There Are a Million Ways to Say Thank You!

{ There are a million ways to say thank you ,,

Originally uploaded by B a r ش a

Well, swappers, we did it. The swap is complete. Everyone has mailed their quilts and everyone should be receiving packages (if they haven't already). Thank you all so much for taking time to make a wonderful surprise for your partner and for participating in our first ever swap.

Once you receive your quilt, make sure you email or write to your partner to thank them! Many swappers are emailing me because they haven't heard a peep from their secret partners. If you don't know how to contact your partner, just email me and I'll give you their email address. Or, look on the package they sent and send a card to the return address. Just thank them somehow!

A Star is Born

A Star is Born
Originally uploaded by AsiyahK

Check out the fancy braids in this quilt from Asiyah. I especially love the mini green sashing and braided corners!

Swap Quilts Deadline!

That's right, today is the mailing deadline for our Modify Tradition swap quilts. Be sure to email Jennifer when you send your quilt and when you receive it. Also, if you haven't finished yours yet, or if you can't send a quilt at all, email Jennifer asap so we know what's going on.

modify tradition swap quilt
Originally uploaded by sonnetofthemoon

I'm sending out my swap quilt today...hopefully you like it partner!

Deadlines!

DSCN0604

Originally uploaded by Jennifer Can Quilt

Hey, swappers. Just here to remind you that your deadline to mail is Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

There are still tons of swappers that I haven't heard anything from. Please remember that you are expected to notify me when you have sent and received your swap quilts.

Participants who don't keep me updated and fail to meet swap requirements will be blacklisted! Don't be that deadbeat.

Country Corners

MT Swap
Originally uploaded by HooliganMama

I don't know about you but this asymmetrical quilt is totally hitting the spot today. And those sweet Nicey Jane blues, greens and yellows? So refreshing!

Annalia used the "country corners" block which is sort of like the "lady in the lake" block but better, in my opinion. I especially love the four patch in the center.


Oh, and that quilting? You know I love that too!

Finished!

Finished!
Originally uploaded by lindakl

Dresden Plate? Check. Meadowsweet? Check. Lots of white? Check!

I'm thoroughly impressed and totally in love with Linda's mini quilt! Aren't you?

Modify Tradition Swap Quilt

Modify Tradition Swap Quilt

Originally uploaded by KarrieLyne

Look what Sandi made for Karrie!

These bright, bold colors and layout really remind me of Bauhaus design. Not to mention I am so jealous of all those flying geese.

By the way, Sandi hand-delivered her quilt! It turns out that Sandi and Kerri live rather close together, and so they decided to meet up and became fast friends. Does that make me a friend matchmaker?

9-Patch

MTSwapdone
Originally uploaded by SaraSQuilts

Do you love this quilt? Because I do. I'm absolutely captivated by its colors and shapes. Who knew 9-patches could look this amazing?

Fantastic job, Sara!

Also, today is the deadline for any international swappers...remember to email Jennifer once you send them out.

Only a week left for non-international swappers...please have them ready to send out by June 15th.

I just wanted to thank you all again for participating in our swap. I'm having such a great time seeing what you come up with. Jennifer and I will continue posting swap quilts here...we're a little but that's great. It means you're quilting too fast for us to keep up. More soon...

MTSwap - Finished

MTSwap - Finished

Originally uploaded by PioneerValleyGirl

A Sawtooth Star, my favorite! And I love that skinny blue border. So fresh!

Oh my...

Modify Tradition Swap
Originally uploaded by natalie.leppard

Just look at the quilting on Natalie's fabulous swap quilt. And rounded corners? I swoon...

Email List

Hey, swappers!  I have just sent you all an email regarding sending and receiving quilts.  Please email me if you did not receive this email (it means I missed adding your name to the MT Swap mailing list).

Don't forget, the deadline to ship is June 8, 2010 for international swappers and June 15, 2010 for domestic swappers.  If you think you might be late, you need to email me so that I can notify your partner.

Also, we love what you're making.  Keep adding those photos to the group pool so that we can get a sneak peak at all the gorgeous creations.  Here's what I've got so far:

I've always been curious about house blocks, so I figured this was a good chance to just go with it!  I'm calling this Neon Houses.  Of course, this is only a sneak peek.  There's still more to come!

Square Dance

Check out the quilting on samhanmama's swap quilt:



I love the all over, random line quilting! I really like the block she chose too...I love it when repeated blocks make a secondary pattern.

Also, just a friendly reminder: we have just over two weeks to complete our swap quilts (just under two weeks if you're shipping internationally). Remember to email Jennifer once you send yours out in the mail.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Do you see it?

P5212480
Originally uploaded by 10THINGSatAtime

Oh my gosh, you guys...this swap quilt has fangs! What could 10THINGSatAtime be up to?

Orange and green!

MT swap sent
Originally uploaded by Elsie'sGirl

Check it out...another finish! Elsie'sGirl is officially the queen of orange and green...a color combination I'm especially fond of! I love how fresh this quilt looks...and check out the tiny birds and sassy diagonal quilting!

Yet another truly beautiful swap quilt! Could it be for you?

Modify Tradition Swap Quilt Back

Modify Tradition Swap Quilt Back
Originally uploaded by lollybix

I love the way Sarah's quilting shows up on that Kona Ash. We can't see the whole thing, but I'm hoping the front is as gorgeous as the back!

Links!

Let's revisit our discussion of what's modern with a couple awesome posts from Blog Land.

Feel free to join in on the conversations at Naptime Quilter and Oh, Fransson, or just comment here!

What to do with a mini quilt?

Modify Tradition mini-quilt
Originally uploaded by tararebman

You guys are going to love this: Tara of Tinkerfrog put an envelope back on her swap quilt. It's a mini quilt AND a pillow cover! I think that's pretty much the best idea ever! Don't you agree?

Also, the quilt itself is fantastic! I love that Echino and want to buy some right now!

Prairie Points!

Secret partner's new MT quilt.
Originally uploaded by momcindy

Check out another finish, this time by momcindy.

Don't you love those prairie points?

Modify Tradition Swap Quilt

Modify Tradition Swap Quilt
Originally uploaded by Jewel's Arm Candy

This colorful quilt looks like a bunch of colorful hard candies scattered across a canvas. I especially like the prolific use of polka dots! No wonder she calls herself Jewel's Arm Candy.

Another finish!

TraditionalModifySWAP_Quiltfinished
Originally uploaded by Cornelia*

Another finish...this time it's Cornelia's swap quilt. I love the bright colors and especially the hand quilting. I also love the multi-colored binding

Great job Cornelia!

"StarStruck"

"StarStruck"

Originally uploaded by jennewby71

Love that dotty binding, Jen.

What a gorgeous use of solids; they pop out beautifully against the white background Jen used. I love the stars in the corner; which is your favorite?

Starz

Starz

Originally uploaded by Pat Deck

Check these beauties! I posted about super-loving star blocks in my inspiration post... Maybe this is for me!

I'm going to convince Pat to do a guest tutorial. What better for our blog than a modern twist on classic stars?

Sneak Peek

Good morning! Here's what I worked on this weekend:



My mini quilt top is done! I wonder who it could be for? Do you like lime and grey? If you're my secret swap partner, I sure hope you do!



Also, as Jennifer mentioned this weekend, feel free to post sneak peeks in the flickr pool so we can feature them on the blog. We're so excited to see what you make for the swap!

Square Dance

Square Dance Completed

Originally uploaded by KarrieLyne

Here's another one done. KarrieLyne is fast! Could this be coming to your mailbox?

Eye Candy

MT Swap

Originally uploaded by PioneerValleyGirl

Check out this quilt, already finished and sent by pieceful kwilter to PioneerValleyGirl.

Not many swappers are posting sneak peeks to the flickr group. Please do! We'd love to feature your photos on the blog.

MT Swap Button

Hey, swappers!  Feel free to grab the code for the swap button out of the sidebar.  All you have to do is copy and paste what's in the scroll box, and then put it into a customized section of your blog layout.  Easy peasy.  


Don't forget to post some kind of inspiration to your blog or our flickr group.  Your partner wants to make something you like.  Help that person out!  Give them some hints about your likes and dislikes; this is the only way to ensure that no one is disappointed.  






Julie's got the idea; she's already picked out fabrics according to her secret partner's taste. Like scrappy? This could be for you!

Communication is good!

Hi swappers! Are you ready to start making your mini quilts? I know I am! Make sure you check out the Swap Guidelines first. Also, please try to get your flickr inspirations up as soon as possible so your swap partner can get started on their quilt for you.

Also, it's probably a good idea to give your partner some extra information, even if you know you'll be happy with anything they make. I know that I have a hard time making something for someone when I have no idea what they like. Giving them a place to start is nice and might help prevent panic attacks and crippling doubt (or is that just me?). It doesn't have to be much...we recommend a blog post (or a note on your flickr mosaic picture) listing some likes, dislikes, and any preferences you have (size, shape, color, etc). See my post (copied from my blog) as an example:



1. XOXO quilt, 2. Nine-patch Quilt - quilting, 3. Craftster Quilt Block (for me), 4. Flying Geese Table Runner in Pink detail, 5. { geometric squares quilt }, 6. finished, 7. Star Quilt Top, 8. Top Finished for DQS7, 9. DSCN0632, 10. Gelati Quilt Top, 11. cheese & cracker border, 12. May block for Marianne

I love bright colors, especially lime green, orange, teal and magenta (alone or in any combination). I love white or grey or tan for backgrounds. I'd be perfectly happy with one block or repeated blocks, borders, sashing or not, off center or on center, any size, square or rectangle...really, whatever you feel like.

I'm not into purple or dull colors.

Other than that, I just want you to have fun and design something that you love! Choose colors that inspire you, something that will be fun to piece, something that feels like "you". Hanging tabs would be welcome (I know I'll want to hang it up in the studio!) but I can also put them on myself.

I'm just really excited to see what you come up with!

Modify Tradition Swap Guidelines

Hi, folks!  You should have received your secret partner's information by now.  If not, please email me!  Here are the swap guidelines.

SIZE:  12x12" to 24x24" finished quilt.  Invisible hanging tabs welcome.

CONSTRUCTION:  You must use traditional blocks in some kind of modern format.  See our discussions on what's modern as well as inspiration and tutorials for a place to start.  Please note that you are not limited to blocks listed in our tutorials; any traditional blocks are welcome.

INSPIRATION:  Please post an inspiration mosaic to our flickr group so that your partner can see your tastes.  Go to fd's flick toys to make your mosaic! 

LABEL:  Please label the back of your quilt with your name, your partner's name, and the name of your quilt.  Feel free to include the names of any blocks that you have included.  Here are a few ways to label your quilts.

SECRET:  This is a blind swap, so your identity will remain a secret to your partner.  Please do not contact that person.  Don't forget to also browse your partner's blog or flickr stream and favorites so you can secretly get to know them. You may email me if you need additional information.

DEADLINE:  June 8th, 2010 for international swappers; June 15th, 2010 for domestic swappers.  Please email me once you have shipped your quilt.  Also, please notify us as soon as possible if you will be shipping late.

COURTESY:  Please keep us abreast of what is going on with your swap.  If you are going to be late or need to drop out, let us know so that we can make arrangements for your partner.  It's only fun to play if you get to send and receive.

Thanks to the swap mamas at the flickr Doll Quilt Swap for setting a great example!  I took my cues from them.

EQ7 Giveaway

Hi, guys.  Just thought I'd let you know there's an EQ7 giveaway on my blog right now!

Giveaway Winner!

Just checking in to announce this week's giveaway winner...#4, Connie! An email is on its way.

I also wanted to thank everyone for participating in our giveaways. Reading your comments and checking out your blogs and projects was so enjoyable! We'll have more giveaways coming up in a bit...but first, if you haven't already, please consider joining the mini-quilt swap. It's going to be a lot of fun and you'll be guaranteed to "win".

Modify Tradition Swap

Group sewing has long since been part of the quilting and sewing tradition.  As a virtual community, we can't engage in traditional sewing circles or bees.  Thank goodness for swaps, the truly modern version of a sewing circle!

Crystal and I thought it would be great fun to host the first Modify Tradition Swap.  This swap will be a blind swap, much like the Doll Quilt Swap on  flickr.  Each person has a different partner and no one knows who is making for them.  It's a surprise!

We'll be making modern-traditional mini-quilts according to our partner's tastes.  The catch-- no wonkiness allowed.  That's right, you heard me.  Save that wonky energy for later (wink wink).


Sign-ups are now closed!  Thanks, everyone!

Flickr Updates

Have you checked out the flickr pool lately? If not, you're missing out on Muriel's pillow, Lydia's table runner and some totally sweet blocks.

Awesome, right? Keep the blocks, projects and quilts coming! We love to see what you're working on.

Archive - Round 2 Blocks

1.  Broken Dishes
2.  Corner Star
3.  Dandy
4.  Eight Hands Around
5.  Forest Paths
6.  Hither and Yon
7.  Love in a Mist
8.  Magic Cross
9.  Quatrefoil
10.  Shoo-Fly
11.  Sunshine
12.  Martha Washington Star

Giveaway Day!

Today is giveaway day! It's our last giveaway for Round 2 so make sure to comment before Sunday for your chance to win!



Today's question is about picnics, of course. Do you like or dislike picnics? Do you have a favorite blanket? Did you make it? What are your favorite picnic foods? Do you have a favorite picnicking memory?

I'm crazy about picnics! I look forward to picnic season all year long. I design picnic quilts in the middle of the winter, just so I'll be ready when the time comes to use them. To me, there's nothing better to do on a summer's afternoon. My boyfriend and I usually go to the park by his house and order seafood from the restaurant there. When we're not in the mood for that, we bring freshly baked bread (Ian makes it) and various cheeses and fruit. I made a new picnic blanket last summer that's just big enough for two people. We haven't picnicked yet this year but we will soon!

Flickr Inspiration

When I saw this Courthouse Steps quilt on Sew, Mama, Sew I couldn't believe my eyes.  What a beautiful, ethereal work of art.  I contacted Chawne (cauchy09 on flickr) and she shared some information about her inspiring quilt.  Read on, readers!

***

 

Back in 2005, my mother mailed me a giant box of these pants she'd been collecting at my request. I always knew I wanted to try to make utility quilts but it can be a challenge to gather up enough discarded fabrics, especially if you want them to be fabrics and quilts with meaning. Seeing the range of colors and patinas in the fabrics reminded me of this stunning Gee's Bend quilt ( this one) and so I made my own version.

I should mention that this courthouse steps quilt was the second one that i made from that supply of pants. The first one was entirely improvisational--my first improvisational project, in fact. The two quilts are meant to be companions to represent many dichotomies in my family: black/white, rich/poor, blue-collar/white-collar, religious/atheist, liberal/conservative, slave/freedman, etc.

I only have a photo of the quilt top. Here's the [photo] for that one:

***

Make sure you stop by Chawne's flickr photostream and thank her for sharing about these unique quilts.  

Picnic Blanket

Good morning everyone! I'm sad to say that this is our last project tutorial for Round 2. But! Jennifer and I are cooking up some new ideas for the near (and not quite so near) future that we hope you'll like just as much.

But, for now, today's project is a sweet and simple picnic blanket:



The finished size is 5' square, big enough for a proper picnic or to cuddle up in on a cool summer night. You don't need batting or binding for this blanket but I do recommend flannel for the backing. It adds weight and warmth and softness.

Martha Washington Star

This block is named for the first First Lady of the United States.  According to her biography at US History.org, she seemed to be a beautiful but uncomplicated woman.  Maybe that's why this block is named after her.

As usual, 12" block measurements are listed first with 8" block measurements in parenthesis.  Before you start, make sure to check out the Flying Geese Tutorial to refresh your memory on our fast and easy flying geese method.  The math is done for you, but it's necessary to be familiar with the steps of construction (they are not shown here).  

Giveaway Winner!

This week's giveaway winner (picked by random.org) is #17, Eileen! An email is on its way!

Also, tomorrow Jennifer is posting our very last block for Round 2. It's a sweet star block that I think you're really going to love! See you all tomorrow!

Giveaway Day!

Today is giveaway day! For a chance to win this quilted wall hanging, comment before I draw a name on Sunday:



Today's questions (should you chose to answer any of them) are: how many quilts have you finished? How many did you keep and how many did you give away? Which was your favorite and why? Do you have a picture to share?

In my four years of quilting, I finished twelve quilts and I only kept three! My favorite is the quilt I sort of accidentally made for a giveaway on my blog last year.

Quilted Wall Hanging

Today's project is a quilted wall hanging. Of course, I know you all know how to make a mini quilt. I just thought it would be nice to show you my favorite way to create nearly invisible hanging tabs.

Love in a Mist

I love blocks that look complicated but are actually very easy, don't you? I looked long and hard for a block like this and I think I have a new favorite! But I say that about every block, don't I?

Giveaway Winner!

I apologize for the lateness of the giveaway drawing but sometimes life just gets in the way. So, with the help of a co-worker (in place of random.org), this week's winner is Jewel. An email is on its way!

If you have a chance, check out Jewel's lovely blog. She's up to quite a few things including the Pinwheel Sampler and Hexagon quilt-alongs. I'm quite excited to try a hexagon quilt for myself. Or, you know, at least a block or two before I move on to another project.

Anyway, this week's block tutorial will be up in a little bit. It's another one of my favorites, of course.

Giveaway Day!

It's giveaway day again! To win this week's project, hand made by yours truly, comment below before I pick a winner on Sunday.



Speaking of hand quilting...everyone seems to be catching the bug lately. I blame Anna Maria Horner for her beautiful and bold stitches. In fact, Jen is even planning to hand quilt her Modify Tradition quilt from Round 1! She even found this great deal on Perle cotton thread. I've just placed my order! You know, for when I somehow have time to hand quilt something.

So, the question for today is: have you ever hand quilted a quilt of any size? If you have, feel free to link to a picture so we can all see. If you haven't (or if you have), what's your favorite quilt that you've made? Why is it your favorite? Again, link to pictures if you want.

Hand Quilted Embroidery Hoop

Today's project is a great way to display smaller quilt blocks as art. It's also super easy and a fun way to practice your hand quilting/embroidery skills on a small scale.

Magic Cross

Magic Cross is a fun and simple block.  I especially like this block because it's reminiscent of a star block, without messing with all those flying geese.  The devil is in the details, though, so make sure that you at least read the whole step before sewing.  Otherwise, keep your seam ripper handy!  As always, measurements for the 12" block are listed first, with 8" measurements listed in parenthesis.

Giveaway Winner!

This week's giveaway winner is commenter #17...Barb! Seriously, you should check out her blog. I'm especially in love with the quilt she made for DQS8. I love that green!

Anyway, stay tuned...Jennifer has a really neat block for us tomorrow.

modify tradition sampler quilt

modify tradition sampler quilt

Originally uploaded by bittybirdquilts

Wow! I love that contrasting vertical sashing and the myriad prints that bittybirdquilts used in this quilt top. Great job!

Giveaway Day!

I can't believe it's Thursday already...but it is and that means it's giveaway day. To win this little drawstring bag (filled with various goodies), comment below before I pick a winner on Sunday.



I don't have a bag-related question so I'll ask a getting to know you question: why did you start quilting? Why do you quilt now? I know not all of you are quilters so: why did you start knitting/crocheting/painting/whatever you love to do that's creative? Why do you continue creating?

In case you're interested, here's why I quilt and here's why I crochet. If you've already written a post about this, feel free to link it so we can go check it out!

Petite Drawstring Bag

I really like the idea of giving gifts in bags. I like that the wrapping is reusable and it can match the gift. (I like things to match.)



Today's project is a petite drawstring bag. The finished size is 8.5" x 6".

Forest Paths

I know some of you are participating in one (or more) pinwheel quilt-alongs right now so I hope you don't mind one more pinwheel block. This block was so perfect for tomorrow's project that I couldn't pass it up. Hopefully you'll agree.

Giveaway Winner

It's a late drawing tonight so I'll keep it quick. Random.org says #11 is our winner! Stefanie, an email is on its way.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your favorite vacation memories! :)

Giveaway Day!

Today is giveaway day! To win the travel checkers, comment below before I pick a winner on Sunday.



And speaking of travel, what was your favorite vacation? What's your favorite vacation destination?

My favorite trip as a kid was the summer my family and I drove to the west coast, camping the entire way. It was my first time seeing the ocean and the water was surprisingly (and disappointingly) cold off the Oregon coast. My favorite vacation as an adult was the trip Ian and I took to Venice a few years ago. I'd love to go back for a weekend during Carnival. So what about you? Where do you love to visit?

Travel Checkers

Today's project is my absolute favorite. I've wanted to make a fabric checker board for a while but I was put off by the idea of needing a separate bag to put everything in for travel.



This board is double sided and one of the edges is left open, creating a generous pocket to store the game pieces, magazines, coloring books, etc.



Just stash everything inside and roll up for travel.

Hither and Yon

This block is a doozy.  I ripped a lot of seams while working this tutorial.  As you all know, I'm making 8" finished blocks for a Christmas quilt.  Unfortunately, the 8" version of this block has some strange measurements, and so we're not able to use any of the easy piecing methods we've learned.

As always, I'm listing the measurements for 12" finished blocks with 8" measurements in parenthesis.  If you're too scared of triangles, check this tutorial to make a 12" finished block using easy piecing methods.  If you're making 8" finished blocks, you're stuck with this!