2017-18 Skillbuilder Challenge

Starting in September, we will present a traditional quilt block, demonstrate its construction and offer examples of modern variations of it at each meeting. Along with the 15-20 minute meeting demo/discussion, we will also post tutorials and inspiration for each block on the blog and our social media accounts. Members will then be challenged to make their own modern version of the traditional quilt blocks at home and to share their results on social media. The goal of the project is to explore aspects of modern quilt design and creative expression while also improving basic techniques and skills.

We will also be collecting extra blocks to make into charity quilts as the year progresses. As discussed in the spring, the recipient of our charity quilts for the 2017-18 year will be the Palliacco palliative care centre in the Laurentians. Members are invited to contribute blocks or completed quilts to be donated (charity guidelines below).

During this project, we will be touching on three different groups of blocks:

• Square/strip-based blocks (Sept, Oct, Nov)
• Presenters: Stacy, Cinzia, and Izzy

• Half-square triangle-based blocks (Dec, Jan, Feb)
• Presenters: Stephanie, Nathalie, and Josee

• Curve-based blocks (Mar, Apr, May)
• Presenters: Fiona, Shannon F, and Isabelle D.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but the emphasis for this project will be modern quilting. We are, after all, a modern quilt guild and our whole purpose is to explore and encourage modern quilting. If you plan to participate in this project, be prepared to push your boundaries a bit and experiment with some of the aspects that define modern quilting, such as asymmetry, negative space, alternate gridwork, improvisation, minimalism and scale. If you don’t feel you have a good grasp on what is considered modern, or simply want to brush up a bit, we recommend browsing some of the below resources over the summer:

• Gallery of QuiltCon quilts (filterable by category)
• MQG article: What is modern quilting?
• Webinar: Definition: Modern quilt
• Webinar: Making traditional modern
• Fresh Quilting: Season 1, Episode 2 - segment with Heather Grant
• Gee's Bend Quiltmakers
• Modern Quilts, Traditional Inspiration by Denyse Schmidt
• The Quilt Block Cookbook by Amy Gibson

For those planning to contribute to the charity project, please follow these guidelines: 

• For members wishing to donate a completed quilt, you are welcome to use any pattern or color palette you wish. Finished quilts should be a minimum of 54"x54" (lap quilt size) and be able to withstand normal laundering. The deadline for completed quilts is the June 2018 meeting.
• For members wishing to donate quilt blocks, we ask that all blocks be 12.5" square and only use colors from the below color palette, based on the guild's logo:  

Kona solids -

• White (1387)
• School bus orange (1482)
• Bubble gum pink (261)
• Sprout green (254)
• Teal blue (1373)
• Jade green (1183)
• Pale blue (1028)
• Ash grey (1007) (this isn’t technically part of our logo, but an extra neutral is nice to have)

Craft de Ville is stocking all of these colors specifically for this project. Don't forget to use your MMQG member discount!

You are not, however, required to purchase the Kona solids for the charity blocks. If you prefer to shop from your stash, or want to use prints instead of solids, you are welcome to do so. You simply need to keep in the same general color palette as above. For example you could use:

1. Carolyn Friedlander Architextures Crosshatch in White
2. Ann Kelle Remix Summer Plus
3. Maywood Classic Dot in Soft Pink
4. Grunge Hits the Spot in Decadent
5. Batik teal mustard plus
6. Dowry Cracking Codes in Jade
7. Dear Stella Chroma in Lagoon
8. Cotton + Steel Basics Sprinkle in Stardust

Blocks will be collected at each meeting (October-May) so that the quilts can be worked on throughout the year. If you would like to help with the construction or quilting of the charity quilts, please let us know.

Have a wonderful summer, hope you squeeze in a little quilting between all the sun (if we ever get any) and fun, and we look forward to seeing everyone in September! :)