Blocks of the Month for August, September and October!

It was great seeing everyone at the July meeting!  The guild members have decided to choose the "block of the month" a few months in advance, to give everyone plenty of opportunity to sew their blocks!

As a reminder, the block of the month is optional but a great way to try new ideas, challenge yourself and have a chance to win ALL of the blocks for that month!  If you make more than one block in a month, you have an extra opportunity to win all of the blocks!

August:
  1. Please make a 12.5 inch square block in any pattern that you like, as long as you incorporate "text" fabric into it.  
    • The "text" fabric can be used in the background, foreground, etc.  It can be any color or style that you like.
    • Click HERE for great inspiration photos from Pinterest.
  2. Please also work on creating a nametag for our meetings!  It can be any size or style you like.
    • Click HERE for great inspiration photos from Pinterest.  
  3. Please bring in fabric in your stash that you think might be "modern."  If you are not sure whether the fabric is modern, that is even better!  We will discuss modern fabrics at this meeting (we will not be swapping these fabrics).
Photo of "text" fabrics thanks to THIS site.











September:
  1. Please make a 12.5 inch square block in the "Roman Stripe" pattern, as shown below.  You can use any colors you like. 



October:
  1. Please make a 12.5 inch square block that has a house on it.  It can be any style (applique, paper pieced, wonky, etc) you like, in any colors you like!  Please use white for the background, to keep things uniform.  
    • You can see great inspiration photos and links to free tutorials HERE.
Photo and tutorial available HERE.



A Quilting Evolution

I went to the Cornell Museum today to see the exhibit A Quilting Evolution. Nearly 100 quilts skillfully and artfully made by members of the Gold Coast Quilting Guild.
Here are photos of some of the modern quilts to inspire you.
Photos don't do them justice. Go see the quilts while they are on exhibit. Details about the museum and exhibit are on our Quilt Exhibits page.















August 17, 2013 Meeting

We will be talking about modern quilting fabric and how to tell if a fabric will be good to use in a modern quilt.
Bring some fabric that you're not sure about.

Make a 12 1/2" block that has some text in it. Use any pattern, or no pattern, but challenge yourself to make it modern. We have a new page with links to modern quilt tutorials. Try one!
All blocks will be entered into a drawing and one winner will get them all.

The meeting is at Stitchcraft in Boca Raton
August 17, 2014 10 AM

Inspiration Pages - New!

Check out the new pages on the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild Blog: Modern Quilt and Fabric Designers - with links to their blogs so you can be inspired! Modern Quilt Tutorials - instructions for modern blocks and quilts. Try something new and modern, and bring it to the next South Florida Modern Quilt Guild meeting. Quilt Exhibits. Quilt Retreats and Travel. Quilt Entries - contests or exhibits that you can enter your quilt into. Resources - this is our page that points to links, videos, and more. Watch the great videos from Quiltcon. We reformatted the blog with the "Mosaic" template... it seems modern... What do you think?

Modern Quilt and Fabric Designers

Alissa Haight CarltonHandmade by Alissa
Amy ButlerAmy Butler Design
AndyA Bright Corner
Angela WaltersQuilting is My Therapy
Anna Maria HornerAnna Maria
Beck and LundyMod Kid Boutique
Brigitte HeitlandZen Chic
Charlotte NewlandDisplacement Activity: Crafting as Therapy
Cheryl ArkisonNaptime Quilter
Cynthia FrenetteCynthia F
David ButlerParson Gray
Debbie GrifkaEsch House Quilts
Denyse SchmidtDenise Schmidt Quilts
Elizabeth HartmanOh, Fransson!
Emily HerrickCrazy Old Ladies Quilts
Heather GrantModern Day Quilts
Heather JonesOlive and Ollie
Jacquie GeringTall Grass Prairie Studio
Jay McCarrollJay McCarroll
Josee CarrierThe Charming Needle
Kim KightTrue Up
Latifah SaafirThe Quilt Engineer
Laura GunnLaura Gunn
LeeFreshly Pieced
Lizzy HouseLizzy House
Malka DubrawskyA Stitch in Dye
Mark HordyszynskiThe Mad Hatter of Maui
MeganCanoe Ridge Creations
Melanie FalickMelanie Falick Books
Patty SlonigerBeck & Lundy
Penny LaymanSew Take a Hike
Rachel HobsonAverage Jane Crafter
Rashida Coleman HaleI heart linen
Saffron CraigSaffron Craig
Sandi HendersonPortabellopixie
Sarah JaneImagining Childhood
Sherri Lynn WoodDainty Time
Susan BealWest Coast Crafty
Susan ClevelandPieces Be With You
Thomas KnauerThomas Knauer Sews
Tula PinkTula Pink
Val Pillow and Anne MaxfieldPillow & Maxfield
Valori WellsValori Wells Designs
Violet CraftI am Craft
Weeks Ringle and Bill KerrModern Quilt Studio

How to Post

Members of the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild are encouraged to use this Blog as often as possible!  It is a great tool for communicating with other members, sharing your quilting projects and contributing new ideas.  Members who have personal blogs are also welcome to have their blogs added to the "blogroll."

How to Post on the Blog or add Yourself to the Blogroll:

--Email southfloridamod (at) gmail (dot) com with your name and email address.  You will receive an invitation to become a blog contributor.
--For blogs, please email your blog name to southfloridamod (at) gmail (dot) com, and it will be added to the official blogroll.
 
What to post on the Blog:

--Finished quilting projects or works in progress.
--Photos of your challenge blocks for the Guild.
--News about quilt events in the area.
--Information about quilting competitions or opportunities from other blogs or guilds.
--News about yourself, as it relates to quilting.
--Great quilting-related books or ideas that you would like to share.
--Inappropriate posts will be removed, at the discretion of the Blog administrator.

April Meeting Recap!

Happy Summer!   Here is a review of the April meeting (a bit delayed...sorry about that) and some information for the upcoming months.

1.  The blocks for the charity quilt (made with the QuiltCon colors) were completed and turned into a beautiful quilt!  The quilt was donated to Project Linus, and a lucky girl or boy will certainly treasure such a special quilt.  Thanks to everyone who participated.
2.  We are continuing with the two Round Robin quilts, and they look great!  They will be wonderful finished quilts that will go to Project Linus for children in need.  If you are interested in adding a row or side to the quilts, just speak up at the next meeting.














3.  The Virtual Quilting Bee is in full swing, and these beautiful blocks were created for April!


 For May, Charlotte requested the blocks below.  You can find the tutorial HERE! 


















For June, Johanna requested a "put a bird on it" theme!  She made a Pinterest inspiration board for her block, which you can see HERE.  For those who don't understand the "put a bird on it" reference, it comes from a satirical sketch show called Portlandia.  You can see the original clip HERE.

























4.  We showed off our beautiful completed Madrona Road challenge quilts!  You can see all of the amazing results in a separate post HERE!
If you want to see more amazing Madrona Road quilt projects from other Modern Quilt Guilds (note:  they are not all mini quilts), check out the Flickr page HERE!  















5.  We discussed the Modern Quilt Guild's decision to formalize its membership for the various guilds across the globe.  We have a few months to decide whether we would like to continue being part of the overall Modern Quilt Guild organization or become an independent guild.  Formalizing membership would provide a number of benefits, but it would also require us to charge dues (about $30 a year), plus form a board and become a tax-exempt organization.  We will continue to discuss our options at future meetings. 

 6.  Charlotte discussed mini quilts and gave us some great tips and tricks for making them beautiful and prize-worthy!

7.  Quilt News and Events:
--eQuilter is requesting quilts for Hurricane Sandy victims.  Click HERE for more information about how to donate quilts.
--The American Quilter's Society is hosting a Modern Quilt Challenge, with $6,000 in prizes!  Quilt entries are due in August.  Click HERE for more information about how to enter quilts into the competition.

8.  We discussed the ongoing Pinterest board for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, which you can find here:  http://pinterest.com/patchworkduck/south-florida-modern-quilt-guild-projects-and-insp/
 
9.  We swapped wrist pincushions and scissors fobs at our Member Swap!
 
10.  For our "Things to Bring" for the June meeting, we are having a "50 Shades of Grey" block prize!  Make a 12.5 inch unfinished block in a wonky/crazy log cabin style.  The center should be grey, with colorful outer rings.  
You can find an easy tutorial HERE.
One lucky member will win ALL of the blocks! 

11.  Show-and-tell:  As a final wrap-up, here are some great April show and tell photos!






































REMINDER:  Our next meeting is Saturday, June 15th from 10am to 12pm at StitchCraft in Boca Raton.  See you there!

Jupiter Chapter - Inaugural Meeting Recap!

Great news from our northern Palm Beach/Treasure Coast friends!  They have started a "northern chapter" of the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild!  Here is a summary from them:
Jupiter Chapter Launch – May 18, 2013
"More than 30 women gathered at Quilter’s Choice in Jupiter to share a curiosity and interest in Modern Quilting.  Joan led the meeting, giving a short history of the movement (which counts its beginning in 1998), a definition from the Modern Quilt Guild website, and a description of her attendance at the South Florida Mod April meeting in Boca at Stitchcraft. 
Do we want a northern chapter?  YES, was the resounding answer.  We spoke about possible goals and/or activities including
·         Sharing an interest in modern quilting
·         Teaching and inspiring each other
·         Providing awareness to other guilds/shops/the community
·         Doing group quilts (charity, round robin, show entry)
We also liked the idea of piggy backing or being a northern “chapter” of South Florida Mod.  Joan described some of their activities:  a virtual quilting bee, a 10 minute monthly tutorial by a member, quilt news, door prizes and charity quilts, fun swaps, a challenge (i.e. using a particular fabric line).
Some details were established, including a meeting date to continue the 3rd Saturday of the month, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, at Quilter’s Choice in Jupiter.  We would have a leader (Joan), note taker (Nan), photographer (Marty) and blogger or news person (Patty and Marta).  We agreed that name badges would be a good item to individually prepare for our next gathering.  They should be about  3” x 3” to 3” x 5” with our first names on them and a modern design.
A group activity sparked a welcome chord.  We debated between a “Block Party” focus from the book itself or a block per month swap. With the block party, each month a participant would specify parameters for a block to be made by others with the result that each originator would have a 12 block quilt.  With the block per month swap, a member would specify a specific block that all would make and swap.  There were about equal votes for each, so we decided that both would be possible, but that we should meet in subgroups at the next opportunity to flush it out a little more.
Joan proposed a “Quilting in Public” activity to coincide with a national event on June 15.  This would take the place of a June meeting.  Members would gather at a public location and do some handwork, thereby displaying a quilting item to raise awareness in the community about this passion that we share.  Although the Gardens Mall was nominated to be the venue, their management declined to host this activity.  Downtown at the Gardens, a second choice for location, was happy to accommodate us on that date from 11 am to 1 pm.  Mark your calendar now and email Joan (exactlysew@bellsouth.net) if you will attend, so that more details can be sent to you.
We concluded the gathering with a show and tell.  This included a display from Patty, who designs fabric.  She will tell us all about the process on July 20, when we next meet."











From the Mailbag (Part 2)!

Here is some additional information from our mailbag!

1.  "Scoops of Love" Comfort Quilts (Oklahoma tornado disaster):
--Looking for a quick summer quilt project?  The Northern Lights Quilt Guild in Lebanon, NH wants you to support gesture of love and cheer by sending a small ice cream themed comfort quilt to the 1st and 2nd graders re-entering school this fall in Moore, Oklahoma. 
 --Quilt Specifications:  Size in the 36” to 48” max range square or rectangle, simple comfort quilts of bright and fun colors.  Please include either/or:
a)      A couple of ice cream themed pieced or appliqued blocks
OR
b)     An ice cream novelty fabric
 --Please ship by 8/7/13
Comfort Quilts c/o Sheila Cockerill
6009 SE 86st St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73135
 --For info contact Sue Crate @ postmastermom@comcast.net

2.  Scrap Quilt Idea!
--Need a fun and easy way to get rids of those strangely-shaped scraps?
--Click HERE for a great project idea, a "come as you are" scrap quilt!



From the Mailbag - Contests and Exhibits

It is a busy time of year for contests, exhibits and sew-alongs!  Here are some fun items from our mailbag:

1.  Art Spark Challenge:  
--The Northwest Ohio Modern Quilt Guild is sponsoring an "art spark" challenge.
--Visit a local art museum and find any piece that inspires you - your choice!  Make a quilted item that is inspired by the art piece, and post it on Flickr.
--Deadlines are July 1 and August 1, 2013.
--Yes, there are prizes!  Winners will be picked randomly from the Flickr posts.
--Click HERE for more information!



2.  Grand Central Terminal Centennial Quilt Challenge:
--City Quilter, American Patchwork  & Quilting Magazine and the NY Transit Museum have teamed up to celebrate Grand Central Terminal's 100th anniversary!
--Use Grand Central-themed fabric to create a mini quilt that is inspired by Grand Central Terminal.
--Winners and finalists will be exhibited in New York, and Grand Prize is $2,000!
--Deadline is August 21, 2013.
--Click HERE for more information!


3.  Gold Coast Quilt Exhibit:  A Quilting Evolution:
--The Gold Coast Quilt Guild is featured in an exhibit called "A Quilting Evolution."
--The exhibit is located at the Cornell Museum of Art at Old School Square in Delray Beach, from May 17 to September 29, 2013.
--On view are over 100 traditional, art and modern quilts and "quilted" artist books.
--There is an opening reception on Thursday, May 16th from 5:30pm to 7pm.
--Let's support our neighboring guilds and quilters at this wonderful exhibit!
--Click HERE for more information!

4.  Debbi Crane Lecture and Workshop - Coral Springs Guild!
--Everyone is welcome to attend the Coral Springs Guild's Debbi Crane Lecture:  True Confessions of a Rebellious Quilter!
--The lecture is Friday, June 28, 2013 at 7:15pm.  Located at 1300 Coral Springs Drive in Coral Springs.  Non-members have a $5 special event fee.
--A few spaces are still open for the Embellished Doll Workshop on Saturday, June 29th!
--Please email me for details about the workshop and lecture.

5.  Summer Sampler - Free Paper-Pieced Sew-Along!
--Ellison Lane Quilts is hosting a free sew-along for summer!  She is posting nine original and easy paper pieced blocks with a summer treats theme.
--Feel free to sew the 6 inch blocks at your own pace to create a mini quilt!
--Click HERE for more information!

Photo from Ellison Lane Quilts

May Charity Sewing Day!

On May 11th, a bunch of South Florida Mod members spent their Saturday at school!  One of our members was generous enough to let us take over her school's sewing room to host our second annual Charity Quilting Day!

All quilts and quilt tops made during that day will benefit Project Linus, a wonderful organization that donates quilts to ill or under-served children in need.  We will post a final count of the quilts soon!

Here are some photos from the special day.  Thanks to everyone who participated.  Remember, you are welcome to donate a 36" by 36" quilt to Project Linus at any of our meetings throughout the year.  It's a wonderful way to put those quilting skills to good use and for a good cause!







s
Two Round Robin quilts that are destined to become Project Linus quilts!
Charlotte's Queen Bee blocks for May!

Madrona Road Challenge - Photos!

As part of our May meeting, members who participated in the Madrona Road challenge showed off their beautiful designs!  We decided to make mini quilts with the fabric, and they all turned out beautifully!

Many of these quilts were donated to the NQA's upcoming Little Quilt Auction, which provides grants for quilt programs and educational projects.  A wonderful cause!

Here are the photos for your enjoyment:
















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Resources, Tutorials and Links


By popular demand, here are some helpful resources, tutorials and links for our recent projects and meeting discussions!

1.  Modern Quilting Inspiration Boards:
Flickr is a great way to see lots of beautiful modern quilts and get tons of inspiration! 
--Fresh Modern Quilts Board:  HERE.
--Quilting Bee Blocks (for those who want to try out a block or choose a quilting bee block for her month as Queen Bee of a virtual quilting bee):  HERE.
--Want to join a virtual quilting bee?  The Quilting Bee Blocks discussion page has an ongoing list of signups HERE.

2.  Madrona Road Challenge
For those of us participating in the Madrona Road challenge, you can see a Flickr group full of beautiful projects made with the fabric collection!  It is available HERE.

3.  Our Virtual Quilting Bee:
Our virtual quilting bee is currently full for the year, but you are welcome to follow along on your own!  Think of it as a modern Block of the Month activity.
--February's Wonky Star Tutorial:  HERE.
--March's Converging Corners Log Cabin Tutorial:  HERE.

4.  April Swap Item Tutorials (choose one or more to make and swap!):
--Scissor Fob Tutorials:
http://mycottoncreations.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/3-pocket-scissor-case-tutorial.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CorrespondenceCollage/photos/album/274061372/pic/1997394159/view?picmode=&mode=tn&order=ordinal&start=1&count=20&dir=asc
http://litlaskvis.wordpress.com/triangle-scissor-case-tutorial/
http://vickisfabriccreations.blogspot.ca/2012/02/hanging-folded-fabric-scissor-pouch.html
http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-little-scissors-case/
http://gettincrafty.com/scissor-pouch-tutorial/

--Wrist pincushion tutorials:
http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/free-pincushion-patterns_ss4.html
http://tearosehome.blogspot.com/2010/05/tutorial-sew-stylish-pincushion.html
http://thelongthread.com/?p=4748
http://www.michaelannmade.com/2011/06/wrist-pin-cushion-tutorial.html
http://nzgreenbuttons.blogspot.com/2010/11/wrist-pin-cushion-tutorial.html
http://dollsanddaydreams.blogspot.com/2012/07/free-wrist-and-ring-doll-pin-cushions.html
http://lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/2009/05/tick-tock.html

5.  Florida Quilting News:
--You can see a list of the upcoming quilt events in our area HERE.

March Meeting Recap

Happy Spring!   Here is a review of the March meeting and some information for the upcoming months.


1.  The blocks for the charity quilt (made with the QuiltCon colors) are in the process of being finished up and will go to Project Linus for donation after completion.
2.  We are continuing with the two Round Robin quilts, and they look great!  They will be wonderful finished quilts that will go to Project Linus for children in need.  If you are interested in adding a row or side to the quilts, just speak up at the next meeting.
3.  The Virtual Quilting Bee is in full swing, and Carolyn requested a converging corners block (similar to a log cabin block).  The finished blocks look beautiful!  If you are interested in trying out the pattern for yourself, the tutorial is available HERE.  



4.  We discussed the ongoing Madrona Road challenge ( with fabric kindly donated thanks to the Modern Quilt Guild).  Members will make mini quilts using the fabric, up to 96 inches large around the entire perimeter (18 inches square, for example).  You can add any other fabrics in the collection or solids to the project.  Please bring in your completed projects for the April meeting!



If you want to see some amazing Madrona Road quilt projects from other Modern Quilt Guilds (note:  they are not all mini quilts), check out the Flickr page HERE!  
 
5.  Charlotte discussed her role in the National Quilt Alliance and their upcoming Little Quilt Auction, which benefits the NQA Grant program.  The Grant Program does so much to support the future of quilt-making!  
See http://nqaquilts.org/grants/ for details, and auction info can be found here:
Anyone who is interested in donating mini quilts (does NOT have to only be the Madrona Road mini quilts) can give them to Charlotte at or before the May meeting.  Help support this wonderful cause!
6.  We had a short meeting because of the Broward Quilt Expo.  A number of members took an informal field trip to admire the beautiful quilts on display at the event!


7.  Quilt News and Events:
--eQuilter is requesting quilts for Hurricane Sandy victims.  Click HERE for more information about how to donate quilts.
--Nicole is speaking at the Coral Springs Quilt Guild on May 24th for a presentation on Modern Quilting!
--The American Quilter's Society is hosting a Modern Quilt Challenge, with $6,000 in prizes!  Quilt entries are due in August.  Click HERE for more information about how to enter quilts into the competition.
8.  We discussed the ongoing Pinterest board for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, which you can find here:  http://pinterest.com/patchworkduck/south-florida-modern-quilt-guild-projects-and-insp/
 
9.  We swapped modern fat quarters as our monthly member swap item.  It was a fun grab bag of swapping!
 
For our "Things to Bring" for the April meeting, members are swapping wrist pincushions and/or scissors fobs.  Check out the numerous free tutorials that are available HERE for ideas and patterns!

10.  Charity Quilting Day in May:  
Great news!  Jessica has kindly offered her school's classroom sewing space for our second annual charity quilting day!  She has sewing machines and irons for us to use.  Please bring unfinished quilt tops or fabric, batting, rulers and other items to make child-sized baby quilts for donation to Project Linus.    
PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE:  the date of the event will be on Saturday, May 11th (NOT May 18th), from 10am to 2pm.  

The location is Taravella High School in Coral Springs, Room 316.  You can find a map and directions HERE.
11.  Show-and-tell:  As a final wrap-up, here are some great March show and tell photos!











Our next meeting is Saturday, April 20th, from 10am to 12pm at StitchCraft in Boca Raton.  See you soon!

February Meeting Recap

Happy early St. Patrick's Day. Passover and Easter!   Here is a little recap of the February meeting and some information for the upcoming months.


1.  The blocks for the charity quilt (made with the QuiltCon colors) are currently being pieced and will go to Project Linus for donation after completion.
 
2.  We are continuing with the two Round Robin quilts, and they look great!  They will be wonderful finished quilts that will go to Project Linus for children in need.  If you are interested in adding a row or side to the quilts, just speak up at the next meeting.
 
3.  The Virtual Quilting Bee started up again, and Shelly's wonky stars turned out beautifully!  Wonky stars are classic modern quilt blocks; if you've never tried making one, try out THIS tutorial. 






4.  We discussed the ongoing Madrona Road challenge ( with fabric kindly donated thanks to the Modern Quilt Guild).  Members will make mini quilts using the fabric, up to 96 inches large around the entire perimeter (18 inches square, for example).  You can add any other fabrics in the collection or solids to the project.  They will be shown for show and tell at the April meeting.

If you want to see some amazing Madrona Road quilt projects from other Modern Quilt Guilds (note:  they are not all mini quilts), check out the Flickr page HERE!  
 
 

5.  Charlotte discussed her role in the National Quilt Alliance and their upcoming Little Quilt Auction, which benefits the NQA Grant program.  The Grant Program does so much to support the future of quilt-making!  
 
See http://nqaquilts.org/grants/ for details, and auction info can be found here:

Anyone who is interested in donating mini quilts (does NOT have to only be the Madrona Road mini quilts) can give them to Charlotte at or before the May 18th meeting.  Help support this wonderful cause!
 
6.  We had a wonderful Babylock educator discuss free motion quilting and the incredible new Babylock Tiara.  I hope everyone had a chance to check out this machine.  If anyone bought one, please let us know how you like it (and whether we can all come over for some quilting playtime)! 
 
 
 
7.  Quilt News and Events:
--eQuilter is requesting quilts for Hurricane Sandy victims.  Click HERE for more information about how to donate quilts.
--The Broward Quilt Expo will be held from March 14th to 16th, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Click HERE for more information!
 
8.  We discussed the ongoing Pinterest board for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, which you can find here:  http://pinterest.com/patchworkduck/south-florida-modern-quilt-guild-projects-and-insp/
 
9.  We swapped mug rugs as our monthly member swap item.  They were all beautiful!
 
The mug rugs from the swap!
For our "Things to Bring" for the March meeting, please bring in one or more fat quarters of fabric (18 x 22 inches).  It can be in any color or pattern that you like, as long as it's a "modern" style (in other words, no calico, Civil War prints, etc). You can swap as many fat quarters as you bring, so don't be shy about bringing lots!

10.  As a reminder, the March meeting will be a SHORT meeting, from 10am to 11am only.  After, anyone who is interested is welcome to travel to the Broward Quilt Expo for an informal field trip.  Please feel free to bring spouses, significant others, friends and family!
 
11.  Show-and-tell:  As a final wrap-up, here are some great February show and tell photos!
















 See you on Saturday, March 16th from 10am to 11am!
 

January Meeting Recap

Happy Valentine's Day!   Here is a little recap of the January meeting and some information for the upcoming months.


1.  We brought in blocks for a QuiltCon charity quilt, which is currently being pieced and will go to a wonderful charitable organization in Austin, TX. 
 
2.  We are continuing with the two Round Robin quilts, and they look great!  They will be wonderful finished quilts that will go to Project Linus for children in need.  If you are interested in adding a row or side to the quilts, just speak up at the next meeting.
 
3.  We discussed the Virtual Quilting Bee (the last round ended in December).  We had members sign up for the next round of the Bee, which has started.  We look forward to seeing the beautiful blocks that come out of the Bee for the year!    
 
For February, Bee members were asked to make wonky star blocks using THIS tutorial.  It should be a great finished quilt!
 
 

4.  We had Sue discuss her beautiful quilting work using heavy-weight thread.  The pieces were beautiful and the thread added dimension and intricacy to the quilts.  StitchCraft sells heavy-weight thread, if you are interested in trying your own quilting project with the thread!  
 
5.  As a guild challenge, we handed out free bundles from the Madrona Road fabric collection (kindly donated thanks to the Modern Quilt Guild).  Members will make mini quilts using the fabric, up to 96 inches large around the entire perimeter (18 inches square, for example).  You can add any other fabrics in the collection or solids to the project.  They will be shown for show and tell at the April meeting.

If you want to see some amazing Madrona Road quilt projects from other Modern Quilt Guilds (note:  they are not all mini quilts), check out the Flickr page HERE!  
 
 

6.  Quilt News and Events:
--eQuilter is requesting quilts for Hurricane Sandy victims.  Click HERE for more information about how to donate quilts.
--The Broward Quilt Expo will be held from March 14th to 16th, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Click HERE for more information!
 
7.  We discussed the ongoing Pinterest board for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, which you can find here:  http://pinterest.com/patchworkduck/south-florida-modern-quilt-guild-projects-and-insp/
 
8.  We swapped sets of coasters as our monthly member swap item.  
 
For our "Things to Bring" for the February meeting, members are requested to make a mug rug.  It can be in any size, color or pattern that you like!  You can find some inspiration photos and tutorials HERE!

Sample of a mug rug, in a gnome pattern!  Measures about 4 x 6 inches.

9.  As a special February event, we are having a representative from BabyLock discuss free motion quilting techniques with us!  It should be an amazing event and a great way to learn more about this popular topic.
 
10.  Show-and-tell:  As a final wrap-up, here are some great January show and tell photos!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
REMINDER:  Our next meeting is Saturday, February 16th from 10am to 12pm at StitchCraft in Boca Raton.  See you soon!

December Meeting Recap!

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had a great holiday season and a wonderful end to 2012.  2013 will be an exciting year, full of quilt-y activities and fun!  Here is a recap of the December meeting.


1.  We discussed the QuiltCon charity quilt, which is currently being pieced and will go to a wonderful charitable organization in Austin, TX.  If you have blocks or fabric to donate, please bring them to the January meeting (the quilt is due by February).  If you need a refresher about the specific fabric colors to use, please email me for more information.
 
2.  We are continuing with the two Round Robin quilts, and they look great so far!  If you are interested in adding a row or side to the quilts, just speak up at the next meeting.
 
 
3.  We discussed the Bee blocks for December.  Bee members were asked to make "Giant Shoo-Fly" blocks using THIS tutorial.  It should be a great finished quilt!
 
 
 
We also noted that the Bee was ending after the December meeting.  If you are interested in joining Round 2 of the Bee (it is a yearlong commitment), please sign up at the January meeting or email me!

4.  We had Johanna, the owner of StitchCraft, discuss all of the fun fabrics and trends at the recently quilt markets!  She also discussed all of the exciting upcoming events and classes at StitchCraft.


5.  Quilt News and Events:
--The New York Metro Mod Quilters, eQuilter and Bumble Beans are requesting quilts for Hurricane Sandy victims.  Click HERE for more information about how to donate quilts.
--Quiltcon (the Modern Quilt Guild's first convention) will be hosting a quilt show in February.  
--The Broward Quilt Expo will be held from March 14th to 16th, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Click HERE for more information!
 
6.  We discussed the ongoing Pinterest board for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, which you can find here:  http://pinterest.com/patchworkduck/south-florida-modern-quilt-guild-projects-and-insp/
 
7.  We swapped "holiday crackers" as our monthly member swap item.  
 
 
For our "Things to Bring" for the January meeting, members are requested to make a set of four drink coasters.  They can be in any size, color or pattern that you like!

8.  As a January event, we are having Sue bring in some beautiful examples of quilting with 50-weight thread.  We also have a fun surprise (thanks to our involvement with the Modern Quilt Guild), which involves FREE fabric!
 
Show-and-tell:  As a final wrap-up, here are some great December show and tell photos!
 







 
Reminder:  our next meeting is on Saturday, January 19th, from 10am to 12pm.  See you soon!
 

From the Mailbag

Here are some assorted items that we recently received in our mailbag/inbox!

















1.  Hurricane Sandy Relief!  We have TWO great contact organizations for those interested in donating quilts to Hurricane Sandy victims!

a.  eQuilter is collecting 5,000 quilts, and you can find their guidelines here:  http://www.equilter.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/quiltrelief.html

b.  Bumble Beans Basics in New York City is collecting quilts for immediate donation to relief victims.  They have already donated quilts to over 100 families and are planning to do more donation days.  Bumble Beans is run by the president of the New York chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild!  You can find their guidelines here:  http://bumblebeansbasics.com/

2.  The Flying Needles Quilt Guild is located in Niceville, Florida (between Pensacola and Panama City in the panhandle of Florida).  They are hosting their annual quilt retreat this year on February 28th to March 2nd, 2013, in Destin, FL!  They are hosting the event at a resort and have three national teachers coming for the event.

If you're interested in attending the retreat or for more information, check out their website at:  http://www.beachretreatandshow.com/

3.  A new quilt shop, Happy Apple Quilts, recently opened in Palm Harbor, Florida (near Clearwater, Florida).  They offer quality fabrics, patterns, kits, notions, books, threads and gift items, with friendly customer service!  If you're in the area and want to visit the store, you can find their location and store hours at their website:  www.happyapplequilts.com

4.  The Hibiscus Quilt Guild still has a few spots available for a three-dimensional flower quilting class taught by Kathy Lonergan, taking place on November 17th from 9am to 4pm in Lake Worth, Florida.  Please email me for contact information and a supply list!

October Meeting Recap!


Happy November!  We had a fun-filled October meeting and planned for the months ahead.  Here is a quick recap of the October meeting:


1.  We officially donated the beautiful finished paper-pieced chicken block quilt and hedgehog Round Robin quilt to Project Linus!

3.  We are starting up another Round Robin quilt...stay tuned for the next iteration of the quilt project!  

4.  We admired the great quilt blocks that folks made for our group quilt.  We have a lot of great blocks, and some of our brave members have been busy turning the blocks into a quilt, which should be ready by next meeting.  We hope to enter the group quilt into QuiltCon and/or the Broward quilt show.  
Just some of the blocks...wow!
Lots o' blocks!
5.  We enjoyed checking out the Bee blocks for October.  Bee members were asked to make "X and + Blocks" in blues and greens.  They look incredible together, and we can't wait to see the finished quilt!  You can find the tutorial HERE.



6.  We had Helia, a wonderfully talented longarm quilter, discuss her work and the longarm quilting process.  It was incredibly informative and fun, and Helia was a great speaker!






7.  Quilt News and Events:
--The Boca Raton Museum of Art is still hosting a show called "Politics Not as Usual:  Quilts with Something to Say."  If you haven't had a chance to see the exhibit, don't miss out on this wonderful event! 
--The New York Metro Mod Quilters, eQuilter and Bumble Beans are requesting quilts for Hurricane Sandy victims.  Click HERE for more information about how to donate quilts.
--Quiltcon (the Modern Quilt Guild's first convention) will be hosting a quilt show in February.  
--The Mancuso World Quilt Show will be held in West Palm Beach from November 8th through 10th.  It is a great event, with lots of beautiful quilts and vendors.  The Gold Coast Quilters Guild is also having a special "red and white" mini-show at the event!

8.  We discussed the ongoing Pinterest board for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, which you can find here:  http://pinterest.com/patchworkduck/south-florida-modern-quilt-guild-projects-and-insp/

9.  For our "Things to Bring" for the November meeting, members are requested to make something appropriate for the Thanksgiving table, which we are swapping with other members.  This can be a trivet, table runner, bread basket, napkin ring set, coasters, etc.  Let your imagination guide you!  For our "Things to Bring" for the December meeting, we will be making sets of four coasters (in any pattern you like) for swapping.

10.  As another November event, we are having a talented quilter speak to us regarding the ins and outs of quilt labels!  Come for an interesting discussion and think of questions you might have regarding labels!
Show-and-tell:  As a final wrap-up, here are some great October show and tell photos!


Quilted ottoman!






























Friendly Reminder:  our next meeting is Saturday, November 17th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, at StitchCraft in Boca Raton.  See you soon!

Trinidad and England Flag Quilt

Some good friends of mine were getting married, and naturally I wanted to make them a quilt as a wedding present.  Both of these friends were born in other countries, so I decided to make them a flag quilt featuring flags of their home nations.

One side is the flag of the Caribbean nation of Trinidad.


The other side is the flag of England.  

FYI:  The flag of England (St. George's Cross) is different from the flag of the United Kingdom (the Union Jack).


Once all the research was done on the correct proportions, the flags were very easy to piece.  I was going to do straight line quilting, but I couldn't think of a design that would compliment both sides.  So I settled on a meandering stitch/stippling.  I practiced on 3 or 4 quilt sandwiches before tackling the flag quilt.  I think it turned out nicely considering it was my first time free motion quilting.  It is so much faster than straight line quilting!


Here is a close-up shot of the quilting.




Here is a close-up of the quilt label.  To label this quilt, I used a this tutorial, but wrote on the fabric with permanent fabric ink instead of disappearing ink and embroidery.


It was difficult to choose a fabric for the binding what would compliment both sides of the quilt.  Ultimately, I chose a tan color that doesn't stand out from either side of the quilt. I think it's perfect!



It's a small lap size quilt (3' by 5') but they should still be able to get some snuggles underneath it.  It also looks perfect at the foot of a bed or hung up on a wall, and maybe to wrap around a little one at some point in the future!