Sew-In Recap

Last Saturday, the BMQG met for our monthly sew-in at Bolts to Binding. I can't tell you how much I look forward to these fun days. Everyone is happy to be together, and it's always fun to see the different projects that everyone is working on! I forgot to put my memory card back in my camera, so there are no photos to post. Sorry 'bout that!


I want to thank Jeri, owner of Bolts to Binding, for doing so much to accommodate our group. She moved a scheduled piecing class to a small classroom, so that our group could use the large classroom! The kitchen at the shop has a frig and microwave that we are free to use, and tea bags are also provided for those of us who like our afternoon tea! Our local quilt shops are great about embracing our MQG group, and it's very much appreciated! 


If you are wanting to know more about the BMQG, visiting a sew-in would be the perfect way to relax and see what it's all about! Our next sew-in will be on Saturday, June 23rd, 10:00 - 4:00, at Strawberry Patches. 

May Meeting

Local super-quilter Patty Young taught us all about paper piecing at the BMQG's May meeting. She brought some of her own beautiful paper-pieced quilts:

and then demonstrated a paper-pieced block:

Patty also shared lots of good information on books, tools and techniques such as those used by Judy Niemeyer, Carol Doak, and Deb Karasik. We learned a ton! Thanks, Patty!

Several members showed recently completed or in-progress projects. Nicci, Sandy and Carol showed their gorgeous jelly-roll quilt tops:

Pam showed her mad skills in both Cricut applique and paper-piecing:

And Liz awed us with pastel sweetness and brilliant color:

BMQG President Lynn and Secretary Laura rounded out the show with their latest endeavors.

  

This Saturday, May 26, from 10 am to 4 pm we'll be stitching up a storm at our monthly sew-in. Come to Bolts to Binding, 900 Oak Street, to share in the fun! Bring your project(s) and snacks, drinks or sack lunch if you'd like.

Next monthly meeting is Saturday, June 16, 2 pm to 4 pm at Strawberry Patches, 6433 Ming Avenue. Hope to see you there!

Laura

BMQG Secretary

Meeting Program for Saturday, May 19th

I'm so excited about the program for this month's meeting! Patty Young will be demonstrating how she does paper piecing. Patty has taken classes from several award-winning teachers in the quilting industry, so she has some wonderful tips to share with the rest of us! Patty won a first place ribbon on her paper pieced New York Beauty quilt, at the 2012 Cotton Patch Quilt Guild show.

Even if you already know how to paper piece, there is always something to learn from others. 


This is a demo program, so there's no need to bring your machines. You might want to bring a notepad and pen, though! 


We will also be exchanging the projects we made for the scrap bag swap. If you haven't made anything from your baggy of scraps yet,  I suggest you get it on! :-)


See you all on Saturday!


Lynn
President and Program Chair

Question of the Week

This week's question is about batik fabrics. Do you use them in your modern quilts? What do you like or dislike about them? 

Scrap Bag Swap Challenge

For members who are participating in the scrap bag swap challenge, projects are due at this month's meeting on May 19. You can make anything you want to, i.e., mug rug, pouch, purse, pot holders, thread catcher, pin cushion, etc. Remember, at least 75% of the handmade item needs to be made of scraps contained in the baggy. Feel free to add fabric of your choosing to bring a project together. You do NOT need to use 75% of what's in the baggy! Clear as mud? Can't wait to see what everyone has made!


Until next we meet,


Lynn
President

Heart of the Valley Shop Hop

The Heart of the Valley Shop Hop starts this Friday, May 4th, and goes through Sunday, May 6th. If you haven't participated in a shop hop before, here's your chance to get in on the fun! If you don't want to do the entire hop, then I encourage you to at least visit our local quilt shops, Bolts to Binding and Strawberry Patches. Both shops will have refreshments, goodie bags, special demos, and more! The party is on! Visit the shop hop website for all of the details!

April Sew In

For those who couldn't make it to the April Sew-In, you missed a lot of fun! We had 4 newbies show up to sew with us, as well as some familiar faces that we hadn't seen in a while. There was also a bus load of quilters that popped in while doing a shop hop and quilting retreat in town. It seemed like everyone wanted to join the party going on in the classroom! Top that off with a very healthy dose of laughter, a trip to the pizza joint on the corner, and dessert at Sweet Surrender, and you've got the perfect sew day! 

If you've been thinking about getting involved in the BMQG, attending a sew-in is the perfect way to relax and get to know everyone. Our sew-ins are held on the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00 - 4:00, and we rotate between the two quilt shops in town. The May sew-in will be held at Bolts to Binding, 930 Wible Road. Bring something to work on (it doesn't have to be quilting related), a snack, and a desire to enjoy yourself! You'll be glad you did!

Until next we meet,

Lynn

President