May 2013 Theme

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?
Rainbow Starburst Block

Tutorial can be found here.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?

17.5 unfinished

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?

I'm sending 5 inch charms that need to be cut down into 4 inch blocks.

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?

Each person will be assigned a color. If you have red and feel like you have a fabric that better represents that color instead of mine, please feel free to swap out.

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?

One block each will be plenty to make a large quilt.

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?

Any neutral thread you have in your machine should be fine for the piecing.

Please share any links that inspired your theme (flickr/pinterest/etc.).

April Theme

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?
Giant Churn Dash blocks. The tutorials can be found here and here.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?
24.5" blocks according to the tutorial.

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?
You'll be sent one patterned fabric ready to be cut utilizing the diagram in the first link, plus two pieces of background fabric. The large one will be cut the same as the print fabric and the smaller one (8 1/2" X 8 1/2") will be the center block used when piecing your final nine patch. Please note in the second tutorial that the HST's need to be cut down to 8 1/2" before sewing together your nine patch block.

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?
Please only use the fabrics sent

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?
One block each will be plenty to make a large quilt and a pieced back

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?
Any neutral thread you have in your machine should be fine for the piecing.

March 2013 Theme

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?
I've been really debating. On one hand, I have a ton of WIP that I could use help with. On the other, what's one more project... I'm thinking one more project it is! My theme is stars. My hubby is an astrophysicist (I know, nerd, right?) and I'd love to make a constellation quilt for him. Paper pieced, basic--I'm willing to have whatever.

Is there anything you don't want on your block (things sticking off the surface of the fabric, applique, etc.)?

Nothing hanging off the blocks please! This is going to be a present for my hubs, and I'm sure that he'd rather not have to avoid buttons or other similar items

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?

Since I'm going to be making a larger pattern from the blocks, I think I want to keep the blocks around 8 inches finished (8.5 unfinished)

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?

I'm going to be sending blue star fabric (likely 2 12 x 12 pieces), which is intended to be used as a background, and multiple tone-on-tone white fabrics for the stars. As far as the white, use what speaks to you

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?

Please keep the blue fabric as the background only. As far as the white, any white tone-on-tone would be acceptable. I do prefer unwashed fabrics, but, if you're more comforable with washed, please be my guest

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?

Sure! I will try to include enough fabric for multiple blocks, but please let me know if you need more!

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?

No preference for piecing. Quilting would be a completely different story!

Would you like people to send back any scraps?

As I will be using the leftover fabric to make the constellation, please do send back any pieces that you do not use (unless it's love at first sight--I can't stand in the way of that!)

Please share any links that inspired your theme (flickr/pinterest/etc.).

www.flickr.com/photos/ohfransson/8120551493/

December 2012 Theme

**amendment: your blocks will measure 12.5" x 6.5"**

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?

For my round, I have selected a "Flying Geese" block pattern. Please email me for the pattern and measurements I'd like you to follow, and to send me your mailing address at:

mummyquilts@gmail.com

Is there anything you don't want on your block (things sticking off the surface of the fabric, applique, etc.)?

Please follow the instructions I'll send you.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?

The block(s) will be 18.25" x 6.5" (unfinished)

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?

Use fabrics sent to you, no others please. Follow directions in instructions I email you.

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?

No, please stick with the fabrics and instructions that I sent you/posted.

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?

Sending you enough fabric for two blocks. If you like, you can make a second block. If not, please send the unused fabric back with your constructed block.

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?

White, off white, cream, light grey would all work.

Would you like people to send back any scraps?

Yes please. Although I hope to send you just enough to construct your block(s).

Please share any links that inspired your theme (flicker/pinterest/etc.).

Nothing really. Just have always wanted to do this!

Thanks everyone!
- Erin
erin@sewathomemummy

November 2012 Theme

Here is the theme and fabric for November 2012. Still haven't cut the fabric or sent it out, but I'm hoping to get around to that over the long weekend.

What is your theme (if you want everyone to make a specific block type please provide a pattern to follow)?Circles, there must be at least one full circle on every block. They can be pieced, machine- or hand appliqued. Think outside the box (windows, the sun, the moon, and many other things can be circular). Many links for inspiration below.

Is there anything you don't want on your block (things sticking off the surface of the fabric, applique, etc.)?
Things sticking off the surface (definitely no yo-yo's, no buttons, etc.), flat applique and embroidery are fine.

What size block would you like (unfinished v. finished)?
12.5 inches square unfinished (you can also leave a little more room if you'd like, but I'll be cutting it down to 12.5x12.5), I will be sending a circle in either a white or lavender solid, please sign it with a fabric market and send it back with your block.

Do you have any particular instructions for the fabric (don't use a certain color as a background, use some of every fabric sent, etc.)?
Please use the white fabric sparringly and not along the outside of the block. And use some of each color in your block.

Can members use their own fabrics, or should we stick with yours? If yes, should it be washed or unwashed?
Yes, as long as it is a patterned fabric in either purple, bright green, or white (same request as above for the white), is 100% cotton, and is pre-washed.

Can members make more than one block if they are feeling inspired?
Absolutely, go nuts.

Do you have preferences for thread color (white/off white/etc.)?
Whatever is in your sewing machine is fine.

Would you like people to send back any scraps?

Please send back any scraps of the bright green with outlined white petals (first on the left in the green row in the above picture), it was the last bit that the store had so I don't know if I'll be able to get any more. Other than that, if there's something you particularly like, keep it. Otherwise please send back any extra fabric as I'll use it to finish the quilt.

Please share any links that inspired your theme (flickr/pinterest/etc.).
Wonky Circle
Fussy Cut Center
Circle is only indicated
Pieced Circle
Many Circles
Rocket with a circular window
A birdhouse with a circular opening
Not a block, but could easily be turned into one (aka tree with circle leaves)
If you want some great nature photography as inspiration