July meeting - the one where we went to the pub

Well I think it is safe to say that the Golf Tavern in Edinburgh really didn't know what to do when the EMQG crew rocked up to their door!

Oh yes, when we need an alternative venue for a meeting we just go to the pub. Well we are a Modern quilt guild!

Jane had booked us all a table and off we went.

I was very very grateful that my new camera phone was good at taking pictures in low light ...

First up were last months bee blocks, here are some of the ones for Jane, she gave us all a square of this fab bicycle fabric and we had to add some simple borders. Another great example of a simple block showcasing some lovely fabric.

Look how well they go together! This will be a stunner

Next up are the two bee blocks for next month, Janice chose a simple block, I'm calling it the 'I' block because it looks like an I. Tune in next month to see how they all turn out.

Helen chose a string block for us to do, but there wasn't a sample for me to take a picture of, so I will keep you in suspense till next month.

Now for our bumper crop of shows and tells.

Does this look familiar? It's Janes quit! The quilting done by our very own long arm talent - Tatyana, can you see the amazing quilting?

Janes next show and tell was this gorgeous hand printed fabric, how brilliant is this! If you can't find fabric you like, just make your own. The EMQG is a crew of many talents.

I need to make a beach tote for the Rural, I did try to appropriate this one by Tatyana but she was having none of it, I don't blame her either, if this was mine I would hold onto it! Love the fabric Tatyana. Stunning work as ever.

We move at the speed of light, well Robin does! This is her fabulous hand pieced mini for an Instagram swap, head back to last months blog post to see it more fully. It's a lucky swap partner who will receive this beauty.

Swaps always need extras and what is nicer and more practical than a one hour basket? With cute hexies too. Like I said, you have a very lucky swap partner Robin.

Cute inside fabric too!

How fabulous to see all of Barbara's bee blocks put together. Some simple white sashing really shows off these gorgeous blocks.

It's a hard life taking pictures at the guild sometimes! But everyone just gets so excited, and who can blame us! Audrey had us all well jealous when she showed us a HUGE stack of fabric. She asked her Australian friend to bring her 4 fat quarters ... Well bless him (he's a keeper, I heard someone whisper) he brought back what looked like 40 fat quarters!

We did get a bit carried away looking through them!

Audrey plans on using this stunner as a center for a medallion quilt. Watch this space for a future show and tell!

Things calmed down a bit so I could get a better picture of the stack of fabric!

Margaret brought along this adorable feather cushion.

Jaqui kindly held it up so I could get a better picture. More hexies, we are bang on trend at the EMQG you know!

Awwwwww how cute is this!! An adorable bib made by Janice, the smile on Robins face says it all, c'mon it's making you smile too!

Next up is Janice again with her jelly roll quilt, all hand quilted, my poor camera phone was struggling at this point so you will just have to take my word that the hand quilting is stunning.

And the back is pretty nifty too!

Jaqui brought some much needed sunshine with her bright and cheery mini. I'm loving that border fabric, who am I kidding I'm loving all of that fabric, Jaqui has such a great way of putting colours together.

Last but not least is ... me! I can't remember who was taking photos but thank you! Here is my giant Lilysquilt Dresden from Love patchwork and quilting magazine. You can't see it too well in this low light but it is all Japanese fabrics.

Can I get another awww?? This was my last show and tell, honestly I could just spend all my time making sleeping bags for teddy bears. The pattern is from the fabulous Flossieteacakes. The pattern instructions are adorable, with instructions for how to cope with teddies who have ample tummies ... Or sticky out paws. Too cute.

I have to say the patrons of the Golf Tavern seemed to be quite sang froid about the EMQG crew taking over their pub and oohing and ahhhhing over various quilts and blocks. Thank you Golf Tavern, we had a blast, but then again, we always do!

 

Janes biog

EMQG Blog

Jane Rae

I started to quilt when I was 12 years old. I would sit with my Mum in the evenings and cut out hexagon pieces using a metal template and a pencil. I grew up in Hong Kong and there was very little in the way of printed cotton fabric so we really did have to make do and mend. My first quilt was made from recycled dress fabrics, doll’s dress and anything that we saw down at the market that might be suitable. We lined the quilt with a blanket bought from the Chinese Merchandise Emporium and backed it with a piece of sheeting. My lovely quilt is in storage at the moment as we are in the process of renovating an old house. I’m missing all those familiar little remnants from the past and I’m sure it will be one of the first things I unpack when we’ve finished – watch this space!

I’ve always enjoyed sitting down with friends to “make”. As the years have passed I spend more and more time sewing and quilting and I’m very fortunate to have been able to combine my background in publishing with my interest in al things textile related. I now spend my working life writing, editing and project managing all sorts of quilt and textile related projects. I am also thrilled to be on the Project Committee for Talking Quilts, an oral history project inspired by the success of QSOS in the US. With the aid of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, this three-year project is now in its second year.

One of my favourite recent “makes” is the Rubies and Diamonds Quilt designed by Lynne Goldsworthy of Lily’s Quilts using Oakshott fabrics. I love the luster from Oakshott fabrics and the subtle colours are really lovely to work with. I find it hard to resist Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics, vintage embroideries, handbag patterns and scrappy quilts and I’m also hooked on dyeing and printing fabrics!

I’m really happy to be the Secretary for EMQG – it’s such a positive, fun bunch and there is so much talent within our group. Having Jo as our President is the icing on the cake! She’s a whirlwind of ideas, energy, gorgeous quilts and embroideries and we get to meet in her shop surrounded by lovely fabrics…what’s not to like!

Quiltcon Charity quilt

The EMQG completed the Quiltcon Charity Challenge earlier in the year. The idea was to use a set palette of colours, and come up with a modern quilt design, for display at Quiltcon, the annual conference of the Modern Quilt Guild. It was then to be used in some way for a local children’s charity. All our members donated fabric, blocks, time and love making this quilt, and it got some special treatment on Tatyana’s long arm machine.

Lesley suggested The Yard in Edinburgh as the receiving charity, as she has known a few people who have used it.

The Yard is a purpose built indoor and outdoor adventure playground for children and young people with disabilities.

The Yard is an amazing space, catering for all ages and abilities. The children can use the sensory room, kitchen, art room, play space and outdoor adventure playground seven days a week. What is lovely is that it is a place that families can play together with the support of volunteers, and kids of all abilities can come and enjoy play at the same level.

The Yard also supports children right the way through into adult hood, with various youth groups and clubs available to allow them to feel more independent.

You may remember The Yard from the BBC programme DIY SOS, when the place was overhauled in under two weeks with the help of volunteers from all trades across Edinburgh. However, it still costs over £600,000 a year to run The Yard, with a combination of permanent staff and volunteers. They receive a small amount from the council, and require to fundraise the rest.

Edinburgh Modern Quilt Guild have donated their Quiltcon quilt made for the Quiltcon Charity Challenge 2015 to the Yard. Anna, the fundraising manager was delighted to receive it, and the volunteers suggested it would be well received by the children, as it is a great weight for snuggling.

It’s final purpose is yet to be decided – whether by the children, as some art on the wall or as a fundraising piece for them…but it will certainly be put to good use.