April Meeting Recap

Submitted by Barb S., Secretary

BNMQG met April 16, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomington . Seventy four members (52 in person and 22 via zoom) and one guest were welcomed by President Vivian H.

Teresa A. introduced the speaker for the evening, Carol Wilhoit, who presented her program “Get Your Stash Together”. She began quilting in 1975 and through the years she accumulated quite an assortment of scraps. In 2006 she realized her stash was becoming a burden and set out to organize her scraps, tools, books and magazines. During her program, she played a video showing how she actually uses rulers to fold her fabric scraps into manageable sizes which are easy to view.

As far as organizing tools, you might use drawers, shelves or boxes. Carol uses bankers boxes and plastic boxes depending on the size of the fabrics stored; she folds and stores the fabrics for easy view and selection. As far as books and magazines she organizes them alphabetically and keeps a spreadsheet for easy location.

An important feature of organization is to make sure everything is clearly labeled. If a quilter’s scraps, tools, etc are clearly organized, there is less chance they will be discouraged and give up when starting a project. Carol also brought several of her quilts with her for the group to see. Prior to the meeting she provided a detailed outline of how she actually organizes her fabric, tools, etc to aid in members beginning the organization.

It was fitting that the program tonight was related to organizing one’s stash as this was also the night of our de-stash sale. Several members brought fabric, tools, books, etc. to sell with the proceeds being donated to the guild. The members enjoyed shopping prior to the meeting and again at the break.

Following the program members enjoyed refreshments provided by Ann C., Sallie H., Susan W., Marilyn B. and Carol Lou E.

Community Outreach Chairman, Pat S. reported that all Heartbeat quilt kits have been picked up and several completed quilts were returned tonight.

Members were asked to complete a survey indicating possible ways they may be interested in assisting with activities and offices of the guild. Following the completion of the surveys, those who completed the survey had their names placed in a drawing and prizes were awarded as follows:

Gary R. 25.00 gift card to The Sewing Studio and Pat A. 25.00 gift card to Kizzie Belle

Laurie S. then reported on the upcoming sale for BNMQG gear. Members wishing to purchase items should visit the Teamworks BNMQG online store no later than May 7. Items will be available to be picked up at the May 28th meeting. If you (or a friend) will not be able to pick up items at the May 28th meeting, please choose the option to have items mailed directly to you.

The Kona Challenge mini quilts will be due on May 28th Nancy P. has the labels for the completed minis available tonight. The cost to join the Kona Mini challenge is $2.00. It is not too late to sign up and join the fun! Bring your mini to the May meeting!

The nominating committee reported that candidates are needed for the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary and two Members at Large Anyone interested in any of these positions should contact Stormy H.

Jamie W. presented an informative review on the book “Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters”. A copy of this book will soon be in the guild library.

The following members participated in show and tell:

Paula M. A bag she made using Sashiko technique, Leslie S. Summerville Circle quilt she will be teaching in the future, Rachel M. Kona Mini Quilt, Janis L. Summer Camp Quilt A Year of My Life Quilt, Kathy C Shoes and shoe strings, Linda L. Collage quilt Birch Street.