Monday, December 19, 2016

December Minutes

December 2016 Mtl MQG Meeting Minutes

Tuesday December 13, 2016 at 7pm at CRCS St-Zotique

New members - Claudia is our Welcome Wagon, feel free to ask questions

Charm Square Swap fabric on table

Meeting:

There have been some muggings in the neighbourhood. 
Safety in the neighborhood/walking from the metro
Travel in pairs/groups, be aware of surroundings
Anyone feel unsafe travelling to meetings? Check forum for rides offered

Quilt Guild meet up February 18th
Llynda traditional Châteauguay  guild
We will try the Charel Arkinsosn slab block for the Canada quilt bee at the CAQ. 
More to come at January meeting.

Shannon is ill out until January.  If you want to sign card. 

Show and Tell - My Favorite Things

Lily sashiko little step stitches table cloth
Snezana Puff quilt and book.
Hungarian stictching and hand carved scissor holder
Bag handlook batiks
Chicago Blackhawks
Wallpaper smoother to open seams
Quilt rouge
Quilter needles and transportation quilt
Quilt for baby B - scary flower quilt
Atlantic crossing each of 5 grandchildren made a block
Thread holder
Old lady quilt (is done) ruby and Lola quilt
Fill the void quilt
Men's ties quilt
Rug slip matts to keep hands from slipping on free motion quilting.
Small hand iron.
Mad about patchwork fat quarter pack that is too pretty to cut
Orfil dove grey 50 weight
Fabric from Japan (recommend daintytime.net for a Chinese coin quilt pattern)
Hummingbird mini quilt
Greenery pantone

Stacy and Amanda have collaborated to open a new shop in Verdun. Please see them for more information

Camelot has Star Trek fabric and many others. 

Charity update – will be completed for January meeting.
            Thank you to Michell, Lily, Camalot Fabrics and everyone who put together a block.

Josees origami block – very cool.  See blog for more information.  http://mtlmqg.blogspot.ca/


Next meeting: January 10 - discussion will be led by Francine on long-arm quilting

Josée's block tutorial

As promised, Josée has provided the written tutorial for the block from her "A Sprinkling of Stars" quilt.

"A Sprinkling of Stars" by Josée Carrier

You can find the downloadable tutorial in the Members Only/Membres Seulement section of the blog! Thank you again to Josée for sharing her beautiful work with us :)

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Member Spotlight: Jennifer Frei

We are back with another Member Spotlight! For December, we introduce you to Jennifer Frei. If you have questions for Jennifer or comments on her spotlight, please leave us a comment!

Enjoy!


What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?

I studied sociology in school – not terribly creative. I’ve always done creative things but apart from a painting class, I never studied art. I work at the Montreal Children’s Hospital as a research coordinator in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). It’s a lot of fun but can be a bit heavy at times which is why I enjoy coming home to quilt and make!

How long have you been quilting?

I started quilting about 7 years ago but I’ve been sewing ever since I was little. My mother is a seamstress by trade and she was always making things. Years ago she took up quilting but at the time I wasn’t really paying attention. It wasn’t until I got a bit older that I decided to try it out too and shortly after starting my first quilt a few of my friends started getting pregnant so I quickly moved on to baby quilts and was hooked!

What first got you interested in modern quilting?

My first quilt was pretty traditional and even as I was making it I found myself bored with the colours and fabric patterns. It wasn’t until I started looking for patterns online that I discovered different colour palates and designs. I was drawn to the bright colours and updated takes on traditional patterns. I think that’s still my favourite. I like to make things are that not traditionally modern but are modern traditional.


How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

I was having trouble finding nice fabric/supplies in and around the city and was doing some online investigating. I had come across the MMQG website was surprised by my luck, I had no idea we had guilds in Montreal. I was all set to head to a meeting when there was a snowstorm and I chickened out. It wasn’t until a year later that I finally made it to a meeting – this time in the spring!

Do you have any favourite quilting related social media accounts that you follow?

I’m an Instagram and Pinterest junkie but apart from our wonderful guild members, I don’t follow anyone in particular. I tend to search for ideas and click on pretty images that inspire me but I don’t follow particular designers or artists. I’m an equal opportunity quilting absorber!

Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?

I have to admit that prior to joining the guild I looked through magazines or online to recreate quilts that I thought were pretty. Now I tend to see quilt ideas in everything. A few months ago I was at a medical conference and one of the presenters was showing some graphs of her data and all I could see was a really cool quilt! I have yet to recreate it but I made a mental note.


What would you consider to be your quilting “superpower”?

I’m not sure I’d call it a superpower but I’m pretty good at binding. I like hand-binding but I’ve been getting better at machine binding as well (a technique I only use on small projects like placemats or mug rugs).

What is your favourite part of the quilt making process? Why?

I like piecing. I like seeing my quilt transform from pattern on paper to a real, material quilt. And I find it fun to cut up all the little pieces and put them back together (I also like puzzles so…). I could make a million quilt tops but when it comes to quilting them they hang around for far too long before I *finally* force myself to finish them.

What project or technique is next on your “to try” list?

I have yet to confidently master the non-appliquéd circle. I think we agreed that the 2016/17 year was going to be the year of the circle and I fully hope to embrace it. The Cheryl Arkison workshop really helped to demystify some of the techniques.

What is your favourite project that you have completed? Why is it your favourite?

I think it’s a tie between two baby quilts I made. The first one had to be neutral because we didn’t know the sex of the baby and I love how calming it felt. The second was an appliqué circle quilt that was both grid-like and circular and I had a lot of fun arranging the squares so that the colours worked together. I also love my Libs Elliot “Weight of Love” quilt but that’s not finished yet (see previous comment on quilting/finishing quilts).


Describe/share pictures of your creative space:

When I bought my condo a few years back I had an extra room that I confidently set up like a guestroom which had a desk where I could work from time to time. Suffice it to say that no guest has ever spent the night in that room – my quilting has taken over.



Monday, December 12, 2016

Meeting reminder


Just a quick reminder, our last meeting of 2016 will be tomorrow night, Tuesday December 13th at 7pm at the CRCS St-Zotique.

The Polka Dot/Stripe/Plaid charm swap is due, so if you signed up to participate please remember to bring your charm squares!

Josee will be demonstrating the origami block she used to create her amazing Sprinkling of Stars quilt, and with a nod to the holiday classic 'The Sound of Music', our Show & Tell will be dedicated to a few of My Favorite Things. Please bring your favorite modern quilting-related thing; it can be a favorite quilt or quilt pattern, your favorite quilting book, magazine or notion, or your favorite fabric that you can't bring yourself to cut up and use.

Since this is the last meeting before the holidays, everyone is invited to bring along a seasonal treat to share with the group. See you tomorrow night! :)

November Meeting Minutes

November 2016 Mtl MQG Meeting Minutes
Tuesday November 8, 2016 at 7pm at CRCS St-Zotique

Business Stuff:
  • New members - Claudia is our Welcome Wagon, feel free to ask her any questions you might have.
  • Please pay dues to Josée before Dec 1st ($35)
  • Remember to wear your name tags
Charm Square Swap! There are 14 participants in the charm swap, this means that for the December meeting you will need to bring a total of twenty-eight charm squares (5"), fifteen in each of two different prints.  Remember the theme of this swap is polka dots, stripes and plaids/checks. You should be able to get twelve 5” charm squares per fat quarter.

Show and Tell:
  • Mélanie (Je t’aime), Stephanie (Uppity women Unite), Joanna ( Metro 2.0), Debby (Feather) Izzy (pattern test for Shannon), Suzanna (table runner), Nicole (circle wall hanging) Maggie (fire lights lane couch quilt number 2), Josée (Les Arabe) Claudia (Michael Miller Challenge)

QuiltCon submission deadline is November 30:
  • Look at the guidelines and if have other questions please ask as we have many people who have submitted in the past.

A few reminders:
  • December 3 sew-in (scissor sharpening - spots are limited, please book a slot on the sign-up sheet, $4 per pair, no pinking shears. We will also have a rotary blade sharpener on hand)
  • Our final meeting of 2016 will be on Tuesday December 13th at 7pm 
  • Josée will be demonstrating the origami block she used in her showcase quilt, A Sprinkling of Stars.
  • For those participating in the Charm Square Swap, your blocks are due so please remember to bring them with you. 
  • We will have a themed Show and Tell, so with a nod to the classic 'Sound of Music', our theme will be My Favorite Things. Bring along a favorite quilting-related item to share; it can be a favorite quilt, a favorite quilting notion, a favorite modern quilting book or magazine, or even some of your favorite fabric.
  • As it is the holidays, everyone is invited to bring a treat to share with the group!

Charity Quilt
  • It is going well, Amanda is going to do the binding.
Cinza brought some things to raffle off tonight!  Thanks Cinza

Claudia had the workshop books if anyone wants to look at them at the break.

Guest: Chris Forsyth, photographer of Montreal metro project

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

December Sew-In

Just a friendly reminder, our December Sew-In will be taking place this Saturday, December 3rd (seriously, how is it December already?!?) from 10am to 4pm at the CRCS St-Zotique.


It'll be a great time to get started on all those gifts that you told yourself in July you'd have plenty of time to get done! ;) Josee is kindly bringing her rotary blade sharpener, so if you have some blades that could use sharpening, bring them along. Don't forget your fuzzy slippers and a mug if you'd like something warm to drink - we'll have coffee, tea and hot chocolate on hand.

If you're new to the guild and haven't attended a sew-in before, refer to the FAQ page (scroll to the bottom) for what to expect and what to bring with you. See you then!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Workshop: Quilt playing games with my heart

Our intrepid members Stacy and Jessica will be leading an intro to quilting course, Quilt Playing Games with my Heart, at La Société Textile on December 4th. If you've been wanting to learn to quilt but didn't know where to start, or if you're looking for some cute holiday gifts to make, this is for you. :) 


The course costs $30 and includes a kit with the supplies for a winter or Christmas themed potholder (pictured above), and all of the instruction and assistance you need to make it! Craft de Ville will also have a pop-up shop onsite stocked with lots of other supplies and goodies. 

Spaces are limited, so get in touch with La Société Textile directly today to book your spot.

Submitting a quilt to a quilt show/competition

The deadline for QuiltCon 2017 is fast approaching at the end of the month, and it will be followed by Quilt Canada 2017, Vermont Quilt Festival and many other regional shows. While it is never expected or required that an MMQG member submit their work to a competition, it can be a fun way to challenge yourself and get feedback on your work!

Image courtesy of QuiltCon East
We only had a few minutes to discuss this at the November meeting, so I wanted to post some resources here for anyone who is thinking about submitting work to one of the competitions for the first time, or simply wants to up their quilting game... if you have any questions to ask or experiences to share, please do so in the comments!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Member Spotlight: Claudia Pedroso

For November, the MMQG member in the spotlight is Claudia Pedroso.  Claudia has been a member for a couple of years now and is our new Treasurer.  Claudia is also our Welcome Wagon for new members so please feel free to ask her any questions you might have about the resources available to you as a new member.

Thank you so much for agreeing to play along with us Claudia!  :-)


What did you study in school and/or what do you do for a day job?

I am the controller for a management company whose focus has shifted in the last few years from capital venture to philanthropy. It’s one of the reasons I am enjoying my new role with the MMQG as treasurer - taking my two favourite things, quilting and accounting, and combining them – it’s a perfect relationship!

How long have you been quilting?

I believe it was around 2002 although I have worked with needle and thread since I was very young. Embroidery, sewing, crochet, knitting… And yes, I was that geek who joined the sewing club in high school and would voluntarily spend lunch hours in the Home Ec classroom!

My first quilt:


What first got you interested in modern quilting?

I always had issues with the fabrics and patterns I would see in conventional fabric stores and magazines but it wasn't until I joined the MMQG that I realized that my tastes were different from what was out there and that there was a brand new world about to open up to me. 

How did you find the MMQG and why did you decide to join?

I have known Cinzia Alloca, co-founder of the MMQG, for over 25 years and she invited me to come to a meeting to check it out.  Once there, realizing more what modern quilting was about, seeing the beautiful show and tell items that night was all I needed to see this was where I belonged.  Seeing so many people as passionate about quilting as I was - also a real treat. 

Where do you look for inspiration or ideas for your quilting projects?

Since discovering the concept of improv in modern quilting, I try to look for inspiration in everything I see, whether it be a scenic beach, a painting on a wall in a restaurant, or even a vase in the office of a bank employee.  Mostly though, I get inspired by what the other members of the guild bring to the table, their work, their stories, their techniques…

Scenic Beach:


Restaurant (Bad Date!):


What is your favorite project that you have completed? Why is it your favorite? 

This is a tie between the quilt I made my daughter that was the first time I let myself be inspired by the fabrics I chose and also "changing" a pattern to include only elements I liked and dismissing elements I did not like (sashing….yuck) and my Beachball quilt, only because the colours are so happy and I use it at the beach!!

Arianne's Quilt:


Beach ball quilt:


What is your favorite part of the quilt making process? Why?

I think my favourite part of the quilt making process is a tie between the beginning of assembling a quilt and the binding of it.  It is exciting to see something that was only ever in your head start to take form in front of your eyes and then to see it finished when the binding comes on - and , I must confess, I actually enjoy the feel of the fabric beneath my fingers when I am sewing on the binding.
 
What is the best quilting tip or technique you’ve discovered?

Mitering the corners when applying the binding was an "ah ha" moment for me at a workshop I took with Cinzia.  She taught me a whole bunch of other things at that workshop but the corner miter….it was as if the sun had risen after 10 years of rain!!

Describe your creative process in three words:

Usually involves wine!
   
Other quilts:

Sister Silvia's Sunshine Quilt (To chase away the winter blues)


Tia Arminda Tumbling Blocks


Mom's Healing Quilt

Monday, November 07, 2016

November meeting reminder


Just a quick reminder, our November meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday November 8th at 7pm at the CRCS St-Zotique.

We will be finalizing the details for the Charm Square Swap (if you plan on participating, please sign up before tomorrow!) and it is also the deadline to pay your yearly dues. If you have not yet paid them, please speak with Josee at the meeting.

We are fortunate enough to have photographer Chris Forsyth joining us to speak about his Metro Project. For those who may be struggling to find inspiration for our Metro Challenge, he will be sharing some of his photos taken in the Montreal metro system and discuss his methods and inspiration.

See you tomorrow night!

Friday, November 04, 2016

Reminder: Metro Challenge walking tour

Just a quick reminder... tomorrow, Saturday November 5th, is our Metro Challenge walking tour.

Joliette station, photo courtesy of Montreal in Pictures

Joanna and I will be hanging out around the escalators in the food court at Centre Eaton (on the metro level below the de Maisonneuve entrance) so meet us there for a bite to eat before we start the tour.

See you tomorrow! :)

- stephanie

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Make Your Own Viewfinder (for the Metro Walking Tour!)

Our Metro Challenge Walking Tour is coming up on November 5th when we will be wandering  through a few of the metro stations to discuss their design and history, and hopefully get your creative juices going for the challenge.

McGill metro station, image courtesy of the STM website

Joanna has been kind enough to put together a tutorial to help you make your own viewfinder for use during the tour. Use of a viewfinder is of course optional, but just like the one on your camera, it helps you frame or focus on certain elements in your surroundings. This can be immensely valuable when trying to decide on your quilt's design... and of course this technique can be used elsewhere, not just for this challenge.

Joanna's viewfinder is designed to have a 3:4 proportion specifically to fit the 30" x 40" dimensions of our challenge. If you've decided to do your quilt using the 40" x 40" dimensions, then of course you can adjust the dimensions of the viewfinder to match that. You can find the full tutorial in the Members Only section of the blog... if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Remember we will be meeting at the Food Court at the Eaton Center downtown at noon on Saturday November 5th (please see the original blog post for full details). We will grab some lunch and then start the tour from there... if you can't make it for the start of the tour but still want to join, we will be posting our progress on Instagram, so you are welcome to check there and meet up with us at the next station. See you on the 5th!

Monday, October 24, 2016

Member Spotlight: Josée Carrier

Pour le mois d'octobre, nous avons le plaisir de vous présenter Josée Carrier, une des fondatrices de notre guilde et la personne qui s'occupe si bien de nos nouveaux membres!

1. Vos coordonnées de médias sociaux (blog/site web, Facebook, Instagram, etc):

Blog : http://thecharmingneedle.com/
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thecharmingneedle
Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/photos/thecharmingneedle/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thecharmingneedle/
Pinterest : http://www.pinterest.com/charmingneedle/

2. Qu'avez-vous étudié à l'école et/ou que faites-vous comme travail?

J'ai étudié en ingénierie et j'ai travaillé en développement logiciel pour une compagnie en animation 3D. Après la naissance de mon deuxième garçon, j'ai décidé de prendre une pause dans ma carrière pour être auprès deux. J'ai beaucoup apprécié ces moments privilégiés avec eux.

J'ai également profité de ce temps à la maison pour explorer mon côté créatif. C'est pendant cette période que j'ai commencé à faire de la couture et de la courtepointe de façon régulière. Cela a été des années bien remplies : j'ai créé mon blog, fondé notre guilde avec Cinzia Allocca, rédigé des patrons pour diverses publications, fait de nombreux projets de couture et de courtepointe ...  Puis, j'en ai profité pour en apprendre plus sur divers sujets qui me passionnent (le design textile, la programmation graphique et le développement web).

D'ailleurs, je fais actuellement un retour sur le marché du travail en tant que pigiste en développement web (http://joseecarrier.ca/fr). Eh oui, mes deux garçons sont à l'école (1ère et 3e année), alors ma petite pause est maintenant terminée. Il y aura certainement un peu moins de temps pour la couture dorénavant, mais il y aura toujours des idées pour de nouveaux projets qui vont trotter dans ma tête.

3. Depuis combien de temps faites-vous de la courtepointe?

Je fais de la courtepointe depuis 6 ans. J'ai fait ma 1ère courtepointe pour la naissance de mon premier garçon en 2008. Mais je l'ai fait sans savoir que  ça se nommait une courtepointe. Pour moi, c'était une couverture piquée. J'avais utilisé une bourre de polyester. C'est seulement en 2010 que j'ai commencé à faire de la courtepointe.




4. Qu'est-ce que vous avez d'abord intéressé à la courtepointe moderne?

J'ai vraiment découvert la courtepointe lorsque je me suis mis à chercher des  tissus pour la décoration de la chambre de mon 2e garçon. J'ai découvert les imprimés modernes et les collections de designer. J'ai été accrochée et à partir ce moment, j'ai commencé à me renseigner sur la courtepointe. Ça correspondait au début de Modern Quilt Guild et des groupes de partage (Fresh Modern Quilts) sur Flickr. J'avais choisi l'imprimé Zoology de Michael Miller Fabrics pour la chambre de mon garçon. Et voici la courtepointe que j'ai fait avec les retailles en 2010.


Puis, voici la première courtepointe que j'ai conçu :



5. Comment avez-vous trouvé la MMQG et pourquoi avez-vous décidé de devenir membre?

J'ai trouvé The Modern Quilt Guild, puis Cinzia Allocca par l'entremise des groupes sur Flickr. Comme elle était de Montréal et que j'aimais son style de courtepointes, j'ai décidé de la contacter. On a pensé fonder une branche de la Modern Quilt Guild à Montréal. Après s'être suivies pendant quelques mois sur Flickr, on a décidé de se lancer. La première rencontre de notre guilde a eu lieu en Mars 2012. Et depuis ce temps, aucun regret, beaucoup de plaisir et de belles rencontres! Voici une de mes courtepointes faite lors du premier challenge organisé par The Modern Quilt Guild :



6. Quelles techniques/style/philosophie aimez-vous le plus de la courtepointe moderne?

J'aime profiter de chaque projet pour apprendre de nouvelles techniques et mon défi est toujours d'essayer de les utiliser de façon créative. J'aime beaucoup les formes géométriques. Je suis beaucoup plus à l'aise avec celles-ci qu'avec le style improvisé. Cela dit j'apprécie beaucoup ce style, même s'il n'est pas naturel pour moi. Dans mes courtepointes, j'aime jouer avec l'asymétrie, les couleurs unies de différents tons, l'utilisation de quadrillage alternatif, l'utilisation de l'espace négatif. Et de façon générale, j'aime beaucoup jouer avec les couleurs. Voici la courtepointe, la plus représentative de mon style.



7. Quels usagers de médias sociaux reliés à la courtepointe moderne suivez-vous?

J'ai suivi beaucoup de blogs au début dont celui de Rachel Hauser , Malka Dubrawsky, Jacquie Gering, Elizabeth Hartman, Alissa Haight Carlton, Ashley Newcomb, … J'ai appris beaucoup à la lecture de ces blogs. Je continue de suivre la plupart d'entre-eux, mais de façon beaucoup moins régulière. La personne que je suis avec le plus d'intérêt est Carolyn Friedlander. Ses projets et ses collections de tissus sont pour moi très inspirants. Sur Instagram, j'aime bien suivre les projets de personnes plus près de moi comme les membres de la guilde.

8. Où allez-vous pour de l'inspiration ou des idées pour vos projets de courtepointe?

Les nombreux blogs sur la courtepointe moderne font parti de mes sources d'inspiration. Je crois que notre communauté en ligne a sans aucun doute propulsé la créativité de chacun. Souvent une courtepointe qu'on a vu en ligne peut être la source de départ, puis après les possibilités sont infinies. Mais je cherche également mes sources d'inspirations dans d'autres domaines : le design graphique, les motifs géométriques, le design et l'art en général. Et mon outil favori pour trouver ces sources d'inspiration est Pinterest.

9. Quel est votre projet favori que vous avez terminé? Pourquoi est-il votre préféré?

Je crois que c'est ma courtepointe Sous une pluie d'étoiles qui a fait parti de notre exposition Vitrine sur la courtepointe moderne.


J'ai vraiment apprécié chacune des étapes de création : du choix du bloc de départ au piquage. J'ai utilisé des couleurs qui étaient différentes de mes palettes habituelles. Et je suis bien contente du résultat.

10. Qu'est-ce que vous considérez comme votre 'super pouvoir' dans la courtepointe?

Je crois que mon 'super pouvoir' est la facilité avec laquelle je peux écrire des patrons. D'ailleurs, j'aime bien créer mes propres patrons lorsque je réalise des projets.

11. Quelle est votre partie préférée du processus de fabrication de courtepointe? Pourquoi?

Pour faire suite à la question précédente, la planification est sans aucun doute la partie que je préfère, incluant le choix du design et le choix des tissus.

12. Quel projet ou technique est le prochain sur votre liste "à essayer"?

La prochaine technique à essayer est d'utiliser mon cadre à piquer :


J'en ai fait l'acquisition au printemps dernier et je n'ai toujours pas eu l'occasion de l'essayer. Je crois que ça va simplifier beaucoup le piquage de mes courtepointes. J'espère que je ne serai pas déçue...

13. Quel est le meilleur truc ou technique que vous avez découvert?

Le meilleur truc? J'ai tellement appris de trucs depuis que j'ai commencé à faire de la courtepointe, plus particulièrement depuis qu'on se réunit comme guilde. Il est difficile de trouver le meilleur. Disons le dernier, un truc de Debby Soll pour les appliqués à la main. Je me sens un peu gauche dans cette technique, mais depuis que Debby m'a suggéré d'utiliser de petites épingles à appliqués comme celles-ci : Clover applique pins, je suis beaucoup plus à l'aise.

14. Quel est le meilleur conseil que vous avez reçu concernant la courtepointe?

Je dirais certainement l'utilisation d'un mur de design. La suggestion de prendre du recul pour évaluer la disposition de la courtepointe et l'agencement de tissus est sûrement un des meilleurs conseils que j'ai reçu.

15. Décrivez votre processus créatif en trois mots:

Explorer, dessiner et réaliser. Je commence toujours mes projets par la recherche d'idées et de palettes de couleur. J'aime aussi faire des croquis au début de mes projets pour explorer différentes idées sur papier. Selon les projets, je ferai un schéma de la courtepointe à l'ordinateur. Puis, la partie la plus gratifiante est de voir cette courtepointe prendre forme.

16. Décrivez/partagez quelques photos de votre studio ou espace de couture:

Je fais mes projets dans une petite pièce qui est à la fois ma salle de couture et notre salle de lavage. Je suis bien heureuse d'avoir un espace dédié où je n'ai pas à ranger à chaque fois que je termine de travailler sur mes projets. Et, j'apprécie beaucoup la lumière naturelle qui entre par la fenêtre de la pièce. Voici quelques photos.




Si vous voulez en savoir plus, il y a plus de détails sur mon blog : http://thecharmingneedle.com/2015/07/sewing-room-updates.html.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Working with circles and curves

Our workshop with Cheryl Arkison is fast approaching and the workshop filled up so quickly when we announced it in the spring that there were a few people who unfortunately didn't get a spot.

Quilt and photo by Cheryl Arkison

So for those of you who didn't snag a spot in the workshop, or for those of you just looking for something fun to do this weekend, you might be interested by Cheryl's Craftsy class, Inset and Applique Circles. There's also Playing with Curves by Ann Petersen, or even Contemporary Curves: Double Wedding Ring Quilts by Jackie Kunkel.

Also, don't forget we have Cheryl's Trunk Show on the evening of Friday October 21st with plenty of room for everyone; $5 for MMQG members $10 for non-members, refreshments will be provided. :) Hope to see you there!







Thursday, October 13, 2016

Metro Challenge Walking Tour

After the announcement of this year's Metro Challenge, we thought it would be a good opportunity to get together for lunch and spend an afternoon discussing art, architecture and quilt design!


We will be meeting for lunch at the Centre Eaton food court (705 Rue St. Catherine Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H3B 4G5, metro station McGill) at 12:00pm on Saturday November 5th. From there we will explore a handful of Montreal's metro stations along the Green and Orange line, discuss a little of their history explore their architecture and art works, as well as a bit of their surrounding neighborhoods.

Please wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers as we will be both inside and outside during our tour. We recommend you bring a notebook and pen as well as a camera. Joanna will be posting instructions on how to make a simple viewfinder so you can make one to bring along as well.

If you do not already have a monthly pass for the STM, you can purchase a 1 Day Pass for $10 (http://www.stm.info/en/info/fares/transit-fares/1-day) that will allow you unlimited access for 24 hours. Since we will be going in and out of some of the stations on our route, this will save you some time and money.

If you will be joining us for the tour, please indicate your presence in the comments below, or on the Facebook event so that we have an idea of how many we will be. If you cannot make it on Saturday, we will be posting a summary of the tour to the blog afterwards, and you can also find some great information and photos on the STM site: Art in the metro.

Hope to see you there!

Already know which station you want to sign up for? Don't forget to add your name to the challenge sign-up sheet!

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

October Meeting Minutes

Quick points of business: 

  • New members - Claudia is our Welcome Wagon, feel free to ask questions.  Also, most of our guild's "businessy" things will be posted here on the blog. Make sure you stay up to date!
  • We may be able to get someone to come to our December sew-in to sharpen scissors for the low cost of $5 per pair.  Approximately 10 people would be interested.  Stephanie to let us know at the next meeting if this is happening.
  • We would like to organize ‘extracurricular’ social meet-ups in months we have no sew-In.  For November, we'll have the metro walking too (see below) so suggestions are welcome for January.

Cheryl Arkison trunk show: 
Friday Oct 21st 7-9pm at the Verdun Elementary (631 Melrose in Verdun).
Free for workshop attendees, $5 for members, $10 for non-members
We are also looking for volunteers to bring snacks/drinks.  If you are interest, please contact Stephanie.

Cheryl Arkison workshop (FULL):
Perfect Circles and Improv Curves - Arrive early to set up! (bring power strip/ext cords)

Metro Walking Tour:
The most popular dates are either November 5 or 12.  Stephanie will confirm with Joanna and get back to everyone via this blog or by email.

Charm square swap
Joanna posted on the blog with all the details of our next charm square swap. Deadline to sign up is the November meeting, squares will be due at the December meeting.

Demo: Paper-piecing by Agnes
Thank you so much Agnes for a great presentation and demo.

Next meeting: November 8th

  • Discussion on quilt judging
  • Guest speaker Chris Forsyth (metro project)
  • Snacks volunteers:  Dawn and Michelle
  • Set-up/take down volunteer:  Melanie


Tuesday, October 11, 2016

New Charm Square Swap

As promised in our geometric charm swap last year, here's the swap from those prints that we banned:

- The Polka-Dot,
- The Stripe, and
- The Plaid!

The details are as follows; each person who signs up will find 2 prints of some variation of dot, plaid or stripe (if you want to go crazy, you might even mix them together). Which ever prints you choose, once we have the final number of participants, you will cut one 5"x 5" square for each participant, from each of you fabrics.

For example, if there are 10 participants, you will cut 10 squares of your first print, and another 10 squares of your second (for a total of 20 squares), bring them all to the following meeting, and you will receive a lovely pile of different squares (including on of each of your own prints). So, you give 20 squares, you get 20 squares!

See it as a chance to make peace with your nemesis, the polka-dot, or to convert others to your dedication to the plaid! Play with it, and most importantly, have fun! We'll be looking forward to seeing the results.

The deadline to sign up is the day before the next meeting, November 7th, so we can announce the total number of participants, and the charms squares will be due at the December meeting, on the 13th.

The sign-up sheet can be found here.

October meeting reminder

Our October meeting is tonight at the CRCS St-Zotique from 7pm to 9pm! Check the board at the entrance for our room number, we may not always be in the same room this year. You can view the agenda for the evening here. Volunteers for set-up and snacks take note!

Photo credit: My Name is Snickerdoodle
Remember we will be having an English Paper Piecing demonstration presented by Agnes, so bring your sewing kit (needle and thread, scissors, pins or clips) and some fabric scraps (3" square or larger) to practice on. See you tonight!

(and marvel at the fact that almost every single sentence in the post ends with an exclamation point! I'm way too excited!)

Sunday, October 09, 2016

Matching threads for the Luxe fabric challenge

For those of you who are participating in the Michael Miller Luxe fabric challenge for QuiltCon 2017, remember that the entry deadline is November 30th.

I just spent ages at Fabricville looking for just the right shade of coral thread for mine, and thought I'd share the matching colors for the fabrics in this challenge.


Since the print fabrics in this line have a few different shades in them, you have some flexibility with the navy, teal and grey, but these are the ones I've gone with :

Gutermann
Coral - 4860 (cotton)
Navy - 266 (polyester)
Turquoise - 610 (polyester)
Grey - 110 (polyester)

And for those who prefer Aurifil, the below shades are the closest* :

Aurifil
Coral - 2225
Navy - 2745
Turquoise - 2810
Grey - 2606

If you have found other matches, please share them in the comments below!

*under natural light, the match is slightly different under artificial light

Friday, September 30, 2016

Curves tutorial by Lily

Tomorrow we are meeting for our October Sew-In to start work on the QuiltCon charity challenge quilt. If you aren't able to make it to the meeting for the demonstration but still want to help out and try your hand at sewing curves, Lily has kindly put together a detailed tutorial on how to create the blocks that will make up our finished quilt.

You can find both parts of the tutorial in the Members Only / Membres Seulement section of this blog (password required, see your Welcome Packet email for the current members' password), under the section: 2016-17 Challenges and Swaps / Défis et échanges 2016-17.

Remember we are using specific fabrics donated for this project and each participant will choose a specific block to make, so if you have to miss the Sew-In, please speak with Michele at the October meeting for more info.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

QuiltCon 2017 Charity Challenge - Part 3: Design

For the challenge, Michele and I have been collaborating to move it forward. It’s been rather fun fitting things in with our summer activities. Now comes time to take stock of our progress and our plan how to move forward with the help of other guild members.

The theme is Scale. We took the original design suggestions from Josée and Cinzia and decided to create a big flower from pieced blocks of different dimensions using improvised curve piecing.

Josée did a sketch and after some discussions among the four of us, we ended up with the outline sketch with the block numbers as indicated. This sketch defines the basic grid for the quilt top. The finished dimension of the top will be 72” x 92”.

Next, I elaborated the design by rendering this idea into a scaled mockup on paper on top of the defined grid in pastel, taking into consideration the colour palette we must conform to for the project. At this point, I made small a design change by replacing the top row of rectangular blocks by 2 rows of complete and partial 16” blocks. We now work with complete or partial square blocks of dimensions are 8”, 12” and 16”. There are 42 blocks in total.

Superimposed on the pastel mockup, we drew in curve lines that became the guides for the improvised curve piecing used to construct each of the blocks.

To take the proof of concept one step further, I decided to make an actual scaled mock up using my stash of scraps into a wall hanging 27” x 35”. I picked through my stash for scraps in a palette similar to that of the project and pieced away.

The technique I used is a version of foundation piecing using the ‘stitch and flip’ method. In this case, I use paper as the foundation. First, I prepared a complete set of paper blocks from the drawing, adding seam allowance around each block. The paper blocks are numbered, adding curve guide lines and colour/value information. I then construct each block by pulling fabric spontaneously from the selected collection of fabric pieces and stitching the pieces directly onto the paper. (A discussion giving details of this technique will be described separately.)

I think this technique lends itself well for this project for several reasons:

  • The project is divided into self-contained work units with the essential information encoded on the paper block. 
  • Each block is made with the freedom to improvise and adapt. 
  • The paper stays on as the block is made, facilitating the handling of the blocks and the final assembly of the blocks into the whole top. 
It is by design that curve lines do not have to match across blocks and curve guidelines need not be followed exactly. As show in my finished wall hanging sized mock up, the way the blocks come together gives a rather organic charm to it.

Once the fabric selection for our project was finalized, Michele and I worked to prepare for the actual project. Learning from the experience of the mock up and working with the full scale of the final quilt top, we made simplification and fabric assignment to come up with our final design drawing. We are getting ready for the October Sew-in. We want to invite as many of you as possible to share this fun and worthwhile learning experience. Believe me, it’s easier than it looks and a great way to built confidence working with curves.

Next, I will write about what you will be working with and more details on the ‘spontaneous paper piecing’ technique that I mentioned earlier. Please stay tuned.

- Lily

Monday, September 26, 2016

September Meeting Minutes


Minutes from September 13, 2016 meeting of the Montreal Modern Quilt Guild


Welcome back everyone!

Points of business
  • New members welcome - a welcome package is available. 
  • Modern Quilt Guild is an open membership guild. Come one, Come all. 
  • We try to limit the business aspect of meetings so please watch the blog to keep up to date!
  • Fees for this year are $35, please pay Josée
    • note: fees are prorated for new members who join later in the year.
  • Volunteer sheet being passed about. Please sign up to bring snacks, to help set up and/or take down the room for meetings.
  • Cheryl Arkison workshop reminder
  • Swaps and projects will be discussed throughout the year. Please watch the blog for updates.
  • Please wear your name tags.  
    • There will be a raffle at the end of the year for name tag wearers. Each meeting you will get a ticket for the raffle if you have your tag. 
    • If you are new, lost yours, or just want another please find someone to make own for and who will make one for you….or make your own. 
  • Please keep your broken and worn out pins and needles, we will be having a Hari-Kuyo celebration at the February meeting. Some containers available.
  • As requested, we will create a list for those who wish to exchange services (binding, cutting, etc.) for those who wish to share their talents. Please see the MMQG forum for a link

 Challenges
  • 2016/2017 Molinari quilt Challenge Wrap-up
    • Amazing projects! Photos will be available soon with a summary of artist and names of quilts.
    • Update on locations to show works based on Molinari works
      • no space at the Molinari gallery until 2018. 
      • working on other ideas (community center, libraries, combined show with Molinari quartet). We will keep working on it.
    • Please keep your finished quilts available in the event we arrange an exhibition.
  • Metro 2016/2017 challenge 
    • with the anniversary of the Montreal Metro, MMQG is embarking on a project to use a metro station in the city to influence a quilt. See Joanna's recent blog post for details.   
    • to look at some of the stations a guided tour of some of the downtown stations will be arranged (postponed until October). 
    • Watch Facebook and the blog for inspiration and links to the history and art of the metro

  Show and Tell – wow, what talented bunch we are!
  • Please note only one project per show and tell.

Charity Project for QuiltCon 2017
  • Michele and Lily – flower design with curves. 
  • fabric donated from Camelot Fabrics –Thank you!
  • each participant will be given a square from the design and the corresponding fabric. The quilter will be then asked to make a quilt block using the design as a guideline, only using the provided fabric. All the blocks will be then assembled into a modern quilt. 
  • This will be started at the October Sew-in.

Discussion
  • MQG post on copyright and derivatives:
    • Question remains what is derivative and how do you tell? 
    • Our representative on the Board of Directors is Julie McMahon (Australia) jules@themodernquiltguild.com - she would like our feedback on the subject

Next Meeting
  • October Sew-In – October 1, 2016 10:00-16:00, CRCS St-Zotique. Bring; machine and supplies, project(s), lunch and snacks. If working on the Charity quilt, fabric will be provided. 
  • October meeting – October 11, 2016, 19:00-21:00 CRCS St-Zotique. 

Sunday, September 25, 2016

2016-17 MTL MQG Metro challenge

2016 is the 50th anniversary of the Montreal Metro system! We use the metro for our commutes, to get to special events, or just passing through to get from A to B… but not many of us give much thought to the stations themselves.

For this challenge, choose one metro station that holds some meaning for you: one that you go through every day on your commute, one that you lived near it when you were little, one that you take to visit a friend, one that has a piece of art or a particular aesthetic that you particularly enjoy, etc. Pick an aspect of that metro station and create a quilt based on it.

While there is a lot of art in the stations themselves that can certainly be a part of the quilt (shapes, colors, etc), the goal of this challenge is not to recreate an existing piece of art in quilt form. Instead, try to focus on the 3 dimensional space of the station itself (such as the shapes and materials used), as well as the character of the neighborhood it inhabits and the feelings the station evokes for you. Spend a bit of time in and around the station observing the space and the people making use of it. Take pictures (without being creepy), pay attention to the shapes, colors and patterns that make up these utilitarian spaces. Look for unusual points of view.

The usual challenge rules apply… 30”x40” in either horizontal or vertical orientation, or 40” square. Include a hanging sleeve and a quilt label on your work. The label should include a title, your name, the date and the name of the metro station you chose, either in the title or in addition to the title.

A sign-up sheet is posted so everyone can choose their station. No more than two people per station, please: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1riPMXXQwVQijAVN3L3bipt50gu-oGOvQS2zKlciQ6bs/edit?usp=sharing

We will also be conducting a walking tour of a few of the metro stations (time, date, etc to be determined, though likely in November) to give you some background on some of the stations and their artworks, as well as offer some ideas and suggestions for translating a 3 dimensional space into a quilt.

I will be posting a tutorial on making your own viewfinder, in case you want to take your own tour, in the mean time.

Also, here are a few links with useful info on the stations and the artworks in them:

Metro de Montreal - http://www.metrodemontreal.com/art/
STM: Art in the Metro - http://www.stm.info/en/about/discover_the_stm_its_history/art-metro
STM: List of artworks - http://www.stm.info/en/about/discover_the_stm_its_history/art-metro/list-artworks
MTL Blog: 14 breathtaking metro stations: http://www.mtlblog.com/2014/12/14-most-breathtaking-montreal-subway-stations-to-go-out-of-your-way-and-see/2/
MTL Blog: Metro art explained: http://www.mtlblog.com/2014/04/montreals-metro-art-explained/
CBC Arts: Instagram artist in the metro: http://www.cbc.ca/beta/arts/this-instagram-artist-is-transforming-how-montreal-sees-its-subway-1.3257169
CBC News: Hétitage Montréal tours: http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/montreal/montreal-metro-heritage-architectours-50th-anniversary-1.3738495
Chris M. Forsyth: The Metro Project - http://www.chrismforsyth.com/montreal/

Reminder - October Sew-In

Our first Sew-In of the year will be taking place on Saturday October 1st! We meet between 10am and 4pm at the CRCS St-Zotique... please bring along a project to work on, your sewing machine (if necessary), and a snack or lunch of your choice. We will have hot drinks available, just bring your travel mug!
Quilting bee in Central Park in June of 1973.

This month we will be starting work on the QuiltCon 2017 charity challenge quilt (presented by Michele and Lily at the September meeting). This challenge is a collaboration by the whole guild, so if you would like to participate please join us on the 1st for a demo of the techniques involved and to get started on making a block!