Boom 23, Night Owls 3 month group
 

Board participation is an essential ingredient in making this swap successful. So much information about the swap is found there, much more than I can possibly write in a sign-up post. By joining the swap, you understand it is your responsibility to read all posts and in turn post at least weekly. (It’s helpful to subscribe to your group’s thread.) If something comes up and you cannot post, please have somebody email me. Absolutely no disappearing please! The Boomerang Friendship Swap is meant to be a fun experience, pleasant and light. Please be kind and positive. I will always accept constructive criticism at the end of the swap. Should you find problems with the swap or the blocks you receive, please keep the comments concrete. Concrete issues can be handled (blocks too small, wrong color thread used, block dirty, etc.), personality issues with other swappers are not in my wheelhouse so please keep those to yourself. Please be aware that we consider this a real commitment. If you sign-up for the swap and disappear or otherwise do not complete your obligation, negative feedback will be given. You will be expected to return to me anything that belongs to others in whatever shape they are in. If problems occur, please get in touch with me right away and I will work with you.

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Rules/Guidelines:

Please make sure to also refer to the basic policies that apply to all swaps through the board: Rules for Swaps and Similar Activities - Updated 8 December 2010.

Fabric, Completed Block and Package Preparation:

1) Use only 100 percent quilting cotton. Please pre-wash and press your fabric without any fragrance residue. (Please note that that some swappers may be smokers or have pets. If pets or smoke is a problem for you, this isn’t the swap for you.) Remove selvages before cutting into Fat Eighths, generally about 18” x 11” but no smaller than 18”x 10”, no exceptions! Please keep off-sized pieces for your own use. If you send me smaller pieces, I will return them to you at your expense.

2) Before mailing your F8s to me, individually seal them in a quart-sized or smaller ziplock-type bag, preferably smaller if you are in both groups, no hard zippers please. Label each F8 baggie with your board name easily visible to me along with any instructions or color requests for your fabric. (Do not specify a recipient unless a fabric is being directed to a particular person.) Labels are useful to help the recipient prevent fabric mix-ups, something that’s easy to do. Please then take all the individually wrapped F8s and put them in a single larger ziplock-type bag big enough to accommodate them onto which you have written your real name and address. (When you send your completed blocks back to me, please seal and label your completed blocks with the owner’s board name and your board name easily visible to me in a similar manner as you did with the F8s.)

3) Shipping: All mailings costs are your responsibility. When you mail to me, please do so in whatever manner you wish as long as you do so with tracking. Be sure to send me the tracking number as soon as you get it. I will ship with USPS Priority Padded envelopes only (unless other arrangements have been made), currently costing $8 each. Your total cost for the mailings I will make for you are anticipated to be $16. (There is no guarantee shipping rates will remain the same or that all blocks will fit in a single padded envelope if you are in both groups. I will contact you to discuss options if either happens.) You may pay it all up front or separately, it’s up to you. If sending cash, please send correct amount as I will not make change. Any overage you send will be put into my slush fund to help cover expenses. If the money/prepaid labels are missing, I will hold your package until I receive it. No checks or PayPal please

4) Please mail your F8s to arrive by Thursday, August 8, 2019. The sooner everyone gets them to me, the sooner they go out! Be sure to send me the tracking number as soon as you ship.

5) Carefully handle all fabric received and completed blocks, placing them somewhere safe until mailing time comes.

6) To help keep track of the fabrics and blocks made, I will establish an online Fabric Gallery.

7) Historically, F8s remnants are kept by the block maker.

8) You are required to keep in touch with your group by posting to the dedicated Boom 23 threads at least every week. This is a requirement. If you don’t wish to keep in touch, this is not the swap for you.

9) All blocks must be completed within the time frame for the group and mailed to me with a tracking number. Due dates are firm, not a suggestion.

10) All blocks must be 12 1/2” unfinished. Blocks must be well-constructed, sewn with complementary thread and may be regularly pieced, paper-pieced, appliquéd, whatever the block maker decides to do. It is up to each individual. Please do not request specific blocks as the idea is to let everyone, of every skill level, select their own blocks to showcase their talents and your fabric. Please make sure you use a significant amount of each person’s F8. It usually needs to be the primary fabric in the block, not a minor player. If in doubt, please contact the fabric owner.

11) Most importantly, have fun!

General block information:

All seams should be ¼ inch or a scant ¼ with at least 12 stitches per inch if not more. All fabric should be cut on the straight of grain to avoid wonkiness and fraying whenever possible. Complementary threads should be used in the block. Blocks should not leave your hands until you know you have made every reasonable effort to get them as close to the 12 ½ inch size as you can get. We all respect new quilter’s need to learn and that will be taken into account but if you cannot consistently construct a basic 12 ½ inch block, this is not the swap for you. Please note: when you measure, measure units with an acrylic ruler as you go so you can pick up errors before the entire block is made. When complete, measure under an acrylic square at least 12 ½ inches square, not on top of it, after pressing. Also, be sure to allow yourself enough time to complete your full set of blocks. In other words, don’t leave them to the last week! The results can be hit-or-miss. And please be sure to clean up the blocks. Turn them over, trim your threads and cut dog ears.

Important: No public complaints or criticisms for any reason are permitted. All complaints must be addressed by Private Message (PM) or email me at [email protected]. No Exceptions.

Time to have some fun, Night Owls!

Good Morning Ladies.

Hi Night Owls! Ready to roll....

SBG and Lstew have checked in. Woo hoo.

This night owl is ready to fly! I just got done at the USPS site getting my return labels done and they are now in my sealed package ready to mail tomorrow. I can't begin to say how excited at being in this swap. It has been a very long time since I was in one and can't wait to see everyone's expression of what I have in mind.
I keep thinking of the sandy beaches along the golf coast in and around Venice and Ft. Meyers. Warm winters and mild springs. I only wish I could experience it more than I have. Florida beaches. We have the great lakes and all the lakes that surround us where I live but there is nothing to compare to the gulf's white sands and salty air.

All my F8s are packaged and ready to go. Let the fun begin!
Welcome to all of our new Boomers. I look forward to playing with all of you. We love newbies, but most of all, we love pictures! Time to oil up your babies, give them a new needle and get them purring. Oh, and don't forget to keep your cameras charged up!
juliasb- you and Jaba are living on the same wave length.

And it begins! Welcome to the newbies. I’ve got my fat 1/8ths ready to go. I’m excited to get started! Mom and I will be traveling for a few weeks, first to a reunion and then on to MSQC for a quilt retreat. I’m sure I’ll still have time to check in. Wish I had your 1/8ths already for shopping time at MSQC, but I’ll probably still do some shopping using the gallery.

Mine are ready to mail tomorrow. I'm so wanting to sew blocks:) I even made a sample for this quilt to get it started.[ATTACH=CONFIG]615041[/ATTACH]

I've gotten replies to my email from about half of you already. Terrific! Those who haven't replied yet, please check your emails. Thanks!

Juliasb, I love an enthusiastic newbie! I'm happy to have 4 newbies this round. :)
Jaba, love the block. That blue is beautiful.
Libster, I'm sure your F8s will be one of the first to arrive. (I'm ready to get going, too!)
PamelaOry, your trip with your mother sounds wonderful Hope to get out to MSQC one day soon.

I'm logging off until tomorrow. Have a lovely evening!

I should be working on packaging my squishy, but I have been working on the corners of the striped wibbly wobbly border, and my brain hurts but it is figured out!!!!! I have 2 done.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]615047[/ATTACH]

Welcome to all the newbies. You are in for a fun time

Kass you’re wibbley wobbley is awesome.

in the winter I often wonder why any of us choose to live in Minnesota but summers usually make it so worthwhile. This summer has been absolutely weird. Friday we set a new feels like temp of 122 degrees, for you in the South that may not be high but it is extremely over the top for here. Next afternoon it was 40 degrees warmer. This morning I am wearing a fleece sweater with a quilt on my legs. Brrrr but would rather be chilly then roasting!

Welcome to the new folks! I was new last boom, and while nervous at first, found the group to be welcoming and supportive! I learned a ton! I'm looking forward to my second boom with this talented group! I'll be working on getting my fabric off by Wednesday.

I'm excitedly preparing for a trip back east for a family reunion and quilting retreat with my daughter, Pam, who is also a boomer in this group (PamOry). We are going to MSQC in Missouri!! It is going to be a fun trip!!

Welcome newbies! After this boom, you will be hooked! I will be mailing my package today. I've had it ready for 2 weeks anxiously waiting to mail. :)

Two weeks, klaws? You are ready! lol Can't wait to see your fabric in person. Vikkim, I love that the mother/daughter team is in this Boom for a second time. You may have been nervous but my goodness, you'd never know from your beautiful blocks. Terriamn, razy weather everywhere really is the new normal. What a mess! My friend went home to NJ to meet 105+ degree temps. Made us in my area at 90 seem downright comfortable in comparison. Kassaundra, Your striped WW border looks very difficult. Can't wait to see the finished product. I've now received replies to most emails I sent out. Only need to hear from Macybaby (Early Birds) and Lstew2212, marija, Suzisew and Smglover207 in this group. Gals, when you get a chance, please reply to the email so I know you've rec'd it. If I don't hear from you within a few days, I'll be wondering if I've got the wrong email address. Thanks!

I am afraid I am hooked before we even begin! I keep looking out at the mailbox to see if the mail carrier has been by yet. I know the package is in the mailbox right now since I was just out there and the flag is still up. I know that once it is picked up Janice McC will have it in 2 days. The return date for the fabrics to get to me is not soon enough. Kuddles to Janice McC for doing all the hard work of organizing this swap!
Klaws thanks for the warm welcome from this newbie.

Gallery is up, btw. It's waiting for all your lovely blocks. One of Jaba's is in each group's photos already.

We've 4 newbies in this group so maybe it's a good time for everyone, new and vets, to give a brief intro. Nothing much, just a bit about yourself, perhaps including your quilting history. Anything will do. (I haven't asked this in a couple of swaps so it's overdue.) Thanks!

I will get my blocks reposted here by this weekend. If anyone want extra blocks made I will be willing to help. Just pm me.

My flight from NY to San Diego via Baltimore was cancelled today. I got a flight (well three flights) tomorrow to go home. The heat index was 106 this past. weekend in NY. Well at least I get an extra day with mom.

Mjp- I'm not gonna' complain anymore about our miserable heat here in NC although the humidity is killing us. Tomorrow is promised to be in the low 80s. Even if it is just a couple of days relief, it's going to feel great.
My F8s are on the way to Janice and I've already emailed her the tracking number. Now- to hunt up the perfect pattern for Jaba's striped fabric!

I am married, we do not have children, and live in eastern Oklahoma, green country, the land of lakes, hills, and woodlands (not like the western side which is what people usually think of when they think of OK). I work as a paramedic on an ambulance (which partially explains my sometimes darker sense of humor). I started quilting in my late teens (low those many years ago) but didn't start seriously until my mid/late 20's. I love the designing part of quilting. I love working w/ stripes / or repeat designs. I'm not even in the same room as "the box" and am in witness protection hiding from the quilting police. (though I do follow boom rules). I love chocolate and Doctor Who as you can see from my signature information on the bottom of my posts, if I make a reference you don't "get" it is a pretty safe bet it is from DW.

Janice, I just responded to your e-mail...my brain just wasn't functioning well over the weekend. I could blame the heat an humidity, but I never left the house over the weekend...well, except to let the dog out and that was more than enough. Unfortunately, I didn't get much done in the sewing room, got stuck with cleaning projects, but at least they are done and I won't feel guilty on the shop hop next weekend!

I did get my fabrics washed and will get it ready to mail hopefully by this weekend. First I need to review the procedures and get to the post office for the packages :)

I am married with no kids (not unless you count my two dogs). I live in Nebraska. I work on airplane parts for 22 yrs. I got started sewing clothes in high school home economics class. I didn't really started quilting after I got married. I've collected barbies and porceline dolls. My favorite color is purple. I really like to fmq. I'm not that good at fmq but it's satisfying knowing that I was able to do it.

Oh my gosh Kass, I am laughing so hard that you are in witness protection hiding from the quilt police! Best laugh I have had in a very long time:D.

I was taught to sew on my Gramma's treadle machine. By the time I was 12, I was making all of my own clothes. I started quilting about 40 years ago now. After 47 1/2 years, I'm a widow now. I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grands now. And....ta da....a soon-to-be granddaughter-in law! My Ezra popped the question Saturday! Color me happy.
My favorite part of quilting is piecing and the binding. Sewbiz has a tute posted that has taught me how to do QAYG. I love this method.

I’m a relatively new quilter, I’ve been at it for between 2-3 years now. I have a bad back with a host of other issues so don’t work and use an accuquilt to help with the cutting part of quilting as it can get pretty painful. We tease my husband about being a closet quilter because he gets roped into helping me with cutting a lot too. As a matter of fact, he cut the fat 1/8ths for this boom!

I have just one one of our four boys still living at home. He’s here with hubby, myself, and our little bichon dog, Ellie.

Ive recently discovered doll collecting and have acquired a few blythe dolls, which my kids tell me are scary. (They have big eyes and heads and their eyes change)

Here are the blocks that I've made.

This is the rest of the blocks.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]615154[/ATTACH]

This is is my fabric for the Night Owl’s. A very not me fabric. I love bright and bold fabrics but branching out and trying some pastels.

I have been quilting about 23 years now, love piecing the blocks but not so great on putting them together. I am married to my second dh and along with our old dog Rio we live in Minneapolis Minnesota. Have 4 adult children and 5 treasured grand’s. Sadly only one of my kids even live in the state anymore. Spend my summers in a destination camper at the lake so little sewing then but make up for it in the winter.

I am a t he mother of 2 girls and have 5 grandchildren. My DH is the love of my life and we are now retired and have all the peace and quite we will ever desire after raising teenage girls! I started quilting about 35 years ago. Those early quilts were baby quilts for family members as a new generation was coming along. I didn't consider that serious quilting until I started to learn to do patchwork about 30 years ago. I became a lean mean quilting machine! Some of those first patchwork quilts were, to say the least, unbecoming. They were however the learning tools I needed to improve my skills over the years to come. I can't say I have ever made a perfect quilt but I do have loads of fun and the quilts I make are well received. A lot of people tell me my quilts are beautiful. I think I spend more time being nit picky with details than anything else. I have tired many different techniques in quilting and know there is so much more to learn.
On a more personal note, DH has dementia which keeps me close to home making quilting the perfect pastime. My own health has been plagued with difficulty but I rarely let myself be bothered by it. I have to go through the motions of doctors and treatments for a hereditary disease and autoimmune disease everyday for the rest of my life so I could choose to let it get to me or, I can do as I choose, and take control of the disease process and not let it control me.
I binge craft. I go hot on one thing then change to another. Quilting has outlived all the other crafts. For years I collected antique sewing machines. I restored a good number of them over the years then went onto paper crafting. Pergamano mostly. Pergamano is like making paper lace using parchment. I did a great deal of scrapbooking too.Like everyone else there is a great deal more to me than meets the eye.

Kass, so funny..witness protection from the quilt police :D I always enjoy seeing your work, and love your take on the traditional. Rather than Dr. Who, we lean more towards Star Trek and Star Wars.;)

Queen, more great blocks, I saw the others on Early Birds. Where at in Nebraska? Have a brother in law in Ames.

Libstser, guess with the new in law to be means you'll start working on a wedding quilt!:thumbup:

Pam, I encouraged my step-mom to get the Accuquilt due to her arthritis, but I go help her with other cutting from time to time.

terriamn, Love your fabric! I tend to go with brights myself but have a weakness for pastels too. Depending on your requests, I think I have some great blenders for your block!

juliasb, or should I say "lean mean quilting machine" LOL! While my health issues aren't as severe as yours, you have a great attitude and its inspirational to me. I also agree that "fun" is much more important than perfect.:)

As for me; I've been sewing of and on since high school but was exposed to quilting by my Grandmother and Great Aunt. DGM taught me how to hand quilt, I'm not very good at it but find it relaxing, still haven't had time for it since we moved a few years ago. (still have a quilt on a frame) It's been over the last 10 years or so that I've really picked up more interest and working on improving my skills. What I need to start working on is machine quilting to try and get some of my UFO's out of the bin!

I've been married for 31 years and have 1 son (16 and he just got his learner's permit. :eek:Eek!!) I work full time as an accountant, so that' one of my excuses for not getting my UFO's done. :o I can't say he's interested but Hubster is tolerant of my fabric obsession, usually I just get a raised eyebrow when I bring something new home. I am so lucky to live in a amazing area that has many different quilt shops to feed that obsession, and the next town over (Shipshewana, IN) has a large quilt festival every year in June. I belong to a small guild and go to a paper piecing club once a month. Outside of that we tend to be homebodies and live a pretty quiet (dull?) life.

Janice, I sent you an email about losing my receipt from the post office so I do not have the tracking number. I mailed yesterday and somehow lost the receipt when I went to the grocery store. I am praying that it doesn't get lost. I am so upset! :(

Susisews I live in Lincoln.

Life is never dull, quiet (like now) and peaceful, (always) and free to quilt when ever I want to (heaven)!

Gorgeous fabric, Terri! Good for you. What are you going to want with this one?

Suzisew: I started sewing on my first treadle when I was nine. My dad bought it for $3.00 at an auction. He tuned it up and handed it over to my 2 youngest sisters and I. I still remember the first skirt I made on it. The fabric was a hot pink cotton that was $.35 a yard at the 5 and dime in our little town. Within a couple months I put the sewing machine needle through my right forefinger. Dad pulled it out with a pair of pliers. That taught me to be more careful and to slow down when sewing. I just loved those day.

SusiSews, how darn lucky to live by Shipsewana. I was there last year for a retreat. Think we have been to Shipsey 4 times. They have the best peach pie in the whole world. Does that mean you eat noodles with almost every meal?

I have requested to keep the block looking pastel so no brown that is in the tree trunks, minimal white for the background if you need it. Other then that choose any of the colors in the fabric except the green, that will be my lattice

Julia great looking blocks, you are off to a good start

Afternoon, Night Owls. Love reading your bios. Thank you for sharing. I'm not in the group but I'll share a bio: married eons, 2 adult sons, one engaged just a short time ago and a baby on the way, (yay!), 2 dogs, (a pitbull and a mix), one cat I inherited from my mother. DH will prob retire next year but maybe hold off a bit longer bc he's having fun. Started quilting about 2000 give or take. Before that was XS but my old eyes conspire against me so the detailed work I used to do is almost impossible. I took up the Booms in 2013, starting with #11. I've tried to let them go a couple of times but I'm addicted to putting people together in a swap. I'm detail oriented (you've all seen that email, right?), and am very happy you all are here for Boom 23. :)

Reminder: still need email response from marija, lstew2212 and smglover207. Thanks!

Also: Klaws, the tracking number is in an email to you. It popped up online for me a little while ago. :)

Janice you are on top of things. I'm so glad we have you to keep track of all of us.

I had to look up those dolls, and must say I agree w/ your kids. (well maybe not scary, but unnerving for sure)

I think I remember this fabric, didn't someone think about sending it a few booms back?