What would you like to see in the Lotto for 2016 - I value your feedback Please

[TeresaK]

Hello Pals
I see the numbers of Pals who join the Lotto have gone down in recent months so I am asking for your input on what you would like to see in the coming months that will encourage you to join in the FUN!!!

Why the Rules Matter
* PRE-WASH ALL FABRICS YOU USE FOR LOTTO BLOCKS: I know many quilters trust in the quality of the fabrics they buy and don’t pre-wash for their own quilt projects. I will confess that for my first few years as a quilter, I didn’t either. Unfortunately, sometimes, even name brand, pricey fabrics will RUN. If you don’t put them through the wash, how will you know? I speak from recent personal experience when I say it’s heart-breaking when fabrics from even one block RUN . . . and can ruin an otherwise wonderful quilt.

* MEASURE YOUR BLOCKS: * The Lotto is the place to go when you are new to the Forum and would like to join the Swaps in the future. It is a place to enjoy stitching together an old block and/or learning a new block. It is a newbie-friendly activity and there is a bit of wiggle room, but your blocks MUST always be the specified block size - no less. If you send a too small block, you make it IMPOSSIBLE for the winner who receives it to use in a straight setting (no sashing). Cutting down every other block to match yours is often NOT possible because of the block pattern) If your block is too large, cutting it down to fit may mean cutting off points or otherwise creating a block that will look different than the rest. This is a place to practice your block at home to find the right seam width to get the right size.

* CHECK YOUR SEAMS Regardless of the pattern or technique you use, all your seams should be between a scant 1/4" to 1/4 inch. Re-check the seams of the blocks and the measurement before you send them to me. Make sure that a seam in a block has not pulled apart because of a seam to small. Unfortunately I know that some lotto blocks have been sent with seams like this, too. Consider what’s going to happen when a block like that is sewn into a quilt, perhaps stretched into a quilting frame or stretched by a quilter who is shoving a big quilt through and around a small home sewing machine. If it survives the quilting, will be going through washer and dryer many times in it’s lifetime. Check your seams and don’t send a block that will not last.

* FOLLOW THE BLOCK GUIDELINES I always try to set guidelines that are doable for everyone. If I ask for Fall colors as a background, please don't send me white or light cream. As quilters it’s important that you stay within the guidelines for fabric, color and block pattern.
The winners are almost always thrilled with the blocks they receive, but rule-breaking blocks really do tarnish the glow. Let’s all resolve to only enter good (and rule-abiding) lotto blocks in 2016 and beyond.

* As with any Lottery (Lotto) it is a place where you have a CHANCE to "Win" enough blocks to make a Child/Lap size quilt, table runner, pillows, etc... You make at least 2 blocks or more (always your choice) that you send to me for the monthly drawing. Depending on how many Pals join and how many Blocks I receive we could have anywhere from 2 winners up to 5 winners. The more blocks you send the better your odds are of winning and the more winners we have. The more months you join the more FUN you will have and if you make a sample block for yourself each time you join you could stitch together a quilt for you at the end of the year.

* You sign up in the beginning as a way of communicating to me that you are interested in joining us this month. We also know that life can get in the way of Cotton Therapy. Family, work, etc, always comes first over the Lotto. We emphasis FUN while practicing our skills in stitching the right size blocks so that when you wish to join a Swap you are ready for it.

* You send $2/3 with your blocks to help pay the postage on the packages to the winners.

PLEASE send me your thoughts or any additions/changes that you would like to see which would make you want to join in the FUN!!!

[purrfect-lady]

TERESA - thank you for clarifying the Lotto rules. It's nice to get a refresher on them now and then to remind us of what is expected.

I always enjoy the lotto when I play. It's like waiting for a door prize ticket to be called! So, when I have the time, the theme and/or block pattern appeals, and the appropriate fabric in my stash, I join. Otherwise I don't. Simple as that. For me, anyway.

Ideas for themes?
Any holiday
any season
specified color combos
floral
specified fabrics (30's, Civil War, etc)
favorite animal
All one block, but in quilter's favorite color
Black background
leaves
Overall Sam (to keep our Sue's company!)
fish (my personal UGH, but I hear some people like them)

Thanks for the opportunity to speak up! And for hosting the lottos. Like you say, a great place to practice but not be committted to 20 blocks.

mary z

[AprilShowers]

Hi Teresa,

Thank you for hosting the Lotto! You are always so encouraging and kind. I enjoy Lotto because of the challenge of trying blocks that probably would not have tried because I usually select blocks based on the person I am making the quilt for or on the fabric I have. I usually play Lotto with the fabrics from my stash. The rules are usually broad enough for me to do that. I really like seeing interpretations of the blocks by different people. I have been lucky enough to win a couple of times. The blocks are well made. Everyone takes pride in their work. One of my favorite parts is the poetic bribes. They are fun to write and fun to read.

As for next year, please keep in mind I am a relative newbie. Please pardon if I repeat something that was done before I joined:
Pieced flowers
Hearts
Favorite QIAD block
Red and white or blue and white blocks
Red white and blue patriotic
Album block with embroidered name and favorite saying
Log cabin blocks
President blocks
First Lady blocks
State blocks
Everything Mary Z said (especially overall Sam)

These are just my suggestions. Just keep doing what your doing. I love Lotto!

Hugs, April

[JayKay]

Teresa

I love your monthly lottos! Tried several new blocks (y seams, lol)
The only reason I don't participate every month is usually time constraints with other projects or I just don't have the fabric requirements in my stash.

I find it's harder during the holidays to fit it in. But, please don't stop!


Joyce

[WeSignificant]

I am usually restricted by time. Most of the time I can find fabric in my stash to comply with requirements but every once in awhile, I just don't have it. As with this month.

Blocks I would like to see done:

Dresden Plate
Green and purple (one of my favorite combinations)
1800 with older pattern
Sailboats
Fall (my fav)

And whatever else anyone comes up with!

[maryq]

Teresa

You know how I LOVE Lotto....

But here's a thought.. how about alternate months with Secret Pals

[zfatcat]

I like 6, 8, 12 inch pieced blocks of any kind. I try and participate when I have time. I've just been really busy with other commitments. Lori

[dforseth]

I agree with Maryq, alternate months with secret pals.
Debbie

[TeresaK]

WOW - GREAT Feedback! Never thought to do Lotto and SP's alternating with each other. Hmmmm
Great block considerations to choose from in 2016 - Yes indeed!!!

THANK YOU ALL!!

[shelly322002]

I love the lottos and am very happy with the blocks and 'styles' you have been choosing. If I don't join in a month it's usually that I've 'snowed under' for that month.
I love the challenges these different blocks bring and the help with 'nudging' us out of our comfort zone.
Keep doing what you're doing, we all appreciate your fabulous efforts...
Huge hugs!!
xxx Jacquie xxx