Charleston Modern Quilt Guild: MARCH 2025 MEETING MINUTES

Jean Craig, President, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. In attendance were 32 members, 4 members on Zoom, and 1 guest for a total of 37 participants.

Business / Announcements:

· Jean reviewed the online calendar and noted that the May 27 program is Trash to Treasures.

· Phoebe Harrell, Treasurer, announced the guild’s new online payment option through Zeffy. Phoebe will send a Zeffy link to members requesting to make an online payment, which guides you through the payment process. Zeffy serves non-profit organizations and does so through donations. When making a payment, Zeffy suggests a donation amount for the transaction. However, you are not obligated to pay this amount and may enter $0 for the donation amount. Payment collected by Zeffy is deposited weekly to our guild account. Each transaction generates an email sent to the guild leadership. Members may continue to submit payment by check or cash. Recurring transactions, such as annual dues, default to auto-renewal and Zeffy will send renewal reminders. This is an option and the member may opt out of auto-renewal. Please contact Phoebe if there are any questions about this new payment option.

· Phoebe provided the 2024 income statement and 2025 budget. Please contact Phoebe if a copy is requested. Income in 2024 was $13,313.42 with most of the funds associated with Quilt Camp. Quilt Camp has since been separated from the guild account. 2024 had a net income of $396.19 and the ending bank balance was $4471.13. Responding to a question, Phoebe shared that the Programs budget is $1500, which is separate from Special Events/Classes. Special Events is primarily funded by the fees collected for classes.

Committee Updates:

· SC District news: Upcoming dates shared by Linda Ambrose:

o Coastal Carolina fair 10/30 - 11/9

o Tunnel to Towers Foundation – goal is to open the facility on 11/11/25 and there is a need for 100 quilts; the dimensions are no larger than 64” x 64”. Please contact Linda for more information.

o Cobblestone Quilt Show 3/19/2026 - 3/21/2026: Special guest Misty Doan will be instructing at Trident Tech College.

· Charity: Many charity pillowcases and 6 quilts were displayed by members.

· Programs: Rachel Cochran shared that she is relocating to Spartanburg and will be attending future meetings remotely, continuing as Programs committee chair. Donna Tello of Spools Quilt & Stitchery will present at the April 22 meeting.

· Special Events: The upcoming workshop, Annabel Wrigley of Little Pincushion Studio, is scheduled for Saturday, 6/21 10 AM – 5 PM at the Park West Clubhouse with “Deep Dive Into Improv.” Space is available. The clubhouse is reserved until 11 PM so attendees may continue to work on their projects. The cost is $100 and includes lunch. Details of the fabric and supplies requirements will be forthcoming by Susan Brandt. Additionally, Susan distributed and collected a survey form to seek member preferences for upcoming special events.

· Outreach: The guild seeks an Outreach committee chair volunteer; please contact Jean Craig for more information.

· Sew Days: There is no Sew Day in April. Louisa Enright will instruct on stretch canvas during the May 17 Sew Day.

Membership: Kim McPeake updated the membership directory and it will be distributed soon.

· Challenges: Rick Sanchez facilitated the Upcycle/Recycle fabric challenge with 5 people swapping bags. Participants should return the finished project at the May 27 meeting.

Program: Rick Sanchez presented “What Longarmers Like”

· All fabrics are acceptable, but quilting is tougher if there are mixed fabrics, such as both knits and cotton.

· Recommended batting and back size: prefer 5” or greater on each side for both batting and back. Example: if 70” in length, need batting/back to be 80” with the additional 10” also for the width.

· No less than .25" seams.

· Reduce bulk wherever possible. Example: press seams open.

· No safety pins holding the quilt sandwich together.

· Flat and square are best.

· No embellishments; may be added after quilting.

· Provide preferences to your Longarmer and discuss with them your expectations, such as type of batting and orientation. Some Longarmers will not press your provided quilt nor batting, some will. Discuss all options with your Longarmer.

Show and Tell: