Category: Meetings

General, Meetings, Show & Tell

October Highlights from Maine Modern Quilters 🧵

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

The Maine Modern Quilters (MMQ) gathered on October 4th at Hope Baptist Church in Manchester, Maine, for a vibrant and inspiring in-person meeting. With 32 members in attendance, the energy in the room was as colorful and creative as the quilts we love to make.

🧶 Getting to Know Each Other

We kicked off the day with a fun icebreaker: each member shared one word that describes themselves as a quilter. The responses painted a vivid picture of our community—words like “eclectic,” “scrappy,” “intuitive”, “inspired”, “happy”, “playful”, “experimental,” “reborn,” and “grateful” reminded us how diverse and passionate our group truly is.

🌟 Featured Projects this month

During our October meeting, members had the opportunity to choose from three hands-on projects:

  1. Scrappy Zipper Bags – Led by Hilary Hudson, this project focused on using leftover fabric scraps to create functional and stylish zipper pouches with amazing color flow.
  2. Pieced Seat Cushions – Nancy Lander guided members through techniques for assembling cushions with creative piecing and quilting methods. A great solution for those often hard chairs we seem to spend so much time in!
  3. Fabric Name Tags – Meliss Swanson helped members design and sew personalized name tags using fabric, embroidery, and embellishments.

We love seeing the diversity of styles and techniques our members bring to each project!

🎨 Upcoming MMQ Events & Opportunities

MMQ has a full slate of exciting events coming up:

  • 🧵 Fostering Community Gathering – October 18 at the Iron Workers Union Building in Clinton, Maine. Bring your projects and enjoy a day of sewing and friendship.
  • 🛠️ Round Robin of Tools – November 1 at First Congregational Church of New Gloucester. Share your favorite quilting tools and learn from others.
  • 🎄 Bold Prints & Holiday Celebration – December 6 in Waterville. Bonnie Dwyer will present on using bold prints in quilting—bring your own bold creations to show off!

All dates and details are available on our website: mainemodernquilters.com

🧵 Special Events: Workshop with Nicholas Ball

We’re thrilled to host a Zoom workshop with Nicholas Ball (@quiltsfromtheattic) on January 31, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. The class, “Curvy Cabbage,” is capped at 35 participants and costs $25. Sign up by November 15— current members please check your email.

🖼️ Special Events: Mini Quilt Show and Fundraiser

MMQ is partnering with the Yarmouth Historical Society for a fundraiser in March and April 2026. Members are invited to contribute 24” x 24” mini quilts—some of which should be available for sale. Proceeds will support YHS, MMQ, and the quilt creators. A reception will be held March 19 from 5–7 p.m. at YHS.

We currently have 13 quilts and need 4 more. Quilts will be collected at the December meeting. Interested in participating? Reach out to either Evie Landry or Becky Rodgers and get stitching!

💙 Charity Quilt Block Project

Patty Robinson is spearheading our charity quilt initiative for the year. She shared nine inch square bold blue blocks and colorful strips of yellow, orange or red (1″ x 13.5″) which members can use to create a vibrant quilt top, which will be donated and auctioned for a good cause. Instructions on making the block are available in the MMQ Resource Library on the MQG website.

🧵 Show & Tell

As always, Show & Tell was a highlight. Members shared stunning quilts including:

  • Cherish Quilt Pattern (EPP)
  • Electric Pineapple Quilt by Libs Eliot
  • Random Block Design from Craftsy
  • Secret Agent Quilt
  • Transparency Quilt Block of the Month (MQG March 2020)
  • Tula Pink’s 100 Modern Quilt Blocks
  • Postcards with craft paper backs
  • Baby quilts and orphan block quilts

🧵 Upcoming Community Events and Opportunities

  • 🌈 Kate Gawler will present a Color Workshop hosted by the PTQG in Hermon on October 25.
  • 🌍 Many members enjoyed the Global Quilt Connection virtual event in late September—thanks to Bonnie Dwyer for the recommendation!
  • 🧵 The American Quilt Study Group will host an event on October 18 in Portland, featuring antique quilts and a vendor mall.
  • 💎 Caravan Beads in Portland invites creatives to “Bead Together” every Friday from 4–6 p.m.
  • 👗 Sharon shared her experience at the Boston School of Design, showcasing a handmade tunic she made in class with Sharon Chandler of marigold_in_maine. Members expressed interest in a future MMQ workshop to create quilty tops for the 2026–27 program year.

Stay inspired, stay connected, and keep stitching! We can’t wait to see you at our next meeting on November 1st in New Gloucester.

#MaineModernQuilters #ModernQuilting #QuiltCommunity #MMQEvents #QuiltyLife

General, Meetings

Maine Modern Quilters Gather at Winslow Park

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

On June 7, 2025, members of Maine Modern Quilters (MMQ) gathered at Winslow Park in Freeport for an engaging and lively meeting to wrap up the program year. With 19 attendees, the day began with warm introductions, as members shared places in Maine they’d love to visit — from Monhegan Island to Shaker Village and the Portland Museum of Art.

Treasurer Karen Wood provided a financial update, and Membership VP Veronica Serrato reminded everyone to renew their membership before September 31. Activities VP Meliss Swanson shared exciting plans for upcoming community sewing days, while Special Events VP Becky Rogers announced a January 2026 virtual class with Nicholas Ball and a fundraiser quilt display for the Yarmouth Historical Society.

Show and Tell was a highlight, as members proudly displayed stunning quilts, barn quilt designs, and wearable creations. The meeting wrapped up with a fun yard sale and picnic, reinforcing the camaraderie and creativity that make MMQ such a vibrant group.

As we head into the next program year, members can look forward to engaging workshops, quilting projects, and community events. Stay tuned for details at the next meeting on September 6!

Meetings

What to do with all those scraps…

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

April Meeting Recap: Maine Modern Quilters (MMQ)

The April 5th meeting of the Maine Modern Quilters (MMQ) brought together 34 creative individuals, along with two guests, for a day full of quilting inspiration, collaboration, and community. The session, held in person, fostered learning and creative sharing through icebreakers, discussions, and hands-on activities.

Exploring Fabric Scrap Magic Kicking off with an icebreaker, members shared ingenious ways to use fabric scraps: “making fabric” from scraps, FPP, small projects, leaders and enders, collage projects, and string quilts. The group exchanged ideas on organizing scraps and transforming them into precuts.

Show and Tell Members showcased their stunning creations, including quilts, wall hangings, and donation bags.

On-Going Projects Members are encouraged to continue contributing to donation projects, including pillowcases and tote bags for organizations like New Beginnings and Adoptive & Foster Families of Maine.

Zippered Pouch Fun! The hands-on activity focused on crafting zippered notion bags, expertly led by Ann Ball and Karen Wood. The group also collaborated to produce 10 pillowcases for charity.

Upcoming Meetings Mark your calendars for the next gathering on May 3rd at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, where members will dive into skill-building through a round-robin format.

Thank you to all who participated and shared their creativity. Let’s keep the quilting energy alive until next month!

Meetings

Quilting should be fun!

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

The Maine Modern Quilt Guild gathered on October 5, 2024, at Hope Baptist Church in Manchester for another inspiring and productive meeting. With 29 members in attendance, the day was filled with quilting tips, friendship, and fun!

Quilting Tips to Remember
As part of the introductions, each member shared their favorite quilting tip. From taking photos of fabric swatches for easy reference to using a lunchbox toolkit or a grab-and-go pouch for handwork, there were plenty of practical ideas to make our quilting lives easier. One key takeaway: Give yourself grace and remember—quilting should be fun!

After introductions we went to our Business meeting and door prize (Thanks Sue Duval for donating this month’s door prizes & Congratulations to Rose and Pat, who were the lucky winners!)

And as always, Show & Tell did not disappoint! From challenges like the Nomad Quilter and Household Items, to works inspired by Amazing Quilts by Grace, members old and new displayed an array of stunning projects that left us all inspired.

Thread Play Workshop
The meeting wrapped up with a hands-on Thread Play Workshop led by Dan Pellish, Anne Gould, and Dominique Healy. Members were guided through free-motion and ruler quilting techniques, as well as hand embellishment and beading for quilts. Dominique even provided quilt squares and materials for members to try their hand at creative stitching. The workshop highlighted the use of technology for design ideas, along with recommended resources like Creative Stitching by Sue Spargo and Quilted Textures from A to Zen by Bethanne Nemish. As always with Sew Days we had a lot of fun!

Looking Ahead: November Meeting and Events
Mark your calendars for the next meeting on November 2, 2024, at the Topsham Public Library. We’ll be hosting a fun “Orphan Block” swap and sew session, with an option to create charity quilts. This will be another Sew Day and we will be sharing details for the December Holiday Party meeting. So if you want to join the fun it’s not to late to become a member!

We look forward to seeing everyone in November for more modern quilting fun and friendship!

Meetings, Sew Time, Workshops

No Fooling – April First in Person

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

Our First in person meeting in 2023 was fantastic. Twenty two of us meet in Westbrook for a great day.

We kicked off the day by talking about what Improv meant to each of us. And following a short business meeting we did our show and tell, highlighting as always the talents of our members. The pictures show a lot of Maria Shell style Linear Block pieces, which makes sense, as she guided Maine Modern Quilters in a workshop many of us did with her in March. Of course, we were not limited to Improv and there were some beautiful quilts and techniques for us to all enjoy.

A focus on Improv continued and Following Show and Tell we had a pair of workshops on improv curves. Members picked from two options. Some went with Mary Ann Cugini showing us Carolina Oneto’s from the Janome America website, you can find the technique here. At the same time Kate Gawler guided others in Maria Shell’s braided curves technique from the Summer 2021 issue of Quilting Arts Magazine. Thank you Kate and MaryAnn! It was sew much fun to have a couple hours of sewing with old and new friends.

It was a fantastic Saturday, and we are looking forward to our May sixth meeting where we will have a series of demos on finishing techniques and our June third picnic at Winslow park in Freeport. If you are on the fence about joining, now is a great time!

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Meetings, Show & Tell

December Meeting & Holiday Party

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

We met in New Gloucester this year for our annual holiday party and had a very festive time.

There was a wonderful selection of quilts and other quilty projects for show and tell from our talented members.

Members shared yummy food dishes and made a small homemade item wrapped in a brown paper bag for a gift exchange. Harmony blocks, a pattern by Curated Quilts, were collected for our group charity quilt.

To finish off the festivities, we divided into two groups and played the Left Right Center dice game with fat quarters. Congrats to Meliss and Sue who both took home a pile of fat quarters!

Meetings, Membership, Show & Tell

Adapting….

suzyquilter

March 7, 2020 was the last time we had an in-person meeting.  Below you’ll see some of the beautiful creations from our talented members.

Going forward, all the meetings will be done using the Zoom platform.  A YouTube channel has been set up so that if a member is unable to do the Zoom meeting, they will be able to view the recorded meeting on the YouTube channel after receiving a link.

We will be doing membership renewal starting in August for the September 2020 to June 2021 meetings.  An email will be sent out to current members.  Anyone interested in joining can send an email to Mainemodernquilters@gmail.com for more information.  We welcome anyone to our group!

 

Meetings

September 14, 2019 meeting

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The first meeting of the year will be Saturday, September 14, 9:30am to 1:00pm at the First Congregational Church on 19 Gloucester Hill Rd, New Gloucester.
Bring cash or check for yearly dues, $35.
Bring snacks/lunch, beverages
Bring money for the “kitty” to help pay for the venue.
Bring items for Show and Tell
Bring Potholder mini quilts (for Maine’s 200th Anniversary)
Bring your friendly, open and spirited selves to reconnect with old friends and to make new Modern Quilty friends!

Any questions, please send an email to smduval@mac.com

Meetings, Show & Tell

Scrap-o-rama and UFO Revival

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We had a great meeting using up our scraps!  All quilts are “made” fabric – but some more than others – think crazy quilts, quilts made from worn items such as the Gee’s Bend Quilts, quilts made from feedsacks….. We also discussed ways to re-purpose UFO’s that we would rather never see again including finishing them and donating them to a charitable cause, or re-purposing them into something  you LIKE – don’t limit yourself to quilts – think skirts, placemats, pillows.  Maybe you adopt a hawaiian applique pattern for that holiday top – or make that solids melange into 6″ squares with vertical bars in -between set on a white background… we referred to Mary Kerr’s Twisted for inspiration.

Show and Tell!  Linda and Karen with their pieces from a previous curves workshop; Sandy’s stunning blue quilt; Dina’s excellent Big Stitching; Leanne’s EPP; Bonnie’s antique shop treasure made in the 1950’s; Karen’s Mariner’s Compass; Ellie’s pink quilt; Dan with placemats and belt made with scraps; and Sue with her 2nd Poppin bag.

Meetings, Sew Time, Show & Tell

June 17, 2017

suzyquilter

Our last guild meeting of the year was held in New Gloucester at the First Congregational Church. Sue Arnold finished up the Block of the Month series. We are very appreciative of all the hard work she put into organizing that activity for the guild. The highlight of the meeting was the Improv Round Robin activity. Members had a chance to really stretch their creativity and use their improvisational quilting skills to the max! It was great fun and a wonderful  way to end our guild year.

Thanks to all who made this a memorable year of Modern Quilting!

Meetings, Show & Tell

May 13, 2017 Meeting

suzyquilter

The meeting was held at the First Congregational Church in New Gloucester. It was not a sewing filled meeting but we shared alot of information about upcoming activities. Sue Arnold did the Block of the Month, we discussed the guild banner, the upcoming Improv Round Robin was explained and we had an incredible Show and Tell. I think people had been working diligently to finish up projects!

Quilt made by members using Stephanie’s fabric

Block of the Month, Meetings, Show & Tell

January 7, 2017 Meeting

suzyquilter

It was a cold but clear day for the first meeting of 2017. We had a very enthusiastic group with several new members in attendance. There were many creative versions of the Modern Pinwheel Block of the Month. And we had a lot of fun seeing all the favorite tools and gadgets for quilting that members shared.  We only had a few people with items for Show and Tell, but they were beautiful nonetheless.

Demonstrations, Meetings, Show & Tell

October 29,2016

suzyquilter

We had our meeting in the Buker Community Center in Augusta. There were stations for learning what can be done with a walking foot, led by Karen Bean and Sue Duval. We also had many of Stephanie’s treasures displayed. Jane did a fantastic job of putting together the wonky 9 patch blocks that members made from Stephanie’s fabrics. And as usual, members showed great creativity with the pieces that they had for “show and tell”.

 

Meetings, Members

Sept 10, 2016 Meeting

suzyquilter

The first meeting of the 2016-2017 year was held in Waterville, at Thomas College. Members participated in the business meeting portion of the Pine Tree Quilt Guild (our umbrella organization) and because it was a beautiful day, we continued our Modern Guild meeting by having lunch outside on the patio. After lunch, we saw a gorgeous trunk show by Anita Grossman Soloman.

We welcomed several new members to our group and discussed the upcoming events planned for the year. Members should watch for emails with the specific details of the activities for each month.

Demonstrations, Meetings, Show & Tell

June at Cotton Weeds Quilt Shop

phillipsvietnam2009

A huge thank you to Cotton Weeds Quilt Shop for hosting us in June!  We learned a curve technique using Karen Eckmeier’s Making Waves book.  Members also shared some of the great projects they have been working on, and several members brought their fidget quilts.  Fidget quilts are 18″ x 18″-ish and have “busy” items added to them – wooden rings, zippers, velcro, fabric fingers…these are then donated to organizations that serve patients with dementia and alzheimer’s disease.  Let the pictures commence!

 

Demonstrations, Meetings, Show & Tell

April 23,2016 meeting

suzyquilter

It was a lovely spring day to drive out to St. Giles in Jefferson for our meeting. Thanks to Hazel and her pastor of St. Giles for allowing us to gather at such a comfortable and creative place.

 

The block of the month was tea-leaf made modern and we had many inspiring versions of this traditional block.

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Jennifer and Sue A did an outstanding job of teaching us 2 techniques for sewing circles. We even had a chance to practice some free-motion quilting of circles. Circles, circles and more circles!

The quilts for show and tell were beautiful as always!

Meetings

Agenda for January 16, 2016

phillipsvietnam2009

Saturday, January 16
8:45 – Noon
Lewiston-Auburn College – University of Southern Maine
51 Westminster Street, Lewiston

Please drive around back and enter through that door.

Agenda:

Welcome!

News and Announcements

January Block:
Each month members have been creating a modern interpretation of a traditional block – and sometimes entire quilts or projects with that interpretation.  The block for January is Lone Star. (Earlier this year everyone put the name of a block on a slip of paper – from that list, we will draw a new block for February at the meeting.)

Nametag Activity:

Please bring a 5″ square with a design in the center of the block and a border around the design.  It is suggested that the border be a lighter color. No sewing supplies needed, but if you have a small cutting mat/ruler/rotary cutter, please bring that.  If you have a nametag you love, please bring it to share.*

Break

Fat Quarter Swap – bring a modern fabric fat quarter, take one home!*

Show and Tell*

*Please note that participation in all activities is optional. Snack policy is to bring your own snack, however; if you bring a snack to share it will be appreciated and consumed!

From Callie Lavoie at Maine Quilts – can you help?  

“I am looking for a Shipped Quilts volunteer. Task is to accept delivery of 20 -30 quilts (usually) in July, deliver to the Civic Center Wednesday morning of hanging day by 9 a.m. and pickup on Sunday night to mail back to the registrant. I need to find someone in the next 30 days for quilt registration purposes. Any ideas or names I can call? It is not a long task, just during July with a 10 day window to accept delivery. “

Really appreciate it!
Callie

Callie Lavoie, Maine Quilts Coordinator
Pine Tree Quilters Guild, Inc.
info@mainequilts.org
http://www.mainequilts.org
http://www.facebook.com/MaineQuilts
207.216.7358

The next issue of Piecing Together Maine Quilts is here about new happenings at Maine Quilts 2016!
Share with your chapters, please and I will add to our website, http://www.mainequilts.org.

Meetings, Show & Tell, Social Time

December 5, 2015

suzyquilter

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Maine Modern Quilters had a great holiday gathering! First off , was the passing of the presidential gavel from Betsy to Sharon. Thank you Betsy for your dedication to the formation of the group and service to Maine Modern Quilters! And good luck to Sharon in her new role as our fearless leader!

The morning was filled with silly little quilty games, a hot mat swap, yummy treats and as always, a beautiful show and tell. The members also made a generous donation to the Good Shepard Food Bank. Thanks to all who made this a memorable event!

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The gavel was passed from Betsy to Sharon.

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Ellie was a winner!

Meetings

December 5 Meeting

phillipsvietnam2009

Christmas Party
December 5; 8:45 am – Noon
University of Southern Maine,
51 Westminster Street, Lewiston

Drive around the building to park by the entrance at the back of the building. Once you enter, it is pretty easy to find the room! No need to bring sewing supplies for this meeting.  Here is the agenda:

  • Introductions
  • Kitty, dues due, maple leaf block of the month challenge and drawing for January block
  • Modern fabric quarter game – to participate, bring a modern fat quarter, return home with a different one!
  • January meeting date

Christmas Party!

  • There will be a game! If you would like to participate in the game, please bring two 6 1/2″ squares of holiday fabric .
  • Make and bring a 10″ hot mat wrapped if you would like to participate in a gift exchange
  • One of our members will demonstrate a short-cut binding technique
  • Per our usual policy, each person should bring their own snacks and beverages.  Please note that no one will be upset if you choose to bring snacks and beverages to share!
  • We are collecting items to donate to the food bank – if you would like to participate please bring a non-perishable food item or items such as kleenex, pampers, feminine items, soap, shampoo – your choice.
  • See below for details on the monthly challenge, the next snuggle in, and the November election results.

Lost & Found

  • If you found a pair of blue fleece gloves at the Alewives meeting last month, we found the owner. Please bring the gloves or connect with Diane at whinny74@fairpoint.net
Meetings, Show & Tell

November, 2015

suzyquilter

On Saturday, November 14, we gathered at Alewives Fabrics in Nobleboro. Thanks to Rhea for hosting our enthusiastic group! It was a busy meeting with the group holding elections for officers of the guild, a beautiful show and tell and a mini workshop was given to learn new improv block techniques. Minutes of the meeting are in the email sent to all active guild members.

Ohio Star, Block of the Month
Ohio Star, Block of the Month

Kathryn's picnic baskets
Kathryn’s picnic baskets

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Charity quilt by Betsy

Stephanie made this beautiful quilt and Betsy did an outstanding job of quilting for her
Stephanie made this beautiful quilt and Betsy did an outstanding job of quilting for her

another charity quilt by Betsy
another charity quilt by Betsy

A charity quilt by Hazel
A charity quilt by Hazel

A charity quilt by Sue
A charity quilt by Sue

A charity quilt made last spring by guild members
A charity quilt made last spring by guild members

Eleanor shows us her EPP
Eleanor shows us her EPP

Diane showed off her award winning quilt.
Diane showed off her award winning quilt.

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Marie had been busy. 3 beautiful quilts.
Marie had been busy. 3 beautiful quilts.

Denise showed her Supernova quilt.
Denise showed her Supernova quilt.

Denise is very organized!
Denise is very organized!

Jane likes to be organized as well.
Jane likes to be organized as well.

Sue's Lucy Boston blocks.
Sue’s Lucy Boston blocks.

Learning new techniques with Sue, Betsy and Sharon that they had learned from a workshop with Weeks Ringle.
Learning new techniques with Sue, Betsy and Sharon that they had learned from a workshop with Weeks Ringle.

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Meetings

Modern Quilt Meeting: Saturday, Jan. 4, USM L/A College, 51 Westminster St., Lewiston, ME 04240

MMQ Communication & Technology Chair

Welcome to the next Woo Hoo! meeting of Maine Modern Quilt Guild! What a GREAT group of Quilters!
Time: 9-12 Arrive a little early to sign in. You may bring in drinks and food.
Location: Room #108 (Drive ALL the way around the building to get to the nearest entrance to room 108.)
Wear a name tag if you have one, or we will give you a sticky one. Yeah for stickies!

The extended weather forecast is sunny for Saturday. However, the snow date, if the weather is BAD, is Friday, Jan. 10, same time, same place.
Remember, if the university is closed, we don’t meet.

Agenda:
Bring your modern projects for 2 reasons: 1) for display so we can vote by secret ballot what projects we would like to learn to do in the coming months, 2) Jane H.M. needs your projects for the Jan. 25th PTQG mtg. You will be hearing from Jane. Discussion as needed about the Jan. 25th PTQG meeting in Augusta. Contact: jhannmorey@roadrunner.com

Riley Blake Challenge S&T
(If you did not do the Riley Blake Challenge, please return the fabric so we can use it in a quilt to raffle. TY)
Who would like to be on a committee to organize making a raffle quilt with our RB fabric? Email me to sign up. bjtulip@aol.com

Logo: Who would like to volunteer to design a logo for us? It’s time! We need one? Email me! bjtulip@aol.com

Apron Runway – Wear or show an apron you made. (Any kind of apron) Give a notecard to Ann-Marie when you come in with info about your apron. She will read it to the group. ann-marie107@hotmail.com

Show and Tell: Limit your projects to 1-2. Cindy V., VP of Comm., will take pics and load them on our sites. Pls tell Cindy if you prefer no pics. cvisbara@bates.edu Our sites: http://www.mainemodernquilters.com and http://www.themodernquiltguild.com

Skill Builder: Hexies by hand and by machine – taught by Vicky Westleigh, Sec., and Ann-Marie Schechtman, VP of Events

FQ color is Valentiney red (for FQ exchange) Is Valentiney a word?

See you soon!