I am so excited for this! This pattern is easy enough for beginners, so don’t be shy ladies!
I will take sign-ups until February 1st. Then we’d like to know how many people are in so we’ll know if we can make more sets or not.
Here are some guidelines…
1. We will all be making the same blocks. The Pineapple Blossom from this site... Pineapple Blossom Bonnie Hunter has graciously given us permission to use her pattern, but modify it for only pinks and browns. If you look at her photo’s from others you will see a number of 2 color quilts. Maybe ours will be there someday!! We will make the 9 inch finished blocks. Please make half of your block with pink 2 inch strips and half with brown 2 inch strips, example below. Use the lightest values of each color for the squares/triangles.
2. Please wash and press your fabrics before beginning. Browns could lose a little dye in the wash, and we don’t want any ruined blocks. I always throw in a “Color Catcher” by Shout when washing fabric and I can’t believe how much color it does catch!
3. Please use 100% cotton fabrics of good quality, no thin, loosely woven or see through fabrics. No homespuns or flannels. We will only be using pink and brown fabrics. They can range from palest pink and light tan to almost red and deep, dark, chocolate. Please make sure your fabrics ‘read’ only those 2 colors! They can have teeny bits of other colors in them, but must look pink or brown. If in doubt, post a photo of your fabrics and we’ll all help each other.
4. A set will be 8 blocks. You can make up to 3 sets. If we get 15 swappers or more, I'll up it to 4 or more.. Please try to make each set a little different so we don’t have 24 identical blocks from one person. Please be sure to check your blocks! They should each measure 9.5 inches when you send them off to me.
5. You must label each of your blocks with your HGTV board name so the recipient can enjoy your lovely blocks and know who made her blocks. If she wants more of one of your fabrics, she’ll know who to ask for info! Sticky labels, masking tape, freezer paper all work well. Please do not write on your blocks.
6. Place your sets in a large Ziploc-type bag. Enclose a card with your HGTV name, name and address on one side and mine on the other just in case it gets torn open in the mail.
7. Enclose a stamped, self addressed return envelope (the free priority Tyvek envelopes from the PO work great). The return envelope must have enough postage on it in stamps (No meter stickers!) to get your blocks back to you. Ladies: Return postage must be in stamps!
8. Enclose one dollar for delivery confirmation and in case your return package needs extra postage. I will return your change in with your blocks. I have a scale at home and can figure postage before I go to the PO.
9. Make extra blocks for yourself if you wish. Depending on how many participants we have, you may not get any of your own blocks back.
You must send me a PM with your ‘real’ name, telephone number and email address to sign up. I will not share your info with anyone, but in case you or I are having computer problems, I would like to be able to call you if needed.
Blocks will be due on May 1st, 2008; they must be mailed (postmarked) by April 25th, 2008. If you haven’t mailed by then, and I’ve not heard from you, I will swap without you. Communication is so important ladies, please lets work to keep each other informed! If you finish early and mail them early, I’ll swap them when everyone’s blocks arrive. Once the sign up period ends, I’ll send everyone an email with my address and phone number.
These are the two practice blocks I made yesterday. Next time I will use the lightest pink for the square and triangles in the one on the top, and the polka dot in the pink side… it looks white here, but it really does have a pink background!
Two sets finished! Here is a pic with my practice blocks thrown in.
If you haven't made any of these blocks yet, here is a hint to make it real easy for you... after you've completed the first round and before you start sewing on the rectangles for the second, square up your blocks. They should measure 6.5 inches at this point and the second round will go so much smoother if you've squared up.
Hi ladies. I've been following along thinking I may like to do some pink/brown blocks. After cutting a bunch of squares and rectangles and sewing a couple of blocks together, I've decided that I'm not a pink and brown kind of girl. If anyone wants the pieces that I've already cut, send me a PM and I'll gladly send them to you.
Posts: 186 | Location: frankfort, ky | Registered: Jan 11, 2006
count me in on the swap. I'm already making a pink and brown quilt using the "puss in the corner" block. So, I have much extra brown and pinks already cut up to make these blocks. So,the finished size must be 9 1/2" and must be the pineapple block. correct? and a "set" is how many blocks?
Posts: 85 | Location: RI | Registered: Nov 01, 2006
Welcome Nmblfingers! The finished size of the blocks will be 9 inches, but they will measure 9.5 inches when you send them to me... does that make sense?
Hopefully I'll have pics soon. 
I'll send you a PM...