Bits Mini-Groups
What are Mini-Groups?
These are smaller groups within the Bits ‘n’ Pieces Quilt Guild that meet outside of the regular monthly meeting. These groups may be based on interest, location or projects.
What is the purpose of a Mini-Group?
The purpose of a mini group is that you get better acquainted with your fellow guild members when meeting in small groups. You may attend to learn new techniques, join like-minded artists or just for the social aspect of getting together.
How do I join a Mini-Group?
- If a group is open, you are welcome to reach out to the member that coordinates the group to request to join.
- Groups that are closed have made that choice typically because the groups meet in people’s homes, and too many people make it difficult to find a space large enough. You are welcome to reach out to the coordinators of these groups to see when they may be open OR if they have a waiting list to join.
- Lastly, consider starting your own group! There are no requirements to start one! If the one you’d like to join isn’t open, or if you have a new idea for a group, start one up! Submit your idea to the current guild president to coordinate your group’s mission and announcement of formation to the guild.
What are the current Mini-Groups?
Listed below are the current groups, the coordinator’s name, when they meet, the status of the group and the definition of each group. These are listed by a “category” to help you sort through what might be of interest to you.
Some groups may be currently closed to new members–Contact the Coordinator to get on a waiting list.
Art Quilting
These groups focus on all things related to making unique (no pattern) pieces of art.
Art Bits STL – Wendy Richards – CLOSED
We are a group of up to 25 artists focusing on creativity, trying techniques, and supporting each other in our art quilting journeys. We meet 2nd Wed 12:30pm at the West County Fire Station
Art Quilters St. Louis – Lori Feldman – CLOSED
We are a friendly and passionate group of fabric artists, all working together to grow and refine our skills in art quilting. With 20 active members, we keep things personal and collaborative, ensuring everyone has a chance to connect and contribute. Each month, one of our talented artists leads an “Artful Teaching” session, sharing techniques, tools, and tips to help everyone enhance their quilting skills. If interested, join our waitlist, and we’ll send you an application when a spot opens up!–4th Thursday 6-9 PM–West County Fire Station.
Quilt with heART – Christine Ortbals – OPEN
12 sewists and quilters who are interested in exploring the world of art quilting. Some of us are beginners and other have years of experience in art quilting, but we all share a passion for creating. Our meetings vary in format and structure. Sometimes we just talk and discuss ideas; sometimes we bring our machines and sew; and sometimes we have a guest teacher. But we always avidly support each other as we share our ideas and projects. Show and Tell is a highlight of our meetings! We also plan group social outings such as visiting the MO Botanical Garden or Kimmswick, MO.– 3rd Tuesday of the month, 1:00-3:30, Grand Glaize Library
Block Exchange Groups
These groups have a hostess that supplies a pattern, and the group makes blocks for the hostess, returning them the following month. The hostess is a rotating schedule everyone takes a turn.
Pieces of Friendship – Nancy Muskopf – OPEN
We are a block exchange group that meet monthly in each other’s homes. The hostess selects a block with instructions for us to make. We make the block and meet the next month with a new hostess and repeat the process–2nd Wednesday 9:30 AM in a member’s home.
Crazy Quilters – Darla Gibson – CLOSED
Our purpose is mainly social. We meet, talk, maybe eat some snacks and do show and tell. We also do a block exchange. The hostess each month selects a block and technique for us to create. We take that home and return it next month and repeat the process. Our group does not have any true “rules”. We just like to get our Crazy friends together and have fun! Many of us use the blocks made to make a quilt for COK and More, others are Anniversary, Birthday, Graduation, etc… gifts for our family (we just use our friends to help get them accomplished).–2nd Tuesday evening.
Social Groups
These groups get together to sew, chat and have fun!
Nighttime Needlers–Susan Calzone–CONTACT COORDINATOR
A social group to visit while enjoying handwork in one’s lap. Soft beverages, snacks, and desserts.–1st Thursday 7 – 9 PM February-December in a member’s home.
Traveling Company – Looking for a Coordinator – OPEN
The Traveling Company mini group goes on day trips to see things of interest to quilters. It can be an art exhibition, an event, a tour of a place with quilts or anything else. It hasn’t been active of late because there is no one to supervise. The activities of the group are suggested by anyone in the Guild, and anyone in the Guild is welcome to attend any outing.–3rd Tuesday–Various locations.
Special Interest Groups
These groups meet around a specific type of quilting method such as applique, paper pieces making charity quilts or beginner sewing techniques.
A-Team – Judy Vogt – OPEN
We are an appliqué group that explores different methods of appliquéing. Sometimes we make a group project, such as the current raffle quilt, and sometimes we work on individual projects. It’s fun to explore different appliqué methods and determine which suits you. Our group is currently open to adding a few new members, so if interested contact Judy Vogt.–2nd Thursday Daytime in a member’s home.
Scraps – Nancy Muskopf – OPEN
We get together on the second Monday of each month at Salem Methodist Church. You do not have to join, just come when you can. We have kits available for you to work on or bring something of your own. All our quilts are donated to Cover Our Kids. We sew and socialize. You can come anytime and leave anytime.–2nd Monday AM at Salem Methodist Church.
Beginner’s Luck – Chris Williams – CLOSED
We are a group of quilters looking to learn new skills and explore different techniques. We started with a quilt of starts – learning piecing techniques, moved to the color wheel, and then to “dwellings” of all kinds, and our latest has been a block exchange. 2025 will challenge us with stars again – but combining techniques. A fun group learning together!–1st Tuesday at St. Mark Presbyterian Church.
Paper Bits – Jane Coons – CLOSED
We are a group of ladies dedicated to the art of paper piecing. We meet weekly on Zoom. We work on group projects or your own paper piecing project. We have not done any challenges, but most would say that they are very challenged.–Tuesdays at 1 PM, Zoom Only.