Background
Another facet of MCQA is quilting education.  In addition to the programs at monthly meetings, MCQA holds two or more mini-workshops each year where members practice or learn a new technique or take a class from an instructor. 

In the years between the bi-annual quilt show, the guild offers a weekend workshop/retreat where an instructor is brought in to lecture and teach.  Class fees are at reduced rates for guild members.  Class sizes may be limited so register early.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fall Schoolhouse
Fall Schoolhouse has been scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Slver Creek Church in Harvey.  A full day of workshops has been planned with your choice of half day or full day classes.  A registration form is available by clicking here.  Completed forms should be mailed to:  Country Garden Quilts, 1335 US Hwy 41 W., Ishpeming, MI 49849. A supply list will be sent to you upon receipt of your registration and payment in full.  Questions?  Please call Mary at 485-5006.
 
National Quilt Day
On Saturday, March 21st, 200 a large group of MCQA members gathered at the Westwood Mall to celebrate National Quilt Day.  Joining millions of quilters throughout the world, our members celebrated quilting by sharing with mall shoppers their love of quilting!  Demonstrations covering many different techniques were offered as well as information on MCQA and what our mission is.  Pictures may be seen by clicking here.  Many thanks to everyone that participated!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Lenore Crawford Workshops
April 9th & 10th, 2010

It was a fabulous weekend and a great opportunity for members!  Despite some Yooper weather on Thursday which once again turned everything white, Lenore arrived in Marquette to spend two days sharing her quilting journey and teaching us her painting and fusing techniques.  Friday's class was attended by nineteen MCQA members and everyone completed at least one mini collage piece and were eager to make additional ones at home.  What a perfect opportunity to use those scraps that we all are saving!  Forty members attended the Friday evening lecture, slide show and trunk show.  It was a fantastic opportunity to see so many of Lenore's pieces displayed throughout the room.  Saturday's fusing and fabric painting class was full and by afternoon the room had lit up with brightly colored poppies and coneflowers as everyone learned how to use fabric paints.  Lenore has graciously agreed to lend us some of her work which will be hung at Autumn Comforts 2010 Show in October.  MCQA members will have the opportunity to hang their completed pieces from both classes in a special area next to Lenore's work.  It was a great weekend and everyone enjoyed meeting Lenore and her Mother.  Thanks Lenore for a great job.  If you would like to be on Lenore's email list and get her newsletter, please go to her website at:  http://www.lenorecrawford.com/.
  Pictures from the workshops may be seen by clicking here!   
 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Friendship Groups
Friendship groups are an important part of MCQA.  One of the longest standing groups meets on the third Thursday of each month and is called “Handworkers Anonymous”.  Their meetings are held in the first floor conference room of the Peter White Library in Marquette.  

Several years ago founding member Helen Johnson had the idea that if there was a group that was devoted only to handwork she would finally get some of her hand appliqué projects done.  She gathered a small group of friends that began to meet each month to work on hand appliqué but as the group continued to grow other hand projects were added to the repertoire and now you’ll find members working on embroidery, knitting, crocheting, possibly binding a quilt and of course doing appliqué.  According to Helen, it’s a very unstructured group which has only one rule……..no machines!

Current members of this friendship group come from all parts of Marquette County.  New members and visitors are always welcome.  The group meets from 10:00am to 2:00pm with a short break for lunch.  If the weather and roads are bad, the group doesn’t meet.  Contact information and details are available on the calendar page. 

The "Material Girls Friendship Group" meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Country Grill in West Ishpeming.  Their focus is on charity quilts for the neonatal departments of local hospitals as well as VA hospital in Iron Mountain.  More details are available on the calendar page. 

Friendship groups are a great way to share, learn and meet other quilters.  If you are a member of a group and welcome new members, please consider adding your group to the website calendar and newsletter.  Think about starting a new group and you’ll find quickly find MCQA members that share your interest will be eager to join in!