1. YOU MUST COMMIT TO THE ENTIRE CHALLENGE!!! If you don't feel like you can make one (1) block and get it in the mail in three (3)weeks, please do NOT sign up. No one wants their project to go MIA so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider the full committment you are making.
2. You must mail NO LATER than the Official Mail-By Date.
3. Delivery confirmation is required.
4. You do NOT have to mail in a pizza box, use whatever is convenient and secure with the fabric enclosed in a baggie.
5. For each mailing the blocks and fabric must be put into a plastic zip-style baggie. Inside the baggie will be an index card (or equivialent) with the name and address of the person you are mailing to. This is to ensure eventual delivery of the blocks if the envelope is damaged during transit.
6. You must post on the official "OPB" thread when you mail and when you recive.
NOW FOR THE FUN (WHILE STILL OFFICIAL) RULES:
7. Between now and January 5, come up with a theme, choose and wash a fat quarter (FQ) that you feel compliments or matches your theme.
Concerning the fabric: There has been some concern about the amount of inspiration fabric. Joyce explained it best: "I think we fear being limited, hence the request for the 1/2 yard instead. But, that will blow away the chance to creatively use the theme fabric." Me again: I want the inspiration fabric to be primarily for inspiration. I don't want all the blocks to have large amounts of the one fabric, just a slice here, a square there, used as an accent and unifying element. I've seen this challenge done twice and both times with a FQ so don't be scared, we can do it!!
When you're choosing your theme and fabric, please be as vague or specific as you'd like. Feel free to include color swatches or pictures from magazines to better explain your theme.
BUT! (and this is important!) Please allow the block makers the freedom to interpret your theme in their own manner. For example, if my theme is "Fairies" I can't say, "I want you to applique little fairies all over my block." but I COULD say, "I don't like scary fairies." If we want to be really picky, this isn't the challenge to do it, lol.
8. On January 5, 2009 you will mail your pre-washed FQ, your theme, and any supporting information to your "mail-to" partner.
9. When you receive a package you will create a block relating to the enclosed theme.
BLOCK SIZE: 12 x 12 finished (that means 12 1/2 x 12 1/2 when you include the seam allowance). You may also use any combination of smaller blocks to create a 12 x 12 block. For example, sew two skinny 6 x 12 blocks together. Or sew 4 little 6 x 6 blocks, or sew 1 skinny with 2 little.... you get the idea.
10. You must use good quality, pre-washed fabric. No flimsies, see-thrus, or el-cheapo fabrics.
11. The majority of the fabric in each new block will come from each participant's stash but you MUST use some of the originaltheme fabric.
12. You MUST leave at least 1/12 of the fabric for EACH of the remaining block makers.
13. The block must pertain to the theme in some way. You can use any technique you'd like as long as the block pieces are sewn together. Please be creative and imaginative to keep this interesting and fun. Please TRY to compliment the other blocks included. Feel free to include a note explaining your choice, why you made it, what it means to you, or just to say hi.
14. If, for some unforeseen reason, you just ABSOLUTELY canNOT make a block that month you may put $5 into the theme package.
15. If you receive a package with $5 you may make a SECOND, totally different block and keep the $5 for yourself.
16. The completed blocks will be kept a surprise on the thread. If anyone wants full disclosure it should be via private message (PM). Otherwise, small segments may be posted as a 'sneak peek'.
OFFICIAL MAIL-BY DATES:
January 5, 2009 - Your theme and fabric must be in the mail to your "Mail-to" partner.
January 30, 2009 - 1st block added to theme and fabric & sent to your "mail-to"partner
February 20, 2009
March 13, 2009
April 3, 2009
April 24, 2009
May 15, 2009
June 5, 2009
June 26, 2009
July 16, 2009
August 6, 2009
August 27, 2009
September 18, 2009
October 9, 2009 Your blocks will be coming home!!
To officially sign up you must agree to the OFFICIAL RULES. If you agree to the OFFICIAL RULES you will need to PM me with your HGTV name, Real name, real address, and a phone number that you actually answer when it rings (& I'll be testing it ).
Your name and address will only be shared with the person who is mailing to you.
Your phone number is for my use in case I need to contact you concerning the challenge and will not be shared with anyone.
I say spill the beans! I love the Cherries Jubilee idea - because I have fabric that would work for that!
If you spill the beans now, we can start thinking, collecting, etc. That is, of course, if we are all part of the same loop. Just because I have cherry fabric doesn't mean I'll get the pizza box with Cherry theme, do I understand that correctly?
I have to admit, I wouldn't mind going longer (more 3 week rounds) andgetting everyone's "box" and therefore getting more than 12 blocks.
12 blocks aren't really that many. It's a lap quilt probably, right?
12 blocks aren't really that many. It's a lap quilt probably, right?
Just some ideas to through out...
12 blocks in three rows of four would be 36" x 48" IF that was all you used. I plan to use sashings and borders and that should take it up to a pretty decent size...twin or so maybe? Still not a big full sized bed quilt though.
Also, you could take the 12 from the swap and add more of your own to push it out to the size you want.
Originally posted by KINSASA: Just because I have cherry fabric doesn't mean I'll get the pizza box with Cherry theme, do I understand that correctly? Dawn
That is correct. Someone might make a block that could be named "Cherry Blossom" and it has nothing to do with Cherries besides the name.
I tend to make quite a few 12 block quilts at the 12" size. I add the sashing and borders too and sometimes an extra 3 or 4 blocks I do myself if I am in a swap like this. I like that size for the couch. Bigger than a lap quilt so you have plenty of room underneath it.
I can't wait to start.
Can we start early?????
This message has been edited. Last edited by: nr4crafts,
Nancy
Posts: 1735 | Location: In my dream crafting room | Registered: Jan 09, 2004
I can't spill the beans 'til I decide what I'm doing, lol.
Kinsasa - you're right, it looks like we're going to have at least 2 groups so you'll only make a block for the players in your group.
I guess if you're a hi-speed stitcher you could be in both groups but that would double your committment....
Sorry, NR4, this is WAY too early to start our game. But, I'll make the groups after the 15th and then you can mail as soon as you get your 'mail-to' buddy.
No need to wait, if you're finished I say go ahead and mail. Someone might appreciate the extra time. Once we have our 'mail-to' buddy we can keep in touch with them and make sure they'll be ready for it. We'll just need to ensure the blocks aren't piling up on one person, that could get overwhelming, lol.
I think I like the idea that the inspiration fabric is only a fat quarter size. I was in a RR where people were sending lots and lots of fabric to use and it kind of took the fun away to me-rather have little bits to tie it together and see what wonderful, creative things other people come up with. Just my opinion!!!
Have to get thinking about a theme! Hopefully I can find the right fabric to inspire me! Looking forward to working with you all!
I picked up 5 FQs while I was on the coast, now I just have to figure out which one I want to play with...
I had no idea it would be so hard to decide what I wanted my theme to be! One of the pizza box challenges I 'watched' had mystery themes. When it was finished they drew to see who got which one. I don't think I'd want to sew all year and get stuck with something random, lol.
I got my FQ but it wasn't my first choice. My first choice, I can't find and the second choice I would have had to stand in line forever to get it cut. So when I go back and I will see if it is still there and get some cut. Plus I will look online and another LQS for my first choice. But, I do like all three of them.
Nancy
Posts: 1735 | Location: In my dream crafting room | Registered: Jan 09, 2004
Joyce.....I am trying to finish up some UFOs that have been screaming at me. I think once I get those done (or at least put a dent in them) then I'll have a better idea about doing this.
Shawn
~Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience.~ ~ Live Well ~ Love Much ~ Laugh Often ~
Also-just thought I'd add that I think the themes should be a surprise that come with the FQ-remember, you can be creative with these blocks-don't have to be perfect! I am afraid if we find out ahead of time, some will worry too much and try to plan, plan, plan.
Having said all of that, don't want to seem bossy or pushy here!!!! I am flexible and quite happy to do whatever the group wants!
Toryam-you decide since you started this whole RR! How is that for passing the buck? haha
I'm posting this to the swaps that I'm in, even if it hasn't started officially yet. I'm having computer issues at home and can't get online. The computer works just fine, it just can't "find" my DSL co
to start our game. But, I'll make the groups after the 15th and then you can mail as soon as you get your 'mail-to' buddy.