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2019 October 28 – Meeting Minutes

Big Red Quilt Guild Meeting

October 28, 2019, 7:00 p.m. at Beechwood Reformed Church

Barb Bredemeier, president, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. One guest and one new member were present. Barb also thanked Ann Prins for being our BRQG photographer.

Members who paid their 2019-2020 dues before October 1, 2019, were eligible to be in a
drawing for a basket of quilting supplies. Jackie Bailey won the basket.

Betsy Muir asked if everyone who had made and brought their October Every-Other-Block-of- the-Month challenge had received a ticket to be placed in that drawing. Kris Kennedy’s ticket was drawn; she received a book and three fat quarters. Betsy talked about the November EOBM, the pattern for which was available at the display table and on line at the BRQG website, noting the members’ blocks will be due at our meeting, November 18, 2019.

Copies of the 2019-2020 slate of officers were passed out to those who did not pick one up at the meeting registration table. Barb Bredemeier introduced the members on the slate and asked for any additional nominations from the floor. Hearing none, Barb asked for a motion to elect the following slate of officers:

BRQG Board and Committee Slate 2019-2020

President – Betsy Muir
Vice-President – Kris Kennedy
Treasurer – Karen Keip
Membership – Bridget Morel
Program Committee Chairs – Carole McLean and Nora Slikkers
Secretary – Lorelle Eberly
Publicity – Carol Vinnedge
Website (no longer a board position) – Janet Haines
Photographer – Ann Prins
Retreat Committee – Barb Bredemeier, Betsy Muir, Kris Kennedy and Nora Slikkers
Charity Quilts – Kathy Ryzenga
Refreshments – Barb Bredemeier

It was moved and seconded that we approve the slate of officers; motion carried.
Betsy Muir, our newly-elected president, thanked the outgoing board members, Barb
Bredemeier, Janet Haines, Kathy Ryzenga, and Barb Sucher, for their work and gave each one as a memento, an Ann Prins creation: a painted rock in a small zipper pouch. Betsy also noted that the guild is now five years old.

Pat Navis announced that she is missing a wool snowman appliqued work that she had at the last sew-in. If anyone has seen it or knows anything about it, please call Pat.

Kathy Ryzenga, program chair, encouraged members to sign up for the November 18 wool applique project. Members’ kits will be free; non-members will need to pay $5.00 per kit. Pat Navis will have additional wool for purchase. Members with last names beginning with A-R are to bring a finger-food appetizer; members with last names beginning with S-Z are to bring a finger-food dessert. We will enjoy eating members’ creative cooking while also enjoying working on a wool applique cover for a notebook that evening in the Great Room at Beechwood Reformed Church.

Kathy also asked members to consider becoming part of the Charity quilt committee.
She then introduced Nancy McNally, the speaker for the evening. Nancy has 25 years of
experience with quilting, pattern creation, TV productions and quilt magazine publications. Her trunk show entitled “What Was I Thinking?” consisted of many anecdotes and a wide variety of quilts. She encouraged us to try various techniques, thread colors, and patterns.

At break, members had the opportunity to buy Nancy McNally’s patterns; she also gave away patterns for her Quilt of Honor pattern, designed for Quilts of Valor. During break, members were able to sign up for the November 18 meeting, Every-Other-Block-of-the-Month challenge, and the April 2020 tiled-background workshop.

After break, we had our Show and Tell, beginning with the charity quilts that were turned in, then various tiled-background projects, and finally a wide variety of other beautiful quilts made by members. Drawing for eight door prizes concluded the evening.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorelle Eberly

2019 August 26 – Meeting Minutes

Big Red Quilt Guild Meeting

August 26, 2019, 7:00 p.m. at Beechwood Reformed Church

Barb Bredemeier, president, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Barb welcomed visitors and invited them to join our Big Red Quilt Guild.  She announced that we have been asked to move our guild meetings to the third Monday of the month so we do not conflict with the food distribution on the last Monday of the month at Beechwood Church.  Stay tuned for exactly when this change will occur as we need to contact speakers to see how this will work in their schedules.

The guild officers will be elected at next month’s meeting.  As we are still in need of someone to fill the vice president’s role, Barb asked members to seriously consider taking that position or that of treasurer, as Kris Kennedy would then move into the role of vice president.

Betsy Muir showed us the first block for the Every Other Month of the Year challenge and encouraged members to participate.  We will have a total of six blocks, each due the next general meeting.  Thus the August block will be due in October.  The pattern will also be on the BRQG website.  Each block will be 12 ½ inches (Blockheads II by Moda).  Members may use fabric from their own stash of either modern or traditional design.

Kathy Ryzenga, program co-chair, reminded us that September 23 we will meet in the lodge at 6:30 p.m. to cut and/or sew charity quilt kits, so bring your sewing machine, sewing supplies, and/or cutting supplies.

In October we will have Nancy Clark McNally giving her presentation of “What Was I Thinking?”  Her Tuesday workshop class, October 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Lodge, will be Machine Quilting with Rulers.

Barb Sucher, program co-chair, discussed the November wool felt project Jackie Bailey will be leading.

Then Barb S. introduced Jane Sassaman, quilt artist, fabric designer, pattern designer, and writer of articles and books.  Her slide presentation, entitled A Fabric Romance, showed her use of vibrant colors, contrasts of shapes, and inspirations from her garden and other nature settings in her various designs.  She also showed six of her quilts, noting how she uses interesting stitching and backing fabrics.  Her Willow quilt has been listed as one of the 100 best quilts of the 20th century.

Following a short break, seven people participated in Show and Tell, displaying eleven projects.

Drawing for door prizes concluded the meeting at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelle Eberly

2019 June 24 Minutes

       Big Red Quilt Guild Meeting

June 24, 2019, 7:00 p.m. at Beechwood Reformed Church

Barb Bredemeier, president, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Barb announced that our August 26 general meeting will be in the sanctuary.  She asked what the group’s feelings were about refreshments for meetings.  Lots of coffee is not used.  Should we bring in our own water and/or coffee in our own closed containers?  It was suggested that we have refreshments at our Sew-Ins and not at general meetings.  On the other hand, refreshments are one way new people could connect with members.  It was decided to have a sign up for August refreshments and discontinue coffee and tea service.  Members may bring their own closed beverage containers.

Spring Retreat in 2020—there are no more openings for machine work and four openings for hand sewers.

Barb noted that four of our board members’ terms will expire October 1.  She encouraged members to consider volunteering to serve as a program chair (two people to work together would be good), membership chair, or vice-president.

Betsy Muir will start a Block of the Every Other Month in August.  We will have a total of six blocks, each due the next general meeting.  Thus the August block will be due in October.  The pattern will also be on the BRQG website.  Each block will be 12 ½ inches (Blockheads II by Moda).  Members may use fabric from their own stash of either modern or traditional design.

Barb Sucher announced that there were still a few openings in the June 25 workshop for making uneven string assembly of modern churn dash blocks.  Barb also reviewed upcoming events for BRQG.

July 22: Sew-in at Beechwood Lodge at 6:30 p.m.

August 26: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Suns and Moons workshop with Jane Sassaman at Beechwood Lodge, one spot open in her class.

August 26:  BRQG meeting at Beechwood Church sanctuary, 6:30 p.m. refreshments; 7:00 p.m. Jane Sassaman presentation Jane’s Textile Treasure Garden, guest fee $20.

September 23: Charity quilt sew-in at Beechwood Lodge at 6:30 p.m.

October 28:  BRQG meeting at Beechwood Church, Nancy Clark McNally

October 29:  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Machine Quilting with Rulers workshop with Nancy Clark McNally at Beechwood Lodge

Kathy Ryzenga introduced Mary Hogan, our speaker, who shared her interest in quilting and showed a variety of her string quilts, including her use of coffee filters to create large circles of string fabric as well as appliqueing birds over string backgrounds.

Barb Bredemeier had visitors raise their hands, and then we had a refreshment break followed by Show and Tell.

Ten charity quilts for rescued victims of sex trafficking were displayed, and nine members showed their projects.  Door prize tickets were drawn, and the meeting ended at 8:42 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lorelle Eberly

2019 April 22 – Meeting Minutes

BRQG MONTHLY MEETING
APRIL 22, 2019

BEECHWOOD CHURCH – HOLLAND, MI

Vice President, Betsy Muir, opened the meeting at 7:02 pm.
Six guests were welcomed and introduced.

Kathy Ryzenga shared information about upcoming events:
May – No meeting
June 24 & 25 – Mary M. Hogan – Workshop and lecture on String Quilting. There is still space in the class. See the website for registration forms.
July 22 – Sew In – Beechwood Lodge
August 26 – Jane Sassaman demonstration and lecture.
Betsy announced that the First Annual Retreat was a big success and there are still a few openings for next year, March 24, 25, 26, 2020.

The theme for the evening was Schoolhouse Demonstrations. Five members were the teachers who gave the following demonstrations:

1. Kathy Ryzenga – Quilt as you go
2. Betsy Muir and Kris Kennedy – New ruler from QuiltCon (Needle in a Hayes stack)
3. Carol Vinnedge — Clothesline Baskets
4. Carmen Smith — Maintaining your sewing machine
5. Barb Freeland — Working with triangles

A dozen charity quilts were handed in at the meeting. Thanks to all who donated these colorful quilts!
Following Show & Tell and door prizes, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Sally Zenas, Acting Secretary

2019-Feb 26 Guild meeting minutes

Big Red Quilt Guild Meeting
February 25, 2019, 7:00 pm at Beechwood Reformed Church

Barb Bredemeier, president, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. One guest was introduced.

Members were reminded that charity quilts for victims of human trafficking need to be at least 45” by 60”.

Beth Wright encouraged members to enter quilts in the Tulip Time Quilt Show. Registration forms should be sent to Colleen Dekker by April 1. Volunteers are needed to welcome guests to the show during the week of Tulip Time, so please sign up to work at least one or more of the designated shifts.

Barb Bredemeier noted that four of our board members’ terms will expire October 1. She encouraged members to consider volunteering to serve as a program chair (two people to work together would be good), membership chair, or vice-president.

Barb Sucher reviewed upcoming events for BRQG.
March 26, 27, and 28: Retreat is scheduled from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm at the S2 Tiara Yachts Corporate Center on Lake Macatawa. Members need to sign up by March 4 for one, two, or all three days at $40 per day; lunch and dinner are included each day. The registration form is online at the BRQG website.
Friday, April 19: Fabric dyeing workshop with Sue Cortese at Beechwood Lodge, 9 am to noon.
Monday, April 22: Schoolhouse meeting, refreshments at 6:30 pm, program at 7:00 pm, guest fee $5.
Monday, June 24: Mary Hogan presentation, Adventures in String Quilting
Tuesday, June 25: Mary Hogan workshop, 9 am to 3 pm, Modern Churn Dash

Barb Sucher then introduced Kelly Kindt, owner of Pressing Matters Quilt Shop in Holland. Kelly discussed her dream of opening a quilt shop and how that dream came to be a reality on September 6, 2011, in a 750 square- foot shop on Lakewood Boulevard. She soon grew out of that space. She and her husband were then able to purchase a 2500 square-foot building on 32 nd Street near Highway 31, her current location, and opened there on January 6, 2014.
Kelly now has a long-arm quilting machine and offers open sew on Fridays as well as various classes and quilt groups. She also offers an annual retreat at Camp Geneva and other special events. Her shop has been chosen as one of the Top 10 Quilt Shops and was featured in the May 2017 Quilt Sampler magazine.
She discussed various quilting items her shop offers and showed several quilts she has created. In addition she donated six prizes for our evening’s drawing.

Barb Bredemeier noted that the refreshment sign-up, retreat sign-up and workshop sign-up sheets were on the  table for members’ convenience.

Show and Tell included a wonderful variety of quilts made by members.
Meeting ended at 8:25 pm.
Respectively submitted,
Lorelle Eberly

2018-22-October Meeting Minutes

BIG RED QUILTERS’ GUILD
Beechwood Church
October 22, 2018

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Barb Bredemeier, president.

Election of Officers: A motion was made and seconded to elect Lorelle Eberly to the position of Secretary and Kris Kennedy to the position of Treasurer for two-year terms beginning October 2018.  Motion passed unanimously.  Barb thanked outgoing secretary, Sally Zenas and outgoing treasurer, Becky Stevens.  Board members for the fiscal year October 2018 – September 2019 shall consist of:

President – Barb Bredemeier
Vice President – Betsy Muir
Secretary – Lorelle Eberly
Treasurer – Kris Kennedy
Program Co-Chairs – Kathy Ryzenga and Barb Sucher
Publicity – Carol Vinnedge
Membership and Website:  Janet Haines

Bee Organizational Meeting:  Barb Schippa, Bee Keeper in authentic garb, met prior to the meeting with members interested in forming small sewing Bees.  For further information contact Barb at 616-335-2771 or bschippa@chartermi.net.

Basket Drawing: To encourage early membership renewal, board members put together a gift basket of sewing items.  This year’s winner of the basket drawing is Kim Frisch.

Charity Quilts:  Barb Bredemeier encouraged members to donate quilts for local victims of human trafficking and showed several that were recently completed for this worthwhile community project.  Kits and fabric are available.  For more information contact Mary Botsis at 616-291-6383 or newoneagain@comcast.net.

Refreshments: Donated refreshments are always welcome and sign-up sheets are available at all meetings.

Fundraising Results: Betsy Muir thanked the membership for their generous support for the successful Boutique/Auction in September and Fall T-shirt/Hoodie sale.  Profit from the Boutique/Auction is just shy of $1,600 and the shirt sale netted $236. This money enables the guild to bring in interesting and inspiring quilters to Holland so they can share their quilting journey, style and methods.

Tulip Time Raffle Quilt Proceeds: Carol Vinnedge reported that this year the Tulip Time Committee has agreed to split the profits from the quilt raffle with BRQG and Living Threads in Zeeland.  Colleen Dekker and Sheryl Zylman have completed the Tulip Time 2019 raffle quilt and members are urged to volunteer to help with the 2019 quilt show.

Future Member Opportunities:  Kathy Ryzenga and Barb Sucher announced that we will be making holiday ornaments at the November 26 meeting.  A few supplies are needed, so consult the website. On February 25 members Barb Bredemeier and Janet Haines will lead a workshop on how to do tiled backgrounds. March will feature a three-day guild retreat, March 26, 27 & 28.  Mark your calendars now.

Guest Speaker: Barb Sucher introduced Lynn Harris from Chelsea, Michigan, who shared stories and her beautiful quilts as she encouraged us to “Do It for the Process”. Her class scheduled for October 23 is entitled “Liberated Log Cabins and Intuitive Techniques”.  Lynn’s most recent series of quilts are made to increase awareness and understanding of the pervasive problem of domestic abuse. She reminded us that quilts connect the past to the present and honor the beauty and artistry of the handmade.

Once again, we were “wowed” by the show and tell segment of the evening where several members shared their recent creations.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm.

Sally Zenas, Secretary

2018- 27-August Meeting Minutes

The members of BRQG met at Beechwood Church on August 27, 2018.

President, Barb Bredemeier, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

After welcoming new members and visitors, the following announcements were made:

1. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: As an incentive to pay annual dues early, those paying dues before October 1 will have an opportunity to be the recipient of a gift basket put together by board members. One name will be chosen at the October 22 meeting.
2. REFRESHMENT SIGNUP: There is a signup sheet at the refreshment window at all meetings for those willing to provide a snack for future meetings. Thanks to all who are doing this.
3. CHARITY QUILTS: Yellow sheets are now available with charity quilt guidelines. There is a table with available fabrics for these quilts at all meetings. If you like to sew and don’t need any more quilts, please consider helping with this project.
4. SURVEY: Barb Bredemeier, President, thanked members for participating in the survey. She said several members expressed an interest in becoming part of a small sewing group (Bee). There will be an opportunity to learn more about this and hopefully setting up a couple of groups, before the October 22 nd meeting. Those interested, please arrive October 22 at 6:30.
5. T-SHIRTS: The first ever BRQG T Shirt sale was very successful. Another sale will be held in September, and both long sleeved shirts and sweatshirts will be available for fall.
6. QUILT RETREAT: A day time retreat is being planned for March 26-28. Mark your calendars now. There will be a daily fee, some meals will be included and you will go home to sleep. More details will be forthcoming.
7. SEPTEMBER GIFT BOUTIQUE: Betsy Muir, Vice President, announced plans for the Sew-In/Gift Boutique to be held September 24 th at 6:30 pm. She is seeking donations which can be dropped off at the church any time after 1:00 on the 24 th or to Betsy any time before. All proceeds will go to the guild to pay for speakers. Guests are welcome. There will be door prizes every 15 minutes. Call Betsy (847-507-4305) if you have questions. Cash or checks only.

Barb Sucher, Program co-Chair, introduced guest speaker, Bill Kerr of Modern Quilt Studio, Oak Park, Il. Following a rousing welcome with all singing Happy Birthday, Dear Bill, he gave an inspiring lecture on Color in a Supporting Role. Bill explained his approach to color selection and passed around many beautiful quilts made by him and his wife, Weeks Ringle. The next day Bill gave a workshop addressing color value and piecing curves. Thanks to Ann Prins, photos will be available on the website and
facebook.

Following Show and Tell and door prizes, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Sally Zenas, Secretary

2018 June 25 – Meeting Minutes

Big Red Quilt Guild
June 25, 2018
Beechwood Church – Holland, MI

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 by Barb Bredemeier, President.

The following announcements were made:

  1. The BRQG Ultimate Challenge Butterflies Are Blooming quilts were accepted in the AQS show and will be shown August 22 – 25, 2018 in Grand Rapids.
  2. Jane Sassaman will be coming to BRQG in 2019. She is featured on the cover of the Summer 2018 issue of American Quilter magazine.
  3. Information about a BRQG T-shirt fundraiser will be coming soon.
  4. Vicky Gray has agreed to be the new Refreshment Coordinator.
  5. The September 24 meeting will be a Silent Auction and Gift Boutique fund raiser. Members were asked to donate their creative endeavors.  Betsy Muir has donation forms. The event will be open to the public and there will be no guest charge.
  6. A Member Survey was distributed. The BRQG Board will use this information when planning for future events.
  7. Sign up forms for the August 28, 2018 Bill Kerr class were available. The guest fee for his lecture August 27, 2018 will be $10.

Guest Lecturer, Sue Pawlowski from Jack Squares Studio, showed her many beautiful quilts and shared her quilting journey.  Monday’s lecture will be followed with a workshop on Tuesday where students will learn her techniques to make her Stuffed Olives hexi quilt. For further inspiration, visit her website: www.JackSquaresStudio.com.

Nine members shared their recently finished projects.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Sally Zenas, Secretary

Next Meeting:  Monday July 23, Sew – In at Beechwood Lodge – 6:30 pm

Note from Janet – Membership Chair – 57 members & 6 visitors attended

2018 April 23 Meeting Minutes

Big Red Quilters’ Guild Schoolhouse Meeting, Monday, April 23 at Beechwood Church

 Barb Bredemeier opened the meeting at 7:00.

Three new members and several guests were welcomed.

Mary Botsis thanked members for bringing completed charity quilts and asked members to take home several which were ready to be completed.

Barb Bredemeier proposed that the changes to the guild bylaws which had been emailed to members be approved.  A motion was made and seconded, followed by no discussion and unanimous approval.

As our refreshment coordinator needs to step down, Barb announced that we are looking for a replacement, as well as volunteers to sign up at the kitchen window to bring treats in June.

Barb Sucher and Kathy Ryzenga announced details of future meetings.  There will be no meeting in May, as the fourth Monday falls on Memorial Day.  Sue Pawlowski, who had two beautiful quilts in the Chicago IQF show this month, will be our speaker on Monday, June 25.  The application form and supply list for Sue’s workshop on Tuesday, June 26 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm is available on the guild website.  Sign up soon, as the class is limited to 20 participants.

Bill Kerr, from Modern Quilt Studio, will be our speaker for our guild meeting on Monday, August 27.  His workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 28 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.  Mark your calendar now and sign up for the workshop at our June meeting.

 Quilters rotated around five tables where presenters shared different techniques.

Carol Vinnedge explained how to make facing binding and showed beautiful examples of her faced quilts.

Nora Slikkers gave us loads of ideas for creative ways to use scraps, including strip pieced borders.

Kathy Ryzenga showed us a youtube video of Laura Ann Coia (Sew Very Easy) demonstrating scalloped edges. A great reminder about taking advantage of resources on-line!

Linda Chambers and Beth Schmidt showed us how to add prairie points to our quilts.

Barb Sucher showed us the steps involved in making a beautifully accurate flange as part of our quilt binding.

Many thanks to our wonderful presenters!

 15 guild members volunteered to help work a shift at the Tulip Time Quilt Show.

Following show and tell of several really beautiful quilts and door prize drawings, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.

Barb Bredemeier

2018 February 26 General Meeting Minutes

BRQG GENERAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 26, 2018
BEECHWOOD CHURCH

Barb Bredemeier opened the meeting at 7:00.
Four new members and several guests were welcomed followed by the introduction of Sarah Howard, Refreshment Coordinator. Sarah will recruit refreshment volunteers before each meeting via email.

Barb Bredemeier asked members to contact any board member with new ideas for the annual Fall Fundraiser.
Barb Schippa encouraged members to participate in the National Quilting Day Retreat March 17. It will be a full day of quilting with lunch and fun activities included. To sign up see the guild website as we get closer to the date. The cartonnage class at the retreat has been cancelled.
Pat Navis announced that 13 new charity quilts were brought in tonight and kits are available. The Holland Police Department, Holland Outreach for Human Trafficking and Resthaven’s Alzheimer Unit are the grateful recipients.
Barb Sucher announced details for future meetings. March will be a Sew-In, April will be School House night with members teaching new techniques. Weeks Ringle is unable to come in June due to a scheduling conflict. Rescheduling her workshop and presentation is being worked on. Barb introduced Sue Cortese, guest lecturer for the evening.
Sue Cortese treated us to several of her quilts, both traditional and modern, and the story of the design process behind each of them. Her outstanding quilting, hand dyed fabrics and use of color and design, served as an inspiration to all present.
Following the refreshment break, eight completed Butterflies are Blooming challenge quilts were displayed by Barb Bredemeier, Janet Haines, Khris Kennedy, Betsy Muir, Cyndi Phillip, Kathy Ryzenga, Nora Slikkers and Barb Sucher. All were exquisite and the three favorites were made by Betsy, Janet and Barb B.
Barb B., Vicki Gray, Janet Haines and Sally Leep recently returned from a Panama Quilt Cruise and shared the fabulous quilt tops and wall hangings they made during their educational trip at sea.

Colleen Dekker showed the 2018 lovely Dutch themed blue and white Tulip Time raffle quilt. Tulip Time Quilt Show entry forms are available now and the deadline for entry is April 1, 2018.
Following door prize drawings, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Sally Zenas, Secretary