Ok, here is my fabric selection. I only 5 for the quilt, but picked up a couple smaller prints, so the quilt will have at the very least 5 of these 7 ;) and some other things to make it pretty :p

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Thanks for putting yourself thru that much pain on my account Kelly!
I actually found myself in the Joann's in Olympia yesterday. Still not getting any solid hits on the colors I'm going to use for you. Saw racks and racks of stuff that didn't work though. In a weird sort of way even that helps with the selections. Don't worry, I'll get there. Just may be some online purchases to be made even though I very much prefer to be able to see and feel fabric in person before I buy.

Applique your owl quilt is beautiful. I like the round barn in the background too.
Rodney

Wow Carolyn I love ever one. Going to be a beautiful quilt!!!! I have half of your quilt put together.

I just wrote a bunch of stuff but my cell phone lost connection and i lost it all. :-( I haven't been able to get much done with the ice storm, downed trees, and loss of power and internet. I hope to get cracking today while i wait for the cable company to get here.

Mamahauser, i love the bargello. Best bargello design i seen. Is there a formula to this one?

Wow what great progress everyone is making! I'm taking a little break. Had a high school student show up looking for a credit card holder. He lost his and hoped we might have one. Unfortunately we didn't but I suggested he come back and make one. Dug out camo fabric, pattern from internet etc..He did show up and even though he didn't know how to sew, run a sewing machine or even iron, he did it! Went home with his card holder and a big smile! While he was working I got to play with pieces for a new quilt called chicken pox. The fish were so much fun I just had to try the chickens!

Your partner would be fine with making a quilt that size!! I am still trying to figure out what I want to make for your quilt! I have a few ideas, but nothing for sure! Any input from you?!?!

Wow! More great quilts Debbie. I love the fish.
Rodney

It's called "Melinda's Heart" - if you google, you can find it pretty easily. If you can't find it, PM me and I will help.

I concur! I'm sewing some strip sets today for Elisabrat's Medallion quilt build-along. One of the first border choices was Elisabrat's checkerboard pattern and I'm working on that right now. So far I think it's pretty safe to say no two sets of blocks cut from my strips are the same. Maybe I should try to convince everyone I did it that way on purpose. I was thinking a wonky looking checkerboard would be fun but decided against it because I didn't think I could do it right. Turns out I'm getting one anyway. :)

Fantastic looking quilt Kelly! Did you do the quilting too? There is a lot to be proud of in that quilt.
Rodney

applique LOVE the Fish and Cickens!!! The colors are great.

Both the chicken and fish are great but since I am knee deep in chickens right now that one sparks the most interest. We had three chicks hatch today. They are so darn cute! for now they are still in lock down and drying but soon they should go in the brooder. Love the chicken pox title! Just knew they would have spots. Where did you find the pattern or did you design it?

CarolynMT...WOW!!! Those fabrics are BEAUTIFUL!

Wonderful progress people. I am guilty, I have only thought about getting onto mine. Stuck on getting my class samples done right now. Finished quilting my hexagon quilt yesterday, but no binding on it yet. Shortnsweet is patient thank goodness. She is in the process of getting her sewing room set up since her move. Bless her heart. She has stayed in contact with me. All good here.

I am so glad you like the fabrics. :) I think the pattern will showcase those fabrics perfectly, and the extras I have planned will take it over the top. But you must PROMISE me that you are going to use this quilt ;) no putting it aside cause it is too pretty or stuff like that ;) Only requirement I have! I want all my work to be loved and used. :) If at some point it wears out and we are still around here ;) I'll happily replace it!

Arent they? OMG, I just couldnt leave them on the shelf at the store, so very lonely, lol, I was going to make a quilt with them regardless, thankfully I was blessed with a partner who loves them and will enjoy the finished product :) is a Win-Win for me :)

Carolyn I will use it,but only me!!! My husband and little fur baby Zoey can find there own. LOL

I know everyone is busy...but remember...

By the 15th of each month, each person sends me a PM letting me know how far along they are with their quilt for their partner. I suggest that you put a reminder in your calendar with the following text in it, which is what I need to hear from you:

o 100% complete and ready to be shipped!
o 90%: need to finish quilting and binding, then she’s ready for lift-off!
o 75%: sandwiched and about to quilt
o 50%: nearing completion of the top; about to sandwich
o 25%: fabric cut and piecing in progress
o 5-10%: know the design; have most of the fabric; dragging my feet getting started, but I WILL complete and be ready to ship THIS QUILT BY August 1, 2014!

Just sent you a progress report, all's good here. Hope you will be pleased Dabbler, I think it's awesome!:D Now I just need to get the thread I want and get it quilted.

wow wow wow wow.... did I mention: wow!

I have been offline for MONTHS AND MONTHS. I am SO happy to see that this swap has continued. It's so exciting to see the energy continue. Thanks SO MUCH, Yosamitesa, for taking this on, and for everyone-- alumni and newbies-- who is participating. I'll be watching!

-- Jillaine

Hi jillaine!!! We miss you!!!

Sorry ladies and gent...having dental issues with my lil man (he is 4). Long story short...a dentist screwed up doing a crown in June. Found out today with a new dentist the tooth was infected and had to be pulled instead of a new crown. He is home with me now resting. Been a long 36 hours since the initial crown fell off.

Thanks to all who have sent me status updates!!!

Ouch! Poor guy, I hope he's doing better in the morning.
Rodney

I am sorry little man is having a hard time!! It hurts us when we can't get rid of the pain for them!! Snuggle time will help you both! Hugs

Luckily my swap partner is awesome about keeping in touch. Its been a madhouse around here with the move and all, but on the plus side I am choosing my fabrics while I m unpacking them lol.

here r the 2 fabrics that I have found that I am considering so far

Wow!!! We got so much snow dumped on us. Nearly 18" and they are calling for more. I guess this is the PERFECT opportunity to get busy!

I've heard from 16 swappers!!! Still have 14 I need to hear from by Saturday!!! :) Please don't make me hunt for y'all... :p

Boop56: Best wishes and prayers for your surgery to be successful.
Rodney

jaba and I have been in touch with one another - she's a maniac with scissors, thread and a machine - in other words dust never settles around her - good thing I'm sewing all weekend and can put a major dent in her quilt - I hate eating dust - LOL

Boop56, good luck with the eye surgery, I hope everything goes well :)

I have all my fabric, I think, just trying to decide on a layout. I have a couple options I'm thinking about. This is going to be a fun quilt to work on.

Boop56 prayers for a positive surgery. Quilty hugs!!!

WOW!!! What can I say but WOW!!! You quilters are AMAZING!!! :) It isn't even the 15th yet and I've heard from all but 4 people!!! So...that means 26 of y'all have messaged me!!! Fantastic. Everyone is in all stages of working on this. Just remember, even a little a week or every couple of weeks will help get it finished in time for our August 1st mail by date. I'm so happy with everyone and their communication!!! Keep it up and keep the momentum up!!!

Remember, when you are ready to ship, contact me and your partner. All 3 of us need to coordinate the shipping so that both of you ship at the same time!

Boop56 prayers for successful outcome in your surgery. Hope everyone else is doing fine with all the nasty weather. This weekend may be a non sewing weekend. The weather is suppose to be beautiful here this weekend and I need to get in my garden and till up some dirt to plant.

Planning and searching for a pattern.

my top is coming together nicely. DH washed ALL of my red fabrics for me yesterday so Sunday and Monday I can complete my top. I will then send it to the quilter and then back for me to bind. I do not think anyone would want my crunky stitch in the ditch. It works on a table runner on my basic sewing machine but when I try to stuff a quilt top through my machine it gets all stuck up in there and oh forget it! I think by March first it is ready to be quilted. tada! I am having fun with it, Santa's and Angels and now some pinwheels maybe? or perhaps a racing candy cane border or.. so many options so much time!!! :) Tammy hope you will like this.. do you want it to be a surprise or do you want me to post photos for you??

love the blue fabric that is going to be beautiful! and also the mixed reds and beiges omg.. I would gladly wear those out for you!! :) so if you get tired of it please send it to me that fabric selection I think would make a pretty quilt no matter what pattern you use!

If you have not sent me a status update I need to hear from you ASAP!!! This is a requirement for the swap.

By the 15th of each month, each person sends me a PM letting me know how far along they are with their quilt for their partner. I suggest that you put a reminder in your calendar with the following text in it, which is what I need to hear from you:

o 100% complete and ready to be shipped!
o 90%: need to finish quilting and binding, then she’s ready for lift-off!
o 75%: sandwiched and about to quilt
o 50%: nearing completion of the top; about to sandwich
o 25%: fabric cut and piecing in progress
o 5-10%: know the design; have most of the fabric; dragging my feet getting started, but I WILL complete and be ready to ship THIS QUILT BY August 1, 2014!

still a few missing in action Cindy? are they posting anywhere else on the board or silent totally? I forget did you get our phone numbers? if so why not give them a quick ring. I find that works marvelously in getting to the bottom of things..

I am so glad my dh washed those reds for my quilt. I am so glad I thought to double check just in case to make sure they were not bleeders. I found the one I was planning on using was a big bleeder! wet a white towel and wiped it. omg instant red. YIKES. I am doing a red/white quilt that would have been horrendous. Just a reminder just because its a good quality fabric doesn't mean its safe from bleeding out. Now a question: all my reds have been washed with TWO color catchers.. they came out amazingly red. Then a new color catcher went with them in the dryer which also came out red. Should they be washed again or should I soak the in Retaine to lock the color in the fabric? what would you do or do you think they are safe now having been washed with color catchers/ never have I had this trouble before and we are taking quality fabric again. frustrating to say the least.

Thanks so much for posing the ? about reds, Elisabrat. I just prewashed some reds Friday and I'm wondering the exact same thing. I used 3 color catchers in the wash but didn't think to put one in the dryer. I didn't use Retaine (I'd never heard of it until yesterday!). Here's what the color catchers looked like...
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Do you think I should I run them through again using Retaine?

Oh Dabbler, a maniac you call me??:D I do have your top all done and now it is on a hanger just hanging there and I keep looking at it wondering how I'm going to quilt it. My long arm doesn't have the fancy computer hooked to it for all those elaborate patterns and my feathers are not that good yet to practice on your quilt. Then I'm still looking for some red and white varigated thread to use on it and haven't found the right color of red. Also need to decide backing, do you want red or white? Or should I use a red and white print since the front is red and white? I'm stuck!!! help me help me to decide...Do you want me to post a pic of it or do you want to be surprised?

Good Morning! Good Morning! For those that I haven't heard from yet, I have sent PM's with a friendly reminder.

Have a great Sunday and happy quilting everyone!!!

Ok :) couple of teasers for my partner and everyone :) these are 2 blocks done. Only 15 more to go! My partner is happy with being surprised, so I wont show everything, just a few teasers here and there.
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