About thirty or so Members made it to the in-person meeting on May 2. Unfortunately, the hybrid format has posed us some issues. That’s something we can work on – with declining case counts, perhaps more of us will be able to make our way back to in-person events in the coming months. Zoom has been a lifeline for many of us over the past two years, but the chance to be in the same space to chat with other quilters and to actually see the Sew and Tell projects was energizing.
The next newsletter and meeting Minutes will fill you in on the details of Monday’s meeting. The big news of the night was the launch of our new web site and the relaunch of our Facebook page. If you’re reading this blog post, then I will assume that you’ve taken a look at the new site – if not, please do and let us know what you think. If you are one of our many Facebook users, please be sure to visit our new Facebook page and be sure to like and share the page with your quilting friends. We are already seeing increasing numbers as Members and others move to this new page.
The quilt show update shows that a lot of planning work has gone on and over the next while, detailed information will be readily available. If you would like to volunteer to help out during the show – perhaps at the door, or in the boutique, on the show floor, or selling raffle tickets – please contact Annette. Keep an eye on Quilt Show information here. Don’t forget that your Entry form for the show will be due in June!
Be A Star, pattern by Tara Lynas
Sew and Tell gave us a look at a different take on the Be A Star quilt, this striking version by Nina Scott-Stoddart. Be sure to check out the Flickr album for more of the May Sew and Tell.
Michele Stevens of the Sail Loft
The highlight of the evening was the program, with a visit from Michele Stevens of the Sail Loft. She talked to us about her family’s rich history in the sailmaking business and showing us a fascinating video about the process of making sails for the Bluenose. This stuck with me – for just one seam of the mainsail, there were three rows of stitching, taking 2.5 hours to sew. Multiply that by 15 panels, 90+ feet in length – I will never complain about the monotony of straight seams again! If I recall correctly, she used over 1000 pounds of cloth, and 16.5 pounds of sewing thread. I wonder if I even have 16.5 pounds of thread in my entire collection. See more here.
Last call for the Hover Quilting class on May 26 and 27. There were still a few spaces left when we met Monday night. The June 6th meeting will be our AGM and last meeting of the year. Details on that meeting will be in your June newsletter and added to the calendar here when available.
Hope to see you there!
Colleen Paton, Communications Chair
mbqgcommunications@gmail.com
