#seattlemqgretreat

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the first ever Seattle Modern Quilt Guild retreat. I could go on and on about how wonderful it was, but when it comes right down to it, for me the weekend was about three themes: community, exploration and focus.

Community

Photo courtesy of A Quilter’s Table

Even though I have been a member of the guild for some time, I have not been able to attend as many events as I would like, and so have not gotten to know my fellow members very well. I really enjoyed becoming better acquainted with women who share a passion for sewing, even though we come from different backgrounds. During the retreat, we swapped Instagram handles (mine is @snippetsofsweetness), and I have relished staying connected with my fellow guild members.

Exploration

My team’s improv pieces after I worked on them

At the retreat, there were a variety of smaller swaps and events to participate in. I signed up for the Improv Round Robin session. We split up into groups of four and spent two hours taking turns “responding” to ever growing improv pieces that others had started. Even though I had played with improv piecing before, it was always on my own terms and at my own pace, never like this. Working on other people’s pieces made me a little nervous, but I had the most trouble with the time limits! Each round was timed, which was definitely a new experience. Even though it was challenging for me, I’m glad I participated and explored new-to-me quilting terrain.

Focus

Photo courtesy of A Quilter’s Table

I find that in this busy modern life, focus can be frustratingly elusive, especially when it comes to sewing. Usually my sewing time consists of 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there, or a chunk of time in the late evening when I should be sleeping. Having three days to focus on sewing was amazing! My goal for the weekend was to finish a baby quilt and that’s just what I did. I am grateful for having that time and space to focus on creating. It was invigorating.

All in all, I had an exceptional time at the retreat. The SMQG Retreat Committee did an awesome job and I would definitely go to a retreat again. The only thing I would do differently is bring fewer projects. Of the five I bought, I only touched two.

If you’d like to read more about the weekend, check out the relevant posts by A Quilter’s Table, I’m Feeling Crafty and Tiny House.

Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Sew-In: April 14, 2013

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Sew-In at Quiltworks Northwest. It was a rare treat to sit and sew uninterrupted for a few hours. I’ve participated in Seattle MQG events in the past, but the group is now “official” and there are more and more events coming up all the time. If you’re in the greater Seattle area and like modern quilting, be sure to check it out!

Exhibition Expedition

Recently, my extended family and I headed to Vashon Island to see the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Exhibition at the Island Quilter. We had a blast eating at the Hardware Store, seeing the quilts, and exploring the store. Seeing my Sunshiny Day and Blueberry Muffin quilts exhibited was a real treat.

Ingrid's Quilt, by the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild

I loved seeing all the other quilts and wish I could have spent more time looking at them. I also wish that I could have taken more pictures, but running after an active toddler in a quilt store doesn’t leave much time for photography. My sweet girl loved playing hide and seek in the labyrinth of fabric at the store.

Willa's Quilt, by the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild

The Island Quilter is one of the most organized and impressive quilt stores that I have ever visited. The pictures on their website don’t do the place justice. They have an awesome selection of fabric and not a bolt out of place. Even though I do most of my fabric shopping online (see: running through store after active toddler), I love going to brick and mortar quilt shops because usually I can find out-of-print fabric that I love. The Island Quilter does not disappoint. They have a nice mix of current fabrics and collections that I knew were several years old.

Arkansas, Traveled, by Ara Jane Olufson

In the end, I walked away with flannel fabric perfect for making into children’s pajamas, some Star Wars fabric that my husband insisted I buy, and Scrap Republic by Emily Cier. Her Mrs. Roy G. Biv quilt was so impressive that I am itching to start a scrap quilt of my own soon. 

Mrs. Roy G. Biv by Emily Cier

If you’re in the greater Seattle area, stop by The Island Quilter sometime. The Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Exhibition runs through August 2^nd. 

Constellation, by Grace Lainhart

Seattle Modern Quilt Guild 2012 Exhibition!

Even though I knew that two of my quilts are part of the Seattle Modern Quilt Guild Exhibition this month, it didn’t really sink in until I saw a picture of them hanging at the Island Quilter. I am so honored that my quilts are featured along with so many other lovely quilts. I am planning a trip soon to visit them in their temporary home. Part of me still can’t believe it! The Exhibition runs through August 2. Don't miss it!