Welcome Everyone!
Thank you for checking out the Tumbling Spools Block Swap! I hope you find this a fun and exciting way to meet and interact with other quilters.
The guidelines are simple:
1) Relax and don't stress, this swap is going to be a laid back experience meant to encourage and support quilters of all levels, ESPECIALLY BEGINNERS.
2) If you have questions, please ask. If you have answers, please share. We are here to help each other.
3) Sets..... A set will consist of 4 blocks of your making. However many sets you send in, that is how many blocks you will get back. Send in 1 set, get back 4 random blocks from other participants. You can send in as many sets as you would like. The variety of blocks you get in return will depend on the number of people participating.
4) The Block..... I have selected Tumbling Spools because it is a traditional block that is simple but still requires some effort and encourages skill building. The pattern is also widely available. Shabby Fabrics has a video tutorial
(
https://youtu.be/qLyupx3kHTk) as well as a downloadable pattern ( https://www.shabbyfabrics.com/Free-Downloads-W4C258.aspx ) on their website but you can use any pattern or instructions of your choosing as long as the completed block measures 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" and resembles the look of 4 rotating spools.
5) The Colors..... These three guidelines will give us an overall theme to the final quilt top. Please use a white background fabric, solid color or a tone on tone. Please make your "spool caps" a solid color or tone on tone. The center square or "thread" can be any color or print of your choosing. This could be a way to use up scraps and pieces from your stash so you might not have to purchase much fabric.
6) The Fabric..... Please use 100% cotton quilting fabric. This will ensure that our blocks can be combined to make a quilt top that is durable and cohesive. It does not have to be expensive or designer fabric. Please keep this part simple.
7) Mailing..... Everyone will send their blocks to me, I will randomize and sort and send them back out to you. Please include a self addressed stamped envelope with your blocks. Whatever the amount of postage needed to mail your blocks to me is what will be needed on the return envelope to get the blocks back to you. This will vary based on the number of sets you do so please check with the post office for assistance. The postmark deadline is August 1st. If you run into problems please let me know, we all have "life" that interrupts our sewing and we can be a little flexible.
8) Signing Up..... There really isn't a sign up, the bottom line is if you send in blocks you are a participant, if you don't you aren't. 😃 It would be nice to have an idea how many are participating so use the attendance to mark your interest. If you are fairly certain you will send at least one set, mark yourself as "Going" or comment below for this event. If you are on the fence and not sure, mark yourself as "Maybe". You can switch back and forth no problem and change your mind at any time. This is the laid back part. ❤
9) Optional Label on your blocks..... if you would like to pin a small tag on each of your blocks with your name, city and/or state, and how long you have been quilting it will let the recipient know the pedigree of the blocks. If you don't want to do this then skip it, no worries.
10) Did I mention relax and have fun?? Don't stress or worry or feel intimidated. The first set of blocks I sent for a swap gave me nightmares and I have been quilting for 1 year.
This is a no judgement zone! If you are a little more particular with your tops and would prefer to not have the variety of skill and ability these blocks will represent then maybe a more advanced swap group would be appropriate. This swap is intended to support beginners and will embrace the effort and experience of those still learning and developing their skills.
11) So the only part I haven't figured out is the international participants. I have no experience with international mailing rates or rules. If someone can help me with this I would appreciate it! If there is enough interest in other countries maybe someone there could volunteer to coordinate the exchange to save money and effort? Really open to suggestions here because I hate to make this a United States only swap but not sure what to do.
Instructions:
12" String Spool Block (12½" unfinished)
You will need:
* fabric for spool ends (top and bottom)
* lots of narrow scraps no wider than 1¼" and at least 8" long
* one foundation fabric piece 8½" long x 8" wide (optional) - any lightweight fabric will work
* solid white or white on white background fabric
1. I recommend lightly starching the foundation and background fabrics. Also, if you press each seam as you go along, the block will be much flatter than if you do not.
2. Cut two rectangles (A) 2½"x 11½" of the same fabric for the Spool Top and Bottom.
3. Cut some scrap fabric strips so that the sides are parallel and they are least 8" long.
4. From the solid white background fabric
A. Cut four 2½" x 3¾" rectangles (B)
B. Cut two 3¼" x 8½" rectangles (C)
5. Sew one 2½" x 3¾" white rectangle (B) to each end of a Spool End (A), using the stitch and flip method. Be sure that you draw your sewing line from the top outside corner diagonally to the bottom corner on both sides. **Refer to photo**. Repeat for the other Spool End. Press. Trim this unit so that it is 2½" wide but don't trim the extra length.
6. This step will construct the "thread" on the Spool. Pin a fabric strip to the top of the foundation fabric, then pin and sew another strip to the opposite side. Continue adding strips until you fill the foundation fabric, but plan a little ahead so that you will not have a seam ¼" from the end.
7. Trim the excess fabric from the sides of the Spool so that it measures 7½".
8. Sew a C piece to each side of the Spool. This unit will be wider than 12½". You will trim it after the block is completed.
9. Sew a Spool End (AB) to both ends of the Spool/C unit. Note that the "Thread" is ½" wider than the Spool Top and Bottom. They will match up at the ¼" seam line. **Refer to the photo for placement.**
10. Square up your block to 12½".
If you are interested in participating, please submit your contact information "here".
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