Planning Ahead

It's time for our chapter to make plans for the future. The Modern Quilt Guild's end-of-December deadline for deciding whether to formalize our chapter by joining the national organization is a good time to revisit where we're heading.

To review where we've been thus far....

September 6, 2012 - Eight quilters at Linda H.’s house for the first organization meeting. We met several more times to discuss and plan, including one “make-a-modern-quilt-block” meeting at Sumter County Public Library at Pinellas Plaza. 

October 15, 2012  - Started the Central Florida MQG blog.

November 15, 2012 - Met for the first time at Sharky’s Vac ‘n Sew on Highway 301 in Wildwood, and continued to meet there monthly.

June 2013 - Four quilters met to write by-laws.

July 2013 - Began collecting $15 annual dues, voted to accept by-laws, and announced an Acting Executive Board.

August 2013 - Began meeting monthly at North Lake Presbyterian Church. 

September 14, 2013 - Our first Sew-In at the Oxford Community Center.

October  2013 - Unorganized, and refunded balance of dues.

December 2013 - Linda H. stepped down as chapter leader. Karen E. began leading in January, 2014.

Throughout our activities we have repeatedly emphasized and explained “What is Modern Quilting?” showing fabrics, designs and patterns typical of modern quiltmaking. We've held regular Sew-Ins to encourage getting acquainted. We've had a mug rug swap, and an apron challenge. Programming has included a variety of subjects from explanation of the latest technology - how to create a blog; how to use Flickr - to how to domestic machine quilt. 

Meetings: Everyone is encouraged to make and wear a modern name tag, and quilters are asked to bring and share modern quilts, fabrics, and the latest techniques.

Current discussion is about a shared modern quilt retreat with Gainesville MQG.

Quilters are invited to join national as individuals. We strive to offer participation in the same challenges that the national MQG hosts. Thus far, the MQG has offered five challenges:

1) Robert Kaufman Kona Solids

2) "Habitat" by Jay McCarroll

3) Michael Miller "Madrona Road" (Our first challenge opportunity.)

4) Riley Blake

5) And currently, Michael Miller "Petal Pinwheel"

We're looking for several volunteers who would be willing to participate in a short-term Advisory Committee to review, consider, and make a recommendation to our group about future plans. Advisory Committee volunteers will likely need to meet several times over the next several months to make their recommendation to our chapter by our November 10 meeting. If you would like to be on the Advisory Committee, please email here, or sign up at our August 11 meeting.

July 14 Monthly Meeting

Twenty quilters turned out for our monthly meeting at North Lake Presbyterian Church. We're grateful we were able to move into a different room where we have more space, and the room set-up is more conducive to getting to know each other.

Gloria presented her "Quilt Story," sharing her background from a quilting family, and a few of the quilts she inherited.

This particular quilt, which on first-glance looks like churn dash blocks is made of blocks called True Blue, or Prairie Queen, according to Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. Several of us agree that the block would make up beautifully in modern fabrics. 

Doris showing one of two place mats

Doris completed her quilt using blocks made using the Bay Area MQG block of the month   

Brenda and blocks from 100 Modern Quilt Blocks by Tula Pink

First-time visitor, Mary

Jill and her mod thread-catcher

Beth, and "Sun and Sea"

Coming Up

Sew-In
Saturday, July 19
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oxford Community Center, Oxford, Florida
$3 at the door

Bring whatever you wish to work on, a drink and your sack lunch. Feel free to attend and stay as long or as little as you wish. If you choose, you may work on our donation quilt.

Monthly Meeting
Monday, August 11
6:30 p.m.
North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lake, Florida

We'll attempt to answer the question: "Is this a modern fabric?"
Bring three prints or bundles of prints
1. Print(s) you consider modern
2. Print(s) you consider traditional, and
3. Print(s) you're uncertain about.

Also bring your modern show and tell finishes, and any tips or trends you'd like to share.
At the August meeting we will be accepting volunteers to serve on a short-term advisory committee. More information to follow.