Project Linus updates: Eileen K. reported that they are still in need of a volunteer to step up as chapter coordinator, and they are also still looking for free storage space for blankets. The highest demand is for tied fleece blankets (instructions for how to make them are on their website).
Ghost Party Swap: Casey announced that the guild will be hosting a swap of Halloween fabric squares so that participants can make the Ghost Party quilt pattern by Woolly Petals. Each participant will need to purchase a copy of the pattern. Check your email for more swap details.
Hand Sewing Meetups: Join us in May and June for some casual gatherings with guild members to chat and sew together. We will be meeting at Barriques on Cayuga Street in Middleton on May 17, and Arnold Larson Park in McFarland on June 20.
Accuquilt Go: A guild member has donated their Accuquilt Go for anyone in the guild to use. Contact Dustin to check it out.
Guild business & dues increase: Dustin shared an overview of our guild finances. We are in good shape, but expenses have been increasing because of our Zoom license, speakers fees, website hosting costs, room rental, and a liability insurance policy. Our dues not only allow us to access resources from the national Modern Quilt Guild, they also allow us to pay for excellent speakers and in-person experiences for guild members. The Great Escape retreat raised $3,652 for the guild, which will help cover the increasing expenses for 2023. The dues will be slightly increased for 2024 membership.
Great Escape Retreat: It was a great success! Thank you to Marian, Casey, Tracey, and Dustin for planning. The guild will offer the retreat again next year, but will need more volunteers to make it happen.
New officers needed later this year: The current board of officers will complete their term in a few months. Please take a look at the guild bylaws to review officer role descriptions and consider running for an officer role!
Guest speaker: Our guest speaker was Stephanie of Hillside Stitches! Stephanie wowed us with her collection of scrappy quilts and her prolific quilting speed. Stephanie is also a pattern designer. She also shared tips for organizing scraps, and spoke about how she shops for fabric to fit into her scrappy system.