Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Meeting Reminder! This Saturday!

We have a meeting coming up this Saturday, September 21!

We'll meet at 10:00 am at the Plainwell library. There will be news, updates, a paper piecing demonstration, show and tell, and door prizes.  We'll also draw for the winner of the Improv Herringbone block(s) from last month's online activity.

Don't forget your home-made name tag. See you there!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Upcoming Guild Meeting Sept 21

Hi,

I always get so excited when the guild meeting is near.  I hope to see everyone next Saturday the 21st at the Plainwell library.

Our very own Carolyn Zinn will be teaching us about paper piecing.  In order to get to know a little more about Carolyn I asked her a few questions.

1.  When did you begin quilting?

I began quilting in 1979. My first project was a sampler of classic blocks that I hung on my college dorm room wall. I made it without a pattern, out of scrap fabric (I have been sewing since 1968!). I loved the geometry, the patterns within the patterns, and the puzzle of it all.

2.  Why do you quilt?

These days I quilt to create functional, tactile art.  My walls are covered with art quilts! I don't make bed covers for myself anymore, but I love to make usable quilts as gifts.

3.  What new technique are you hoping to learn this year?

As a member of the Art Quilt small group of the Log Cabin Quilters, I am awestruck and inspired by the work of my fellow art quilters.  I want to learn everything there is to know about surface design and mixed-media techniques.

4.  Why modern quilting?

I like the bold colors and the idea of interpreting traditional blocks in fun new ways.

5..  What is your favorite sewing tool?

My rotary cutter wins out for sheer usefulness, but my prized possession is my grandmother's 1936 Singer Featherweight.

Wow.  I am jealous.  I would like to see the how the stiches come out on the Featherweight.

Now what we have all been waiting for drum roll please . . . . . . . . .

6   Can you give us a sneak peek of the paper piecing project?  

We will be updating the paper-pieced kaleidoscope pattern featured on the cover of Paper Piecing with Alex Anderson 12 years ago. We will make it modern simply by swapping out the fabric choices. It's a fun skill to learn and easier to learn by seeing it demonstrated. I will bring enough paper pattern pieces for everyone to take home and make a few blocks for the October activity.  (I've enlarged the block size by 50% so it will be easier and we'll get more mileage out of the blocks toward a finished quilt.) The real magic of this pattern is when the blocks are combined to form the illusion of overlapping circles in shadow and light.
 

I know I can hardy wait until the 21st.

I will be back with another post in a few days as this is my month to introduce myself to the rest of the members.  I did finish my herringbone challenge block and I must say it was hairy and gave me a hard time.  It took me 4 tries to get the hang of it.  Perhaps I will have a giveaway at the meeting using my "mistakes".  You know what they say about lemons.

See you all soon.

Pam

The details:
Saturday, Sept. 21 10 am
Plainwell Library
180 S Sherwood Ave.
Plainwell, MI 49080
(269) 685-8024