Hello, Mad Modders…I thought I was posting but am having doubts….has anyone seen a post by me in the last few days?

Quilts visit first grade

Earlier this month, I made a quilt presentation to four first grade classrooms at Mendota Elementary.  It was lots of fun and the kids were delightful.  They have been studying quilting from the art AND math perspective and were most attentive.  Later this winter we hope to do some kind of project where each child can make some type of quilt block….anyone interested in assisting?

This was the quietest school I've ever been in before!

I gave them a taste of what goes into a quilt…including the inspirations and designs.  I had an assortment of quilts to show, including Jennifer Falkowski's wonderful corduroy quilt made of slacks and including the pockets!

MUST do!!!!

I have an entry for Messy Sewing Room…..

Quilt Show Ending Soon

Good Afternoon Modern Quilters and Modern Quilt Appreciators!

Our Winter 2013 Quilt Show is coming to an end December 4th.

Please come to the library at 10am to retrieve your quilt(s).  If you are unable to attend, please make other arrangements for your quilt to be picked up at that time.  Thank you to all who made this a successful show!

View Larger Map

Announcement!

A few things:

It seems everyone has a lot going on right now so the block for the December Block Lotto will be put on hold. You will have until the January meeting to make these lotto blocks. I'm hoping the turn out is spectacular!

The meeting this Thursday, December 12th, will be informal. You are welcome to bring an appetizer or treat but please try to keep them as un-messy as possible. We don't want to wear out our welcome at Stitcher's Crossing :)

Mug rugs will be exchanged at this upcoming meeting! Hope they are coming along!

Andria

December Block Lotto

Hello! For December's block we are going to try some paper foundation piecing!

The color inspiration:

Icy blues and aqua with light grey as the back ground color (a good example is Kona Ash if you've got it). I even added a few dark blue-greens and navy.

The pattern is called Icky Thump by Julie at 627Handworks and you can get that for free RIGHT HERE.

 

A few guidelines

• You will make four of these smaller blocks to equal one block for the lotto
• The background pieces (sections 1 and 6) will be light grey
• Make sections 4 and 5 with your darkest fabric
• Make sections 2 and 3 with your lightest fabric

There is a tutorial on paper piecing this actual block HERE.

This is a spectacular example of these blocks and color scheme put together.

How to play: Make up the block for the month following the pattern and color scheme. Make as many as you want as you will get an entry for every block you make! Bring all your finished blocks to the meeting on December 12th and we will draw a winner. If there are enough blocks to be divided, multiple winners will be drawn. The winner then gets all of those blocks to make a quilt (or similar project)! You can't win again until a completed project is presented. 

Have fun!

MadMod Membership Dues are Due!

Madison Modern Quilt Guild will become an official chapter of The Modern Quilt Guild as of January 1, 2014 and that means we need to start collecting annual dues from our membership.  We will start accepting dues at our meeting this Thursday, November 14.  Please bring either a check made out to Mad Mod Quilt Guild or cash, we will also collect at the December meeting.  If you can't make either meeting you can mail the check to treasurer Gael Boyd.  Contact her at stitchlilly@icloud.com to obtain her mailing address. 

• Annual dues are $25, cash or check
• Guests may attend twice, in order to attend after that they must become a dues paying member
• Your full name and email address are all that is needed for our membership roll
• Visit http://www.themodernquiltguild.com to get more information on the benefits our chapter will enjoy being a part of The Modern Quilt Guild

We hope you will join us in being a charter member of Madison Modern Quilt Guild!

Mug Rug Swap!!!

Hi All!

For our winter challenge we will be partnering up with another guild member and swapping mug rugs! Don't know what a mug rug is? Well take a gander at some of these beauties for inspiration.

Here's how it's going to go:

Write your name on an index or recipe card, followed by your interests, likes, dislikes, etcetera. We all know you like quilting but do you like coffee? Tea? Wine? Let 'em know. Hate the color purple? Adore giraffes? Dr. Who? Put that down, too. Don't care and want to be pleasantly surprised? Mention that on there. We want to get to know you!

BRING THIS CARD TO THE MEETING NOVEMBER 14TH, please. We will exchange our cards and partner up at this time. In the event there is an odd number of participants, we will join up a group of three.

You will have until the December 12th meeting to complete your mug rug.

The specs:

A mug rug should be big enough to fit a cup and a cookie. A pint and a pastry. A mug and a muffin. I think this should be roughly 7x7 or 8x6. It doesn't have to be square or rectangular, though- get creative with your shape if you want. This is an excellent opportunity to try out a foundation pieced block, hand quilting, or applique- all those techniques that are less daunting on a smaller scale. Binding isn't a rule but the edges must be finished.

This is an optional swap, so please only participate if your heart is in it.

Have fun sewing and getting to know your fellow guild members!

Reminder: Winter Quilt Show

Don't forget to bring your quilt to hang in our winter quilt show!  Don't be shy, we need your quilt to have  a successful show.

We are meeting at the Sequoya Library this Saturday at 10am for installation.  

Sequoya Branch

4340 Tokay Blvd

Madison, WI 53711

608-266-6385

Read more about the event HERE

I can't wait to see the quilts you bring!

--Wendy

October Volunteer Update

The November meeting is just around the corner.....
If you haven't finished Community Service blocks, don't despair.  December is ALSO just around the corner!

The September blocks are:
* 15" square(s) of black and white check (distributed at the meeting) with inset or appliquéd circles of any color
* 15" block(s) with a paper pieced house of any design on a blue background

The October blocks are:
* 8" x 31"rectangle(s)' of white and a solid pieced stripes.
* block(s) of any size and design made from the ugly fabrics passed around at the October meeting (the smaller the pieces, the less ugly the fabrics become)

A few notes regarding our blocks...
Many organizations have strict rules/guidelines for the quilts...
*quilt shop quality fabric which is soft if rubbed on the face
*cotton only
*new fabric....absolutely never used previously for any purpose
*not exposed to smoking or pet hair

  Please keep these notes in mind when making blocks to donate; we don't want our quilts to end up in a dumpster or used on a garage floor for oil changes.  We want to be proud of our quilts with our MadMod quilt label on the back!

Linda

News from our Volunteer Committee!

Community Service comes to MadMod!

Every month new projects will begin....think of it as a merry-go-round of blocks....jump on board when you can!  Not every project will interest you but sooner or later one will.  Do a block,  return it when you can....

The inaugural month was September.....15" squares of black and white buffalo checks were available for the addition of circles...method of choice...applique, inset....etc.

The second option was to make a 15" block with a paper pieced house (pattern of your choice) with blue background.

For the October meeting, please bring close to a yard of your ugliest quilting fabric....from this will grow one of October's projects.

As the blocks return, they will be assembled and quilted for distribution to a number of charities.  Please submit names of worthy organizations if you have any.  If anyone is interested in assisting with assembly etc., there will certainly be opportunities.

MadMod CommServe is just getting off the ground...or jumping on the merry-go-round or what ever you might call it....love to have you on board, too!

--Linda

October Block Lotto!

Hi All! Sorry for the lateness of this post. Some of you suggested a paper piecing block for this month's lotto. I searched. I tried. I failed.

I couldn't locate a block that fit these criteria: Free, easy enough for beginners, goes with the theme I was looking for, and interesting enough to make me want to complete a few. I tried to make up my own paper piecing pattern but I'm not very proficient at it and the sewing felt awkward. So I started over and found a regular pieced block instead. I will prevail in finding a paper piecing pattern for a future lotto, though!

This month's block is called Shattered Chevrons.

The palette is called Feathered Autumn and is shades of almond, dusty blue-green, chocolate brown, inky blue-black, and a deep golden wheat.

The pattern tutorial can be found here.

How to play: Make up the block for the month following the pattern and color scheme. Make as many as you want as you will get an entry for every block you make! Bring all your finished blocks to the meeting on October 30th and we will draw a winner. If there are enough blocks to be divided, multiple winners will be drawn. The winner then gets all of those blocks to make a quilt (or similar project)! You can't win again until a completed project is presented. Have fun!

Since our meetings will be shifting towards the earlier half of the month, I will have November's block up soon to allow for more time to complete you blocks!

November Meeting Space & New Treasurer

Good Afternoon MMQG!

As you know, our November meeting will be held at Stitcher's Crossing.  A few members expressed concern that the meeting space might not be large enough.  

I have calculated the average number of attendees over the past year.  (Yes, we keep track!) The average number of attendees is 20.  (The range of attendees over the past year has been between 10 and 28.) 

I brought your concern to Sharon at Stitchers Crossing and she stated she has 35 chairs available for us to use and would have room for 10 more if you brought your own chair. 45 attendees is a 60% increase over our largest gathering to date.  I am confident this space will suit us well for a long time.  If if appears to be too small as we grow membership we will look into a larger space.  In the meantime:

It is very important that you RSVP on Facebook (preferable) or email madmodquiltguild@gmail.com so we can anticipate the amount of space we require each month.


Important Dates

October 30th Monthly Meeting 6:30pm
Sequoia Library 
4340 Tokay Blvd
Madison, WI 53711
608-266-6385

November 9th Quilt Show Installation 10am 
Sequoia Library 
4340 Tokay Blvd
Madison, WI 53711
608-266-6385

November 14th Monthly Meeting Thursday 6:30pm ($25 Annual Dues collected)
Stitchers Crossing6122 Mineral Point Rd  
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 232-1500

December 6th Quilt Show Reception 6pm Set up, 7pm Start
Sequoia Library 
4340 Tokay Blvd
Madison, WI 53711
608-266-6385

All future monthly meetings will take place the second Thursday of each month at Stitchers Crossing.

Also, please welcome Gael Boyd as our new Madison Modern Quilt Guild Treasurer!  

October Sew Day

Hello! Now that everyone is starting to settle into an autumn routine, we thought we would get sew days rolling again.  October's sew day will be held at Bungalow Quilting and Yarn in Ripon. The event will be held on Sunday, October 20th from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Judy has room for 10 sewists so please sign up for the event here. This is a free event.

Judy is graciously providing us with irons and ironing boards as well as lunch! She will be making barbecue, salad, and chips. And, if just the opportunity to sew in her wonderful shop with lunch provided isn't enough, Judy is also giving participants in the sew day 20% off their purchases for the day!

So please register for your spot for October's sew day as soon as possible! if you sign up and your plans change, please send an email to us (address is over there on the right) so we can open up your spot.

Thanks and hope to see you there!

Big Things Happening in September!

Big happenings at the September meeting!  Are you ready?  Here's the scoop!

Business:
Vote on amended By-Laws.  
Please read our updated By-Laws and email any comments or corrections to madmodquiltguild@gmail.com.  Be ready to discuss them and vote to adopt them at the meeting.

• Added Requirements needed in order to prepare for joining the national Modern Quilt Guild such as...
• The Requirements to be exempt as an Organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

• Updated fiscal calendar to coincide with the national Modern Quilt Guild.

• Updated officer responsibilities and other general items to better reflect our vision.

Special Election For Treasurer

As discussed in the August meeting we are in need of a Treasurer for the 2014 fiscal year.  The officers have decided to hold a special election immediately so all things Treasurer related are created in the 2014 Treasurers name.  Cindy Anderson, our current Treasurer will remain an active officer through the end of the year to assist in this transition.  Thank you Cindy!!  

We have one Nominee for Treasurer - Gael Boyd.  Gael Boyd is currently actively involved with the Madison Knitters' Guild as a board member and is a member of Madison Contemporary Fiber Artists. Most relevant to us, Gael founded a quilt guild in New Hampshire in 2004, applied for the 501c3 status and was the initial treasurer for the group! Awesome!

With these two puzzle pieces in place, we are finally ready to commit to joining the Modern Quilt Guild in January! (We can finally stop talking about it and do it!) To do so, we will be handing out membership forms and collecting $25 annual dues to be paid November 2013.

By joining the (national) Modern Quilt Guild we will enjoy...

• Access to their online community
• Opportunities to participate in inter-guild swaps and challenges
• Discounted fees to enter MQG quilt shows
• Discounted rates on conferences and events
• Priority and early-bird registration on conference and event admissions
• Discounts and special offers with MQG sponsors and affiliated companies
• Membership Card
• Pin
• Blog Button
• 10% discount on online MQG merchandise purchases and more!
• 5013(c) Status
• Continuing to call ourselves "The Madison Modern Quilt Guild"
• Promotion of our guild on the Modern Quild Guilds Website

2014 New Meeting Location - Once we're officially a membership orientated group we can no longer utilize free library meeting rooms.  Stitchers Crossing has graciously offered their space, once monthly on Thursdays!!  How much would you love to meet while being surrounded with beautiful modern fabrics and notions?  We will work towards finalizing our 2014 meeting space and dates by the September meeting

Fun Stuff  We will be looking for volunteers for our 2013 November/December Quilt Show.  
Also, in addition to our regular show and tell we have...

• September Block Lotto 

• Take it With You Challenge

Looking forward to seeing you at the next meeting Wednesday, September 25, 2013 6:30pm until 8:45pm at the Sequoya Library.

Winter Quilt Show 2013

Hello Modern Quilters!

The Sequoya Library (Our meeting home!) had a last minute cancelation and asked us if we'd like to show our quilts this November and December!  Ofcourse we will!

What you need to know....

• Anyone that has been attending meetings may show a quilt provided there is space for it.  
• A Modern Holiday theme is encouraged but not required.  Show your best interpretation of what a modern quilt means to you! 
• Any size quilt is welcome.  
• Its impossible to predict how many quilts or what size we will be able to hang.  We'll hang as many quilts as we can possibly fit in the space.  
• Information on how to prepare your quilt for hanging can be found HERE and HERE

Installation - Saturday November 9th at 10am 

• We have meeting room A/B available to us for staging and gabbing.  (We were a little loud last time!)  
• If you'd like to participate in this show please drop off your quilt at 10am.
• We will pin a number to each quilt and create an inventory.  
• The inventory list will be left at the front desk with information about the quilt, quilter and contact information.  If your quilt is for sale you're welcome to provide pricing also.  This will be the only visible identification on the quilt to keep a cohesive look.
• We (Mad Mod Quilt Guild/Volunteers) are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged quilts.  
• The exhibit is not insured by the Mad Mod Quilt Guild, Library, or volunteers.

Volunteers hanging our first quilt show in May 2013

Friday December 6th - Reception for your family, friends and the general public 

• Set up 6pm
• Reception begins at 7pm
• We will need volunteers to provide non-alcoholic drinks, finger foods, plates, silverware, napkins, cups and ice.

Take down date and time is to be determined.

We need your help:

• PICTURES! We need a few digital images of quilts that will be in the show so the library can promote us.  The Library will choose what photos it uses. 
• Email madmodquiltguild@gmail.com high quality, well lit photos by Sunday September 15th.
• Volunteers!  We will be signing up volunteers at our September 25th Meeting.
• Quilts!  We Want YOURS!
• Installation & Take Down (6 ladder happy volunteers needed)
• Reception 

If you have questions, please them in the comments.

Thank you in advance to everyone for making this show possible.  I am so excited to see your quilts!!  Lets show Madison what modern quilting is really about!  -Wendy

September Block Lotto!

Hello everyone! Great work on last month's blocks. Congratulations to Dayna for winning those beauties! Can't wait to see your finished quilt.

Because our meetings take place at the end of the month, I would like the theme for the lotto to be relevant for the next month. So this month's blocks have a Halloween vibe to them.

This is the color palette. Greys, blacks, oranges, and golds. Spooky.

Fabric inspiration:

The block, Webs and Orbs, two variations:

They look like moons and spiderwebs!

This block is a hexagonal log cabin and there are a few different ways to construct it. The top block I did in a traditional log cabin style. I cut a hexagon that was about 2.5" from flat side to flat side then started sewing strips to the sides, overlapping the previous strips. A tutorial for a neat hexagon log cabin can be found here, however, I didn't cut my strips to any specific width and made it wonkier by trimming the strips so there were no parallel lines.

The second block I made from this tutorial. This was the original inspiration for this month's block. I preferred the second method, as the first had a tendency to get away from me and got a little lopsided but do which ever you find easiest!

Some guidelines for these blocks:

• Keep the center block a lighter color. Think 'moon'.
• Use your darkest fabric for the outer most ring/ edges.
• The block should be trimmed to 9.5"

How to play: Make up the block for the month following the pattern and color scheme. Make as many as you want as you will get an entry for every block you make! Bring all your finished blocks to the meeting on September 25th and we will draw a winner. If there are enough blocks to be divided, multiple winners will be drawn. The winner then gets all of those blocks to make a quilt (or similar project)! You can't win again until a completed project is presented. Have fun!

August Block Lotto

Hello all! Ready this month's block lotto?! The color palette is a mix of warm and cool jewel tones.

Here are some fabrics I pulled for some inspiration:

The block design is the Pineapple Blossom block from Quiltville. There is a full tutorial on that page and I will also give you a quick rundown of the instructions here.

What you need:

• 5 - 3.5" squares cut from white fabric. 
• 2-  2 x 3.5" rectangles that match the selected color palette
• 4 - 2 x 6.5" rectangles that match the selected color palette
• 2 - 2 x 9.5" rectangles that match the selected color palette

Scraps are clearly a great resource for this block!

Block finishes to 9.5"

Sew the 2x3.5" strips to either sides of one of the white squares. Press seams towards the side fabrics.

Sew two of the 2x6.5" strips to the other sides of the square. Press in the same manner.

With a pencil or marking pen, lightly draw a diagonal line through the centers of the remaining four white blocks. Place one of these squares into the corner of the block and sew directly on the line drawn from corner to corner, as shown below. This will just barely touch the center square. Repeat in the opposite corner. Trim off corners to a 1/4" seam and press. This time I pressed with the fabric towards the corner triangle

Sew two more 6.5" strips to either side of the block and press.

Sew the 9.5" strips to the top and bottom of the block and press.

Sew the remaining two white squares to the corners using the same method above. Press and trim as before.

Marvel at your finished block. Repeat.

Look at their magnificence in a group!

How to play: Make up the block for the month following the pattern and color scheme. Make as many as you want! Bring all your finished blocks to the meeting on August 28th. We will put all of the blocks in a big pile and draw out a winner. If there are enough blocks to be divided, multiple winners will be drawn. Then the winner gets all of those blocks to make a quilt (or similar project)! You can't win again until a completed project is presented. Have fun!

July Block Lotto

Here is the color palette, a cool take on patriotic for the month of July:

This is the block: Starburst Sparklers!

Instructions for the block can be found in this tutorial. This block should finish up at 10 inches. I think it is a good starting place for those of you who haven't done improv work but still fun for those who are pros at it! 

How to play: Make up the block for the month following the pattern and color scheme. Make as many as your little heart desires! Bring all your finished blocks to the meeting on July 31st. We will put all of the blocks in a big pile and draw out a winner. If there are enough blocks to be divided, multiple winners will be drawn. Then the winner gets all of those blocks to make a quilt (or similar project)! You can't win again until a completed project is presented. Have fun!

Quilt Show Take Down

Good Evening Everyone!
Thank you for another fun meeting today!  For those of you who could not attend tonight and have a quilt hanging at our library show, please meet us this Saturday for take down at 11am.  

If you are unable to attend, please make arrangements with another mmqg member to take ownership of your quilt.

Any questions, please post them on the Mad Mod Quilt Guild Facebook Page or email madmodquiltguild@gmail.com.

Thank you to everyone who participated.  We had a lot of positive feedback from the library and patrons!

Reminder

How are your name tags coming along? You still have two and a half days to get yours finished. If you can't make it to the meeting but have one made, you still have a chance to win a prize! Just leave a comment in this post, post a picture to our flickr page, leave a post on our facebook, or send an email to our address over there on the right of the page. I will do a final check of each by 6:00pm on Wednesday evening, just before the meeting, and enter your name in the drawing.

And how about those June Block Lotto blocks? How many have you made? The more you make, the better your chances of winning are!

See you all Wednesday!

You Can Take It With You!

Ah! Summer time and the living is easy! The days are longer, the nights are hotter and you've things to do and places to be. We know here in Wisconsin there are only a few short months of warm weather to enjoy and we don't want to be chained indoors to our sewing machine while everyone else is out basking in summer's glow.

With all this summer lovin' going on we have got a challenge for you. Find yourself some hand work, any hand work, and take it with you! This can be hand quilting, English paper piecing, embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, applique, binding all those quilts, or working on your knotted friendship bracelet collection. If it's something you can do by hand while lounging poolside or singing around a campfire, you are golden!

Easy, right? To start you off and get you addicted we will be handing out English paper piecing sample kits at the June 26th meeting. I will also be giving you a quick demo on how to whip those babies up. There is also more inspiration over on this pinterest board. We will be showing off all our projects at the September 25th meeting (pssst... they don't have to be finished!) so pour yourself a nice glass of lemonade and get to stitching!

* Andria *

June Block Lotto!

Here is the skinny on June's Block Lotto!

Let's start with the block. Here are the instructions. It's a little bit more on the traditional side but still a fun block! It finishes up at 9 1/2".

And the color palette:

A refreshing mix of mint, tangerine, and lemon. Just look at that! Doesn't that get you in the mood for summer?

These are just a few fabrics I pulled from my stash for some inspiration:

How to play: Make up the block for the month following the pattern and color scheme. Make as many as your little heart desires! Leave the block untrimmed (as per request of some of the guild members). Bring all your finished blocks to the meeting on June 26th with your name pinned to each one. We will put all of the blocks in a big ol' pile and draw out a winner. If there are enough blocks to be divided, multiple winners will be drawn. Then the winner gets all of those blocks to make a quilt (or similar project)! You can't win again until a completed project is presented. Awesome! 

Put a Name on It!

Hey Mad Mod Quilters!

A little challenge for the June meeting: Make yourself a fabulous name tag!

Rules

• The name tag must be sewn by you. 
• The technique and materials used are up to your discretion. 
• Your name must be clearly visible and easy to read. 
• You are welcome to include your business name and/or website if aplicable. 
• There is no size or shape constraint but the name tag must be wearable. 

The finished name tags are due for the June 26th meeting. All those who have made a name tag by this time will be entered into a drawing for a wonderful prize!

Need some inspiration? Here is a Pinterest board with some fun ideas. And for some extra flair, here is a tutorial for a scrappy lanyard. Now get to crafting and see you then!

Our First Quilt Show On Display Now!

Installing our First Quilt Exhibit Spring 2013

The Madison Modern Quilt Guild is holding our First Quilt Exhibition featuring incredible work by local artists.

These quilts will be on display May 1st - June 30th, 2013 at the Alicia Ashman Library.
The mission of the Madison Modern Quilt Guild is to create a positive community of modern quilters interested in sharing knowledge of modern quilting techniques, patterns, modern fabrics, and quilt making.  Fellowship is encouraged through regular meetings, social gatherings, workshops, lectures, field-trips, community outreach and education, and other selected activities that encourages modern quilt-making and promotes an appreciation of this specific craft.

We hope you enjoy the show!

Longarm Instruction Class

Hi All!

This Sunday, April 21st, Jen from The Electric Needle will be holding a longarm quilting demonstration for us! You will have a chance to try both the computerized and manual driven methods yourself. The class is being held from 1:00 to 3:00 pm and is $20. Thread and practice fabric is included with this. Space is limited to 12 so please sign up using the link below.

Longarm Quilting Class

The class fee will be paid to Jen the day of the event. You will be sent a ticket after registering for a seat but there is no need to print this. I will keep a list of attendees.

If you are unable to attend this event, please let me know! If there is enough interest, another class may be held.

Have a good week!

~ Andria

Quilt Show Update - How to Hang Your Quilt

Good Evening, 

Reminder!  Our first quilt show is coming up!  More information on that HERE.

Please bring your quilt to our April meeting so our volunteers can collect them to install at our quilt show!!

Monthly Meeting

Wednesday April 24th 
Sequoya Library 
6:30pm-8:45pm
Meeting Room A
4340 Tokay Blvd - Madison, WI

Quilt show May/June 2013

Alicia Ashman Library 733 N High Point Rd, Madison, WI 
Set up April 30th 6:00pm - Take down June 29th time TBD

Here are photos illustrating how one MMQG member prepared her quilts to be hung at the Alicia Ashman Library...

Two examples of ways you can prepare your quilt for hanging on Art display hooks.  

This is very similar to the display system at Ashman Library

Example of Art hung on a display system similar to Ashman Library

I hope this helps you to prepare your quilt for the big show!  I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.  - Wendy