Don't Forget....

That our seventh swap is due in my hands no later than January 11th. I sent out the "two week" notice to all players.

While the holidays may be a thing of the past, just remember to ship early as we still have weather to contend with. I have taken off that evening to swap out, so no late packages!

Quilt Show Photos From The Czech Republic

Fellow hexie swapper, Mirka, shares this link to a local quilt show:

http://stefli.rajce.idnes.cz/Vystava_Slapanice_2013_-_exhibition_our_quilt_club

*OFFICIAL SIGN UP FOR THE EIGHTH HEXAGON SWAP--TONE ON TONE AND SMALL FLORALS

Suitable small floral prints--nice and tight prints with little or no open background

Tone on Tone (TOT) prints-shades of the same color WITHOUT any other color added

Close up on TOT prints (while some might photograph white in the prints, they are actually the same color family)

Notice the top fabric has white (circled 1) in addition to shades of blue. This is NOT suitable for the swap, while the bottom fabric is only shades of blue and perfect for the swap.

**SIGN UP BY DECEMBER 15, 2013 AND THE SWAP IN DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN MARCH 8, 2014**

*NO INTERNATIONAL SWAPPERS*

The two swap themes are SMALL FLORALS AND TONE ON TONE (TOT) prints:

TONE ON TONE (TOT) is just that--the same color family with various shades or tones of the same color.*NO other colors are allowed in the print. NO white or cream (ecru, off white, etc.) allowed in either swap--just colored prints.

As always, if you send in hexies using fabrics not allowed in the swap, they will be returned. The regular guidelines also need to be followed (no solids, no batiks, NO novelties, etc.)

>>We do, however, want to keep the prints to SCALE so that we have a nice visual when the hexagons are sewn together. If you have a question on a fabric, please do not hesitate to contact me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com . PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, ALSO PLACE A 1” HEXAGON PAPER ON THE QUESTIONABLE PRINT SO I CAN SEE THE SCALE. **Samples of suitable prints will be posted on the right-side of the blog screen for your reference.**

In collaboration with the great ladies at Paperpieces.com (see their contact information at the end of this post), we will offer you the opportunity to join a fun swap with other quilters and save 20% not only on your precut shapes of English paper pieces, but for all other merchandise on their website! Please note this discount doesn’t include the shipping charges. They offer an extensive collection of hexagon books to spark your interest and especially recommend “Piecing It All Together” and “English Paper Piecing”.

The Paperpieces.com code number will be emailed to you once you officially sign up at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com with your full real name, board name, address and phone number and the swap(s) you will join. Paperpieces will do their best to get your shipment out ASAP so you will have plenty of time to work on your sets! I will do my best not to send you back any duplicates.

This a fantastic bring-along project while waiting in the doctor’s office, sporting events, watching TV, etc. The hexies just about make themselves! Check out the site at http://www.paperpieces.com/  for lots of motivation, books and patterns!

Be sure to check out the blog and please feel free to send along pictures to share with others of your progress.

We will be swapping 1” hexagons (Paperpieces item # HEX100). Please note that these measure 1” on each side. Each “set” will be of six of the same fabric with the papers left inside. This will allow you to make the outside edges of a flower and use your own center fabric to bring consistency to your finished project. Please do not use any glue to hold down the paper piece on the fabric. You will be sewing through the paper and be sure to check the blog for the details.

Each “set” is six (6) - 1” hexies of the SAME fabric. You can send in a maximum of ten (10) sets of the SAME fabric

*PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP OR CUTTING YOUR FABRICS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK!*

                                35 SET MINIMUM-100 SET MAXIMUM PER THEME

Our players:

*Small Floral prints:

1.  KC1930

2.  Sewfun2

3.  PatV82

4.  Wippys58

5.  Bitsygiz13


6.  Goofyquilter

7.  KatzenJammer

*Tone on Tone (TOT) prints:

1.  KC1930

2.  Sewfun2

3.  Chris M.

4.  Melinda F.

5.  Tinapq

6.  KatzenJammer

Below you will find what seems like a copy of “War and Peace”, but I run my swaps with open communication so there are no surprises and complete consistency from all swappers. Follow the guidelines? Great! Don’t follow the guidelines? Your swap will be returned. I need to be fair to all swappers who play. And I know what you are thinking and yes, I am a type A personality, lol!

*PLEASE SHIP IN PLENTY OF TIME AS ANY LATE PACKAGES WILL BE RETURNED BACK TO YOU UNSWAPPED AT YOUR EXPENSE!* I will be sending out a “gentle reminder” notice two weeks before the swap is due. THIS WILL BE strictly INFORCED! If shipping parcel post, plan on two weeks shipping time:

As a member of the HGTV Quilting boards, you are invited to join us by clicking on the HGTV registration link on right side of the blog page. After you sign up (this is free!), you can join us on the “Quilting & Needlework” board. Any problems, just contact me. I will have a running discussion there if you want to communicate and share with the other swappers.

While I advocate using Paperpieces papers (#HEX100), you can also take lightweight card stock and cut your own. You cannot use regular computer paper or cardboard for this swap as they are subsequently too light and too heavy ensure a sharp point when turning corners and will be returned! If you do use your own inserts, be sure they are consistent while cutting. I will be doing a spot check to be sure they are not too small or too large and that once you sew down the corners they are not pulling up the tips. Check out the blog for a tutorial as to how we would like the hexies made. Please do not use any glue or adhesive to hold down the hexie paper to the fabric. WE ARE SEWING THROUGH THE PAPER. Please use a straight stitch, not a whip stitch for easy paper removal.

Your swap guidelines on how to make of the hexagons will be posted on the blog. Please DRY press your hexagons when finished. Be careful NOT to use steam if using printed inserts as the dyes may come off on the fabrics! Yes, we will be sewing through the paper, but as you see in the tutorial, it will be easy to remove the papers for reuse once you sew your hexagons together and remove the basting stitch.

As mentioned before, each set will be six-1” finished hexagons of the SAME print with a knotted basting stitched (PLEASE USE THE SMALLEST NEEDLE POSSIBLE TO AVOID HOLES!) down the middle and back up to the top to hold each set together (with papers left inside each piece). You can only send in 10 sets of the SAME print! (Total of 60 hexagons of the SAME print) to ensure a nice variety of prints. I found cutting 2 ½” strips of fabric and sub cutting them into 2 ½” squares work PERFECT for this project.

A couple of rules of thumb for this swap for both Small Floral and Tone on Tone prints:

*Use only 100% cotton fabric.

*NO solids, homespun, glitter, novelty prints—this includes holiday prints and children prints, flannels, thin or plastic-feeling fabrics—this swap is for prints, so please do not send in any WOW (white on white), COC (cream on cream), etc. They really don’t make a colorful flower. You can send in TOT (tone on tone) fabrics. Just remember we want each flower to stand out--not become a wallflower in your finished project!

*NO large prints—be sure your fabrics selected are to the 1” hexagon scale! Leave your open background and large prints for other projects—use smaller prints that fill in your hexie! CHECK OUT THE BLOG FOR FABRICS THAT ARE AND THAT ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS SWAP.

*NO batiks or plaid fabrics.

*Be sure when cutting directional fabrics they do not end up looking off-bias or wonky once the

*Be sure to REMOVE your selvedges (and pin marks) BEFORE cutting your fabrics. Please be sure your edges do no have a raw edges. Check fabric for flaws, such as runs or stains. Since the sets will be stacked and tacked by a thread, I will not be able to double check your work. Remember the golden rule of swapping—do not send anything in that you wouldn’t want to receive in return.

NOTE: I know life sometimes throws you curve balls, but it has happened that people get excited and want to play, only to wait two months later when the swap is due in a day or so to say they didn't have time. By that time you should have already been ready to mail the package. That leaves me hanging to replace your swap with my stash and totally unfair IF you know you cannot make the deadline to begin with. I give you ample notice so you have plenty of time to make an informed decision. Also, another player may liked to play in your place. Be honest with me up front, or a repeat offender might not be able to play in the future The success of this swap depends on your ability follow through your commitment to our group of players. Thank you for your understanding!

By all of us being honest and accountable, I'm sure we will have a great 2014 swapping year! I really do enjoy hostessing and want to continue to enjoy it, so by coming up front with any issues is not really a complaint, but a way to correct it so my frustration level (and blood pressure!) stays at an even keel. Probably the MOST important thing I can say about a successful swap is the high level of communication between all parties. Without that, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Be prepared for me to contact you several times during the swap for an update on your progress and invite pictures of your hexies to share with other swappers!

I’m allergic to dogs and cats, so please do what you can to control the fur. Some packages come in with so much pet hair that they look like they need to be brushed! For health reasons, I cannot handle them and they will be returned untouched at YOUR expense. My health depends on it and I thank you in advance for your understanding.

POSTAGE or POSTAGE money must be included in your package. Be sure to add a stamp or two to your stamped envelopes if not going priority mail flat rate boxes. They also seem to weigh more returning than coming in! If you are a frequent swapper, you can also send in $20 or so and I can keep it on “account” and deduct your postage from it. This was worked nicely with some swappers in the past and that way you don’t have to worry about sending in money each time. Once the swap is complete, I will PM you your postage balance on account for your records. If you wish your extra postage money returned, I can certainly do that also.

If you wish to include a self-addressed mailer for the return trip back to you, remember NO metered postage or ACP postage on the return mailer. Stamps only. Our post office will not allow more than a 13 oz. pre-stamped mailer in any mailboxes nor can mail carriers accept them (since 9/11 our East coast mail guidelines have been modified). While your local p.o. may say it is okay to use metered or ACP postage, our p.o. will NOT accept anything that has been pre-dated. I’m just trying to make it as easy as possible for all concerned. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

For Priority mail packages, I have plenty of mailing envelopes and boxes here so there is no need to send a new one. I do, however, try to recycle the boxes if possible. IF YOU ARE SENDING YOUR SWAP IN A MANILLA ENVELOPE OR PADDED MAILER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO SEND IN A RETURN ENVELOPE. Remember, I am not responsible for the packages once they are mailed back to you.

>>NOTE: Some of your local post offices allow you to pack a flat rate envelope or legal size envelope to the bulging point, but mine won’t accept them as they are intended for FLAT items only. So, if you can get away with it on your end-fine-just be aware they cannot be returned the same way.

PACKING YOUR SHIPMENT-We found that using dollar store sandwich Ziploc bags package nine sets nicely and make it easier to swap out. If you “burp” the air out of the baggies before you seal them they pretty much stay in place during shipping. Also, please ID each baggie with your name and state so that the other swappers can know where their hexies come from! You can put all your sets in a larger grocery bag (or Ziploc bag) with your HGTV board name (if you have one!), real name and address, phone number and number of sets in the main bag AND a separate piece of paper with your mailing address in case the package is damaged in shipment so the post office can still return it to you.

>>Please see packaging guidelines on the blog post>>  

http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/2013/08/packaging-your-swaps.html
http://hexagonswap.blogspot.co...ging-your-swaps.html

Resources:

Paperpieces:

http://www.paperpieces.com]http://www.paperpieces.com  (Use the search box to find the HEX100)

Email: paperpieces@paperpieces.com  

Call toll free in the US: 1-800-337-1537

Hexagon Swap blog:

http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/]http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com

HGTV Registration: (Once you sign up, go to the “Quilting & Needlework” Message Board)

http://my.hgtv.com/registration/register.esi

My HGTV board name is KC1930

Paper Pieces--Great Source For Freebies!

Most of you are familiar (and should be!) with Paper Pieces--a superb place to shop for all your paper-piecing needs.

Don't forget they also offer lots of free pattern downloads AND graph papers in various sizes so you and a box of colored pencils can design your own projects!

Check out the link below for more inspiration!

http://paperpieces.com/contents/en-us/d6.html

Happy Hexing!

P.S. Please share with us your ongoing projects. Send photos to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com and I will be delighted to post it here on the blog.

Interested in a Combo Swap?

Not only do I swap hexagons, but for years now I have been involved on the HGTV Quilting Board site hostessing combo swaps.

What are combo swaps? Well, I throw out a bunch of themes and sizes, we vote on four and the ones with the highest votes is what we will swap out. You can swap one, two, three or all four themes. Quantities and more details will be decided after the themes and sizes are selected and then you can officially sign up.

This is a great way to use your stash and add some variety to your own collection. Note: These swaps are for washed fabrics only.

If you are interested in learning more about the swaps, check out the link below:

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=1084078532&f=5894011632&m=7673900577&r=1173940577#1173940577

If you have any questions, just ask!

B & W Swap--I'm already started!

When this theme was posted on the poll, I decided regardless of the outcome I was going to make some.

I had a ton of leftover 2 1/2" squares from a completed quilt project and pulled out those prints suitable for the 1" hexie size and off to work I went!

I can say that my co-workers miss the autumn colors from the previous swap. They so much enjoyed walking past my desk to view the last vestige of fall.

Has anyone started a project using them yet?

**Poll Up For Eighth Hexie Swap**

Since our seventh swap isn’t due until mid-January because of the holiday season, I wanted to plan ahead for the eighth swap for those over achievers who like to get a head start! 

 

I will leave this poll up until December 1st. Once the two themes are selected, sign-ups will be up until December 15th and the swaps will be due in my hands no later than March 8, 2014.

*No international swappers*

Vote for your favorite two themes here by post or by sending me an email to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

The guidelines would be the same as the previous swaps, but always feel free to contact me if you have any questions on fabrics.

Vote for:

*Stashbusters prints (like in the previous seven swaps)

*TRUE 1930's repros-no children’s novelties

 *TRUE 1930’s repros-only children’s novelties

*TRUE Civil W*ar repros

*Batiks (must prewash your fabrics for this theme, please)

*TOT (tone on tone)

*Olympic colors (blue, black, red, yellow and green TOT)

*TRUE black and white prints

*Spring colors (pastel colors)

*Summer colors (bright colors of summer flowers)

*Fall colors (deep reds, maroon, dark oranges, golds, browns, etc.)

*Winter colors (white and blues)

*TRUE red, white and blue prints

*BRIGHT prints

*Small floral prints

*Children's novelty prints

*Novelty prints-not children’s

*Solids

*Neutrals (black, cream or white)

**Seventh Hexie Swap--Sign Up Now!

**SIGN UP BY NOVEMBER 16, 2013 AND THE SWAP IN DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN JANUARY 11, 2014**

*NO INTERNATIONAL SWAPPERS*

The two swap themes are Stashbusters and *TRUE black on white and white on black prints:

*TRUE black on white and white on black prints are just that--black on white or white on black--NO ecru, cream, off-white, eggshell, grey (gray) or any other additional colors allowed! As always, if you send in hexies using fabrics not allowed in the swap, they will be returned. The regular guidelines also need to be followed (no solids, no batiks, NO novelties, etc.)

When viewing your stash or shopping at your local quilt shop, it's best to take your fabrics to a natural light or just take a piece of white computer paper or bolt of white fabric and place on the questionable fabric. If you doubt the shade, it's probably best to do with your gut and not use it. Also be sure the sizes of the prints are small enough for the 1” hexagons.

In collaboration with the great ladies at Paperpieces.com (see their contact information at the end of this post), we will offer you the opportunity to join a fun swap with other quilters and save 20% not only on your precut shapes of English paper pieces, but for all other merchandise on their website! Please note this discount doesn’t include the shipping charges. They offer an extensive collection of hexagon books to spark your interest and especially recommend “Piecing It All Together” and “English Paper Piecing”.

The Paperpieces.com code number will be emailed to you once you officially sign up at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com with your full real name, board name, address and phone number and the swap(s) you will join. Paperpieces will do their best to get your shipment out ASAP so you will have plenty of time to work on your sets! I will do my best not to send you back any duplicates.

This a fantastic bring-along project while waiting in the doctor’s office, sporting events, watching TV, etc. The hexies just about make themselves! Check out the http://www.paperpieces.com site for lots of motivation, books and patterns!

Be sure to check out the blog and please feel free to send along pictures to share with others of your progress.

We will be swapping 1” hexagons (Paperpieces item # HEX100). Please note that these measure 1” on each side. Each “set” will be of six of the same fabric with the papers left inside. This will allow you to make the outside edges of a flower and use your own center fabric to bring consistency to your finished project. Please do not use any glue to hold down the paper piece on the fabric. You will be sewing through the paper and be sure to check the blog for the details.

Each “set” is six (6) - 1” hexies of the SAME fabric. You can send in a maximum of ten (10) sets of the SAME fabric

There will have TWO themes—Stashbusters and *TRUE black on white (white on black) prints

Suitable fabrics for both the Stashbusters and for the black on white (white on black) prints are posted on the blog at: http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/   

*PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP OR CUTTING YOUR FABRICS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK!*

35 SET MINIMUM-100 SET MAXIMUM PER THEME

Our players:

 

Stashbusters:

1.  KC1930

2.  Karen S.

3.  Chris M.

4.  Mary Ellen R.

5.  Chatwell18

6.  Jennifer L.

7.  Lilly14

8.  Judy A.

9.  Kathy O.

10. Priscillasss

11. PatV82

12. Melody M.

TRUE black on white (white on black) prints:

1.  KC1930

2.  Mirka S.

3.  Mary Ellen R.

4.  Kaylaquilts

5.  Emily P.

6.  Ruth50

7. Judy A.

8. Kathy O.

9.  PatV82

10. Bernadette K.

11. Craftypeg67

12. AngieinNH

13. Melody M.

14. Janis T.

15. Melinda F.

16. Sue Stitches

17. Darleen

 Below you will find what seems like a copy of “War and Peace”, but I run my swaps with open communication so there are no surprises and complete consistency from all swappers. Follow the guidelines? Great! Don’t follow the guidelines? Your swap will be returned. I need to be fair to all swappers who play. And I know what you are thinking and yes, I am a type A personality, lol!

>>We do, however, want to keep the prints to SCALE so that we have a nice visual when the hexagons are sewn together. If you have a question on a fabric, please do not hesitate to contact me or post a picture on the HGTV discussion board. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, ALSO PLACE A 1” HEXAGON PAPER ON THE QUESTIONABLE PRINT SO I CAN SEE THE SCALE.

*PLEASE SHIP IN PLENTY OF TIME AS ANY LATE PACKAGES WILL BE RETURNED BACK TO YOU UNSWAPPED AT YOUR EXPENSE!* I will be sending out a “gentle reminder” notice two weeks before the swap is due. THIS WILL BE strictly INFORCED! If shipping parcel post, plan on two weeks shipping time:

As a member of the HGTV Quilting boards, you are invited to join us by clicking on the HGTV registration link on right side of the blog page. After you sign up (this is free!), you can join us on the “Quilting & Needlework” board. Any problems, just contact me. I will have a running discussion there if you want to communicate and share with the other swappers.

While I advocate using Paperpieces papers (#HEX100), you can also take lightweight card stock and cut your own. You cannot use regular computer paper or cardboard for this swap as they are subsequently too light and too heavy ensure a sharp point when turning corners and will be returned! If you do use your own inserts, be sure they are consistent while cutting. I will be doing a spot check to be sure they are not too small or too large and that once you sew down the corners they are not pulling up the tips. Check out the blog for a tutorial as to how we would like the hexies made. Please do not use any glue or adhesive to hold down the hexie paper to the fabric. WE ARE SEWING THROUGH THE PAPER. Please use a straight stitch, not a whip stitch for easy paper removal.

Your swap guidelines on how to make of the hexagons will be posted on the blog. Please DRY press your hexagons when finished. Be careful NOT to use steam if using printed inserts as the dyes may come off on the fabrics! Yes, we will be sewing through the paper, but as you see in the tutorial, it will be easy to remove the papers for reuse once you sew your hexagons together and remove the basting stitch.

As mentioned before, each set will be six-1” finished hexagons of the SAME print with a knotted basting stitched (PLEASE USE THE SMALLEST NEEDLE POSSIBLE TO AVOID HOLES!) down the middle and back up to the top to hold each set together (with papers left inside each piece). You can only send in 10 sets of the SAME print! (Total of 60 hexagons of the SAME print) to ensure a nice variety of prints. I found cutting 2 ½” strips of fabric and sub cutting them into 2 ½” squares work PERFECT for this project.

A couple of rules of thumb for this swap for both Stashbusters and B & W (W & B):

*Use only 100% cotton fabric.

*NO solids, homespun, glitter, novelty prints—this includes holiday prints and children prints, flannels, thin or plastic-feeling fabrics—this swap is for prints, so please do not send in any WOW (white on white), COC (cream on cream), etc. They really don’t make a colorful flower. You can send in TOT (tone on tone) fabrics. Just remember we want each flower to stand out--not become a wallflower in your finished project!

*NO large prints—be sure your fabrics selected are to the 1” hexagon scale! Leave your open background and large prints for other projects—use smaller prints that fill in your hexie! CHECK OUT THE BLOG FOR FABRICS THAT ARE AND THAT ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS SWAP.

*NO batiks or plaid fabrics.

*Be sure when cutting directional fabrics they do not end up looking off-bias or wonky once the hexagon flowers is put together.

*Be sure to REMOVE your selvedges (and pin marks) BEFORE cutting your fabrics. Check fabric for flaws, such as runs or stains. Since the sets will be stacked and tacked by a thread, I will not be able to double check your work. Remember the golden rule of swapping—do not send anything in that you wouldn’t want to receive in return.

NOTE: I know life sometimes throws you curve balls, but it has happened that people get excited and want to play, only to wait two months later when the swap is due in a day or so to say they didn't have time. By that time you should have already been ready to mail the package. That leaves me hanging to replace your swap with my stash and totally unfair IF you know you cannot make the deadline to begin with. I give you ample notice so you have plenty of time to make an informed decision. Also, another player may liked to play in your place. Be honest with me up front, or a repeat offender might not be able to play in the future The success of this swap depends on your ability follow through your commitment to our group of players. Thank you for your understanding!

By all of us being honest and accountable, I'm sure we will have a great 2014 swapping year! I really do enjoy hostessing and want to continue to enjoy it, so by coming up front with any issues is not really a complaint, but a way to correct it so my frustration level (and blood pressure!) stays at an even keel. Probably the MOST important thing I can say about a successful swap is the high level of communication between all parties. Without that, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Be prepared for me to contact you several times during the swap for an update on your progress and invite pictures of your hexies to share with other swappers!

I’m allergic to dogs and cats, so please do what you can to control the fur. Some packages come in with so much pet hair that they look like they need to be brushed! For health reasons, I cannot handle them and they will be returned untouched at YOUR expense. My health depends on it and I thank you in advance for your understanding.

POSTAGE or POSTAGE money must be included in your package. Be sure to add a stamp or two to your stamped envelopes if not going priority mail flat rate boxes. They also seem to weigh more returning than coming in! If you are a frequent swapper, you can also send in $20 or so and I can keep it on “account” and deduct your postage from it. This was worked nicely with some swappers in the past and that way you don’t have to worry about sending in money each time. Once the swap is complete, I will PM you your postage balance on account for your records. If you wish your extra postage money returned, I can certainly do that also.

If you wish to include a self-addressed mailer for the return trip back to you, remember NO metered postage or ACP postage on the return mailer. Stamps only. Our post office will not allow more than a 13 oz. pre-stamped mailer in any mailboxes nor can mail carriers accept them (since 9/11 our East coast mail guidelines have been modified). While your local p.o. may say it is okay to use metered or ACP postage, our p.o. will NOT accept anything that has been pre-dated. I’m just trying to make it as easy as possible for all concerned. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

For Priority mail packages, I have plenty of mailing envelopes and boxes here so there is no need to send a new one. I do, however, try to recycle the boxes if possible. IF YOU ARE SENDING YOUR SWAP IN A MANILLA ENVELOPE OR PADDED MAILER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO SEND IN A RETURN ENVELOPE. Remember, I am not responsible for the packages once they are mailed back to you.

>>NOTE: Some of your local post offices allow you to pack a flat rate envelope or legal size envelope to the bulging point, but mine won’t accept them as they are intended for FLAT items only. So, if you can get away with it on your end-fine-just be aware they cannot be returned the same way.

PACKING YOUR SHIPMENT-We found that using dollar store sandwich Ziploc bags package nine sets nicely and make it easier to swap out. If you “burp” the air out of the baggies before you seal them they pretty much stay in place during shipping. Also, please ID each baggie with your name and state so that the other swappers can know where their hexies come from! You can put all your sets in a larger grocery bag (or Ziploc bag) with your HGTV board name (if you have one!), real name and address, phone number and number of sets in the main bag AND a separate piece of paper with your mailing address in case the package is damaged in shipment so the post office can still return it to you.

>>Please see packaging guidelines on the blog post>> http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/2013/08/packaging-your-swaps.html

Resources:

Paperpieces:

http://www.paperpieces.com (Use the search box to find the HEX100)

Email: paperpieces@paperpieces.com  

Call toll free in the US: 1-800-337-1537

Hexagon Swap blog:

http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

HGTV Registration: (Once you sign up, go to the “Quilting & Needlework” Message Board)

http://my.hgtv.com/registration/register.esi

My HGTV board name is KC1930

Sixth Hexie Swap Mailed Back 10/21

Ladies, your swaps are on their way back to you. I know your going to love the yummy fall colors!

You should have an email from me with your delivery confirmation number and postage credit (if any).

Watch this weekend for the official sign-up post for the seventh hexie swap due in January, 2014.

Suitable Black and White/White and Black Prints

Since we are still voting for our two favorite hexie themes, Stashbusters and Black and White (and White and Black) prints are currently the top two.

TRUE B/W and W/B prints are just that--black and white or white and black--NO ecru, cream, off-white, eggshell or grey allowed. When viewing your stash or shopping at your local quilt shop, it's best to take your fabrics to a natural light or just take a piece of white computer paper or bolt of white fabric and place on the questionable fabric. If you doubt the shade, it's probably best to go with your gut and not use it.

Here are some suitable prints from my own collection:

Seventh Hexie Swap Poll

While this is still in the planning stages, let's choose the next swap's themes!

Most of you when asked wanted to stay at the 1" size, but we can, of course, add another size IF there is enough interest.

I will leave the poll up until October 26th. Once the two themes are selected, sign ups will be up until November 16th and the swaps will be due in my hands no later than January 11, 2014. You can vote for your two favorites at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

*No international swappers*

Vote for:

*Stashbuster prints (like in the previous six swaps)

*TRUE 1930's repros

*TRUE Civil W*ar repros

*Batiks (must prewash your fabrics for this theme, please)

*TOT (tone on tone)

*Olympic colors (blue, black, red, yellow and green TOT)

*Black and white prints

*Spring colors (pastel colors)

*Summer colors (bright colors of summer flowers)

*Fall colors (deep reds, maroon, dark oranges, golds, browns, etc.)

*Winter colors (white, blues)

*TRUE red, white and blue prints

*BRIGHT prints

*Small floral prints

*Children's novelty prints

*Solids

*Neutrals (black, cream or white)

The guidelines would be the same as the previous swap, but always feel free to contact me if you have any questions on fabrics.

Future Swaps--Here's What YOU Suggested

I have sent out an email to all 2013 hexagon swappers asking for their suggestions for swap themes for the 2014 swap year.

Many of you have been very vocal with your suggestions, even adding different sizes of hexagons and other shapes. Here is what I have so far. You still have plenty of time to chime in with your favorites by posting here or to my email at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

But before we get to the list, please enjoy the apple core project sent in to us from fellow swapper, Janis T. Love those yummy fall colors!

Sizes:

1/2", 3/4", 1" and 2 1/2" hexies

Apple cores

Diamonds

Tumblers

Honeycomb

...and for those who like handwork, yo-yos

Themes:

True 1930's repros

True Civil War repros

Batiks

TOT (tone on tone)

Stashbusters

Seasonal themes (spring, summer, fall and winter)

Children's novelties

Solids

Neutrals

Small floral prints

Olympic colors

Red, white and blue

Black and White prints

Need Help Replacing Lost Quilts/Blankets

Over 150 Quilts and Blankets Lost in Home Fire Destined For Needy Children

Laura Freeman and Wolf Gumm, quilting friends of mine,  have been collecting quilts and blankets to send to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota the end of October when a devastating house fire destroyed their home and all the contents House Fire

We are in desperate need to replace the quilts and blankets for this worthy cause. If you would like to help, you can send me NEW baby to full size quilts, blankets, afghans or fleece throws no later than October 19^th.  

Please contact me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thanking you in advance for your support!

 

Future of Hexie Swaps

Hello fellow hexie lovers!

Many of you have contacted me to see if we will continue swapping hexies in 2014—and the answer is a resounding YES!

Paperpieces has generously offered to extend our 20% on all their merchandise throughout 2014. This does not include a discount of the shipping charges.

Now that we know we will continue to swap, it is up to you to choose what we will swap! We will continue to have polls to select the upcoming themes, but several of you have asked if we might swap smaller hexies, such as ½” or ¾”. Also, if you would like to suggest some different themes than we have done in the past, please send me your suggestions. Is there one (or more!) that we have done in the past and would like to do it again, let me know.

As majority rules, I ask your opinion of if you wish to continue to do only 1” hexies, or perhaps add a swap here and there during the year on other sizes. 

I have sent an email to all past swappers and look forward to hearing from you your thoughts on sizing and themes.

As we work on our sixth hexie swap, please save the hexie blog http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/  to your favorites as any upcoming information on future swaps will be posted there.

Any questions? Please ask. I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Antique Hexagon Quilt-Sharing with a friend

As most of you know, I am a member of the HGTV Quilting boards. Through many wonderful years of sharing and the opportunity to meet many of the ladies at a retreat, we have bonded into a tight-knit group of "quilting sisters."

One of the precious gals on the boards, know only as Quiltaholic, has given me permission to share with you a quilt made by her great aunt Callie. Unfortunately, she passed away in the mid 70's and it is unknown how old the quilt actually is.

I'm not sure if you can see the background, but it is also made of hexagons! It's a lovely adaptation of the GFG quilt and sure to be on my bucket list.

You can check out Quiltaholic's blog at http://www.pigtalesandquilts.com/2013/08/be-hexie-queen-blog-hop-hippie-style.html for more details on the maker.

Sixth Hexie Swap--Sign ups closed

As we in New England are looking forward to our annual color show, those of you who do not have the opportunity to enjoy the four seasons can express them in this swap....think the dark oranges of ripen pumpkins, the deep reds, maroons, rusts and golds of fallen leaves, earth tones of darker greens, browns...you get the picture! What a lovely tapestry of color your project will be!

Share Your Hexie Projects With Us!

Calling all hexie makers! I'd love to post photos of your projects--in progress or finished! You can email them to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com  and I will be happy to place them here for all to see.

If you have a story behind your projects, please share with us. There is nothing better than enjoying the work of others to get you inspired!

FIFTH Hexie Swap Due in September 7th

Just another reminder that your fifth swap (Stashbusters and Batiks) are due in my hands no later than September 7th!

Remember that Sept 2nd is Labor Day, so allow extra time when shipping as you will lose one day in transit.

SIXTH HEXIE SWAP--STASHBUSTERS AND AUTUMN ARE OUR THEMES!

In collaboration with the great ladies at Paperpieces.com (see their contact information at the end of this post), we will offer you the opportunity to join a fun swap with other quilters and save 20% not only on your precut shapes of English paper pieces, but for all other merchandise on their website! Please note this discount doesn’t include the shipping charges. They offer an extensive collection of hexagon books to spark your interest and especially recommend “Piecing It All Together” and “English Paper Piecing”.

The Paperpieces.com code number will be emailed to you once you officially sign up at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com . They will do their best to get your shipment out ASAP so you will have plenty of time to work on your sets! I will do my best not to send you back any duplicates.

This a fantastic bring-along project while waiting in the doctor’s office, sporting events, watching TV, etc. The hexies just about make themselves! Check out the [url=http://www.paperpieces.com]http://www.paperpieces.com[/url] site for lots of motivation, books and patterns!

Be sure to check out the blog and please feel free to send along pictures to share with others of your progress.

We will be swapping 1” hexagons (Paperpieces item # HEX100). Please note that these measure 1” on each side. Each “set” will be of six of the same fabric with the papers left inside. This will allow you to make the outside edges of a flower and use your own center fabric to bring consistency to your finished project. Please do not use any glue to hold down the paper piece on the fabric. You will be sewing through the paper.

Each “set” is six (6) - 1” hexies of the SAME fabric. You can send in a maximum of ten (10) sets of the SAME fabric

There will have TWO themes—Stashbusters and Autumn

For the  Autumn theme, no  Thanksgiving or Halloween novelty prints (plus the normal fabric guidelines listed in this post). Think fall/harvest colors-eggplant, maroon, rusts, dark reds, golden hues, dark greens, harvest orange, deep browns—you get the picture.

**SUITABLE FABRICS FOR THE AUTUMN THEME ARE POSTED ON THE BLOG AT Fabrics 

*PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP OR CUTTING YOUR FABRICS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK! *

>>SIGN UP BY AUGUST 27, 2013--SWAP DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 19, 2013<<

* To sign up, send me an email to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com with your full name, board name, address and phone number AND which themes you want to participate in.

   35 SET MINIMUM-100 SET MAXIMUM PER THEME

Our players:

Stashbusters:
1. KC1930-36 sets here!
2. Kaylaquilts-45 sets here!
3. Mary Ellen R.
4. Chris M.-63 sets here!
5. PatV82-45 sets here!
6. AngieinNH-36 sets here!
7. Sharon T.
8. cviens-72 sets here!
9. Melody M.-51 sets here!
10. Mira S.-36 sets here!

Autumn:
1. KC1930-100 sets here!
2. Kaylaquilts-63 sets here!
3. Mary Ellen R.
4. Kay-lin
5. Chris M.-54 sets here!
6. Wippys58-90 sets here!
7. Emily P.
8. PatV82-45 sets here!
9. Janis T.
10. Angie in NH-36 sets here!
11. Sharon T.
12. Lakequilter-90 sets here!
13. Melody M.-104 sets here!
14. Sheacat
15. Mira S.-60 sets here!

Below you will find what seems like a copy of “War and Peace”, but I run my swaps with open communication so there are no surprises and complete consistency from all swappers. Follow the guidelines? Great! Don’t follow the guidelines? Your swap will be returned. I need to be fair to all swappers who play. And I know what you are thinking and yes, I am a type A personality, lol!

>>We do, however, want to keep the prints to SCALE so that we have a nice visual when the hexagons are sewn together. If you have a question on a fabric, please do not hesitate to contact me or post a picture on the HGTV discussion board. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, ALSO PLACE A 1” HEXAGON PAPER ON THE QUESTIONABLE PRINT SO I CAN SEE THE SCALE.

*PLEASE SHIP IN PLENTY OF TIME AS ANY LATE PACKAGES WILL BE RETURNED BACK TO YOU UNSWAPPED AT YOUR EXPENSE!* I will be sending out a “gentle reminder” notice two weeks before the swap is due. THIS WILL BE strictly INFORCED! : Star: If shipping parcel post, plan on two weeks shipping time: star:

 As a member of the HGTV Quilting boards, you are invited to join us by clicking on the HGTV registration link on right side of the blog page. After you sign up (this is free!), you can join us on the “Quilting & Needlework” board. Any problems, just contact me. I will have a running discussion there if you want to communicate and share with the other swappers.

While I advocate using Paperpieces papers (#HEX100), you can also take lightweight card stock and cut your own. You cannot use regular computer paper or cardboard for this swap as they are subsequently too light and too heavy ensure a sharp point when turning corners and will be returned! If you do use your own inserts, be sure they are consistent while cutting. I will be doing a spot check to be sure they are not too small or too large and that once you sew down the corners they are not pulling up the tips. Check out the blog for a tutorial as to how we would like the hexies made. Please do not use any glue or adhesive to hold down the hexie paper to the fabric. WE ARE SEWING THROUGH THE PAPER. Please use a straight stitch, not a whip stitch for easy paper removal.

Your swap guidelines on how to make of the hexagons will be posted on the blog. Please DRY press your hexagons when finished. Be careful NOT to use steam if using printed inserts as the dyes may come off on the fabrics! Yes, we will be sewing through the paper, but as you see in the tutorial, it will be easy to remove the papers for reuse once you sew your hexagons together and remove the basting stitch.

As mentioned before, each set will be six-1” finished hexagons of the SAME print with a knotted basting stitched (PLEASE USE THE SMALLEST NEEDLE POSSIBLE TO AVOID HOLES!) down the middle and back up to the top to hold each set together (with papers left inside each piece). You can only send in 10 sets of the SAME print! (Total of 60 hexagons of the SAME print) to ensure a nice variety of prints. I found cutting 2 ½” strips of fabric and sub cutting them into 2 ½” squares work PERFECT for this project.

>>We do, however, want to keep the prints to SCALE so that we have a nice visual when the hexagons are sewn together. *Pictures of “naughty” and “nice” prints will be posted on the blog so that you can use that as a guide. If you have a question on a fabric, please do not hesitate to contact me or post a picture on the HGTV discussion board. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, ALSO PLACE A 1” HEXAGON PAPER ON THE QUESTIONABLE PRINT SO I CAN SEE THE SCALE.

A couple of rules of thumb for this swap

*Use only 100% cotton fabric.

*NO solids, homespun, glitter, novelty print—this includes holiday prints and children prints, flannels, thin or plastic-feeling fabrics—this swap is for prints, so please do not send in any WOW (white on white), COC (cream on cream), etc. They really don’t make a colorful flower. You can send in TOT (tone on tone) fabrics. Just remember we want each flower to stand out--not become a wallflower in your finished project!

*NO large prints—be sure your fabrics selected are to the 1” hexagon scale! Leave your open background and large prints for other projects—use smaller prints that fill in your hexie! CHECK OUT THE BLOG FOR FABRICS THAT ARE AND THAT ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS SWAP.

*NO batiks, check, plaid or stripe fabrics.

*Be sure when cutting directional fabrics they do not end up looking off-bias or wonky once the hexagon flowers is put together.

*Be sure to REMOVE your selvedges BEFORE cutting your fabrics. Check fabric for flaws, such as runs or stains. Since the sets will be stacked and tacked by a thread, I will not be able to double check your work. Remember the golden rule of swapping—do not send anything in that you wouldn’t want to receive in return.

NOTE: I know life sometimes throws you curve balls, but it has happened that people get excited and want to play, only to wait two months later when the swap is due in a day or so to say they didn't have time. By that time you should have already been ready to mail the package. That leaves me hanging to replace your swap with my stash and totally unfair IF you know you cannot make the deadline to begin with. I give you ample notice so you have plenty of time to make an informed decision. Also, another player may liked to play in your place. Be honest with me up front, or a repeat offender might not be able to play in the future The success of this swap depends on your ability follow through your commitment to our group of players. Thank you for your understanding!

By all of us being honest and accountable, I'm sure we will have a great 2013 swapping year! I really do enjoy hostessing and want to continue to enjoy it, so by coming up front with any issues is not really a complaint, but a way to correct it so my frustration level (and blood pressure!) stays at an even keel. Probably the MOST important thing I can say about a successful swap is the high level of communication between all parties. Without that, we are setting ourselves up for failure. Be prepared for me to contact you several times during the swap for an update on your progress and invite pictures of your hexies to share with other swappers!

I’m allergic to dogs and cats, so please do what you can to control the fur. Some packages come in with so much pet hair that they look like they need to be brushed! For health reasons, I cannot handle them and they will be returned untouched at YOUR expense. My health depends on it and I thank you in advance for your understanding.

POSTAGE or POSTAGE money must be included in your package. Be sure to add a stamp or two to your stamped envelopes if not going priority mail flat rate boxes. They also seem to weigh more returning than coming in! If you are a frequent swapper, you can also send in $20 or so and I can keep it on “account” and deduct your postage from it. This was worked nicely with some swappers in the past and that way you don’t have to worry about sending in money each time. Once the swap is complete, I will PM you your postage balance on account for your records. If you wish your extra postage money returned, I can certainly do that also.

If you wish to include a self-addressed mailer for the return trip back to you, remember NO metered postage or ACP postage on the return mailer. Stamps only. Our post office will not allow more than a 13 oz. pre-stamped mailer in any mailboxes nor can mail carriers accept them (since 9/11 our East coast mail guidelines have been modified). While your local p.o. may say it is okay to use metered or ACP postage, our p.o. will NOT accept anything that has been pre-dated. I’m just trying to make it as easy as possible for all concerned. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask! Also, let me know if you want a delivery confirmation.

For Priority mail packages, I have plenty of mailing envelopes and boxes here so there is no need to send a new one. I do, however, try to recycle the boxes if possible. IF YOU ARE SENDING YOUR SWAP IN A MANILLA ENVELOPE OR PADDED MAILER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO SEND IN A RETURN ENVELOPE. Remember, I am not responsible for the packages once they are mailed back to you.

>>NOTE: Some of your local post offices allow you to pack a flat rate envelope or legal size envelope to the bulging point, but mine won’t accept them as they are intended for FLAT items only. So, if you can get away with it on your end-fine-just be aware they cannot be returned the same way.

PACKING YOUR SHIPMENT-We found that using dollar store sandwich Ziploc bags package nine sets nicely and make it easier to swap out. If you “burp” the air out of the baggies before you seal them they pretty much stay in place during shipping. Also, please ID each baggie with your name and state so that the other swappers can know where their hexies come from! You can put all your sets in a larger grocery bag (or Ziploc bag) with your HGTV board name (if you have one!), real name and address, phone number and number of sets in the main bag AND a separate piece of paper with your mailing address in case the package is damaged in shipment so the post office can still return it to you.

>>Please see packaging guidelines on the blog post>> http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/2013/08/packaging-your-swaps.html

Resources:

Paperpieces:

[url=http://www.paperpieces.com]http://www.paperpieces.com[/url] (Use the search box to find the HEX100)

Email: paperpieces@paperpieces.com

Call toll free in the US: 1-800-337-1537

Hexagon Swap blog:

[url=http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/]http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/[/url]

HGTV Registration: (Once you sign up, go to the “Quilting & Needlework” Message Board)

[url=http://my.hgtv.com/registration/register.esi]http://my.hgtv.com/registration/register.esi[/url]

My HGTV board name is KC1930