On Dec. 15, the New Millennium Quilters Guild (NMQG), in collaboration with the Bluewater Quilters Guild (Owen Sound), viewed a beautiful “Show and Share” presentation of various quilts and quilting projects made by members of both guilds.
Brandy Maslowski from Summerland, B.C., was the Dec. 21 guest speaker. Maslowski is a recently retired firefighter and now full-time quilt professional/fibre artist, who has been quilting for over 30 years. She is the founder and host of the weekly “Quilter on Fire” podcast, quilt teacher, speaker, judge, and also a regular columnist for A Needle Pulling Thread magazine.
Prior to the pandemic, Maslowski hosted her annual “Ignite Okanagan Quilting Retreat” and also leads textile tours to destinations all over the world. Maslowski has a passion for fabric, stitch, colour, texture… everything quilting.
In Maslowski’s “Studio Magnificent” presentation, she addressed several challenges to make the sewing space magnificent. First, figure out what does not belong in your sewing space. Second, sort and categorize – do this on paper to quicken the process. The third step is to purge the clutter – if you “don’t want it, don’t need it, don’t use it,” then it is clutter. Step four is to organize – know what you have and keep like things together. If your passion is spilling into another room of the house, rein it in. Organizing is a practice, not a project and for every minute spent organizing, an hour is gained. A good practice is to have your latest sketch, idea or photo on the design wall for inspiration.
The sewing room is where all the magic and creative joy begins, and it is Maslowski’s aim to bring more joy to this space and have quilters feel less overwhelmed.
The January speaker will be Peter Byrne from Toronto, a published, international award-winning modern quilter and teacher with a deep passion for innovation and design.
The special interest groups continue to meet virtually each month. The Stashbusters have been making no- sew Scandinavian Christmas Stars.
The Historical group watched a very informative video about William Morris and how his design style and philosophies have influenced reproduction quilt fabrics.
The Wool Appliqué group worked on a Christmas greeting pattern by Rebekah Smith.
There are still a few openings for Maslowski’s Jan. 8 “Zen Ocean Waves Modern Quilting” workshop and for Melissa Marginet’s Feb. 12 “Edge to Edge Walking Foot Quilting” workshop.
The Quilt Show committee continues to work on plans for the May 2022 quilt show. The Boutique committee has been busy making beautiful items to be sold at the quilt show.
Mission Statement: The purpose of the Guild shall be to preserve the tradition of quilting, to promote fellowship among quilters, to stimulate interest and to encourage advancement of knowledge about quilting to all persons. To contribute to the community as a guild.
New members are always welcome; if interested please contact newmillenniumquiltersguild@gmail.com.
