June 29, 2016 Meeting Minutes

Thanks to Amanda Coulter for stepping in and taking notes!

Old Business

Foodie Challenge: The winner of the challenge (by a landslide) was announced (Brenda Rowley-Gray, with her entry of "Carrots").  The guild thanked Giedra for her considerable work in coordinating the challenge.

Charity Quilts:  We collected quilt blocks for both the Red/White/Blue quilts, as well as Quilts for Pulse.  Those interested in contributing who have not yet had the chance can bring finished charity quilts to the August meeting.  At the July meeting we may need to solicit volunteers to help finish / assemble and quilt the charity quilts.

July Retreat: The July retreat was planned for July 14th - 17th at Creative Passions in Chesaning, MI.  Amanda alerted the guild members that we are many people short of making our minimum required for attendance without losing Guild money.  We encouraged more people to sign-up, and collected payments from those scheduled to attend.

October Meeting’s “Introduction to Quilting” event: We will have a science-fair-style event at the October meeting.  The purpose is to introduce newcomers to the stages of making a quilt.  We will man different stations set-up around the room (e.g. cutting, quilting, fabric selection, etc.).  Members are encouraged to bring people to that meeting who either may not know much about quilting, or who might be interested in joining our group.  We may have a raffle and/or prizes, and we will be looking for volunteers to work the tables.

New Business

July Swap: At our July meeting we will exchange quilted pouches.  The guidelines are that pouches must: (1) be a pouch; (2) have a closure; and (3) be quilted.  This will be a Yankee Swap.  There are no size restrictions, and zippers are not required.  Additionally, pouches may be empty (but need not be empty if you are so inclined to fill them).

Library Spotlight:  Kim noted that Amy and Allison contributed new books to our library.  The list of all our library books has not yet been updated, but will be.  Members should send an email to Kim U. to request a particular book for a future meeting.

NEW Spotlight Format:  Future meetings will include a new section where members will “show” or “share” something about quilting, in order to get to know each other as members better.  At this first updated session of Spotlight, Giedra shared a tiny paper piecing project which was inspired by Rashida Coleman Hale (from Cotton + Steel).  Jackie shared the Carolyn Friedlander book “Savor Each Stitch,” and explained a project she made from the book.  Amy P. shared that when Carolyn Friedlander spoke to our guild at a trunk show, Amy was inspired by Carolyn’s comments on “slow stitching,” and it made Amy focus on the process rather than the end product.  Amy S. shared a quilt she made based on a pattern from Debbie Grifka, but adapted to ⅓ the scale.  Amanda shared an idea she is formulating for creating a Sashiko-inspired quilt.

Skills School: Amy S. demonstrated her pattern for a “Scrappy Snowball.”  This pattern includes a paper template. 

Round Robin:  Participants shared progress on round robin quilts, and received new assignments.  Members are reminded that they can join at any time!

Miscellaneous: For anyone interested in attending the November Glamp Stitchalot event, Ida has a ticket to sell.  Contact Ida for details.