Submitted by Barb S., Secretary

Prior to the start of the meeting, members enjoyed shopping the Destash Sale with items brought in by various members.  The April meeting of the Bloomington  Normal Modern Quilt Guild was then called to order by President Lisa B   There were 54 members in person and 16 attending virtually.  One guest was present.  We currently have 124 members. 

Lisa noted that there were no treats at tonight’s meeting because members failed to sign up.  She asked for a show of hands if members were interested in continuing the refreshments. The majority raised hands that they enjoyed having treats. This is an easy way to support our guild – treats do not need to be fancy.   Those volunteering to bring treats should sign up on Sign Up Genius under hospitality.

The program for the evening was a panel discussion about Block of the Month, Sew A Longs, 100 day projects, etc.  The moderators were Paula M. and Pam R.   The panel was made up of Karen G., Sally H., Jo B., Gwynne B., and Linda L.   Several topics were discussed including Block of the Month programs which seemed to be of particular interest to the audience.  The MQG is currently running a sew along – Criss Cross Chain – you may need your individual MQG login to get to the Resources page (hint your login is your email address that you gave to BNMQG and you set up an individual password – if you don’t remember it, they have a great password reset tool).

The nominating committee reported that they are needing the following offices to be filled:  President, Vice President, and Treasurer.  Anyone interested in being an officer should contact the nominating committee or any Board Member.   The slate of officers  will be announced in June with the election held in August.

Tickets for the raffle quilt were available for members to pick up.  The quilt was recently on display at the Sewing Studio in Hudson and was on display at the quilt show sponsored by the HAAQG on the 28 and 29^th.   Drawing for the winner of quilt will be at the August meeting. Raffle tickets will be available at BNMQG meetings through July if you need more!

We had the Modern Showcase at the HAAQG show on April 28 and 29.  The HAAQG graciously allowed us space for our educational exhibit and allowed all of our volunteers to get into the show for free. The display had our Kona Mini Challenge Quilts on one side and many of our Modern Mystery quilts on the other side. Lots of interest in our display and many comments of how it looked like an art display – other comments that they didn’t realize that we could do this type of quilting.

Vickie A then presented samples of the dyed fabric class she will teaching on June 10.  There will be a morning session as well as an afternoon session.  The sessions will not be duplicated.  The fee for each session will be $40.00. Sign up on our Events and Workshop Tickets page.

The winner of the Survey question was Debbie P. The winner of the raffle fabric was Noemi B.

Lisa reviewed the retreat which will be September 15-18 at the Holiday Inn in Bloomington.  The cost is $150.00.  Hotel rooms may be reserved directly with the hotel.   Members received an email on May 2 with links to sign up. Our spaces were all claimed within a short time frame and we have started our waitlist. In the past, we have used many of the waitlist spots, so if you are interested, please sign up on Sign Up Genius. Spots must be reserved by paying at least the deposit of $50 (or pay the full amount) before or at our May meeting or your spot will be forfeited. All members who got a spot also were sent an email with more details.

Pat reported that 42 of the Community Outreach Quilts have been delivered to the cancer center.  The quilts should be turned in by the June meeting so anyone needing help finishing a quilt should contact Pat.  The drawing for a prize will be held at the June meeting.

The Mattoon Arts Council Outdoor Quilt Show show will be June 10^th.  Anyone wishing to have a quilt in this show needs to bring it to Nancy by the May meeting.

Show and Tell