Category: SCRAPPY QUILTERS

Newsletters, updates on group news.

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ANYTHING GOES SWAP 2024

On By Way Too MuchIn SCRAPPY QUILTERS2 Comments

I have created an Event called Anything Goes Swap, so go sign up now! We will take sign ups until March 31, 2024 and start swapping shortly after that.

Do you have fabric that has been sitting around since forever? Do you have duplicate tools, magazines or whatever that is just sitting there? Then, I say it’s time to pass it on! Take all these goodies, put them in a large Flat Rate box, they’re under $20 to ship, and send it on its merry way to another quilter. Who knows what goodies you might find in there? Take what you want from the box, fill it up and send it out again! Get the idea?

Great! Then let’s get started! Please, let’s do this in the US only as it is very expensive for our international members to ship back and forth to us. But if you want to do a version of it over there, please feel free to do so!

Please contact me at thepinkquilter@gmail.com to sign up. I will create a list and send it out on April 1, 2024. The box will go out shortly after that. DO NOT POST TO THE GROUP as it’s hard to find, you MUST email me to sign up. We will have a chat group set up especially for this group.

I really should not have to mention this but there are some RULES to follow:

1. Everything that goes in the box must be of good quality, something that you, yourself, would like to receive. No junk or yard sale items please. Should be sewing or craft related.

2. What comes out of the box must be replaced with something of like quality. Let’s not be greedy!

SHIPPING: You have the option of sending a regular Flat Rate Box or a regular box, whatever is within your budget. I do know that the Flat Rate Box fees have gone up recently, so a regular box is fine and may be actually a little cheaper to send.

As with all swaps, we will be posting to each other via private email. I will set a group (private email) up where we can keep track together. You must post receive and send dates along with tracking number. I will have a copy of the Master List and will be checking in to make sure that the box is on its way.

Once we have a list of players ready and we are committed to the swap, then I will send a Master List of players and their addresses. As the box comes and goes, each swapper will need to check off their name, date it, post pictures, to the group, and mail it on Mailing date and tracking must be posted to the group. The box will come back to the original sender full of goodies! Please read the Swap Guidelines for more information.

COMMUNICATION: In order to be involved in a swap, you have to communicate with everyone especially when you are sending out your swaps and receiving. We believe in giving everyone a chance to participate in swaps, but:

1. If you decide that you are not able to do the swap, please have the courtesy to let me know before the deadline, and it can be arranged.

2. If something happens during the swap and you’re not able to follow through please let us know and we can possibly help you out. We cannot help if you don’t let us know.

3. Please note that you will be given several chances to decide to stay or leave before the swap starts, and if you decide after the swap has closed, and you have not let me or the hostess know that you are not able to do the swap, you will be banned from swapping.

4. If you drop from the swap in the middle of a swap and do not let me or a swap moderator know that is cause for being banned from the group. That is not only rude but unfair to all the other swappers that are counting on you!

Thank you!

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ROUND ROBIN 2024 (Long) HURRY! This swap is closing soon!!

On By Way Too MuchIn SCRAPPY QUILTERSLeave a comment

PLEASE SCROLL ALL THE WAY THROUGH THIS AND TYPE AGREE AT THE BOTTOM, ONLY IF YOU INTEND TO PARTICIPATE.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Please sign up by emailing me at thepinkquilter@gmail.com with RR2024 in the subject line, your name, address, phone number, and email. When the swap is filled, then I will PM everyone along with a list. You will be always sending to the same person until finished. The list will be posted after the swap closes.

SIGN UP DEADLINE: March 31, 2024

SEND OUT DATE FOR CENTER BLOCKS: April 30, 2024

WHAT IS A ROUND ROBIN? A round robin is usually a 12 inch block that is sent to a set number of people who then take turns adding borders to the block. It is then sent back to the owner as a finished top. This is a chance to be creative by using different techniques, such as borders, blocks, appliqué, etc.

DUE DATE FOR BORDERS: To be announced after we have at least 5-7 signups. From there on, quilt tops will be due on the first of the month and you will have two (2) months to complete each of your rounds. Hopefully, the tops will be finished within a year but do understand that things do happen that can delay it. When you finish your center block, please post a picture as we love to share and also for insurance reasons in case of problems.

Pictures are required along with tracking information. No exceptions.

SWAP GUIDELINES:

1. This year this is there no limit on the size of the center block. It can be any style or color you would like, it’s your choice. Please include scraps and a vision of what you want to see your top become. Please include a journal for others to write in as it is fun to see where it has traveled and its transformation. Please post photos as we go along.

2. It is up to the person receiving the top to decide on an appropriate border to go around the center block. Please make sure that it complements the colors the maker has chosen and styles that will match. There will be as many rounds as there are players so that everyone has a chance to create.

3. When sending the quilt top along, please make sure that it is INSURED AND THAT THERE IS TRACKING ON THE PACKAGE, as we don’t want anything to happen to our creations. Also make sure it is Flat rate shipping, if possible. Please send on the first of the month. MAKE SURE THAT YOU POST TO THE GROUP YOUR TRACKING NUMBER, YOUR NAME, WHO IT WAS SENT TO, AND DATE SENT.

4. If you find that you are having problems keeping up with the rounds, please let me know so that we can help you keep up. If we do have problems, the date can be pushed back to help, but you have to let me know ASAP! Remember, we cannot help you unless you ask for help. IF YOU BACK OUT OR DROP OUT AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SWAP, OR DO NOT RESPOND WHEN CONTACTED AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS, AND WITHOUT LETTING ME OR ANYONE ELSE KNOW, YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM SWAPPING!

5. Please keep pets and smoking to a minimum as we do have members that have allergies. Use only good quality cotton and your best sewing techniques. Be creative and have fun with the quilt but make sure that it complements the quilt.

Thank you for playing along!

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FALL STRING SWAP 2023

On By Way Too MuchIn Current Swaps, SCRAPPY QUILTERSLeave a comment

Hi everyone! I have started a messenger chat for this swap. this is just to check and see who is interested in doing it and then we can switch back here. So far we have 4 players including myself, so please let me know ASAP if you want to do it or not by Thursday, Oct 12. We will start soon afterwards. Thank you!

My apologies for not being on the past day or so, I have not been feeling my best, a sinus headache. But I am feeling better now so let’s start planning before the month turns into November. Wow, the time sure does go by quickly!

Shall we try the same standard block or try a different variation on strings?

This one is really pretty and can be found here:

https://magnoliabayquilts.blogspot.com/2010/01/string-blocks-tutorial.html

I think that the maximum size should be 9.5 inches squared.

Or we could do crumbs;

Here is what I did with our swap from a year ago, I believe it was called crumb blocks:

FALL STRING SWAP 2023

My apologies for not being on the past day or so, I have not been feeling my best, a sinus headache. But I am feeling better now so let’s start planning before the month turns into November. Wow, the time sure does go by quickly!

Shall we try the same standard block or try a different variation on strings?

This one is really pretty and can be found here:

https://magnoliabayquilts.blogspot.com/2010/01/string-blocks-tutorial.html

I think that the maximum size should be 9.5 inches squared.

Or we could do crumbs:

Here is what I did with our swap from a year ago, I believe it was called crumb blocks:

Now is the time to decide what we want to swap:

  1. Fall colors, gold, brown, green, orange, yellow
  2. Christmas or Holiday colors
  3. Halloween
  4. Dark color, monochromatic or light gradating to dark

I know that not everyone wants to swap and that is fine with me. But you do have the option of following along and making your own string blocks for yourself.

Depending on how many sign up, shall we do, if more than 6 players, 3 blocks to each person, and if we have less than 5 players, 4 blocks to each person. I think that this is a fair number, please let me know otherwise.

So far we have 4 players including myself. Any other players?

Please post below and also email me your choice at thepinkquilter@gmail.com. before October 10.

Thank you!

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HIDDEN TREASURES!

On By Way Too MuchIn Hidden Treasures, MYSTERY AND CHALLENGE QUILTS, SCRAPPY QUILTERS1 Comment

OCTOBER 28, 2023

Okay. I ADMIT I AM NOT CRAZY ABOUT THIS QUILT! I have tried playing with it, laying it out and it is just not working for me. And knowing that I love scraps and small bits I cannot do it, it is just too much! So, I went on EQ8 and played with the pattern and tweaked it. So please ignore what I posted before, in fact I have deleted the original post and I have decided with this layout and design instead.

I present to you our new version of HIDDEN TREASURES!!!

Now, please remember that this will still be in scrappy colors and the background and colors are not set in stone. This is EQ8’s version, not mine and I believe the white or a lighter color calms the quilt down a bit and breaks up the scrappiness. Please feel free to go with whatever colors you want, after all it is your quilt also.

It measures 42.75 x 54 inches and the blocks are 9 inches square when finished as the borders are built into the blocks.

YARDAGE REQUIREMENTS: Scrappy

PLEASE READ, IMPORTANT!!

BLOCKS: CHURN DASH. The block is 9 inches. It is a very easy pattern.

Remember, the block sizes are 9 inches. Here is a pattern for the Churn Dash:

https://www.patchworksquare.com/mf/churn-dash-quilt-block.pdf?t=1698521859

Click on the link above and it will take you to the pattern.

You will need to make 10 blocks.

FRAMES: The other 2 are basic frames with a block inside. The ones pictured are very easy with a four square in the middle and 3 simple columns in the middle. Now, the trick to this quilt is that we are going to add in other little treasures such as a 4.5 inch Diamond, Pinwheel, and Friendship Stars into the centers. I was not able to edit those into the picture above. The fames should measure 2.5 inches in width but may vary on length depending on if you add in cornerstones or not.

The easiest way to make the frame part of the block is to make the inside block first and then add it on. I will leave it up to you for how many extra little blocks aside from the columns and 4-square, you want to add in.

Oh, I almost forgot!! Sometimes with scraps or those small little strips, they sometimes just aren’t long enough to make it around the corners. In this case, please do not fret about it. That’s where little filler blocks like a pinwheel or something can become a cornerstone. Have fun with it!

Like this! Don’t be afraid to play!

Now is the time to look through your fabric, blocks and decide what you want to do. I will see you tomorrow as it has taken most of the morning to post this.

Here are a couple of blocks that I made today and I think they are going to work out just fine. What I have done was to dive into my Orphan Blocks Bin and played with them. Here is what I have so far.

They measure 9 inches. I love playing with colors and as you may have noticed I am not afraid of colors as I believe that in this scrappy pattern they will work together fine. Remember, you will need 10 blocks of scrappy and also 10 Churn Dash blocks for a total of 20. Now to decide how I want to do my Churn Dash blocks, solid color or maybe scrappy. Not sure yet, will see how the other blocks come along first, though sometimes I think that a solid color sometimes works best to calm down scrappiness and give it a little cohesion.

See you tomorrow afternoon.

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Come on, I know we all have UFOs, and I for one, have a lot of them. If you’re not sure, then ask yourself these questions. It’s okay, I can wait.

On By Way Too MuchIn Group News, SCRAPPY QUILTERSLeave a comment

Is your UFO stack taller than you?

Have you lost track of how many? I have so many I can’t count that high.

Do you have UFOs hiding in closets, whispering your name?

Do you have a problem child or two? You know what I mean, those that just don’t want to play well with others.

Would you like to have some dedicated time to just finish these and mark them off your list once and for all?

Then, please join us for

End of Summer Challenge August 1 to 15, 2023

This is a virtual retreat, so no packing is involved, no money and no obligation.

Why so long? A week is just not long enough, at least for me, to get much sewing done. I am a slow seamstress, plus I get distracted by Squirrels very easily. You can drop in or out whenever you want. Just a little extra time to finish your projects.

We will have a messenger chat room available where you can visit, ask questions, and show off your work. We have a lot of quilters and if you have any questions, I’m sure there is someone who can answer your questions.

So what do you need to do? Everything will be done on messenger chat, nice and private, and easy to access. When we get to messenger, you can post a list of the problem children that you want to work on and list the stage that it is at, like blocks cut out, sashing, borders, etc.

And all you have to do is sew to your heart’s content, share your progress and enjoy yourself. Hope to see you there!

Oh, and don’t keep it a secret!

Contact me at thepinkquilter@gmail.com to sign up.

Flings galore and stash report

On By Way Too MuchIn Group NewsLeave a comment

And I didn’t bring home anything extra with me.  Guild meeting was last night, I flung a bunch of string blocks, crazy blocks and a donation quilt last night.  And I didn’t buy any tickets for fabric or books.  Nor did I even glance once at the goodies on the free table!  WOOHOO!

Last week after visiting Vac and Sew and buying yet another kit, yes I’m addicted to kits, I decided then and there NO MORE BUYING or bringing home fabric.  And I haven’t.  Saturday, tomorrow, will be one week since I made this decision and I intend to keep it.  And, no I do not have my fingers crossed behind my back.  

I have now released from 3 bins, the fabric that was sitting there.  One I used up what was in the box and the others were given away.  Oh what a good feeling that is.  And yet, I still have stacks of projects to work on but that is okay.  Those are ones that I really want to do.  It has taken about 3-4 months since my surgery where I have really wanted to sew and I am!! V

A very happy Donna in California!

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STRING BLOCK SWAP 2023

On By Way Too MuchIn Current Swaps, SCRAPPY QUILTERSLeave a comment

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP:  July 1, 2023

SWAP STARTS:  July 15, 2023

SWAP ENDS:  September 30, 2023

Imagine a conversation with yourself that goes something like this:

Strings, strings, and more strings!  All over the place!  What to do with all those strings?

Maybe sew another quilt? 


Hide them in the closet and hope that to forget them, and pray that they don’t multiply?  Heaven forbid!

Give them to someone else as a gift?

Or how about…  String blocks! 

Say what?  Sew them into string blocks and then swap them with other quilters!

What a wonderful idea!

SIZES: Blocks must measure 12” square.  You may use any PAPER FOUNDATION if you desire – children’s drawing tablet, copy paper, tissue paper, paper made for paper piecing or foundations, or old phone book pages. Make sure to reduce your stitch length so that seams don’t pop open or break when papers are ultimately removed.

Strings should be no wider than 3.5” and each block should contain a variety of sizes (widths) and a good number of strips. Remember these should be scrappy and happy!

FABRICS: No more than 5 blocks exactly alike! Scrappy!  We will decide on how many blocks to make when sign-ups close on July 15, 2023 and we will have a list then.

LEAVE PAPERS IN.  DO NOT REMOVER PAPERS!!!!  With so many different fabrics and biased edges, leaving paper in provides one more layer of stability for the block until it is attached to something else. Make sure to include your name on each block on the back. You may use address labels, or just write it on the paper.

You must contact Donna Coppin at thepinkquilter@gmail.com with String Blocks 2023 in the subject line, with your address.     

What is a string block? It is a simple PP block that uses up a lot of scraps.

Here a tutorial to get started:

Please read Swap Guidelines before signing up for more details on swapping.

Thank you for playing along!

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON? (WAYWO)

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I have 4, at least, projects all set up on my table, embroidery machine set up and quilting My Town.  Yes, I’m still working on it, but it is my refuge when I just want to relax as playing with applique iron ons is just plain FUN!  

My little Janome is set up to sew on borders for a Round Robin top to go in the mail next week, hopefully.  I’m having trouble deciding what borders and fabric I want to use, very indecisive!

I also have my Bird In A Nest (stay at home round robin) that I am hostessing, set out and deciding fabrics what I want to use as the first border.  Two 1 yard quilts and material in bags that I need to work on for the guild.  And finish making 6 blocks for Secret Sister for the year.  And that is all I will admit to at the moment, though there are probably a couple of others sitting there.

I have been trying to sew a little each day, but I am feeling a little overwhelmed.  Not from the projects, but the hot early weather, and my legs and right hip have been bothering me somewhat, again the weather.  

I have my massage this morning, maybe that will invigorate me and make me want to get in there and finish something!

ROUND ROBIN 2023 (Long)

On By Way Too MuchIn Current Swaps, SCRAPPY QUILTERSLeave a comment

PLEASE SCROLL ALL THE WAY THROUGH THIS AND TYPE AGREE AT THE BOTTOM, ONLY IF YOU INTEND TO PARTICIPATE.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Please sign up by emailing me at thepinkquilter@gmail.com with RR2020 in the subject line, your name, address, phone number, and email. When the swap is filled, then I will PM everyone along with a list. You will be always sending to the same person until finished. The list will be posted after the swap closes.

SIGN UP DEADLINE: March 31, 2023

SEND OUT DATE FOR CENTER BLOCKS: April 30, 2023

WHAT IS A ROUND ROBIN? A round robin is usually a 12 inch block that is sent to a set number of people who then take turns adding borders to the block. It is then sent back to the owner as a finished top. This is a chance to be creative by using different techniques, such as borders, blocks, appliqué, etc.

DUE DATE FOR BORDERS: To be announced after we have at least 5-7 signups. From there on, quilt tops will be due on the first of the month and you will have two (2) months to complete each of your rounds. Hopefully, the tops will be finished within a year but do understand that things do happen that can delay it. When you finish your center block, please post a picture as we love to share and also for insurance reasons in case of problems.

Pictures are required along with tracking information. No exceptions.

SWAP GUIDELINES:

1. This year this is there no limit on the size of the center block. It can be any style or color you would like, it’s your choice. Please include scraps and a vision of what you want to see your top become. Please include a journal for others to write in as it is fun to see where it has traveled and its transformation. Please post photos as we go along.

2. It is up to the person receiving the top to decide on an appropriate border to go around the center block. Please make sure that it complements the colors the maker has chosen and styles that will match. There will be as many rounds as there are players so that everyone has a chance to create.

3. When sending the quilt top along, please make sure that it is INSURED AND THAT THERE IS TRACKING ON THE PACKAGE, as we don’t want anything to happen to our creations. Also make sure it is Flat rate shipping, if possible. Please send on the first of the month. MAKE SURE THAT YOU POST TO THE GROUP YOUR TRACKING NUMBER, YOUR NAME, WHO IT WAS SENT TO, AND DATE SENT.

4. If you find that you are having problems keeping up with the rounds, please let me know so that we can help you keep up. If we do have problems, the date can be pushed back to help, but you have to let me know ASAP! Remember, we cannot help you unless you ask for help. IF YOU BACK OUT OR DROP OUT AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SWAP, OR DO NOT RESPOND WHEN CONTACTED AFTER 3 ATTEMPTS, AND WITHOUT LETTING ME OR ANYONE ELSE KNOW, YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM SWAPPING!

5. Please keep pets and smoking to a minimum as we do have members that have allergies. Use only good quality cotton and your best sewing techniques. Be creative and have fun with the quilt but make sure that it complements the quilt.

Thank you for playing along!

SCRAPPY QUILTERS 8TH ANNIVERSARY AND FALL RETREAT

On By Way Too MuchIn SCRAPPY QUILTERSLeave a comment
 
Starting Oct 28 to Oct 31, we will be celebrating with a Fall Retreat. We hope that you will join us!
Why, you ask?
 
It’s free and is online and you can join in anytime. No packing required. Plus visiting with friends. Plus, sewing time!
 
Lottery blocks! Make up to 6 blocks and those count as a chance to win all the blocks made during the retreat.
Separate post will be up soon so you can get a head start on them.
 
Tutorials available in group chat rooms on different topics. If you have (or want to add one, please do so).
 
Fun games and prizes! Chance to win FQ bundles, etc.
 
Preview of a new original Mystery Quilt to be started in January.
 
Please join us!
 

FALL RETREAT BLOCK 2021

WOVEN FOUR PATCH   

 
We will be doing the 8 inch size in warm fall colors. This should make a nice comfortable quilt.
 
RULES: 
Please email me (luv2cutfab@gmail.com) with Fall Retreat Block 2021 in the subject line. Please state how many you are going to make. Each block that you make counts as a ticket to be eligible for the drawing. If we have more than 24 blocks we will do an additional drawing to make it fair.
 
Please sign up now. All blocks are due no later than November 15 and must be mailed to the sender by that time. Please post to the winner and to me when you send the blocks.
 
If you sign up for blocks but decide not to make them for some reason, please let me know before the drawing. If you have an issue with getting the blocks made, please let me know and we have Swap Angels who are more than happy to help you.’
 
Thank you.