Saturday, March 30, 2013

Isn't This A Hoot?

While I was cutting out some of my larger 30's prints for my own hexie collection, I looked up and noticed that the tissue box in my sewing room was almost the exact print! Crazy, huh?

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Updated Guidelines For Our Second Hexie Swap

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”.

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!

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.

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

 
We will have TWO themes—STASHBUSTERS AND GENUINE 30’S REPROS
Our players:

FOR STASHBUSTERS:

1.  KC1930
2.  dnorthcutt
3.  Patv82--packaged rec'd
4.  wmmeasureup
5.  mjontebeau
6.  Karen_S
7.  Melody M.

8.  Headielamar
9.  Jennifer L.
10. Della C.
11. Kelly R. (from Canada)
12. Mary Ellen R.
13. Cathy P.
14. RubyRose67
15. Ruth50
16. Christina W.


FOR TRUE 30'S REPROS:

1.  KC1930
2.  dnorthcutt
3.  Patv82-package rec'd
4.  mjontebeau
5.  Sew&Sew
6.  SCLady
7.  Kay-lin
8.  SewRhonda
9   Nana Quilts
10. Kelly R. (from Canada)
11. Squeakie53
12. Mary Ellen R.
13. Cathy P.
14. Ruth50
15. Sue Stitches
16. IowaLisa

17. tscott12234

You can send in a *maximum* total of 100 sets per theme. For those of you doing the math, that is 600 hexies! The *minimum* amount of sets you can send in is 35 sets per theme

**If you join both swaps, you can only use your fabric in one theme (i.e. no 30’s fabrics in the Stashbusters swap)**

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!

Just remember for the TRUE 30's repros, this is for only genuine 30's repros, not just small floral prints that look like repros. You will find "Circa 1930" on most selvedges, and you can search the following websites for 1930 reproduction fabrics. Just remember the prints we would use would be small scale prints (see both acceptable and not acceptable) prints on the blog http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

You can also check out the following links for TRUE 30’s repros:


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


**SWAPS ARE DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN MAY 25, 2013**

*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 swap is for either washed or unwashed fabric. HOWEVER, if you use reds, black or indigo colors, please take the time to wash with a color catcher to ensure no bleeding fabrics in our finished projects.

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.

I will also send you the coupon code for the 20% discount so you can order your paper pieces from Paperpieces.com. These are fantastic as they are precision cut and just the right weight to allow the needle through the paper.

While I advocate using Paperpieces papers (#HEX100), you can also take magazine subscription inserts or 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.

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.

 A couple of rules of thumb for this swap:

*Use only 100% cotton fabric.

*
NO solids, homespun, glitter, novelty print—this includes holiday prints, children prints (see note for the 30’s swap), 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—leave your open background and large prints for other projects—use smaller prints that fill in your hexie!

*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.


**For the 30”s repros, you can use all colors and acceptable children and novelty fabrics IF they meet the guidelines of photos shown on the blog. Contact me if you have ANY questions! Just remember to keep the prints to scale.

*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. If you do not use priority mail without a delivery confirmation, you are on your own!

 >>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 ziplock 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.


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

 

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Hexagon Swap Ready To Mail on Monday!

All swapped out, ladies, and ready to be mailed back to you on Monday! I'll email you your delivery confirmation # (if applicable) and postage money credit (or due). Thanks for making this swap so much fun!


*Kathleen (KC1930) from ME-100 sets here!

*Brenda brendavnm) from NM-36 sets here!

*Denise (dnorthcutt) from AR-100 sets here!

*Emily from WI--100 sets here!

*’Lisa (Headielamar) from OR-36 sets here!

*Jessica from IL-99 sets here!

*Juliet (Julesmarie) from KS-?

*Julia (Julia8512) from IN-32 sets here!

*Kathy (Kathy1210) from NY-63 sets here!

*Karen (Karen_S.)from CA-100 sets here!

*Janis (Katznquilter) from TX-99 sets here!

*Kayla (Kaylaquilts) from AZ-100 sets here!

*Keely from CO-45 sets here!

*Karen (Live2quilt) from CA-100 sets here!

*Dianne (Luvthosequilts) from CA-here!

*Mary (Mary M.) from NY-100 sets here!

*Pat (Medinaquilter) from NY-100 sets here!

*Patti (Patti S.) from MD-100 sets here!

*Pat (Patv82) from IL-40 sets here!

*Libby (SC Lady) from SC-60 sets here!

*Lindy (Sew&Sew) from NC-100 sets here!

*Wanda (Squeakie53) from IN-43 sets here!

*Sandy (SSW50) from TN-100 sets here!

*Sue (Sue Stitches) from CA-72 sets here!

*Teresa (tscott12234) from WY-100 sets here!

*Carole (Wippys58) from AZ-48 sets here!

*Vida (Vidaquilts) from WA-?

*Coccinelle from France-54 sets here!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

First Hexie Swap In-House Date March 16th!

I just emailed all the swappers that are in the first swap the following information--just in case you didn't get it, I also posted it on the HGTV discussion and here. All my bases are covered.

"ATTENTION! This swap is due in MY hands no later than March 16th. I take time off work specifically to swap out so any packages that arrive AFTER that date will be returned back unswapped at YOUR expense. Consider this your "gentle reminder."

Also, be mindful that just because the post office says it will be two day delivery, weather and other adverse conditions must be taken into consideration. Don't wait until the last minute--ship early. I am firm about the information listed above and have been for all my swaps!

Saturday, March 2, 2013

How to resize a photo and send a PM on the HGTV boards

Since many of you asked, I have links to two discussions on the HGTV boards on the easy ways to resize photos and send a private message (PM).

Here is the link to resize photo directions:


http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5894011632/m/4673984867

And the link to send a private message:

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=1084078532&f=5894011632&m=5573984867&r=5573984867#5573984867

Any questions? Just ask!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Want To Join A Fabric Swap?

While this is the first time I am swapping out hexies, this is not my first time to the rodeo! Over the past several years, I have swapped out on the HGTV boards various themes and fabric pieces. Our current swap in due shortly and I'm in the process of finding out by voting in a poll as to the next swapping themes.

If you might be interested in joining this swap or just finding out more information, you can check it out at the links below:

Poll link:

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5894011632/m/1763924867

Link to the current swap for the guidelines and more details:

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5894011632/m/5403921767

Questions? Ask away! :)