May 2023 meeting minutes

Business/Announcements

Jean talked about the exhibit we have coming up at the Kiawah Eye Convention at the Sanctuary Hotel.  She received 29 quilts and we were able to display our new (!) logo quilt as part of the display. Thank you to Jean, Irene and Elaine for getting this set up so beautifully. 

We also had our potholder and oven mitt swap with many members participating.  Great work!

Kate discussed our charity project for 2023 which will be focusing on local area children in foster care.  She has put together quilt kits which include completed blocks waiting to be sewn into a top, backing fabric and binding fabric all tucked into a tote bag which will go with the completed quilt.  Those who wish to participate can collect one of these bags from her and complete the enclosed quilt.  She will have more kits for the sew day in July.  Each quilt will measure approximately 40x60.  If you’d rather make one from your own fabric, feel free to do so.  There was discussion about potentially including a pillowcase to go with the quilt and bag.  Those would be made with coordinating fabric from each quilter’s own stash. Target for delivery is January but they can be completed and delivered sooner. 

A few quilt exhibition shows going on in our area – 

·       Sister Girl Friends (and Brothers, too)

16^th Annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition

North Charleston City Hall

May 3 – June 18 

·       Celebrating Black Mermaids: From Africa to America

City Gallery, Charleston

May 26 – July 9^th

·       Herstory – Stefanie Nuener

South Gallery Exhibition, Public Works Art Center, Summerville

May 12 – July 8

Since it was so much fun this year, early plans are being made to visit Artfields show in 2024.  Stay tuned for details. 

Barn quilts challenge is due at our September meeting.  Size is 36” square. 

 

Upcoming Sew Days:       June 17

 

Program

Rick gave tips on how to prepare your quilt before sending to a long-arm quilter.  He discussed:

·       fabric and batting selection

·       the proper size of batting and backing to go with your quilt top

·       correct sizing of batting and backing to be sent with  your top

·       maintaining 1/4seam allowances to that your quilt top remains pieced properly and does not come apart on the longarm machine

·       how to reduce bulk

·       how to handle multi-layer tops

·       labeling the top and bottom of both your quilt top and backing to insure the correct directional placement in your finished quilt

·       pressing and trimming of your quilt top and back

·       the dangers of adding embellishments (beads, crystals, yoyos, buttons, etc) to your quilt top

·       choosing quiltinq patterns and thread colors

Big thanks to Rick for all of the excellent advice!

Show and Tell

Next meeting:       June 27