Monday, June 13, 2016

June Gathering

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Pablo Picasso
Picasso would be proud. This group definitely does not have any problems with remaining artists considering all the juicy items that were exhibited in our show-n-tell this month.  Luckily for those who were not able to attend, we get to see all the goodies. The rest of you get to enjoy them a second time. 

A big thank you to Terrie for the notes and the photos. You are a blog saver!  Also a big hello to our newest members Jeremy and Veronica. We look forward to sharing this fun, creative quilting process with you. Now on to the "show"!

 Michelle's Elephant and Me Pillow for a friend's daughter's birthday

 A  bag made out of Kate Spain's  laminate fabric (oilcloth)

Michelle's on a bag making roll with Tula Pink Fabric and faux leather

 Gail's pineapple blocks on a fabric foundation

Gail's Houses from her "Pieces Class" at the Bolt

 Susan's May Block of the Month

 Maybeth's "pieces" from her class at the Bolt

Maybeth's version of the June BOM


Lisa's Sashiko Love

Suzanne's teeny tiny economy quilt for granddaughter's doll - now that is too cute!

"P quilt for baby Parker

 ..and the back
  
 Jeremy, one of our newest members,  just started quilting in April. He has already finished two quilts and a quilt top. Just wow!

Jeremy's Quilt

...and another

 Veronica, another new member and a longtime long arm quilter ,shares her craft with us. She  also owns Fairfield County Quilts where she custom quilts t-shirt quilts. 


 Her quilted Jack- another wow!

Lori ends the meeting by sharing the May Block of the month. 

As usual, a visual feast. Keep quilting and see you on July 9th!



































Friday, June 3, 2016

May Musings

"Anyone who works on a quilt, who devotes her time, energy, creativity, and passion to that art, learns to value the work of her hands. And as any quilter will tell you, a quilter's quilting friends are some of the dearest, most generous, and most supportive people she knows." Jennifer Chiaverini

Every time I sit down to write up this blog, I can't help but think about this amazing group of individuals that gather once a month  to share and support one another. There is something magical about working together on quilts, sharing our creative triumphs, and stumbles, and finding common ground in the beauty of quilting.

Connecting with a group who TRULY understands the need and passion to create, inspires and encourages us to challenge, and express ourselves. It allows our individual stories to get told, which, I think, is one of the best parts of these meetings. Whether it is the love poured into a baby quilt for a grandchild, to a memory quilt for a beloved family member, you realize, as the quote above states, how dear, generous and supportive quilters really are. Enjoy the glimpse of the creativity and generosity below.

 
Lori shows us her finished Kaffe blocks from a Kaffe Workshop in N.J.

  Christine has us in stitches with her stories of applique. 

Christine explains how her granddaughter patiently awaits this quilt inspired by Freddie Moran.

Maybeth creates wonderful quilts to keep preemies warm and cuddly.

Dayna shares her expression of a  Quilting Bee Block.

She also lets us know there is hope for finishing off those quilt tops that have been hanging around, even if they are 30 years old. 

 
Betsy displays her colorway for May's Block-of-the-Month.

Susan places May's block-of the month amidst the other 2016 blocks.

Lori holds up her version of the flower block as well. It is fun to see everyone's color choices/style for this year's quilt along

Lisa exhibits the June Block of the Month. Lisa's choice for block-of-the-month comes from Wombat Quilts.  The Bee Block is called Homeward Bound.  Have fun!

Michelle wows us with one of her bags. 

Terrie solicits help in finishing our charity quilts. 

While we all continue to design and create quilts, several members are working on a line-up for future workshops. Ideas range from fabric dying to sashiko to taking blocks from traditional to modern. We will post more when workshop possibilites and dates are set. Thank you to  Cheryl, Lisa, and all of you who search, plan and work to bring new techniques to the guild!

Don't want to wait to expand those skills. Check out these quilting opportunities!

For those wanting a "little" challenge, Christie's Quilting Boutique has a Denyse Schmidt Challenge going on now. For $25, you receive 5 fat 8ths. You can use any Denyse Schmidt fabric in the line and solids.  Your finished product must be 24 inches.  The winning quilt will be picked by Denyse. Contact Christie's for more details.

Then there is this.  



Keep quilting and see you tomorrow at the Weston Library!