Feb Meeting - Pre-QuiltCon

The February 13 Central Florida MQG meeting was abuzz with QuiltCon chatter as many of us excitedly anticipate leaving for Savannah, Georgia.

We are happy to welcome two new members to our chapter - Diane and Ardie - and six first-time visitors. A total of 35 quilters turned out for the meeting which featured a special guest speaker, and the reveal of a new challenge.

Our guest speaker was Di Jobbins, a quilter from Sydney, Australia who is visiting the US for the first time, and staying with Linda H. They anticipate traveling to QuiltCon together.

Here, President Karen presents Di with a small thank-you gift - a Pixie Basket filled with spools of Aurifil thread.

Di gave a wonderful presentation: "Meanderings of a (Moderately) Modern Quilter," sharing a little of her quilt story, and the similarities and differences between Australian modern quilting and American modern quilting.

Ruth and her pieced version of Urban Abacus

Frances and her table topper 

She domestic machine quilted it. 

Using our new logo fabric from Spoonflower, Beth made a tote bag.

Beth is participating in the QuiltCon swap and this is the quilt her partner will receive

Karen E. used the book Patchwork City to make "Talk of The Villages," a quilt with blocks that feature text/word prints. She domestic machine quilted it. 

Our New Challenge - Modern Mini

A new Central Florida MQG Challenge was presented by President Karen on behalf of Past President Debbie who is leading our Swaps and Challenges and was unable to attend the meeting. 

The challenge is: MODERN MINI

Rules for the challenge are as follows:

1. Make a mini quilt with a total perimeter of no more than 96". Sides of the mini do not need to be equal.
2. Use any modern element(s)/characteristic(s).
3. Choose three SOLID colors based on your initials. 
1. Colors must be named, as on a fabric color card or paint chip. You'll need three fabric or paint chips as proof of the colors you've used. For example, colors from a: Moda Bella color card; Kaufman Kona color card; Behr paint chips; or Sherwin-Williams paint chips.
2. Use your first name, middle name, and last name initials to choose colors. If you do not have a middle name, use your maiden name.
4. Background fabric is your choice that may be either neutral-colored solid or print.
5. Your Modern Mini may be finished with binding, or faced. 
6. Finished Modern Minis are due by the May 8 Central Florida MQG meeting with participation prizes being given, as well as Viewer's Choice winners. 

See you at QuiltCon!

Lotsa Doin's to Anticipate

The next few weeks offer a bevy of fun quilt-y activities for members of Central Florida MQG! Everyone will find something that captures their interest.

Sew-In
Saturday, February 11 - 10 am to 6 pm
Belleview Public Library

2017 QuiltCon East Charity Quilt (top only)

No sign-up is needed. Just come! Bring whatever you want to work on. Also bring to the Sew-In a drink, and a sack lunch... or, a group usually heads to Subway for nourishment.

It's been a while since we've had free sewing time at a Sew-In, since we were focused on making our QuiltCon East Charity Quilt Challenge quilt. Thanks to Becky, the quilt has been shipped! Look for it at QuiltCon, in the lecture hall.

Meeting
Monday, February 13 - 6:30 to 8:30 pm
North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lake
(behind Home Depot)

Activities include:
1) Sharing "Modern Minis." If you've made a modern quilt or mug rug or table mat (or more than one) whose total perimeter is less than 100", bring it to show and share. We'll talk about the characteristics of modern design, and you'll learn about a new opportunity!

2) Have in mind your 2017 Word of the Year that's applicable to your quilting goals for the year.

3) "Meanderings of a (Mostly) Modern Quilter" presented by Di Jobbins, an MQGer from Sydney (Zetland), Australia. She'll briefly share her journey to modern quiltmaking with pictures of her quilts, and talk about quilting in Australia - its similarities and differences. Come with questions to ask her!

4) Show and Tell - Show everyone the modern quilts and items you've been making lately!

5) Members: pick up your 2017 MQG membership card.

6) Check out the Spoonflower fabrics created from our logo by the talented Emma of ETM Creative. They're gorgeous! You can order fabric from Spoonflower yourself here, and/or buy a logo panel from Treasurer Kathy for $2.50 each.

If you haven't heard that QuiltCon is coming up soon - February 23-26 - in Savannah, Georgia, then you're been living in a cave! 😄

This is the nearest the event has been to Central Florida (about a 4-1/2 hour drive), so the excitement for those planning to attend has been building. Some lively discussion about the event is sure to be shared at this meeting... our last meeting before the big event!

QuiltCon East
If you're attending the show, be sure to download the QuiltConEast app (find it on ITunes), so you'll be in the know about all the activities, events, fun, and quilts!

If you're not attending the show, be sure to keep your smart phone or iPad handy to follow the Instagram hashtag #quiltconfromhome Several MQG members have been charged with sharing QuiltConEast with those who are unable to attend. How cool is that?!

We hope to see you at one or all of these events! We'll have more fun than a barrel of quilters!
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