March Meeting Recap

Submitted by Barb S., Secretary

Bloomington Normal Modern Quilt Guild met both in person and virtually on March 26, 2024. President Vivian H. welcomed everyone. Great treats from the Hospitality volunteers!

Program Chairman Nancy P. introduced the speaker for the evening Allie McCatheren.

Allie McCatheren of Exhausted Octopus presented an interesting program “Painting with Scraps”. A marine biologist, Allie began quilting in 2018 using scraps and thread as her “medium”. She showed several of her “sea glass” quilts along with several others.

Following the program, Community Outreach Chairman, Pat S. explained that the 30 kits were ready for the Heartbeat Quilts and could be picked up this evening. They will be delivered in August to Carle Bromenn Hospital. You can complete the entire quilt (assembly, quilting and binding) or you can turn packet back in once the quilt top is assembled. Let Pat S. know if you would like to just do Quilting or Binding.

She went on to say that to date 70 quilts have been delivered to the Cancer Center. Any member who still has quilts for this facility to donate should contact Pat S. for delivery.

Following a short break, Nancy P. announced we will, once again, participate in the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo. Emails have been sent to members whose quilts were selected by the Original Sewing and Quilt Expo for their traveling exhibit. Please check your email and follow the directions included. They gave us a really quick turnaround this year!

Nancy P also announced that she has the labels for the upcoming Kona challenge which can be picked up tonight. Please sign up for the Kona Challenge on this Sign Up Genius – cost to participate is $2 and you will receive a BNMQG Kona Challenge label. Guidelines are as well as the Sign Up Genius link is also posted on our member’s page.

Theresa A. explained the “Christmas in July” program. This will be a hands-on program and anyone who is willing to volunteer to demonstrate a project should contact Teresa.

Laurie S. announced that this year the sale of BNMQG gear will be held twice this year. There will be a sale in the spring and again in the fall. Members will receive an email shortly to order their gear.

Fabric raffle was won by Sheila R.

The poll was won by Danna B.

President Viv noted that we have an election of officers this year. The positions to be filled are President, Vice President and Secretary In addition, there will be two at large members to be elected. These are voting board members. Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact the nominating committee.

Stormy H. has agreed to chair the nominating committee and is asking for other members who are willing to serve on this committee.

Along those lines, Viv told of a seminar she attended at QuiltCon regarding members using their time, talents, and treasures to better their organization.

Our BNMQG library was available at the meeting for checking out or returning books. A $5 deposit is taken when checking out books.

Viv announced that the Kona challenge quilts will be due on May 28. As mentioned, the labels are available at tonight’s meeting.

At the meeting on April 16th we will have an in person speaker, Carol Wilhoit – In Person Lecture: Get your Stash Together . Guest tickets are available on our Events and Workshop Tickets page. Since our presenter will be in person, this meeting may be best attended in person. As always, we will do our best for our zoomers!

Those wishing to participate in the Destash Sale may sign up for a table on the sign up genius. Items are a donation to BNMQG and all proceeds will go towards BNMQG programs and events. Please pre-mark items prior to the meeting and items must be marked in full dollar increments. If you have several small items, you can group together.

Jamie W. then presented a book review on Quilt Recipes by Jen Kingwell. The book contains 13 quilt patterns and several recipes.

Sheila R. showed a block she completed as part of the MQG Block Studies program from the MQG website – log in with your personalized account (email address that you gave to BNMQG and a password that you created) and then go to Resources and search for Block Study.