White & Scrappy Calico - Return squishies happening.

**Karen** · #1 04/11/12, 09:54 AM

This is the official sign up thread for the "White and Scrappy Calico".

Deadline to sign up will be April 20, 2012 (total of 10 days).

Mailing date will June 22, 2012 (total of 9 weeks).

The size of the blocks should be 12.5 inches square, so when sewn together they make a 12 inch block. These are usually referred to as 12 inch blocks when you look for a block design to make.

Wash the fabrics and iron before using the fabric. Gets the sizing chemicals out and pre shrinks it so it will be consistent when later made and washed with the other swap blocks.

Colors will be white or white on white fabric - bits and pieces or all the same small prints, going towards the calicos for this one, using up stash or experimenting with bits and pieces of things you like. Any fabric that is from 100% cotton up to 50/50 cotton/poly. Best is to have as much cotton content as possible for you.

Pattern is of your choice. Remember when choosing, you will be making several of these - so maybe save that extra special block for the hostess and do something simpler for the other participants.

Please be sure and do a test block before cutting all your fabric or making your selection set-in-stone. Although a block can look easy peasey, when you actually do one, it can turn into a nightmare -- let alone being stuck having to do a dozen or more of those.

Be sure to label each block with your screen name, so we know who made each block. A good tip is to 'baste' them on with a long stitch so it's easy to take out but will travel well in envelopes. Straight pins are not good. Tape comes off too easy. Safety pins are another option, but do add a lot of bulk.

You will be making one block for each person who signs up + one extra for the hostess (so one for each participant; 2 for the hostess).

The hostess for this swap will RedHeadedTricia. She will be contacting each person who signs up, via PM, to give her contact information and you will, in turn, PM her with your contact information.

When we mail, most of us have used the Priority tyvek USPS free envelope - this is about $5.00 and then best to put the DC on it so we can trace it. About another $.70. Since the postage did increase as of January 22, you will need to check on these rates.

We have to send same amount of postage on the same type of self address mailer. Please don't forget this step and don't send funds to cover your postage to the hostess. We want her to be able to sort, stuff, and mail.

I have heard regular manila envelopes are just about a $1 less to use to mail. If you do this, please make sure it's a strong envelope. Make sure there is enough postage coverage to return your self addressed envelope back to you.

Problems: - we all understand that things happen; however, remember you are making a commitment not to a quilt, but rather to your fellow members. If an emergency does arise, please let Angie or myself know ASAP. We may be able to work with you in severe situations.

The swap is open to all members in good standing.

If you have not participated in a previous swap, please be sure and read all the FAQ about swaps that are posted at the top of this forum.

Let's have fun!!!

giraffe_baby · #2 04/11/12, 01:20 PM

Sign me up please!

RedHeadedTricia · #3 04/11/12, 01:26 PM

Howdy!!!!

Glad to have you moosey on in!

It's time for the next block swap! This one is for Calicos & Whites and this is your hostess RedHeadedTricia.

I'm sooooo excited to host this one that I've already gone and picked out my pattern and can't wait to start on them. I know it will be a quick change of thinking for thoses who played in the Brights & Black swap that is currently wrapping up, but I sure do hope you'll want come and join me in my sewing circle.

Soooooo who will join me in this endeavor? This seems like that prefect swap if you want to try out a new block or two. Maybe like me; you had visions of the old-fashion calico dresses from the ladies of the 1800's as they crossed the country in wagons & such. The quilts that traveled with them in their simple designs named after things they saw along the way. Calicos just seem to go with Homestead oh so naturally. So let's travel back in time & let the sign ups begin Y'all. Please be sure to read the rules before committing and if there are any questions, feel free to ask.
Thank You,
RHTricia

RedHeadedTricia · #4 04/11/12, 01:29 PM

Welcome GB!!!!!!
Glad to have ya!
RHTricia

cc · #5 04/11/12, 09:21 PM

Sign me up, I am #3! Will have to go dig out some old fashioned calico fabrics.

Terri in WV · #6 04/11/12, 09:44 PM

I better get signed up for this one before I forget! Now to figure out a pattern.

Billie in MO · #7 04/12/12, 09:41 AM

Well, I'd like to play but I do have to warn you that my computer is on its last leg and could go out at any time. Thought it finally went yesterday but I managed to get it started this morning. Library in town but I don't get out much except maybe 2 times a month, at best.

Have plenty of fabric so no problem there, just a dying computer and nothing to replace it with. I'll let you decide because I know how important it is to keep in contact while we are doing the swap and when we do the mailings.

Yes/No?? Up to you.......

**Karen** · #8 04/12/12, 10:21 AM

Billy, I don't see it as a problem as long as you keep in touch with the hostess by dropping her a snail mail letter every week or two about your progress. She can relay the info back here so you can still feel part of the group.

Terri in WV · #9 04/12/12, 10:47 AM

I'd like to see you join Billie, you're only a phone call away!

countrysunshine · #10 04/12/12, 12:03 PM

I am debating this. Are we calling small floral prints calico?

I will have to look. I swore I wouldn't do another until I had sewn up all I have. Sigh....

Debbie in Wa · #11 04/12/12, 12:38 PM

Woo hoo sign me up. Been waiting for this to pop up.

**AngieM2** · #12 04/12/12, 01:11 PM

When I was making the list, calicos and less that the 1 inch in size for the design is what I was thinking of. Think old fashioned quilts.

(well, since my name was added below, due to this swap - my fence sitting was decided for me. I'm officially in).

rivenoak · #13 04/12/12, 01:53 PM

Thinking on it...need to check my stash.

RedHeadedTricia · #14 04/12/12, 03:50 PM

Welcome everyone who have signed up so far!!!!! Glad to Have Ya!!

So far we have the following ladies signed up:
1. Me
2. GB
3. CC
4. Billie in MO ... got you covered.... np....

5. Terri in WV
6. Countrysunshine.... stash pondering
7. Debbie in WA
8. Angie
9. Riveroak is also stash pondering too
10. Patches

We all know that they really wants to come out and play with us ... don't we.

Just can't wait to see who else joins us on this one as we still have many days left to sign up!

Tell you what I did to figure out what falls under "Calico"..... I went to JoAnn's.com and did a search.

I was shocked at what came up......

the range was pretty forgiven!!!

I always thought that calico referred to a tiny floral print as seen in reproduction clothing for things like "Little House on the Prairie", "Dr. Quinn; Medicine Woman" and other frontier women & girl representations. So that is what I have been digging for.... and chose my pattern acorrdingly.

Well I've some maillings that I need to finish up so I'll check back in later. I did send pms to thoses who have signed up, so please be sure to check that it came through.
Thanks for want to come play with me....
RHTricia

Billie in MO · #15 04/12/12, 05:58 PM

Thanks guys, I am in!! Already sent my info so Tricia has my phone # and I have hers written down. Good to go!!!

Patches · #16 04/13/12, 09:04 AM

Oh sign me up for this one!!!! I was feeling so left out on the last one because I chose NOT to do it

!!! What was I thinking?????? I don't know what # I am, but count me in. thanks, Marilyn

RedHeadedTricia · #17 04/13/12, 10:24 AM

Welcome Patches.... looks like you are Comfirmed #8..... pm is on the way.
Thanks for coming to sew with me.
RHTricia

**Karen** · #18 04/13/12, 10:51 AM

Humm, to play or not to play - that is the question. You know what? I still don't have those quilts done that I was working on during the last swap! I may just consider those MIA and play along on this one. Let me check my stash and I'll let you know by tomorrow. I do have a block pattern in mind.

**AngieM2** · #19 04/13/12, 11:07 AM

Karen - YOU need to do this, those blocks wait just fine to be put into a quilt. As we've always said, it's the company more than the blocks for these swaps.

Billie in MO · #20 04/14/12, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen

Humm, to play or not to play - that is the question. You know what? I still don't have those quilts done that I was working on during the last swap! I may just consider those MIA and play along on this one. Let me check my stash and I'll let you know by tomorrow. I do have a block pattern in mind.

How many years have we been doing these swaps??? In all these years I have put, exactly, two together. Not quilted, just sewn the top and that only happened last year! I shudder to count how many are tucked away in the desk!! Yep, mine are all MIA!!!

Terri in WV · #21 04/14/12, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billie in MO

How many years have we been doing these swaps??? In all these years I have put, exactly, two together. Not quilted, just sewn the top and that only happened last year! I shudder to count how many are tucked away in the desk!! Yep, mine are all MIA!!!

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

When I moved, I gave most of the exchange blocks to a friend as I knew she'd do something with them and it's hard to tell when I would have. She made some very pretty quilts(yes quilts, she finished them

). I need to give her a bunch more projects so that I could get them finished!

Debbie in Wa · #22 04/14/12, 12:13 PM

Hey, we're missing digapony for this one. I guess I should contact her to see if she wants to come out and play.

**Karen** · #23 04/15/12, 11:01 AM

I've never put one together either. Here I thought I was the only one! But I do have the Amish one pretty close to being done, just need to get more black fabric and backing. Someday...<sigh>

I looked through my stash and I think I have something that will work, if not I'll get something when I go to Kingsport TN next week for a doctor's appointment. Of course you know you all will then be contributing to my delinquency since we all know fabric addicts can never walk out with just the fabric they need for one project.

My husband will probably kill me for starting yet another project when the millions of the other ones are still sitting here; but then again, he's killed me before.

Not really, he's such a good guy that I'm not scared of him!

So count me in since it's been a while since I've done one and these, and the other quilts that have been calling my name for months aren't going anywhere anyway!

**AngieM2** · #24 04/15/12, 11:09 AM

Yea! Karen's in. (I've not done a quilt top either. I have many of them, but have given some to someone making lap throws for nursing homes).

RedHeadedTricia · #25 04/15/12, 12:32 PM

Yeah Karen is in!!!!

Karen I know what you mean..... the closes I've come to have one done is Our Cowboy Swap from uuuuuummmmm '08? Does that sound right? OHHHHH Kingsport, TN !!! I lived there for a time whenI was a teen. Pretty from what I barily remember. Send ya a pm.

Debbie.... you are right about Digapony....huummmm wonder if she wants to come play? Is Countrysunshine and Riveroak going to come and play? Stay tune as only the Shadow Knows!!!!

Well we do still have 6 days for sign-ups so we may get a few more yet. How is everyone doing with their search for a pattern? Is something just calling for you as you look at their choice of fabrics? I can't wait to see the variety this could inspire.

Well I'm off to work on my new blog. I've bad & not posted since March 30th.....
Toodles,
RHTricia

Billie in MO · #26 04/15/12, 05:13 PM

I have my patterns picked out. 2 of them (hostess one will be different).

Now I just need to uncover my sewing table!! It is covered with leather pieces, glass vases and glue. Bill and I are doing an arts/craft show next month. Its local and we did it last year. It was the only time that Bill got to sculpt last year but he did get his picture on the front page of the local paper. Since moving here he has really not had any time to sculpt but he loves to talk and share his passion so that's the reason I signed him up. Last year I sold enough fabric postcards to get our fee back plus a bit extra.

Patches · #27 04/15/12, 07:46 PM

I'm looking forward to this one too, but haven't even looked for fabric or pattern

! Been running back and forth to Little Rock, AR last week for work related stuff, son and girlfriend came in this weekend for a visit from Bolivar. He starts his nursing school in Springfield at Cox next month, so had to visit all we could. Storms all around us all weekend, but we only got rain, thank goodness. I will start looking at fabric this week, I am sure I have some upstairs, (cause I love calicos). Got one quilt on the quilting machine to finish. Then I am gonna try to get the chicken swap top on to quilt next. I think that only leaves a couple of our swap quilts to put together. The blue/white one and the crazy one. I found some velvet in my closet the other day that I think I will make the crazy blocks into a bed runner for my bed. I will try to post pictures as I finish. I really, really, really try to finish as much as I can before I start again.
Looking forward to sewing with you all this time. Marilyn

rivenoak · #28 04/16/12, 11:06 AM

Ok, I'm in...found some nice lavender fabric (and on sale!) at Joann yesterday.

I know I have white in my stash. And, I probably have something else that counts as calico.

**Karen** · #29 04/16/12, 04:02 PM

Wouldn't you think with all this stash that surely I would I have white fabric??? Nope! I have every other solid color known to mankind except white for some reason!

Will be making a stop in TN tomorrow after all.

**AngieM2** · #30 04/16/12, 04:04 PM

Karen - I'm so sorry that you have to go to a fabric shop, I just know it is such a burden to contemplate the prospect of having to purchase fabric. Maybe carressing the other colors and temptations that are in store. Oh woe, is me, woe, is you. :-)