Monday, August 8, 2016

August Meeting Recap

We met at the Lane Memorial Library in Hampton for our August meeting.

At the time of the meeting, there was still one spot left for the Sew Boston event on October 8th. If you are attending, signups for the swap close on Monday August 8th (act fast!)

On Friday, August 19th from 2-8pm, we will be having another sew-in at the Wiggin Memorial Library in Stratham. Bring your machine, any other necessary accessories, and whatever project you would like to work on in the air conditioning!

Signups are still open for members for the free motion quilting class with Christa Watson on October 8th. Currently the class is half full, and will open to non-SMQG members on August 15th. Sign up here!

Submissions are still open for the Squam Modern Quilt Show. Quilts can be entered on the Gather Here website. The quilt show will be open to the public on September 17th from 5 to 10 pm, with a makers reception from 5 to 7pm.

This meeting was the deadline for the "Tell Me A Story" quilt block drawing for anyone who made a block from Amy Friend's book Intentional Piecing. Amy offered one fabric bundle that featured fabrics perfect for fussy cutting from Sew Me A Song, and every block that was made earned one chance to win. There was some steep competition, and Kate was the lucky winner after making many blocks with baby clothes that her children had worn and that have many memories.





Show and Tell

Jane F finished the quilt that she was working on at out retreat. She used Anna Maria Horner's Loominous collection. The combination of the Loominous fabric and Warm & White batting made a very soft quilt!


Jane F also finished this quilt using a jelly roll and a 60 degree triangle ruler.


Kathy showed off her Mondo Bag, as well as this iron caddy. She also made this baby quilt for her soon-to-be-born grandson.






Sarah shared this baby quilt that she made for her husband's friend. Isn't her puzzle piece quilting great!


Mary O finished the quilt that she was working on at retreat, however it is a surprise so it's currently top secret! She also shared this Sew Together bag that she made.


Paula finished this mini quilt from the book 101 Mini Quilts. She had something to share at show and tell, and also has this summery addition to hang on her door!
Diane finished a quilt top inspired by the July Mighty Lucky quilt challenge where she used only one fabric to achieve this pattern!
Diane also shared this table runner that features these magnificent feathers.







Suzanne finished this quilt for us using the blocks that were signed at the Portsmouth Pride Festival. She quilted it with lots of hearts and love!



Colleen shared this piece of improv patchwork that she is going to make into a floor pillow for her daughter to take to college.

Laura shared these two baby quilts that she made. The pink-er of the two was made when she was convinced that she was having another girl, and the blue one was made after she was informed otherwise.



Dottie, a new member, shared this piece, "Flowers of Spring", that she made in spring of 1997. This is the first piece that she made and kept for herself.


Mary G was pattern testing for Christie Fincher of Purple Daisies. The applique is made using wash-out paper and glue basting.


Amy shared two quilts that she has been working on, Cinched and Plumb Line.






Applique Demonstration
Bea showed off some of her favorite techniques for hand applique. Bea recommends straw needles, clear plastic folders instead of template plastic, plastic (not metal!) bias press bars, and washers from the hardware store to iron around. Bea tries not to iron her pieces too flat so that she can wiggle her needle in between the seam allowance that is pressed to the back and the backing fabric. She never brings her needle to the front of the fabric, so there are no visible stitches.





Our next meeting will be held at the West Newbury Annex on September 10th. We will be doing some charity sewing, so please bring your sewing machines.

Monday, August 1, 2016

August Meeting Reminder


The August meeting will be held on August 6th, from 10am-12pm at the Lane Memorial Library in Hampton. There is parking on the street around the library, and also a parking lot across Academy Ave by the junior high. We will be meeting downstairs in the Lane Room.


Bea will be giving a hands on demo on hand appliqueing flower shapes. If you would like to participate, please bring the following:


-A piece of background fabric approx. 6" square
-Scraps of fabric for leaves, flower petals, and circles on the flowers (All approx. 2"-3")
-If you would like to make a bias stem for the flowers, please bring a fat quarter of your fabric choice.
OR
-A scrap of fabric for a coffee mug shape, about 4"
-Thread to match the fabric
-Hand sewing needles
-If you would like to make a bias stem for the flowers, please bring a fat quarter of your fabric choice.
-Fabric scissors
-Regular scissors for paper/plastic
- A marking pencil


Please bring any Tell Me A Story blocks from Amy's book Intentional Piecing that you have made if you would like a chance to win a roll of fabric perfect for fussy cutting! Every Tell Me A Story quilt block that you bring will count as an entry into the drawing for the fabric.


I hope to see you all there!