January 2026 Minutes

Guest Speaker: Irene Roderick

Website: https://www.ireneroderick.com/
Instagram: @hixsonir
Irene presented a wonderful virtual trunk show, discussing her beginnings in art and transition to quilting which led her to develop her signature “dancing with the wall” methods. Irene showed us numerous photos of the quilts she has made, many of which can be divided into different series.
Be sure to check out Irene’s website for a gallery if you missed the meeting. She also has two books available about improv quilting and her process.

Current Guild Happenings

Registration is now open for the 2026 Great Escape. Act fast – spots are limited! Dates: 4/10-4/12. Register here: https://www.madmodquiltguild.com/product-category/retreats/
Upcoming PAUSE sewing days on Zoom: January 18th & February 7th, 10am-2pm both days.
See the guild calendar for the links: https://www.madmodquiltguild.com/calendar/

Block Swap – Chevrons

This block is made with 4×4.5in Half Square Triangles and is 8.5in square unfinished.
If you prefer to make flying geese, that is acceptable. Just make sure the block is 8.5in square.
The chevron will be any bright/colored fabric (solids, prints or low volumes.)

The background fabric should be any dark fabric that provides good contrast.
Instructions for this block can be found here using this Missouri Star Quilt Company video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvlKs7sEAl0

Blocks are due at the March 2026 meeting!

Sewing Room Declutter Challenge

Hosted by Karen Brown of Just Get It Done Quilts
You can register on her website for daily emails https://www.justgetitdonequilts.com/
Started January 1st.
We are hosting a Facebook Group for everyone who wants to follow along and try to declutter their sewing space. https://www.facebook.com/groups/695144906739529

WIPS Be Done Challenge

Let’s help each other be accountable for finishing what we’ve started.

  • A WIP is defined as an object that you have ALREADY STARTED but not finished. It can be in any state (from fabric cut, to it just needs sleeve and label).
  • Any project that involves a sewing machine or hand sewing can be entered (entries don’t have to be a quilt as long as they are fabric focused. For example: runner, bag, quilted jacket, or quilted shoes).
  • Done is defined by you. If you “quilt by check” then “done” to you might be getting the quilt top completed; if it’s an item to wear “done” could mean that it is wearable; or done might mean you want it bound and labeled….you decide what done is.
  • Duration February 2026 – November 2026; participate each month, join midway (new members), or join only for the few months that fit into your schedule.
  • At the monthly Guild meeting everyone who has posted/emailed their completed WIP is eligible to win a $10 gift certificate to Blue Bar Quilts.
  • By the end of the year, you’ll have up to 10 finished projects!
  • Download the WIP Challenge Tracker https://www.madmodquiltguild.com/activities/wip-
    challenge-tracker/
  • Fill in up to 10 projects you want to finish in 2026.
  • Turn in your WIP Challenge Tracker by February 1st (to participate in all 10 months).
    Tip: Post to Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/664399906627450, print out and share @ January Guild Meeting, or email madmodquiltguild@gmail.com
  • On the first of each month, we’ll randomly draw a number and share it with the WIP Challenge participants. Throughout the month, work on the project that corresponds with that number on your WIP Challenge Tracker.
  • Post/email your completed WIPs for the previous month by the 2nd Wednesday each month.
  • Optional:

Current Outreach

Badger Prairie Needs Network
Members brought non-perishable food items to the January meeting. You can still contribute food items until the end of January, just bring them to Blue Bar Quilts and ask a staff member to place them in the wagon for Vicky.
Ryan’s Case for Smiles
Extra fabric sitting around that kids/tweens/teens would like? Consider making a pillowcase or two to donate. Use ¾ yard for the pillow body and ⅓ yard for the band. Completed pillowcases can be brought to a meeting or given to Vicky.

Next Meeting:

February 12th – Field trip to UW Quilt Exhibits for a guided tour- watch your email for further details. We will meet at the exhibit (Nancy Nicholas Hall). No meeting at Blue Bar Quilts in February!

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