Lucky Last

AUGUST WINNERS

This month's winners are

Marsha from Grandma's Quilts

Ann from A Good Yarn

Hey, that's me!

Marsha, Katie and I would like to thank you all very much for your enthusiasm and support for our swap. We weren't sure how it would be received but have been overwhelmed by your response and generosity.

I do hope you have enjoyed the swap and look forward to seeing all our finished quilts (probably sometime next year). We'll have a show and tell then.

It's also time to send you a quilt label. Since different folks liked different labels, is it okay if I send each person the label they said they liked best?

Here they are again in case you have forgotten what they looked like.

What size would you like the labels to be? I was planning to print four to a page but if you want them larger, please suggest dimensions.

Now, I have had some requests for another swap - from both those involved in this one, those who weren't able to participate in this one and folks from outside the *circle*.

I would be more than happy to organise a new swap in 2011 but if someone else would like to do the honours....

I suggest that we do something different rather than another quilt. We could also swap with one other partner rather than everyone in the group. It could be a secret swap too. I am open to suggestions but here are some ideas:

• 
  
  small bag or tote
• 
  
  pincushion - fancy
• 
  
  wall hanging
• 
  
  cushion (without insert)

Have a think about it and let me know your feelings. As always there is no obligation to join in.

Marsha, Katie and Ann

Happy 4th July

It's that time again!

This month's winners are

Beth from My Creations

Kathleen from  SeventhSister26

Theri from Theri's Quilt Stuff

Congratulations Girls!

As usual please post your blocks to the girls before the end of the month. Everyone has made such wonderful blocks and there are even some finished (or nearly finished) quilt tops.

There was no clear winner in the label stakes so I thought that I would print each person the label that appealed to them most. These will be sent off next month.

Thank you all so much for maintaining your enthusiasm for the swap over a long time.

For our US friends - enjoy your 4th July celebrations and commiserations about the soccer (sorry Karen - football).

Happy Stitching!

...Ann....Marsha....Katie...

June Winners

Congratulations

Christine from StitchNiche

Mary from Stash Heaven

It's so much fun making these announcements! Now Christine and Mary can enjoy watching their post box fill with goodies from all the APQ blogging friends in the swap.

Everyone continues to make wonderful blocks but are generously including other goodies in the parcels.

What a fantastic bunch you all are!

Don't forget to send your parcels by the end of this month and drop me an email to let me know you have done so.

Now, I have been working on a group label for our quilts and would love your feedback on the designs. Be honest - I'm wearing my big girl panties and I can take it.

I envisage that the labels will be about 4 x 6 inches roughly. I'd like to be able to print 4 to a page.

If none of these designs are agreeable and you would like to submit a design then don't hold back. Send me your version and we can put it to the girls for a vote. I'm not precious about this part at all.

Here is my first attempt.....

Congratulations again to this month's winners. I'm sure you are excited about receiving your blocks.


Marsha, Katie and Ann

May Winners

It's time to draw the recipients of our Swap Blocks for May. Congratulations to.....

Karen from Breezy Bree

Ruth from Country Log Cabin Quilter

Well girls, I hope you are excited about receiving your blocks for the swap. It has certainly been lots of fun for those who have received blocks already.

Please post blocks to Karen and Ruth by the end of the month and send me an email to let me know they are on their way.

I am working on some designs for a label. A vote will be held to choose the final design.

Ann, Marsha and Katie
Organisers

April Winners

It's time to announce this month's recipients of our swap blocks. This is the fun part, don't you think?

Congratulations

Maryellen from Liriopa's Legacy

Joanne from Canuck Quilter

Please post your blocks to Maryellen and Joanne by the end of the month.

Everyone has been making fabulous blocks for the swap. I have received emails from people watching our work who have complimented us on this swap.

Katie and Lisa have been delighted with the blocks and other goodies they have been receiving. Thank you for your generosity.

Would you be interested in a group label for our quilts? I would be prepared to design something and print it on fabric to send to each person in the swap. Please let me know.

I will also be preparing some basic finishing instructions but encourage you to complete your quilt as you desire.

Have a safe and pleasant Easter.

Ann, Marsha and Katie

The Postman Delivers

The poor postman is loaded down with blocks for our swap!

Thanks to Mary, Theri, Marsha, Beth, Christine, Lisa and Kathleen who have posted their blocks. The rest of us will be posting soon. Don't forget to send me an email when you have sent your blocks.

Katie and Lisa are already receiving them along with some goodies from the swap partners.

Our Flickr album is growing daily and it's nice to see all the blocks in one place.

Joanne has made some wonderful blocks in beautiful blues. Ruth has used some very pretty fabrics in her blocks. Katie has been super organised and made all her blocks. Liri and Beth have made some blocks using amazing colours.

It's probably best to write on the light coloured fabric in your block near the edge.


I was thinking of designing a group label for our quilts featuring our blog buddies button. If there is enough interest I will proceed.

Just to remind us all - we will each make 24 blocks - 2 blocks for each person in the swap. You can make extra blocks for yourself if you want your quilt bigger.

I will provide some basic finishing instructions but I encourage you to put your quilt together in any way you choose.

Late News: Karen and Ann have posted their blocks.

Happy Stitching,

Ann, Marsha and Katie

Lots of Wonderful Blocks

How fantastic are all the blocks being made!

I'm sure Katie and Lisa must be so excited about the blocks they will be receiving.

Theri, Mary, Christine, Marsha, Lisa and Ann have all made blocks and the variety of fabrics and combinations is fabulous.

Kathleen has put her blocks in the mail. Thanks Kathleen! Don't forget to email me when you have sent your blocks.

The Flickr Group is up and running and pictures are being posted there.

Everyone seems to be pleased with the design of the block and the ease with which it is made.

That's a relief!

Christine has asked about finishing instructions. I'll post a modified version of the original quilt's instructions but you are welcome to finish the quilt any way you like.

I'm sure we are all looking forward to the different layouts that will eventuate.

Happy Stitching!

Ann. Marsha and Katie

Using Flickr

Flickr is one of a number of online photo albums known as photo buckets.

When you create an account you will receive 100Mb of storage for images. You can set your Flickr to full privacy or public access.

You then upload photos from your computer to Flickr. From there you can join groups - like ours.

So how is it done....

Step 1.

Click on the Flickr button at the top of this blog.

Step 2.

Click on Create Your Account on the top right hand side of the Flickr page. If you already have a Yahoo account you may just be asked for your Yahoo password.

Otherwise you will need to set up a Yahoo ID. Follow the steps at the bottom of the Sign In box.

Step 3.

Set your profile and privacy.



Click on You at the top left of the screen. The profile/privacy settings settings are on the right hand side.

Step 4.

Upload your photos.


Click on the big button marked Upload Your Photos and Videos


Follow each step - there are good instructions to help you.

Step 5.

Joining a Group

Click on Groups and enter APQ Blog Buddies Block Swap 2010 into the search bar under Find a Group.


Click on the link to APQ Blog Buddies Block Swap 2010.


Click on Add Something to upload a photo to the group. Follow the instructions.


You are done! (I hope). Click on any of the images above to see the image in full size.

You can also comment on other images in the group by clicking on the picture. You can upload as many pictures as you like, including pictures of the finished quilts.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or problems.

Ann

First Draw and the Winners Are....

Lisa from Unexpected Paths

and

Katie from katiemayquiltstoo

Congratulations girls!

An email will be sent out shortly with all names and addresses so that we can get ready to post our blocks out to the lucky winners.

We the organisers, can't come to a decision about the announcement of the monthly draws so have decided to ask you for your opinion.

Option 1:
Announce the winner each month so it's a surprise

Option 2:
Announce all the winners at once.

My personal preference is for Option 1 but I will happily go with the majority.

In the meantime, there are some wonderful swap blocks out there.

Joanne at canuckquilter has posted her blocks. Love the blues and how good the blocks look on point!

Ruth at logcabinquilter has some lovely blocks for the swap. Nice fabrics.

Kathleen at seventhsister26's blocks look terrific too. Kathleen is having some technical issues with her blog so has had to post comments to our recent blogs on her blog. Pop on over to catch up with her.

So, Lisa and Katie, you are going to receive some wonderful blocks in this our first draw with more to come, including my own.

We have had requests about what type of pen to use when writing on your blocks. A micron 5 Pigma pen works well.

Love suggests that you back your block with freezer paper first. Once you have written on the block, place a piece of plain fabric over it and iron to set the ink. Love likes to rinse just that part of the block to remove excess ink.

If you use a different pen or have your own tips for writing on the blocks then please let us know.

Now for those of you who are concerned about the construction of your blocks. This is a very forgiving pattern and seems to look good no matter how it is constructed. Given that we are making scrap quilts your blocks are going to fit in just fine.

Thank you all so much for your enthusiasm and support of this our first swap.


Ann, Marsha and Katie

Needles at the Ready Girls!

The APQ Blogging Buddies 2010 Block Swap has begun!

The following APQ Bloggers are now confirmed as participants in the swap.

Liriopia - Liriopia's Legacy - confirmed

Marsha - Grandma's Quilts - confirmed

Katie - KatieMayToo Quilts - confirmed

Christine - StitchNiche - confirmed

Beth - My Creations - confirmed

Ruth - Country Log Cabin Quilter - confirmed

Kathleen - SeventhSister26 - confirmed

Joanne - Canuck Quilter - confirmed

Karen - Breezy Bree - confirmed

Ann - A Good Yarn - confirmed

Lisa - Unexpected Paths - confirmed

Mary - Stash Heaven - confirmed

Theri - Theri's Quilt Stuff - confirmed


It's time to start making your blocks and the instructions are here.

Marsha will be drawing the first two winners soon and their names will be posted on this blog. They will also receive an email.

Everyone in the swap will soon receive the name and postal address of all participants. Please post your blocks before the end of the month.

Please remember to post a picture of your blocks on your blog and email me so that I can post about it here.

Theri has already made her first blocks and you can view them on her blog. They look terrific Theri!

Karen has made some blocks too. Great block Karen - love the colours!

There is a post coming on using Flickr. Flickr is an on-line photo album where you can post lots of images. You can also add those images to your blog. It will let us see all the blocks and evetually the quilts in one place.

Ann, Marsha and Katie

Answers to Questions

***IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT***

Registration for the Block Swap Closes
Saturday 27 February 2010

Thank you for the wonderful response to the block swap.

In this post, we will answer all the questions raised so far.

1. Can we request a colour scheme/style?

Sadly no, not in this particular swap. We are aiming for a scrap quilt look to allow everyone to use fabrics from the stash/scrap basket.

2. I don't know how to use Flickr?

That's okay, I will be posting a tutorial on how to use Flickr.

3. How does the draw work? How long do I have to make the blocks?

The swap will run for six months from March through to August. At the beginning of each month, two winners will be drawn and announced. All members are required to post their blocks to the winners by the end of the month.

You can make your blocks each month or all in one go - so long as you post them out on time.

4. How many blocks will we have to make?

We have - now 14 - people in the swap. That's four blocks per month - two blocks per person for each draw plus an extra draw to accommodate the 14.

The blocks go together quickly and easily with the instructions given making two blocks. That will give each recipient enough blocks to make a lap quilt.

If you want to make your quilt larger, you can add blocks you make yourself.


5. How do I send my blocks?

All participants will be required to send me (Ann - a good yarn) an email with your name and postal address.

I will send out to the group, each winner's address details so that we can all post individually.


The following bloggers have expressed interest in participating in the swap.

Liriopia - Liriopia's Legacy - confirmed

Marsha - Grandma's Quilts - confirmed

Katie - KatieMayToo Quilts - confirmed

Christine - StitchNiche - confirmed

Beth - My Creations - confirmed

Ruth - Country Log Cabin Quilter - confirmed

Kathleen - SeventhSister26 - confirmed

Joanne - Canuck Quilter - confirmed

Karen - Breezy Bree - confirmed

Ann - A Good Yarn - confirmed

Lisa - Unexpected Paths - confirmed

Mary - Stash Heaven - confirmed

Theri - Theri's Quilt Stuff - confirmed


Your place in the swap will be confirmed when I receive an email from you with your name and postal address.

Please send your details to cottonreelcapers@yahoo.com


Ann

Making the Block for Our Swap

Welcome to the Block Swap!

This block creates maximum effect with minimum effort.

This block is simple to make. All seams are 1/4 inch. These intructions will make two blocks.

Step 1.

Cut two pieces of coloured fabric 5 inches x 2 3/4 inches. Cut the same of light toned fabric.




Stitch a coloured piece to a light piece along the long edge. Press seams towards the coloured side.



Make 4 sets in total.




Step 2.

Cut each block on the diagonal in opposite directions - as in the picture below.



Step 3.

Lay out your blocks taking care with the placement so that you create pinwheels at the centre. Be aware that the pinwheels will run in opposite directions.



Step 4.

Pin the two pieces along the diagonal matching seams.

Sew and press carefully as this is a bias edge and prone to stretching.



Step 5.

Stitch and press blocks into pairs and pairs into a single block. This block should measure
8 1/2 inches.







Step 6.

Adding the sashing

You can cut your sashing strips at 1 1/2 inches wide but it's probably safer to cut them 2 inches wide and trim your block down to 10 1/2 inches.

From your block border fabric, cut two pieces 2 inches x 8 1/2 inches and two pieces 2 1/2 inches x 11 1/2 inches.

Pin the 8 1/2 inch lengths to each side, stitch and press seam towards the sashing fabric.

Then pin the 11 1/2 inch lengths to the remaining sides, stitch and press seams towards the sashing.

Square up your block and trim to 10 1/2 inches.




It's time for you to write on your block. Record your name, blog name, Block Swap 2010, your location.

Your blocks are now ready for the draw.

Block Swap 2010

Okay, here we go!

We have had enough positive responses to our idea for a block swap that it's time to get down to details.

We have chosen a simple block which will suit a variety of fabrics from reproduction to modern and everything in between. Use light toned fabrics for the other half of the block.

You can make your blocks from scraps or yardage. Our block will be 8 1/2 inches (includes quarter inch seams).

Each month one or two names will be drawn at random to receive that month's blocks. Details will be published on this blog.

The number of blocks to be made each month will depend on how many people join the swap and the aim is for each member to receive enough blocks to make a lap quilt. You can make extra blocks for yourself if you would like your quilt to be larger.

You are free to finish the quilt in any way you choose. You may want to embellish your blocks as well. Don't forget to write your details on your blocks.

Important: Please don't join in unless you can make all the blocks required

Some Rules: (necessary I'm afraid)

1. You must have an active blog and put the swap button on your blog (right click and save)

2. You must post your blocks each month on your blog

3. You will be expected to upload images of your blocks and quilt to our Flickr image group.

4. You must have a postal address that you are willing to share with other members of the swap.

5. You must post your blocks to the monthly winner by the due date.

6. You must acknowledge the blocks you receive in a post on your block.

Here is a picture of a quilt made using this block and 1930s prints.


How do you join? Simply leave a comment here. If enough people join, then the swap will run.

I will then ask you to email your details. Please make sure that you are not set to noreplyblogger for emails. Let me know if you aren't sure how to change this setting on your blog.

If you don't want to use your regular email, just setup a new email account on Yahoo or similar.

All further posts about the block swap will appear on this blog.

Instructions for making the block will also be posted here.

Let's get Stitching!

Ann, Marsha and Katie