September Meeting Recap

Submitted by Ann U., Secretary

President Noemi Bowers called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm, welcoming Mike from
the Midwest Food Bank. BNMQG members sold raffle tickets for the Community
Outreach quilt that was displayed at QuiltCon and raised $1700 for the food bank.

Noemi introduced Calista and Stephanie from Wonderfil threads for our Zoom program
“Heavyweight Heroes.” They explained that thread is available in utility weights
(medium) of 40-50 wt, lightest weights of 60-80-100 (fine), and heaviest threads from
8-35 wt, and how quilting with heavier thread makes an impact and becomes a design
element. The heaviest thread that can be used in machines is 12 wt, and they
recommended that heavier threads require bigger needle-90/14 or 100/16 topstitch.
They also use a lighter weight thread in the bobbin, especially 80 wt Deco-Bob. When
using heavy weight thread, lengthen the stitch length and with lighter weight thread,
shorten it. The heaviest threads 8-wt and thicker are only suitable for handwork.
Wonder-fill will send BNMQG members a 10% off discount code good on their entire
order. Email or find them on Instagram with questions. There is a sampler pack of
various weights of thread available on their website.

After the break, Noemi began with a thanks to the hospitality committee, and to Paula
M, Anita T, Valerie S and Laurie S for tonight’s refreshments. Co-Chairs Donna P and
Stormy H are sending around a sheet for more signups for the 25-26 year. Sign ups can also be done via Sign Up Genius. Sign ups that were done at the meeting have been added to Sign Up Genius.

The new membership online password will be sent out on November 1.

Upcoming programs are October 29 (in-person+ Zoom) – BNMQG member Pam
Tannura Lecture “From Fiber Arts to Design and Back,” December 2 (Zoom only) –
Sheila Frampton-Cooper on “Spontaneous Creation and Inspiration. Note the date
change for the November meeting to December 2, due to Thanksgiving. A
workshop “Applique’ + Piecing = New Possibilities” is Saturday, December 6 via Zoom
is $50. Sign up online via our Events and Workshop Tickets page.

The January 27 program again features Wonder-fil “Enriching your Quilting with Hand
Embroidery and Embellishment” (Zoom only). A workshop is scheduled for January 31
on embroidery techniques and stitches. It is $40 and includes a $20 kit. In order for the
workshop to go forward and allow time for the kits to arrive, sign up ASAP. Sign up online via our Events and Workshop Tickets page.

Membership chair Tonya K reported that we had 40 members attending in person, 2
guests, and 16 on Zoom. She said members can renew on the website via PayPal or can pay with check or cash at a meeting or mail in the form with your check. We have five new members- Julie C, Erica, Nathaniel, Linette W and Judy.

The treasurer’s report is on the members only section of the website.

Members-at-Large Kathy C and Nicole M will hold a “Guild Boot Camp” for new members or any members wanting to know more about the guild. It is scheduled for before the October 28th meeting at 5 pm.

Nicole M also reported for Community Outreach, saying that the goal for Heartbeat
quilts will be increased to 35 quilts this year. At the first Sew Day, fabric was cut and
some blocks were assembled. They are using a light and dark wedge design. She also
will look into participating in the Bed Blitz for next fall (Oct 26), which would entail
making twin-size quilts, and perhaps raising community awareness by participating in
the Baby Fold’s Festival of Trees. She will get more info on both. Nicole encouraged
members to contact her and join the outreach committee.

Sew Days have been scheduled for the 25-25 year: Oct 18 and Nov 8 (both in person and via Zoom);
Dec 13, Jan 10, Feb 14 and March 21 (Zoom only); and April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11 and Aug 8 (all in person and via Zoom). Sign up for in person Sew Days here – this helps us to setup enough tables for everyone in advance.

The Oct 10-13th BNMQG retreat still has a couple seats open. Look for an email on Sept 30 to schedule your arrival time. Contact Barb B to sign up to bring a dessert if you haven’t already signed up for bringing something.

Nancy P is working on the Bloomington Library Exhibit of our Modern Minis, In March 2026. There will be a public reception March 7 from 1:30-3:30. She encouraged
members to enter their Kona Challenge quilts from any year. More entries are needed to curate the show. Please fill out the form on the member- only page, and send photos of our quilts and return it by mail or email by Oct 28.

In MQG news, QuiltCon in Raleigh,NC is Feb 19-22, 2026. Early bird sign ups end Oct 31st. There are still openings in lectures and possibly some classes, and non-members can now register. Challenge quilt and Windham Artisan Cotton Fabric challenge quilt registrations are due by Oct 31. The Mini Swap registration is now open. This is a one-to-one swap in person or via mail, maximum size 24 x 24. Quilts will not be able to be sent from overseas, only domestically this year. MQG is featuring an online Modern for Modern auction from October 1-15. This is open to everyone- check it out and bid on some quilts. The MQG is also collaborating on a curated show of modern quilts with the Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, Ohio through Dec. 7.