Funky Transportation Swap (Quilt for Boys) - Sign-ups close August 31
 

Hi everyone!!

With one swap down, I thought I would start up a new one! This time I wanted to pick a theme that would work for a boy. Of course girls may like it too, but the blocks themselves should be free of any girly prints or colors. The theme for this swap will be transportation! Planes, trains, automobiles, bikes, helicopters, fire engines, boats, hot-air balloons, motorcycles, starships .... if it can move you from here to there, put it on a block! I have made this a "funky" swap, so make your blocks fun!! How about a clown car? Or an animal print boat? Or a hot-air balloon made out of bricks? Let's have fun with this!!

Here are all the details you need:

What size are the blocks?
Your blocks should be divisible by 3” when finished. The blocks can be square or rectangle, so long as both finished sides are divisible by three. Be sure to add seam allowances to your unfinished blocks. So a finished block of 6x6, should be sent to me unfinished at 6.5x6.5. A rectangle that will finish at 6x12, should be sent to me at 6.5x12.5 and so on…. If you are unsure what to add for seam allowance, please PM me.

How many blocks do I send?
Please send blocks to me in sets of 6. You may send as many sets as you would like to receive back, so if you send me 2 sets (12 blocks), you will get 12 different blocks back. I will be swapping all 6 of your blocks, so if you want to have one for yourself, be sure to make an extra! (Note: Since we are all sending in different sizes and different amounts, no one will end up with similar sets, so please feel free to make your six blocks in a set the same, similar, or different. It may be easier on you if they are the same, but so long as you mail to me in sets of 6, you can do whatever fits your stash!)

**Note** 3x3 finished size blocks (3.5 x 3.5 unfinished) are wonderful to have for this type of swap as they work great as filler. Since these smallies are quick and easy to make, I am making the rule that 2 of these count as 1 full size block. So in order to swap your smallies for another block, you must include 2 (so if you sent a whole set of the small fries, you'd need to send 12 small ones to get 6 blocks back). If you don't follow this rule, you may end up with fewer blocks than you had hoped for back. This makes it more fair for me to trade out your smallies for a larger-ie. Also, I don't mind a few of these, but let's not go crazy with these little guys.

Who can swap?
Anyone! Even if you are new to quilting or swapping, please feel free to jump in. We want some fun and funky blocks, so if you love your blocks, we will too!! The fun thing about a funky swap is nothing needs to be precise, so this is a great swap for those of us that are not quite proficient at those perfect points yet!

I don't live in the US, can I play too?
Yes!! I am more than happy to accommodate international swappers. What we will do for postage is once I am ready to mail back to you, I will send you a paypal invoice for the shipping amount plus paypal fees, then I will use that to ship back to you. This is truly the best way to handle this rather than trying to send American currency, as shipping amounts overseas can vary so much. If I do not hear back from you regarding the shipping fees within a reasonable time frame after you have been contacted by me (a week say), then the blocks become mine. All mine!! mwahahaha (hehe sorry I couldn't help myself) ... but seriously if I don't get payment for shipping timely, then the blocks will stay here and probably be made into a donation quilt. So be sure to check your PMs here around the time that I should be mailing if you are an international swapper. Also, be sure to mail to me extra early to make sure they arrive by the deadline!

What style of blocks are you looking for?
The blocks can be traditionally pieced, paper pieced (here's my favorite method), embroidered, or appliqued. Choose your favorite method and show us your skills!

What are the deadlines?
Sign-ups for this swap end on August 31st. You can post your intent to sign-up in this thread or you can PM me. Once you sign-up, I will send you my mailing address.

The mail date for the blocks is September 30th and if I receive all the blocks on time, I will swap in mid-October. Of course, if you have your blocks finished sooner, I encourage you to mail sooner! Get them out of your way! Send them to me so they can be in my way!! LOL

How do I get my blocks ready to mail?
Please attach a slip of paper to each block that includes at the very least your board name, this will help me know which blocks are yours when I am swapping (so you won't get your own back ). It’s also fun to include your real name, email address, and state on the paper so people can see where all the blocks are coming from and possibly send you a thank you!

Before putting your blocks in the envelope (or box) to mail to me, place them in a large Ziploc bag and close tightly, then write your name and address on the outside of the Ziploc bag. If you have ever swapped before, you have probably heard of swap blocks separating from their envelopes occasionally, putting your blocks in the Ziploc bag will help ensure that the blocks make it back to you if this should happen. I would highly suggest mailing in a priority box for this reason, but I will leave that decision up to you.

What about postage?
From doing more recent swaps, it is my suggestion that you purchase a flat rate envelope stamp from your post office, and attach it to a flat rate envelope. Address the envelope and fold it in half and mail it to me with your sets. In previous swaps I had people paying over $12 for sets that could have easily fit in the flat rate mailer for $5.15. Also, including the envelope with the stamp on it this way, makes my life a lot easier when I am ready to mail.

If you choose not to do this, please include in your package, a Self Addressed Envelope and the amount of postage it took to mail to you, plus a few extra stamps (or even a dollar or two). Remember, since we have all different size blocks it may cost more to send back to you then it cost to send to me (unless of course you choose the flat rate option above). All loose postage and money sent will be pooled and used to mail the boxes and envelopes, if I have extra they will be set aside to use in a future swap!

How do I keep track of the swap?
I have created a group to use to keep track of members of this swap. Here is the link:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/groups/...-swap-g21.html

Remember this swap is meant for the boys, so any blocks that are pink, purple, or overly girly will be returned. Not trying to be harsh, but I just want to set the expectation up front. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send me a PM. I hope we can get lots of takers on this swap and have every kind of transport possible to take us to all our favorite quilty places!!

Cheers!
Rachel

Here are some pics to get the ideas flowing, of course any of can be made even funkier too!! :) :)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3555/3...ee129c8738.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2503/4...a5ab9ce021.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2643/5...ccc237b126.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5016/5...c22f1b20d6.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5143/5...b23cae80f3.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3287/2...b35a5e98c3.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3222/2...e6a1381c58.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3266/2...383381ebc6.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3478/3...ddfd6a6db8.jpg

Okay I think that's good for now!! So whatcha think? Will you join me? :) :)

Rachel

can't join in, but what an awesome swap! excellent theme. I'm very tempted, but will have to wait and see. can't wait to see other's ideas. and that sample quilt with the space ships over cities, brilliant! too fun

I want to join but will need to look thru my stuff to see what I can come up with first.

Will have to just watch for now. I only had girls and no little boys in my world. No grandbabies either so will have to see if I want to get ready for a church baby and have on hand. i will watch this thread and if time frees up where I can join in, will do. There is a couple of months yet. I agree, great idea and theme.

I think girls will love the quilts made from these blocks too, I just wanted a swap that would totally work for boys because a girl is usually fine getting boyish colors, but a boy isn't so good with pink & purple. There doesn't seem to be as many swaps done without these colors. :) :) :) But my niece is totally into trucks and cars and stuff, so I will probably use the blocks for her too. :) I hope we will have a good number of takers on this swap! I have some fun ideas for blocks.

Cheers!
Rachel

You show a fabric with tre White House, National Monument and city skylines with UFOs - Where did you get the fabric? I'm watching and thinking!

I'm new at this.Where would I find patterns for the trans. swap...Any ideas..Remember,I'm just starting. But this sounds like so much fun..

You can search google for free patterns. I search for things like "Fire engine free quilt pattern" or "boat free quilt pattern". I sometimes get lucky that way. Or you can make up your own. I like to make test blocks first and see how they come out, then make more if they work. I will see if I can find patterns and post them here, if you find any, be sure to share too!! :)

Rachel

welcome to the board from Alabama

Rachel,
sign me up for 2 sets. I have lots of ideas if anyone needs one.

Rachel, I'm in for a few sets. Mine will all be paper pieced.

Welcome aboard to both of you!! :) So glad to have you with me. :) :)

Cheers!
Rachel

Ronda,

The intent is that the blocks are to be to me by Sept. 30, sorry that wasn't more clear!! :)

Cheers!
Rachel

Remember you don't have to make these blocks fancy!! There are tons of great transportation fabrics out there, you can make wonky log cabin blocks, nine patches, or other regular style blocks with some great fabrics. Or the block above that has the spaceship over the city, that's super simple without having to paper piece a block, you could do something similar to make a car driving on a road or a tractor on a farm. Be creative!! Paper piecing isn't the only option by any means!! :)

Cheers!
Rachel

I want to sign up for 4 sets. Maybe more if things go as planned!

I am thinking really hard about this. My grandson is 6 months old. He can never have too many quilts, right. I want to sign up. Can I tell you later how many sets?

Yes that would be fine!! We will have people signing up until the due date, but we need at least 6 people to swap and you can't make more sets than the number of people we have. So if we have 10 swappers you can't make mroe than 10 sets. We should be able to get a good number of swappers in the end, so this shouldn't be an issue, but figured I'd say it anyway. :) I will sign you up & send you a PM.

Cheers!
Rachel

I am thinking really hard about this. My grandson is 6 months old. He can never have too many quilts, right. I want to sign up. Can I tell you later how many sets?

Have been watching and searching and think I can do it---sign me up but the number of sets will be determined later, if that is o.k.?

Not a problem! I will send you a PM.

Rachel

i'm thinking of doing it, do "feets" count
(you know, toesies and paws and steps)

if i join, i do applique blocks
been quiltin'since i was 7 and still can't figure out that darn paper pcing.

Ooops sorry!! Didn't see this question for some reason. Feet would be a cool, funky take on "transportation"!! I hope you can join us!! :) :) Applique blocks are perfectly fine, just remember that all edges should be finished before mailing to me. :) :)

Rachel

I am planning on making some test blocks soon, but here are some more inspirational ideas. Remember you can do any type of block. Paper pieced, applique, embroidery. You can find some fun transportation fabric and make traditional-esque blocks with them. There is a way to make this swap work for any skill level!!

You could even make blocks with words instead of pictures, choo-choo, vroom, Go!, Take off etc..... Or how about some non-vehicle ideas? Like a stop sign, stop light, RR Crossing sign, walk symbol, RR tracks, speed limit etc .... Those would be super cute too!!

If you are unsure, just ask here or shoot me a PM, I would be happy to help with ideas. This is a great swap for any wonderful little boy (or girl!!) in your life!!

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/86/280...320738b8a7.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6...c48c6bc383.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3054/2...0c417f4c0d.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5201/5...6cbb558103.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3110/3...5412a48c77.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3048/3...d1c757e0e2.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6069/6...52701a92ac.jpg

Cheers!
Rachel

Oh, I love quilts for little boys, I just finished an eye spy quilt for a great nephew. I have an idea for some blocks, I want in!

I am sending pm to you Rachel

Great! Boys are the harder of the two... grandsons/granddaughters to think of quilts so I think this is a great theme. Thinking, thinking...

That's why I chose a more boyish theme, I only have a son and most of the quilts I make from swaps are a little too much on the adult/girly side for him (which is fine because it means I get to actually keep a quilt I make), but I wanted something he could enjoy this time!!

Rachel

Maybe a silly question, but if doing paper piecing, should the paper be removed or left on when we ship? Seems like I have read paper should be left on until blocks are sewn together but others say remove first. I know it is pain to remove the paper which I wouldn't mind doing, but just wondering what most people would prefer.

I have heard people prefer both ways, some like it on because pulling it off can distort the block and others feel like they have a preferred method to prevent this. Others prefer it off so they don't have to deal with it. You may want to check out the paper piecing method I linked in the initial post, I like this method as it uses freezer paper so you don't have to sew through paper at all so there is no distortion and peeling off the paper is super easy!! You may find you like this method even better than regular paper piecing. If you still go with regular paper, there is no preference for this swap, you can leave the paper on or take it off.

Rachel

Hi Rachel,
My eyes must be playing tricks on me, I can't seem to see your link to pp with freezer paper. I know I saw it before. Could you help an old quilter out here? Thanks.:shock:

Of course!! :) :) Here you go:

http://www.twiddletails.com/store/in...age=page&id=21

Cheers!
Rachel

Will machine embroidered blocks count?

Yes those would be fine!! :)

Rachel

Ccorazone I love your cat in your Avi. What is his/her name? I love tuxedo cats!

i love words in my quilts, i added words in my funky series, (cat, cat and dog, farm, chicken and bug quilts)

His name is OREO after the cookie. He is dead now. He died from Feline HIV.

Add my name to the list for at least two set,,,,more if I have time.

I am so sorry! I lost a cat to leukemia a while back, it is so hard to lose the fur babies!