January Sewing Swap

[Merry]

Hi everyone, thought we had better get something started here otherwise we will be busy thinking of Christmas again.

This is something I thought of .....would anyone else be interested? Since we have swapped a few fat quarters over time was thinking we could do three months of swapping blocks to create a small quilt. Never done anything like this before so if anyone has any tips (Cathy) please suggest away.

Was thinking our first block could be a 9 inch, 'Rail Fence Block' a pattern here

You Tube Link here.

Another version here

Since we have only been getting a couple people involved in the sewing swaps I thought we might end up doing at least two a month each. I think that anyone involved should also list a colour so that the sewer can use that as a guide.

I have read a couple of little tips, like you should iron all your seams flat as you go and the block should probably measure 9 1/2 inches....just so that they can be sewn together later.

Thinking doing this January, February and March. If we are lucky enough to have at least four swappers each month which would mean three blocks each....we would have nine blocks to sew into a quilt.

So what do you think?????? This or another item.

[Mandy]

I'm game for anything Merry, I need to make a start on a quilt anyhow, and my sewing machine is now out and set up all the time, so that makes it easier.

[Merry]

Well I went ahead and did it. I have just started a group up for the block swaps. I figure we could aim for 9 blocks at 9 inches each and that should make a fair size quilt in the end.

So for January we are swapping a 9 inch rail fence block with each person that signs up for the swap. So two people sign up you just sew one and send off. Three people sign up you make up two and send off.

If you do sign up for this swap could you please post a message with your favourite colour so that we can work on that. Blocks to reach recipients by 31st January. I will post partners Monday, 2nd January. The group is here.

[CrafteeCC]

this sounds like fun
the only tip I can give anyone is that when making blocks .............. straight accurate cutting is important and sewing an accurate 1/4" seam is paramount if you want the finished block to measure what you want at the end .......... Oh, I forgot, you have to learn how to use inches again I don't know about anyone else, but I found that difficult to start with, but now it is a breeze.

There are some great resources on the net on making up quilt blocks - one thing I have found is that there can be different looking blocks under the same or similar name

My GO TO site for quilt block instructions is http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
this site has step by step instructions (with diagrams) for cutting and making, with blocks listed under name and/or size
with an easy 'pin' rating system ... 1 pin easy/beginner ... 3 pins difficult/experienced

Their rail fence pattern HERE This pattern is written for a 12" block (which actually measures 12 1/2" when finished which allows a 1/4" seam all around for you to join to the next block) it can be converted to 9" block by using 1 5/8" strips and each section would be 5" wide

This sounds like a lot of fun Merry - I would love to make a CraftMad Family Quilt

my favourite colours at the moment are autumn colours (think of the leaves turning - browns, reds, golds, oranges, muted greens, burgundy)

Am off to join

[Merry]

Thanks so much for all that info Cathy. I was a bit worried as to how big to make a 9 inch block. lol. But you have given us the strip sizes....brilliant.

What do you find easiest to cut the strips with? I have bought one of those rotary blades in the past but never seem to get it working maybe it was too cheap.

Now why didn't I think to call it a 'Craftmad Quilt' love that.

I am thinking where this quilt will be used so the colours I would like are dark reds, soft pinks, and dark greens. These will blend nicely with the our lounge decor.

[CrafteeCC]

Thanks Merry
a rotary blade is the best tool, combined with a good straight ruler - a quilter's ruler is best, but I guess you could use any ruler and maybe draw some lines in the measurements you need and then cut, using the ruler as a guide to run your rotary blade next to.
Most rotary blades have a safety position and may need to be 'repositioned' in order to cut and sometimes when they are first unpacked the screw needs to be tightened.

[EmuUpAGumTree]

I would love to take part, I am just getting back into sewing and especially interested in Quilting/patchwork etc But I am still learning!

Would we just be doing the top bit of the quilt, without wadding/batting and backing etc?



ETA: Should mention I like bright colours, pinks and purples, But Whatever is easy though and whatever you have, dont buy special! I would adore anything!


OH Also wanted to ask, would I use the exact same fabrics for each block for each individual person over the 3 months?

[camsmum]

This one sounds like fun but with going back to work and uni etc I couldn't commit to this... Perhaps could run a smaller item swap as well during one of the next few months? I know I haven't taken part in any yet, but I was overcommitted with other stuff up until now and it would have been irresponsible even though I wanted to

[Merry]

Lauren, I do like that idea of running a smaller item as well maybe every second month until this project is finished. Don't want to lose any of our sewers.

Annmaree, so great to see you in here. I thought this might be right up your alley after seeing your runner the other day.

For the colours and fabrics. I was not thinking that we would have to keep with the same fabrics for each particular person for these blocks but just stick to their colour selection. Just to make it a little more flexible for the sewer.

****What a great response we have had to this project. So good to see. I do want to check what your limit of blocks each month would be?????

At the moment with five members this means four blocks to make.

Or I could organise partners and at this stage it would mean two blocks.

[EmuUpAGumTree]

Kelly said she would love to join as well! But she is just having issues trying to join/register here. I think shes sent an email to the contact page.

[Merry]

Hi Annmaree, just saw a comment on my blog from Kelly saying she was trying to sign up and getting knocked back. Have emailed her...hoping I can help out. May take a bit with New Years happening though but we will be keen for her to join on in.

[Kelly G]

Gosh that Ian works wonders!!!!!



Please count me in to for the sewing Challenge. I would love to have a go at this - and to end up with a mini quilt at the end sounds brilliant.

As for what colours I would like it is either a toss up between shades of blue - or a lime green/hot pink combo!!!!!!

[EmuUpAGumTree]

should have known you'd be difficult Kelly, lol! Just kidding

[Mandy]

Gosh that Ian works wonders!!!!!



Please count me in to for the sewing Challenge. I would love to have a go at this - and to end up with a mini quilt at the end sounds brilliant.

As for what colours I would like it is either a toss up between shades of blue - or a lime green/hot pink combo!!!!!!

lol, now he's blushing Kelly Welcome to Craft Mad, looking forward to swapping with you.

[EmuUpAGumTree]

I really like this patch idea... Disappearing 9 patch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjZOXxPazg