Rules & Guidelines
Create a block using the colors and block pattern of your choice. You will get this quilt block back at the very end of this swap accompanied by 11 other coordinating blocks created by your friends and fellow quilters.
Ending block size must be 12 x 12 with a 1/4 seam allowance on each side. This applies to ALL quilt blocks made for this swap.
You will receive a list of all the participants in this swap with their mailing address. Send your block to the person listed when you receive the list. Include with your block a small journal that your friends can add to. Write a description of the original block you create (feel free to include a picture), the name of any pattern used, where you plan on using this quilt, etc. Give us a little background on the quilt you’d like for us to help you create! This journal will help chronicle the creation of your new quilt over the next year! If you would like for others to follow a specific block pattern and simply be inspired by color, make sure to include a copy of the block pattern so we don't have to hunt for it! Also, please remember there are a lot of beginners in this group so if you would like us all to follow a pattern, please make this pattern accessible even to us beginners!
Once you receive the first block in the mail, it is up to you to be inspired by your friends block! Keep in mind, this is THEIR quilt that will be displayed in THEIR home! Step outside of your comfort zone and create a block inspired by the "owners" block using their theme, scheme or color palette. You can use the same fabric/pattern OR you can create something that coordinates. You don’t have to love love love the colors or block that your friend picked but you do have to respect their choices and attempt to create something that compliments or coordinates!
You have 1 month to complete each block before you mail this off to the next person. Make sure to do a quick write up in your friend’s journal about the block you are adding to the mix. You can ship via USPS in a flat rate priority mail box for about $5. Remember… you can reuse these boxes!
Each month, you will get a new package in the mail (or hand delivered if your friend above you on the list lives close!). This package will begin to have more and more quilt blocks in it (i.e. on month 10, your package should include 10 quilt blocks including the "owners" original that acts as inspiration). After awhile, you will begin to see what the "owners" quilt will look like!
Tips and Suggestions
As the "owner" of your original block, please feel free to write any special instructions you may have for the participants in the swap. As an example, if you will be using this quilt in a room with a specific color palette, you may ask that participants keep that in mind and use those similar colors. The fun part about this, however, is to be able to see how your friends’ creative sides varies from yours. So make sure not to give TOO much direction otherwise it stifles the creative aspect of this!
Please keep in mind that the blocks you are making (aside from the original block you make for your own quilt) is for someone else. To this end, please use the highest quality fabric and supplies that you can afford. We are not all on the same playing field in regards to finances so we can’t all afford "the best" but let’s try not to use cheap-o fabric that will fall apart with one washing or use something for others that we would never use for ourselves.
Some of us are beginners, some are intermediate and some are on a more expert level. Don’t worry about that! Work with a block that is in your comfort zone. Try to step outside of it a wee bit but also realize that this is not a competition so you don’t need to create something you are not comfortable with yet. Also, if you see a more advanced block during this process that someone else has created, call them up and ask how they did it! This is a great opportunity to learn from your friends with a higher skill level! This is supposed to be fun, remember?!
Stay on time! I will include the dates that blocks should be mailed off as a reminder for everyone! Remember, the longer you take, the less time your friend has to create the block for the following month. Be respectful of everyone’s time and get your quilt block done in a timely fashion!
