Work in Progress Wednesday

Every Wednesday we share a work in progress from a COMQG member. Today is the Strawberry Churn quilt which will be donated to Camp Erin, a children's grief camp. 

Here's the Strawberry Churn quilt top so far.

In January, kits and block sewing instructions were passed out to guild members. Over the next couple of months, blocks were collected and sewn together into a quilt top. The Churn Dash blocks finish at 12 inches. The finished quilt will be 5 x 5 blocks, for a size of 60 inches by 60 inches. We will piece a backing and quilt it in the next couple of months, and we will be donating the quilt in July. We hope the quilt brings comfort and warmth to a camper.

The churn dash block we made was based on a tutorial similar to this one from Katy at I'm a Ginger Monkey.

Members share their space

Welcome to the series where we share members' sewing space. Featured today is Kristin's studio space. Enjoy!

My studio space starts with the built in desk and cutting station that was actually built for our previous house.  We took it with us when we moved and it was great to have this built in storage that I already knew how to fill!  I also like the raised cutting area to reduce back strain.

I also tend to surround myself with the work of friends and artists I love.  My collections inspire me every day.  I have a tall chest of drawers that I use for storing thread and other craft supplies. 

My sewing space is all portable and has been rearranged several times in the 2.5 years we have lived in this house.  I like that my tables are easy to transport to other activities and to rearrange for various things I might do in the studio.

 

My sewing table is a Sew Ezi table that allows my machine to sit down at a proper height for me.  I can switch out machines with inserts that fit each one.  I also love my exercise ball chair- a tip from Shannon P.  My ironing board has an extra-large surface created by Erin B.’s boys and makes ironing large cuts of fabric a breeze

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My quilting fabric has always been stored in an armoire, but has spilled out into the closet over time.  I keep the most used fabrics close at hand in here.  I also have drawers for miscellaneous items.  My embroidery thread storage can be glimpsed on top of the armoire and it looks like a mess, but is actually organized by color on embroidery hoops.  I have enough thread to last several lifetimes!

I have a regular sized closet where I store lots of fabric, plus other craft supplies like yarn.  It’s a big mess right now, but I use the hanging canvas shelf units for some items and others are in plastic bins stacked below.  I also am lucky enough to have a secret closet behind the real closet where I keep my batting, finished quilts, extra bins of fabric and other craft supplies, etc.

I had to go back to some old photos to show my design walls properly.  This is the first studio space where I’ve had room for design walls and I find that they are absolutely necessary.  I have two 4’ x 6’ sheets of insulation board that I covered with batting.  I am somewhat sorry there’s a door between them as it’s hard to work on projects larger than 4’ wide, but I tend to work small, so it’s fine most of the time. Since the insulation board comes in 4’ x 8’ sheets, I cut 2’ off the end of each one and used one for the inspiration board over my desk (covered with canvas) and another one is a portable design board covered with batting.  It’s very useful for classes and retreats.

One thing that you don’t see in my studio is my collection of quilting books.  I do have several shelves of books, but they didn’t fit in this room. They are at a room at the other end of the hall.  

QuiltCon Announcement!

QuiltCon will be in Austin, Texas, February 19th to 22nd, 2015. We are so excited! We will be there in one year!

A few of us from COMQG are planning on attending. QuiltCon is a modern quilting conference. There are workshops with really talented instructors, lectures from some very inspiring quilters, an enormous juried quilt show showcasing modern quilting, and really cool vendors. Quilters and non-quilters alike gather together to appreciate modern quilting. Workshops and lectures will be announced in May, and as Modern Quilt Guild members through COMQG, we are eligible to register ahead of the public. Registration is in June. Click here for the link to the important dates for QuiltCon.  

As if you need more convincing about how awesome it will be, but check out our QuiltCon recap post from 2013 to see all the fun we had!

Will we see you there? 

Members Share Their Space

Welcome to the blog series where COMQG members share their sewing space. Today is Susan's turn. Here's her space! Enjoy!

I finally picked up my sewing room enough to take a few pictures! 

My story:   About 5 years ago, I reinvented a room in my house, taking out two walls which surrounded my son's bedroom, an old unused wood stove and some misc. flooring.  With the transformation, I now have lots of cupboards (put together by ME!) from Ikea, a rustic wood floor which was hiding under the carpet, my laundry room and extra storage, and my SEWING SPACE!

My cutting table and design wall

       

A couple of my sewing trinket collections on my shelves---the three Owl pincushions watch over me (representing my 3 children!) and 3 vintage thread holders.

My favorite glass front shelving units---I have two of these, one for fabric, the other for knitting stuff, family photos, etc.

My sewing machine area  (with lots of "stuff" in the background!). A baker's cart filled with my UFO's and projects in progress (an idea shared by Valori or Jean Wells in a magazine)

I also use lots of old suitcases for storage, you can kind of see these on the floor in one of the photos.

It is wonderful to be able to just leave everything up and available!  As you can see, I collect lots of things---I love old button cards, old zippers, old linens, etc. etc.

Work in progress Wednesday: Throwback Edition

Every wednesday we share works in progress by COMQG members. Here's one from a couple of years ago. Enjoy!

Crys Kyle at Quiltworks taught us a class based on the Metropolis Block in Elizabeth Hartman's book Modern Patchwork. Elizabeth's book had just come out and Crys really liked this pattern and was excited to show us all. We were all able to complete one block in the meeting time, and just look at how great they all look!

Tuesday Meeting Recap: Thanks for a great meeting!

Meeting Notes.
--Our member cards have arrived and were handed out to those who were there.  We will have them at the next meeting if you didn't get yours.

 --The votes for a new secretary are in.  Susan M. is our new secretary!

 --Ohio Star challenge quilts are due March 1. Bring your completed quilt or a photo of the completed quilt to the meeting March 4th.  If you cannot make it please email a photo of the finished quilt to comqg@hotmail.com by March 1st.

  --Charity quilt updates
           Strawberry Churn for Camp Erin: Lindsey is putting it together now
           Ronald McDonald: Kayla will have packets at the next meeting, due May 1
           Fabric postcards for Wish Upon a Card: due April 15

--Michael Miller fabric challenge:  If you want to take part in this, please respond to the email.
   Michael Miller is generously donating fabric for this challenge.  We will order and distribute this fabric to challenge participants as a guild.

--Modern Metallic Challenge: If you want to take part in this, please respond to the email.
The exhibit is called Modern Metallic and will be shown at the Quilt Knit Stitch show in Portland this fall. This challenge includes all Pacific Northwest Modern Quilt Guilds. Online applications are open from April 4th to May 2nd. If you would like to make a quilt to apply for this exhibit, Robert Kaufman has offered to provide challenge participants with three fat quarters for their challenge quilts. We will order and distribute this fabric to challenge participants as a guild. Please contact Lindsey if you have any questions at all.
                   Please read all the information about entering your quilt for the show here:
                           http://callforentriespnwmodernquilts.com/
Each guild member who participates in the challenge will be required to submit your application for for the show, including submitting photos of their quilt. If your quilt is selected for the show, you will need to send your quilt to the organization's office in Houston by July 8th for it to be displayed in the show in Portland.

 

 

 

Show and Tell:

 

 

Kristin, Lindsey, and Susan shared their quilts from SewDown, check out more about it in the SewDown blog post.



Christy made this awesome bag

Kristin shared her Riley Blake Challenge quilt

Katy shared her Ohio Star Challenge quilt

Tamra shared her Ohio Star Challenge quilt

Christy made this, which may be a pillow soon

Katy shared her quilt inspired by the book, The Dog Stars. 

Meeting Reminder

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UPDATE: The Modern Quilt Guild announced our new fabric challenge. We will also be discussing sign ups for this challenge at the meeting.
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It's that time again! It's the third Tuesday so we're meeting at Stitchin' Post on Tuesday from 5pm to 8pm.

Bring a project to work on (there's plenty of table space for machines and projects), and some show and tell if you have it. Or just bring yourself and come join us!

We'll do the business portion at 6pm. On the agenda:
--our member cards have arrived! Get yours at the meeting.
--the votes for a new secretary are due Tuesday morning and we will announce the position at the meeting.
--Ohio Star challenge quilts are due March 1. Bring your completed quilt or a photo of the completed quilt to the meeting March 4th.
--upcoming sew days
--charity quilt updates (Strawberry Churn for Camp Erin, a house quilt for Ronald McDonald, and fabric postcards for Wish Upon a Card)
--Show and tell including projects from the Portland SewDown last weekend
--We have another challenge opportunity for members! The exhibit is called Modern Metallic and will be shown at the Quilt Knit Stitch show in Portland this fall. This challenge includes all Pacific Northwest Modern Quilt Guilds. Online applications are open from April 4th to May 2nd. If you would like to make a quilt to apply for this exhibit, Robert Kaufman has offered to provide challenge participants with three fat quarters for their challenge quilts. We will order and distribute this fabric to challenge participants as a guild. Please contact Lindsey if you have any questions at all, or if you would like to participate in the challenge (or sign up at the meeting).

Please read all the information about entering your quilt for the show here:
http://callforentriespnwmodernquilts.com/

Each guild member who participates in the challenge will be required to submit your application for for the show, including submitting photos of their quilt. If your quilt is selected for the show, you will need to send your quilt to the organization's office in Houston by July 8th for it to be displayed in the show in Portland.

The quilting cotton fabric from the sponsor, Robert Kaufman is at the following links. As a guild we will choose three fabrics to use.

Quilters Tussah Metallic Colors: Sand, Ash, Silver

http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/quilters_tussah_metallic/?fabrics&basics

Quilters Linen Metallic Colors: Sand, Bone, Ash, Grey

http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/quilters_linen_metallic/?fabrics&basics

Quilters Burlap Metallic Colors: Natural, Shadow, Steel

http://www.robertkaufman.com/fabrics/quilters_burlap/

SewDown Portland

We had a wonderful time at the SewDown! See the previous post for the workshop recap.

Last weekend, Susan, Kristin, and Lindsey attended the MQG SewDown Portland. The weather wasn't ideal for a trip across the mountains, but Portland was beautiful in the snow and luckily everyone arrived safely.

...But we were able to stay warm and cozy at the Nines.

Modern Domestic  and Bernina set up some beautiful sewing machines for us to use in the workshops and during open sew each night.

We ate some wonderful food. During the meals we enjoyed excellent lectures from Violet Craft, Valori Wells, and Bill Volckening.

Violet spoke about her personal journey as a fabric designer. She shared some beautiful quilts and showed us some of her patterns.

Valori spoke about her design process for her latest line Quill with Robert Kaufman. Her quilts and fabrics are amazing.

Bill is a quilt collector, and he shared vintage quilts from his collection from the early 1900s to the 1970s that show modern elements. His collection was beautiful and insipring! See Bill's blog post for more pictures of the quilts he shared with us.

Work in Progress Wednesday: SewDown Workshops

On Wednesdays we share works in progress from COMQG members. Enjoy! Today we're featuring projects made during the Portland SewDown.

The four workshops at the SewDown were so great! See our next post for the recap of all the other happenings.

The 80 attendees were divided into four groups that rotated through the four workshop sessions. The three of us from Central Oregon were lucky enough to all be in the same group for the workshops.

Up first on Saturday we had the Improv Round Robin with Sherri Lynn Wood. We each started with our own scrap bin. After some quiet reflection time and started our piece in silence so that we could focus on our inspiration. We then passed our started quilt and our scrap bins to another person in the class who had 15 minutes to add their part to our piece using our scraps. Sherri Lynn likened it to a conversation: what does this piece say to you, and how do you want to respond? We had time to pass our quilts 4 times, and most of us didn't see our quilts in progress until they were returned to us at the end of class.

Here we are with our finished pieces after we exchanged one more time at open sew that night. 

Saturday afternoon was a change of pace. We had a class with Heather Jones where we made her You and Me quilt. This quilt has a bold, modern design. It was really fun to see all the different color combinations from other people in the class. Heather will be teaching this same class at Quilter's Affair in July. We all sewed and sewed and sewed all afternoon and most completed a block from the quilt. There are four blocks in the quilt so we were quite productive!

Near the end of class we hung all the completed blocks on the classroom wall.

On Sunday morning we took the Shooting Star class from Lee Heinrich. The quilt is a modern mini quilt with a traditional block but pieced so that the final quilt has asymmetry and a fun, modern look. We learned two methods for sewing flying geese units, and used ombre fabric to get a great effect.

Lee's Shooting Star mini quilt.

Lee snapped this one of us with our finished products and posted it on Instagram. 

Finally on Sunday afternoon we had the Sidekick Sampler workshop with Julie Herman. We learned how to cut four different shapes from strips using the ruler. Then we used these shapes to create the block used in Julie's Night Sky Quilt. Julie will be teaching this class at Quilter's Affair in July. Valori Wells provided some fabric for us to practice piecing the blocks before we used the kit provided.

Julie demonstrated the shapes you can create using the Sidekick ruler.

Julie's samples. The mini on top is the kit we received in class, and her quilt samples underneath.

Kristin's block in progress.

Members Share Their Space - Christy

Welcome to a new series where COMQG members share their sewing space. Enjoy! 

The best feature of my sewing space is the closet.  I use it to store my work in progress projects which I've hung on coat hangers.  It gives me a visual reminder to work on what’s already underway rather than start new projects.  However, this doesn't always work and I end up starting lots of new things anyway!  

I just downsized my fabric storage to a small cabinet purchased from the Humane Society Thrift Store in Bend.  I used some simple plastic brackets and pre-made shelving from ACE Hardware to double the number of shelves in the cabinet.

I sew on a Juki TL-2010Q.  I bought it after 18 months sewing on a Brother CS-6000i which was a great starter machine.  The Juki sews so smoothly and the quilting is first rate.  I love the 9” throat, which makes large projects almost painless!   

I built the ironing table using Elizabeth Hartman’s tutorial.  I added a wooden box on top of the TV dinner tray to raise the height.  The larger square ironing platform is the perfect size for me even thought it makes the table a little tipsy.  

The Toes in the Sand quilt by Jaybird Quilts is up on my design wall right now, I'm working on layout.  Because I’m using my own fabric choices I think I will end up deviating from the suggested layout in order to balance fabric color, and value.  

I’m looking forward to eventually finding a taller cutting table.  I do love having the cutting table close to a window where there is lots of natural light.  I've got scraps stored in a few plastic bins perched on a reclaimed piece of cedar.