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!