Archive | March 2017

Meeting Minutes 3-27-17

Mar29

BIG RED QUILT GUILDIMG_5152
FRIEDA ANDERSON WORKSHOP AND LECTURE
MARCH 27, 2017

Twenty eager Big Red Quilters gathered for a workshop at Beechwood Lodge in the morning to learn from Frieda Anderson.  She taught her method of fusing to make “Seaside Village”, using her beautiful hand dyed fabrics. No sewing machines were needed!

In the evening, a general meeting was held at Beechwood Church where Frieda was the guest lecturer.  During her slide presentation, she showed her dying technique and methods for fused and pieced quilts based on nature. It was a day and evening of inspiration and delight as we viewed her bright, artisitic creations. For more information, go to http://www.friestyle.com and frieda@friestyle.com.

President, Pat Navis, announced that BRQG has donated 44 quilts to the Holland Police Department.  Donation slips for tax purposes are now available for fabric and batting purchased for charity quilts, and other out-of-pocket donations.  They will be available at the sign in table at future meetings.

Pat welcomed 6 guests and 2 new members.

Kathy Mueller, Program Chair., explained the need for long white tables to be kept in the lodge for future classes.  By the end of the meeting, thanks to budgeted money and member donations, we only need to come up with funding for one more table. Kathy is looking for a couple of additional members to demonstrate their favorite tools at the April 24 meeting.

Barb Bredemeier, Vice President, invited those present to join the Ultimate Guild Challenge entitled “Blooming Butterflies”.  Application forms were available at the meeting and are available on the website.

Colleen Dekker and Beth Wright from 2017 Tulip Time Quilt Show  announced that they would01a88deb384bfed9ef777c406e32e78dc592ddf772 like more entries from the BRQG Red and White Challenge for this year’s show.  Also, they would like members of BRQG to volunteer to help greet and take tickets at this year’s show.  Contact Carol Keen if you are willing to help:  616-396-1170 or bckeen1@att.net.

Lucky door prize winners were:  Jodi Rietsema, Pat Navis, Kathy Ryzenga and Annette Ekkal.

NEXT MEETING:  FAVORITE TOOL DEMONSTRATION APRIL 24.

Sally Zenas, Secretary

To find the Tulip Time entry form go to: tuliptime.com, click on get involved, then click on forms & applications and there you will find the quilt show entry form line – click on it and then you can print out the form from there.

Frieda Anderson Presentation – Tonight

Mar28

Tonight we were pleased to view a colorful presentation by Frieda Anderson as she showed her progress over the years from a traditional quilter to a modern quilter- her use of color sets apart her work as does her designs. She showed the dyeing process and took us through all of the steps she does to accomplish her design elements 

 

12 Steps to End Quilters Slump

Mar27

Hello quilting friends…..I read an interesting blog recently about being in an artistic img_4051slump. You know, that time when everything you normally love to do, whether it’s quilt, paint, draw, write, weave, sculpt, etc…..just isn’t doing it for you. You need a push, and you find yourself depressed over overachiever friends. Everyone finds themselves in creative blocks now and then, so I reinterpreted the suggestions for quilters. But these work for pretty much anything…..just fill in the blanks. It also ties in with a fascinating documentary that aired on PBS……about Dr. Marian Diamond, MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE BRAIN, about neuroscience and brain plasticity, our human need to continually feed our brains with new things…..remember the old saying, use it or lose it.

1. Show Up: This is the single most effective thing you can do to improve your creativity and productivity…spend time in your sewing room. Get in there. Even if you are just looking around, sorting fabrics, thumbing thru quilt magazines, or organizing your space. Simply spending time in your studio will inspire you, and improve your productivity and creativity.

2. Set Goals: Set goals for yourself and break them down into smaller categories: Long Range, Short Term and Immediate. Example: I am going to piece 5 blocks today, 2 rows this week etc and you’ll be finished in no time.

3. Dress the Part: Get comfy. Put on your favorite comfortable sewing clothes for motivation. Discover your power outfit and wear it when you need to perform at your best.

4. Connect with Community: Join an online forum or a local quilt guild and meet once a month. Start a blog and invite people to share their comments. Attend a retreat where you meet with old friends or make new ones. Join a bee. Visit quilt museums and shows. Connecting with others will keep you going and inspired.
5. Make Yourself Accountable: Tell someone what you are working on and share your progress with them. Enlist their help to keep you on track. Knowing that someone is waiting to see your results can help maintain your momentum.
6. Adjust your Expectations: Not every quilt will earn a ribbon or grand prize so take off the magnifying glasses and stop obsessing over matched seams. Keep in mind where it’s being used….is it a throw quilt or show quilt!?!
7. Open Your Studio: Invite friends over to quilt. This will motivate you to get your sewing space cleaned and organized. It’s just the kick in the pants you might need, and gives you time in your space.
8. Enter shows: Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated so enter quilt shows and create new work to submit. Even if you don’t win a ribbon, the exercise of judging your work is invaluable. Yes, we said stop being so critical, but it’s all about balance.
 
9. Take a Class: Sign up for a class or workshop. This will help you plug into your quilt community and connect with like minded folks. It’s a perfect way to find additional inspiration.
10. Organize a bee: Invite friends over to discuss what works for everyone. Is it a large open bee, or small group that meets in homes? How often do you meet? Again, more accountability for each of us when friends keep us motivated.
11. Trade knowledge: Share your knowledge and techniques and welcome the same from others. Use the feedback you receive to improve. The exchange of ideas (those lightbulb moments) will help you stay energized.
12. Give Yourself Permission: This is the most important tip of all…Don’t let other work trap you into paralysis. Yes, the dishes, laundry and errands need to be done, but nothing has to suffer if you schedule your time effectively.  Assign tasks to others….say that spouse that is glued to the couch watching TV??? Schedule time and give yourself permission to do what you love……quilt!
Happy quilting!
 Barb Schippa

February Sew-in Meeting Minutes

Mar14

BIG RED QUILT GUILD
FEBRUARY 27, 2017 SEW-IN

Several members and guests gathered at Beechwood Reformed Church Lodge for an informal gathering of sharing and learning.  Gorgeous finished UFO’s were shown and admired.

Barb Briedemeier served as instructor for an Iris Folding project that was something simple enough to teach young grandchildren when done with paper, or detailed and precise when done with fabric and sewing machine.  The surprise was that the “Iris” was the iris of an eye (the center of the design) rather than the flower.  Everyone went home with a beautiful completed note card and resources for other designs.

Barb also told about the Ultimate Guild Challenge for AQS summer 2018 which Big Red Quilt Guild members are encouraged to participate in.    The cost is $5 and the theme is Blooming Butterflies.  Details are available on our website.

The April bus trip to Chicago has been cancelled due low enrollment.

Several Charity Quilts were available for quilting (the tops are completed).  

Kathy Mueller, Program Chair, reported there is room for a few more people to participate in the Frieda Anderson class to be held March 27, 2017.  Go to the website for sign up information and details or call Kathy if you have questions (616-399-4685).

Next Meeting:  March 27 2017

                            Frieda Anderson class at the lodge 9:00 am.
                             General meeting and Frieda Anderson presentation at the church 7:00 with                             refreshments available at 6:30 pm.

 

Sally Zenas
Secretary