Monday, November 3, 2025

Minutes from October 2025 meeting and 2026 calendar

 Meeting was held at the Albany County Fairgrounds Extension office meeting room Saturday October 18.

We welcomed Cathy Wissner to our meeting.  She saw our show in August and found us that way.

We discussed the calendar for 2026.  The theme for 2026 is “Fun in the Making”.  Since we spent so much time getting ready for the show in 2025, it’s time for fun!  After much discussion we came up with a calendar with lots of different demos and playing.

Cathy is a representative for SW WY at the WY state quilt guild.  The state retreat is July 8-12.  She also noted that LCCC in Laramie is also a place to be able to hold classes.

We did discuss having a nationally known teacher for the upcoming year.  If anyone knows of a teacher that might work well, let us know.  Although it is getting late to be able to secure a spot in someone’s calendar.  Another option mentioned by Cathy is that Cynthia England is going to be at the WY state guild retreat.  She might be an option to hire to teach a class since she will already be in WY.

We will be having challenges again in 2026!  We are now calling them experiments, because they should be fun not “challenging”.  Barbara and Joan will be in charge of coming up with ideas for the experiments.  The first one will be given at the January meeting.

NOTE:  Since the meeting, Ashley has had something come up where she won’t be here in July for Dye Days.  So we have decided to switch it to June.   Dye days will be June 19-20th.

Barbara said she went to the Avenir Museum in Fort Collins and they currently have a great exhibit of Christmas stockings.  They were very creative and were lovely.

Cathy mentioned that a good resource for felting and natural dyeing would be Izzy Anderson from Glenrock.  We will be trying to connect with her to get more info.

It was also mentioned as a reminder that the dues for 2026 LAQ will be $25 and due in January.


Saturday, June 21, 2025

Minutes and more....

 

LAQ Meeting Minutes

Date: June 21, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM
Location:UW Sculpture Studio

Attendees:
Judy, Christy, Ashleyhope, Sarah, Page, Rhonda, Carmen, Barbara, Rocio, Lynn, Roberta, Sue, Jodie, Michaella, Sharon


Dye Days – July 17–19

Location & Sign-Up:

  • Members: $5/day.      Non-members: $10/day

  • A sign-up sheet was circulated.

Schedule:

  • Thursday: Prep (mix dyes, soda ash, etc.)

  • Friday & Saturday: Dyeing activities

  • Saturday (3 PM): Cleanup

Demonstrations:

  • Dolly and Michaella will demo printing techniques.

  • Folding and mandala techniques will also be demonstrated.

  • Group may place an order for ice dyeing supplies or colors they are interested in.  We are ordering more yellows as we are low in that color. 

Supplies:

  • A supply list will be emailed to all participants for dye days.


Uncommon Threads Exhibition

Update from Barbara:

  • Posters are printed and available.

  • Andrea and Barbara will compile artist labels and statements.

Artist Statement Guidelines:

  • Limit statements to 100 words.

  • A small booklet will accompany the show with these details.

Submission Deadline:

  • All materials (labels, artwork, statements) due August 2, 2025.

Pricing Guidelines:

  • Suggested: $1 per square inch

  • LAQ will retain a 20% commission on all sales.

Artwork Requirements:

  • Each piece must be signed and include a label.

Next Meeting:

  • August 2nd at the West Laramie Fire Station.












Friday, May 16, 2025

Finishing techniques May 2025

 Here's some references for finishing:

Pdf of a hanging sleeve technique that many art quilters use

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q9Bnn7CGDmuwsBGH_QkMyLaGMrqd30kS/view?usp=sharing


Pdf of how I (Mary) hang my quilts:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oQJPZP55oJ3tRtK-1QWJuU1tLW9tL-Km/view?usp=sharing


How to do a whole cloth facing:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QrQwWacllzJqFTCs9Z_RdldwozZKH8Y2/view?usp=sharing


How to gallery wrap art quilts:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VNezXsQPf8McLo7iGh0cMhlFW6Vdx-mX/view?usp=sharing


How to add facings to a quilt:

https://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/2012/09/tutorial-super-duper-easy-way-to-face.html


Another tutorial on how to add a sleeve to a quilt:

https://thesillyboodilly.blogspot.com/2016/05/inconsistent-suggestions-for-making.html

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

April 2025 retreat

 Here’s some photos of the retreat held in Fort Collins at Joan’s house.  A HUGE thank you to Joan for her wonderful hospitality.  It was a nice, relaxing and productive retreat.  Thanks to Joan, we got 4 quilts quilted for hospice! 








Thursday, March 20, 2025

March 15th 2025 Minutes and images

Meeting Minutes – March 15, 2025

Attendance

Twelve members were present: Joan, Mary, Barbara, Andrea, Carmen, Rocio, Sue, Judy, Roberta, Christine, Ashleyhope, and Lynne.

Five members brought work for critique.

Book Club Update

  • Three members have signed up for the book club. Those interested should contact Michaela.
  • Finding Your Own Visual Language by Jane Dunnewold is out of print. Jane has granted permission for Michaela to scan and distribute copies. She has also agreed to join a Zoom session with the group.

Announcements

  • Happy Birthday, Andrea! 🎉
  • April Retreat: Six members (excluding Joan) have signed up. The retreat will take place the weekend after Easter and will replace the general meeting for April.
  • Blog Participation: Members interested in contributing to the blog should email Ashleyhope (ahc1@uwyo.edu). She will share the link, and a blog introduction session may be scheduled later in the year.

Project Updates

  • Members are encouraged to communicate any changes in their work, including piece sizes and direction. No concerns—just keep the group informed.

May Meeting Focus: Finishing Techniques

The upcoming meeting will cover:

  • Hanging methods
  • Edge finishes
  • Blocking (flattening a piece)
  • Various framing options

If members would like specific demonstrations, they should let the group know. Barbara inquired about blocking techniques if her piece is completed by May, and it was confirmed that this can be accommodated.

Demonstrations & Tips

Sue’s Free Motion Quilting Tips

  • Use stabilizer early in the process.
  • When stopping, remove your foot from the pedal.
  • Maintain a steady rhythm.
  • Always stop with the needle down.
  • Plan ahead for when to add batting.

Labeling and Signing Artwork

  • Labeling on the front is common; some members also sign their pieces.

Member Showcases

  • Barbara shared a piece from Mary featuring metallic thread and beading in a spider web design.
  • Mary discussed themes of family relationships and the decisions we make about what to inherit from our ancestors.
  • Christine presented several needle-turn appliqué pieces.
  • Roberta demonstrated Jean Wells-style curved piecing.
  • Joan showcased multiple pieces featuring the Trapunto technique.
  • Judy displayed a fabric wall piece and a quilt created for hospice care.

Adjournment

The meeting concluded at 11:30 AM.


 Work by Barbara


work by Mary



 work by Sue


 work by Christine




 work from Roberta



work by Joan



work by Judy



Hospice Quilt by Judy!
























 

Saturday, February 15, 2025

LAQ Minutes- Saturday February 15th 2025

 

Minutes: LAQ Meeting

📅 Date: February 15th
🕤 Time: 9:30-10:45 AM Demo 10:45-

1. Introductions

  • Welcome and general introductions.

2. Donation Table

  • The donation table is always available—bring any items to donate.
  • Small contributions help fund our shows and support the group.

3. Retreat Planning 🏡

📅 Dates: April 25th-27th
📍 Location: Joan’s House

  • A sign-up sheet is available to assist with planning. Please reach out to Michaella.
  • Meals: Food preferences are important—please indicate any dietary needs.
  • Accommodations:
    • 4 bedrooms with queen beds available.
    • Option to bring an air mattress.
    • Lydia can accommodate two people.
    • Space for up to 10 attendees.
  • Carpooling encouraged.
  • Joan is available to assist with planning.
  • Backup locations (if roads are closed):
    • Stratford Center 
    • Methodist Church.
    • Final decision on backup location to be made next month with those participating.

4. Uncommon Threads Exhibition (August) 🎨

📅 Show Setup: Thursday, August 14th, 9:00 AM- until....

  • Advertising Team: Judy, Ashleyhope, Kathleen, and Sue will assist in distributing posters.
  • Hanging show: Volunteers needed.
  • Labels & QR Codes:
    • Barbara and Andrea will create labels with names, prices, and create QR codes for artist statements. ( Ashleyhope can put these on the blog is we want) 

📅 March Meeting:

  • Show and Tell
  • Bring pieces in any stage of completion for the exhibition for critique.
  • Ashleyhope shared a critique sheet via email. ( went out Feb 15th)

📅 June Meeting:

  • Bring work to the UW Sculpture Studio (Ashleyhope).
    📍 Corner of 22nd & Willett, North Parking Lot. 865-207-1425 ( cell # is you are lost)
  • A form is being circulated for artwork details:
    • Name, approximate size, possible title.
  • Around 13 artists are interested in participating so far. Yay!

💳 Sales & Pricing Discussion:

  • Many art cards still available for sale.
  • Wendy asked about the number of artists in the last show.- 10-12 participated.
  • Parameters for work to be sold:
    • Artwork should be original.
    • Using a pattern as a starting point is fine, but the design must be unique.
    • Example: Jean Wells Design—uses technique, but Christy will create her own design.
  • Pricing discussion will continue in March. Mary K. Has handouts to share.

🎨 Show Goals:

  • Showcase art quilts to the community.
  • Display our creative work.
  • Attract new members.

🍷 Event Hospitality:

  • Sue will handle wine—no permit required.
  • Food contributions are welcome from LAQ members.

5. Next Book Club/Group Discussion 📚

  • Last Free Motion Quilting group meeting was on Friday.

📖 Book Suggestions for next group:

  • Finding Your Own Visual Language (out of print).
  • Creative Strength Training.
  • Visual Guide to Working in a Series.
  • Intuitive Color and Design – Jean Wells.
  • Vibrant Quilt Collage.
  • Creative Quilts.
  • Color and Composition for the Creative Quilter.
  • Art + Quilt.
  • Website: Sherri Lynn Wood.

📅 Reading & Discussion Plan:

  • Read one chapter at a time and meet to discuss.
  • Allows time to apply concepts to quilting projects.
  • Meetings tentatively scheduled for late March and April. Days/times TBD

6. Other Announcements

🛒 JoAnn's Store Closures:

  • All JoAnn stores are at risk of closure, including Loveland and Cheyenne.
  • Fort Collins store is safe for now.

🎨 Call for Art – New Hospital in Pinedale

  • Submission Deadline: February 21st.

🐑 Wyoming Sheep & Wool Show – July
📅 Entry Opens: March 1st.
📅 Submission Deadline: June.

🖨 Thermofax Demonstration




Hospice Quilt from Barbara:





Sunday, January 19, 2025

LAQ Minutes/Notes January 19th 2025

 




Show and Tell

Hospice Quilt #1 for 2025






Judy quilt



Found quilt that Brett will work with for a hospice quilt


Sue's Beautiful hand work!


pieces and parts are from New York trip with Lydia




More from Judy



and another...amazing!!

Brett's beautiful vessel crocheted and washed/felted.