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