Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tuesday's Tips and Tricks: First Edition

Welcome to the first edition of Tuesday's Tips and Tricks!  You asked and we listened....Here you will find tips, techniques, tricks and products related to quilting that have been vetted by our members.  Occasionally a question will be asked by a member seeking help with a particular quilting issue.  All of us have knowledge, skills and experience that we can share with others;  each of us can benefit and learn from the talents of our fellow guild members.  Let's get started!


Jackie offers these tips regarding needles:
  • When threading a needle for hand stitching, insert the needle into a square of folded fabric.  Hold the fabric rather than the needle when threading.
  • When switching sewing machine needles, leave a strand of thread in needle after removing to remind you this is a used needle.
Cara shares this trick for those of us who can never cut the fabric large enough when paper piecing:
  • First photocopy an extra copy of the pattern and cut out the pieces.  Then as you get to each piece, lay the paper pattern piece on your fabric and cut around always leaving at least 1/4" and preferably a good bit more.  You don't need to cut in the exact shape (although this helps for knowing which way it goes), just loosely around it, making sure you have plenty of fabric to cover the area.  Now you have a piece that is sure to cover the needed area.
Debra asked for suggestions on how to quilt like a longarmer on her home sewing machine.  Does anyone have any tips or tricks for her?  If so, please leave them in the comment section.

I found a few on Pinterest that may be of use.  Check out these links:  
I am sure there are many other links to tutorials, videos, blog posts and other resources for helpful suggestions on free motion quilting.  Please share any that you find helpful!

Have a tip or trick you want to share with members?  Are you searching for tips or techniques for a particular project?  Please email Rene' (address in member directory) with any questions, comments or suggestions for inclusion in the Tuesday's Tips and Tricks column.   

Happy stitching!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

OMQG MEETING MINUTES

OMQG
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 6, 2013
10 AM - 12 NOON
THE SEWING STUDIO, MAITLAND, FLORIDA

29 members and guests were in attendance

I. SIGN IN AND MEET AND GREET

II. SIGN UP FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP YEAR

Dues are due March of each year in the amount of $50.00

III. THANK YOU TO THE OUTGOING VICE PRESIDENT
A gift was presented to Linda, the outgoing Vice Present for your service to the Guild




IV. ANNOUNCEMENT AND APPROVAL OF OFFICERS EFFECTIVE MARCH 2013
Alejandrina was announced as the new Vice President of the Guild. This means that the Program Coordinator is opening up and Alejandrina will be happy to assist the new appointee in getting started in the position. Anyone who has questions about this important role can contact Beth or Alejandrina for more information.



The officers remaining in their current positions, Beth as President, Rene has founding officer, Michele as Treasurer and Kathryn as Secretary were reintroduced to the guild members.

V. BUDGET UPDATE
Michele gave an update as the the guilds' current bank balance and upcoming expenses.

A new member asked how much of the dues stay within the Guild. At the current time 100% of the funds stay in the guild. However, that may change. Kathryn gave a brief update that there are upcoming changes being announced by Modern Quilt Guild. Rene, Michele and Kathryn were each scheduled to attend webinars about the changes. Then the Board will need to consider the impact and bring the information back to a future Guild meeting.

VI. MEMBER SURVEY
Kathryn announced that the guild would be launching an online survey in March for guild members to give input on how the guild can change and grow to meet the needs of members. Suggestions were given on a number of questions to be included related to what members could teach and what people wanted to learn.

Another suggestion made during the discussion was to provide a feature on a Tips and Tricks section on the blog. The feature will be written by Rene based on suggestion sent to her by members. So please send her any tips, tutorials, product ideas you would like to share with other members.

VII. REPORT FROM JODI, CHARITY COORDINATOR
The Guild received a nice thank you note from Habitat for our donations.

Jodi also announced our last chance to make AAQI quilts. Any members who would like to participate  should bring their completed quilts to the April Meeting. If you would like to participate this is where you can get specifics such as size and finishes. You will see information about registering your quilt through "Quilt Goddesses." Don't worry about that part, just bring your quilt to the meeting. We have a few resident "goddesses" who can assist you with the registration part.

VIII. I WISH I HAD MADE THAT
Jodi introduced a new feature for the meetings called, I Wish I Had Made That. Attendees vote for one person who showed something she made (including challenges and Show and Tell items) about which you would say "I Wish I Had Made That." The person with the most votes wins a door prize. It is a nice way to acknowledge member creativity and to help learn everyone's names.

IX. MARCH BOM
The March blocks were won by Jodi.





X. APRIL BOM
Michele showed a sample of the April BOM which is to be done in white and a bright. Information is provided online.




XI. RAFFLE BASKET
The Basket was provided by Pat and won by Alejandrina.




XII. REPORT FROM ALEJANDRINA
Retreat-Alejandrina has been researching a number of possibilities for a Retreat. She provided attendees information about one possibility, answered some questions, and got some general feedback that September might be an ideal time. She will continue to gather information.

Alejandrina reminded everyone that Jacquie Gering class is scheduled for August 6.

XIII. MADRONA ROAD CHALLENGE


































XV. QUILTCON
Alejandrina, Beth, Rene, Michele and Kathryn each talked about the QuiltCon experience including some of the lectures, classes and events they attended.










XVI. SHOW AND TELL
I am renaming this SEW and Tell from now on.

























XVII. PRIZE FOR WHAT I WISH I HAD MADE
The person acknowledged for What I Wish I Made is Yanick!

XVIII. LUNCH AFTER THE MEETING AT SO NAPA

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

April 2013 Block of the Month


The April Block of the Month is the traditional Shoo Fly block. You can find a detailed tutorial linked here. The tutorial also shows a finished quilt top which can be used for color inspiration. Basically, brights with white. Make as many as you want. You get an entry for each block you make, and you might just win them all.

The Shoo Fly block is thought to be named after the Nicandra plant which is part of the Nightshade family. The juices of the plant were used as a natural fly deterrent, which is how the plant got its shoo-fly name. This popular quilt block can be traced back to the mid-1800s and there is also a pie with the same name.

Shoo Fly Pie

1 c. flour
2/3 c. brown sugar
½ tsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. shortening
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 c. hot water
1 c. molasses
1 egg, beaten
1 9" unbaked pie shell

Combine flour, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cut shortening into flour mixture. Mix until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup crumbs. Dissolve baking soda in hot (but not boiling) water. In a bowl, combine crumbs, molasses, egg, and baking soda water and beat well . Pour into unbaked pie shell. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until filling is set and crumbs are browned.


Happy stitching!


Monday, March 4, 2013

Guild Position Descriptions



ORLANDO MODERN QUILT GUILD
DESCRIPTIONS OF OFFICER POSITIONS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS
REVISED 2/28/13

PRESIDENT
  • Arranges for, schedules and facilitates general meetings, sew days and board meetings.
  • Assists, coordinates and approves the planning of monthly meetings and sew days.
  • Prepares and posts the Agenda for monthly guild meetings and board meetings.
  • Maintains (or delegates maintenance of) all social media such as the guild’s blog, Flickr, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
  • Attends monthly guild meetings, sew days, board meetings, and guild programs.
  • Actively participates in leadership and decisions about topics such as annual planning, programs, events, challenges, budgeting and membership.
  • Takes suggestions from all members under advisement, and works with individuals as needed.
The President’s primary functions are overseeing the smooth running of the entire guild and making sure The Guild’s mission and purpose are being followed.  The President must feel comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people.  Organization is necessary and follow through is a must.

VICE PRESIDENT
  • Perform the duties of the President if needed, including running the monthly meeting.
  • Plans and prepares recommendations for Board approval for regular meeting programs and demos. Actively recruits member and guest speakers for meeting demos and presentations on topics of interest especially as they relate to modern quilting style and techniques.
  • Assists in maintaining The Guild’s social media accounts.
  • Attends monthly guild meetings, sew days, board meetings, and guild programs.
  • Along with the other officers, actively participates in leadership and decisions about topics such as annual planning, programs, events, challenges, budgeting and membership.

SECRETARY
  • Takes notes and photos at monthly meetings.
  • Posts monthly minutes to The Guild’s blog including announcements, guild business, presentations, show and tell, etc.
  • Assists in maintaining The Guild’s social media accounts.
  • Attends monthly guild meetings, sew days, board meetings, and guild programs.
  • Along with the other officers, actively participates in leadership and decisions about topics such as annual planning, programs, events, challenges, budgeting and membership.
  • Corresponds as necessary with organizations who have dealings with The Guild.
  • Maintains documentation of sign-in sheets, Agendas, minutes, etc.

TREASURER
  • Maintains The Guild’s bank account including preparing reports for monthly meetings and board meetings.
  • Prepares budget for The Board’s approval.
  • Pays any bills that may incur including reimbursements to members.
  • Handles membership dues collection throughout the year.
  • Maintains membership records including new membership forms, spreadsheet/database of updated members, and membership directory.
  • Provides brief summary of financial and membership information monthly.
  • Assists in maintaining The Guild’s social media accounts.
  • Attends monthly guild meetings, sew days, board meetings, and guild programs.
  • Along with the other officers, actively participates in leadership and decisions about topics such as annual planning, programs, events, challenges, budgeting and membership.
  • Files all required official paperwork and tax returns in a timely manner.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR
  • Actively recruits member or guest speakers and teachers for special Guild programs and workshops with a focus on modern quilting.
  • Communicates program and event information for members through email, blog posts, Facebook, and/or other social media formats.
  • Communicates regularly with The Board on upcoming speakers and status of planned speakers.
  • Attends meetings of The Board as needed to make proposals to The Board on programs and events.  Actively works on future months’ programs, events, projects, challenges, Block of the Month.  Coordinates giveaways, challenges or events based on the programs presented.
  • Attends monthly guild meetings.
  • Supports the planning, implementation, maintenance, and documentation of The Guild’s public programs and educational initiatives.

CHARITY PROGRAM COORDINATOR
  • Coordinates annual charity project(s) and promotes philanthropy for The Guild.
  • Provides encouragement and instruction to members to fulfill charity projects.
  • Attends meetings of The Board as needed to bring to The Board proposals for charity projects.
  • Utilizes appropriate social media resources to keep members aware of charity projects.
  • Reports regularly to The Board regarding current and proposed charity projects.

BLOCK OF THE MONTH COMMITTEE
  • Coordinates with members in choosing a modern block to make for The Guild’s monthly block lotto.
  • Posts instructions and any helpful links on The Guild’s blog for making the monthly blocks.
  • Shows a sample block at the prior month’s meeting.

FOUNDING OFFICERS
  • Actively participates in leadership and decisions about topics such as annual planning, programs, events, challenges, budgeting and membership.
  • Assists the Guild Officers and Committee Chairs with meetings, projects and events as needed.
  • Assists with guild communications such as maintenance of all social media such as the guild’s blog, Flickr, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter accounts.
  • Attends monthly guild meetings, sew days, board meetings, and guild programs.