August Sew-In, and Meeting

Once again, in August our Sew-In and regular meeting were only a few days apart. Ten quilters turned out for the Sew-In, dodging raindrops as they dashed into the Belleview Public Library.

Back, L-R: Susan, Kelly Karen E., Karen T., and Judi
Front, L-R: Toni, Debbie Flo, Diane, and Linda

At the August 10 meeting, three entries in the Riley Blake Cottage Garden were revealed. Quilts shown were made by: (L-R) Susan, Beth, and Karen E. Both Susan and Karen's quilts were made with a Quick Curve Ruler.

Flo showed all the modern blocks she's been making from the Sew Kind of Wonderful pattern, "Curve it Up."

Kathy shared three projects: a small wall hanging, and two tote bags. She used a tumbler template to make one bag and the wall hanging, the latter of which she quilted herself.

Toni made "Astrodelic" using a jelly roll. The free pattern can be found on the Art Gallery Fabrics website. Toni quilted "Astrodelic" herself. 

This is only Karen T.'s second project, a bed runner made using a Missouri Star Quilt Company tutorial for a Disappearing Pinwheel. Karen quilted it herself. 

Jill started this quilt while on our May retreat and named the quilt "Luther Springs Surprise." She quilted it herself.

Betty showed her in-progress Professional Tote.

Karen E. shared her finished 74" X 74" quilt made with blocks from "100 Modern Quilt Blocks" by Tula Pink. Karen quilted it herself.

Our informative and fun program was led by Kelly who wowed us with an amazing assortment of items she uses for making quilts. How about sewing through a prepackaged antiseptic swab to clean off a sewing machine needle that's been "gunked" with adhesive?

Kelly explains that at home she has three bricks, wrapped with duct tape. She uses them to pound seams, to make them flat, after pressing. Note the black, duct tape-wrapped brick on the table.

Here, Kelly shows everyone how to use a Boogie Board, an LCD Ewriter. It's a JoAnn Fabrics purchase that she uses it to draw free motion quilting designs.

Everyone was attentive to hear what Kelly's next unique idea might be.

Kelly uses a #10 Bernina foot - an edge stitch foot - to demonstrate how easy it is to join pieces of batting to make a larger batt for use in a quilt.

Here, Kelly shows how to use an O'lipfa Seams Sew Fast to easily sew together fabric strips, as when making a jelly roll quilt.

Thanks to a relative of Kelly, everyone received an envelope opener! Did you know it can be used to cut apart chain piecing?! With the narrow point at the top and pointing toward yourself, tape the opener to the side of a table or drawer. Then, simply slide a pair of chained pieces into the slot to cut the threads to separate the pieces. Easy-peasy!

Thanks for a great program, Kelly!

Saturday, September 12 Sew-In - Let us know if you plan to attend. 

September 14 meeting program - "Social Media and the Modern Quilter," presented by Linda H. This presentation is an overview of the MQG website; quilting blogs; Facebook; Pinterest; Flickr; Instagram; and podcasts. Bring your small electronic devices and be ready to take notes!