Flaunt Your Finish- February 2016

February may have been a short month, but our members got a lot done! All of the inspiration coming out of Quiltcon 2016 inspired all of us.

Vicki sent in a modern take on a dresden plate:

The Norman Area Quilters Guild welcomed Susan Cleveland (https://www.piecesbewithyou.com/) as a guest speaker in January. In her workshop “Disappearing Dresdens,” I began this wallhanging. We learned how to piece the dresden blocks on a starched fabric foundation to ensure it lays flat. She also showed us how to use her prairie point tool to form the points each end of the dresden blade. I think her design choice for leaving the center of dresdens open allows the background piecing to become an important part of the composition.

   


Jennifer sent in this beauty of a finish!

Made this for my son Drew & his wife, Rhema, for Christmas. Made in Diane Cerny's class at Mustang Library using blocks from Wishes Along pattern from Fat Quarter Shop. Free motion quilting by Diane Cerny & myself on her Tin Lizzie.

Agnes sent in a work of love:

My February finish could be subtitled "...and this is why I quilt, folks!", because this quilt has been significant on so many levels!
First, and most importantly, it went to Sophia in Ohio, for her birthday. Her mom, Jen, has been my friend since back in the days when we were camp counselors together....a looooong time ago, indeed! Jennifer even came to visit me in Budapest, when we were still living behind the iron curtain - 1983? 84? Oh, the stories....!
The quilt is also a cooperative design effort. After much back and forth messaging, it started taking shape: the background is Essex linen, and there are about 20 different colored 2.5 inch squares as well as some Riley Blake gingham. The backing is Carrie Bloomston newsprint.
I think Sophia likes her quilt, as you can see on the second picture!

Beautiful work and beautiful recipient!

And lastly, Miss Elizabeth has been working on some delightful minis! She has also been experimenting with ways to display them on canvas.

A great month of finishes, everyone!

Coffee Talk with Melissa Sullivan

In the words of poet LL Cool J, "Don't call it a come back, we've been here for years!"

It's time to bring back Coffee Talk! In case it is new to you, this is where we get to know some of the members of the Oklahoma City Modern Quilt Guild better.

Today we have a treat. Melissa Sullivan has served as our Charity Committee Coordinator and is an active member in our guild. Her quilts are always a delight and she brings so much to our group.

How long have you been sewing?

I took Home Ec. In 8th grade, so that would be about 27 years, wow I'm starting to feel old. When my first child was born I began making her some things and really started there.

How long have you been quilting?

I believe I made my first quilt around 2007 or 2008.

Who or what inspired you to get into quilting?

The fabrics did! One Saturday after eating way too much at Jimmy's Egg my husband suggested we walk around for a bit. I went into Oklahoma Quiltworks and was addicted from then on. I had only know of Hancock Fabrics at that time and was astonished at the world that had just opened up before me. My husband regrets that he suggested we walk around Cassidy Square that day! LOL

What drew you to modern quilting, rather than a traditional or classic style?

I liked all of the negative space and also the bright colors, brown was not my thing.

Who do you find inspirational in the world of modern quilting, and why?

I find the first ladies of the modern Quilting movement the most inspirational. Gee's Bend quilters, Denyse Schmidt and whoever it was that started the group 'Fresh Modern Quilts' on Flickr. Anyone that has the courage to stand up and say no, I'm going to do it different than the rule book states is a hero on my mind. Knowing what you like and not conforming to someone else's idea of how and what something should be is an admirable trait.

What styles (designers, manufacturers) of fabrics speak to you the most, and why?
Cotton + Steel is heavy in my stash, right now I am crushing on Add It Up from Paper Bandana. Essex linen comes in after that, I just love the way it feels after the quilt is finished and washed.

When are you most productive? When do the most ideas strike you?

When I am most productive is really hit and miss. I would have to say Fall Break, Christmas Break, Spring Break, and Summer Break!! I do some quilt dreaming in between kids in the library and come up with ideas.

What are some quilt patterns and styles you hope to tackle in the near future?

I want to make a new king-sized quilt for my bed. I'm thinking of Add It Up in bone and some bright, solid flying geese.

What quilt creation are you most proud of ?

Someone asked me to make an R2D2 quilt. They sent me a picture they had found on Pinterest. I drew it out and it turned out great!

Beep boop beep boop

SWOON!

Have you ever had a quilt project go terribly wrong?

Yes, a few! The most memorable was a free motion quilting experience gone wrong! It was a quilt I was making for my youngest and I didn't bother to look at the back as I was quilting it. The tension was way off and after realizing it half-way through I trashed it.

I think many of us can relate! I know I've had to ditch a project halfway through.

In your opinion, what is one "must have" book or blog to visit for modern quilting?

Hmm, there are so many! My two favorites are Tula Pink's City Sampler and Patchwork City by Elizabeth Hartman. Handmade Style by Anna Graham is the next on my 'to buy' list. There are way too many blogs to narrow down.

Agreed! There are so many resources out there; it's awesome and overwhelming!

Everyone loves Hazel!

What is your advice to someone just getting into modern quilting?

Mistakes are proof that you are learning!
Make what makes you smile!

Ain't that the truth! 

Thank you so much for your time and for all you do for OKCMQG, Melissa!

February's Meeting Show and Share

It's the month of love, and we are surely feeling it at the OKC Modern Quilt Guild!

We spent a lot of our meeting playing a fun mixer game and getting to know members, new and old.

Our members turned out another great series of finished projects for the month! And I think at least one member (Melissa!) started an addictive new fad.

Maria brought in a gorgeous, king sized quilt she had finished for her bedroom. The bold colors and matchstick quilting make this an ideal modern quilt!



Trina brought in a beautiful, Cotton and Steel quilt for her niece. She said the pattern is simple, but it is truly striking!



Beth hates piecing but loves quilting, so she is our panel queen! This is an adorable baby-themed panel she quilted, backed with Minky.





Tiffany is making the bedding for her soon-to-arrive baby boy! What a great color combination.



Emily made a great science fair quilt.



And then shared a very special finish- a 3 year project that is a gift for her mom! Wow! Worth the wait, for sure.



That's the smile of a job well done!



Elizabeth made a wool and tie quilt, in honor of the holidays.



And for maybe the first time, a shoe show and share! Melissa made these cool shoes with a kit from Dritz! I have a feeling we are going to see quite a few more pairs in our guild!



Can't wait to see what everyone has to show next month!