I just got removed from this thread. I guess I'd better talk more!

Hi, I mailed my30 sets of postage stamps yesterday...hope you get them soon.. Honchey/Anne

I received packages from: Honchey, dottie dodge, and Sherry from Mauldin, SC (?board name?) :)

Gosh it feels like forever since i have been on this board but that is what moving does to you. i still don't have my sewing stuff in place yet but it is coming soon.

now dressmakergurl to answer your question there are plenty of things to make with this little gems. here is a picture album on this board of quilts and such that others have made from these postage stamp squares. here is an online look at postage stamp quilts here is a comment i had posted earlier of some ps potholders and such that i made with these little gems. good luck with your projects.

Right now I have all those nice little squares organized in tin pans, and am looking forward to throwing them in a bag, and grabbing two at a time. It's pretty neat that I have very few duplicates.
I'm hoping to start on my quilt by Nov. I have to finish a four quilt project. I still have the QAYG to put the 30X30" squares together, and bind. I started making them a year ago.

Wow, it took Sept. 15th forever to get here. I'm waiting patiently Mariposa. :D

*We are waiting on a few more sets...... have 10 days to get to me yet. :)

Hanging my head in shame... My ps squares were sent off in such a rush that Mariposa noticed I didn't put my labels in my packages. If you get a snack-sized ziplock with no label, it's probably from me. It's another sure sign that I've got too much going on :(

peaceandjoy-- your baggies are labeled~ :)

Barri1, Do you really put them in a bag then randomly pick 2??? Do you then put them in a bag to pick again??? I would have a hard time doing that. it's taking me forever to get a few blocks done...How big are you making them??

Hi Honchey,
Right now I have all the nice little pieces lined up in aluminum trays in color order. I had to go over them to make sure all were the right size, and I didn't have any duplicates. I got a couple of duplicates, and put them in a bag to swap out. I had a problem with a bag of squares from another swap that were not true to size. Some were bigger, and some where smaller.. I didn't have the patience to go through them, and tossed them. When I am ready to start, I am going to toss all the trays in a shopping bag, and shake up good, and take out two at a time, and chain stitch. Now that I think of it, I could start doing a couple at a time in between other things I'm working on. That is after I get the squares from this swap It is mindless work,but relaxing.

So sorry, Mariposa - I forgot to include my board name. OOOPS! I use different ones for different boards, and being new to this one, well, when I got to the post office and saw that it wasn't on my baggies I couldn't remember for the life of me which name I used for Quiltingboard! Sad, sad...but, I'm pretty sure it's quilts39. We will see what comes up on my post! LOL! Anyhow, I'm glad they arrived okay. :)
Sherry in SC

Heheheee...I was right! Yay! The old brain is working today. :)

On the way to the post office to mail my stamps. Too much going on right now, I almost forgot. Can't wait to get my baggies. There is an extra for doing all this plus money for ther return postage., Have a great day.

Sherry-- they did arrive okay! :) Thanks!

Barri, what do you do after the first 2 together?

Hi Honchey,
You grab another set, and sew those together, and then grab another set, and you keep going. I like to sew five sets, and then sew them in a line, and then start adding rows. I make ten piece rows which equals 10". So it makes a 10" square. then you sew the 10" squares to each other, and you are on your way to a quilt top.
I can't wait to start.

Barri1, I am going to try your method but I'm going to have to put blinders on so as not to pick and choose...are ther any colors you don't like to use??

Hi Evie,
I have to think about what you are saying. I'm swapped at work, and reading my emails at lunch.

** Here's a list of swappers:

Quilts39
judy_68
Carla79
Evie
Samantha67
Booklady
peaceandjoy
PinkLady
honchey
hensandhollyhocks
dottie dodge
boiler barb
lindenmb
SheriR
buffy2
dressmakergurl
jerilee
islandwiz1
bepositive
Nanaof4
Twisted Quilter
Nelco
goldendog55
Raine
barri1
marytoddliz
frustratedquilter40
marcialee
clsurz
girlscouts1
Havplenty
Sienna's Gigi
shelrox
nurse bonnie
sustraley
sew4nin
jleister

*and more still in the mail*

So we have a super turn-out! :):):)

I am so bad, I have been thinking Oh maybe we will get a surprise and squares will be here in the mail, I guess I am in need of some fabric therapy and less horse therapy as we just rescued a beautiful mare on Friday, and then I looked at the calender and said dingaling you have another two weeks to go! Cant wait to see the new squares. Any word yet on the next swap? I have been so out of it lately with all life is dealing I feel like I have been gone from the swaps for ages.

shelrox-- the next one will be out after this one is finished--

I am so excited. SheriR explained how to cut squares more accurately than the way I was doing them. Of course I had a major need to practce. I also got the flat rate bags from the p.o. I'm almost good to go.

You can practice cutting squares for me anytime:)

OK you got my curiosity how were you cutting them and what way is more accurate... who knows maybe I need a more accurate way also! inquiring minds need to know!!!! :o

I couldn't figure out how to use the rotary cutter, and do the squares. I wasn't thrilled with the accuracy. I was taking a piece of fabric, and had a couple of 1.5" templates made at Lowes. I hold the template to the fabric, and go around it. I was able to sit in front of the boob tube, and multitask. SheriR explained how to cut it with the ruler, cutter,and mat. I was able to put it on my cocktail table, and I'm able to sit, and watch the boob tube. I have been cutting a bunch for the next swap. It was really bothering me, as even though nobody complained about the quality of my cutting work, I question it. I was in a swap with another group, and I got a bag of squares from another participant that was a month after the swap closed, and they weren't worth going over, as the squares were all sizes within millimeters, and looked like they were torn. Some had selvege. I was a little upset, and hoped that nobody was getting packets from me with those kind of problems.

Barri1, I hope you are using a small rotary cutter with that 1.5'' template. You are putting your fingers at risk if you are using a larger cutter. Have you thought about cutting 1.5'' strips and then cutting them into 1.5'' squares? You can cut your strips any length and then set your template on top of the strip and cut away. I think it would speed up your cutting time and be safer for your fingers.

SheriR explained how to use the ruler, and not the template. I have a 28 mm, 45mm and 60mm. I am using the 45mm, and it's really working nicely. Right now I am using a ton of scraps that a couple of people gave me, plus some of my own.
Think I have them under control.

I worked in a quilt store and am missing some flesh on the ends of my fingers is why I cautioned you about using too large a cutter. Yes, ouch! I want friends like you have that just give me scraps of fabric. All my friends quilt and keep all their scraps! Boohoo! I've swapped with you on another list and your squares were not too bad, but I'm glad you are now using a rotary cutter. It is more accurate and once you get used to it I think it is faster. Keep those fingers! LOL

Thanks Dottie dodge...I'm laughing, as I have a load of friends who are waiting to suture my fingers after I cut them. Now that I think of it, I will change my blade to as this one is getting dull. 12lbs of scraps was acquired, or actually saved. A very nice member asked how to make a dog bed, and use scraps to stuff it. I mentioned that I would love her scraps. I sent her money for postage, and asked her to send some to a friend. She sent me two boxes, and my friend one. The scraps were beautiful. I cut of pieces for myself, as I don't want duplicates in the PSQ. I'm still cutting them. I am also cutting for the next swap. I really hope to share them. I'm not in denial about my skills needing to be better, but you can't imagine a bag of 100 squares that I got that weren't worth the time, or effort to see which were salvagable. I wonder if you can put a note up that you are looking for scraps. I think there might be a bunch that do not plan on using them. You never know. it also might infuse different fabrics into the swap

Barri, I'm glad you've found rotary cutting easier than using a template and scissors. I remember you posting about this method and thinking you were crazy. I also know, we do what we gotta do…right? Do be careful, like dottie mentioned. I was cutting tiny squares late last week and my rotary cutter landed on top of my finger. I looked at it and thought, “I wonder if that’s going to bleed…” It did, then it hurt, but luckily it was not a big cut and I decided it was time to go to bed. My first rotary cut ever, however I have many hot glue scars…. Be careful!!

I got nicked already. Nothing to brag about, but it was a warning. I have a heathy respect for sharp objects, and that is another thing. I insist on working with sharp tools. I use a scalpel instead of a seam ripper, and love it. I always remember to cover it, and use the cover on the rotary cutter.
SheriR... I'm laughing as the cutting around the template with the scissors was faster, but I wasn't happy with the accuracy. I also liked sitting on the couch, and cutting. I really didn't want to stand up, and cut, as I'm too tired when I come home, and like to play with my fabric. I brought a small mat to the cocktale table, and I'm good to go.

Barri that's a great way lol. I brought my kids OLD play table in front of my couch.

Little table + little mat + little rotary cutter = little squares. :D

I'm still trying to figure out the best storage method. Right now I have one container with bagged stacks of color coordinated stamps, and one container with snack baggies of my coordinating 1.5" and 2.5" stamps. Any suggestions?

SheriR
I took the baggies apart, and sorted them into colors. It took a long while, and I try to sort them when I have a few minutes. I don't sew during the week, as I am too tired, and try to do no brainer things. I will eventually throw all of the squares into a bag, and just sew what I grab out. I'm not doing a patternon the first one. Maybe on the next.

I use a boot shoe box for my 'stamps' storage. If I am doing 20 sets of 50 different fab I cut 20 of one color at a time and put them in stacks until I have 50 stacks - then I have 20 baggies pinned on a bath towel on my closet door and that is where I make up my packets.
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Hi Nelco..
I like your fabrics

I think I've finally decided on a pattern for my postage stamp quilt so....I'm going to start putting it together. I hope I can keep those little monsters in line and not too wonky.

P.S. I have some wonky cut squares and thin fabric squares I received in another swap. If anyone would like them, send me an PM and I'll send them to you. Not a bunch but I didn't want to throw them out if someone wanted them.