small groups
pmqg members also get together in small groups, which are organized by focus, location, and meeting time or day.
We believe that Small Quilting Groups are important. We also believe that they enhance the quilting experience of those involved. We have several thriving small groups within the Guild and we have room for more groups.
Small groups are open to all PMQG members.
If you are new to the Guild, or have been thinking that now is a good time to join a Small Group, we’d love to help you connect. We have a contact form at the bottom of this page for you to fill out if you want more information. We’d just like to know the best time for you to meet, a bit about your quilting experience, and what you’d enjoy as a member of a group.
Zoom meetings for small groups
If you are in a small group and would like to gather using Zoom the PMQG is here to help. The time slots are first come first serve so please have two choices for meeting times. There can only be one Zoom meeting going on at a time.
Complete the form below, or email us at portlandmodernquiltguild@gmail.com with any questions.
Small Groups to join
Below are a few of our active PMQG Small Groups to give you an idea of what's available.
For more information, and for links to join the Zoom calls, check out the Small Groups section in the Members Only page of the website.
Sunday Sewing Day
Focus: General chat with other PMQG members, best place to get help with a quilting question or guild activities question.
Kawandi & Hand Sewing
Focus: Bring your hand sewing project and chat with other quilters
Queer Quilters
Focus: Open to all LGBTQIA+ members of Portland Modern Quilt Guild. We are focused on providing a safe space for our queer members to meet up and discuss their projects, interests and general bonding.
The Needle Navigators
Focus: an open small group, welcoming members from all backgrounds and skill levels. Our passion lies in collaborating on unique quilt projects, embracing our role as outliers in the quilting world. Together, we are excited to navigate the evolving landscape of modern quilting, sharing our creativity and camaraderie along the way.
Community Activist Charity Sewing
Focus: Social Justice sewing, organizations or causes with an urgent need for charity group sewing efforts.
Art Quilts & Surface Design
Focus: Surface design techniques and art quilts.
Improvisational Quilting
Focus: Lets chat about less than traditional quilting techniques & styles. No patterns here!
Design Study Group
We welcome new members who are interested in studying art and design. Our meetings are structured. Please see a sample agenda posted below. As our meetings start promptly at 5:00, if you will be more than 10 minutes late, please join us the following month. Thank you for understanding.
Structure of Group time. 1.5 hours
a. Welcome 5 mins including community building.
b. Announcements 5-10 mins
c. Presentation topic by group member as scheduled. 15-30 mins (August was Frida Kahlo and iconography.)
d. Discussion about presentation and quilt design. 15 mins
e. Show and tell pieced or quilted items 30 mins (Show and tell is a time for discussion/critique of the work. We may limit the number of pieces shown in order to provide meaningful feedback to the maker.)
f. Next meeting agenda topics 5 min
g. Toodaloo’s”
Interested in joining a small group? Let us know below and we can connect you with the leaders! Interested in starting your own? Let us know below!
Do you have an idea for a small group or would like to start a new one? LET’S GET IT STARTED! Email the board to get some time at the next monthly meeting to talk about your new group and recruit members.
Note, these groups are not monitored or organized by the PMQG executive board, we are only providing a way for members to organize these groups among themselves.
Wondering what a small group even looks like? I am glad you asked! Here are some types of small groups:
Quilting Bee’s: Traditionally quilting bee’s were an opportunity for quilters to get together and socialize around a common project. As our socializing nowadays often revolves around social media, a popular trend among quilters has become a modern quilting bee swap. This is where a group of quilters – usually around 12 – form a group and work together over a period of time to create a quilt for each member of the group. It is a really great way to learn techniques and skills as each person takes a turn at being the “Queen Bee” for a month. During your month you pick what block you want everyone to make, sometimes it is just a color theme or style of quilting. Members usually stay on contact on projects by using a group hashtag on social media. Check out the hashtag #beesewcial on Instagram for inspiration and ideas. Go to the gallery of bee quilts on the MQG for more ideas and info https://community.themodernquiltguild.com/gallery/?category=484
Mod Mood was created in conjunction with Bee Sewcial, an improv, solids-only bee where members are encouraged to push their creative boundaries, try new methods, and be inspired by singular prompts. The bee's prompt for this quilt was a Pinterest board filled with Mid-Century Modern designs, including a MCM color palette.