Magical Forest Swap - Sign-Ups Close May 15, 2012
 

I have had the idea of a magical forest quilt in my head for a while now, and I thought it might be fun to do this as a swap. I love trees in all shapes and sizes! I would love to see a whole entire tree quilt with some magical creatures scattered here and there. Think gnomes, fairies, forest homes, mushrooms .... just the things you would see in a magical forest. My vision is something like this: http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4128/5...d24e216da0.jpg
With some magical creatures peaking around as well:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/...0ba787f0_m.jpg http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4039/4...dd71dd2d72.jpg
(these quilts/blocks are not mine, just some examples) Of course I know you ladies will go above and beyond my vision and come up with some even more awesome ideas that I haven't even thought of yet!! So do you want to join me on this crazy swap idea? Here are the details .... be sure to read them all, then you can post here or shoot me a PM with your intent to join us. Just let me know roughly how many sets you'll be doing, so I know how many piles I'll need to be climbing over round here. :) :)

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. There is no limit to the number of sets you can send me, just keep in mind how many sets there are total in the swap, and remember that not everyone can get everyone else's blocks!! 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 can swap! I haven't officially called this a "funky" swap, but these blocks do not need to be super realistic, they can be a little off kilter. The more fun and playful they are, the better!! So even if you haven't mastered the skill of matching points, have no fear, you can do this swap!!

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 May 15th. You can post your intent to sign-up in this thread or you can PM me (remember to tell me how many sets you'll be doing!). Once you sign-up, I will send you my mailing address. I must have all the blocks in my hands by June 1st. I cannot accept late packages for this one as we are going on vacation mid-June and I want to have all your squishies back to you before I go. Any packages received after June 1st will be returned unswapped. Sorry to be strict on this one, but if you are worried about this, 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? 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). If you want to mail priority, I will get the box from the post office myself, just make sure you include enough postage or cash for a priority box (I believe it starts at $5.35 now, but may be more depending on the weight). Remember, since we have all different size blocks it may cost more to send back to you then it cost to send to me. 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. You can find it here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/groups/...-swap-g16.html You will be invited to the group once you sign up. I will keep track of who has joined us, how many sets they plan on doing, and I will mark when I receive a package as well. I think that is it for now (a lot of reading I know, but it should answer all the questions!). I am very excited for this swap, and I can't wait to see who wants to talk a walk in the magical forest with me!

Cheers! Rachel

sounds like fun. You can count me in.

All set Wanda!! Glad to have you in another swap with me. :) :)

Rachel

I'm in. My swap is still pending approval :(

Aww .... Maybe because I filled up the swap quota with all my crazy ideas!! LOL I hope yours gets approved soon!!

I will add you to this one and send you a PM just in case you need my info 52 billion times!! :) :)

Cheers!
Rachel

Oooh, I've got tons of ideas already! As soon as I get my Halloween blocks wound up, I'll get started on these. :D

A few critters for starters. :) The background fabric is Michael Miller's Fairy Frost, which has a "magical" glimmery effect.

Question: Are we supposed to keep the background fabric white? :)

So can I assume you want to sign up since you have already made these wonderfully gorgeous blocks?? :) :)

And as far as your background question. I was going to specify a background color, but sometimes people forget that and then people will get sad, and we don't want sad people. So I didn't specify, though I think this swap would work better with at least all light colored backgrounds, but you are not restricted to white only per say. But technically there is no restriction. :)

Cheers!
Rachel

Yep, sign me up for at least 4 sets. :D (Do I need to "officially" PM you?)

Thanks for the info on the background color. I like how the quilt looks in the first post. It's very pretty with the white background. :) I've got some trees in the works. Sneaky peeky below.

I'd like to join in. I just posted something about making a quilt for a logger friend of mine, (who actually looks like a gnome...LOL.) This quilt will be the perfect gift for him! Count me in.

~ Cindy

This is going to be fun to watch I will think about this one . I love trees and fairies and mushrooms and all that they entail!

All set!! :) I like the white background too, but I have found myself pleasantly surprised with swaps that I end up loving something I didn't think I would before, so I try to leave my swaps as wide open with possibilities as possible. :) :) :) Y'all are just way more creative than me!! :)

All set!! happy to have you on board!!

I do hope you'll come play with us!! I am very excited for this theme!! :)

Cheers!
Rachel

Just a thought here about the white background. This seems to be taking on a magical theme to me with some of the examples posted . That means to me to blend some night blocks here and there after all isn't that when the gnomes and fairies come out to play :)

I think all backgrounds can work so long as the maker loves them!! :) This is why I set no limit. If there is a good combo of both, I might even put the light on one side of the quilt and the other on the back and have a night/day quilt!! :) Don't be afraid to make blocks you love, I am sure we will all find a way to make them all work together for wonderful quilts!! :) :) :)

Rachel

Embellishments ok to add for this one?

I don't mind them myself, but I know some people might want to remove them for the quilting and then add them back on later, so perhaps just make sure they are on their own strings so people can do that if they so choose. :)

Rachel

I want to join, but, I do not know how many sets I will get done. I have some fabric I did a swap with that are the cutest gnomes from Sweden. I also have cross stitched flower fairies that are on adida fabric, that I might incorporate into this type of quilt. I have been looking at pictures of fairy houses that I am thinking about making for my blocks for this swap. I have not decided for sure.

I want to join also I would like to do 4 sets. I have a daughter and DIL that both love gnomes and fairies~ add a little forest to it and I will have two happy girls on my hands!

I have some wonderful "forest`y" fabric I will start looking now.

I want to join also I would like to do 4 sets. I have a daughter and DIL that both love gnomes and fairies~ add a little forest to it and I will have two happy girls on my hands!

I have some wonderful "forest`y" fabric I will start looking now.

A fantasy butterfly and a mushroom gnome home. :)

Love the new blocks moonrise!! You have some great embroidery patterns. :)

I thought I would share a few patterns for people if they are interested in using them for this swap. Even if we have a few people doing these, there will be enough variety overall and with the fabrics used and such to keep things interesting.

Here are a few gnomes & mushrooms & a cute hedgehog that look like a lot of fun:

http://artisania.wordpress.com/free-patterns/

Another take on the gnome patterns in the last link.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/sarahan...7627333391714/

Some different tree tutorials:

http://forthejourney.net/handmade/tr...lock-tutorial/
http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/?p=1622
http://quiltrelish.com/?p=210
http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/2011...-tutorial.html
http://www.stitchingbystarlight.com/...-tutorial.html

There's a simple tree towards the bottom of this post, keep scrolling to see more ideas without tutorials:

http://sewnbyleila.blogspot.com/2011...-and-tree.html

Cheers!
Rachel

I love the pictures so far. I do not have an embroidery machine. I joined yesterday. I looked through my scraps. I found cute gnome/fairy houses and made some patterns. Today, I fused fabric and cut out 18 little mushroom houses to applique. I will probably make some trees too.

I don't have an embroidery machine either!! That's whats great about swaps, you'll get blocks that you may not be able to do yourself or think of. That's why I love swaps!! :) i cannot wait to see your mushroom, it sounds awesome!! :)

Rachel

I like your little red and white mushroom. I would go with the gnomes fabric I already have. All my little mushroom houses are each different.

I made a tree block this morning. I hope you guys like it!! I think I will make a few more today. Feels like a good sewing day. :)

Cheers!
Rachel

magical forest swap
 

i would love to join your swap. please let me know where and what. i have soo many ufo's now that one more wont hurt!

Rachael, I love your trees! I made a gnome block and a few tree blocks. I like free form pieceing also, I look at the pattern get an idea and then go create my own magical forest.

I do have an Embroidery machine, but dang if I will take the time to learn it! I can do simple stuff, but when I had the lessons at Joann's my "teacher" was too busy with her boyfriend on the phone. So I figured I could teach myself! Not yet at least! My Machine is a Viking Husqvarna, Limited Edition. It sews great but I just can't quite get the hang of the embroidery part. I keep saying I am going to take lessons, but now that gas is $4.50 and the closest Dealership is in Riverside... Not too likely right now.

OK Back to my gnomes and 'shrooms' Will post pictures later today

Can I make 12 of the same as long as I pack it in two sets? So if I make twelfe 6 1/2 in. gnomes I am OK as long as they are packed sepperate?

Yes that should be okay. We just can't have more blocks alike than the number of participants we have (so we will have to have 12 people to make 12 alike blocks.) Right now we have 8 people, but I am sure we will have at least 12 before sign-ups close (hopefully more!!)

Sounds like you want to join us, can I sign you up for our magical walk through the forest?

:)
Rachel

LOL Rachel. You are so right. I have several bigger quilts I am working on that need to be done by June but you might as well count me in for this swap as right now I am working on piecing and appliqueing blocks for it. I also designed 6 different blocks, several paper piecing. Not sure if I will get to make all but I can not seem to lay off. Way too much fun. Do you already need to know how many sets? So yes, go ahead and sign me up. I would think I will make 4-6 sets.

Y

Hi athenagwis - I can't resist your Magical Forest. I have been working on 3x6" gnomes today - one set.
I hope to do more of something else but will let you know what develops. Are you flooded with mushrooms yet?
Would love to be added in.
Thanks.
shirley

Hi athenagwis! I've been lurking for a few days & I'd love to join this swap too.

I am new to the board and this is an exciting swap. I hope this is what I have to do to sign up!

Hi ladies!!

Welcome to the swap!! I have sent all of you a PM with the info you need to send the blocks to me. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or just ask here. :)

Cheers!
Rachel

Some new pics. There are:


2 - bathing birds (I just love this little girl!)
1 - polka dot tree
2 - dragons
6 - leaning trees (all are different)
6 - big mushrooms
1 - quilted-looking tree (only it's embroidered)
6 - striped trees
1 - swirly tree
2 - trees with birds, apple, and squirrel
1 - birds with flowers
1 - gnome mushroom house
1 - fantasy butterfly
5 - appliqued pine trees (photo shows 6, but somebody (can't imagine who! LOL!) goofed and sewed the tree on the wrong side of the background fabric! :o)
1 - stack of unicorns


6 sets (36 blocks) total.


I need a nap now! LOL! ;)

Wow you've been busy! Love them all.

Indeed WOW! Great job and so many done already. And then I thought I was doing good with 2 sets done.
Thanks for posting. It helps me think of how to add to the blocks I am making. Mushrooms are on my menue next. I just washed the fabric and am drying it right now.

I have been working on some mushroom houses and some crazy trees. They are appliques. They are coming out really cute. Not quite ready for pictures though. Maybe later today.

moonrise-- Those are some great blocks!! I cannot wait to see them in person. :) :)

Annaquilts & ssnare - Please post pics!! i can't wait to see what everyone is working on!! :)

Cheers!
Rachel