Charity Quilting - April 2026
Our program for April was on Charity Quilting. The opening questions was “Why do we quilt for others?”
Cheralee led us in a thoughtful discussion about the considerations we make when we quilt.
She asked us Do you prefer group projects or going solo?; Does having a connection to the charity affect your sewing?; Do you like strict guidelines or like to design your own projects?; When all is said and done, what is your hope for your charity project?
Members shared their thoughts about these ideas. We then reviewed our guild’s quilts over the years for the MQG Community Outreach Quilts and other donated quilts. We reviewed the various ways we have done them, from solo designed to commercial pattern, and group efforts compared to small group.
Our membership is very passionate and has a variety of approaches. While some expressed the idea that “quilts should be used,” others shared that maybe they don’t expect people to use artistic quilts, but they are harder to donate to an organization that will reap the greatest benefit.
While this could be a contentious topic for some, our members approached it in the friendly way we’ve come to expect. What came through is that no matter how we create our charity quilts, everyone is taking the job seriously and putting their best intentions and efforts into it. Our members do not cut corners.
Detail from the Medallion Quilt
Cheralee also brought the quilt she bought at QuiltCon, and we evaluated it on it’s own merits, and against the QuiltCon parameters. We got to see another guild’s quilt in person and really appreciate the different approach to the Medallion theme.
We’ll review the ideas members bring to the June meeting for this year’s MQG Community quilt.
Show and Tell
Q1 Challenge - Mulligan
What’s a Mulligan?
We've received several questions about our new challenge and we wanted to break it down for you.
1) Try any previous challenge with a new, fresh idea, even if you previously completed it. (No limits!)
2) Complete a previous challenge's UFO (never completed or shown at Show & Tell). (No limits!)
We want to recognize any/all efforts so we've set up a sliding scale for the tickets.
Finish an FPP block and decide it's not your thing? Still get a ticket for the block!
Have some Weaving blocks but never assembled them?
Still get 5 tickets for a completed top!
Got your Whole Cloth quilt done, but didn't bind it in time? Still get 10 tickets for finally finishing that UFO!
It's important to get things off your plate. Acknowledging the work we put into stretching our skills and comfort zone is also great for growth as makers. Your fellow guildies can't wait to see what you bring to the next meeting!
**a mulligan is a do-over, famous in golf and Magic the Gathering
January Annual Meeting
Annual meeting: officer elections, ticket drawing, retreat sign up, special Girl Scout Silver Award presentation.
Community Presentation
Cadet Scout Lillie with her service project reusable sanitary napkins and supplies for volunteer sewists.
Our meeting opened with a presentation from Lillie. Lillie is a Girl Scout Cadet. She is working on her Silver Award. Her project is engaging the community about period poverty, where some people are disproportionately affected by the circumstances of menstruation.
Our meeting opened with a presentation from Lillie. Lillie is a Girl Scout Cadet. She is working on her Silver Award. Her project is engaging the community about period poverty, where some people are disproportionately affected by the circumstances of menstruation.
Period Action Day was October 11, 2025. More than 2 million people in Pennsylvania menstruate. One in seven are below the poverty line.
There are 21 states with tax exemptions for menstrual products. They are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid because they are deemed non-essential.
Lillie’s call to action is to create reusable sanitary napkins from the Days for Girls pattern. She is providing materials. The products will be distributed in conjunction with West View Urban Farm.
General Quilting Business
There will be a Southwestern shop hop this year. Local southwest PA shops will be participating. Look for future announcements with details.
Brandywine Valley Quilt Guild has an open submission for their 2026 quilt show. America the Beautiful is their challenge theme. Enter here by April 1st for America the Beautiful and April 15th for their judged show.
Show and Tell
Q4 Challenge
Leadership Elections
Running for the following positions
President - Connie Davies-McFadden
Programs - Cheralee Stover
Treasurer - Christi Welter
Membership - Bernadette Kovac
Social Media - Jennifer Mack
There were no further nominees.
Final Results
38 yes no dissent.
Financials
We added several new members as well as had generous donations to offset the expected shortfall in the 2025/2026 budget. We also had our Jeni’s fundraiser in December.
While we show a surplus now, we expect to pay the MQG at the new rate for 71 members. The remaining funds will go towards meeting space, nominal banking fees to update our address and checks, as well as programming for June. If possible, speakers are planned in April. Our website renews in June, too.
We hope to do another Jeni’s fundraiser and 1-2 small workshops this spring, too.
Quarter 1 Challenge 2026 - Mulligan
Here’s your chance to earn credit for any UFOs you have from previous challenges! If you missed the deadlines, we want to encourage your past efforts. If you don’t have any UFOs, you’re welcome to try out any previous challenge that strikes your fancy. It’s all about getting things done and trying new things in 2026. (This doesn’t apply to completed projects that you brought in for Show & Tell after the initial deadline.)
Tickets:Block -1, Top -5, Completed Project-10 No Limit!
Ticket Drawing
The winner of our ticket drawing was Bernadette. Congratulations!
