Thank you to all who were able to make it to our April Meeting! Welcome to our new members and guest. We had 4 new members this meeting!OCMQG Retreat info– Date Change!!! We had to change the date due to conflicts with the venue. New Date will be October 11-13. Email the guild if you are interested in coming to our first retreat!
Philanthropy– Ann A. shared a story of a little boy that didn’t like to read, curled up in a harry potter book and quilt made by Kathy Miller from our November Children’s book challenge. Thank you to Ann A. for all the hard work she has put into philanthropy. She will moving to Pennsylvania. We will miss you!
Block Lotto– Kathy Miller won last month’s block lotto. Tis month’s block lotto is a triangle paper-piecing block. Check out our April Block Lotto Blog to find out more!
Awards will be based on Member’s Choice, Best Use of A-Symmtery, Best Modern Design
Raffle Item: Scissor Holder and collapsible bin made by Mary O. was won by Barbara K.
May Social – We will be a Spring Social on May 18th.
Call for Quilts–
Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds is accepting entries for an exhibit at Road to California, January 23 – 26, 2020. Exhibit entries are limited to SCCQG members of Member Guilds or Affiliate Members only.
Road to California is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2020. You are challenged to create a quilt that is inspired by this wonderful quilt festival and features a technique that was learned in a Road to California workshop or uses a pattern/book and/or fabric purchased from a vendor at Road to California during the years 1995 – 2019. Entries are due by November 1st.
OC Fair submissions are due May 24th. Visit the OC Fair website for more details
Website Revamp: We have done a HUGE overhaul to our website. Our new website is https://ocmodernquiltguild.com Thanks to Dawn and Kaylin for all your hard work!
Show and Tell
Mark Your Calendars:
· No May Sew In, Happy Mothers Day
· Spring Social – May 18th
· Thursday, May 30th: Monthly Guild Meeting
· Sunday, June 9th: Monthly Sew In, 12-5 at the Los Olivos Room (clubhouse 2)
· Thursday, June 27th: Monthly Guild Meeting
· August Monthly Meeting: Next Challenge Quilt Due
Our April Challenge this year was to create a quilt using modern minimalism. Quilts had to be 12″ x 12″ or larger. Prizes were awarded for the following categories; best use minimalism, best modern design, and members’ choice.
The entries
OUR WINNERS
Best Use of Minimalism: Gail Sevilla | Best Modern Design: Mary O’Bannon | Members Choice: Ann Chavez
This months block were inspired by Maria Shell’s work and her exhibit at Visions Museum in San Diego. See her Instagram “Tales of a Sticher” for reference. Each block should make a nine patch, making a cross. Use solid colors only for the outside and aim for a strong mix of fabrics. Make your own prints by mixing patterns, stripes and blocks.
This month we asked the members about their other creative endeavors outside of quilting. We have a range of talents in the guild. Members enjoy scrapbooking, cooking, ceramics, travel, genealogy, watching baseball, and writing.
OCMQG Website
The website has been given an update and overhaul by Dawn. Kudos to Dawn for volunteering to refresh our website and spending hours and hour to organize our domain.
This Year’s Quilting Challenges
Our first Challenge of the year will be a modern, minimalist quilt! As always, quilts need to be quilted, bound, and labeled. Exercise your creativity and develop a quilt based on minimalism. The size can be 12” by 12” or larger and can be done individually or as a group project. Prizes will be awarded for best use of minimalism, best modern design, and members’ choice.
More Minimalism
We continued our focus on one of the major tenets of modern quilting design: Minimalism. This month we focused on fabric choices. Sandra lead a Q&A where each fabric sample was evaluated for how to best use each fabric in a minimalist design. All fabric has potential but not all items are a great fit for minimalism – you can end up fighting against the strength of the fabric and not utilizing its greatest potential.
Quilters Journey
Ruth Shared her Quilters Journey with us! She shared some amazing quilts and shared her Journey through the quilty world with us! Thank you Ruth!!
A table runner she recently completed for her daughter
The back of the table runner
Tips and Tricks
Olfa has new quick release rotary cutters where it is very easy to change the blade. Also, there are new “smoked” rulers which are non-slip. M&Ls is having a spend 100 dollars and get a 20 dollar gift card promotion for another two weeks.
Be a Member and Dues are Due!
Membership dues for 2019 are due now. We will be keeping the dues the same at $50 for the year. This grants you access to the MQG Website, guild workshops, block lottos, Guild Challenges, and so much more. If you have not paid yet, Please mail your dues to Mary O’Bannon. Pins will be available next month for new members.
Quilt in Public Day Recap
Gail and Sandra organized a Quilt in Public outing at Orange Circle. They brought 4 quilts and got great photographs of their quilts. Ruth and her other guild members hosted quilting in public at the Laguna Woods Library and also at Café Laguna.
Quilting Retreat Anyone?
Who would enjoy a retreat to get away from everything—everything other than quilting and fellowship with other quilters, that is. The OCMQG 2019 Retreat will be held from Oct 18-20 in Valley Center, CA. There are only 8 spots available for the retreat. We will fill the retreat on a first come first serve basis. The cost of the retreat is $275 per person. A $75 deposit is due within 14 days of reservation (April 15, 2019). Full payment is due 3 months in advance. There is no refund for cancellation within 3 months of the retreat unless we can fill your space. We will do our best to accommodate special food requirements. Please let us know in advance of any special requests. We do not serve alcoholic beverages. You may bring your own, however, please be courteous to others and don’t drink and drive. Check-in is anytime after 12 noon on Friday. Please let us know if you plan to arrive later than 6pm. Check-out is by 3pm on Sunday. Sleeping accommodations are in comfy twin beds (no bunk beds) in three bedrooms. Room arrangements can be chosen upon arrival.
Quilter’s Journey
Our member Ruth, shared a Trunk Show and shared how she became a quilter and showed us some of her quilts. Ruth started quilting in 1994. A friend picked up quilting and wanted an “engrossing activity for retirement.” There were quilt shops on every corner in 1995, like Leah’s in Long Beach. Ruth’s 1st quilt was a traditional rail fence. Gave it to her brother and wife but their dog inherited it. Another quilt was called a Hawaiian Amish with teeny tiny half inch nine-patch. Ruth’s mother was a dressmaker. Ruth made clothes on the treadle machine even when she was a little girl and was too short for the treadle. Never lived in a house without a sewing machine, so it was always an accoutrement to her life. “Fabric is an endless delight.”
It would be great to have other members share at future meetings; how about you? We need volunteers for June through November.
Block Lotto
This months block were inspired by Maria Shell’s work and her exhibit at Visions Museum in San Diego. See her Instagram “Tales of a Sticher” for reference. Each block should make a nine patch, making a cross. Use solid colors only for the outside and aim for a strong mix of fabrics. Make your own prints by mixing patterns, stripes and blocks.
Handmade Raffle
Ann Ainsworth donated handmade items we raffled off at the meeting. (2017 Hoffman “All A Twitter” picnic tablecloth and 16 fat quarters). Thank you, Ann! Items were won by Ann Chavez.
Quilter’s Block
The guild discussed different options to address warping and buckling in a quilt due to different density in quilting. Options to fix include pressing, adding more quilting to even out the thread density, get the quilt wet and let the fabric relax, or spray and block the quilt.
Show and Tell
We always love seeing what you’ve been making so keep bringing those modern quilts to the meeting, so we can see your great work in person!
Ann’s Family likes when she backs her quilts in flannel because they are cozier
Kelly turned these quilt blocks into pillows for some friends!
Cecile made a version of her Chopsticks Pattern
Ann quilted this quilt for the crazy quilters!
Ann quilted this quilt for the crazy quilters!
Ann quilted this quilt for the crazy quilters!
Gail turned this quilt top she has had for a long time into….
This quilt using a fun ruler!
Member Happenings
Sandra Johnson is taping 3 segments of Quilting Arts TV next week. Wish her luck! She also has a piece in an exhibition on 5th of April Freedom Railroad Exhibit in Cincinnati.
To Bring for the Next Meeting:
Ideas for the quilting retreat
Money for membership dues, raffle, and Block Lotto
Quilts for show and tell, issues for Quilter’s Block, give-aways for Going Green
Mark Your Calendars:
Saturday Crazy Quilters Guild 2019 Quilt Show Exhibit April 13, 2019
Sunday, April 14: Weekend Sew-In, 12-5 at the Los Olivos Room (clubhouse 2)
Thursday, April 25: Guild Meeting and Minimalism Challenge Quilts Due
Orange County Quilt Tradition at April 27-28th
Saturday April 27-28th, Through the Vines Quilt Show in Paso Robles
May 18th – Guild Social Mixer – Afternoon Tea with BYOB at Cheryl’s in Irvine
Flying Geese Quilt Guild Show on June 8-9 at Socca University
Chinese Haute Couture Designer Guo Pei Exhibit – Running March 9, 2019 – July 14, 2019
Thank you for joining us at our monthly Guild meeting! We continued our focus on one of the major tenets of modern quilting design: Minimalist Hand Quilting. Sandra shared various ways to hand-stitch. She provided the attached handout that can be found here. Hopefully we inspired you try your “hand” at hand quilting if you haven’t tried this technique already!
Quilt Con Recap
Five of our members attended Quilt Con. They shared their thoughts about the show. Members noticed there were a wide variety of people from different areas around the world, using both modern and traditional styles. Members enjoyed mingling and talking with different people about the quilts that were at the show. Members also noticed that many of the vendors are different at each show depending on location of Quilt Con. Often it is less travel time, which allows a more variety of vendors. Members are excited for the next Quilt Con in Austin, Texas!
Quilter’s Journey
Our member Barbara Knapp, shared a Trunk Show and shared how she became a quilter and showed us some of her quilts. She has received a lot of inspiration from her mother in law. She has won in a few of our charity quilt challenges in our guild. She finds more inspiration in creating something herself than to follow a pattern. Thanks Barbara for sharing your Journey! It would be great to have other members share at future meetings; how about you?
Philanthropy
Ann shared about how our November Challenge Charity Quilts benefited the Orangewood Foundation. The Orangewood Foundation helped rescue victims from Human Trafficking. They are helping so many victims, that they had to buy a house to accommodated them! Our quilts are going to help furnish the house. Thank you Ann for the update!
Quilt in Public Day
We will be gathering at the Orange Circle on Saturday, March 16 from 10-12. Bring a project to work on. Members can meet at 8:30am at Urth Café for breakfast. Be sure to bring a chair, snacks and drinks!
Be a Member
Membership dues for 2019 now! We will be keeping the dues the same at $50 for the year. This grants you access to the MQG Website, guild workshops, block lottos, Guild Challenges, and so much more.
This Year’s Quilting Challenges
Our first Challenge of the year will be a modern, minimalist quilt! As always, quilts need to be quilted, bound, and labeled. Exercise your creativity and develop a quilt based on minimalism. The size can be 12” by 12” or larger and can be done individually or as a group project. Prizes will be awarded for best use of minimalism, best modern design, and members’ choice.
Block Lotto
Last month’s Block Lotto Blocks were won by Kelly Hogan. This months block lotto is for a minimalist sampler using the Kona Color of the year.
Quilting Retreat Anyone?
Who would enjoy a retreat to get away from everything—everything other than quilting and fellowship with other quilters, that is. Bring your ideas for an upcoming OCMQG Retreat or fall sew weekend.
Handmade Raffle
Susie Johnson made a beautiful tote bag that we raffled off at the meeting. Thank you Susie!
Show and Tell
We always love seeing what you’ve been making so keep bringing those modern quilts to the meeting so we can see your great work in person!
Sewing Party
Cecile with Sewing Party will be selling her new lines of fabric that she has received at the next Guild Meeting. Bring your pocketbooks!
TO DO List for the next Meeting:
Examples of minimalism to share
Ideas for the quilting retreat
Money for membership dues, raffle, and Block Lotto
Quilts for show and tell, issues for Quilter’s Block, give-aways for Going Green
Money to Shop with Cecile!
Mark Your Calendars:
Sunday March 10: Weekend Sew-In, 12-5 at Los Olivos Room (Clubhouse 2).
Quilt in Public, Saturday March 16: Orange Circle. Bring a project to work on.
Thursday April 25: Minimalism Challenge Quilts Due.
Thank you for joining us at our monthly Guild meeting! We had lots in store for you this month. Our first meeting of the New Year, we focused on one of the major tenets of modern quilting design: minimalism, with the “guest” speaker, our own Sandra Johnson of Sandra Johnson Designs. In addition to the talk we’re asking all our members to bring examples of minimalism to share, which can be quilts made by you or others. Next month we will be talking about minimalist quilting. Please bring a piece of backing, batting, and top and we will have a demo on minimalist hand quilting.
Ice Breaker
Members answered various questions that they pulled out of a bowl. They answered various questions about goals for 2019, what they enjoy the most about quilting and the process, what is your favorite thing you ever made, etc. Thank you Kelly for your great Ice Breaker!
2018 HOLIDAY PARTY CHARITY QUILTS
This is one of the Charity quilts from the 2018 Holiday Party! They are both quilted and will be donated to the Orangewood Foundation!
Quilt Con Charity Quilt
Thanks to our many volunteers (you all know who you are) we developed a design concept, made blocks, and assembled the top using some improv skills. Special thanks to Julie McCluney for getting us organized, Batty Lady (Alicia Campbell and Trudy Teshima) for a group workspace, and Ann Chavez for quilting! It will be shipped on 2/1 to Quiltcon! The quilt is made of birch trees to symbolize new beginnings!
Quilter’s Journey
Karen Miller, our guild’s long-arm quilter known as Cosmic Quilting, shared a Trunk Show and shared how she became a quilter and showed us some of her quilts. It would be great to have other members share at future meetings; how about you?
Become a Member!
Membership dues for 2019 are due by the February meeting. We will be keeping the dues the same at $50 for the year. This grants you access to the MQG Website, guild workshops, block lottos, Guild Challenges, and so much more.
This Year’s Quilting Challenges
Our first Challenge of the year will be a modern, minimalist quilt! As always, quilts need to be quilted, bound, and labeled. Exercise your creativity and develop a quilt based on minimalism. The size can be 12” by 12” or larger and can be done individually or as a group project. Prizes will be awarded for best use of minimalism, best modern design, and members’ choice.
Block Lotto
Gail presented a “Cross” block. We can’t want to see how they turn out!
Potential Quilt Retreat
Quilting Retreat Anyone?– Who would enjoy a retreat to get away from everything—everything other than quilting and fellowship with other quilters, that is. Bring your ideas for an upcoming OCMQG Retreat or fall sew weekend.
Handmade Raffle
Sandra made handmade items we’ll be raffling off at the meeting. Thank you Sandra!
Show and Tell
We always love seeing what you’ve been making so keep bringing those modern quilts to the meeting so we can see your great work in person!
TO DO List for the next Meeting:
Please bring a piece of backing, batting and top and we will have a demo on minimalist hand quilting.
Examples of minimalism to share/li>
Ideas for the quilting retreat
Money for membership dues, raffle, and Block Lotto
Quilts for show and tell, issues for Quilter’s Block, give-aways for Going Green
In 2018, our monthly Block Lotto was organized and presented by Lisha. Each month, a new block is presented. The guild supplies fabric and instructions for making each month’s block. The cost is $2 per block, or 3 blocks for $5. Members bring their blocks to the next month’s meeting and will receive one raffle ticket for each completed block. Then there is a drawing for the lucky participant who will get to take all of the blocks home! In 2018, we had challenges for members to complete quilts from Block Lotto blocks too. Take a look at the amazing blocks our members made in 2018!
Pumpkin Block Lotto
Cecile demonstrates how to make a wedding block
Completed quilt top from Block Lotto blocks!
Completed quilt top from Block Lotto
Completed quilt from Block Lotto blocks!
Completed quilt from Block Lotto blocks! This quilt was also donated for our Philantrhopy Challenge.
Orange County Modern Quilt Guild 
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