Newsletter

Did you miss the newsletter or accidentally delete it? Below are the two most recent newsletters sent out to members.

June 18, 2026

Hello, quilters!

Our June meeting will be held this Saturday, June 20, at Meissner's Sacramento. Come at 10 a.m. to help set up for the meeting, which begins at 10:30 a.m.

Featured speaker: Amy Friend

The program this month features Amy Friend, speaking to us via Zoom on "Improv Paper Piecing." This will be a trunk show based on the design approach presented in Amy's second book, "Improv Paper Piecing: A Modern Approach to Quilt Design." Read more about Amy and her quilting style here: https://duringquiettime.com/

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Bylaws amendments

We have an important vote to take during the upcoming meeting. The Modern Quilt Guild requires that all guilds in the U.S. include some very specific language in their bylaws concerning IRS regulations governing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The MQG has identified three sections of required language that all U.S.-based guilds must include in their bylaws to remain in compliance with these requirements. We cannot change the wording; this will be an up or down vote.

In addition to the three MQG-required revisions, the Board is proposing one additional amendment to our bylaws. This change would adjust the timeline for recruiting and electing Board members, allowing more time to identify candidates, fill open positions, and provide training and transition support for incoming Board members.

The text of the amendments is attached to this newsletter. Please read them before Saturday's meeting. If you know you will NOT be able to attend Saturday's meeting and still wish to vote, you may email president@sacmqg.com with your Yes or No votes on each of the four amendments by 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Thank you!

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Block Lotto Alert! The tulip blocks will be collected and the winner drawn in July, a month later than originally planned. You still have time to make one or several. The instructions are on the website here.

In the meantime, Sue and Christine have released the year's 3rd Block Lotto block, which will be officially unveiled in July, but the quick workers among us can get started now. Those instructions also are on the website. 

FYI, the Community Outreach blocks are not due to Julia until July, but if you have some done, you are welcome to turn them in at this month's meeting. Those instructions are here.

Also note: The Orphan Blocks Challenge is ongoing and due at the July meeting as well. Hope everyone is having fun working their magic on those poor abandoned blocks!

This month's secret word is watermelon. Say it at the check-in desk Saturday and receive a ticket for the month's prize drawing.

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Events! Events!

Virginia reports that we have a few spaces left for these events:

--- Artful Improv Workshop with Cindy Grisdela:  Saturday, Aug. 2, via Zoom.  Details & registration available at:  https://forms.gle/WX7efE5Hts2aFXGK9

-- Fall Retreat in Chico:  Oct. 22-25.  Details & registration available at:  https://forms.gle/Bm8iPSJvJQ2ejBD79

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Move fast for this ASG workshop

We received word a few days ago from local American Sewing Guild members that their Sandra Bruce "Material Matrix" workshop, scheduled for July 20-21, still has space available. BUT the deadline to sign up is Thursday, June 18 (today!). 

Cost is $160 for non-ASG members.

All participants will work on the project, “Wake Up Cup." Registered participants will receive a supply list and photo of the project.

Sandra Bruce website: sandrabruce.com

Register and find more info here

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Library, Free Table and Show and Tell -- at this meeting, of course! Bring your latest finishes to share.

See you Saturday!

May 13, 2026

Hello, quilters!

We'll be back at Meissner's Sacramento this Saturday, May 16, starting at 10:30 a.m. The store opens at 10, when we set up and socialize.

We are doing a quick pivot on the meeting program! The scheduled EPP presentation with member Christine Westbrook has to be postponed due to unexpected personal reasons. We will have her program at a later date.

Meanwhile, we ask: Is there a Quilt Doctor in the house? Can guild members help out their fellow quilters and "prescribe" a solution or two?

How Quilt Doctor works: Members, you bring in a quilty project that has hit a snag or presents a problem.

Examples: Piecing that has gone wrong; a pattern that leaves you confused at a key point; a bundle that refuses to coordinate; an in-progress quilted bag that has gone wonky; a binding choice dilemma; a fabric stain or tear; or even a delicate reconstruction project on a vintage quilt.

Now, we're not saying that EVERYone has a project nagging at them like this, BUT if you do, bring it in and let's discuss a solution! Rx by a knowledgeable committee!

Also on Saturday:

The Challenge 2 Kick-off is at this meeting, so dig out those orphan blocks now! Challenge creations will be due at the July 18 meeting. Here's how coordinator Debra Thompsen explains it:

We all have those extra miscellaneous (orphan) blocks hanging around in our sewing space - right?!! Are you ready to let go?  The goal of Challenge 2 is to use orphan blocks you receive as a Trade, and Transform them into a new creation.

Here is the plan:

Step 1  Gather 2 or more orphan blocks (or even a small unfinished quilt top). (*Contemporary fabrics and colors are appreciated)

Step 2  Bag them up - Write your name on the bag and bring it to the May meeting.  (Put it in a paper bag , or obscure the contents in a plastic ziplock - so it’s a surprise!) 

Step 3  Place your bag in the Challenge 2 Orphan Box when you check in for the May meeting.

Step 4  When announced, line up and grab a bag that is not yours! 

Guidelines:

•Inspiration Source: The Orphan Blocks you receive!  

•Color and Fabrics:  The colors are up to you!  You may add any fabrics you choose to make your creation.  

Method: The goal is to transform the blocks.  You can cut them up; add fabrics; change the shape, use as an accent, etc.!  Just don’t use the Orphan Blocks in their original form! 

•Modern Design Element: Incorporate “Negative Space”

•Size: You decide what to create (a block, a mini, a quilt, a tote/bag, a pillow cover, etc.)

•Completion Stage: Finished is Great, but a Flimsy is Great too!  

Optional - take a photo of the Before (orphan blocks) and After (your creation) - send to social@sacmqg.com

•Due:  At the July 18, 2026, SacMQG meeting - Share what you made!

Shhh! This month's secret word is: rosemary. Give it at the check-in table and get a ticket for a prize drawing.

Community/charity quilts

At the meeting, Julia Smith will collect the animal blocks for the latest community/charity quilts. These kid-friendly blocks are super fun to put together! See the pattern here.

Speaking of Community Outreach ...

The MQG this month released the palettes and design parameters for the Community Outreach Challenge, for quilts to be displayed at QuiltCon 2027. The theme this year is Half Square Triangles (HSTs). There are two possible palettes: a muted one and a bold one. Are you feeling inspired? SacMQG will be looking for (preferably) two members to chair this challenge, to coordinate design and construction. Submissions open Sept. 1, so this committee must move quickly. Details are here: https://www.quiltcon.com/quilt-show-landing/challenges/community-outreach-challenge

And the usual

The Library and the Free Table will be open for business. We'll have Show and Tell, of course! Also likely: a quick recap of the Tahoe retreat, plus reminders of other upcoming events.

See you Saturday!