PinkLotus

Here is everyone I have signed up so far, and the blocks I have received is in red:

- PinkLotus
- dungeonquilter
- Mariposa
- annaquilts
- jaba - Received Blks 4/25
- atpegsquiltstudio
- moonrise - Received Blks 4/13
- toriabelle
- Robinlee
- Oz & Lily - Received Blks 4/27
- hopetoquilt
- LynnVT
- Veronika
- QuilterMomma
- CherylW
- Bbemerald
- Fraew
- Mainewoods Mammie
- simply addicted

When you are ready to mail your blocks please send me a message and let me know, and I will send my mailing address right away. I am on here throughout the day checking messages,etc. so I will get it to you quickly.

Also, International swappers are more than welcome to join, just as long as you mail in time for me to receive your blocks by June 15th. I can also take Paypal for the funds for return postage

If I have overlooked someone that has signed up for this swap, and you don't see your name on the above list please let me know, and I will add you. Still plenty of room for anyone who wants to join in on the fun

Robinlee

Ok quilty friends...........I am an Experienced quilter, but for the 2nd night of trying to complete my blocks for this swap, I am beginning to wonder. I chose the "Balkan Puzzle" as my block from Quilterscache.com, It specifically says that it is a 12" block finished. Well after my second one, I have a 12 1/4 unifinished block. And before we go over the whole 1/4" scant stuff, type of thread/needle, no need to rehash that.........As I said earlier, I am "experienced", so I know what to check fore. My wonder is how many others have used the quilterscache.com blocks and actually have them come out the way they should...either 6" or 12" finished blocks etc... The block is otherwise very pretty, just not the right size to pass the 12 1/2" test (unfinished). Help me here please.

moonrise

On the flying geese units, I've found that if I sew exactly ON the diagonal line (per the instructions), the unit tends to come out a shade too small. By the time the whole block is finished, it made a noticeable difference.

I started sewing a tiny bit to the outside of the diagonal line rather than directly ON it ... maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of a millimeter ... and the units came out more accurately.

Robinlee

I am adding a picture of the 2 of have completed, but are only 12 1/4" in square. I know I could "fudge the seams". But I am going to try what Moonrise suggested with the flying geese units, but I normally don't have problems with my flying geese per my avatar had lots of the of different sizes and many other quilts that I've them in, but tonight after work I will venture on and try one more.....I did print off a different "Balkan Puzzel" from my EQ7, thought I would try it. But I will do the "third" time thingy and see if it works.

Annaquilts

Quote-I started sewing a tiny bit to the outside of the diagonal line rather than directly ON it ... maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of a millimeter ... and the units came out more accurately.Quote from moonrose

What Moonrise wrote and also besure to iron on hot before cutting. This is a very pretty pattern but it does have a lot of flying geese. For me they can be a bit trouble some at times.

jaba

They look gorgeous! I love the colors

feline fanatic

Hi RobinLee,

I am not participating in this batik block swap but did in the last one and also used a pattern out of quilters cache. Marcia's designs/patterns are somewhat known for being just a tad small so you really have to use a less than a scant 1/4" seam. I just went and looked at this pattern and all her cutting directions are accurate for a 12 1/2 block so you shouldn't be coming out a full 1/4 short using a scant 1/4". However, much of her peicing on this block are quick peicing techniques where you stitch across the diagonal of a square to get your FG unit. I recommend checking your seam allowances with a good old fasioned seam guage to ensure you are correct on your seam allowance when you do have normal seam allowances and also measuring each unit to ensure you are ending up with a 3 1/2" x 6 1/2" FG unit before joining units. The uber scant 1/4" SA will be more important when joining each of your units if you are continually coming up a full 1/4 short on your blocks.

When I made her PP pattern Geese all Around for the last batik block swap. Every one came up about 1/8" shy. I ended up having to block every single block, to ensure I had a full 12 1/2" unfinished block. I know you said you are experienced but here is how I do it. I have a cork bulletin board. I took my 12 1/2" square ruler and traced all around it with a sharpee directly on the cork board. I then stretched and pinned each block to the board matching all edges of the block to the drawn line. I used as many pins as needed to stretch the block taut and to the full 12 1/2". This usually involves about 8 pins on each side. Pin opposing corners first then fill in on each side. Take a spray mister bottle and spray the block until it is good and wet. Leave the block to dry overnight. Once unpinned you will have a true, square 12 1/2" block that behaves itself quite nicely. Blocking is a great tool to have in your arsenal for 1/8" or less. trying to squeak out a full 1/4" may be pushing it but between really pushing the envelope on your scant 1/4" and blocking you should be fine.

Edited to add your blocks are beautiful!

Robinlee

Thanks Feline Fanatic, I will sure to try the blocking tonight after I get a piece of cork board. I am willing to try anything at this point.

Oz & Lily

I also had a block too small....had to add a small border to make it 12 1/2"......

kiffie2413

Lovely blocks! Sure wish I had more time, as I love batiks, have quite a lot of them...but, I know I could not get 12 or them done in time...I will just live vicariously through all of yours when you all post pics of the trades, and will also watch out for any batik themed swaps in the future..
Have fun!
K