July 2023 Meeting Notes and Photos

What a treat is was for us to have Linda Stager come and share tips on how composition in quilting is similar to that in photography. She showed us many ways to make our designs pleasing to the human eye. We had a lot of fun with the manipulatives she gave us for working with figure/ground, rule of thirds, golden ratio, and more. The video she showed at the beginning of her talk was very helpful. You can view it here: Composition in Photography with Ted Forbes We watched only the first 5 minutes or so.

Of course, we had a lot of fun with Show and Tell as well. 

Linda Stager began her discussion by showing us the only quilt she has ever worked on.

Linda is a dynamic speaker and kept us engaged.

Linda took some photos at the meeting, pictured is Nikki opening the meeting with the assembled members.

Joyce's latest charity quilt made from scraps. It is lovely.

A wonderful example of machine embroidered applique.

Marge's completed Round Robin quilt. The hand-quilting is beautiful.

Nikki brought in a quilt that was hand-embroidered and hand-quilted by her grandmother, Beatrice Sutliff Ridall from Canton, PA

Members wanted a closer look at the stitching.

 

Don't forget, next month's meeting will be held on the 2nd Monday of the month, August 14th at 6pm at the Lakeside Pavilion at Ives Run Recreation area. We always have a great time. Please bring your significant other or a prospective member, a dish to share, and your own table service.

Outreach focus for July 2022 ...

... Pillowcases for Goodies for our Troops!

 

Dawn Pletcher, Goodies for our Troops founder, will be attending our July meeting so let's present her with as many pillow cases as we can! Pillowcases are great stash busters, only take a few minutes to stitch, and our deployed service members really appreciate having a clean pillowcase to lay their head on! Please use patriotic, military, or any combination of red, white, and blue fabrics (nothing with metallic sparkles).

 

Find lots of free pillowcase patterns here

https://www.allpeoplequilt.com/.../million-pillowcase...

 

Watch a pillowcase tutorial by Jenny Doan here

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MrYWCma9wgM

 

 

Exhibit Quilts to Benefit Outreach

 Bee Happy Quilts

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild will once again be quilting for a cause during the guild’s 2022 exhibit.  Members are invited to help raise funds for the Humble Bumble Project by making a small wall quilt to be sold during the exhibit.

The rules are easy…just make a quilt no larger than 12”x12” or smaller than 9”x12”!  Quilts can have a bee theme or anything that makes you happy.  All quilting styles, colors, techniques, and abilities are welcome!

All “Bee Happy” quilts submitted will be offered for sale at the price of $25.00 each during the month of the exhibit.  All profits will be donated to the Humble Bumble Project at the close of the exhibit.

The Humble Bumble Project is a 501 (c)(3) public charity, based in Tioga County, PA, dedicated to helping pediatric and young adult cancer patients and their families. Learn more about the Humble Bumble Project and the services they offer at www.humblebumbleproject.com.

Complete rules and necessary guidelines can be found on the “Bee Happy Quilts” entry form, which can be emailed to you by either Susan (suzymc44@gmail.com) or Nikki (ndwilson@stny.rr.com .)

Entry Forms and finished quilts should be given to Susan Mc. on or before August 15, 2022.

Outreach Project of the Month

This month let’s concentrate on making Bumble Bags for the Humble Bumble Project!

Once completed, Bumble Bags are filled with all kinds of goodies and distributed to cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy at local cancer centers.

Bumble bags can be made with two coordinating fat quarters in about a half an hour.  You can find the step by step tutorial below.  

Let’s see how many we can make before the March meeting!  

Questions?  Contact Susan Mc., outreach chairperson.

https://mountainlaurelquiltguild.blogspot.com/2019/11/bumble-bag-tutorial.html

MLQG Outreach Update

COVID-19 Face Masks - Give yourselves a great big pat on the back if you made one or more face masks during this pandemic!  You all did an amazing job making sure that everyone who needed a mask, had a mask!  Thankfully, it seems as though the need is subsiding and I'm sure I'm not the only one who won't be disappointed if I never have to make another face mask again!

Bumble Bags - I have been in contact with Michele Griffin of the Humble Bumble Project and she tells me that COVID-19 still has the Bumble Bag project on hold. Once the hospitals and Hope Lodge locations are allowed to open back up 100% the project will continue.

Asa's Place - I have also been in contact with Robin Adams of Asa's Place.  She tells me she doesn't foresee needing to make any changes in how we handle quilt donations due to COVID-19.  Robin reported they still have a good supply of quilts. 

MLQG's Quilt Closet - In the guild's quilt closet I have a good supply of children's quilts ready for donation to any child in need of a quilt.  If you know of a need please contact me!  I recently gave our last adult quilt to a hospice patient so we could really use a few adult-themed throw sized quilts to have on hand.

Stone Soup Quilt Kits - If you would like a Stone Soup Quilt Kit please contact me and I will see that you get one!

Thanks to all of you who support the guild's outreach projects!  You all truly make a difference in our community with every stitch!

Susan McC 

Outreach Chairperson

Quick Charity Quilt Pattern

MLQG members who attended this month's guild meeting saw a couple of quilts shown by Outreach Chair Susan McC. (see photos below). The free pattern for these easy super-sized nine-patch quilts can be found on the Quilting Daily website by clicking here. The post on their website includes a link so you can download a PDF file of the pattern.

It's super simple, and three one-yard pieces of fabric make three cute quilts!

(click on photos to enlarge)

MLQG Members Rock!

The generosity of MLQG members never disappoints! When the call went out for making Bumble Bags for the Humble Bumble Project, our guild members went right to their sewing machines and made more than 80 bags to donate. More bags are still needed, so click on the "Outreach Projects" tab at the top of this blog to find the pattern, tips, and a step-by-step tutorial.

Here are a few photos of the members and their bags from the November 2019 guild meeting.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Barb A.

Greta Marie T.

Bonnie H.

Grace S.

Joyce W.

Sylva S.

MLQG "Bumble Bag" Workshop Photos

A big "THANK YOU" to all those who attended the Bumble Bag workshop this past Saturday! We completed 27 bags for the Humble Bumble Project! Our goal is to reach 50 bags in November, so if every MLQG member reading this post makes just one Bumble Bag and brings it to the November 18th guild meeting, we will easily reach our goal! The pattern and a tips sheet can be found here on the guild's blog by clicking on the "Outreach Projects" tab at the top of the page. For more information, contact Susan McC., the guild's outreach chairperson. Her contact info can be found in every issue of the guild's newsletter and on the guild's roster.

A Few Openings Remain for the November 9th Workshop/Mini-Retreat

There are still a few openings available for MLQG's "Bumble Bag" workshop in early November. Contact Outreach Chair Susan McC.  ASAP to sign up for the fun day!

It’s two great MLQG activities rolled into one!  MLQG will be holding a Workshop Mini-Retreat Combo on, Saturday, November 9th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wellsboro, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The cost for the day is just $5.00!

For the workshop part of the combo, we will spend the morning making Bumble Bags for the Humble Bumble Project.  Bumble Bags are handmade drawstring bags that contain small items of comfort (lip balm, tissues, hard candy, hand sanitizer, etc.) for pediatrics and young adults who are receiving cancer treatments. The pattern, fabric, and instruction will be provided by MLQG Outreach.  Completed bags will be donated to the Humble Bumble project, a 501(c)(3) public charity, based in Tioga County, PA, dedicated to helping pediatric and young adult cancer patients and their families.

Bring your own lunch or order out from one of the local restaurants.  Snacks to share throughout the day are always welcome!

The afternoon will consist of the Mini-Retreat portion of the day.  Spend the afternoon working on your own projects or continue making Bumble Bags.  The choice is yours!

For more information or to sign up please contact Susan McC., Outreach Chair or Ann K., Workshop Chair. Contact info can be found on the guild's roster and in every issue of the guild's newsletter.

Click here for the Bumble Bag pattern!

MLQG Workshop/Mini-Retreat Combo -- Saturday, November 9th

It’s two great MLQG activities rolled into one!  MLQG will be holding a Workshop Mini-Retreat Combo on, Saturday, November 9th, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wellsboro, from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The cost for the day is just $5.00!

For the workshop part of the combo, we will spend the morning making Bumble Bags for the Humble Bumble Project.  Bumble Bags are handmade drawstring bags that contain small items of comfort (lip balm, tissues, hard candy, hand sanitizer, etc.) for pediatrics and young adults who are receiving cancer treatments. The pattern, fabric, and instruction will be provided by MLQG Outreach.  Completed bags will be donated to the Humble Bumble project, a 501(c)(3) public charity, based in Tioga County, PA, dedicated to helping pediatric and young adult cancer patients and their families.

Bring your own lunch or order out from one of the local restaurants.  Snacks to share throughout the day are always welcome!

The afternoon will consist of the Mini-Retreat portion of the day.  Spend the afternoon working on your own projects or continue making Bumble Bags.  The choice is yours!

For more information or to sign up please contact Susan McC., Outreach Chair or Ann K., Workshop Chair. Contact info can be found on the guild's roster and in every issue of the guild's newsletter.

Click here for the Bumble Bag pattern!

MLQG and Quilts of Valor Block Drive

The Mountain Laurel Quilt Guild is collecting 12 1/2" star blocks (unfinished) to donate to Quilts of Valor's 2019 Block Drive.  Use patriotic fabrics and any 12 1/2" star block pattern or use the pattern on the QoV website, which can be found by clicking here.  Completed blocks will be collected at guild meetings.  Contact Susan Mc. or Sylvia L. for more information (check your guild roster or newsletter for their contact info).

Every block counts! Visit www.qovf.org to learn more about Quilts of Valor!

MLQG's Quilt of Valor made during the 2018 Veteran's Day outreach workshop

MLQG Quilt of Valor Quilt Finished

The Quilt of Valor that many MLQG members worked on at our November 2018 Veteran's Day outreach workshop is now completed! Thank you to Sylvia L. for leading the project.

To see photos of the process of making this at the outreach workshop, click here.

MLQG "Stone Soup" Quilts

Look at all the beautiful Stone Soup Quilts that our "souper quilters" have made recently! These quilts will soon be warming the hearts of children in foster care and nursing-home patients. Thanks to all MLQG members who continue to support this project with donations of fabric, skill, and time!

Not sure about what the MLQG's Stone Soup Quilt project is? Click the "Outreach Projects" tab on the top of this blog page for details.

A big thank you to all from MLQG Outreach Chair Susan McC.

(click on photos for a larger view)

Quilts of Valor Quilt Progress

The blocks made by MLQG members at the Veterans' Outreach workshop earlier this month are taking shape as a top, soon to be quilted and bound.

Thank you to all guild members who participated in this project!

If you missed seeing the photos from the workshop, click here and take a look.

Last MLQG Workshop for 2018 -- A Veterans' Outreach Project

The last MLQG workshop for 2018 is scheduled for Saturday, November 10th. It will be a veterans' outreach project.

For details on this workshop, click here or on the "Workshops & Trips" tab at the top of this blog.

Details will also be published in the October MLQG newsletter.

Stone Soup Quilts!

A record number of ten finished Stone Soup quilts were turned in at this month's MLQG meeting! On top of that, six quilt tops went home with guild members to be quilted! Thanks to all of the "souper quilters" participating in this project!

If you're not sure what MLQG's Stone Soup Quilts project is, click here or on the "Outreach Projects" tab at the top of this blog.

Thanks again for all MLQG members who have taken part in this awesome project!

Stone Soup Quilts

The guild's Stone Soup Quilts outreach projects is in full swing and guild members are having a great time working on these quilts! Several quilts have been completed thanks to Greta Marie T., Dawn P, Joyce W., and Peggi Y.! Other quilts are in various stages of completion, and some are waiting to be started. Don't miss out on the fun; guild members of all skill levels can help with the project. Pick up a kit from Susan Mc., or start your own Stone Soup Quilt with an easy throw-size (40ish x 50ish) quilt pattern, add some fabric "stones" from your stash (UFOs or orphan blocks would make good "stones" as well). Work on your quilt start to finish, or bring your work in progress to the next guild meeting for another guild member to work on.

Finished quilts will be distributed wherever there is a need throughout our community, such as CONCERN, nursing homes, Lap Robes for Veterans, etc.

Questions? Find more details by clicking on the Outreach tab at the top of this blog or contact Susan Mc., MLQG Outreach Chairperson (check your guild roster or newsletter for her contact info).

Check out these wonderful Stone Soup quilts that were recently completed by MLQG members!

Donated by Peggi Y.

Donated by Joyce W.

Donated by Dawn P. and Greta Marie T.

Donated by Peggi Y.

Members Gather for Outreach Project

MLQG members gathered at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center in Wellsboro yesterday to make cooling neckties to send to hurricane relief workers in Texas. Over 70 neckties were completed in the session. Great work, ladies!

If you weren't able to attend yesterday's workshop, but would still like to contribute, directions can be found by clicking here.

Ava K. will be collecting finished neckties at the mini-retreat on March 17th and at the March 19th guild meeting.

Reminder About Outreach Mini-Workshop -- Monday, March 5th

MLQG members are invited to attend an outreach mini-workshop on Monday, March 5th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center in Wellsboro to help make cooling neckties for workers in Texas who are helping with Hurricane Harvey relief. (Learn more about the group's efforts at www.refugiovolunteerreceptioncenter.org).

What to bring?
cotton fabric pre-cut into 4" WOF (width of fabric) strips
cutting mat and rotary cutter
sewing machine
normal sewing supplies
a bag lunch, drink, and a snack to share, if you wish

Can't attend the workshop, but still would like to help? Make Cooling Neckties at home -- the directions can be found by clicking here. Scroll down this blog post to see photos of completed neckties.

Or you can cut the 4" WOF strips and drop them off at the Gmeiner, or give them to Ava K. before March 5th.

Questions? Contact Susan McC. or Ava K. (check your guild roster for their contact info, or use the "contact us" form on the right side of this blog).

Mini-Workshop to Make Cooling Neckties

MLQG members are invited to attend an outreach mini-workshop on Monday, March 5th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center in Wellsboro to help make cooling neckties for workers in Texas who are helping with Hurricane Harvey relief. (Learn more about the group's efforts at www.refugiovolunteerreceptioncenter.org).

What to bring?
cotton fabric pre-cut into 4" WOF (width of fabric) strips
cutting mat and rotary cutter
sewing machine
normal sewing supplies
a bag lunch, drink, and a snack to share, if you wish

Can't attend the workshop, but still would like to help? Make Cooling Neckties at home -- the directions can be found by clicking here. Scroll down this blog post to see photos of completed neckties.

Or you can cut the 4" WOF strips and drop them off at the Gmeiner, or give them to Ava K. before March 5th.

Questions? Contact Susan McC. or Ava K. (check your guild roster for their contact info).