Birmingham Fiber Artists Enjoy SAQA's Trunk F

The Birmingham Fiber Artists met on Nov. 17 and enjoyed visiting with SAQA's Trunk F and other fiber art. It was interesting to hear what each person had to say about the artwork.

Southern Fiber Artists Meeting

Minutes of the Southern Fiber Artists Meeting of August 6, 2016
Notes:   Next Meeting – November 12, 2016, 10:30 A.M., Electric Power Association Building
Next Challenge – Flower – Red
Group Challenge – Sunflower quiltlets
Rita Warnock called our meeting to order and welcomed our newcomers.  It was noted that since we do not have dues or a formal membership roster, we told our first-timers that they were now considered part of the Southern Fiber Artists.
Next, we presented our 8” x 11” challenge quilts, based on the color of royal blue and the subject of light bulb in the portrait orientation.  Those participating were Jackie Watkins, Nancy Losure, Susan Mano, Sue Rountree, Peggy Weir, Julia Graber and Kathy Reininger.
Julia Graber gave an update on SAQA events.  Julia will have a trunk show of 7” x 10” portrait orientation quilts from SAQA, and will have that available for our viewing pleasure at our next meeting on November 12.  She also has brochures and applications for joining SAQA if anyone is interested.  Julia mentioned that there is a call for entry by SAQA on the subject of layered voices and also on H2O.  You must be a member of SAQA to enter these shows.  Your quilts will travel for several years and will be in front of many audiences.  You have the option of having your quilts for sale.  Julia is arranging for some of our challenge quilts to be exhibited for three months in a gallery located in Little Rock, Arkansas.  She will decide on which quilts she believes will best represent the Southern Fiber Artists.
Marcus Wheatley told us of other calls for entry, one for the Pine Belt quilt show, deadline being August 15.  See their site for application, rules, fees, etc.  The other was for Pathfinders: New Territories by South Utah University, Cedar City, UT for an exhibit next year.  Look on line for the entry information at HTTPS://WWW.SUU.EDU/PVA/SUMA/EXHIBITS/PATHFINDERS.HTML  One may enter after November 1.  Another was for the Quilt National at the Dairy Barn Arts Center, Athens, Ohio.  September 1 is the deadline.  This is the site for that: http://dairybarn.org/exhibits/call-for-entries/
Julia Graber and Cathy Reininger discussed the Sacred threads call for entries coming up.
Rita Warnock reminded us that the Old Man River Quilt Fest will be held August 16 through 20.  Cathy said there will be 228 quilts displayed and many classes available.
Cathy Reininger is in charge of group projects, and she presented an interesting challenge for our group to participate in resulting in a finished 10” sunflower quilt.  The way the challenge will work is this.  We were given a picture and a pattern (attached is a copy).  We will each make four 5” faced or pillow case finished (no binding) sunflower quilt tiles.  As indicated by the pattern, each 5” quilt tile is one quarter of the quilt.  In other words, each of the four quilt tiles we make will comprise a 10” quilt if whip-stitched together.  However, each maker will keep one of the 5” quilt tiles that he/she makes, and then trade the other three for three different quilt tiles.  The idea will be to whip stitch the four different quilt tiles together to make an interesting whole sunflower art quilt finishing at 10”.  Notice that the background is comprised of leaves.  The petals of the sunflowers are meant to be guidelines, not a pattern. Do consider, though, that the diameter of the sunflower should remain true so all the quilt tiles when whip stitched together will make a beautiful piece of fabric art.  For tutorials on facings see Kathy Loomis’ tutorial
http://artwithaneedle.blogspot.com/2011/03/perfect-faced-quilts-tutorial.html
or Susan Brubaker Knapp’s tutorials
http://www.bluemoonriver.com/tutorials.html
Another project about which Cathy led the discussion was for a group barn quilt.  The idea is to have a finished 30” x 22” quilt, but this quilt will be comprised of four quiltlets made by four people each having made a 7-½” x 22” slice.  We voted on the top two barn pictures out of five choices that we would like to make in this project.  We will discuss more details at our next meeting.  Participating members will reimburse Cathy for the cost of patterns and copies.
Rita Warnock led us in our hands-on program to make an on-the-spot, spontaneous art quilt.  Rita has been working on a particular quilt kit that came with cutouts containing fusible on the back.  After Rita punched out the pieces that she needed, she was left with hundreds of stencil-like pieces of leftovers ready for recycling.  These leftovers became our palette.  Everyone left with a spectacular 12” x 12” creation.
Our next meeting will feature Debbie Stringer who will lead us in making strip pieced art.  These finished items can be utilized as mug insulators, cuffs, bookmarks or for whatever we can imagine.  Debbie will provide a materials list, but one can be thinking about assembling small strips of denim for a foundation, scrappy strips of fabric, buttons for closing, and embellishing items (beads, ricrac, trims).  Your sewing machine will be required.  It’s possible that you will be able to finish more than one of these.
Featured Artists
Peggy Weir showed us her pink flower which she had begun in a class
Myra Cook had challenged another guild to find something in their stash and complete it.  Myra completed her topper from leftover New York beauty blocks.  Some people tell her it looks like a stained glass window.
Sue Rountree had her quilt shop artwork.
Cathy Reininger has a new quilting studio complete with a longarm.  Her cats are the new owners of a beautifully quilted whole cloth masterpiece.
Julia Graber is getting ready for Sacred threads with her Weeping for Home quilt.  This quilt is faced and features double batting.
Rita Warnock is a member of the Craftsmen’s Guild, and as such is often asked to make quilts for the public.  This lady’s niece had passed away, and this lady had a “stash” of four wash baskets full of the niece’s meaningful clothing and such.  This loving aunt commissioned a quilt for her great nephew using the fabric to be cut from that stash.  Rita rose to the occasion making a beautiful cross quilt containing 5” squares, many, many of them pieced.
We then adjourned.

July 21, 2016 Minutes of the Central Alabama Art Quilters

Thursday July 28, 2016
Minutes of the Central Alabama Art Quilters
Julia Graber greeted the attendees and gave an update on the upcoming opportunities for SAQA members, and opportunities for all quilters in the coming months. Julia explained the difference in the 12” X 12” quilts that benefit SAQA, the educational and other opportunities of the organization.  She passed out brochures for membership for those that were interested.  Julia explained not all members needed to join, but there were a lot of resources to learn and participate within the organization. http://www.saqa.com
Julia explained the difference in our trunk show pieces of fifty (50) quilts sized 7”X 10” and the journey, as they will travel for three (3) years. The finished quilts “Royal Blue and Light Bulb” were shown at the meeting. We certainly have some innovative quilters! The MS., Pod meeting in Ridgeland has chosen an 8”X 10” size to be placed on black fiber board, with the name of the quilt, the date, and the challenge name on the back.  The “Royal Blue and Light Bulb” should have the following typed information for Julia to put on the fiber board backing from the Alabama Pod to complete the framing process. Please type them out and bring them to her at our next meeting.
For SAQA members only in our region, (AL/AR/LA/MS), you may participate in this regional only show. The show will be held in Little Rock, AR.  The theme is “Treasures Within and With Out”.  The deadline is August first (1) 2016.  You may have a completed a quilt that fits the criteria. See the SAQA website under regional shows. This call for this entry and other invitations can be found on the calendar website.
http://www.saqa.com/calendar-detail.php?ID=5077

Loretta stepped in as facilitator for the groups meetings. She agreed to take up the challenge of our little group. Anyone open to programs should call her. We do need to have a program chair.  Anyone knowing a fiber artist to do a work shop or showing in the area would we would be delighted to encourage them and to keep the group informed.
All agreed to bring water or light munchies.  Maybe we should have a hostess to coordinate? Please volunteer for these openings at our next meeting the third Thursday of September.
Many of us traveling enjoyed having lunch with Julia and will be meeting at the Diplomat Deli again before our next meeting in September at eleven-fifteen (11:15am) for lunch and getting to know our membership. It is a great time to get to know each other.
We discussed a name for the group and will continue the search for a guild name at the next meeting.  Please be at out next meeting in two months to contribute to the name of this pod. The perimeters were to name the area (Central Alabama), and include “art” quilting without excluding all forms of quilt art expressionism. Some of the suggestions’ are as follows and we all look forward to any other options at our next meeting.  We do plan to choose to name our pod in September.
• Central Alabama Fiber Art Quilt Guild
• Fabric Collage Artists
• Fabric Art Collage

Show and Tell:
The “Royal Blue and Light Bulb” challenge was shown by all. What exciting diversity! We continued with other “show and tell” pieces. The creativity continued with diverse elements shown; all were encouraged for their artistic ability.
 The Program was given by Loretta, explaining the “Treasures of Thrift Store Finds”. Her mermaid was a wonderful example of what one can find from your local thrift shop.
Pictures were taken and will be posted by Julia soon.
Our next meeting will on: The third Thursday of September (9/15/16) at 1:00 pm at the Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, 2901 Columbiana Road, Vestavia Hills, Al. 35216.  The church phone: 205-822-5980.
Meeting Minutes submitted by Anita Haddad ah1haddad@earthlink.net      

AL Pod Show and Tell

At our recent meeting in Birmingham, AL we enjoyed a lot of inspiration from these artists.

Here are just a few.

Vasha Rosenblum with her over achiever lady.

Margaret and her Mona Lisa Margaret.

Dottie West with her landscape of Ireland.

Murry Johnston collaborated with a weaver to make this sweater.

These pieces will be made into wearable art as well.

Four depictions of mobile homes by Laura Strouse.

Laura also made this mermaid from recycled fabric.

Linda Kocisek made this quilt with fibonacci in mind.

New Fiber Artist Meeting in Alabama

May 13, 2016

Fifteen (15) Art Quilters in Alabama met on May 12, 2016, at Jill Dailey’s home in Moody; for the purpose to start an Art Quilt Group in Alabama.  Attending the meeting was Marjorie Post, a SAQA member, from Portland, OR.  Marjorie displayed her lovely landscapes to the group.

Julia Graber, SAQA Representative AL/AR/MS/LA, presented to the guests the advantages of Studio Art Quilt Associates and it’s encouragement  for a state wide art quilt group. Many attendees signed up for SAQA membership.

Each guest introduced themselves and presented a sample of their passion in their art quilt medium.

Julia concluded with her quilt experience and showed the Mississippi Pod 8” by 11” finished quilts; sheathed in clear plastic envelopes and mounted on black board.  On the back of the blackboard, the artist‘s name and interpretation of the theme.  Julia shared the theme of the Mississippi pod challenge if the Alabama members choose to “catch up”.
                                                       Green and Sorrow
                                                       Blue and Bird
                                                       Yellow and Catastrophe
                                                       Royal Blue and Light Bulb

The persons attending the meeting unanimously agreed to meet on the third Thursday every two (2) months. The attendees living in the Birmingham area were commissioned to research an appropriate “free” meeting place that could eventually accommodate 40-50 people, with kitchen facilities, and room for workshops. All members would share expenses if there is a rental fee. Consideration for “easy accessibility” from major highways was requested by out of town members to accommodate quilters from southern and northern Alabama.

The following people volunteered to support the group at this meeting:             Julia Graber, SAQA Liaison; Molly Washburn, Email List; Loretta Strouss, Facilities Manager; and Anita Haddad, Communications.

We will need someone to volunteer for President, Group Art Project Facilitator, and Exhibit Chairperson.

Please come prepared to help birth this group at out next meeting, the third Thursday on July 21, 2016 at 1 pm.

MS Pod - Southern Fiber Artists

Rita Warnock, our President, called our meeting to order and welcomed everyone. Volunteers accepted as leaders this year are as follows: Marilyn Dedeaux, Exhibit Chairperson; Cathy Reiniger, Group Art Project Facilitator; Julia Graber, SAQA Liaison; and Jackie Watkins, Secretary.

Rita led a discussion on a name for our group and the final consensus was Southern Fiber Artists. After a discussion of future meeting places, the artists decided that a central site seemed best since members are coming from Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Meetings will continue to be at the Electric Power Association in Ridgeland, MS when the space is available. You will be notified of a change. Other options will be Crafts Center or members homes.

Marcus Weekley reminded us of the call for entries about strong women and the things they have accomplished since obtaining the right to vote in the U.S. In 1920. Contact Marcus for more info.

Cathy announced that this years group project, Mississippi Ag Museum in Bloom, will be entered in the Old Man River Quiltfest and Pine Belt Quilt Shows in August and October.

Eight challenge quilts on the Yellow/Catastrophe theme were shown by seven members.

Our next challenge is Light bulb/Royal Blue. Create an 8 by 11 piece for our next meeting. 

Julia will take our challenge quilts on the road to the June and October meetings of MQA and to the Alabama SAQA pod meeting to show what Southern Fiber Artists are creating.

Julia announced a SAQA Call for Entries for a 12 x 12 donation quilt, a 10 x 7 for a trunk show that will travel, and a call Treasures Within and Treasures Without from SAQA AL/AR/LA/MS members for a show in Little Rock. See website for details.

Nancy Losure was our guest speaker on "Compounding Interest." She talked to us about adding interest to our quilts. How do we make quilts more interesting? Is interesting the same as beautiful? How do you increase interest in design? Think color, texture, movement, symmetry, flow, intricacy. Know when to stop! What makes a quilt worth a second look? Perhaps it is the makers hand, what the quilt does or does not do. Many examples were shown of quilts that had added interest. Southern Fiber Artists were good critics.

At Show and Tell, Cathy presented a wedding ring quilt of blue background with yellow and orange rings. It goes to her daughter. 

Martha Ginn showed her Challenge quilt from a selfish round Robbin where each participant made an 18x 24 center block and added borders. Shape Challenges called for redesign of each step. Quilt won Viewers Choice and 2nd place, after a tie-breaker, in a quilt show. She also showed a quilt made from Rhonda's surface design painting class, 

plus her Altered Book Project, where she made the cover and others supplied unique pages.

Sue Roundtree showed her Lily Quilt made in Julia's class.

Susan Manno shared her beads and cats, paper mache, challenge made in wool. She had a two color challenge of blue, orange and black, not a color. This was a backyard quilt with, of course, cats.

Marcus showed several quilts he will have for sale at a quilt show at the end of July in Gulfport to raise money for his anticipated move to New York, where he will be a successful screen writer and director. We will miss him here.

Debbie show us her loom and weaving project.

Our next meeting is August 6, 10:30 am at Electric Power Assn. building, 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS.

2016 Benefit Auction

2016 Benefit Auction

          

Now accepting 12"x12" Quilts for the 2016 Benefit Auction! 

Send your artwork by our April 1st Early Bird Deadline (or bring it to the Conference) so we can include it in our promotional materials. Our final receive-by deadline is June 1st. Bidding for the Benefit Auction will start on September 16th. How the Benefit Auction Works »

Questions? Please email auction@saqa.com.