QBOTM: October

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Swap Coordinator:	crochetjunkie (contact)
Swap categories:	Fabric Sewing Quilting
Number of people in swap:	10
Location:	International
Type:	Type 3: Package or craft
Last day to signup/drop:	October 1, 2009
Date items must be sent by:	October 31, 2009
Number of swap partners:	2
Description:
For this swap we will have two partners and we will make each partner a 12 x 12 inch quilt block with the pattern for this month. Make sure you leave a quarter inch seam all the way around, so the square actually ends up being 12.5 x 12.5 inches. This months pattern is the String Blocks Pattern. Here is the link. This pattern calls for a 8.5 inch block to start with and we are going to change this to 12.5. With the extra 1/2 inch addition, you will start out with a 13 inch square foundation fabric. Very simple step-by-step instructions. October is breast cancer awareness month, and the October birthstone is a pink stone. So we are going to have pink as our color for this month. If you want to incorporate breast cancer into your block, that is senders choice. No more then 2 of the strips are to allowed to be solid colors. If you don't want to do solids, that's okay, but if you do use them, no more then 2 of the strips in the entire block. Fabric needs to be mostly pink, but can have other colors in it as well. QBOTM GUIDELINES If you join the QBOTM, you don't have to stay in it for each round. It's not a requirement that you join each month. Make sure the fabrics are all 100% cotton fabrics and are 12.5 by 12.5 inches when finished. *If you flake on any of these swaps you will be banned from future QBOTM swaps and I will report you to the group founder. We don't want swappers like that in this group. Any questions, be sure to pm me and I'll be happy to answer them!

Discussion

bettflow09 09/10/2009 #

This block looks like alot of fun, but I have never made one like this before:) Still trying to figure out the directions for adding the strings, lol. Placing in watch for now and gonna try to get one of these made to be sure I can accomplish it before joining:)))

crochetjunkie 09/11/2009 #

@bettflow09 I have never made one of these either so I tried a couple coaster sized ones. It is so super simple! I have made mine already for this swap. ;D I used some jelly roll strips I rcvd in some swaps and they were the perfect width! I ended up with about 7 different strips on each one. I loved this pattern so much I may make a quilt or two with it. It's a great way to do something simple that is outside of the box. I do think, Betty, if you tried it you would be pleasantly surprised at how fun they are to create. It's neat to mix and match fabrics to make it turn out nicely.

crochetjunkie 09/11/2009 #

Try doing a search of "String Quilt Block Pictures" on Google or Yahoo. You'll get some amazing pictures and see how beautiful a full quilt can be!

scrapkween 09/14/2009 #

ok, being a newbie at this(well,pretty much) what would the measurements be for each of the pieces? Im used to working with templates...........

potatocraft 09/15/2009 #

um, is anyone else have problems viewing the link? I have made string blocks before but I am not sure how they want this one to go together. And the link is having problem loading the page.

crochetjunkie 09/17/2009 #

@potatocraft I didn't have any trouble loading the page, and I just tried it again. If you'd like you can type in the address http://www.gardenstatequilters.com/images/BOM-06-07.pdf

@scrapkween I know what you mean...I usually use templates too and it was a bit daunting when I went to do this swap. I just measured out a piece of fabric 13 inches square. Instead of cutting, I ripped the fabric to ensure that my square sides would be straight. After you get your pieces sewen on then you need to measure it to be 12 1/2 inches square.

crochetjunkie 09/17/2009 #

Here is another link that might be easier for you. Again, be sure your squares are 12 1/2 inches when completed. That is going to be the size for all the QBOTM swaps.

BusyB 09/25/2009 #

I had so much fun with September's block, which I will be sending out very soon! While I like pink okay, it's not one of my fabric choices, so I will have to pass this time. Looking forward to the upcoming QBOTM.

TC 09/25/2009 #

I got mine done yesterday. Since I have made string blocks before using foundation paper, that's what I did this time, so whoever gets mine will find they don't have a muslin backing. It shouldn't affect the finished quilt project, but I wanted you to know that in advance.

These really are easy blocks - you almost can't make a mistake. :) And check out @crochetjunkie 's 2nd link; the last page shows how you can cut the block apart and reassemble to get a whole different look!

crochetjunkie 09/25/2009 #

@BusyB thanks for the input! I plan on having the colors of the blocks to correspond with the birthstone for each month. I thought that would be interesting instead of doing a holiday for each month.

@TC I didn't put it as a requirement in this swap when I initially started it, but I was hoping to have people do the foundation backing, instead of paper piecing. However I didn't state that as a requirement, so that is not something anyone can rate down for. I'll know that for next time!

But these are so super simple! I am in love with this block!!!

TC 09/25/2009 #

@crochetjunkie , if you think it's important, I can add a muslin backing to the block now. It will just have stitching around the edges (within the 1/4" seam allowance.

crochetjunkie 09/26/2009 #

@TC why don't you wait to see what your partner wants? Some people it won't make a difference, for some it will. So check with your partner before adding please. Thanks for asking tho!

Cakers 09/27/2009 #

Here's a great primer for those who are newbies:

http://quiltville.com/stringquiltingprimer.shtml

Cakers 09/27/2009 #

I have both of my blocks done, they were a blast to do and VERY fast. I used muslin as a foundation though, because it was really hard trying to keep straight sewing lines when just sewing the fabric strips themselves together. I hope whoever gets these enjoys bright, colorful blocks!

I'm going to go make a third one for myself right now!

Great idea for a quilt block swap, @crochetjunkie

Craftlover10101 10/ 2/2009 #

Mine are done too lol. I like it, new addiction.

Craftlover10101 10/30/2009 #

I'm sending mine out today. Sorry it took so long. Was waiting for payday. Things are tight here.

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