Thursday, February 27, 2014

A New Challenge Is Looming.....

The Modern Quilt Guild has announced a new challenge, and we would like all of CFMQG to join in on the fun that would like to!


The fabric we will be using is a brand new collection called Petal Pinwheels.  Please see the entire collection here:   http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/shop/collections/petal-pinwheels.html




At this time, the only online shop I’ve found that  is advertising that they supply this collection is Hawthorne Threads.  They expect this fabric line to be available in Mid-March.  Please see their photos and information on the fabric here: http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/michael_miller_house_designer/petal_pinwheels

The specific fabrics we will be using will be those that the national MQG is also using, as shown below.  The one exception is that we will not use the gray flowered in the upper left corner.  We will use the remaining five colors.

 
HERE ARE THE SPECIFICS OF OUR CHALLENGE:

1)  Each participant will receive a fat-eighth of each of the five fabrics described above.
2)  ANY additional Michael Miller fabric can be added to your fabric.
3)  ANY solid(s) can be added to your project.
4)  The project can be of any size.
5)  You must quilt your own project
6)  The challenge begins as soon as we have the fabric, which is projected to be at least by our meeting April 14th.  (I will order as soon as it is available, which they state should be mid-March.  I will have available times it may be picked up at my home as soon as I have it, for those who wish to do so.  The challenge is due on our August meeting date, and our "challenge show" will be on that date.

THAT'S IT!  Start thinking of what YOU would like to create from this beautiful fabric.  Thank you, Michael Miller, for bringing us another challenge!



 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Our February 10th, 2014 meeting included 26 enthusiastic modern quilters ready to discuss, interact, explore new thoughts, and have fun! 


Mel Tuck gave a demonstration on a quick and easy binding technique that provided a "facing" for her project .... no binding showing on the front side.  What a fun way to bind and showcase "modern!"



Mel included corners in the facing of this project.  When turned to the back, it forms a cute "frame" to add to your backing design.
 

Beth Shutty delivered a program on how to make insert designs that had us all enthralled.  I could just see the imaginations in the room soaring!  She focused her program on inset circles, but included some on ovals, hearts, squares, etc.  I believe that several of us went home and pulled the freezer paper out of the drawers!  Her work is amazing, as you can see from the following:



A shout-out of CONGRATULATIONS to Beth for being named the winner of  "Best Modern Design" by remote judges of our recent Riley Blake Challenge.  Beth was presented with a bundle of Riley Blake Fat Quarters "Medium Circles" in a variety of colors.  We look forward to seeing what incredible creation she will accomplish from this bundle!

Jill and Marny of Modern Quilt Relish, who selected our "Best Modern Design" winner for the Riley Blake Challenge, posted to their blog about choosing a winner for our Central Florida MQG chapter. Please visit their blog post here, and thank them for giving us their valuable time. Thanks!


 Gloria Meacham brought in one of her favorite new toys - a circle attachment for her Bernina.  I think I see a demonstration coming up soon!


Carolyn Levant showed us a placemat that is one of a set she recently made.  What a great geometric design!  This had six corners, and she was pleased to be able to conquer those small mitered corners and hand sew the binding.


Cindy Cook brought in a cute little "Peek-a-Boo" block made with folded rectangles.  These blocks are being made into a child's quilt for KidsCentral.


Diane Bohn shared the sewing machine cover she made for her friend .... a very luck friend indeed!  This was made with her friend's color choices in mind.

This is a baby quilt top named "Ribbon Candy."  Diane was looking for a quick, jelly roll friendly pattern.  This is her second quilt pattern (coming soon!)  Those diagonal designs add an extra touch of modern to these gorgeous colors .... so many quilting possibilities.  Thank you, Diane, for sharing this WIP (Work in Progress).

We look forward to meeting again March 10 when we'll discuss modern elements as we all bring in WIPS to share.  This will be a great way to get ideas for layouts, quilting designs, color choices ..... decisions, decisions, decisions!  Four participants will also be sharing their own quilting story.  Each of our stories are special and unique.  Happy Quilting!