Take two.... Wanda and the trip on the World Wide Web.

This is me, Jessica, trying something new--- again.  The first time didn't work.  There was some typing and an inability to paste and then some mass deletion--- MASS.  It could have totally derailed me, but I wanted to write a post about how Wanda inspired me to use the new blogging template... I want it to be true.

Wanda's wild ride on the World Wide Web has inspired me to push against my boundaries a little bit too.  The new blogger format has a lot of buttons that I am not familiar with--- scary!  The old template, I had a good relationship with that one for 5 years.  It didn't work how it should have, but I knew how to put pictures in backwards to get them to go in to the layout in the right order.  And now, my first time out, I am deleting things.... but I press on!

The links I promised:
Modern Quilt Showcase @ Fall Market 2012 submission info -- deadline is 3/2/12! (I figured it out!!)

Quilt Con 2013

Just to push my luck I want to send out a SUPER big THANK YOU! to Kathleen for doing the paper-piecing demo tonight.  I thought that she had some great tips to get you started off on the right track! (more thorough post on the meeting tonight tomorrow!)

-- So I didn't add a pic--- I have to have something to figure out tomorrow, right?!

Thanks everyone for coming out on a cold and blustery night-- the energy tonight was so fun and I loved seeing you all!!!

--Jessica

Miss Bee February - Wanda

Wanda is our Miss Bee February.  I'll ask each of you to post a blog for your bee month.  If you do not want to or know how to blog then I will be happy to do so for you.  Wanda has opted for me to do the blogging.

I asked Wanda to respond to a few questions and here are her replies.

Wanda, tell us a little about yourself?

About Me.  I'm Wanda. First off I want to thank Kesch for turning my info into a blog--sad to say I have only recently started reading blogs and have never blogged.  

Tell us a little about your quilting experience.  

I've quilted for years--but largely small wall hangings because I've always hand quilted. When I joined EMQG I ventured into the world of larger pieces, bolder color, and machine quilting. 

What defines Modern Quilting to you?

My take on 'modern' quilts are fewer quilting rules or 'shoulds', larger quilting pieces or a mix of big and little pieces.   I love playing with color and fabric. I'm intrigued by my change in preference for color and fabric and pattern over the years.

Why did you want to join a Bee?

I joined the bee because I thought making a block each month for someone else would help me push the boundaries of my comfort zone. 

Tell us what you chose for this months Bee.

 I chose this pattern (McCalls Quick Quilts, 2010, Urban  Neighborhood) for two reasons: (1)I like it!  (2)And I thought it would be a gentle increase in complexity from Kesch's January block.  Initially, I thought I'd make a throw and  I selected the fabrics from my stash.   As I cut the fabric for the 12th block I ran out of one fabric.  An online search yielded a store that had the old fabric in stock.  So I bought enough to make a bed size quilt. (This is the first time I've ever attempted a bed size quilt so I'm a bit nervous.)

(Click on Image below to follow link to McCalls Quilting site)

DETAILS ABOUT THE BLOCKS

Each packet has one completed sample block, instructions for making a block, and just enough fabric to make the block.

This quilt is originally designed by Konda Luckau.  

To see more of Konda's designs, visit her website at http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/.

Further instructions for the blocks will be handed out with the materials at the February meeting.  Wanda also noted in her response that she will be happy to answer any questions of her block via email or phone.  Feel free to contact her.  

Thank you Wanda for your inspiration and I can't wait to get started on your blocks.  Thank you 

Something Red?! Swap for February

1. red dots pouch, 2. Red Needlebook, 3. Red Note Taker, 4. Christmas in Progress, 5. On my Design Wall - all things red, 6. Red and Aqua Owl Pillow Cover, 7. red chinese peony curvy clutch, 8. cathedral windows red block, 9. www.flickr.com/photos/cozymemories/3233372983/, 10. quilted coasters for lou, 11. www.flickr.com/photos/cozymemories/3153713557/, 12. www.flickr.com/photos/cozymemories/3276686180/, 13. Red Spottie Pincushion, 14. Red Ridinghood, 15. red "I AM A SEWING MACHINE" apron, 16. Valentine bunting

Hi guilders! I am sitting here at the computer hoping--- no, dearly praying that the stomach "bug" that hit our house this past weekend.... passed over you all! It was not a friend. Has it seemed like "FOREVER" since we have met up? It has to me. I am working on getting the sew days set up again. Once a month to meet seems like too long.

I am excited about next week's (February 29 @ EWEB) meeting for a few reasons:

1) Kathleen is going to give us a little talk about Paper piecing (Hooray!)

2)Our swap theme for February is "Something Red!"-- I hope this gets you to your sewing machine.

3)Show and Tell!-- I am needing some quilting inspiration, bring your beauties.

My machine is calling me. See you soon!

--Jessica

BEE-SPIRATION

Not to be confused with per spiration... totally different beast.  ;-)  I was hoping to give you a few links to some online Bees and Block tutorials.  Just a little inspiration for future Bees.  Also a place to go for share-able patterns, tutorials, and online instructions.

Here are a few links to follow:

A great resource for joining an online bee, finding block tutorials and ideas, and even gandering through their flickr stream for more ideas.
Quilting Bee Blocks

Quilt Dad is always inspiring for a bee block and project.  He is involved in several bees and posts all his fun blocks.  This post also gives a few other links to follow for more inspiration
Bee Tweet

Do. Good. Stitches.  is a charity bee group.  they have this flickr stream that is very inspiring as well.  Also our very own Denise is involved in this one.

Free Quilt Patterns .info

Another recommendation is to search the terms:  "quilt along" block party" or "block of the month" or "tutorial".

There are many online resources for free and share-able patterns for your block.  Make sure that you choose a block or a pattern that isn't copyrighted.  Sometimes a quick email to the creator asking for permission to use the block for a bee is all you will need to share with the group.  When you create your bee post for the website always give recognition to the original designer and link link link love back to the creator.

Updated EMQG Buzzy Bees 2012

Just a quick update of the 2012 Schedule:

January - Kesch (in progress)
February - Wanda (up next:  I believe we are looking forward to a fun block of the month.)
March - Jessica B
April - Denise Williams
May - Kim O
June - Lillian S
July - Karen M
August - Jennifer F
Sept - Missy D
Oct - Phyllis P
Nov - Virginia R
Dec - Kathleen C

Can't wait to get to work with all my worker bees to make 12 new and exciting blankies for everyone!
Buzz Buzz

Stitch in Bloom part 2

Here are some more pix, this time from Denise's camera...: )

I was just snapping pix so I cannot give any credit to any one of the makers of any one of these beautiful quilts.   These are just a few of the 90 or so pix I took, if you would like to ohhhh and ahhhh over more go here my Flickr stream where you can click on the pix and make them larger for a much better view.

That said, what a fun field trip it was.  I managed to augment my fabric stash just a little bit and got the templates for Twister and Lil Twister to make some fun projects with those.   I have been playing and these are really fun...if you have been on the fence about getting them...DO! 

Don't forget our meeting is the 29th this month...Leap Year!  And don't forget our swap is "something red", perfect for this month of Valentines Day...what are you doing for the sweeties in your life?

Mine is having surgery on his knee (yes, again) the day before...so I am sure I will be playing nursemaid...and not the dirty nurse like he would probably appreciate LOL  The kiddos will be getting candy...for me to eat when they are off at school...isn't that nice of me?!?! : )  Just kidding!

Stitch in Bloom 2012

1. Improv at the garden show, 2. Sim print, 3. Mama duck, 4. Winding ways... Great way to learn a curve!, 5. Went to Houston!, 6. Plates!!, 7. More!! Love the fabrics!, 8. Half square triangle exchange!, 9. Whirly giggle?? Variation., 10. House party, 11. Scrappy pineapple, 12. Hobo quilt, 13. The whole kaboodle!, 14. More!!, 15. Detail, NeoColorII colored pencils, 16. Amazing quilting, painted!, 17. Graphic!!, 18. Texture study, 19. Mystery quilt color study, 20. Texture detail, 21. Stripe-y triangles, 22. M is for muertos--, 23. Painted with crayons!, 24. 9 patch party!, 25. New Karla Alexander pattern!, 26. So many leaves, 27. Detail, 28. Effective use of color, 29. Modified cathedral window, 30. Chicken

Hi all--

Here are just a sampling of the MANY quilts from the show last weekend. What a fun time!! After running in to some Guild members up at the show, our final tally was 14!! A great time was had in the Brownie Bus... maybe next time I will remember to collect cell numbers before we separate-- but as far as I know no one got left behind and that is good enough for me.

I am sad/happy to report that I did not come home with much money, BUT I did support the economy at the show, Crafter's Warehouse, AND Greenbaum's. AND I did come home with pounds of fabric AND 5 sets of knitting needles. (who knew that they were going to be selling wooden dpns in all of the sizes I don't have? and for a STEAL!) That said, I think that I am going into February having spent my crafting budget for the year... oh well! What was your favorite acquisition? Which was your favorite quilt? It was hard for me to pick just one. The story that went with the duck quilt made me tear up. It was made for the woman's daughter who is a single parent and just sent her daughter off to college, to Eugene to be a DUCK. I got misty, I admit it.

Just to put some stuff on the radar:

1)February 29 is our next meeting and then we are on the 3rd Wednesday schedule.

2)February's swap is "Something RED!"

I'll be back later this week with more fun happenings... see you!

--Jessica