Boom 26 - Sign-ups now open thru 4/30/21***
 

Woo hoo, Boomers! Here we go a few hours early!

Sign-ups for Boomerang Friendship Swap 26 are open! They will close no later than 11:59 pm EDT, Friday, April 30, 2021. ***If sign-ups go quickly, I will close full groups early*** and I will start a waiting list in the event of a last minute drop. Each group will probably have 14 to 20 swappers. You may choose the 2 or 3 month swap or both if you are a repeat Boomer in good standing. All skill levels are welcome but you must be able to consistently sew a well-constructed 12 ½ inch block. Details follow below but anyone who has participated in a recent Boom knows the basics.

In general, this is how the Boom works: You will receive a list of Board Names of those in your group. You choose your fabric, prepare it and send it to me for distribution to the other members. You need one Fat Eighth (no smaller than 18” x 10”, a little larger is welcome but no selvages) for each member. Send all F8s to me along with any special requests for your fabric. I will distribute them to the other members. You stitch a block for each member using your pre-washed 100 percent cotton quilting fabric out of the F8 you receive. When you have finished all blocks, you ship them to me to sort and return to the owner.

Please note: 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 this sign-up post. If you wish to join the swap, please understand it is your responsibility to read all posts and post at least weekly. If something comes up and you cannot post, please have somebody email me. Absolutely no disappearing please!

Anticipated schedule:

Sign-ups end 11:59 pm EDT, Friday, April 30, 2021
Groups likely post by Monday, May 3, 2021

ALL F8s due to me Monday, May 17, 2021
I ship F8s to you Thursday, May 20, 2021

2 month group’s blocks due to me Thursday, July 22, 2021
I mail 2 month group’s blocks Thursday, July 29, 2021

3 month group’s blocks due to me Thursday, August, 19, 2021
I mail 3 month's blocks Thursday, August 26, 2021

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. Remove selvages before cutting into Fat Eighths, no smaller than 18” x 10” but a little larger is welcome. No exceptions. (Packages that come to me with smaller pieces will be returned to you unswapped at your expense. Please keep off-sized pieces for your own use.)
2) When mailing your f8s to me, please make sure they are individually sealed in a small ziploc-type bag, no hard zippers please. Please label each baggie with your board name (make it easily visible to me) along with any instructions or color requests for your fabric. This may be a note inside or a label on the outside. (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 but do not place the label over the opening as I will be checking fabric sizes. Please then take all the individually wrapped F8s and put them in a large ziplock-type bag onto which you have written your name and address. This you will then put into your mailing envelope. Later, when you send your completed blocks back to me, please seal and label them with the owner’s board name and your board name easily visible to me in a similar manner as you did the F8s.
3) Please mail your F8s to arrive by the due date. 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.
4) Carefully handle all fabric received and completed blocks, placing them somewhere safe until mailing time comes.
5) To help keep track of the fabrics and blocks made, I will continue the online Gallery found at boomerangswaps.weebly.com.
6) You are required to keep in touch with your group by posting your progress to the dedicated Boom group threads at least once a week, even if you have completed your blocks early. This is a requirement. Nobody likes to make a slew of blocks and not have them acknowledged. If you do not keep in touch with me or the group for any reason, you will not be able to participate in the next Boom. If you don’t wish to keep in touch, this is not the swap for you.
7) All blocks must be completed within the time frame for the group and mailed to me with a tracking number.
8) All blocks must be 12 1/2” unfinished. This means you must measure. Blocks may be traditionally 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, join in and show their talents.
9) Most importantly, let’s keep this space a positive and enjoyable place to be! We’re all here to have fun, even me.

Important Shipping Details
You must supply me with tracking numbers on all parcels sent to me and I will do likewise when mailing to you. All shipping costs are your responsibility. Be sure when you ship to me that you have covered the cost fully as I will not accept packages with postage due. You may ship to me in whatever tracked package you like however I will only ship to you in USPS Padded Priority Envelopes (unless other arrangements have been made) at the rate in force at the time of shipping, currently $8.55. Please send a pre-paid envelope or label (no regular stamps please!) or you may send me $8.55 in well-concealed cash to cover the cost of shipping the F8s and I will supply the envelope. You will also need to send me an additional $8.55 per group for return shipping of your completed blocks. This can be done in advance or when you send back your completed blocks. Regarding Multiple Groups, please note that I will send only one group’s completed blocks per package. (F8 shipping will remain combined whenever possible.) If you are in both groups, please send enough money to cover separate shipping of completed blocks for each group you are in.

Keep in mind the following:
You must be in good standing with previous swaps on the QB. Anyone with a poor track record of fulfilling swap commitments will not be permitted to join. If you sign-up and do not fulfill your commitment, negative feedback will be given.

All skill levels are welcome but you must be able to sew a 12 ½ inch, basic, well-constructed block. The block does not have to be detailed but it must be stitched well. All seams should be ¼ inch or a scant ¼ with at least 12 stitches per inch. All fabric should be cut on the straight of grain to avoid "wonkiness" and fraying whenever possible. 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. We all respect new quilter’s need to learn and that will be taken into account. If you cannot consistently construct a 12 ½ inch block, this is not the swap for you. Please note: when you measure, measure under an acrylic square at least 12 ½ inches square, not on top of it, squaring the block on a corner 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.

Please pre-wash your 100 percent cotton quilting fabrics without any fragrance residue. Please note that that some swappers may be smokers or have pets. If either is a problem for you, this isn’t the swap for you.

No public complaints or criticisms for any reason are permitted. All complaints must be addressed by Private Message (PM) or email to me at [email protected] but I will accept constructive comments only. No exceptions!

To join Boom 26, please email me (not PM) with "Boom 26" in the subject line at [email protected] with the following information:

• Board Name
• Full Name
• Complete Address
• Best Phone Number (please specify cell, home or work)
• Email Address
• Have you fulfilled all your swap/exchange obligations on the QB in the past?
• *2 Month Group or 3 Month Group or both? (Newbies to the Boom should select only one group, preferably the 3 month group if you are unaccustomed to piecing on a deadline.)
• *Group lengths and group sizes are fluid and will be determined by sign-ups. You may be asked to adjust to fill vacancies as needed. If changing doesn’t suit you, you may withdraw at that time.

Thank you for your interest in Boom 26. We hope you'll join us!

I will play and I will send you a email Thanks for the reminder

Hi Janice! I've done a few swaps in the past, but haven't participated in a Boom. Sounds like fun. Just a quickie question: I would be making a block for each swapper with their fabric (plus some of mine?). Each block could be different? Or am I making the same block for each person with different fabric?

Thanks!

Hello Kristi. Thanks for the good questions. You will make a block from each swapper’s fabric plus some of your own. The blocks you make are totally your choice. You can make a different one for each Boomer or they can be all the same. It’s up to you. Some Boomers wait to see if the various fabrics “speak” to them and help direct the kind of block to make.

Thanks for your interest in Boom 26!

Yippee! Sign me up for the 3 month group. I sent you my info. Thanks!

Thanks Janice! That sounds great! I'll get you my information when I have more time this evening.

Do people tend to choose a focus fabric for their fat 8th? Any tips or ideas? My brain is starting to think of ideas! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/boy.gif

I just sent out my information to you Janice. I am again looking forward to this swap. I haven't decided on the fabric yet but have a couple contenders that are staring at me.

Kristijoy this is a fun group to be sharing with. I have been here through several swaps now and just love it! There is a bond that develops and seems to last even after the swap ends. Looking forward to sharing with you.

I just sent my info to Janice. I'm in for both groups! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/biggrin.png

Thanks Julia! I sent Janice my information. I'm looking forward to hanging out with you all!

I’m in
 

Yay!! I’d like to join the 3 month group. Email on the way

Hi everyone. I tried to resist, but I can't resist.... I'm in for the 3 month group! It will be a fun summer playing with patterns I want to try out!

Hmmmm. Kristijoy, I can't decide if I want a focus fabric or a neutral either.... I better figure out what I ultimately want a quilt for first. Marcialee, good to meet you too! Our hostess, Janice, has a link in her signature that takes you to the BOOM showcase of previous blocks made for the BOOMERS. I am so impressed with everyone's talents. Janice is a wonderful hostess. I hope she will have time to make blocks with us this time. Juana

ibex94 - I found the link to the blocks made for the past swaps. They are amazing! It was so much fun to see the variety of blocks for each swapper and how they all go together!

I'm thinking of using a fabric with a darker neutral background that has pops of color.

kristijoy, that sounds like a fabric with lots of possibilities. You will have to tell us if you want us to use a particular color or not. For instance, maybe you want a Valentine's theme quilt at the end so you ask us to use pinks, reds and whites with whatever your fabric is. Travelingramma had a great color wheel themed quilt one boom where everyone was asked to do a block in various shades of the accent fabric that she sent out. Or maybe you know you want to use sashing of a particular color so ask us to avoid that color in our blocks. The challenge is in making that oh so perfect block for our quilting buddies in here so the more you tell us what you want, the more we can play. It's great fun and a wonderful way to practice new blocks or techniques. I always hope I have the fabrics in my stash to go with the choices but I end up shopping around for something that sings to me better.

Don't hesitate to ask questions. We love to chat when we have time to get onto the board.

I am going to join in the 3 month group. Sending info now.

Oh how I wish I could join you all. We are hitting the road on the 30th - and will be on the go. I will be checking in. and when I get the binding on the western cowboy quilt I will post. Missing you all

Sent email . . . Hopefully both swaps.

I’m out of town for the week but I’ll try to check in once a day anyway. If something important comes up, you can best reach me by email. Hugs to everyone!

Kristijoy,welcome! Your fabric sounds like it could be a real winner with those pops of color!

Ibex94, so happy you cannot resist!

TG, we’ll miss you so please be sure to stop in and let us know what’s up with you!

Annt59, FYI, in case you already sent it, I haven’t received an email from you yet. Hope to hear from you soon.

Have a great trip! We have a short RV trip scheduled in June, but then 3 months on the road in the fall! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png We'll be roadschooling our 14 year old son on a journey in the Southwest. 1 1/2 years ago (before covid) we did a 3+ month roadschooling adventure to the Northeast. Best.Time.Ever.

How much yardage would you recommend? I have 2 yards of the fabric I was hoping to use. Does that sound like it will work? I'm thinking 8 pieces for each yard which would be 16 at the most. Guess it depends on the size of my group!

Once you prewash and remove salvages, you may find that 2 yards won’t yield 16 pieces due to shrinkage. You can always send multiple fabrics. They don’t all need to be the same for each person. And FYI, groups will never exceed 20 so the most you will be sending is 19 F8s for your other members and possibly keeping one for yourself.

I bet your trip with your son will be hugely enlightening and educational. A couple of our Boomers live the RV life, at least part of the year. 😀

TG, your trip sounds wonderful. Please check in often so we can enjoy your trip through your eyes.

I only signed up for the 3 month group since we still don’t know where we be living. Love love these booms

Thanks Janice! I was starting to think about the 'multiple fabric' choice. I could send 12 pieces of one fabric then another 4-8 pieces of another fabric. I could get two smaller lap size quilts from that! These are great possibilities!

Good morning! Just checked my emails and we now have ten people signed up for Boom 26. I’m also waiting to hear from Annt59 who said she’d be sending her info. Not bad for a few days of open sign-ups. 😀

Hope everyone has a wonderful day today!

I'm in (with a twist) for the three month group. With Janice's permission I'm teaming up with my quilting friend stcpawz. It will be her first boom. We are going to split the blocks up and each do half. We'll each send our own fabric, so there will be two fabrics ( you,ll get one) from the MJP/STC team. STC and I quilt together most Thursdays. Since we each are almost complete with our Moderna vaccine we'll be able to quilt in my sewing room again.

My daughter's twin pregnancy ran into a hiccup and she is in the women's hospital until (a very early) delivery. We consider each day the babies stay inside her a victory. The hospital has scrounged the 2nd Pfizer vaccine for her and her babies will have some protection against Covid. As soon as the girls are born I will be spending much of May in Omaha helping with the two other kids. I am going to bring a sewing machine and sew with my bonus grandchildren.

MJP what a glorious sewing area, I am jealous in a good way.

Last night we found out they will be moving our new trailer onto our pad late this afternoon. It will be a huge relief off my hubby’s shoulders. Hope all goes well.

Have a great day

Great News! Hope all goes well!

Terriamn, hope the trailer moved went smoothly

We’re up to about a dozen signups for the swap. I’m home now so I’ll put together a list for you all sometime this weekend.

We’ve got storms coming through tomorrow. Hope those of you in the path of the storms stay safe.

I’m off. Have a terrific weekend, Boomers.

We have a storm coming through too which should bring much needed rain. The pressure system though is messing with my head, so sewing strings together is about my speed today!

Hi friends, It has been way to long. the last time I was with this group was 2017. I am back and looking forward to the 3 month group.
Now to find my fabric and get it ready to mail,

Hello, Nelco! So happy to hear you will be joining the fun this round. Please send an email to me at [email protected] with all the info requested at the end of the first post. Thank you!

Morning! A couple questions:

1. Would it be helpful to starch the fabric? I'm thinking you probably don't want me to do that...

2. What size plastic bag do you use for each piece...is a quart big enough?

Thanks!

Good afternoon, Kristijoy. Re: Starching, it’s a personal choice. I like to starch but we do try to keep aromas to a minimum as some Boomers are sensitive to them. If starching is your preference, please allow the fabric to air out a bit before bagging.

As for size of the baggies, usually the smaller the better. I like to use sandwich size baggies. I put the folded F8 and a small note with my board name clearly marked on it and my color requests, if I have any, inside.

As long as I’ve mentioned color requests, please note you don’t need to have any. If, however, you have a vision of your finished quilt and it doesn’t include white for example, I’d request that white not be used with your fabric. If you’d like to see your fabric paired with blue, you may request that. Remember, be clear with your requests and not so specific as to make it very difficult for your fellow swappers to achieve your desired results.

Hope that helps!

Thanks Janice! That's exactly what I was looking for. I think I'll skip the starch and look for smaller baggies.

Kristi, you can always reuse the bags in the next BOOM...... The flatter the bag lays the better so try to avoid the ones that have that bulky rectangle that slides the seal shut for you.

Also, padded envelopes will be sent to you for free from the post office if you order them online. https://store.usps.com/store/product...elope-P_EP14PE

I see that they have forever padded envelopes available now, too. Those aren't free ($8.55 each) but I might just get some. https://store.usps.com/store/product...4pe-P_PPEP14PE

Hi Friends,
Glad to see some new names and some old ones coming back! We are going to have fun with this boom.
Terri, congrats on getting the new trailer installed.
MJP, I bet we all are envious of your beautiful outdoor sewing setup with your friend. Wish I could come join you!
Ibex, I had forgotten about Forever padded envelopes. With the way they are raising prices, it's worth it to have a few on hand.

I've been in Memphis, helping my kids renovate their new house and pack up their stuff to move. Lots of babysitting too, which I love, of course. My GDs are two now. It's so much fun talking to Ivy, now that she is so articulate. But this old body hurts from all the extra bending and lifting... ouch.

Good morning, Boomers! Below is a list of everyone who has signed up so far and the group or groups you wish to join. You all should have gotten a reply from me. If you have not, please let me know.

Terriamn - 3
Marcialee - 3
Ibex94 - 3
Bibliostone - 3
Klaws - 3
Juliasb - 3
Sewbizgirl - 2 & 3
Kristijoy - 3
JayneW - 3
Hav4boys - 2 & 3
AHWU - 3
MJPEncinitas/Stcpawz - 3
Annt59 - 3
Nelco - 3

As you can see, we are heavy on the 3 month with 14 people. Hav4boys and Sewbizgirl also want a 2 month group. At this point in the sign-ups, it looks like we won't be able to pull off a 2 month group so we'll probably just have a single 3 month group. That's fine with me. Sign-ups are open through the 30th so we'll see how the next few days go.

Anyone who is considering joining us and hasn't yet done so, please jump on in! We're happy to take repeat Boomer and newbies as well. Come join us!

We have babies. My twin grand daughters were born a few days ago. Amelia and Eleanor They are between two and three pounds and will be in their own little NICU room for 10 weeks or so. The Nebraska Methodists women’s hospital classifies them as ‘ growers and feeders’ which is good. Last year this hospital delivered five sets of triplets in one month and sent all the babies home, so they are in the right place.

im bringing a sewing machine and quilt projects for my two bonus grandchildren.


today I go to the quilt store to get the companion fabric for the Kaffe Fasset fabric I’m sending. Each of you will get a different Kaffe fabric. I think you’ll have fun with it. I’ll bag up the fabric and send my partner will send it to Janice. I. Really looking forward to the boom, connecting with old friends and meeting new friends.


We are headed to Omaha for a month on Saturday to drive my daughter to the NICU four times a day and take care of my bonus grand children. Omaha in May will be better than the 6 months we will spend there starting in October.

MJP, Congratulations, Grandma! Wishing your daughter a swift recovery from childbirth and your granddaughters a very healthy and trouble-free start in life. Many hugs coming your way for all!