Business

Amy opened the business of the meeting by requesting a stand-in for the Charity committee chair in Martha’s place. Susan said she’d continue to be the lead on the children’s Christmas stocking project. Discussion included if we should support more than one kindergarten class, which all agreed to.

Phoebe reported that 36/42 members have paid their 2023 dues, with only a few outstanding. Phoebe offered a motion to change the bylaws so that the Guild President pays no dues for the year that they serve and board members receive a 50% discount on annual membership. The motion was seconded and all voted yes.

Phoebe passed out a survey soliciting input and ideas for upcoming guild special events/classes. She reported on QuiltCon, which was this past weekend in Atlanta and several members of the guild attended, as well as had quilts entered on display. Congratulations to Phoebe, Casey, Connie, and Cathy for their representation! Catalogs of all quilts on display are available through the MQG – watch for information on social media. Discussion ensued about QuiltCon 2024 in Raleigh and attending members wear Guild t-shirts or carry Guild bags, available for purchases on Society 6 website.

Amy mentioned attending the Makers Market/Art Fields Collective annual art festival in Lake City, SC. and suggested organizing a field trip on April 22. More information will be made available.

Kim announced that the Cobblestone Guild will have a fabric sale on March 4, which is also one of their guild charity fundraisers.

Challenge/Swaps

Jean talked about the Eye Contact mini quilt challenge and has arranged for the quilts to be shown at an Ophthalmologist convention in Kiawah his summer. More entries are needed; the deadline is hand in at the May meeting. We continue to work on the Series challenge. Two new challenge ideas were presented to the guild: Barn Quilt and Red & White “unleashed” quilts.

A Potholder swap was introduced. They should be made from leftover blocks or scraps. These are due in May.

Connie will share more about Swaps and Challenges at the March Meeting.

Sew Days

Cathy reminded that the next Sew Day is March 18. Bring whatever you want to work on, to include your series or swap projects. Cathy is also teaching drawing at sew day.

Program

Adam Smith, PT, Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, of Joints in Motion, Mt. Pleasant, presented on Ergonomics in Sewing. He specifically addressed the types of body issues involved in sewing and cutting, which can put stress on the body. He handed out a sheet about incorrect vs correct posturing when sewing to alleviate muscle imbalances. Remember to have a “thumbs up” elbow up, a straight neck and sit with a 90 degree angle and to take frequent breaks, which are important to balance out muscles while sewing.