How was IFQ started? James spends a lot of time traveling and likes to meet people. But there were certain places where she (yes, James is a SHE!) found it hard to make new friends, even though she tried and tried. But then, she started quilting. And suddenly, everything opened up. She realized quickly that the language of quilting is, indeed, universal! Being a natural computer geek (she can't help it - don't hate her for that!), she couldn't help but see the potential for proving the universal language of quilting theory on the internet. So she started a small quilting site that, many years later, and much work later, has achieved what she set out to do and more! IFQ is an evolving community that just gets better and better!
The objective is to create an environment where quilters can explore, share and together expand their quilting skills while making good friends along
the way. We believe in "quilting beyond the borders". Although many cultural differences may exist, the language of quilting is universal. Together, the members of IFQ find the same support and friendship that we take from our individual, local quilt groups.
The IFQ differs from quilt groups and guilds. It is designed to broaden a quilter’s horizons and sets as few rules and regulations as possible. The international scope of the IFQ relies on embracing the differences inherent in the different cultures so it follows naturally that we wish to limit hard and fast rules. Many members are specifically looking for something other than the regimentation they have found in some guilds. The few basic rules set in IFQ are designed to protect our member's privacy and to ensure that IFQ events run smoothly.
IFQ has a continual selection of "events". These can be exchanges where items are created to swap with another IFQ member. This is a great way to make new IFQ friends! We all cherish the items we have exchanged with other quilters from around the world.
We also set challenges where members enjoy setting themselves to the task of quilting beyond their personal borders and then sharing the results with others by posting photos. In these events, members turn to each other for advice when they hit a problem with their designs.
IFQ also has project events where patterns are available for download and members each create their version of the pattern. Pictures of the results are then posted so we can all see what we've done with the same pattern.
There's lots more! Mystery quilts, round robins, fiber arts postcards are just a few! And don't forget to check out the recipe page! We all know that quilting and chocolate go quite well together!
Using the magic of the internet, IFQ members are able to forge lasting friendships. The IFQ forum is an active place for getting to know one another and gaining new knowlege. And, of course, there's the IFQ Chat room, the ol' Diamond Lounge, for IFQ members only where you can chat to your IFQ friends across the world. It's amazing when you're in the ol' Diamond Lounge chatting with quilters from Germany, England, America, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia at the same time!!
There are no dues required to join IFQ. What is required is that you have a passion for quilting and a desire to learn and make new friends.
Would you like to learn more? Please email us with questions, we'll be happy to hear from you.
To become a member, please fill in our membership form and we will get back to you.
Come join us and start "Quilting Beyond the Borders"!
James