Tina is our usual hostess for the Christmas swap but is unable to do it this year so Mary Q and I are co-hosting. For the duration of this swap, you may call us both "Merry"!
I hope we have a lot of participation because, let's face it, in the quilting/crafting world it's time to bring on Christmas projects! And wouldn't a new Christmas quilt make a purrfect gift for anyone - even a Thanksgiving hostess gift? Or you could divide up your blocks and make placemats, table runners, toppers, etc., for even more gifts! Or even to festivise your own home for the holidays! (and yes, that's a word! Didn't you just see me use it??)** We're making a slight adjustment to the color scheme. Backgrounds should still be white or white with a tiny background print. We said colors should be red/green, but after looking through many patterns we realize that is kind of limiting. So let's just say, whatever you have that will blend well with those two colors in a Christmas quilt.
Here's the hard part:
The Rules
1. If you sign up, it's a commitment. Procrastinators, take note! Please don't wait till the last minute. We never know what curves life will toss our way.
2. Please use good quality fabric. No see throughs!
3. Mail on time! Blocks will go to Merry Q. Merry Z might be on the road by mailing time. If you don't have Merry Q's address, ask her. She knows it. And remember, she moved a couple years ago so even if you think you have it you might want to double check.
4. Blocks must be at least 12-1/2" unfinished. If they aren't, please fix them before you mail them. Check your seams. Do not trim them. Let the recipients do that. And please put your name somewhere on your block.
5. No glitter, please! Though if you have metallics, this is a good place to use them as long as they don't 'shed'
6. If you have questions, you can ask them in this thread or call, text, e-mail, or PM, either of us Merrys. If you have a question, chances are a few other folks will have the same question.
7. The number of blocks we make depends on how many people sign up. And you can sign up for TWO (2!) if you wish! That will increase the number of blocks we all make and will make a larger quilt for us all! Do I hear 3??
8. As in years past, let us know what kind of block you are doing so we don't have duplicates.
9. Each set you make is to be the same pattern, but you can use different fabrics if you wish. If you choose to make a second (or third!) set, then you choose a different block pattern. And again, fabrics can vary. A good opportunity to use up your Christmas scraps!
10. Please include $10.85 for return postage. (and let's hope they don't raise the postage again before we mail!)
The Fun Stuff!
This year it's Quilters Choice. Make a block that means Christmas to you, or says something about you. Stars? trees? ornaments? Bows, wreaths, Nativity? cats with ribbons? Candy canes, snowman with a bit of holly in his hat? Holly? The choice is yours and the options are many. Color scheme is to be red/green or any color that will blend in well with red/green, with white or mostly white background (tiny print like dots is OK). You can piece, paper piece, applique, or use a combo. Just not machine embroidery for your whole block. It doesn't 'go'. But you could use it for an accent if you wish. Embellish as you wish - sequins, little bows, buttons, etc.
Sign-ups go from this moment for two full weeks. So, the sooner you sign up, the better so we can all get cutting and sewing, you have until midnight, Tuesday, July 8th to get your name and block choice in. Usually we allow 8 weeks to get blocks to the hostess which turns out to be the day after Labor Day, Tuesday, Sept 2nd. Remember, mail to Merry Q as she will be in charge of the end of this swap.
And I hope we have a large fun group! Let the holidays begin!!
1. Merry Z - Santa
2. Merry Q - block TBA
3. Vinae - patchwork star with tree.
4. Lori -
