few various party guests and thought a little about what direction we wanted our quilt to go in. Or some of us may have just started gleefully sewing away! Everyone also brought a gallon sized ziplock bag full of scraps, which were spread out on a communal table. It was very fun to keep examining the scraps on the table and pulling out new pieces that could fit into our quilts!
Thanks to Suzanne for taking pictures! To see more pictures, please check out #pmqgworkshop on Instagram.
Our next workshop is Friday, March 20th and there are still spaces available. Scott Hansen will be teaching his Painted Forest pattern. The workshop is only open to PMQG members until March 1st, and if we have any spaces left at that point it will be open to the public.
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| Improv quilt by teacher Jessica Darling |
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| Michelle M. with some of her blocks, the giant scale stars are so fun! |
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| Meredith's blocks, love the bright colors! |
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| Heather and some of her colorful progress |
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| Mary Ann's Improv blocks |
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| Lara's work, the butterflies are a great Party Host! |
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| Anne M. with her beautiful bird blocks |
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| Suzanne's blocks with AMH party host |
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| Kazumi also went with some beautiful AMH fabric! |
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| Lorraine's work, she made a mini quilt and sewed her first curves! |
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| Blocks from Michelle F...she brought the fun feather blocks with her, she's speedy but not quite that speedy! |
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| Elsa used super cute teacup fabric for her Party Host! |
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| Colleen mixed funky birds in with her warm palette |
Thanks to Suzanne for taking pictures! To see more pictures, please check out #pmqgworkshop on Instagram.
Our next workshop is Friday, March 20th and there are still spaces available. Scott Hansen will be teaching his Painted Forest pattern. The workshop is only open to PMQG members until March 1st, and if we have any spaces left at that point it will be open to the public.
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| Painted Forest by Scott Hansen |