NEW NEW NEW quilt block swap

[quilt-silly]

I was absolutely NOT going to buy any more quilt fabric until I have two quilts finished, but I saw some that will be perfection for this swap, so I confess that I ordered some. (slap me around with a wet trout!)

Now, I have wayyyyyy more than enough coordinating fabrics in my stash to piece with the focus fabric and to make the second set of blocks if we end up making pairs for each swapper so I absolutely, positively will NOT fall off of my fabric diet, again.

Probably.

[Luna]

make that a wet noodle .LOL

I like this fabric diet Elizabeth..is my kind of "diet."

Luna
thanks for the smile

[quilt-silly]

You know, I think I got emails or messages from most of the swappers in the last go-round who were concerned to one degree or another about the quality of their blocks - I think some were even thinking of pulling out of the swap. That would be a real shame - it contradicts the spirit of a swap.

People who do swaps expect that they are learning experiences and trading opportunities - with friends and mentors. Everyone is at different stages of learning and we've all been there at the beginning. This is FUN-FUN-FUN!

There are no sewing police here - so just do the best that you can do - whatever level that is. Send things that you would be happy to receive. And don't forget to BREATHE and have a good time with it - you're among friends.

[teddy_rn]

Elizabeth I have all the self control of a slug in the summer heat!!! I can also resist anything BUT temptation I have enough holiday fabric to do my blocks and order 3 times more! I am just a bad, bad girl!

On the other hand, my real diet is going super, have lost 35 pounds since 2/16/09!!!

[klarina]

You know, I think I got emails or messages from most of the swappers in the last go-round who were concerned to one degree or another about the quality of their blocks - I think some were even thinking of pulling out of the swap. That would be a real shame - it contradicts the spirit of a swap.

People who do swaps expect that they are learning experiences and trading opportunities - with friends and mentors. Everyone is at different stages of learning and we've all been there at the beginning. This is FUN-FUN-FUN!

There are no sewing police here - so just do the best that you can do - whatever level that is. Send things that you would be happy to receive. And don't forget to BREATHE and have a good time with it - you're among friends.

Elizabeth, I agree with you. There is no sewing police here as there was none in the last swap which turned out perfect in my opinion. What was interesting at seeing all the blocks of the last swap was understanding the kind of person who was behind the block. Some of us used dark colors in their fabrics or their threads, and some others used bright or pastel colors; some of the blocks were pieced, some embroidered, some were both.... Bottom line is that all of us are different, have different talents and tastes and that is what really makes this exchange so interesting. I loved my blocks and felt very humbled by the time and effort you guys put in them.

[tndenim]

Don't anyone worry about their blocks. In the last swap - I had to rip several of mine apart and resew them. I kept putting them on wrong - @%#$%#^$^&

But I persevered and I got them done - even if I was the last one to get them sent - lol. But I did get them done!!! And I'm rather proud of them too!

[teddy_rn]

Don't anyone worry about their blocks. In the last swap - I had to rip several of mine apart and resew them. I kept putting them on wrong - @%#$%#^$^&

But I persevered and I got them done - even if I was the last one to get them sent - lol. But I did get them done!!! And I'm rather proud of them too!

I almost asked for a prize for the most %#^%& blocks! I could not center a design to save myself; only learned how to do that about 3 weeks ago. Didn't realize that the Pfaff hoop is square but the design is below center to square is. Totally stupid and weird but great now that I know what is going on.

[SusieQ]

It is sew exciting to hear how everyone is coming along. I got to the quilt shop today and found beautiful fabric that I absolutely love. I have some pieces cut and want to put at least one block together tomarrow and see if it is as nice in real life as it is in my imagination. Trust me-its beautiful in my imagination.
After today's trip I'm sure my DH will think I need to be on a fabric diet.

Deborah, congradulations on the regular diet. That weight loss is quite impressive. I'm also trying to lose some weight this summer. 3lbs. so far. I'm pleased since this is still the begining of summer.

[tndenim]

Well I have to admit I cheated on the blocks I embroidered. I cut the fabric extral large - did the design - then cut it out to size. That way I did not have to worry about centering - lol.

And I really thought putting together a log cabin would be so easy. those strips have to be put on the correct way in order to keep the design going the right way. It took me about 10 times before I got into the groove of sewing them together. That's why it took me so long to get them done. Everytime I sat down to work on them again - I had to get my sense of direction figured out. But once I really got it in my head - I sewed up quickly.

[quilt-silly]

But I persevered and I got them done - even if I was the last one to get them sent - lol. But I did get them done!!!

And they were well worth waiting for, too!

[Luna]

touche...on the blocks...and the swap.

congrats on the weight loss T-RN.

excited...thinking,planning,starting and reading about everyone's "block party" plans and adventures.LOL

Luna

[MrsBuckeye]

Just curious - I know on the last swap a lot of folks included a label that we could sew on their blocks so we knew who they were from. Instead of making a seperate label - why not just put your name/state or country down in the corner of the block. Similar to the ones that are down for Tracey's quilt and the one for my grandson Harley ?

[EmBargains]

Ok this may be a dumb question, But I was wondering If we will be putting a backing on the blocks. Has a color been decided for the back of them? White? silver? green? and how many people are in the swap as of right now?

[artist_bre]

Deb and SusieQ, Congrats on your weight loss and the blocks you all' have done!!!

I haven't been able to make any blocks the last couple of weeks or so either because I have been making clothes for my son. He’s gained 25 pounds in the last 2 months ever since his Dr took him off of the stimulant and he's only 8 years old. After he was taken off the medication he started eating like a little piggy and with his behavior problems we couldn’t convince him not to eat so much. His dr says theres nothing physically wrong with him its just getting use to eating normal after that medication.

So I have been sewing furiously to make him all new clothes from boxers to shorts to t-shirts and tanks for the summer. Boys and girls club starts on Monday and he desperately needed a whole new wardrobe. At least I had already bought most of the material for his clothes before Wal-Mart closed their fabric area and I got it all on sale for 50% to 75% off. I have made him: 10 pair of boxers, 7 pairs of shorts, 8 tank type shirts, and 2 t-shirts so far and I only plan to make a few more t-shirts and I’ll be done.

I did manage to make my very first appliqué block though, and it’s almost done. I love appliqué, it’s so fun!!! It’s all Elizabeths fault too, hehe; that I love appliqué because the Sunbonnet kids she did last swap are so cute that I just fell in love with them and appliqué.

This applique' block just needs sewing yet; it’s only fused on right now then I have to put ornaments and a star on the tree yet. I love it but it took me a while to make it. Is it just me or does it take a while to do appliqué? I know this one may have a bit more embellishments on it than some but it’s how I envisioned it would be; then I drew a picture of it and made the patterns from the picture and cut them out and went from there. Hope that's the right way to do applique'.

I usually don’t show pictures of blocks before you get them in the mail but... I included a picture of this appliqué block of what I have done so far, to see what you all’ think of it; since it’s my first one. Hope you all like it. let me know if I am doing anything wrong or if you have any helpful hints for me on appliqué that would be much appreciated.

SusieQ
I am so glad you found some pretty fabric locally and I am sure your blocks will be even prettier when you get them together than you even imagined they could be.

Tndenim
That’s not cheating the way you’re doing your embroidery; it’s just another way of doing it hun. It took me most of the last swap to learn how to center mine because I have a rectangular hoop and it was hard for me to get mine centered so I did it that way too.
You were the last one to get your blocks in, really; I thought Jstitch was hmmmmm.

Well if you all’ managed to read my LONG winded note I should say bye for now.
Happy Quilting
Bre

[teddy_rn]

Ok this may be a dumb question, But I was wondering If we will be putting a backing on the blocks. Has a color been decided for the back of them? White? silver? green? and how many people are in the swap as of right now?

NO, no backing. That did come up on the last swap too. Elizabeth was very correct in saying that because we are quilting it would be too thick/bulky and such. You just make your individual blocks and then the receiver puts them together in any way that they decide with strips, backing, quilting designs etc.

It is a valid question and one that I wondered about too

Sher some of the people embroidered their names/states on the blocks, some used some type of pen and many made quilt labels. I had clothing labels that I put in garments that I sew/sell and that is what I included. I am not sure what I shall do this time though. I love Elizabeths (and the others like hers) but don't know how to do that either. I thought about getting some iron-on stuff like Wak-Mart has for t-shirts and doing mine like that on the computer. I have purchased many iron-on papers and used them in the past and the stood up for many years of washing/wearing.

[klarina]

Hello to the Quilt Masters of this group.
I have some questions for you regarding the blocks for this swap. I want to make a padded appliqué. First question: is it OK to make padding on an appliqué for this kind of quilt? Second question: if I make the padding with fleece would it turn out to be too thick for the quilt? Please advise

[artist_bre]

Hmmm I dont know why that block looks crooked because its not. I cut it perfectly square with a 12.5 inch square ruler. Thats weird it looks so crooked.
Bre

[teddy_rn]

Hello to the Quilt Masters of this group.
I have some questions for you regarding the blocks for this swap. I want to make a padded appliqué. First question: is it OK to make padding on an appliqué for this kind of quilt? Second question: if I make the padding with fleece would it turn out to be too thick for the quilt? Please advise

I think you idea is great! I haven't done "stitch and stuff" or padded applique but love the looks. Fleece would be great for those little lambs and sheep creatures or what ever

Bre I love your block! Yes, by hand it does take a lot longer! I read an article recently, could have been here on the forum, that listed each garment made by hand vs machine and the time tables were crazy!! Hours to days of time just for a dress.

Praise God you are able to sew for your son. Hopefully with the fresh air and sunshine, excercise things will help your little one. He will eat even more because of the whole burning calories and needing fuel for energy but it will start to level off. I'm sure that the doctor discused healthy snacks and stuff. We get the baked chips instead of regular (cost more too) and I prefer natural popcorn not butter. Diet only soda comes into this house when I allow it; mostly sugar free drink mixes. I know how hard it is for me as an adult I can not imagine as a child being told NO to food. I will pray for you and yours.

[teddy_rn]

Hmmm I dont know why that block looks crooked because its not. I cut it perfectly square with a 12.5 inch square ruler. Thats weird it looks so crooked.
Bre

Opical illusion It really is straight

[quilt-silly]

Bre, it's just because the exposure plate in your camera wasn't perfectly parallel to the plane of the block. Remember your perspective classes in art - disappearing horizon and all that? Your Sue and Sam angels are so cute! Gosh, if that's your first applique', you're just a natural. Very nice!

klarina, I LOVE the idea of your padded applique - how fun! That's part of why I love swaps - you get so many different styles and techniques!

If someone is doing a technique like foundation piecing on muslin, they will have a backing and thicker blocks than those who don't. It's all good.