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From: BRG
Date: 06-30-2005, 01:56 PM (1 of 26)
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I am opening a new thread to discuss the future Christmas block swap. Everyone seems so excited about starting a new block swap - which is great! The swap bug is addicting, isn't it? Some things to discuss: 1. Signature block swap or non signature block swap 2. Colours - theme 3. Block - same block for everyone or do your own 4. Deadline/Due date 5. Mailing 6. Etc ... - Brenda -
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User: BRG
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 388 
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From: BRG
Date: 06-30-2005, 02:05 PM (2 of 26)
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1. Signature block swap or non signature block swap 2. Colours - theme 3. Block - same block for everyone or do your own 4. Deadline/Due date 5. Mailing 6. Etc ... I wanted to share my feelings/opinions about what I'd like to do or see ... this does not mean we will do it this way ... just sharing my opinion/feedback. 1. I personally would like to do a non signature block swap for Christmas only because I have siggy block swap already and would like to have a Christmas blanket to use for "decoration" during the holidays and I can incorporate more blocks with it if I need to add more or obtain others from other swaps. If there are many interests on both sides (siggy and non siggy) we could possibly do a "split" or 2 separate blocks - you can sign up for one or both ... one would be a siggy block swap and one would be a block swap. I can do both not a problem. 2. This is quite obvious - I am open to anything - I just wanna see all kinds of Christmas theme (colour, print, etc) ... I also want to respect those who celebrate other holiday during Christmas (Ramadan Hanukkah etc) I am not picky about what is being used as long as it represents Christmas and the holiday theme. 3. I think for this swap I would like to see you making your own block - this way you can create the block perfectly for yourself with the fabrics you use (some fabrics may work best with specific patterns, etc) ... also this helps with your comfort level ... some people are not comfortable with 'experienced' block patterns, etc) = this way you can do what you want to do. I would like to see 12.5" unfinished blocks as usual. 4. Since summer is here ... I'd probably start the sign up in July to sign up for the month and then create the blocks from August to end of September ... that way you have time from September or October (depending on when you finish the blocks) to holiday season to finish other swaps, shopping, etc. If you know you will be late or something's come up, I would appreicate some kind of communication sent to the forum or at least to the hostess so the hostess is aware of what's up etc ... 5. I think this would be a centralized block swap (all sent to hostess) and to use a stamp not metered stamp (as I ran into a problem for the siggy block swap) - I think for this time, everyone brings in their own envelopes with stamps and addresses written on it ... that way I can just send 'em off when all blocks are turned in. You may want to consider delivery confirmation if you like (for the Americans) - they only cost 45 cents extra. Also, we will mail the Canadian gals their blocks first then wait a week then mail off the Americans so everyone should receive their blocks around the same time. I would be happy to host this if people would like that ... if someone wants an opportunity to host it ... by all means go for it ... doesn't matter ... I love doing this so I don't mind hostessing it 
- Brenda -
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User: BRG
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 388
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From: carman
Date: 06-30-2005, 02:17 PM (3 of 26)
you have my support on all the above and my vote too  you did a great job.
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User: carman
Member since: 04-17-2000 Total posts: 692 
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From: Debby215
Date: 06-30-2005, 02:36 PM (4 of 26)
I second Carman, Brenda, your ideas are great. I prefer this time to have NO siggy, as I would like to do the same and make a Christmas blanket, and have the option of adding blocks if needed. Just my 2 pennies... 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
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From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 06-30-2005, 02:46 PM (5 of 26)
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Me three! I would prefer no siggy on this one as well. Maybe if people want to do another one we could do one in 6 months or a year for people that have come to the board recently, or people who didn't get into the last one and wish they had. Our own pattern and 12 1/2 unfinished sounds great too. I'm easy!
photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 06-30-2005, 03:01 PM (6 of 26)
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I love your ideas. No siggy for me. I would love blocks just for the holidays too. If we have different Christmas holidays, it would be nice to know so we could go with that holiday. (Ramadan, Hanukkah, Etc.)
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: esrun3
Date: 06-30-2005, 08:16 PM (7 of 26)
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I'm good to go with what you've suggested Brenda. No siggy is fine-I love seeing everyone's blocks so agree with pick your own pattern too. When would the deadline be?
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: BRG
Date: 06-30-2005, 10:29 PM (8 of 26)
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As I indicated in my post I was thinking end of September ... that way it gives us 2 months to finish it ... Post the sign up in July (for the month) so it gives people time to sign up especially if some were already gone on vacation and so forth and start working on it from August to end of September. You think that's sufficient time?
- Brenda -
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User: BRG
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 388
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 06-30-2005, 10:54 PM (9 of 26)
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I agree to everything too Summer Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: kittykat
Date: 07-01-2005, 01:01 AM (10 of 26)
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count me in. have already done several block swaps. no siggy and the rest works for me. does this mean we can go ahead and start. right after i cut my bug fabric. know what block i will do.
pat
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User: kittykat
Member since: 08-06-2001 Total posts: 184
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From: esrun3
Date: 07-01-2005, 09:47 AM (11 of 26)
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time sounds good Brenda. My biggest problem will be deciding what block to do and then finding fabric I like..maybe I'll look for the fabric first!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 07-01-2005, 11:07 AM (12 of 26)
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I agree with everyone else as to: Brenda hosting (did amazing job in signature swap), no signature, picking your own block, 12.5" unfinished.... Just have one suggestion or topic for discussion....should we limit the main colours of the Christmas fabrics to reds, greens, golds, etc. Reason is that some Christmas fabrics have bright blues as the main colour and a block that is mainly blue may "clash" with the greens. What does everyone think???? TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 07-01-2005, 12:34 PM (13 of 26)
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Another thought...as this would not be a signature block, how would we be able to identify which SWN friend did which block? I would still like to know who did what. An idea...a pic could be taken of each person's block (doesn't matter if different fabrics were used, just to get the block that was made)...then the pics could be posted somewhere with the SWN name of who did each block??? All this posted after the blocks are mailed out??? Other thoughts/suggestions, anyone???? TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: dmoses
Date: 07-01-2005, 01:14 PM (14 of 26)
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If I understand the plan, each participant would send all blocks, already in individual, stamped, addressed envelopes to Brenda, and she would send them all out at the same time. That way, you would know who sent each block. The only problem with that would be that Canadians would not be able to use Canadian stamps, if the blocks will eventually be mailed in the U.S. Also, I'm not sure how to get delivery confirmation on them...I thought that could only be gotten at the post office when actually mailing the item. I guess a centralized swap is 'insurance' against anyone who reneges??? I am thinking about joining the swap, but I am new to quilting, and a little insecure about my abilities in that area. It does sound like a great idea! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: BRG
Date: 07-01-2005, 01:36 PM (15 of 26)
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DMoses - Please consider joining us - we are a range of newbie quilting to experienced quilters ..... the fun part is you cna pick a block that you are comfortable with ... maybe start with a simple block like a rail fence or 4 square patch or something like that. Some people consider themselves a "quilter" and makes mistakes. I am one of them. I have been quilting for 4 years (with 2 years off due to school/baby) - I have made a few quilts, and for the life of me, I never get the squares the right size (if we are supposed to do 12.5 unfinished ... usually I am good with 12.5 to 12 inches) ... the most important thing is you have fun and you enjoy yourself making these blocks and knowing you will get many blocks back in return for sending yours out. It's all done with love for quilting. What we usually do is a swapper sends all of the blocks in a zippie lock bag (or gladlock whatever) --- then send it to me. A return envelope with your name/address is included with a stamp (not metered stamp) is on it. Once I get all the blocks from everyone ... I will sort them out and then send it back out to everyone. Delivery confirmation - you can get it at the post office - it's bright lime green - it only cost you 45 cents. I highly recommend it as some people may have lost theirs, etc. There's a number on it that you can keep track of it when I send it out. HTH - Brenda -
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User: BRG
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 388
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From: BRG
Date: 07-01-2005, 01:38 PM (16 of 26)
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Judy - I was thinking the same thing about who's blocks is who when you receive them. I was going to add a post later today about adding a label on the back of each block ... I have a box of small labels (used for return address) you could also get them yourself from an office supply store. If I see no labels on the back of the blocks, no sweat - I will write your SWN on a label and put it on the back of each block - Brenda -
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User: BRG
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 388
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From: dmoses
Date: 07-01-2005, 01:45 PM (17 of 26)
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DMoses - Please consider joining us - we are a range of newbie quilting to experienced quilters ..... What we usually do is a swapper sends all of the blocks in a zippie lock bag (or gladlock whatever) --- then send it to me. A return envelope with your name/address is included with a stamp (not metered stamp) is on it. HTH I think I will join.  I am following Joanne's class for the Advent Quilt, and it has awakened a new interest. Thank you for explaining the process to me...that makes so much more sense now.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Hogmami
Date: 07-01-2005, 02:01 PM (18 of 26)
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Glad to see so much interest in this swap. I still have my siggy blocks to put together. I am getting lots of projects again. And thats how I like it.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 07-01-2005, 03:23 PM (19 of 26)
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I was going to add a post later today about adding a label on the back of each block ... I have a box of small labels (used for return address) you could also get them yourself from an office supply store. Brenda, I like this idea...I had originally thought of post-it-notes but I figured they would fall off too easily. Labels stuck to the back make more sense! TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: esrun3
Date: 07-02-2005, 01:26 AM (20 of 26)
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I like the label idea too. I was wondering about that last night. Donna, glad you will be joinng us! Please do not feel intimidated-we all make mistakes no matter how long we've been sewing/quilting and the fact that you can pick your own block, as simple or as intricate as you want is great! Lots of free block patterns out there on the web! I would suggest you make up just one block first before cutting fabric for all of them to check your sizing, etc. Just makes things a little easier. Have fun-looking forward to seeing all the blocks for this swap-will be lots of fun. As for colors, I'm ok with whatever anyone decides but lets decide soon as many of us are starting to shop for fabric I think. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Debby215
Date: 07-02-2005, 08:47 AM (21 of 26)
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Hello fellow quilt block swappers ...as far as colors, I am good with all or any. I like the idea of a very diversified color range. I am going to my favorite quilt shop favorite places July 15,16 and 17th, so IF there are any restrictions, Hopefully we will know before then...SO SO looking forward to this one....
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611
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From: esrun3
Date: 07-02-2005, 01:01 PM (22 of 26)
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Originally posted in Christmas Block sign up but then I saw Brenda had a link to this discussion so thought I should post here as well-trying to get out of the house and didn't want to take the time to find this post. Anyway, here goes: Hi all, I might be posting in the wrong place but it all pertains to the Christmas block swap and this is the post I'm in and I'm trying to get out of the house, here, so, Sorry. Anyway, there was a discussion of not putting our names on this block but instead attaching an address label to the back of the block so we know who we got each block from. I had a thought a minute ago...yeah, yeah, I know......anyway, I think when I make my quilt label for the back, I will list each person who contributed and maybe which block but at least the names, that way I know who contributed to it just like in the siggy block we just did. Just wanted to share my so-called brainstorm with you all. Headed to the movies with my grandson and hope to get shopping for fabric for this quilt this weekend!__________________ Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 07-04-2005, 07:31 AM (23 of 26)
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Lyn, love that idea. I'll be making my label similar to how they print the names of people in a picture....will list the rows and the corresponding block makers from left to right. That way we never lose the info.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: esrun3
Date: 07-04-2005, 01:51 PM (24 of 26)
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Judy, what a great idea!! Guess that's the order my label will go too. Hadn't thought about listing them in order.Duh!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: thisNthat
Date: 07-31-2005, 09:58 AM (25 of 26)
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Hello Ladies.... I just found the forum TODAY!! I am so excited! This is my suggestion as an alternative to the sticker type block labels (if you don't have any, etc.) May I suggest that participants print something out on their PCs to identify their blocks and maybe pin it to the back of each block (since labels could come off)? Just an idea. Also... I am in favor of all suggestions that were made in regard to color, no sig blocks. The label for the quilt itself on the back is an awesome suggestion. You can also put that digital camera to some good use after receiving the blocks. Arrange your blocks the way you THINK you may like them, snap a shot, arrange another way, snap another, etc. Review all the pics on your PC and decide which you like best (this can also help you when you need to make your quilt label for identification by snapping a pic of each block with the block label). If you think one of the blocks doesn't quite go with another you can make a pillow! Thanks Lori Lori
Euro-Pro 9105 & Kenmore Elite Ergo3 |
User: thisNthat
Member since: 07-31-2005 Total posts: 10 |
From: BRG
Date: 07-31-2005, 08:19 PM (26 of 26)
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That is an idea ! Thanks for sharing it!
- Brenda -
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User: BRG
Member since: 01-12-2005 Total posts: 388
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