- The Board met with Alissa Carlton (MQG Executive Director). Here are notes from the meeting:
- The purpose of the derivative post was directed towards being an instruction for quilters who were copying art works directly with their quilts for QuiltCon - not meant to be a statement on quilting inspiration, etc.
- The post was a symptom of a larger issue of communication and not getting input from members before posting
- In the past they have had committees (and will still have some) but are now looking to developing task forces
- Any member can suggest an idea for a task force (on website)
- And she said we could email her anytime with concerns.
Our concerns:- Often when MQG asks for volunteers, they ask for too much experience or don't act like they really want or appreciate - need to be more inclusive
- Same when suggestions are made, we've met some resistance
- Need to include smaller guilds when they put together focus groups - not just the large guilds [she said most guilds are actually our size in the 35-55 size range]
- Concern that we would like better contact with regional guilds, concern that maybe our regional rep is not really in our region (geographically) [she clarified that the regions are not geographic necessarily - not midwest - but rather a way to make sure each of the regions has approximately the same number of members and representations]
- Andrew (our regional rep) is holding round tables (last one was January)
- Also putting out a quarterly newsletter
- We suggested that MQG could facilitate a way for regions (close geographic proximity like Detroit, Toronto, Chicago) to post events and communicate
- We stated being unhappy with statements made that it wouldn't matter if we withdrew because our money isn't where they get their funding [clarification was that she meant more that the money isn't what is important to them but the members are]
- We asked what MQG could do for us as a guild since we don't really need 'new guild' help
- she said to check out new resources page
- there is a webinar on bringing in teachers
- they are adding more documents on how to lead a guild
- we could show all or part of webinars at guild meetings
- block of the month
- they have articles on all kinds of topics and will pay for new articles
- they are planning this year on adding more documents on all kinds of things, she will consider looking into topics around more advanced guild needs (what happens after year 2)
- she mentioned that we are unique in that we are the only guild that doesn't need the 501(c)3 status of National
- Quilt Show
- Postcards are available for members to take and place around town
- Need volunteers to help setup on Thursday
- Quilts to be dropped off at the Gallery on Sunday
- Our charity quilts will be displayed
- Sew-ins
- Someone suggested it would be nice to have music.
- Next sew-in is March 12
- April sew-in will be a class (see new business)
- Summer Retreat - Creative Passions
- Sign ups coming soon
- Will be in July
- $150 which will include continental breakfast
- Free Motion Quilting class by Kathy Schmidt - to be held on April 30th at NEW. Cost: $35
- Maggie would like ideas for skill schools (one suggestion was on how to make quilt labels including screenprinting, embroidery, etc.)
- Charity/Swap/Challenge - this month Emily coordinated creating blocks for the Quilts for Quebec project (houses).
- March challenge will be to create something using the Pantone color of the year (Greenery). Emily says there may be a prize!
- Member spotlight - the group discussed whether we wanted to make changes to this. It was a concenus to keep it with 5-6 people and one inspiration. Tonight we had a discussion on how people organize their quilting rooms, fabric, supplies.
- Charity quilts - we discussed that for this new year we are adding Ozone House. The size requirement is a little different as they support teens so would like twin size quilts. We also can continue to make quilts for the V.A. and Mott - those are 3'x4' in size.
- Skill school - Maggie presented how to make cute cathedral window pin cushions. Tutorial here: http://www.gogokim.com/2011/12/cathedral-window-pin-cushion-tutorial.html?m=1
- Fresh Quilting TV Show - airs on Feb. 23 PBS - Brenda & Rossie are two of our local talent featured on the show
Features:
- Library report (let Kim know if you want her to bring books to the meeting)
- Round Robin is starting back up again. Remember to bring your projects. If you can't make it to the meeting, you can drop off your month's work at Pink Castle
