Holiday Ornament Exchange

 

We will have our annual ornament exchange at our December meeting. To ensure the health and safety of members, the meeting will occur via Zoom so the swap will occur prior to the meeting.

Ornament Preparation:
Prepare any handmade (by you) winter-themed ornament. Package the ornament in a paper bag so that it cannot be seen. Do not include extras- just the ornament should be included.
Please include your name in the bag so that recipients will know who made the ornament!

Ornament Swapping
Place the bag with your ornament on the porch by 9am on Saturday, November 28. Swap fairies will text you when they have swapped out the bags. If you live remotely or don't feel you have a secure spot to leave the ornament, please indicate in the comments section below. Swap fairies will contact you prior and make special arrangements.

FAQ:
I live far away. Can I participate?
It depends on how far. England...sorry we can't budget that much travel money. Within 1.5 hours of McKinney? Sure! We would love for you to participate if you're a member of the guild!

I'm not a member. Can I participate?
We encourage you to join the guild! If you're in the McKinney/Plano/Allen area, please feel free to join the swap. If you live further out, we can check to see if there's a fairy who is heading your direction.

What if I sign up and don't finish my ornament?
Please let us know asap! You'll get an email on Friday, November 27 reminding you to put out your ornament. If you cannot put it out, please reply and let us know.

Can I open my ornament as soon as I get it?
I mean, sure, but it'll be more fun if you wait and open it at guild on Tuesday :)

Sign up here!

December 2020 Block Lotto!

It's time for our last block lotto of 2020! Keep in mind that these will need to be dropped off at Catherine's house (email her for an address) before 5pm on our December meeting date.

For our lotto, we will be making super cute GNOME blocks!! Here's a free pattern from Sew Can She.

You can make the gnome with a white or off-white background. It should read as a solid- tone on tone is fine, but it shouldn't be a low-volume

The gnome base and hat can be red or aqua- you can swap too. We will only be swapping gnomes- not the trees. 

I think these are going to be SO cute! Can't wait to see what you all make!

-Catherine

Pinterest Party 2020!

 Pinterest Party Resources

 

Presenters for the Pinterest Party have submitted the following information and resources to help you replicate these amazing items!

 

Sterrett Coleman: No Fear Monrovian Star

 

 

Brandy Alvarez – Charming Baby Bibs

For this project you will need 

(16) 2.5" x 2.5" squares

(1) 10" X 10" square of terrycloth (you'll trim this down)

(1) 45" strip of double folded bias tape (or you can make your own own)

a small saucer to use as a template for curves

 

  Directions will be shared during the tutorial. 

 

Sharon Krenek – One for Gnome and gnome for all!

 

Wine Bottle Topper Gnome

 

https://rufflesandrainboots.com/christmas-gnome-wine-bottle/

 

Sock Gnome Decoration

https://www.thenavagepatch.com/diy-christmas-gnomes/

 

 

 

Katy McClaskey - Origami Kusudama Flower

Supplies:

—5 pieces of paper cut into squares 4-6 inches.  

Can be from a magazine, wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, old statistics text book, etc.  My flowers were from a magazine.  

—Glue stick, white school glue, or craft glue. 

—optional:  binding clips, floral wire. 

 

Here’s the video tutorial.  

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6elb2EO_ZO0

Quiltcon 2021 Community Outreach Challenge

This year the national guild has challenged all individual guilds to create a 65” x 85” quilt (twin-sized) by creating curves and using a specific palette of oranges and blues.  (There was also white, but we decided not to include that.)  

So, the plan is to create the following blocks to be put together either in a pattern like this below with an improv border or in some way as yet to be determined.  I have this idea, but if someone or a group of people is inspired and wants to play with the blocks and colors that would be fun too.  That is what improv is for!  And we really want as many people as possible to participate and give this a try.   We do need all the blocks back no later than the October meeting in order to work on that next phase.

The blocks are as follows:

Very Dark Blue and Medium Blue unfinished at 10 ½ by 6 ½ 

Medium Blue and Light Blue unfinished at 5 ½ by 3 ½

Dark Orange and Light Orange unfinished at 3 ½ by 2 ½

First, take two same-sized pieces together from the packet and lay one directly on top of the other with the longest length running top to bottom.

Cut a freestyle gentle curve from bottom to top using a rotary cutter.

Match up the opposite colored halves.

Flip one cut piece (half) over on top of the other.  The seams will not look like they are matching up.  But as you start to sew them together using a ¼ inch seam, just go slowly and gently pull the fabrics together so that they are aligned.  

Once you finish sewing the seam, flip the block over and on the backside carefully make small snips towards the back seam without actually cutting into that seam at about ¾ of an inch apart.  This will help make the block flat when pressing.

The idea for doing this block was inspired by learning to create a curves block that Debbie Jeske offered in her workshop here a few years ago.  Her fabric pieces were overlapping to create one block.  By layering the fabrics directly here, you can create two.

Ellyn and I will both have a space on our porches with packets and a sign-up sheet so that you can stop by in Allen or McKinney at your convenience to pick them up.  Also we are both readily available to drop a packet at your house if you need that.  Each packet will have 1 each of the large block colors, 2 each of the medium, and 3 each of the small.  So you will end up with 12 blocks from one packet.  

And that’s it!  Hope you have fun with it, and please email Ellyn and me at ellynzins@gmail.com and chrisbakerdavies@yahoo.com and I can answer any questions and will let you know where to pick up the blocks.

Chris Davies, Community Service Chair

MCKMQG June Challenges

Hi all,

I'm super excited about our online meeting tonight! I'm sure it's going to be awesome. I have enjoyed playing the Quilty Quarantine Quest with you all this past month. It's been so fun to see your posts and really feel connected to our guild. If you haven't looked through the guild group on Facebook or on the #mckmqgq3 hashtag on Instagram, you should! It's full of lots of fun member projects and ideas.

June brings us to some fun times. We have three big things happening in June: Color of the Year Challenge, Rowing Along, and a new Block Lotto block!

Color of the Year Challenge
You might remember that when we last met in March, you were given two swatch samples for the color of the year challenge and encouraged to buy 1 yard of fabric. Well, let's do something with it! Here are the rules:
1. Make anything quilty/fabric related. It can be a quilt, a mini, a bag, a basket...gosh, we could go on! Make something.
2. You can add colors but one or both of the Colors of the Year should be the predominant color in the project. You can also use darker or lighter versions of the colors.
3. We hope we will be able to display these at the McKinney Public Library again. We will try to display everything, but keep in mind the display space is limited, so if you want a full mini to be displayed, it'll need to be around 12-14 inches. If you do a full quilt, we'll fold, drape, and get creative. We will find a way to honor all the work that's created and display as much as we can.
4. Color of the Year Challenge items will be due at our August meeting.

Colors this year:

 

Rowing Along
Several of you signed up for Rowing Along and we're not going to keep waiting for the world to return to normal to begin....so let's get rowing! Here are the details:
1. In the next few days you'll receive an email/text from me confirming you want to still participate. Please respond.
2. Once I have confirmed all participants, you will receive a "give to" partner and a "receive from" partner. Each month, you will give the row you have (the first month will be yours) to your "give to" partner. You can do a porch drop off, mail it, etc.  You will "receive from" the receive from partner. It will be the same partner each month, so you'll always give to the same person and receive from the same person. I think this will make it easier to minimize contact and to help us keep going.
3. You will drop off month 1 between June 15 and June 20.

Here are the full guidelines for Rowing Along along with the form to include in your bag.

Block Lotto
Let's do another block lotto! Right now, we will hold on to them with hopes of meeting in person again.
This month's block lotto is: Improv Cross
Guidelines: Use one black, or vibrant solid (either background or cross) and one bright print. This is similar to what you see on the tutorial.
We will use the Improv Cross tutorial provided on the Stitched in Color Blog
We seemed to enjoy multiple size blocks. You can do a block that's 6 1/2", 9 1/2", 12 1/2" or 18 1/2" (finished sizes 6, 9, 12, 18).

Introducing: Quilty Quarantine Quest

Let's do something fun! For the next five weeks, we challenge you to do quilty things each week. Anyone completing even ONE quest a week will be eligible to win prizes (and we've got some GREAT prizes from our local shops!). 

You'll need to sign up to tell us you're participating. If you sign up by Sunday evening, you'll get 50 bonus points during week 1 only! 

You can download the directions and quest choices or view them here on the blog (the download is easier to see!). 

SIGN UP!

Download the directions and quest choices

March - April: Events, Swaps and Challenges!

We have so many fun things planned for you all in 2020! This month we have a lot happening, so here is the one place to find all the details:

Rowing Along: 2020's Group Sewing Event!
If you haven't yet signed up for Rowing Along, you'll need to do so ASAP! Sign-ups close on March 17. Email Catherine (catherinedutton@gmail.com) to sign up - just tell me that you're in. Bring your starter row to the April meeting along with your bag (distributed at the March meeting).

April Swap: Bunny Baskets
This has become an annual tradition for our guild. You'll make a small pouch, basket, or bucket and fill with 5-10 worth of spring goodies. See the post from last year for links to inspiration and tutorials!

Color of the Year: 1 yard Rip off
Bring 1 yard of fabric from one of the two colors of the year to our April meeting. We will introduce the color of the year and have a rip-off! You'll start with one fabric and leave with one yard's worth of 12 different pieces.

Colors are:
Classic Blue and Enchanted

 

Sew Day at Best Little Retreat Center
Come join us in March to work on our starter rows for the row along, or to participate in quilty friend fun! Best Little Retreat Center is a day retreat center- bring your machines and project and sew from 9am-9pm. Saturday, March 21 Reserve your seat online (sign up by March 7 to ensure your spot!)  Cost: $22.73

Retreat at Duchess Inn - May 22-25 
Come join the fun from Friday May 22- Monday May 25 at The Duchess Inn. The Inn is located in Van Alstyne, just a block away from The Quilt Asylum!

This open sew retreat is hosted by the McKinney Modern Quilt Guild.

The price of this retreat does not include meals. Retreat-goers will discuss meal options as we get closer to the date.  The price of the retreat is $130 for Fri-Sun; $195 for Fri-Mon.

Each person attending needs to fill out this form.  By filling out this form and paying a $50 non-refundable deposit at the guild meeting, you will hold your spot.

Final payments must be received by the May guild meeting in order to attend the retreat. Don't wait too long as there are only 10 spots! Non-members may register for open spots beginning in April

If you have questions, don't hesitate to e-mail Catherine Dutton at catherinedutton@gmail.com

We are so excited that you're joining us!

February-March : Events, Swaps & Challenges!

We have so many fun things planned for you all in 2020! This month we have a lot happening, so here is the one place to find all the details:

Wonky Stars Block Lotto (bring in March)
Wonky Stars - Tutorial
This 12" block is a fun, wonky star! They should come together quickly for a fun, sparkly quilt. Color theme for this block is Starry night: dark blue backgrounds and yellow stars. See this picture on the Quilts of a Feather Blog

Feel free to make other sizes of blocks- I'd recommend 3", 6" or 12" for ease in putting them together.

Scrap Challenge (Bring back in March)
While at guild, pick up a bag of assorted scraps. The challenge: Using no more than 1 additional yard of fabric, make something that's out of your normal comfort zone. It can be a small pouch, a bag, a mini quilt, a pillow- it's up to you. Bring it back in March to showcase your creation. Extra scraps can be added to the scrap jar after the challenge is complete.

Rowing Along: 2020's Group Sewing Event!
Tonight, Kathy Bright shared with us the fun that the Dallas MQG had in 2019- and we look forward to rowing together! Sign up by the March meeting and bring your starter row to the April meeting along with your bag (distributed at the March meeting).

Sew Day at Best Little Retreat Center
Come join us in March to work on our starter rows for the row along, or to participate in quilty friend fun! Best Little Retreat Center is a day retreat center- bring your machines and project and sew from 9am-9pm. Saturday , March 21 Reserve your seat online (sign up by March 1!)  Cost: $22.73

Retreat at Duchess Inn - May 22-25 
Come join the fun from Friday May 22- Monday May 25 at The Duchess Inn. The Inn is located in Van Alstyne, just a block away from The Quilt Asylum!

This open sew retreat is hosted by the McKinney Modern Quilt Guild.

The price of this retreat does not include meals. Retreat-goers will discuss meal options as we get closer to the date.  The price of the retreat is $130 for Fri-Sun; $195 for Fri-Mon.

Each person attending needs to fill out this form.  By filling out this form and paying a $50 non-refundable deposit at the guild meeting, you will hold your spot.

Final payments must be received by the May guild meeting in order to attend the retreat. Don't wait too long as there are only 10 spots! Non-members may register for open spots beginning in April

If you have questions, don't hesitate to e-mail Catherine Dutton at catherinedutton@gmail.com

We are so excited that you're joining us!

QuiltCon tips & tricks

Who's excited about heading to Austin in a couple of weeks for QuiltCon 2020? This will be my third year going to QuiltCon and I can't wait. I know many of you have gone even more times than me. For many more of you, this will be your first trip to QuiltCon and you are a bit anxious and not sure what to expect. Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way.

First of all, if you are already registered you should have received an email recently telling you how to download the QuiltCon app. I encourage you to do it! In addition to loading your personal schedule into the app (including classes, lectures and events you are signed up for) you can mark other things you don't want to miss. You'll find a complete list of vendors so you can mark the ones you know you want to visit and easily find them in the vendor hall. Once the show gets closer, you'll find a map of the quilts to see and have the opportunity to vote for your favorites. You'll also find a list of attendees who have registered on the app. Make sure you add yourself to the list and mark yourself as a member of the McKinney Modern Quilt Guild.

Once you get to QuiltCon, give yourself time to explore and get the lay of the land. There's so much to see!

The Quilts! There are 300-400 modern quilts juried into the show selected from thousands of entries. Also, make sure to see the special exhibits. This year's special exhibits include quilts by keynote speaker, Victoria Findlay Wolfe, an exhibit of Amish quilts and the MQG Quilts of the month.

Make sure you check out all of the Charity quilts submitted by Modern Quilt Guilds worldwide and groups of individual members. When you find our submission, The Writing on the Wall, make sure to snap a picture of yourself in front of it.

The Vendor Hall. It's always fun to check out vendors from across the country. Often vendors hand out freebies, tote bags, pins, fabric samples, especially if you get there early! Sometimes you can find great deals, especially on the last day. 

There is also a free demo stage in the vendor hall. Check out the demo stage schedule daily, some of the presentations are top notch (and if you can score a seat, it's a great place to rest your tired feet).

Also in the vendor hall are concessions. I must say, I have not found the concessions to be all that great in years past, but it's a terrific place to grab a quick snack or a soda. I recommend you toss some healthy snacks in your bag (I like to carry a backpack to keep my hands free). For delicious nearby meals, check out Kelleigh's recommendations in the previous post.

Are you active on Instagram? Include your Instagram handle on your nametag when you sign in (or write it on with a sharpie). You'll be amazed how many Instagram buddies will recognize you by your IG name! It's always fun to meet the people you follow in real life.

Workshops & Lectures. If you've already signed up, great! If not, spots often open up at the last minute. Usually, there is a bulletin board where people post classes they are willing to sell. For workshops, you need to bring your supplies. Sewing machines are provided, but you'll want to bring basic supplies. Each class also comes with a supply list, including needed fabrics etc. Lectures can be purchased individually or you can buy a day pass that includes all of the lectures given that day. 

Have more questions? Want to learn more about Quiltcon? Check out the website for all kinds of great information. 

See you in Austin!

Where to Eat in Austin

Austin is known for being a bit weird and has a vibrant music and art scene, which expands into culinary experiences. I've yet to go somewhere in Austin that I haven't liked. For our QuiltCon bound members, I've put together a list of my favorite places eat and visit as well as places close to the convention center.

Looking for Only in Austin?

For weird go to Gourdough's Public House on South Lamar. Here everything is served on a doughnut. Not just any doughnut, one of the best doughnuts you'll ever have. Gourdough's has both savory menu and dessert menu. I recommend splitting a dessert with a friend. My favorite menu items: Country Clucker (Chicken Fried Steak), Sausy Cock (Buffalo Chicken Sandwich), Side of Brussel Sprouts and any dessert doughnut. 

For fame go to Franklin's Barbecue, "Serving the best barbecue in the known Universe" (Texas Monthly). This is an attraction that will take up your entire morning. The barbecue is amazing, but plan to be in line early, like 6 or 7a early. Franklin's opens at 11am, (closed on Mondays).

Check out Via 313, I've heard this genuine Detriot-style pizza place is the best in Austin. I've not been myself, but hope to try it soon. They've got a few locations around town, so you are sure to be near one at some point. Gluten-free and dairy-free cheese options available.

Looking for Healthy?

Blenders and Bowls is my favorite healthy breakfast pick in Austin and is only 2 blocks from the convention center. They serve a variety of smoothies and bowls (vegan, paleo, dairy-free). My favorite menu item is The Sesher but be sure to check out their seasonal menu when you visit.

True Food Kitchen is one of my favorites for a healthy lunch or dinner. It is the place to go for our Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-Free friends. It's a short Lyft drive away from the convention center, 1-mile drive or .8 to walk.

Also nearby is Flower Child, also Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free friendly. I've never been myself but the reviews and menu look very promising!

Looking for Atmosphere?

On a nice afternoon or evening, go to Easy Tiger about 3 blocks from the convention center. Take the stairs down to their Beer Garden and find yourself a table tucked between the buildings and greenery with string lights overhead. Order yourself a pretzel, charcuterie, sausage, sandwich or pastry. For non-drinkers, don't worry, they also have coffees, teas and sodas. So far I've enjoyed everything I've had here. It's a nice place to wind down for the evening.  "Easy Start" Weekdays 7-11a get a small coffee and any pastry for $5. Happy Hour (drinks and snacks) Weekdays 4:30-6:30p. "Easy Lunch" Weekdays 11a-4p $9 sandwich, side and drink special.

Closest Lunch Places?

Coffee shops are great to run to in-between classes. They've got small to-go bites and that caffeine pick-me-up. There are two Starbucks locations about a block each from the convention center.

Austin Taco Project sits directly across the street from the convention center. It has a number of Gluten-Free options, but limited on Vegan options. 

Iron Works Barbecue is right next to the convention center. Check out their sandwich and bake potato menu for a small bite to eat. Not the best option for vegetarians, but they do have an all-you-can-eat salad bar.

Downtown Burgers, right across from the convention center is this burger pit stop with outdoor seating.

Gus's World Famous Hot & Spicy Friend Chicken, I've never been myself, but it's very well known and a block from the convention center. One day I'll make it here..

Also, don't forget the previously mentioned Blenders and Bowls.

It's Austin, you can't go wrong

Really, Austin has amazing places to eat. This is just a short list of places for you might enjoy. If you've got a favorite I didn't mention, be sure to comment so I can check it out next month!

Kelleigh
Frequent Eater and VP of Communications

Lanyard Swap

This month we are swapping lanyards!

These handy lanyards will be excellent if you are attending Quilt Con, but can also be used to show off your name badge at meetings. During the January meeting we are distributing lanyard hardware but if you missed that, you can find hardware at Joann's or Hobby Lobby. Here's what we distributed.

Here are two lanyard tutorials to give you some basics on how to put them together- googling for fabric lanyards will result in seeing lots of inspiration!

Basic Lanyard: Procrasticraft Lanyard Tutorial
Fancier option: Quilted Lanyard (with tiny HST's)

Bring your completed lanyard to the February meeting to swap.

Can't wait to see your creations!
-Catherine

Our QuiltCon 2020 Charity Quilt

It's finished! So many of our guild members had a hand in putting this beautiful quilt together.

The inspiration for this quilt came to me a long time ago and has been evolving in the back of my brain ever since. It seems to me that we (and by we, I mean all of us humans, most recently the Modern Quilt Guild) talk A LOT about our differences. Diversity conversations feel more divisive to me than inclusive (and I do believe they are MEANT to be inclusive). When I saw the prompts for this year's QuiltCon charity quilts, I knew that "The Writing on the Wall" was meant to be a collaborative effort among our guild members. Fortunately, the board agreed with me!

Using fabrics donated by local quilt shops, Stitched With Love and Not Your Mama's Quilt Store, guild members were asked to stitch one positive word in response to the prompt "I am...". Seventeen different members created words. I'm sure every member (and everyone else on the planet for that matter!) can relate to one or more of the words made. It doesn't matter how old you are, what gender, sexuality, nationality..... certainly you can connect to the words presented here.

After the words were completed, various members gathered on sew days to assemble the brick wall with our words on it. So many hands touched this quilt in it's making. Truly a group effort.

When the quilt top was finished, member Diann Loper and her husband Jeff of Happy Quilts worked their magic with an overall quilt motif that mimicked our bricks theme.

And now our quilt is ready to head to Austin. If you are attending QuiltCon, please snap a picture of you and your friends in front of our quilt and use the hashtag #mckmqg. Maybe tell us what word you would add to the wall! See you at QuiltCon!

big giant thank you to Stitched With Love, Not Your Mama's Quilt Store, Happy Quilts and everyone who had a hand in sewing The Writing on the Wall.