Round Robin

Hi ladies.

Melissa sent a note to 7 of us still considering another year of a Dozen Quilters...and like she mentioned, I proposed that we do a Round Robin.

I must admit I have been giving this idea some thought for months now, but then I saw Old Red Barn Co on flickr floating the idea and I really wanted to join in...but the idea of joining in with complete strangers worried me.  I want a group of people I know and trust to stay on track.

This is how Dana describes round robin for any of you who are unsure:

1) A round robin -- depending on the number wanting to participate we separate into groups and do a traditional round robin. Let's say 6 in a group. Each of those six makes the center block for their own quilt. Then that center is sent around to each of the other six and each of the six adds a round to that center block. So you start with the center (your own), it is sent to person number 2 and she adds a round . . . around the center block . . . then sends it on to person 3 and so on. So if there were 6 people in the round robin group then it would run for 6 months and each month each person would be adding a round on someone's quilt.


So, I thought maybe we can brainstorm some guidelines for our own round robin.

How big should we start with a center medallion?
how wide should each round be?
what time frame should we give ourselves to do each round?
should we send fabric along with our medallion, or have each of us use from stash?
Am I forgetting anything important?

I propose we start after the holidays.

One to go....

OKAY!  Down on the bottom right hand side - that's Natalie's block.

Thanks Natalie! I'm not sure who is left, but I think I'll start playing this group, add a few sashings, twirl and curl it and see what happens.  Me - I'm excited to get this one done...

Thanks girls, it's been fun!!

A Half Dozen quilters?

Would anyone like to continue our group with half as many members? I'd sure like a response from each of you . . .

And the mail came...

Saturday the mail came and in it two packages, one containing Leisel's block, and the other from Melissa, containing her block as well as Marie's and Christy's.  Just like Christmas at my place!

So now I have 8 blocks, all terrific, and I am itching to get this quilt together!

The hard part will be laying them out, around and around, to get the 'best' view.

More fun then checkers, I can tell you!

Hope you all are having a wonderful fall!



Another Block!

Now here's a fun fact:  Of the four blocks I currently have, two of them came from Jenny(s), and two of them are from Patty(s). What are the odds?  Does this mean that people named Jenny, or Patty are quick off the mark, or really super organized?  Maybe it's because their names end in y instead of ie? Or did this particular fabric just call to them?  Any ideas, or should I just go back to building walls?

Which I actually am doing by the way. Building walls. Because I decided to move some stuff around in the shop and - well, the walls weren't exactly where I thought they should be.!?.

For you who haven't mailed your blocks yet, please don't forget to sign your names. I've already forged one signature, and it's really not my specialty, if you know what I mean!

September Block for Patty

Hello everyone,
Here is the block I made for Patty- I chose a windmill pattern since I'm from Kansas and the wind is always blowing here. Hope you like it Patty!
I also never posted about the walker bag I made for Melissa in July. It was a fun and fast project!

And a BIG THANK YOU for all the wonderful pillowcase dresses I received!!! You ladies are awesome and I'm sure there will be some very happy girls in some very cute dresses!!!

Take care and have a happy fall!
Marie

Exciting!

This has been an exciting week!

First a picture of the first three Dozen Quilter blocks:

I really think this quilt is going to be awesome! I don't usually do sampler type quilts, but with the blocks coordinating by fabric, I think someone is going to love it!

I showed you a picture of the the Queen's Quilt I just finished for Breast Cancer Awareness, didn't I?
Well, this is what I did with the left over fabric. A Honeybun has a lot of fabric in it! And this one is so different from the other one! Now I need to quilt it, and then it will hang at the Hospital the month of October, until we give it away!

And this one is extra special (so are the two sweethearts pictured).  It's a signature quilt for Donnie and Julie.  He had a major stroke a short time back, and is currently in rehab. All their friends are invited to stop in and sign the quilt.

The fabrics are Dragonfly Summer by Holly Taylor of Moda. The pattern is Confetti Cake from Pieced Tree Patterns.  I hope to get it quilted tonight!

a Block for Patty

Hi All! I am having a hard time believing that this is my last post in this group! It's been really fun!!

I finally whipped up a block for Patty. It's pretty simple but I think it turned out ok. I did have to add a tiny bit of a fabric that wasn't in the original bundle but I think it goes really well and I am sending a bit back with my block so that she can incorporate some into another block or two.

If you all want something to do for October, consider making a block or two for my block drive to benefit my local NICU. I've received some great blocks so far but I am still short of my goal to collect enough for 20 quilts. Check www.ThreadedMess.com for all the recent posts on my Rainbow I Spy Block drive.

Happy Quilting!

Natalie

Christy's Block

I am giving this block to Melissa today so that she can mail it with hers.  Best of luck with your charity!  It is going to make a beautiful quilt.

The Second Time's the Charm

Here my second block for Patty's quilt. This time I paid attention and made all the right cuts. I agree with Melissa, you are going to have a beautiful quilt.

It's been a great year ladies and I wish you all well, good luck with all your future endeavors.

Patty's Block and Walker Bag

 This is my block for Patty. I think you're going to have a beautiful quilt!

Also this is the walker bag Patty made. I'm going to donate these next week. I have received bags from Christy, Marie and Patty and also heard from a few of you that you would donate locally. I assume everyone else found a local recipient as well.

Finally, this month ends a Dozen Quilters for the year. I feel like maybe we should call it quits. It seems like participation has been pretty low. Furthermore, there are many other charity bees out there to join. Your thoughts?

September's block

Here you go Patty!  I hopped on Quilter's Cache and found a 12 inch block called Squares within Squares 2.  I hope it works in the quilt for you.  I signed my name as well!  Mailing out to you on Tuesday.

Breast Cancer quilt

I love the block Patty (the MA one) has done! Here is a picture of mine.

Please don't forget to sign your block. And yes, girls they need to finish at 12'', so send them at 12 1/2 inches.  I even had enough fabric left to make a comfort pillow for a friend. But I forgot to take a picture of it, again.

Caught Up, Finally!

My apologies to everyone. I don't know what happened and I won't even make excuses. But here are the last few months projects. They are all on the way, Promise.

May and June projects

July's project, these are going to work with my sister-in-law, she works in a nursing home.

...and last but not least September's Block...

 

This is pretty fabric but I made a poor cut and tried to fix it by adding to the rest of the pieces,which ended up with a thirteen inch block. So I took it apart and now its a twelve inch block. I hope it's what you were looking for Patty.  

Summer is winding down for me, my first day back to work is tomorrow and the kids will be back on Tuesday. Right now we are riding out Irene,  lots of rain and some wind. So far it doesn't appear to be as bad as predicted. We've had quite a summer her as far as mother nature is concerned, a tornado( pretty much unheard of here), an earthquake and now an hurricane!

Enjoy what's left of your weekend!

July's project

I'm super sorry I am so late with July's project Melissa!  I didn't have fray check, so I knotted the edges of the ribbon...which happens to be Christmas ribbon that says "Believe".  I plan to gift this to my best friends mother who has just had a major surgery and will most likely have a walker for a very long time.

Although you can't see it in the picture, I did 4 pockets...one very narrow one for a pencil and then 3 more that are 4 to 6 inches wide.  I used this same home dec fabric for the front and the back.  I think the needle on my machine would have preferred cotton weight for the back!!!

September's Project

I know how busy you all are, what with end of summer canning, yard work, back to school, sewing projects, school sports, etc.  So I thought I'd get the fabric out to you a little early, giving you a little extra time to work on it.  I'm sending the five fabrics shown, although no one gets all five :) 

Every year I do a quilt for Breast Cancer Awareness, so I thought it would be great to do one with blocks from around the country. Only two requirements: that the blocks will finish out at 12'' square, and that each one of you sign your block. And please sign it large enough and far enough from the edge that it doesn't get 'lost'. Thanks so much. I look forward to seeing your creations.

Summer

Everybody really busy?! Seems like it's hard to make sewing time with all the Summer Activity going on. Don't know about anyone else, but I'm sure hoping to slow down a little pretty soon!

Meanwhile - here are the dresses we've been making for HOPE 4Women. Julie, our super sewist, got five more done yesterday and brought them in. That makes 19! If I can get one more done, I will send 10 each to Leisel and Marie... Wish me luck!

Walker Bag

 

I finished my walker bag.  No walker, just a bag.  I will bring it to you next week as I know you and the kids visit a nursing home regularly and I am sure you can find someone to give it to.  Such a nice project. 

June and July

 Finally, caught up.

 From a home dec weight Joel Dewberry fabric and scrubs material for the inside.

 From denim. Reminds me of a carpenter's belt.

From drapery fabric, both inside and out.

Please excuse my lack of a walker!

July Project

Hi ladies! How's summer treating you? I decided to use July to make walker bags for our local nursing home. However, if you know someone who could use one, and I'm sure you do, just go ahead and give it to that person. I have made tons of these over the past few years and each recipient has always been thrilled. I posted the tutorial over at my blog, Lilac Lane. Just because I have a little "print friendly" button there that makes it really easy to print out the tutorial. If you have a little stash of home dec fabric and never know what to use it for, this is the perfect thing! I hope you like making these and if you slip a few little goodies in the pockets, they will be extra special. Thanks so much!

2 more dresses for June

getting caught up feels good.  Leisel...I have two dresses going out Friday to your posted address and Marie, I will be sending you two like the one pictured above.

No, my daughter is not a model in training. acting coy and withering...she is a disgruntled girl who would rather be playing than modeling a dress for her mom!!

Thanks for the project ladies...these are the first dresses I have ever made!

pillowcase dress

Leisel, I apologize for being late with this dress...but I hope to mail it out by the end of the week.
I hope, in fact, to mail it out with a matching dress.

and, with a bit of luck...Ill mail your dresses out too Marie.

but that is for another post!!

My daughter is nearly 6, so I think this dress would be suitable for someone her size, or even a bit bigger.

My pattern suggested 27 inches for the binding...but I think Ill go a little longer the next dress.

Pillowcase Dress

Have you ever started sewing a project and had nothing but trouble?  That was this little dress.  I just couldn't catch a break.  A very simple project that caused me all kinds of trouble.  It did come together, but probably wouldn't win any ribbons at the fair.  I always hated having my sewing judged.  I will get this to you this weekend Marie, can't wait to see you!

Hope 4Women

I haven't forgotten either.  We've just been so busy, with Mom, and the store, and then the opportunity came up to open a 'mini' Granma's at our local Assisted Living and Nursing Care Center.  But Granma's is also collecting dresses made and donated locally, and we will send them directly to Hope 4 Women.

May and June Catching Up!

So sorry to fall off the radar! I have been sewing some but my life has been topsy turvy for several months with family and life. It's summer now so that helps! So here are my pillow case dresses for May and June. I will get these off in the mail this week!

Purple Wonky Star Quilt

The finished quilts for Ava were sent off this week. I ended up making just one quilt from all the wonky star blocks instead of two like I was planning. The blocks looked so great all together, it was just meant to be. Thank you again to everyone who helped me with this special project! I've named it 'Wish I May, Wish I Might':

I used all of the blocks turned in to me. There's one on the back that I forgot to take a picture of but it's there!

More pictures are in my flicker.

The second quilt is a simple strip quilt made from fabrics in my stash. It's pretty amazing how quickly strip quilts come together! I named it 'May Angels Hold You Near':

Thanks again ladies! I heard from Ava's parents that both quilts arrived safely. I hope to hear from them soon about how the silent auction went and how Ava likes her quilt.

Happy Quilting

May and June Pillowcase Dresses

Here are my pillow case dresses for May and June. I was able to make 4 dresses from coordinating yardage. I split them up so they wouldn't be too matchy-matchy. Two will be going to Leisel and two will be going to Marie.

I hope they bring smiles to some little girls' faces! These are shipping out tomorrow.

April Preemie Quilts

I just wanted to show off the lovely quilts I received from you all!

This quit top was donated by Christy and I finished it up by backing, quilting, and binding it:

This quilt was donated by Melissa:

This quilt was donated by Patty Z:

I know some of you are still planning on donating a mini quilt and I really appreciate that! You don't have to stick to the original challenge unless you want to. Our current NOVA Modern Quilt Guild challenge is "Scrappy"! Anything goes as long as it utilizes scraps in your stash. You don't have to do that challenge either though. I will accept any quilt top, unfinished, or finished quilt between 29"x29" and 45"x45", square or rectangular, as long as it's 100% cotton. Fusibles are unfortunately not ok unless they dissolve in the wash.

Thanks again ladies! They are beautiful!

Happy Quilting

June Project- A repeat of May

Hello everyone,
Leisel and I must have had the same idea in mind when choosing a project. Our Church has a women's group and one of their projects this year has been to make pillowcase dresses for girls in Haiti. I meant to get this post up earlier this month before everyone started making their dresses but of course I am a little behind. I do a have a pattern that we used and it uses any size pillowcase or you can make your own. The pattern is a pdf form and I will email to all of you. I know everyone gets really busy in the summer so don't worry about getting it to me right away. You can just mail the dresses to me and I will put with the other dresses our church is sending.
Thank you for taking the time to sew these dresses- I'm sure you will be making a little girl very happy!!
Marie

(Almost) a pillowcase dress

I bought this little sundress pattern for 50 cents years ago with granddaughters in mind, and never made anything with it. Since I'm trying to clean closets, I almost pitched it, and then I thought, with a little 'reconstruction', it would be cute for summer shifts.  So here at the shop we are asking our customers to make a simple summer shift or pillowcase dress and we will ship them all together to "Hope 4 Women". We'll see how it goes!?!

It will fit better on a 7 or 8 year old girl than it does on our junior size mannequin, but we didn't have any little girls handy :-D

Another Pillowcase Dress

I made this for a bigger girl, and then only I could model it! But it can easily go long for an older child. I used my new Denyse Schmidt fabric from JoAnns. After purchsing it, I realized it really wasn't my style, but it looks pretty cute on this dress. My husband says, "It needs a belt." smile

Okay, here's the update: I used this tutorial: https://www.fabshophop.com/downloads/pillowcaseDress_chop1.pdf, using the 8" arm hole measurements and leaving the full length, in other words 36 inches plus the four inches added onto the bottom. It says to use 36" of ribbon, cut in half, and I used 36" of ribbon not cut thinking that the bow wouldn't take that much, but a little extra would have been nice, like maybe 42 - 45".