The Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild

Inspiration of the Week - Bento Bikes Baby Quilt

2012-03-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

This week's inspiration comes to us from Kate of Needle and Spatula. Kat's gorgeous Bento Bikes Baby Quilt is made in blues, greens and greys. She started with log cabin/square in square blocks, then cut them into fourths and rearranged them into the bento block design.

photo used with permission

We bet the parents and baby just love this quilt! You can see Kate's full process behind the quilt here. Thanks for sharing, Kate!

Inspiration of the Week - Equilibrium

2012-02-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

This week's inspiration is all about balance. Cinzia of deux petites souris created her Equilibrium quilt as an exercise in searching for balance. The colors are definitely modern, and we just love how graphic it is.

photo used with permission


photo used with permission

Read Cinzia's post here to find out more about her inspiration for this quilt. Thanks for sharing, Cinzia!

Inspiration of the Week - Modern circles pillow cover

2012-02-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

This week's inspiration post is a great, modern circle pillow cover. It was made by Kirie of Shape Moth for a flickr swap group called For the Love of Solids. We love the colors and the clean, geometric feel of it!

photo used with permission


photo used with permission

Check out Kirie's post to see what kind of materials she used and the tutorial she plans to make so we can all make one too! Thanks for sharing, Kirie!

Inspiration of the Week - Scrappy Chevron Quilt

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Kati of From the Blue Chair provides us with our inspiration of the week this week. She wanted to make a chevron quilt and was searching the internet for ideas. Not finding exactly what she wanted, she came up with her own design! We love how this scrappy chevron is pieced continuously!


photo used with permission

The colors work together so well. And she backed it with minky! How soft is that?

photo used with permission

You can see the details about Kati's Chevron quilt here. Thanks for sharing, Kati!

Inspiration of the Week - A Touch of the Bends

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-06:00

This week's inspiration was inspired by the quilts of Gee's Bends among others. It's is also Nova's (of a cuppa and a catch up) first quilty finish of 2012! Created with upcycled shirts and solid linen, this quilt is purposefully wobbly at the edges. We love it's unique look!

photo used with permission

You can see Nova's full post here. Thanks for sharing, Nova!

Inspiration of the Week - FFA3

2012-01-26T09:52:00.001-06:00

photo used with permission

This week's inspiration features a lovely strip quilt with a unique twist - wonky blocks are incorporated too! Bec of Chasing Cottons used Heather Ross's Far Far Away fabrics to create this great baby quilt. In Bec's own words:

"Even though i don't make many strip quilts, i really have a thing for them. I think they showcase the fabrics perfectly. They're modern. They're easy. They don't waste fabric. They comes together really fast. They're perfect for straight line quilting, i really should make more!"

photo used with permission

Bec used the wonky blocks to showcase parts of the fabrics she found interesting. The rest was strip-pieced. It all works together so well! You can see Bec's quilt process here.

photo used with permission

Thanks for sharing, Bec!

Inspiration of the Week - Just Add Stripes

2012-01-19T11:22:00.000-06:00

This week's inspiration comes from Ellen of Cathy Heck Studio. Her Just Add Stripes quilt is a lovely display of wonky stripes.

photo used with permission

Plus a swatch detail!

photo used with permission

Read Ellen's post here. Thanks for sharing, Ellen!

Inspiration of the Week - Putnam-Hauser Linen Quilt

2012-01-12T11:29:00.000-06:00

The Putnam-Hauser Linen Quilt is simply astounding. Sherri of daintytime brings us this week's inspiration with her commissioned quilt for the Putnam-Hauser family. Made of linen and handquilted (yes, she handquilted that behemoth!), it's a work of art.

photo used with permission

Be sure to read Sherri's post on the finished quilt here, as well as her process archive here. Sherri - thanks for sharing!!

Angela : World-Class Quilter

2012-01-09T23:05:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the recent Fons & Porter newsletter with the Gammill longarm ad? Did you see the quilt in the Gammill ad?? Well, here's a huge shout out to Angela Walters, whose quilt is featured in it!

Angela was introduced to the Gammill marketing executive at the Fall 2011 Quilt Market. He extended an invitation to submit a quilt for consideration in their upcoming ad campaign. Angela's submission was one of two quilts selected for their campaign!

The quilt Angela chose to submit was her entry for the first Project Modern Challenge. You can read more about her entry here. She originally purchased a Gammill longarm because, as she says, "they are located in Missouri." She's been using it for more than nine years now, and it's still going strong!

You can see the Fons & Porter newsletter online here. Be sure to give Angela some love next time you see her. Congrats, Angela!!

Inspiration of the Week

2012-01-05T12:54:00.000-06:00

For our first inspiration of the week for 2012, we are featuring some bright, happy quilts by Maritza of Notty Bits. We love the colors and polka dots in these two baby, bunting quilts. You can read more about them here, and thanks Maritza for sharing them with us this week!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T11:31:00.001-06:00

We are taking a couple weeks off the Inspiration of the Week posts to enjoy the holidays. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

Happy Holidays!

from the KCMQG Team

Inspiration of the Week - Log Cabin Scrap Quilt

2011-12-15T09:19:00.001-06:00

For those of you with scrap stashes (and isn't that all of us??), here's some inspiration for you. Melody of Fibermania created this scrappy log cabin quilt. Isn't it awesome? This colors definitely brighten up the winter day!

photo used with permission

We love her subconscious inspiration too: that cute broom and dustpan!

photo used with permission

Thanks for sharing, Melody! You can see more on Melody's post here.

Member Spotlight: Nikki M.

2011-12-11T21:06:00.000-06:00

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?
My name is Nikki and I'm a former 1st grade and ESL teacher who stays at home with her two sons, Wyatt (age 4) and Owen (age 3). I do some education advocacy consulting part time for families by helping them obtain services through the school district for children with special needs. I have been married to the best man I know for 8 1/2 years. I'm originally from Little Rock, Arkansas and I went to college in Fayetteville.

When did you first start sewing or quilting? How did you learn?
My mother has always been very handy with a sewing machine, but my early attempts at sewing failed miserably. I made a pillow for my sister and an apron for my barbie doll in junior high school, but that's about it. I've always loved quilts & had a fondness for my great grandmother's antique quilts. After she passed away, I started to realize that the art of quilting wasn't beyond me. I was in my mid 20's and I took some quilting classes. My mom and my mother-in-law have taught me a few things along the way. When I started quilting, I didn't even have a sewing machine. My sister gave me some wool swatches that I sewed together by hand. My mother took pity on me & gave me her sewing machine after she bought a nicer one for herself. I've owned 4 or 5 machines since that first one. I continue to take classes when I can, but I have found that I learn most by sewing alongside other people. I regularly get together with my quilting friends to work on Quilts of Valor. During these sewing sessions, I pick up tricks of the trade & fun new notions that I never new existed. I am also stretched to try new things in quilting bees. I've participated in 3 quilting bees, two of which were online (Bee Vintage and the Lovely Linen Bee) as well as the face-to-face bee that we have in our guild (the KC Scrappy Bee).

What is your favorite part of quilting, or favorite type of work to do? (handwork, machine quilting, designing, etc.)
My favorite types of quilts are scrappy. I enjoy piecing much more than quilting. I love to play with fabric & tend to dive right in, rather than plan. I work very quickly because I have a limited amount of time in which to sew. I seldom have a plan for fabric before I buy it. Part of the fun of quilting is making it up as you go.

What do you consider to be your quilting “style”?
I don't really like to be boxed in with one particular style. I love traditional quilts (antique ones are my very favorites) but modern quilts appeal to me, as well. I love both the freedom of improvisation & the structure of a pattern. I'm drawn more and more to solids lately & have vowed to use my stash as much as possible. I also enjoy upcycling clothes & other textiles that I come across. Vintage linens are a recent obsession of mine, too.

How would you define “Modern Quilting”?
Modern quilting is whatever you want it to be. No rules. No preconceptions. No right or wrong. It's art.

What is the thing you’ve made that you’re most proud of?
My grandfather's Quilt of Valor. He served in WW II and is almost 92. I gave it to him at his 90th birthday party and he keeps it neatly folded in his room, showing it off to whoever comes to visit.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from quilting?
Quilting nurtures my soul. It's more than a creative outlet for me. I could spend days on end without leaving my sewing room & be completely content. It heals my spirit.

Finish this phrase ... Quilting makes me feel alive.

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Thank you Nikki! We love your Quilts of Valor commitment and your interest in upcycling. We can't wait to see what you come up with next. You can follow Nikki here if you'd like to see what she does too!

Inspiration of the Week - Quilts for Twinsies

2011-12-08T10:59:00.000-06:00

photo used with permission

This week we have a double dose of inspiration that comes from Audrie of Blue is Bleu. Audrie was asked to make quilts for twin girls. She was given the colors that were in the girls' nursery, and asked that the quilts not be identical. Audrie created a churn dash quilt and a star quilt for these lucky baby girls.

photo used with permission

We love the colors that are in these quilts and how it ties them together even though they are different designs. They are just gorgeous! To read more about Audrie's quilts, go here.
Thanks, Audrie!

Inspiration of the Week - Log Cabin Pouch

2011-12-01T10:40:00.000-06:00

photo used with permission

This week we are looking at log cabin blocks again, in the form of a pretty little pouch. Krista of Spotted Stones made this adorable pouch for a Flickr swap group she participated in, aptly named the Pretty {little} Pouch swap.

photo used with permission

We love how she used simple hand-stitched X's to add a little spice to it. And the Owl zipper is so cute! For more detail pictures of Krista's pouch, go here.

Thanks for sharing Krista!

The International Quilt Festival is Going Modern

2011-11-29T20:05:00.000-06:00

You know modern quilting has taken the world by storm when the International Quilt Festival plans a special exhibit called The Modern Quilt Guild Showcase! This exhibit will premiere at International Quilt Market and Festival, October 26–November 4, 2012. A Call for Entries has been released and members of Modern Quilt Guilds around the world are invited to enter. Quilters may submit up to two (2) quilts for consideration. Quilts must be at least 36" on each side. Deadline for entries is Friday, March 2, 2012. For additional guidelines and submission information, refer to the Call for Entries instructions.

Now, Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild members — we know you have skills! You showed all your tremendous talent in the Habitat Challenge Reveal. We definitely hope that many of you will enter submissions for consideration. Just think, your quilt could travel the world!

photo by KCMQG

Inspiration of the Week - Fact or Fiction

2011-11-24T10:16:00.000-06:00

photo used with permission

So what do indian corn, a lovely print fabric and a kona color card have to do with each other, you ask? Put them together and you have the inspiration for this quilt!!

So begins the story of Karen of Blooming Poppies as she starts her process in making this gorgeous quilt, titled 'Fact or Fiction.' We love her strips of wonky improv blocks and her colors are astounding. This is her first all solid quilt too! Read more details on Karen's quilt here.

Thanks, Karen, for sharing!

Inspiration of the Week - celebrate {Fall} colors

2011-11-17T08:30:00.000-06:00

This week's Inspiration is a gorgeous example of a Fall color palette and using circles in a quilt. Jolene of Blue Elephant Stitches did this wall quilt as an entry in Rachel's Celebrate Color series.

photo used with permission

We love the circular quilting on this! And can you believe Jolene only used scraps? Incredible! See closeup photos of the wall quilt here. Thanks, Jolene, for sharing!

Habitat Challenge : {revealed}

2011-11-11T09:35:00.001-06:00

On Thursday evening, the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild had its November meeting. The focus? The Habitat Challenge Reveal!

Overview of challenge
Each member that wanted to participate received a bundle of 8 fat eighths of Jay McCarroll's Habitat fabric in the earth colorway. A quilt was to be made using these fabrics. More habitat fabric (in any colorway) could be added, or solids, but no other prints.

Over half our guild participated! Here are group pictures of the quilts we had to show:

Our guild also voted for a Viewer's Choice winner of the night. Our winner was Tracy Lewien who produced this gorgeous quilt:

Each quilt was photographed and can be seen on the KCMQG Flickr stream.

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KCMQG Habitat Reveal member blog posts
As our members blog about their own entries, we'll add their links here!

Lollyquiltz

moshiecreations

Nikki's Quilting Projects

rikrax

Forty-Two Quilts

Inspiration of the Week - Finn's Quilt

2011-11-10T10:41:00.002-06:00

Do you like half-square triangles? Take a look at this lovely quilt made entirely in HSTs! It's so gorgeous in it's modern simplicity. We love how the colors work together! This is Finn's Quilt, made by Candace of Sparkle Power.

photo used with permission

You can see more pictures of this quilt here, some of them with Finn on it! How cute is he?!? Thanks, Candace, for providing our Inspiration this week!

Inspiration of the Week - + & X Blocks Quilt

2011-11-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

This quilt caught our eye with its wonderful use of colors and fabrics! Participating in a Japanese + and X quilt along on Flickr, Leila of Where the Orchids Grow made this quilt her own.

photo used with permission

You can see Leila's blog post here, and alllllll the other photos she took of her darling quilt here! Thanks for sharing, Leila!

Inspiration of the Week - Hash Marks

2011-10-27T11:36:00.000-05:00

This week we are sharing one of the fabulous entries for Project Modern: Challenge 4. Hash Marks is the entry by Taya of The Type B Crafter. Taya says, "Each of the 300+ blocks (including the back) is one mark and together they are a representation of me counting the days while my husband finishes graduate school."

We think that is a wonderful reason to put a quilt together!

photo used with permission


photo used with permission

You can read more about Taya's quilt and her process here. Thanks for sharing, Taya!

Inspiration of the Week - That Special Friend Pillow

2011-10-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

photo used with permission

This week's inspiration comes from Tamiko of Patchwork Notes. Tamiko created this pillow, courthouse steps log cabin style! We also love all her delicious fabric choices. In Tamiko's words, this pillow is for "that special friend who is so proud to show off anything that you make her/him. She's worth the extra time and effort (or maybe that person is you!)."

photo used with permission

Do you want to make your own pillow for your special friend? Well, you're in luck! Because Tamiko created a tutorial for this pillow! You can check it out here.

Thanks for sharing, Tamiko!

Inspiration of the Week - Housewarming Quilt

2011-10-13T10:13:00.000-05:00

This week's inspiration comes from Eva Marie of Bijoux Baby Crafts. This summer, she made an incredible housewarming quilt, improvisational style. It was so incredible, she had a really hard time parting with it. We can sure see why!

photo used with permission

You can read more about Eva Marie's process as she created this quilt here. Thanks for sharing, Eva Marie!

A Beautiful Day at Quilts on the Quad

2011-10-12T08:25:00.000-05:00

Quilts on the Quad was held at the UMKC campus in the quad area on Saturday, October 1st. It was a great success! Lots of people came to see the quilts in particular, and quite a few people stumbled into the display while just walking around campus. Here's ~~some~~ tons of photos to feast your eyes on!

our quilt show signs

sand art on the quad sidewalks

If that wasn't enough for you, there are more photos to look at on our flickr stream.

KCMQG would like to thank everyone who helped make this show such a success. We heart you.

Inspiration of the Week - Flight Quilt

2011-10-06T10:12:00.000-05:00

The KCMQG is starting a new weekly blog feature called Inspiration of the Week. Each week we will post a quilt or project we've found that inspires us. Check back weekly to be inspired!  

Our first Inspiration of the Week comes from Alexis of Materials and Method. This throw, titled Flight Quilt, is a traditional Amish pattern that Alexis re-interpreted in a modern way. We love her use of color and strategically placed triangles that give this quilt a wonderfully modern feel.

photo used with permission


photo used with permission

You can read more details about the Flight Quilt here. And don't forget to check back next week for more Inspiration!

A big shout-out to the Sydney Modern Quilt Guild, who inspired us to start this new feature!

Member Spotlight: Kristin M.

2011-10-04T15:40:00.000-05:00

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?
I'm Kristin, and I'm a freelance editor and writer. I do everything from educational publishing to writing catalog copy. I love working from home, and it's great that I'm able to be with my two-month-old little boy all day. I think.

When did you first start sewing or quilting? How did you learn?
I had a really cheap White when I was in college. I wanted to sew garments, but that totally didn't work out. I made myself a t-shirt quilt from directions on the Internet during my sophomore year, and then took a quilting class soon after. I have yet to complete the quilt from class.

What is your favorite part of quilting, or favorite type of work to do? (handwork, machine quilting, designing, etc.)
I really do enjoy all parts of quilting, except the pressing. I'm not very good with the iron (my husband does all the ironing in our house), and even when I press my seams really well, they tend to go wherever they please. My favorite thing is probably fusible applique. I made an awesome wall hanging for my mom a few years ago, and it was the first time I ever felt like an artist.

What do you consider to be your quilting “style”?
I tend to gravitate towards bold colors and shapes, especially solid fabrics. I like quilt tops to be extreme - if there are rectangles, I want the entire quilt to reflect the idea of rectangles. I like patterns that benefit from color play. I think I would get bored using just one or two colors.

How would you define “Modern Quilting”?
I don't really subscribe to the idea of "modern quilting." I think there are modern quilters, and we quilt the way we are most comfortable. It's okay if we don't have extended training and do things our own way. A modern quilter is someone who might make a stunning improvised quilt with the latest fabrics, and then follow it up with a traditional quilt in reproduction fabrics. And, really, she doesn't care if anybody else likes it or not.

What is the thing you’ve made that you’re most proud of?
I am ridiculously proud of my No Prints Allowed Challenge quilt. It was the first time I put a quilt pattern to paper and actually executed it. I picked a color palette that I wouldn't normally choose and then let the colors dictate what I designed. (I use the term "designed" loosely. My drawing skills rival those of an excited beaver.) Seeing it come to life was incredible, especially since I initially had no idea how to construct the thing. It's on our living room couch and we use it every day. I've been known to shout, "LOOK WHAT I MADE!" every time somebody new comes to our house.

I'm also super proud of the quilt I made for my parents two Christmases ago. I had some insane idea to make them a quilt reflecting their hobbies - my mom is a Master Gardener, and my dad was supervising his first Habitat for Humanity house. I came up with the idea in the summer; I didn't start it until December 5 or something. I drew and then embroidered my mom's favorite flowers (complete with their Latin names), and free-pieces the houses. I was quilting until 3 a.m. the morning we left for Iowa. The quilting isn't pretty - tons of puckers and who knows what else - but I had so much fun making it and they really, really love it.

What is the thing you have made that you are most embarrassed by?
Our wedding quilt. It's a Denyse Schmidt pattern, and I started it the summer before we got married. It's essentially a wonky log cabin, and she has you cut out zillions of templates to make the wonkiness. I've completed two out of three sets of blocks, and the idea of cutting more templates makes me want to kick someone. Also, I'm not sure how it's going to look when I'm done. The front is two different oranges, and the back is hot pink (our wedding colors. They were much better than I'm making it sound.), and I'm really afraid it's going to be totally ugly and I'll be disappointed and mad at myself for not making better decisions.
We'll be married five years this week.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from quilting?
DO NOT BE AFRAID. Sewing is honestly my most nerve-wracking hobby. I have no fear about ripping out inches and inches of knitting, and I'll gladly take apart a crocheted blanket if I make a mistake. The thought that I can't uncut fabric makes starting a new project absolutely terrifying. But that makes finishing a quilt absolutely thrilling.

Finish this phrase ... Quilting makes me feel dizzy with anticipation. Also very, very tired.

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Thank you Kristin! I think many of us share your fear of not being able to uncut fabric! We can't wait to see your future finished quilts!!

Iron Quilter (or "How We Made Four Quilts in Five Hours")

2011-09-19T23:35:00.001-05:00

One of the best things about The Modern Quilt Guild is the fact that there are so many chapters around the globe. Reading about the events online through their guild blogs is great not only for their members, but also for guilds in other areas looking for new ideas. Chicago's MQG hosted an "Iron Quilter" event this past March and once Jacquie told us about it in May, we were hooked.

It was an absolute blast! We made four quilts from start to finish... in five short hours! Here is how ours worked:

The event was held on a Sunday from 12-5 at a local Bernina store, where one of our officers works.
Members signed up to take part.
They were instructed to only bring a rotary cutter, a one gallon bag of scraps (any color), some scissors and a killer quilting attitude.
The guild supplied batting scraps (really, I should say that member Angela Walters provided batting scraps!), thread, scrap buckets from Jacquie's stash, and a Secret Ingredient fabric (a 3/4 yard cut of one of three Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush prints).

We randomly divided the 12 participants up into four teams of three. They had no idea about the team assignments or secret ingredient colors ahead of time. You know... to make them full of even more anxiety!

The finished quilts had to be at least 18" x 24", the top had to incorporate the secret ingredient and the quilt they created should reflect the MQG (in their eyes).

It didn't take long before the room was full of women working and planning and tossing fabric around!

Tammy made the official first cut of fabric!

Sewing without snacks? No way!

There was fast and furious piecing on the two sewing machines per team.

Some very clever members used the batting scraps to craft their own design wall.

And somewhere along the line, Jaime broke out a bottle of wine...that we quickly polished off.

And ever so carefully (though quickly!), the blocks started coming together.

With about an hour left until the deadline, most of the groups were assembling tops and backings.

And quilting! Jessica did some insanely fast quilting. We're talking 12 minutes, folks!

With the clock inching toward the 5pm deadline, teams were working feverishly to finish their bindings. Four different methods were used! The team above utilized every member: Robin sewing the binding to the back, Tammy supplying the pins and Claudia folding the binding to the front and pinning it down so that Robin could keep right on sewing and tack the binding in place on the front. Phew!

Jaime, our Bernina hostess, was fresh off a Denyse Schmidt workshop and used some of her free time to piece the tiniest of scraps together.

At 4:57 and 4:59, the first two teams finished!

The other two teams weren't too far behind!

It was a great way to spend a rainy day and we overheard people saying how much fun they'd had. We are so glad Chicago tried it and blogged about it and can't wait to see which MQG group will try their own Iron Quilter!

There were many more images from the day, which can be seen in the short video below. Enjoy!

Susan Beal comes to Kansas City

2011-09-15T09:48:00.000-05:00

BY JAIME DAVID

One perk of being an officer for the KCMQG is getting to have some input on potential guest and meeting programs. We have discussed and contacted many different quilters across the country and were excited to get the chance to bring Susan Beal to Kansas City! Susan came and gave a presentation on modern log cabin quilting at our September 8th meeting.

Susan resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two children, and is a member of the Portland Modern Quilt Guild. She is a freelance writer whose books include Bead Simple, Button It Up, Modern Log Cabin Quilting and World of Geekcraft, among many other writing projects she's involved in. In her spare time, she loves to sew vintage dress patterns, knit, embroider, and make collages, among many other interests.

Susan with her son, Everett

I have been a long time blog follower of Susan's and it was her blog that I used to plan my fantastic 30th LA b-day trip a few years ago (we won't mention exactly how many years). Susan is a life long crafter and one of the nicest people you could know. I feel like I have known her my whole life, although we just met this past July.

I picked Susan and Everett, her son, up at the airport at 11:30am, which means they were great enough to leave Portland at an insane hour of the morning. It was a great excuse for me to take a day off work and hit up some of my favorite Kansas City places. We started with a stop at Urban Arts and Crafts. I was tempted by many fabrics, but showed some restraint and walked out empty handed. Susan found some great Denyse Schmidt pieces there. Then we went for lunch at Bluebird. It was a perfect day to eat outside and little Everett enjoyed some polenta with me. He was such a good companion. After that we were on our way to Westport, via a stop at Hammerpress. Gosh, they have some great things! I picked up issue ten of Uppercase, which is quite possibly the best publication I have gotten in a while. Our intentions were to head over to Bon Bon Atelier, but our little friend needed some floor time and Susan and I were both tired. So we made our way back to my house. Susan was able to have a little down time before the meeting and I was able to finish some last minute quilt blocks before we were off again. We met Jenny and Jacquie for dinner at Eden Alley, then Everett went to my lovely friend Julia's house to play with Hannah. At last we arrived to the buzz of the KCMQG meeting! We were greeted by so many wonderful faces and I think Susan felt at home. Susan gave a fabulous presentation on log cabin quilting after a busy meeting of business matters. Thank you all for waiting and being so gracious.

The next morning Susan and I met Jenny at the Bernina Sewing Center in Overland Park. Susan and Everett were off for more adventures including: Harper's Fabrics, Bon Bon and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Here's a photo of the spoils Susan took home with her!

Photo by Susan Beal

I think Susan told me thank you no less than 100 times, but truly we are so thankful to be able to share our city and love of quilting with you! Susan, you are an inspiration to us and we hope to see you again in our quilty futures.

Susan wrote her own blog post about her trip and adventures in Kansas City. Check it out here!

The Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild and the Portland Modern Quilt Guild are participating in a guild swap! 26 members of the Portland Guild paired off with 26 lucky members of the Kansas City Guild for a log cabin potholder exchange. The KCMQG literally fought for spots, considering there's over 100 of us! Look for more info on this swap exchange in the future!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

On a different note, the KCMQG bid a fond farewell to guild-founder and long-time president, Jacquie, who is now calling Chicago home. The Guild came together in an amazing feat of block-making, to produce (in six short weeks), a large quilt comprised of 6" blocks from the members. If you'd like to read more about the making of the quilt, visit Shea's blog post.

Jacquie, wrapped in her guild-made quilt.

"I could write for days about her contributions to our guild and the Modern Quilt Guild at large, but I'll stick to this: it is extremely rare to find a kind heart, inspiring creativity, meticulous craftsmanship and a genuine desire to learn alongside others as character traits in one person. But Jacquie is that, for sure. Her influence and contributions to the KC guild will be felt for years to come. (and I am still holding out hope that she'll come back one day!)" ~ Shea

Jacquie, we sure will miss you! But we wish you the best and will always hold you close in our hearts. P.S., you better visit! ;)

Quilts on the Quad - October 1, 2011

2011-09-11T10:39:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, October 1st, 2011, the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild is hosting a unique outdoor art installation featuring over 200 quilts made by members of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild. A special display will be devoted to the Robert Kauffman "No Prints Allowed" challenge that the Guild participated in earlier this year.

Working in partnership with UMKC Women's Center, UMKC Campus Facilities and Her Art Project, the event is being held in conjunction with UMKC Women's Center's 40th Anniversary Celebration and UMKC's Homecoming festivities.

Date: Saturday, October 1
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: UMKC Quad Area, 52nd & Rockhill Road

Founded in January 2010, the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild has grown to over 100 active members who focus on creating functional quilts with a modern aesthetic. Modern quilting is a relatively new movement, but traditional quilters and those new to the art of quilting have quickly embraced it. Bold colors, solid fabrics, use of negative space, non-traditional layouts and improvisational piecing characterize modern quilting. Modern quilters enjoy putting a twist on the traditional.

Questions? Email us at kcmodernquiltguild@gmail.com.

Permission approval: Feel free to use the graphic in this post to pass the word along about our quilt show!

Member Spotlight: Jenifer D.

2011-08-24T10:10:00.000-05:00

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?
My name is Jenifer and I edit quilting books for The Kansas City Star. My authors include Bonnie Hunter, Betsy Chuchian, Deb Rowden and even Barbara Brackman among others. I have also authored three books for The Star: Grapefruit Juice and Sugar, The Circuit Rider’s Quilt and my new book out in September, Quilt Retro, which is my first Modern book.

When did you first start sewing or quilting? How did you learn?
My mom attempted to teach me to sew as a child, but I was too much of a tomboy to sit still long enough to learn. I did get into cross stitching in college and in 1993, I was in a cross stitch shop that had quilting supplies. They were offering a beginning class, so I signed up. Not sure why. I made a wall hanging and never looked back! I’ve been in love ever since!

What is your favorite part of quilting, or favorite type of work to do? (hand work, machine quilting, designing, etc.)
I love and am known for my invisible zigzag appliqué. I also like picking out fabrics. I love working with brighter colors and thinking about what colors “go” with each other – even if they don’t seem like they should! And I dye fabrics when I can’t find what I want commercially.

What do you consider to be your quilting “style”?
I have been traditional since my beginnings, but from early on I have been doodling with designs that we would now call Modern. I never was brave enough to put them to fabric because they were so “out there”. That’s what drew me to Modern and this guild – the freedom to do what I’ve always wanted to do without fear of people “not liking it.” Or it could be age. Maybe I’m just old enough to realize that if I don’t do it to please myself, what am I doing it for?

How would you define “Modern Quilting”?
That’s a tough question – and a conversation that I typically avoid because I just don’t know and I don’t feel qualified to help identify it. I guess to me it’s like pornography: I can’t define it but I know it when I see it!

What is the thing you’ve made that you’re most proud of?
I made a quilt a few years back that I entered into the AQS show in Nashville. It was part of an Abraham Lincoln exhibit. It didn’t win, but it was seen by Klaudeen Hansen the author of Quilt Art Engagement Calendar. She called me from the show and asked if she could put it in the 2010 calendar. That was a thrill! That quilt also won first place for appliqué at the Missouri State Fair in 2009. And it has hung in two museums as part of Abraham Lincoln themed quilt exhibits. It’s had a more exciting life than me!

What is the thing you have made that you are most embarrassed by?
Oh there’s too many to count! One time I washed a top in the washing machine before it was quilted. Needless to say it is ruined. Another time I cut all the seam allowances off about 9 appliqué blocks before I realized what I had done. Again, they are in a box somewhere – too pretty to throw out, but not usable! But I’m sure my most embarrassing mistake is still ahead of me!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from quilting?
Done is better than perfect. Quilting friends are the best friends. Follow your bliss. Be brave!

Finish this phrase ... Quilting makes me feel worthwhile.

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Thank you Jenifer for sharing your expertise with us!

Member Spotlight: Lauren B.

2011-08-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?
I'm Lauren, from Overland Park. I am a Nurse Informaticist, which is a nurse who works with computers and hospital IT. I work at University of Kansas Hospital.

When did you first start sewing or quilting? How did you learn?
I dabbled in sewing as a child, even earned my sewing badge in Girl Scouts, back in the day. I started quilting around 1998. My first project was a block hotpad, which I still have. For several years prior to starting quilting, I had admired quilts and thought it looked like a fun thing to do. It didn't look like an addiction.

Unfortunately...well, you all know what it's like.

What is your favorite part of quilting, or favorite type of work to do? (handwork, machine quilting, designing, etc.)
I like most parts of the quilting process. I enjoy designing, piecing, and hand quilting and machine quilting. The only part I really don't like is marking the quilt for quilting. I try to get away with as little marking as possible.

What do you consider to be your quilting “style”?
I have a varied style. I don't even know if I have a style you can label. Traditional patterns appeal because they tend to be structured, geometric, and mathematic. I like contemporary patterns because of their form and color combinations.

How would you define “Modern Quilting”?
Modern quilting is quilting without a single set of rules. It applies the modern aesthetic to fabric art, and emphasizes on the design of the end product rather than a strict method or process to achieve the results.

What is the thing you’ve made that you’re most proud of?
I made a queen size log cabin quilt (see photo). I had it processionally quilted. It's on my bed, now.

Another one I'm proud of is a baby quilt I made for my nephew. It became his special "blanky." What higher compliment can a quilter get?

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from quilting?
Patience and persistence.

Finish this phrase ... Quilting makes me feel: Artistic and practical. I like making quilts because it produces something beautiful that you can actually use!

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Thanks for playing along Lauren! We look forward to many more of your beautiful creations!

Member Spotlight: Elizabeth N.

2011-08-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

This is the first in a series of KC MQG Member Spotlights. Read along as we introduce you to the 96 (and counting) members, one by one! Ready to meet Elizabeth?

Who are you, and what do you do for a living?

My name is Elizabeth, and I am a Landscape Architect at Patti Banks Associates. It might be sacrilege to admit to a Quilt Guild, but I think I may love plants even more than fabric.

When did you first start sewing or quilting? How did you learn?

My mom tried really hard to teach me how to sew when I was a kid. I managed to make a few dresses when I was in high school but I sure didn’t feel the sewing love and probably let my mother know how lame sewing was. Years later, I very randomly decided that I wanted to make my son an “owl” quilt and set out to do it with a complete lack of how-to knowledge.

I borrowed my mom’s old sewing machine, sketched up a quilt pattern, found owl fabric on Etsy, googled ‘how to make a quilt” and dove right in. My husband’s grandmother gave me some advice on rotary cutting and strip piecing (after I cut at least half of the square pieces individually), and then I discovered the ‘Crazy Mom Quilts’ tutorial on binding. I made a lot of mistakes and definitely did everything the hard way but in the end I made a quilt that my son loved.

After my initial “success”, I did a little more poking around on the internet and discovered modern fabric and then the Flickr sewing community. I was captivated by the design aspect of quilting and have been hooked ever since. I still have very little technical knowledge and a cheap sewing machine, but I am constantly learning from others. I love how generous the quilting community is with sharing knowledge and tutorials! I honestly do believe that someday, I’m going to know what I am doing.

What is your favorite part of quilting, or favorite type of work to do? (handwork, machine quilting, designing, etc.)

I love designing a quilt and selecting fabrics. I will surf the internet for hours looking for the perfect fabric. (I will then get distracted and search Flickr for hours looking at all of the fabulous quilts everyone else is making, while lamenting my lack of free time for quilting.) I think that once I have a decent sewing machine, I will love the machine quilting as well. Right now I hate that part and I worry that I am ruining the quilt with my ugly quilting. (I hope my husband reads this, I am going to reference my inadequate sewing machine as many times as possible.)

What do you consider to be your quilting “style”?

Maybe “random”? I don’t think my quilts have a certain look, and they are definitely nothing groundbreaking or innovative. I try and think of what the intended recipient would like and tailor the design and colors to their personality and home decor. Sometimes I use a single fabric line, but I have the most fun when I mix it up. I do look forward to tackling more difficult patterns in the future when I have a decent sewing machine.

How would you define “Modern Quilting”?

Well, after reading all of the recent blog posts about modern quilting I don’t really think I have anything constructive to add to that discussion.

What is the thing you’ve made of which you’re most proud?

My third quilt, for my brother. It’s hard to do a “masculine” quilt but I feel I pulled it off, in large part thanks to the terrific pattern by Alissa of “Handmade by Alissa.” Everything came together exactly the way I was picturing it in my head and the binding corners were all perfect. If possible, I’ve gotten worse at doing corners with every quilt since.

(Optional) What is the one thing you have made that you are most embarrassed by?

In general, I tend to be embarrassed by the uneven stitch length on any quilt where I have attempted straight line quilting. Though I do lay all of the blame on my cheap sewing machine.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from quilting?

Anything worth doing is worth doing right. The first few quilts I cursed to myself every time I had to pick up a seam-ripper. Now I’ve come to expect that it is just part of the process. (Right? Or is it just me?) It’s important to me that each quilt I give to someone is the best I can possibly make, and I’ve learned that a little extra time pays off in the end.

Finish this phrase.... Quilting makes me feel: accomplished!

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Thanks for playing along, Elizabeth! I know we can all relate to her answers. (Oh, and Elizabeth? We're crossing our fingers you get that new machine!)

We're So Proud!

2011-07-17T07:17:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Trisch Price of the Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild! Trisch is one of the winners of Challenge #3, the Modern Quilt Guild Inspired by a Word Challenge. The word was "organic" and Trisch nailed it! This is her gorgeous quilt.
Trisch said, "After reading the challenge, I sat down with a piece of blank paper and started sketching organic shapes. This quilt evolved from one of the sketches. The shapes and colors remind me of petrified wood in the desert. Trisch will be receiving a bunch of great prizes! Read more about Challenge 3 and see the other winners here.
Challenge #4, the Find Your Own Voice Challenge starts now. Denyse Schmidt is the judge for this one. Get more info at the Modern Quilt Guild blog. Sure would love to have LOTS of KC entries for this final challenge! Entries are due September 30, so it's time to get sewing.

KCMQG Quilty Day in the Country

2011-07-13T01:29:00.000-05:00

Did you know there was an international symbol for modern quilters? Well, maybe not yet, but this would be a good one. This was the sign to direct us to Jacquie's house for the KC MQG's Quilty Day in the Country. Almost half of our members (I counted almost 40) braved the hottest day of the summer and a long drive out of the city to attend the event. And when I say hot, I'm mean sweltering, temperature over 100 and the humidity put the heat index off the charts.

We had a little show and tell, ate some great food, talked quilting and Jacquie shared some of her 'extra' fabric. It was fun not to have an agenda and to be able to relax in a somewhat smaller group.

Despite the heat, we had a great event! We're definitely planning another social event soon.

If you took pictures, email them to Jacquie and we'll add them to the post!

June...Chef's Swap and More!!

2011-06-14T11:05:00.000-05:00

The highlight of our June meeting was the Chef's Swap. The "Pink Lady" chef showed up looking for the casting for the new Chef's Swap Reality Show.She was lost, but we took her in and asked her to facilitate our swap. By the way, casting directors, if you're looking for a high energy, creative, flamboyant chef, she's your gal!
Look at all the amazing kitcheny things that were made for our members from each other's scraps! Thanks to everyone who took such care to make wonderful things for their swap partners.
Show and tell is always a highlight of the meeting and in June one of our new members brought her daughter who showed her first quilt. She's 11! She was so articulate and confident in front of our big group. We were so proud that she chose to show off her quilt to us. Soft, cuddly fabulousness!

Remember, members....no regular July meeting. We'll be gathering July 10 from 3 to 6 at the President's country place for a relaxed time to eat, drink and talk quilts! No, not Obama's place, Jacquie's country place. Check the member news and events in the forum on the website for details and to make carpool arrangements.

Kansas City Modern Quilt Guild - Pouch Project

2011-06-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, Andrea, a nursing student and KC guild member, approached the leadership team with an idea for a service project. After a maternity rotation at St. Luke's, Andrea learned of the need for fetal demise pouches. A fetal demise pouch is a small fabric pouch used to hold the smallest infants that die prematurely and who are too small or too fragile for clothing. The pouch provides a place for these smallest of babies so that their parents can hold them and say goodbye. The guild enthusiastically embraced this project and a team of guild members worked with Andrea and her nursing supervisor to sew samples and test fabrics and designs. Alex designed a new version of the pouch which looks like a small sleeping bag. Andrea and the team worked with the hospital on choosing fabrics appropriate for the pouches. It just happened that the hospital fell in love with many of Anna Maria Horner's fabrics. After contacting Anna Maria, who generously put us in touch with Westminster Fabrics, the guild received a beautiful set of fabrics donated by Westminster. We can't thank them both enough for their generosity and support of our project.
After the fabric arrived, several guild members met at Jacquie's studio to cut and prepare kits with all the fabric and ribbon needed to make the pouches. They cut and put together over 100 pouch kits that afternoon. The kits were distributed to members at the April guild meeting.
In May, we collected 52 completed pouches and Brea, a nurse at St Luke's, was able to attend and receive the pouches. Word has it that the staff at St. Luke's are thrilled with how beautiful and how well made the pouches are. They are proud to be able to offer these to the moms and dads who find themselves in this difficult situation.
Guild members are continuing to make pouches and we are cutting and distributing additional kits at the June meeting. The Guild is working with the hospital to expand the project to other hospitals in the metro area.

The project has struck a chord with folks outside the guild as well. The KC Modern Quilt Guild Pouch Project will be part of an article in the next issue of Quilter's Home magazine. We're happy that others are interested in the project.

We feel strongly about maintaining the integrity of the project, so we are in the process of writing a set of guidelines for other guilds and groups that might be interested in taking on this project. Stay tuned to this blog to find out more about the project and how to access the project guidelines and pattern. They will be ready soon!

Thanks to all our members who are part of this project. Amazing how a little sewing can make a big difference in someone's life.