September quilt guild

My quilt guild's September meeting was on Thursday evening. It was a big meeting for me, for many reasons.

A couple of months ago, I volunteered to help the guild's Education Coordinator plan and prepare for a new event, the Quilters' College. The idea was to put together an educational event giving members an opportunity to learn from each other. So, I helped plan the event and also volunteered to be a demonstrator. We had about 15 ladies (our "Demo Divas") volunteer to do brief (15 minute) demonstrations on a variety of topics and share their knowledge with other guildmates.

My topic was hand piecing. Other topics included working with curves, pattern design, longarm quilt designs, foundation piecing, fabric dying, gadgets, and many more. It seemed like the evening was a big success! An hour was dedicated to the event, allowing people to attend at least 4 demos (though it seemed like many just wandered from table to table, checking everything out). It was such an awesome opportunity to meet and chat with other people in the guild. I was actually rather surprised at how many people expressed interest in hand piecing. Did you know that the latest issue (September/October 2009) of McCall's Quilting has a how-to article on the topic? I think hand piecing must be the new hotness!

In addition to Quilters' College, the meeting also featured the big reveal for the latest guild challenge. I wasn't going to participate, but then a bee got in my bonnet last week and I decided at the last minute to go for it. Eeep! But, I managed to get it done-ish enough to display (still need to stitch down the hanging sleeve and put a label on it-- but it is otherwise complete). And wow! There were some amazing quilts! I wish I had some pictures to share, but I found myself kind of stuck at my table for the evening. Hopefully, I'll get my quilt finished up soon so that I can at least share that one with you.

It was also the last month for the block exchange I've been participating in for the last year (check out this post for an explanation on how the block exchange works).


This month's block was really simple (I didn't even have to cut any fabric)-- but very cute. The block owner also included a picture of the pattern she was using:


The pattern is called "Sweet Liberty" from Heartspun Quilts. So cute!!! And she is using the same collection as is featured in the pattern.

As this is the last month, I also got my box back! I haven't had much time to do more than peek at the blocks, but I'm excited about what I saw. (You'll definitely be seeing them soon!)

Anyway, after the meeting, I swear it felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. I didn't realize how stressed out about it all I was until it was over! So I've spent the last couple of days recovering. And not sewing. Tonight I plan to curl up with a good book or two. Then I'm hoping tomorrow the juices will start flowing again, and I'll get quilting!!!