To-Dos and Dates

Though our chapter meets only once a month, in between times, we've got to-dos to keep us busy.

To-Do #1
We've decided to discontinue the 2-1/2" strip swap, and start a modern fabric scraps swap at our August 12 meeting. If you want to participate, here's what to do:

Dig into your modern fabric scrap stash to pull out four different prints or solids that are at least 6-1/2" X 6-1/2".

Please do NOT cut out a 6-1/2" square, but rather just make sure the piece is large enough to accommodate a 6-1/2" X 6-1/2" ruler. Over the course of the next few months, we'll be learning several ways to utilize these fabric pieces.

Put the four scraps into a zip bag and bring this to a monthly meeting. You may bring more than one swap bag, if you wish.

To-Do #2
Make a name tag! Although many members wear commercially-made name tags, we like to emphasize the creativity that's within each of us. After all, we sew and quilt, don't we? Let's show off some of that talent with a home sewn name tag!

If you're lacking ideas, just take a browse through the Internet!

For further inspiration, check out the Cincinnati MQG post about name tags.

Dates to Remember

Monday, August 12: Our first meeting on a new meeting date (second Monday of the month), and a new meeting location: North Lake Presbyterian Church, 975 Rolling Acres Road, Lady Lake, FL.

• The 12-Minute Tip is: "Things Aren't Always As They Seam," by Denise.
• Carly will share how to make "Semprov" blocks, her own term for the improvisational sewing she'll be demonstrating. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the wonky element of modern quilting!

Carly's "Semprov" quilt

Monday, September 9: Regular meeting at North Lake Presbyterian Church.

• Our program on "Dimensions, Sizing and Design" we be shared by Denise who will help us learn how to "do the math" when it comes to reducing and enlarging quilt blocks - information every quilter will appreciate knowing.

Saturday, September 14: Our first Sew-In at the Oxford Community Center

• The Oxford Community Center is just off the corner of highways 466 and 301. We're renting the room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring anything you want to work on - this is a great opportunity to make your name tag, or catch up on our 2013 BAM-BOM (see at right). Also bring along your appropriate sewing supplies: sewing machine; power strip; extension cord; sewing and cutting tools and notions; and your project(s). Plan to buy lunch out or bring a sack lunch (frig is available). Cost: $3 for members; $5 for guests.

July 1 Meeting

Sixteen people attended our July 1 meeting, with five visitors in attendance! We're holding strong, and even growing!

Karen, our vice president, shared information about upcoming activities, including a Sew-In at the Oxford Community Center, on Saturday, September 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Save the date! More information soon.

We continue to share and educate what modern quilting is all about, including discussing modern fabrics and design elements of modern quilts.

Here, Linda H. and Karen show their "Cropped Pinwheel" blocks, as part of participation in the Bay Area Modern's BOM (see links at right).

For our monthly "Twelve Minute Tip," Mel showed and shared some of her favorite modern quilting magazines.

Our "Make it Modern" program focused on the how-tos of free motion quilting as we encourage quilters to quilt on their home sewing machines. Linda showed some of the tools she likes to use for free motion quilting, including favorite battings; Schmetz #75 quilting needles; Frixion marking pens; 505 Spray and Fix for basting; and Neutrogena hand cream!

Show and Tell

Carly and her "chopped up" disappearing nine patch quilt top

Betty

Linda T.'s Michigan quilt

Another of Linda T's quilts that she quilted herself

First-time visitor Suzanne with her "Books" quilt.

Suzanne's "Woods" quilt

First-time visitor Patt and a UFO made-modern

Beginning with our August 12 meeting (note the change to the second Monday of each month) we're changing the location for our monthly meetings. While we're glad about moving into a larger space (see info in right sidebar) we're very sad to be leaving Sharky's Vac 'n Sew, where we've received such excellent - dare we call it "regal" - treatment!

Al, the owner of Sharky's Vac n Sew, has said "yes" to every request we ever made for room set up and equipment use, and these two great people - Angie and Alvin - made sure it happened. We're so grateful for your support, not only by giving us meeting space for the past seven months, but also for fielding phone calls about CFMQG, and for promoting us! You are all the best! Thank you!

Angie and Alvin