Paper Piecing Miniature Block Swap~~~Sign Ups Close April 16, 2012
 

I’m sooo excited to have permission to host a Paper Piecing Only Miniature Block Swap! Are you someone who actually enjoys the challenge of paper piecing? Do you get excited at making small precise blocks? Do you love miniature quilts? Or are you someone who’s given thought to Paper Piecing but haven’t quite gotten the nudge to give it a try? Then this swap’s for you!
1)Theme: Home Sweet Home (this can be almost anything you want...literal, figurative, food, garden, people, activities, etc. The sky's the limit here.)
Swap blocks will be in sets of 6. You may make them all the same, or make different blocks for each set. All 6 blocks will be swapped out if possible, so make extra for yourself, if desired.

2) Because paper piecing mini blocks is a bit different than working on larger scaled quilts, you may make any size blocks you wish that fall within the 3" square (3 1/2" unfinished) to 6" square (6 1/2" unfinished) range. Any size that falls within that range will be great! Just remember that the unfinished size that you will send is always 1/2" larger to accomodate for the 1/4" seam allowances.

3) (Leave the Papers on or take them off...your choice)
*Use 100% pre-washed cotton fabrics.
*Seam allowances should be 1/4". Blocks to be constructed to survive machine washing and drying. Make sure there are no “open” spots where seam allowances aren't covered adequately by fabric.
*Use tiny stitches to ensure papers will come off easily.

I desire for us all to have a great time and experience with this swap, but please understand that I will have no choice but to return blocks unswapped that don’t comply with the rules outlined in this first post.

Label the back of each individual block with your real name and user name. Writing your information on the paper patterns is also fine. Enclose each set in a separate ziplock baggie with your name & username on the baggie and each block inside.

*Limit of 6 block sets.
*Limit of 2 sets (12 blocks) of the same design

You need to include postage stamps (cash okay too) to cover the cost of a padded Flat Rate Priority envelope for me to send your return blocks back to you. Please do not send any pre-printed return labels with postage on them. I will provide the return envelopes. You may PM me with any questions or concerns.

Sign up deadline is April 16, 2012. Please sign up when your blocks are ready to mail. "Mail to me" deadline is April 30, 2012. This means I have your blocks in my hands!
I will swap and have your blocks in the mail by May 15, 2012, or sooner.

All general rules for swaps are here: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-20154-1.htm.

I hope that some of you will join with me in this fun swap. We’ll chat here and post pictures of what we’re working on and encourage each other. Get your thinking caps on! :)

I'm thinking about it, not sure what to make for "Home Sweet Home" though....

Yay! Glad to see you got this swap posted! What fun it will be!! ;)

is this a one time 6 block swap or an ongoing project. i was in one several years ago for cats and it was a monthly exchange and so much fun. i'mlooking forward to joining your group, love to pp

Thanks for the suggestions Ronda.....lots of options!! I'll probably do it. Did 2 sets of 6" blocks with Mariposa's swaps. May do the same. I'll PM you when I'm ready to commit....

I might have to do this.... paper piecing is so addictive! lol! :)

That sounds great Donna! I too have to work on blocks for Mariposa's Springtime Swap...

Had to chuckle Puppy...addictive? YES!!! :)

is the flat rate for padded envelopes still $4.95?

just to clarify, is this for houses? or anything related to home? ie: dog houses, toothpaste and brush, washing machine etc...

k well I found quite a few patterns so I guess I will make some and see if I can get them done b4 the signup deadline

hmmmmmm this sounds VERY tempting.....I have lots to do before April...so it might just work out! I'll follow the topic

This looks quite interesting. I love minis, am comfortable with paper piecing - really even enjoy it now and then - and 6 blocks seems like an easy goal. Of course, I could get carried away and do more. I've bookmarked the page, cause I'm old enough to forget ;-) Let's see what happens!

This sounds like fun.

k I have found some patterns so I will let u know how it goes

rw-- You've been busy with all these fun blocks! :)

So we can make 36 total right?

I am "lurking" here. I know I have lots of patterns for this swap on hand and not to mention lots of scraps as well. Will keep 'subscribing' to this thread.

I'm going to try & do this. I just started paper piecing in early Dec, but have been visiting my DD & DSIL in Maryland since 12/19 & couldn't bring much with me. I've been reading a lot of tutorials online & purchased several books on paper piecing. I've located a number of blocks that will definitely work for the miniature block swap. I'll be going home to Texas on 1/26 so can get back to sewing & complete the blocks before the deadline. How do we sign up once my blocks are completed?

It will be hard to leave the new granddaughter, Cora Faye. She is adorable! I look forward to making her a new quilt every year too.

I think I am. Going to do this one! Sounds fun. Count me in....

rw- super cute blocks!!

I would like to give it a try...do I need to contact you now or after I am done?

How much fun is this????? Count me in!!!!! Love the paper piecing.

Yea almond, glad you're joining us!

I am a PPing junky....and would LOVE to join as I also LOVE mini's...but in PPing, especially this small, you really need to leave the paper on to keep it all secure! I used to own a miniature paper piecing group and one time we swapped with maker's choice and it was a nightmare! The blocks don't travel well and they easily pull apart when trying to put them together into anything. Even with stay stitching the outer edge. They really need to have the paper left on!

another site for free patterns is paperpanache, but they are pretty complicated!

great, I am leaving my papers ON....how exciting...I miss swapping mini's!