Sign up for 2015 Combo Swap

*WELCOME TO THE 2015 COMBO SWAP!*

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

*Sign up by December 20, 2014 to play!*

THE SWAP IS DUE TO ME NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 27, 2015 TO SWAP OUT.

Sign up with your COF board name (if applicable), real name, complete mailing address, phone, email and what swaps you will be joining in. You can also email this information at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com.

**THIS SWAP IS FOR WASHED FABRIC ONLY**

Now on with the show….

You can join one or join them all—your choice! The number of sets you can send in will be posted after the sign-up deadline.

**You can send in up to 10 sets per theme**

Our theme is STASHBUSTERS! Let’s clean out your fabric shelves…

*Stashbusters Diet Noodles- (2 ½” x 16”)-ten pieces of the same print per set.

*Stashbusters Bricks- (3 ½” x 6 ½”)-ten pieces of the same print per set.

*Stashbusters nickels-(5” squares)-ten pieces of the same print per set.

*Stashbusters coins-(2 ½” x 5 ½”)-twenty pieces of the same print per set.

F YOU SIGN UP FOR THE SWAP, PLEASE SWAP! IF YOU CANNOT DO IT AND KNOW WELL IN ADVANCE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

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 (or running to buy more fabric to swap!) 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. 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 2015 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.

Please be sure that the prints you submit are small scale so that when you cut the swaps the patterns are not lost due to size. *NO SOLIDS, BATIKS, HOMESPUN, GLITTER, FLANNEL, THIN FABRICS, CHILDREN'S OR NOVELTY PRINTS. * Wash and iron all 100% cotton good quality fabrics - please send good quality - they do not have to be quilt shop fabrics. Please do not send in any plastic-feeling, flimsy fabrics or THIN fabrics. They do not meet the guidelines? They will be returned.

I’m allergic to dogs and cats, perfumes and scents, so please do what you can to control the problem. My nose and lungs thank you (not only do I have sinus issues, but my throat closes up—and I like to breathe!

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.

Okay, here are our swaps and the guidelines for cutting!

**THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS >>NO ODDS AND ENDS<<--IF THE SWAP ASKS FOR A SET OF TEN OF THE SAME FABRIC, THAT IS WHAT YOU SEND IN. NOT EIGHT OF ONE AND TWO OF ANOTHER. IT MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR ME TO LAY OUT THE SUBMISSIONS TO SWAP OUT**

**Just a “gentle” reminder**

**While you can only use the same fabric ONCE in each set, but you can use it again in the other sizes. For instance, you can use the same fabric for the 5” squares and the diet noodles. It is my hope that we bust your stash instead of buying more fabric.

**When cutting directional fabrics, such as checks or patterns, PLEASE open the fabric up and cut on the grain. Lining up the fabric when folded might be perfect of the top, but crooked on the bottom section. Mis-cuts will be returned! PLEASE remove all selvages before cutting!

**Please separate your sets by index cards, slips of paper, etc. AND put into a plastic bag. Please do NOT individually package each set to save me time when swapping. Be sure to mark your HGTV board name, real name and address, swap theme AND the number of sets enclosed on each bag.

**Please be sure there are no BOWING/ELBOWS in your pieces if cutting from 2 ½” strips. If you are cutting your squares with scissors, please no frayed ends. Any odd angle cuts, selvages or any other mis-cuts will be returned back to you. I’m trusting that you are inspecting your submits before mailing to me. It saves me so much time and makes the swapping quick work.

**This swap is for WASHED fabric, so pre-cut noodles/strips/jelly rolls CANNOT be used as all fabrics must be washed, dried and ironed before cutting. They will shrink and not be the required size and will be returned. Trust me when I say I found out the hard way!

*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 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 in. 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.

Any questions? Have a photo of a fabric and you question to use it or not? Email me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

and be sure to check out our blog at http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

Official Sign up for 13th Hexie Swap

 

**SIGN UP BY DECEMBER 12TH (20 swapper limit!)—SWAP IN DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 14, 2015**

>>We welcome International swappers<<

This swap will have three separate themes (join one, two, or all three of them!)

*Stashbusters (see guidelines below)

 

Players:

 

*KC1930

*Connie D.

*Katznquilter

*PatV82
*Susan R.
*SewFun2
 

*TRUE 1930’s Repros (no children or novelty prints allowed-see guidelines below)

 

Players:

 

*KC1930

*Darleen S.

*Katznquilter
*SewFun2

*tscott12234
 

*Small Floral Prints (see guidelines below)

 

Players:

 

*KC1930

*Connie D.

*Wippys58

*PatV82
*Kathy H.
*SewFun2

 

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 our 13^th 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 I 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 (if you have one), address,  phone number, email and the swap(s) themes you be joining. 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 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.

<<36 SET MINIMUM-99 SET MAXIMUM PER THEME>>

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!

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. See the tutorial on how to make hexies for this swap on the blog under favorites.

Check out the right side of the hexie blog for photos of suitable fabrics for the above themes. Remember, you can only send in a maximum of ten sets (60 hexies) of the same print. And no, you cannot duplicate or use the same fabric for another theme (such a sending in a red and white print and also including it into the Stashbusters theme).

Here are our three themes:

>TRUE 1930’s Repro prints (no children or novelty prints):

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’s 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:

Keepsake Quilting:
http://www.keepsakequilting.co...2/Circa-1930%27s.htm

Reproduction Fabrics:
http://www.reproductionfabrics.com/shelf.php?ID=7

Robert Kaufman Fabrics:
http://www.robertkaufman.com/t...emsPerPage=36&page=2

Hancock’s of Paducah:
http://www.hancocks-paducah.co...e-Zimmerman--srcin-1

>Small Floral Prints-We are looking for small scale floral prints only. See photos of suitable prints on the blog right sidebar.

>Stashbusters-use the guidelines below for selecting fabrics.

*PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP OR CUTTING YOUR FABRICS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK!* As always, if you send in hexies using fabrics not allowed in the swap, they will be returned.

*Use only 100% cotton fabric.

*NO solids, homespun, glitter, batiks, novelty prints—this includes holiday prints and children prints, flannels, thin or plastic-feeling fabrics. Please do not send in any WOW (white on white), COC (cream on cream), etc. They really don’t make a colorful flower. 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! 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.

*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.

Our players (we have a maximum of 20 swappers):

*Stashbusters:

*TRUE 1930’S Repro prints (no children’s or novelty prints):

*Small Floral Prints:

*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 week shipping time. For international shipments, please plan on at least three weeks to arrive in time to swap out.

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. 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.

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 2015 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 pet dander and scents, 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.

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! Some swappers like to use those address labels they get in the mail. You can put all your separated themes in a larger Ziploc bag with your 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

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 (minus the stamp money for return postage).

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 may not be returned the same way.

Paper Pieces:

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: (Check out the helpful links on the right side of the page)

http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

First 2015 Combo swap poll

It great to be back to “combo” swapping! Would you be interested in a swap due the end of February? That would give you plenty of time to cut away and still have time to get your holiday projects completed.

Please email me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com your top four choices. I will compile your votes and then post the official sign up.

The poll will be left up until December 5th; the official sign up will be posted on December 6th and close on December 20^th. The swap is due in my hands no later than February 27^th. For those of you participating in the hexie swap, you can send in both together to save more money.

This first swap of 2015 is Stashbusters. Let’s band together to clean up our sewing room and add to our collections to make those scrappy quilts!

Here are the sizes for the swap, but final totals of how many we can send in will be determined after the poll closes and we have our total amount of swappers.

Note: This swap is for WASHED fabrics only!

Bricks-3 ½” x 6 ½”

Layer cake-10" squares

5" squares

2 ½” squares

"Diet" Noodles-2 ½” x 16”

Coins-2 ½” x 5 ½”

3 ½” squares

6 ½” squares

I will keep a running total of theme votes posted on the COF and hexagon blog http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/  so you can see how your favorites are doing! Any questions? Just email me!

 

 

 

 

13th Hexagon Swap Poll

Is 13 an unlucky number? Not for us! Time to select our themes for the lucky 13th Hexie Swap.

Email me your top THREE choices to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com. The poll will stay up until November 28th; the official sign ups begin on the November 29^th and ends on December 12th. The swap is due in my hands no later than February 14th. The top votes win!

 Guidelines would be the same as the previous swaps, but always feel free to contact me if you have any questions on fabrics. You can check out the blog at http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/ for past swap guidelines. We are looking for small prints to make the most of our hexie quilts.

 The terrific gals at Paperpieces have been kind enough to extend their 20% discount for all merchandise purchased (shipping not included in the discount). Visit their website at http://www.paperpieces.com/

 Vote for: (running total of votes will be listed to the right of the theme on the hexie blog):

*Stashbusters prints (like in the past twelve swaps)

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

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

*TRUE Civil War repros

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

*TOT (tone on tone)

*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)

 *TRUE red and white prints

 *TRUE blue and white prints

 *Shades of blue

 *Shades of pink

 *Small print polka dots

http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

 

Katzenquilter's Hexie Projects

Somebody been very busy sewing hexies (and it's NOT me!). Fellow swapper Katzenquilter (aka Janis) shares with us her latest creations...

The first one is a scrappy Stashbuster quilt top...

 

Do you see any of your hexies in it?

 

The second photo is an autumn table runner--don't you love those colors?

 

 

The last photo is called "It's Time I Did Something With These Hexies"--complete with clocks fussy cut into each center.

 





Thanks for sharing your projects with us. Does anyone else have photos to post?

**Second Combo Swap Sign Ups**

*WELCOME TO THE SECOND COMBO SWAP! PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP(S) OR CUTTING! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK! YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THE SWAP BY AUGUST 24, 2014 IN ORDER TO PLAY. SWAPS ARE DUE TO ME NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 18, 2014 TO SWAP OUT. **THIS SWAP IS FOR WASHED FABRIC ONLY** Please email me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com with which swap theme(s) you will participate in, your HGTV board name (if you have one), real name, address, phone and email address. I will forward you the same. All information sent to me is confidential and will not be shared. IF YOU SIGN UP FOR THE SWAP, PLEASE SWAP! IF YOU CANNOT DO IT AND KNOW WELL IN ADVANCE, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. 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 (or running to buy more fabric to swap!) 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. 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. Please be sure that the prints you submit are small scale so that when you cut the swaps the patterns are not lost due to size. *NO SOLIDS, HOMESPUN, GLITTER, FLANNEL, THIN FABRICS, CHILDREN'S OR NOVELTY PRINTS. * Wash and iron all 100% cotton good quality fabrics - please send good quality - they do not have to be quilt shop fabrics. Please do not send in any plastic-feeling, flimsy fabrics or THIN fabrics. They do not meet the guidelines? They will be returned. I’m allergic to dogs and cats, perfumes and scents, so please do what you can to control the problem. My nose and lungs thank you (not only do I have sinus issues, but my throat closes up—and I like to breathe! 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. Okay, here are our swaps and the guidelines for cutting! **THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE IS >>NO ODDS AND ENDS<<--IF THE SWAP ASKS FOR A SET OF TEN OF THE SAME FABRIC, THAT IS WHAT YOU SEND IN. NOT EIGHT OF ONE AND TWO OF ANOTHER. IT MAKES IT VERY HARD FOR ME TO LAY OUT THE SUBMISSIONS TO SWAP OUT** **Just a “gentle” reminder** **While you can only use the same fabric ONCE in each set, but you can use it again in the other swaps. For instance, you can use the same fabric for the Children's Novelty bricks and 5" squares. It is my hope that we bust your stash instead of buying more fabric. **When cutting directional fabrics, such as checks or patterns, PLEASE open the fabric up and cut on the grain. Lining up the fabric when folded might be perfect of the top, but crooked on the bottom section. Mis-cuts will be returned! PLEASE remove all selvedges before cutting! **Please separate your sets by index cards, slips of paper, etc. AND put into a plastic bag. Please do NOT individually package each set to save me time when swapping. Be sure to mark your HGTV board name, real name and address, swap theme AND the number of sets enclosed on each bag.   **Please be sure there are no BOWING/ELBOWS in your pieces if cutting from 2 ½” strips. If you are cutting your squares with scissors, please no frayed ends. Any odd angle cuts, selvedges or any other mis-cuts will be returned back to you. I’m trusting that you are inspecting your submits before mailing to me. It saves me so much time and makes the swapping quick work. **This swap is for WASHED fabric, so pre-cut noodles/strips/jelly rolls CANNOT be used as all fabrics must be washed, dried and ironed before cutting. They will shrink and not be the required size and will be returned. Trust me when I say I found out the hard way! Now on with the show…. You can join one or join them all—your choice! The number of sets you can send in will be posted after the sign-up deadline.   **You can send in up to 10 sets per theme** Here are our themes: *Stashbusters Diet Noodles (2 ½” x 16”)-ten pieces of the same print per set. *Children's Novelty 5" squares (5" square)-ten pieces of the same print per set. *Children's Novelty Bricks (3 ½” x 6 ½”)-ten pieces of the same print per set. *TRUE 30's Repro 5" squares (5" square)-ten pieces of the same print per set. Must be true repros, not just a print that looks like a repro. No children's novelty prints allowed.   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 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 in. 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. Any questions? Have a photo of a fabric and you question to use it or not? Email me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com and be sure to check out our blog at http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

**Official Sign Ups for 12th Hexie Swap**

>Official sign up for the 12^th Hexie Swap<

 

**SIGN UP BY AUGUST 24, 2014 (20 swapper limit!)—SWAP IN DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 4, 2014**

>>We welcome International swappers<<

This swap will have three separate themes (join one, two, or all three of them!)

*Stashbusters (see guidelines below)

*TRUE 1930’s Repros (no children or novelty prints allowed-see guidelines below)

*Small Floral Prints (see guidelines below)

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 our 12^th 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 I 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, HGTV board name (if you are a not a member, see link at end of post. You do not need to be a member to play), address and phone number and the swap(s) themes you be joining. 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 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.

<<36 SET MINIMUM-99 SET MAXIMUM PER THEME>>

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!

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. See the tutorial on how to make hexies for this swap on the blog under favorites.

Check out the right side of the hexie blog for photos of suitable fabrics for the above themes. Remember, you can only send in a maximum of ten sets (60 hexies) of the same print. And no, you cannot duplicate or use the same fabric for another theme (such a sending in a red and white print and also including it into the Stashbusters theme).

Here are our three themes:

>TRUE 1930’s Repro prints (no children or novelty prints):

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’s 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:

Keepsake Quilting:
http://www.keepsakequilting.co...2/Circa-1930%27s.htm

Reproduction Fabrics:
http://www.reproductionfabrics.com/shelf.php?ID=7

Robert Kaufman Fabrics:
http://www.robertkaufman.com/t...emsPerPage=36&page=2

Hancock’s of Paducah:
http://www.hancocks-paducah.co...e-Zimmerman--srcin-1

>Small Floral Prints-We are looking for small scale floral prints only. See photos of suitable prints on the blog right sidebar.

>Stashbusters-use the guidelines below for selecting fabrics.

*PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY BEFORE COMMITTING TO THE SWAP OR CUTTING YOUR FABRICS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE ASK!* As always, if you send in hexies using fabrics not allowed in the swap, they will be returned.

*Use only 100% cotton fabric.

*NO solids, homespun, glitter, batiks, novelty prints—this includes holiday prints and children prints, flannels, thin or plastic-feeling fabrics. Please do not send in any WOW (white on white), COC (cream on cream), etc. They really don’t make a colorful flower. 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! 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.

*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.

Our players (we have a maximum of 30 swappers):

*Stashbusters:

*TRUE 1930’S Repro prints (no children’s or novelty prints):

*Small Floral Prints:

*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 week shipping time. For international shipments, please plan on at least three weeks to arrive in time to swap out.

If you wish to be a member of the HGTV Quilting boards, click on the HGTV registration link on right side of the blog page (or at the bottom of this post). 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. Again, it is not necessary—just duplicate information on the blog.

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. 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.

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 pet dander and scents, 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.

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! Some swappers like to use those address labels they get in the mail. You can put all your separated themes in a larger 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

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 (minus the stamp money for return postage).

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 may not be returned the same way.

Paper Pieces:

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: (Check out the helpful links on the right side of the page)

http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/

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

http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/login (follow the instructions to set up a free account)

***My NEW HGTV board name is KC_1930**

 

 

Low-Calorie Key Lime Pie Shake

Cool off those hazy days of summer with a cool drink with only 124 calories per serving!

This recipe uses soy milk, but you can substitute low-fat or fat-free milk if you wish. Add a drop of vanilla flavoring to the mix if you do.

1/2 cup cold light vanilla soy milk
1/4 cup fat-free vanilla ice cream
2 tbsp. canned crushed pineapple in juice
2 tbsp. sugar-free calorie-free vanilla syrup
1 tbsp. lime juice
1 packet no-calorie sweetener
3/4 cup crushed ice or 4-6 ice cubes
2 tbsp. fat-free whipped topping
1/4 sheet low-fat honey graham crackers, crushed
Optional lime slice

Note: If desired, you can add a touch of rum or lime-flavored vodka.

Combine soy milk, ice cream, pineapple, vanilla syrup, lime juice, sweetener and ice in blender. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds. Pour shake into glass and top with whipped topping and crushed graham crackers. Garnish with lime slice, if desired.

Important note! Now, find a lawn chair in the shade, sit down, RELAX and enjoy!

Coccinelle from France Shares her B & W Hexie Project

Coccinelle (Christelle) was kind enough to share her current hexie project with us. Since her blog is in French http://coccinelledemoiselle.blogs.marieclaireidees.com/archive/2014/06/16/swap-hexagones-noirs-et-blancs.html I decided to translate it for you.

 

If you have a blog you would like to share with us, I can certainly link post it on the blog for all to enjoy.

 

Please be sure to check out her beautiful crafts and handwork. I really love her idea of using a print background as a base for her project.

 

Mes hexagones postés pour les Etats-Unis, j'ai continué à en faire quelques-uns et à les garder précieusement dans une boîte. My hexagons posted to the United States, I continued to make a few and keep them carefully in a box.

 

 

Et voici les 4 pochettes reçues en retour des miennes de la part de Pat, Carole, Arizona , Connie et Darleen, Washington . And here are 4 pockets in return received mine from Pat, Carole, Arizona, Connie and Darleen, Washington. Que des tissus noirs et blancs que je ne connais! That black and white fabrics that I know!
Merci à vous et à Kathleen qui organise l'échange. Thank you to you and Kathleen organizing the exchange.

Regardez comme ils sont beaux!

Look how beautiful they are!

 

Voici une idée du montage que je voudrais faire.

Here's an idea of the timeline I want to. Pas d'hexagone intermédiaire. No middle hexagon. Les coeurs des fleurs seront unis dans les tons des couleurs de la bordure. Hearts flowers are united in the color tones of the border.

J'ai trouvé ce tissu pour la bordure intéressant et très graphique. I found this fabric for the border and very interesting graph. Je ne respecte pas le thème noir et blanc dans sa totalité mais l'important était que j'envoie des hexagones noirs et blancs. I do not respect the black and white theme in its entirety but the important thing was that I send black and white hexagons. Ce que j'ai fait! What I did! Ensuite, pour le montage, c'est moi qui décide... Then, for mounting, it is I who decides ...

 

 

J'ai même gardé les "pointes" de mes hexagones car cela peut servir... J'ai déjà une idée mais il faut que je la peaufine un peu! I even kept the "peaks" of my hexagons because it can be used ... I have an idea but I need a bit of fine-tuning!

Voilà un travail qui va m'occuper cet été... Je commence 2 nouveaux swaps avec les USA car cela m'amuse beaucoup! This is a job that will keep me busy this summer ... I'm starting 2 new swaps with the U.S. because it amuses me a lot! A bientôt, pour vous montrer mes choix. Soon, to show you my choice.