Submitted by Barb S., Secretary

The Bloomington  Normal Modern Quilt Guild met in person and via zoom on May 28, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, Bloomington.

Members enjoyed delicious treats provided by Sheila R., Anita T, Debbie P., and Rhonda D.   

President Vivian H. called the meeting to order and introduced Nancy P. who introduced the speaker, Timna Tar whose topic for the evening was “Stitched Mosaic”.   Timna told how she came from a long line of quilters  but had no interest in quilting growing up.  After studying art history in college, she began to quilt. Her first quilt was made along with her husband who was a math teacher and thought it would be a good lesson for his geometry students.   

More recently, she has developed her mosaic quilting technique by using photographs, having them enlarged and dividing the enlarged print into grids.   Each square then becomes a square on her quilt which eventually becomes a completed project.   She showed various quilts depicting her niece, a pair of donkeys, chickens, and a self portrait.  Her presentation also included quilts based on maps of her communities.    In 2001, she bought her first longarm and has been quilting and teaching ever since. Following the presentation, members were given the opportunity to ask questions.

During the break, members enjoyed viewing the mini Kona challenge quilts completed by the members. To see pictures, please visit https://bnmqg.org/challenge-quilts/kona-color-challenge-quilts/

Also during the break, the survey question was available to answer, the fabric raffle tickets can be purchased, BNMQG gear can be picked up and the library will be open for those wishing to check out a book.

When the meeting resumed, Teresa A., chairman asked if members who are signed up for treats cannot come, would they find their replacement.   Those wishing to bring treats can sign up on Sign Up Genius.    Theresa also noted that those who are signed up for hospitality in August will be asked to move to June due to the potluck being held in August.

Community Outreach chairman, Pat S., thanked everyone who turned in  their completed heartbeat quilts tonight.    

For those who have a quilt packet but are unable to quilt it or do the binding should bring the top to the June meeting so someone can complete it.

Noemi B., membership chairman, reported that tonight there were 65 members attending in person,  24 attending via zoom, as well as 2 guests in person and 3 guests on zoom.   Martha A., became a new member tonight.   Noemi also noted that we currently have 131 members.

The nominating committee has been working to secure candidates for the upcoming officer vacancies as well as the newly established at large board members.   Anyone interested in serving in any of the positions, should contact Stormy.

Pat S. reported that her committee has elected to participate in the ISU Horticulture Center fall fair by displaying several of the members’ mini quilts   Her committee will need help with this project and will appreciate anyone’s help.

The president introduced Ann C., who has taken over preparing the newsletter and thanked her for the great job she did on this month’s issue.

Marilyn B was congratulated for her mini quilt which won Best of Show in the recent Wisconsin Mini Quilt show.

Nancy P. and Noemi P., co-chairman, reported on the upcoming guild retreat.  It will be October 11-14 at the Holiday Inn, Bloomington, IL.   The cost is 175.00.    Registration will begin June 1st at 10:00 am through Sign Up Genius.     The 175.00 covers space at the retreat and evening meals on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Members must have their 24-25 BNMQG dues paid by September 30  in order to attend the retreat. Not available to pay those dues yet, but will be available prior to August.

The hotel has a block of rooms available which can be booked directly with the hotel.

The 2025 QuiltCon Challenge quilt theme, Bars and Lines, has been announced. The committee consists of Nancy P, Kathy C., and Sheila R.     Sew days for the quilt have been set up and those interested can sign up on Sign Up Genius.

The fabric raffle was won by Ann U.

The survey question was won by Carol B.   The question was “would you be interested in a workshop with Timna Tar or Allie McCathren”.   The members overwhelmingly indicated they would be interested.   Nancy will follow up with setting this up.

Sheila R demonstrated the latest block she completed from the MQG Block Studies patterns in the Resource Library.    One of the blocks she even made into a patriotic table runner.

Show and Tell participants were as follows:

Sheila R., Rhonda D., Vicki M., Barb B., Kathy C., Sandy F. and Pam R.

President Vivian thanked everyone who helped set up for tonight’s meeting and it would be appreciated if any members could help take down the quilt racks and rearrange tables following the meeting

Meeting was adjourned at 8:15.