I changed the poll because we had the most requests for a 12" block, but now we need to think about how to divide up the groups. The concensus seems to be that making 12 blocks is good for most people. We should have enough participants to divide into two groups. The poll on the left is for your opinions on what to make for those groups. I'm hoping to make the majority pleased with what we do, so if you have another idea, please add it in the comments! If I missed getting you on the list, contact me again. I'm trying to keep up, but it's easy to miss a comment on the forums, so I don't want to leave anyone out!
Here are some examples of string blocks:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15217815
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_8&listing_id=10041265
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_3&listing_id=16310180
These are fun and easy to make, and the great thing is that you can put anything and they look fabulous. In fact, the less matchy you make them the better they come out!
Traditional blocks would be whatever the swapper wants to make, as long as it's the right size. I would suppose that a swapper could request a certain type of block for her quilt, but I'll leave that up to you to decide, swappers!
The finished blocks would be sent to me before the deadline, then I will trade them out and send them back. We have not set the deadline yet, we'll discuss that next!
Current Swap List:
Pamelaquilts
Vintage Sew and So
Kristinsquilts
MoranArtQuilts
DownHomeDesigns
UniquelyNancy
WithHugsnStitches
Kimbuktu
Threaded Expressions
Originals By Lauren
ForQuiltsSake
TheDutchessCollection
AllTheNumbers
AndrusGardensQuilts
QuiltingCafe
Kims Crafty Apple
lmk Quilts
FabricsnQuilts
The Quilted Pet
Laguna Lane
PerennialPiecer
scrappykwiltkits
Bon Bons and More
alkdesigns
debidesigns
QuiltingGranny
Pennyfabricart
Happyquilts
Whimbrella
Dragonflystitches
Jacistuff
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Quiltsy Scrap Block Swap
Time to start planning for our next block swap. For this one we will be doing a scrap block swap! To get us started I have added a poll to the side of the blog for block size. Please vote and let us know what size block you would be interested in. At this point I am thinking quilters choice for colors and pattern, so we will be able to make some super scrappy quilts! This will be a centralized swap, and I (Pamelaquilts) will act as hostess for this one. We'll decide how many blocks as we figure out how many people are interested in participating. (I think we'll set the deadline then also, so we allow enough time for the amount of blocks we will be making) This swap is for Quiltsy members only.
I will start off the list with myself and add names as you confirm that you for sure want to join in!
Super Scrappy Swap 2008:
Pamelaquilts String Blocks
Vintage Sew and So
Kristinsquilts
MoranArtQuilts
DownHomeDesigns
UniquelyNancy
WithHugsnStitches
Kimbuktu
Threaded Expressions
Originals By Lauren
ForQuiltsSake
TheDutchessCollection
AllTheNumbers
AndrusGardensQuilts
QuiltingCafe
Kims Crafty Apple
lmk Quilts
FabricsnQuilts
The Quilted Pet
Laguna Lane
PerennialPiecer
BonBons and More String Blocks
I will start off the list with myself and add names as you confirm that you for sure want to join in!
Super Scrappy Swap 2008:
Pamelaquilts String Blocks
Vintage Sew and So
Kristinsquilts
MoranArtQuilts
DownHomeDesigns
UniquelyNancy
WithHugsnStitches
Kimbuktu
Threaded Expressions
Originals By Lauren
ForQuiltsSake
TheDutchessCollection
AllTheNumbers
AndrusGardensQuilts
QuiltingCafe
Kims Crafty Apple
lmk Quilts
FabricsnQuilts
The Quilted Pet
Laguna Lane
PerennialPiecer
BonBons and More String Blocks
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Reasons for Buying a Handmade Quilt
This is from my own blog, but by request am adding it to this Blog also:
This topic has been rambling through my head a lot lately. With budgets being tight and people trying to get the most for their money I am frequently asked this question. Of course, when I am put on the spot I can't come up with the articulate reasons that I can after a day or two of deep thinking, Winnie the Pooh style!
Reason No.. 1: Because you LOVE it! To me, this is one of the best reasons, though there is no quantifying or qualifying it. It's like meeting the man of your dreams, or finding a Bosom Friend - you just know it. Something in that quilt touches something in your soul and you have to have it.
Reason No. 2: A handmade quilt is one of a kind, and you will never find another just like it. At least in the case of the quilts I have made, you are highly unlikely to find one just like it. Two quilters can use the same pattern and the same fabric and come up with two very different quilts! Some of my quilts are made as shop samples, and if I have made it with the fabrics it was made for you may be able to find another one, but for the most case they are one of a kind quilts. I work a lot from my stash, so there may be fabrics used together that you won't find anywhere else.
Reason No. 3: A handmade quilt will endure. I have made each of my children a bed sized quilt for their first big bed - at the age of 2. With one exception every one of these quilts endured throughout their childhood all the way through high school. The exception was a quilt I made with 99 cent a yard fabric, and it wore out much faster. Each of these quilts were used daily, washed when needed (and you know how it is with kids!) and generally treated with little respect. When two of my daughters were in high school they wanted to buy one of those bed in a bag sets you can get for less than $100. Neither one of these lasted more than a year. I have a quilt that I made 18 years ago for my bed. It is a special quilt, hand quilted and has lots of hours of labor in it. I have used it regurlarly for about 4 months out of the year, washing it at the end of each use. It still looks almost new, and I know that eventually I will be able to hand it down to one of my girls as an heirloom. Yes, you can buy a quilt for around $100.00 at any department store. But how long will it last? I can tell you that I have made a good amount of money repairing these inexpensive quilts, and they are no bargain - you will get a year or two out of them and a few washings, but that's about it.
Reason No. 4: You are supporting an artist, not a factory. By buying handmade, your money actually goes to the person who is doing the work, not a CEO or the Chairmen, or a bunch of stock-holders. You are helping someone support their family and a way of life that is getting lost in this busy world. A quilt takes time and thought. It comes from the heart and imagination of the quilter. There is love in this process, and the world needs more love!
Reason No. 5: Quilts keep you warm! There is nothing better than snuggling under a warm quilt with a hot cup of tea and a book on a chilly day - and you can turn the heat down and save a little money on your heating bill, too.
Reason No. 6: Quilts are wonderful decorating accents. Ask an Interior Designer - a beautiful quilt can make a room! Whether it's hung on a wall as art, or draped over a chair as an accent piece, the right quilt can make your room a beautiful place to live.I can probably come up with a lot more, but these are the ones that come to my mind right now. I don't think any home is complete without a quilt or two (or a dozen!) but of course, that's my passion. I do know that the expense of a handmade quilt is small for the value you will receive when buying it. There are times when buying on the cheap is good, but just like in clothing, if you spend a little more on quality, you will get a lot more for your money in the long run!
Check out our Quiltsy member shops on the right if this makes you feel like you need to buy a quilt! I think I speak for all of us when I say you will be very happy with a quilt from any of our shops, and you will be buying a quilt made with love!
This topic has been rambling through my head a lot lately. With budgets being tight and people trying to get the most for their money I am frequently asked this question. Of course, when I am put on the spot I can't come up with the articulate reasons that I can after a day or two of deep thinking, Winnie the Pooh style!
Reason No.. 1: Because you LOVE it! To me, this is one of the best reasons, though there is no quantifying or qualifying it. It's like meeting the man of your dreams, or finding a Bosom Friend - you just know it. Something in that quilt touches something in your soul and you have to have it.
Reason No. 2: A handmade quilt is one of a kind, and you will never find another just like it. At least in the case of the quilts I have made, you are highly unlikely to find one just like it. Two quilters can use the same pattern and the same fabric and come up with two very different quilts! Some of my quilts are made as shop samples, and if I have made it with the fabrics it was made for you may be able to find another one, but for the most case they are one of a kind quilts. I work a lot from my stash, so there may be fabrics used together that you won't find anywhere else.
Reason No. 3: A handmade quilt will endure. I have made each of my children a bed sized quilt for their first big bed - at the age of 2. With one exception every one of these quilts endured throughout their childhood all the way through high school. The exception was a quilt I made with 99 cent a yard fabric, and it wore out much faster. Each of these quilts were used daily, washed when needed (and you know how it is with kids!) and generally treated with little respect. When two of my daughters were in high school they wanted to buy one of those bed in a bag sets you can get for less than $100. Neither one of these lasted more than a year. I have a quilt that I made 18 years ago for my bed. It is a special quilt, hand quilted and has lots of hours of labor in it. I have used it regurlarly for about 4 months out of the year, washing it at the end of each use. It still looks almost new, and I know that eventually I will be able to hand it down to one of my girls as an heirloom. Yes, you can buy a quilt for around $100.00 at any department store. But how long will it last? I can tell you that I have made a good amount of money repairing these inexpensive quilts, and they are no bargain - you will get a year or two out of them and a few washings, but that's about it.
Reason No. 4: You are supporting an artist, not a factory. By buying handmade, your money actually goes to the person who is doing the work, not a CEO or the Chairmen, or a bunch of stock-holders. You are helping someone support their family and a way of life that is getting lost in this busy world. A quilt takes time and thought. It comes from the heart and imagination of the quilter. There is love in this process, and the world needs more love!
Reason No. 5: Quilts keep you warm! There is nothing better than snuggling under a warm quilt with a hot cup of tea and a book on a chilly day - and you can turn the heat down and save a little money on your heating bill, too.
Reason No. 6: Quilts are wonderful decorating accents. Ask an Interior Designer - a beautiful quilt can make a room! Whether it's hung on a wall as art, or draped over a chair as an accent piece, the right quilt can make your room a beautiful place to live.I can probably come up with a lot more, but these are the ones that come to my mind right now. I don't think any home is complete without a quilt or two (or a dozen!) but of course, that's my passion. I do know that the expense of a handmade quilt is small for the value you will receive when buying it. There are times when buying on the cheap is good, but just like in clothing, if you spend a little more on quality, you will get a lot more for your money in the long run!
Check out our Quiltsy member shops on the right if this makes you feel like you need to buy a quilt! I think I speak for all of us when I say you will be very happy with a quilt from any of our shops, and you will be buying a quilt made with love!
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