Friday, September 30, 2011

The Modern Quilt Guild Family

I've written before about how the MQG has changed my life.  With the move to Chicago, again the guild has played a role both in my leaving Kansas City and in arriving at my new home. The Modern Quilt Guild has definitely become the Modern Quilt Guild family. Check this out.



I finally unpacked this quilt and right now it has a home on my couch.  I'd love it to hang in the studio, but wall space is too tight.  The blocks are made by members of the KCMQG.  Each block reflects the personality of the individual who made it.  
All are signed and some have personal messages.

This quilt is a daily reminder of the friends and fun I had as a member of the KC group.
Check out Jaime's block.  She's my Bernina gal....sold me and lots of other members our machines.
Paula used a fabric that has special memories for both of us.
Andrea made this amazing block...
She's loved too and with her fetal demise project has spread that love to so many families.
I could go on and on and on.  Thanks to Shea and her mom Mary for getting it put together and Angela for doing the quilting. I'll treasure it always. I'm hoping I'll always be a member of that guild.

So, then I arrive here and join the Chicago guild and right away there are welcoming emails from Chicago members.  I hadn't been here three days and Beth, the Chicago president invited me to lunch.  She and Jen picked me up, took me out and welcomed me to the city and the group.  It was the first time I got out of the apartment and they gave me a welcome break along with some great advice and info on the city.  I can't wait for the first meeting!

My friend Kate, who I met through my blog, is also a CMQG member.  She has been my Chicago guide....from parking to a vet for Bruno and where to take my recycles.  I'm settling in so much faster because of her.  She's coming over today for a sewing day.   A sewing day...I'm so excited!

So, are you a MQG member? Do you have a guild near you? I'm so thrilled at the growth and development of the guild. It's hard work, but hard work definitely pays off. Did you know there's a new chapter in India? Amazing. The MQG is simply amazing! (and for my KC peeps...FABULOUS!)

46 comments:

Nancy said...

I'm a charter member of the St Louis MQG and love it. Would love to start doing some road trips and visiting other guilds...Chicago and Kansas City are so close to us...

Bobbi said...

I'm a member of the Austin Modern Quilt Guild... I'm so glad I made "brave" move to attend a meeting, even though I wasn't sure about my quilting skills or what "modern" quilting really was. Best decision ever! I've met some awesome people.

p.s. I was driving from Texas to Minnesota in August for vacation and on my way through Kansas, I saw signs for "Tallgrass Prairie" and thought of your blog. Beautiful country!

KellyS said...

I am probably one of the newest members of the St. Louis MQG. Love all the women I have met through it and can't wait to get to know more!

Unknown said...

Love the quilt!
I joined the Seattle MQG when I moved here this past summer. I love having quilty friends! It makes moving to a new area so much easier. :)

ecuakim said...

What an incredible gift!

Barb said...

what a fabulous gift quilt from friends! I love it

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

What a great quilt! Not sure we have a MQG over here but give us a few years and we might!!

Kathleen said...

What an awesome way to remember your guild friends! The quilt is beautiful. I love the dark grey with the orange! Thanks for the inspiration!

Irelle said...

We have a small MQG here in Santa Barbara, CA. Great group of ladies with fabulous creativity.

Lynne said...

I live in Illinois but belong to the St. Louis MQG. Never met a more talented, amazing, hilarious group of women. Looking forward to making more connections with Chicago & KC guilds, etc. Welcome!

Becky (My Fabric Obsession) said...

What an amazing going away present! I'm a member of the Philadelphia MQG and after summer of no meetings, I was so ready to get back together again in Sept! Love that these groups are all over the country!

Becky said...

What a beautiful quilt. I'm a member of the Ann Arbor Modern Quilt Guild. Have a great time in your new town!

Mary Anne said...

Yay for Kate and for sewing days! Have FUN!

Quilts on the Quad pics...coming soon!

Di~ said...

What an awesome experience! really and that quilt is just perfect! I bet KC really suffers without YOU!:)
and Chicago are so so lucky!

Elaine said...

I'm in the CMQG too! Welcome and I hope to meet you soon!

Kimberly Whispell said...

That is a gorgeous quilt!

Jackie Russell said...

I'm a member of the STLMQG. Maybe we can get our groups together for a meet up.

Mary P said...

Can't wait to meet you Jacquie!

Esch House Quilts said...

What a wonderful quilt! I know the KCMQG will miss you and the Chicago group will be lucky to have you.

I belong to the Ann Arbor MQG - so wonderful to be able to hang out with great modern quilters!

Rebecca Lynne said...

This makes me wish there was a Guild near me even more! Sigh, someday I hope...someday...

Holly said...

I'm a member of the Vancouver Modern Quilt Guild in Canada and I'm so glad to have met a new group of friends!

Poppyprint said...

Holly is being modest (myredbike) she STARTED our chapter in Vancouver! It's super fun! So glad to hear you're making new friends and getting familiar with your new city. Quilters really are the best.

Anna said...

That quilt is just wonderful. So special! I'm a member of the Melbourne MQG in Australia and love it.

jan said...

I am a founding member of the Las Vegas MQG and looking forward to joining the KCMQG when I retire to Overland Park in May. I am sorry that you won't be a 'regular' at the KC meetings. I have been inspired by your blog for a long time!

Jennifer Mathis of Ellison Lane said...

Wow, that is an amazing quilt and such a beautiful, awesome, special gift.

I love the new look of your blog- I am new here and so happy to have discovered you.

I founded the Charlotte MQG and we had our 4th meeting last night. It's going really well so far and I love the enthusiasm. I would love to show them a picture of your quilt to get them inspired to really see what a guild can come together to create.

Congrats on the book- you and Katie are amazingly talented and I can't wait to see all the creativity in there.

What Comes Next? said...

I'm a member of the Vancouver MQG, and it is such a wonderful group of people. What a fabulous present from your old guild ans what a wonderful welcome from your new one!
(I am so glad that Krista (Poppyprint) sorted that out! Holly started our Vancouver MQG, took a wee break to have a baby, and is our president for the coming year!)

FlourishingPalms said...

Thanks to getting to visit your KCMQG last year, we've been able to get a chapter of MQG launched in Des Moines, and it looks like we'll thrive. More and more people attend each month, and we have a KCMQG member coming to speak to us in October! Thanks for your efforts in sharing the quilt-y love, and all the best in making Chicago your new home.

Jody Sanders said...

Wow, that's a wonderful quilt. What a terrific sweet way to enjoy your memories!

Kristy said...

I started the STLMQG (St. Louis) group last year in the hopes of meeting some fellow Quilters; but never did I imagine that I would have made such wonderful friends.

I know that my life certainly wouldn't be the same without the MQG. Good Luck in Chicago!!

Vicki said...

:)
I am quilt guild homeless at the moment but am going to look into going to something here next week.

Dolores said...

I have been jealous of all you MQG members in the US. Through this post and Google I have just found out that someone is starting a Sydney MQG and I am overjoyed!!

dxx

KateKwiltz said...

And how fun was that? Thanks for a great afternoon!

Arita said...

What a gorgeous quilt. My Vancouver MQG is wonderful and look forward to the meetings every month.

Fiodhna said...

Oh that is so wonderful! I am so happy that you are settling in so quickly. I understand how you feel as the Houston MQG has been exactly that special to me.

As a note to everyone joining the throngs attending the Nov 2011 International Quilt Festival, we are having TWO meet-ups for all of those in town and would love love love to meet any other modern quilters if you are available.

Market MQG Meetup:
Saturday October 29th
The Hilton Lobby Bar
8:00 PM

Festival MQG Meetup:
Saturday November 5th
The Hyatt Lobby Bar
8:00 PM

Alison Marie said...

I sure second that...I just moved to Northern California from Los Angeles and the first social thing I did was go to the Modern Quilt Guild meetings out here...nevermind that the move was a result of a new job opportunity I never would have had without the Los Angeles MGQ.....it's good to find the quilting life all over!

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

That quilt is breathtaking!

We have a Modern Guild in New Orleans but that is an hour away. Baton Rouge is still stuffy and traditional! LOL.

glen in Louisiana

Emily said...

How wonderful to receive such a beautiful and thoughtful gift from your Kansas City group. I am so glad that you are receiving a warm welcome form the CMQG members. I am a member and look forward to meeting you at the next meeting.
Emily

Suzanne said...

Aw! It's a giant hug in YOUR colors!

LSS said...

We're so happy to have you in Chicago! I'm glad you are settled on enough to be sewing again. See you soon!
Beth

Erika Mulvenna said...

Can't wait to meet you at the CMQG and welcome to sweet home Chicago!

Jen B said...

I moved less than 2 months ago to just west of Charlotte, NC. So excited that there is a MQG within an hour's drive of my house! Went to my first meeting this week and I'll definitely be back!

Carla said...

I"m so glad that you are settling into the Chicago area so well, Jacquie. We missed you yesterday, though. It was a perfect day and the show went off without a hitch, as far as I know. I'm posting pictures tomorrow...imagine your quilts hanging there invisibly!

MightyMom said...

that's fabulous!

you know I've never joined a group or guild.

I just don't have time for even one more thing in my life right now....but someday the tide will change and it will be time

Thimbleanna said...

Wow -- that quilt is amazing! What a wonderful treasure full of memories for you!

Valerie said...

How exciting! I love the quilt they made for you and I know it will always be special to you. I am a member of the Triaqngle Modern Quilt Guild in NC and it is such a wonderful source of inspiration. I grew up in Chicago and am so thrilled you are settling in well and finding good contacts. Moving and starting anew can be hard and it sounds like you are making some wonderful connections through the world of quilting!

Brigitte said...

This quilt touches my heart even if I know nobody who made it in person. But if anyone would give such a gift to me, I really would feel loved.You deserve it and BTW did I mention how much your sitting place at the window is pleasing to me? All the best for your start in Chicago.