ANNUAL REPORT2013

www.modernquiltguild.com

Vancouver MQG

TABLE OF CONTENTSMessage from the Chairperson, Jacquie Gering 3

A Letter from the Treasurer, Kathy Mack 6

Financial Overview 7

MQG By The Numbers 9

2013: The Year in Highlights 11

Membership 14

2013 Charter Guilds: A Global Organization 15

Members: A Growing Organization 16

QuiltCon 2013 17

Award Winners 19

SewDown Philadelphia 23

Volunteer Overview 24

2013 Board of Directors 26

Staff & Volunteer Leaders 27

Annual Sponsors 28

Credits 29

Contact Us 29

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THANK you for your commitment to the MQG. By joining through your local guild or as an individual member you have become part of the effort to grow and develop the MQG. I am very proud of what we have accomplished together in 2013. The year began with QuiltCon, the first convention and show of the MQG. At QuiltCon we announced the rollout of formal membership for the organization and as of August 2014 we are nearly 7,000 members strong with 116 chapters in six countries across the world. Please keep in mind the numbers in this report cover 2013.

Through the efforts of our dedicated staff we have received 501(c)(3) status and have been able offer that benefit under the MQG umbrella to our chapters within the United States. Along with the rollout of formal membership, we have begun to develop the online MQG community through the MQG website. In addition, through our webinar series, we have initiated an educational series to serve our members in the areas of business, creative and local guild development. The MQG held the first SewDown in Philadelphia to bring educational opportunities to members in a

regional area with two additional SewDowns planned for Portland and Nashville in 2014. We worked with sponsors and conducted fabric challenges with enthusiastic member participation. We have increased communication with our membership, sponsors and the public through the website, blog, regular newsletters and contributions to mainstream publications. We have established a committee-based system to increase involvement of membership in determining and accomplishing the goals of the MQG. We received an enthusiastic response from

A MESSAGE FROM JACQUIE GERINGCHAIRPERSON OF THE MQG BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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members and the committees that are working for you. We are in the process of establishing a governance structure that will further involve the membership in choosing the leadership and setting the direction for the Guild. The staff and Board have worked together to develop a financial plan that will allow the MQG to continue to host QuiltCon and to increase benefits for and service to our membership.

We are a fledgling organization and we have much to learn, but our future is bright. The Board, staff and our members have worked hard to establish a firm foundation for the MQG and it is on that foundation and with the talent, expertise and dedication of our members that we will continue to evolve and flourish.

We have challenges, as does any young organization, but we are committed to meeting them and are dedicated to providing quality programs and services for you, our members.

Together, through the activities of both local chapters and the larger organization, we have broadened support for modern quilting, influenced the business community to better serve the modern community and have increased the presence and understanding of modern quilting in the larger quilting community. I am looking forward to working with you as we continue to make the MQG a vital, active and influential organization.

The Modern Quilt Guild’s mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education and community.

Jacquie GeringChairperson of the Board

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The MQG developed out of the thriving online community of modern quilters and their desire to start meeting in person. The founding guild was formed in Los Angeles in October of 2009.

Through blogs and the Internet, word spread quickly of the fun they were having and soon guilds started popping up everywhere.

The MQG is a nonprofit corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) status.

PNW Modern Quilt Guild Meet Up

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THE Modern Quilt Guild’s Fiscal Year 2013 marked the completion of several significant milestones. QuiltCon’s positive financial results made possible the development of a solid membership infrastructure the guild can grow from. This included the creation and launch of a community-centric website, a formal guild member program, member-only webinars, regional events, and staffing designed to support local guilds, individual members and event execution.

The majority of revenue for QuiltCon flowed into the organization in 2012, the year prior to the event, while the majority of expenses were incurred in the 2013. This revenue and expense pattern is also true for the regional SewDown events. Event revenue combined with membership dues and sponsorship sales fund the guild’s programming.

The Modern Quilt Guild’s Board of Directors look toward the organization’s financial future with a keen focus on stability and fiscal responsibility.

A LETTER FROM KATHY MACKTREASURER OF THE MQG BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kathy MackBoard Treasurer

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW2013 ACTIVITIESSupport & Revenue (Outer Circle)

32% QuiltCon48% SewDowns5% Guild Memberships4% Individual Membership

10% Sponsor Income*1% Other Income

$303,284 Total Support & Revenue

Expenses (Inner Circle)41% QuiltCon17% SewDowns11% Website Development31% Supporting Services

$487,141 Total Expenses

2012 ACTIVITIESSupport & Revenue (Outer Circle)

95% QuiltCon5% SewDowns0% Guild Memberships0% Individual Membership0% Sponsor Income*0% Other Income

$375,624 Total Support & Revenue

Expenses (Inner Circle)53% QuiltCon10% SewDowns

0% Website Development37% Supporting Services

$155,798 Total Expenses

48%

41%

17%

11%

31%

2013

32%

5%

4%

10%

1%

5%

53%

10%

37%

2012

95%

* Sponsor income reflects income from Annual MQG sponsorships. QuiltCon and SewDown sponsorship income is reflected in those events.

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

2013 2012Support & Revenue QuiltCon 2013 95,698 356,043 SewDowns 144,761 16,980 Guild Memberships 16,398 75 Individual Memberships 13,376 0 Sponsor Income* 29,800 1,777 Other Income 3,251 749 Total Support & Revenue 303,284 375,624

Expenses QuiltCon 2013 199,023 82,080 SewDowns 84,778 16,052 Website Development 51,709 188 Supporting Services 151,631 57,478 Total Expenses 487,141 155,798

Support & Revenue Over Expenses (183,857) 219,826

Asset, Liability & Net Asset Summary Cash & Cash Equivalents 28,860 206,653 Accounts Receivable 11,426 8,640 Other Current Assets 12,405 2,528 Total Assets 52,591 217,821

Accounts Payable & Other Current Liabilities 17,138 (1,589) Unrestricted Net Assets 35,553 219,410 Total Liabilities & Net Assets 52,691 217,821

TWO years of financials are presented to show that the majority of revenue for QuiltCon flowed into the organization in 2012 (the year prior to the event) while the majority of expenses were incurred in the current year.

* Sponsor income reflects income from Annual MQG sponsorships. QuiltCon and SewDown sponsorship income is reflected in those events.

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MQGBY THE

NUMBERS

Quilts Donated to the Austin

Children’s ShelterIn addition to

QuiltCon, many guilds spent countless hours

on charity drives. Thank you for your

overwhelming effort.

Members Who Attended Webinars

Number of Webinars

MQG introduced webinars as a means of

communicating and educating members in real

time.

2,426

MembersTotal number of

members in 2013

Volunteer HoursTotal hours

volunteered by members

Number of Charter GuildsTotal number of

guilds who joined in 2013

5,365

68

7

380

46

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“The MQG opened it’s big patchwork pieced arms and embraced me for all that I have to offer—creatively, professionally, and has started to help shape my quilting career!”

—Christopher Thompson, Individual Member

Seacoast MQG Show & Tell

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JanuaryMILESTONEBoard of Directors expands the board from four to nine members

2013: THE YEAR IN HIGHLIGHTS

FebruaryFABRIC CHALLENGELara Oliveira and Casey York win the Michael Miller Fabric Challenge

QUILTCON 2013QuiltCon, the inaugural conference of the MQG, opens

QUILTCON 2013Select lectures are available for free viewing on Craftsy

MarchWEBINARMQG Membership with Alissa Haight Carlton

MILESTONEThe MQG receives 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service

AprilMQG SHOWCASETravels to International Quilt Festival Cincinnati

MayQUILTCON 2013 TRAVELING EXHIBITDebuts at HMQS Salt Lake City

SPRING QUILT MARKETMQG Meet Up in Portland

JuneWEBINARSetting Up and Maintaining Your Guild’s Finances with Amy Newbold

MQG SHOWCASETravels to International Quilt Festival Chicago

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JulyWEBINARTools & Strategies for Guilds Panel Discussion

2013: THE YEAR IN HIGHLIGHTS

AugustMQG SHOWCASETravels to International Quilt Festival Long Beach

WEBINARQuilt Guilds as Nonprofits with Mollie Cullinane

FABRIC CHALLENGERiley Blake Fabric Challenge Announced

SeptemberSEWDOWN PHILADELPHIAThe MQG launches their first regional event in Philadelphia

WEBINARBuilding a Community Panel Discussion

OctoberWEBINARCopyright, Trademark & Quilting, Oh My! with Kristen Lejnieks

FALL QUILT MARKETMQG Meet Up in Houston

MQG SHOWCASEThe second MQG Showcase launches at International Quilt Festival Houston

NovemberWEBINARHow to Navigate the Community Site with Andres Rosales

QUILTCON 2013 TRAVELING EXHIBITDebuts at Sisters Quilt Show

MILESTONEMembership enrollment opens and community website launched

MILESTONEDiscounted insurance is available to members and guilds

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“For me the best part of MQG is that being an individual member, I can participate in the happenings even while sitting on the other side of the world! There was no other way I would have made so many quilting friends!”

— Shruti Dandekar, Individual Member

Seattle MQG Quilt Show

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MEMBERSHIP

Members who join through local official guilds receive all the benefits of individual membership, plus additional guild level benefits including 501(c)(3) status. Guild leaders receive access to the leader forum and leader newsletter. Local guilds often offer a wide variety of benefits such as sew-ins, retreats, speakers and other social events. Dues are set at a local guild level.

LOCAL GUILD MEMBERSHIP

Designed for individuals who do not live near an official MQG, individual membership offers a broad range of benefits and the opportunity to connect with other modern quilters on the MQG community site.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP

LAUNCHED in July 2013, the MQG offered an international membership program for individual members and charter guilds. Members receive a wide variety of benefits, with more launching in 2014:

• Access to the MQG online community site and forums • Facilitated inter-guild and member communication• Increased educational opportunities and access, including through monthly

webinars• Opportunites to participate in inter-guild swaps and challenges• Discounted fees and rates including conference and events• Priority and early-bird registration on conferences and events• Discounts and special offers with MQG sponsors and affiliated companies • Discounted small business and personal insurance• Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status for US guilds • Blog button• Membership card & pin• 10% discount on all MQG merchandise purchases

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Ann Arbor MQGAsheville MQGAustin MQGBainbridge Island MQGBaltimore MQGBoise MQGBoston MQGCanberra MQGCentral Jersey MQGCentral Oregon MQGCharleston MQGCincinnati MQGCorvallis MQGDallas MQGDes Moines MQGDetroit Area MQGEdmonton MQGEmerald Coast MQGFort Worth MQGGloucestershire MQGGrand Rapids MQGGreater Western Sydney MQGIndianapolis MQG

2013 CHARTER GUILDS: A Global Organization

Jersey Shore MQGKansas City MQGKnoxville MQGLake Superior MQGLos Angeles MQGMaine MQGMaritime MQGMcKinney MQGMelbourne MQGMemphis Area MQGMichiana MQGMontreal MQGNorth Jersey MQGNorthampton MQGNortheast Louisiana MQGNOVA MQGNW Ohio MQGOrange County MQGPhiladelphia MQGPittsburgh MQGPortland MQGRoanoke MQGSalt Lake MQG

San Diego MQGSanta Barbara MQGSaskatoon MQGSeacoast MQGSeattle MQGSão Paulo MQG South Bay Area MQGSouth Sound MQGSouthern Connecticut MQGSt. Louis MQGTampa MQGToronto MQGTreasure Coast MQGTriangle MQGTucson MQGVancouver MQGVentura MQGVirginia Beach MQGWashington D.C. MQGWestern New York MQGWichita MQGWollongong MQG

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MEMBERS: A Growing OrganizationNumber of Guilds

July Sept Nov Jan

20

40

60

80

100

120

June Aug Oct Dec Feb

20142013

Membership Launched

July Sept Nov Jan

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

June Aug Oct Dec Feb

20142013

Membership Launched

Number of Members

Total

Guild Members

Individual Members

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QUILTCON 2013

THE first modern quilting event of its kind, QuiltCon was the inaugural international conference and show by and for the Modern Quilt Guild. Attended by more than 6,400 people from around the world, it included the first international juried competitive modern quilt show. In addition, QuiltCon

featured top modern quilting instructors; with workshops and lectures by Denyse Schmidt, Amy Butler, Elizabeth Hartman, Angela Walters, Anna Maria Horner, Yoshiko Jinzenji, Heather Ross, Lizzy House, Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr; to name a few.

Two special exhibits showcased; Denyse

ECONOMIC IMPACTQuiltCon 2013 brought more than $5.4 million into the Austin economy.

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Schmidt’s Quilts and Modern Historical Quilts, a selection of quilts from the collection of Roderick Kiracofe. Over 70 vendors offered conference and show attendees a unique shopping experience geared toward the interests and tastes of modern quilters.

92%96%

ATTENDEE SATISFACTION92% of attendees rated QuiltCon as 4 stars or higher (out of 5)92% of attendees plan to or might attend again 96% would recommend QuiltCon to others

8,605Greatest number of

miles traveled JULES McMAHONCanberra MQG

20Largest guild

representation of total number of quilts in QuiltCon

LOS ANGELES MQG

1First member to

register for QuiltConFARAH RHOADS

Austin MQG

92%

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Double Edged LovePieced by Victoria Findlay Wolfe, Individual MemberQuilted by Lisa SipesBest In ShowSponsored by American Quilters Society

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Counter-clockwise from top:

Best Machine Quilting The Local QuiltPieced & Quilted by Carolyn Friedlander, Individual MemberSponsored by Stitch Magazine and Quilting Arts Magazine

People’s Choice Award OvergrownPieced by Alison Glass,Virginia Beach MQGQuilted by Lisa SipesSponsored by Andover Fabrics

Coats & Clark Quilting Excellence Award Sing It Out Loud!Pieced & Quilted by Karen L. Anderson-Abraham, Santa Barbara MQGSponsored by Coats & Clark

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FIRST PLACE WINNERSLeft to right from top: Flying Saucers, Lisa A. Alexis, Applique Large; Mobile, Elizabeth Brandt, Use of Negative Space Small; Log Cabin Im-prov, Sherri Lynn Wood, Handwork Large; Red Concentrate, Lavielle Campbell, Improv Small; Pantone CIrcles, Elizabeth Brandt, Improv Large; Self Study 1, Chawne M. Kimber, Applique Small; Untitled, Lindsey Stead, Minimalist Design Large; Modern Mini, Carolyn D. Braun, Handwork Small

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FIRST PLACE WINNERSLeft to right from top: Flock of Starlings, Terri Car-penter, Piecing Small; Trajectory #2, Megan E. Dye, Use of Negative Space Large; The Ron Swanson Quilt, Monico Solorio-Snow, Piecing Large; Life-savers, Lee Heinrich, Modern Traditionalism Small; Pa Kua, Donna Morales, Minimalist Design Small; New Star Rising, Ben Darby, Modern Traditionalism Large; Dear Stella as Charm Squares Baby Quilt, Melody Baker, Maasi Mara Fabric Challenge; Mod-ern Challenge, Catherine A. Redford, Modern in Miniature Quilting Challenge

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Oliver + S and Lisette pattern lines showed participants how to incorporate dimension and texture into their projects. Modern quilting blogger and author Elizabeth Hartman shared her quilt-as-you-go technique that revolutionizes bag making construction. Finally, participants tackled truly extreme piecing with fabric designer Lizzy House.

At lunch and dinnertime, SewDown Philly participants were treated to inspiring lectures. Michelle Engel Bencsko of Cloud 9 fabrics described her journey in growing a creative business. Prolific quilter and author Victoria Findlay Wolfe shared her design and quilt making process. Fabric designer Jay McCarroll shared about his beginnings, travels, experiences and the future.

Following the success of SewDown Philly, tickets went on sale for the upcoming Spring 2014 SewDowns: SewDown Portland and SewDown Nashville. Both SewDowns sold out briskly.

SEWDOWN PHILADELPHIAAT QuiltCon in February 2013, the Modern Quilt Guild unveiled plans for SewDowns: all-inclusive weekend quilting getaways in three US cities. Each SewDown hosts 80 participants from Friday through Sunday in a swanky hotel with four superstar instructors teaching a full load of hands-on workshops. Also included were lectures over the delicious lunches and dinners, as well as time sewing with new and old friends at the open sew nights. In addition to the all-inclusive package of workshops, lodging and meals, limited lecture passes for modern quilters from the local area were also available.

The MQG kicked off SewDowns in September 2013 at the luxurious Loews Hotel in Philadelphia. Modern quilters and sewists were greeted on Friday night with dinner and a SewDown Philly swag bag. On Saturday and Sunday, they rolled up their sleeves for three-hour workshops on quiltmaking and much more. Alexia Abegg of Green Bee Design & Patterns introduced participants to a world of fabric beyond quilting cotton. Designer Liesl Gibson of the

Executive Director, Alissa Haight Carlton, sets up for SewDown Philadelphia.

Elizabeth Hartman demonstrates the quilt-as-you-go technique to SewDown Philadelphia attendees.

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2013VOLUNTEER

HOURS

WITHOUT the contribution of volunteers, the MQG would not be what it is today. During the 2013 Fiscal Year, volunteers for the MQG amassed an amazing 5,365 hours of unpaid contributions! So much thanks goes to our volunteers for their time, energy and enthusiasm, the MQG couldn’t do it without you.

* Does not include QuiltCon hours.† General and administrative support to the MQG

Miscellaneous32 hours

Board at QuiltCon 307 hours

Board*2,138 hours

Administrative & Program Volunteers 396 hours

Fall Quilt Market & Festival Volunteers 98 hours

QuiltCon Volunteer Leaders 257 hours

QuiltCon Volunteers 2,052 hours

San Antonio & Austin MQG†

85 hours

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OUR VOLUNTEERSLeft to right from top: Jill Ivie and Mary Anne Wil-liams from the Austin MQG volunteer at Interna-tional Quilt Festival, Elizabeth Hartman handmade all the QuiltCon ribbons, two QuiltCon volunteers steam a quilt, Cynthia Prater of the Austin MQG collects tickets, Elizabeth Hartman curated and constructed the Giveaway quilt from blocks made by various members, Kristy Daum of the St. Louis MQG and Marcie Warren-Elmer of the Salt Lake City MQG work the MQG info booth and Robin Haralambous of the Austin MQG shows a quilt.

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JACQUIE GERINGChairpersonEducation Committee ChairChicago MQG

2013 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

THE Board provided strategic leadership and direction to grow and develop the MQG from a group of individual guilds to a thriving, cohesive international organization. The Board has made a tremendous contribution to establishing the foundations of a strong and lasting Guild. Remarkable achievements include the implementation of formalized membership and associated benefits, obtaining 501(c)(3) status, the inaugural QuiltCon and the formation of the MQG Community site. Looking ahead, there are five established focus areas for the Modern Quilt Guild:

1. EDUCATING: Our members and the broader quilting community2. DEVELOPING: Processes and procedures to strengthen the infrastructure3. SUPPORTING: Developing and growing our membership4. CREATING: A charitable program for membership and the community5. GOVERNING: Implementing a membership voting and governance process

THE Board of Directors has nine positions, eight of which were filled in 2013. Warm and heartfelt thanks go to those individuals who have made invaluable and lasting contributions to the establishment and development of the Guild.

KATHY MACKTreasurer (Nov-Dec)Administrative Committee ChairBainbridge Island MQG

AMY NEWBOLDTreasurer (Jan-Oct)Salt Lake City MQG

SUSANNE WOODSSecretaryGovernance Committee ChairIndividual Member

ALISSA HAIGHT CARLTONMembership Committee ChairLos Angeles MQG

HEATHER GRANTCharity Committee ChairAustin MQG

ELIZABETH HARTMANPortland MQG

LATIFAH SAAFIRLos Angeles MQG

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STAFF & VOLUNTEER LEADERS

THE staff and volunteer leaders manage the day-to-day aspects of the Guild. They also develop and execute guild programs. The professionalism and enthusiasm of these dedicated individuals make the incredible achievements of the MQG possible.

JEN CARLTON BAILLYCommunications ManagerPortland MQG

ELIZABETH DACKSONEvents ManagerTampa MQG

LINDSEY KIESZCommunications CoordinatorCentral Oregon MQG

COLLEEN MOLENVolunteer ManagerIndividual Member

ANDRES ROSALESHelp Desk ManagerVentura MQG

ELLEN RUSHMANProject ManagerBoston Area MQG

CHRISTINE SLAUGHTER Individual Members ModeratorIndividual Member

ALISSA HAIGHT CARLTONExecutive DirectorLos Angeles MQG

HEATHER GRANTDirector of Marketing & ProgrammingAustin MQG

VOLUNTEER LEADERSSTAFF

NATALIE ELLSWORTH Bookkeeper

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ANNUAL SPONSORSPLATINUM

SUPPORTING

BASIC

THANK YOU FOR THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS.

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GENERAL INQUIRIES 4470 W. Sunset Blvd. #226Los Angeles, CA 90027info@themodernquiltguild.com

The MQG’s mission is to support and encourage the growth and development of modern quilting through art, education and community.

www.modernquiltguild.com

Cover photo: Michelle McLatchy of the Vancouver MQGQuiltCon Photos: Sarah Lim Photography