I’m joining up with the Modern Quilt guild! A chapter just started here in Akron. The first meeting was this past week and it has some definite promise.

Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned my traditional guild. I’m still a member though I haven’t attended in some time. I actually miss going, it just hasn’t worked out because of my crazy sleep/exercise schedule in the winter.

In this episode I also discussed my anemic wardrobe. Do you have suggestions for must-have pieces for effective mixing and matching?

I hope you enjoy listening! Click here to download.

Unfortunately I did not get to see my own quilts undergo her scrutiny. I entered two quilts – the Pinwheels Aplenty quilt and also a challenge quilt I made for my other guild some time ago.  (Sorry, I couldn’t find a picture of it.)  They both ended up in the same category and I had to leave to meet the school bus right as my category was coming out for judging. Sigh.  I’d say I wasted a vacation day except that her comments were useful reminders of the basics.

I did however get to see the quilt above judged. It was a round robin that I participated in, and I added the appliqued outer corners before handing it off to someone who created a pieced border. I was quite proud of how my addition to the quilt turned out because it was the first time I’d done so much applique. The quilt did not win a ribbon – darn! That was my best shot at being able to say I’d participated in an award-winning quilt this time. Oh well.  Such is life.  I didn’t make either of the quilts I entered with a show in mind and I know they have many of the flaws that the judge was not impressed with. I submitted them because I feel it is important for the guild members to participate and they were the quilts I had that were both finished and present.

Another great thing about going to the judging – I’m fired up to complete some quilts that have been languishing unfinished while I work on the charity challenge.  I’m working on the top of the third quilt – it is taking rapid shape!  Hopefully I’ll have an update and some pics of it for you soon .

Have you ever put a quilt in a show? What was your experience?

• The Modern Quilt Guild.  I’ve seen it mentioned on Sew Mama Sew several times and meant to bring it up.  Alert listener Carlyn reminded me about it.  Are there any Modern Quilt Guild members listening?  Send me an email or leave a comment if you are a member.  I’d love to hear what it is like.
• The Ladies’ Art Company Block Tool by Connie Chunn.   What an awesome reference!  It has a great variety of blocks and gives cutting sizes for up to 5 different block sizes. 
• The Quilter’s Newsletter had two patterns that I loved this month.

Have a listen!

Visit Jackie’s website (of the Quilting Chronicles podcast) to visit her new online fabric shop.

Check out the latest quilting podcast to go live – the Scientific Quilter with Darla.

If you are a knitter or crocheter, or enjoy other yarnish arts visit Ravelry.

I also mentioned Sew, Mama, Sew and Pattern Review – both sites are resources for sewers.

Listen to the show here

So, what the heck happened to me?  I’m still alive and kicking.  Thanks so much to the concerned listeners who checked in on me!!!  Life just got in the way a bit there.  I’ve still got plenty to talk about in my head, though, so I’ll be delivering up some new shows soon.  Thanks for your patience

There are lots of ways to get your quilt fix by snail mail – who doesn’t love getting mail?!

Show notices – glossy brochures to upcoming shows are lovely to get.  Here are a few I’ve recently received:

• The Original Sewing & Quilting Expo has 4 upcoming Spring events around the United States, including Cleveland on March 26th, 27th, and 28th.
• AQS Quilt Show & Contest in Paducah Kentucky, April 22nd – 25th.  Big Gammill giveaway – go here to enter for free or join up as a member.

Sewing catalogs!  I love catalogs!  Sure you can shop on the internet too but then you don’t get the joy of touching glossy paper.  And you can still browse when the electricity goes out.

• Keepsake Quilting - order a free catalog for yourself here.
• Sewing with Nancy - order a free catalog for yourself here.

Magazines!!  There are tons of magazines to read, here are the three I get:

• Quilter’s Home
• Quilter’s Newsletter
• The Quilting Quarterly (from NQA)

What about…

• Block of the Month programs – otherwise known as BOM’s.
• Fabric subscriptions – some shops offer a subscription service similar to fruit-of-the-month clubs, with themes like Bali or Moda fabric, etc.

Many thanks to those leaving comments!!!