"One for the Road" Contest

Okay all you 10th hexie swappers. As I complete the swap, let's have one more prize!

Below you will find two zip-top bags--both great for holding your latest quilting project! If you email me at 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com before Sunday, June 1st at 12:00 NOON EST, you name will go into the drawing for one of the two bags. Please also email me your choice of the Modern  or Traditional bag.

As this special session winds to a close, I hope you will continue to join our future swaps. Yes, we will celebrate our special milestones, so stand by for our 15th swap! :)

Modern bag

Traditional bag

Hexagon projects on Pinterest

Thanks to Susan R. for sharing this link to lots of hexie photos, tips and patterns.

http://www.pinterest.com/WeAllSew/hexagons/

"All About You" Game Winner...

Thanks to all of you who played! It's fun to learn about fellow hexie swappers and how much we actually have in common.

Without further adieu, I put 10 slips in a hat for each participating player and the lucky winner is...

 

Congratulations, Melody! You selected blue as your favorite color and here are your fat quarters. They will be shipped per the swap guidelines.

 



Two Bees Fabrics

 

I was on vacation last week--a "home" vacation that I planned on doing a ton of outdoor projects. Mother Nature had her own plans and the week was basically a wash (with rain!).

 

Needing a little treat, I was surfing the web and came upon Two Bees Fabrics, who specialize in 1800's-1930's reproductions. I was thrilled to find many fabric prints I didn't already have in my 30's collection. The shipping charges seemed fair and customer comments sounded too good to be true.

 

Okay, take a chance, I thought and placed an order. I got a confirmation email back within minutes and package tracking information that it shipped the next day (it was packed over the weekend). It arrived packaged beautifully, along with a handwritten thank you note for my first order. You may not know this, but I work for L.L. Bean--top in the country in customer service--and I am very serious about how the customer shopping and service experience is. Two Bees ladies, Mary and Roberta, get an A+++ for all of the above and super speedy shipping. You can be sure that I will be a continued repeat and VERY satisfied customer. You can check out the website at http://www.twobeesfabric.com/

 

Above you will find a photo of the fabrics I ordered--enough for the 30's repro hexie swap and some for my own collection. A couple of pieces, including some larger prints and a cute Scottie dog (I have a collection of these doggie prints I'm saving for a special project) will be finding a new home in my white 30's cabinet.

Fifth Hexie Game--"All about YOU"

Here is an easy one—tell us about YOU! This game is for all players of the 10^th hexie swap only. You have until May 28^th at 11:59 PM EST to send me your answers to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com

Winner will get a nice FQ selection of their favorite color as a prize. All players will get one chance each for every question answered. I’ll pull the winner out of a hat and the winner will receive their prize per the swap guidelines.

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)?

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing?

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year?

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class?

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)?

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?

 

Here are Mirka's answers--

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?  Dark red

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?  Janome 6600

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  5 years

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)? Black and white and r –it’s beautiful.

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing?  20  hours

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? Scrap round robin and two baby quilts for granddaughter, 5 bags and many small projects.

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class? I learn patchwork myself, my first profession is a dressmaker  so I like hand make, I make still bobbin lace.

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)? Traditional

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine? Quiltmaker, McCall´s Quilting, If I'm in the US I always buy some magazines.

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  I like quilts Carol Doak and design Judy Niemeyer.

 

Here are Katznquilter’s answers--

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?  Purple!

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?   Janome 

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  I caught the EPP bug about 2 years ago and have had the fever ever since.  I’m pretty sure there is no cure ;-)

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)?  Generally, Civil War Repros are my favorite, but if it looks like fabric, feels like fabric and smells like fabric, I love it.

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing?  I usually spend more time hand sewing than machine sewing but only because I can do it on the beach so about 5 or 6 hours a week.

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? Really?  Finished?  Ummm,  maybe 3.  Started?  Well, that’s a different story – maybe 12.

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class?  I took a class.  The rest of my family are artists – sketch, paint, etc.  I was artistically challenged until I found quilting in the ‘80’s.

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)?  I consider myself a modern quilter – because I do it all: traditional, art, hand work and machine work.

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?  The Quilter.

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  I would like to meet an anonymous woman who lived on the American prairie and quilted for her family using whatever was at hand.  Maybe not an icon, but surely a trailblazer for all who have come since then.   (Good answer, Janis!)

Here are SewFun2’s answers--

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?   Teal

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?  Pfaff

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?   I started EPP back in 1988 or so when I stopped by the Paper Pieces booth at the Quilt Show in Paducah.  I think it was the original owner who got me going.  I put it away for many years, but got it out again about 3 years ago and am really enjoying the hexie exchange.

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)?  30's Reproductions

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing? 15-20 hours a week

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? Maybe 6-7 projects including knitting, quilting and stitching.

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class? Started out teaching myself to quilt.  I had sewn clothes at one time.  Books, classes, always learning something new.

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)?  Traditional

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?  Quilt Mania. It has great articles and projects from all over the world.

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  Reiki Kato. I really enjoy her creativity and the wonder scenes she creates.  Guess her things appeal to the kid in me!

Here are Robin L.’s answers--

 

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?  Plums or any shade of purple.

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?  Babylock

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  Probably almost 10 years.

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)? Civil War.

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing? I would guess about 10 - 12 hours. More during the winter.

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? I'm not sure in this one, since I always have a lot of projects going at the same time. I have finished about 3 charity quilts. Quilts for kids. An organization that makes quilts for kids with life-threatening illnesses and children of abuse. Two larger quilts and a few small projects.

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class?  I actually started sewing in 4-H. Ddn't love it then, but do now!

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)? Traditional with trying a little bit of modern.

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?  Primitive Quilts & Quilty. Also just saw my first issue of Missouri Quilt Co. new publication.

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  Mickey Depre. I'm intrigued with her hexagon patterns.

Here are Susan R.’s answers--

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?  Peaches and corals

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?  Bernina 440QE

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  About 2 years

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)? Scrappy, I love using what I have and realizing that God doesn't waste anything, even my scraps. The  sail boat baby quilt I sent a picture of earlier was pretty much all made from my stash, I just bought a few 1/2 yard cuts to fill in and help pull it all together. I really loved that feeling. It didn't seem to put too much a dent in things though.

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing? Maybe 5 hours. I don't like to be interrupted and being a caregiver makes uninterrupted time rare. It is something I need to work on otherwise I won't get much of anything done.

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? 14 - A quilt and 3 pillows for my bed, a baby quilt, a quillow, a lap quilt/prayer quilt for a dear friend diagnosed with lymphoma and 6 pillowcases and a pillow for gifts. I feel much more productive seeing the list :)

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class? Self-taught. I like to read a lot of magazines and books. I have taken a few classes at the shop where I bought my machine, I just took a class there for the BSR that came with my machine and learned all about bobbin work and thread painting. Sooo much fun! I have sewn since high school.

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)? I guess it would be traditional.

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?  Right now I would say Quiltmaker -- I am following the Year of Machine Quilting series.

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  I wouldn't even know where to start.

Here are Chatwell18’s answers--

 

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?  Red

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?  Janome (I have 3) but just bought a new Baby Lock.

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  5 years.  Quilting for 22 years.

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)? I like 1930's and Civil War, but I also love the new, modern fabrics that are coming out.

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing? 12-15 hours

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? About seven, but I have many more unfinished-mainly unquilted tops.

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class?  I learned to sew in Jr High Home Economics class.  I learned to quilt by taking classes at quilt shops.

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)?  Traditional.  I also like adapting traditional patterns with modern fabrics and improvisational style.

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?  Better Homes & Gardens Patchwork and Quilting.

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  I have met or attended lectures by a number of quilting icons since I am fortunate enough to live in Texas, and I have been able attend the International Quilt Festival in Houston every year since 2008.  I have attended lectures by Eleanor Burns, Kaffee Fassett, Wendy Butler Berns, Marsha McCloskey, Bonnie Hunter and Ricky Tims.  I have taken classes from Flavin Glover, John Flynn, Debbie Caffrey, Carol Doak (twice- she is great),  and Marti Michell. I just met Kim Diehl last week at a workshop.  I would like to meet Karen Kay Buckley and Elly Sienkiewicz because I love Applique.  Also Reiko Kato, she is Japanese and has a unique Japanese folksy style of Applique.  I am hoping to take a class from Angela Walters at QuiltCon in Austin in 2015 to work on machine quilting.

Here Melody M. answers--

1)  What is your favorite fabric color?  Blue

2)  What sewing machine brand do you use most?  PFAFF

3)  How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  14 months. I’ve been sewing/quilting for about 30 years.

4)  What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)?

 1930's.  I just love the variety of materials they used and even more of how she would buy  material for a dress, wore till so thin, tore it into strips for bandaging and  made  hand towels and then used for quilt scraps.  I can remember my mamaw tearing up her old dress and doing just this. I have a quilt, "Bonnet Girl" that has pieces of my clothes in it.  Love it.

5)  How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing? 25-30 hours.

6)  On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? 2 baby quilts, and 3 Afghans.  But have sewn nine costumes for a recital and altered three prom dresses.

7)  Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class? I've basically taught myself.  I remember watching my mamaw in the 60's. It was all hand sewing. That's all I do as well.  She also taught me to crochet.  I spent every summer with my mamaw and papaw. I learned sooo

8)  What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)? Traditional

9.  What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine?  McCall’s Quilting

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why?  Eleanor Burns is the only one I've looked into and that only because I love the book, "Egg Money, 1930's Vintage". I just haven't searched anyone.  If I see something I like, usually look it up and read about it.

And while I'm not playing, I still want to share!

1) What is your favorite fabric color?  Lime Green

2) What sewing machine brand do you use most?  Bernina (she just got a fresh cleaning this week!)

3) How long have you been EEP (English Paper Piecing)?  Only two years.

4) What is your favorite fabric theme (such as Civil War, Black and White, etc.)? I have to agree with the 1930's repros. They must have cheered the long, dreary days of the Depression.

5) How many hours of the week total do you average machine and hand sewing?  8-10

6) On the average, how many quilts/projects do you think you have completed in the past year? I've made about 40 baby to queen-size quilts, American Girl dolls sleeping bags and outfits for a fund raiser.

7) Did you learn to quilt from a family member or take a class? I've been sewing at my mother's knee since I was five; Mom is a talented dressmaker. I began sewing on the machine by myself when I was eight (made my infant sister an outfit). I sewed my own clothing from age 12 and got on the quilting bandwagon around the early 80's. Took a break in the 90's and got into stained glass, but now I'm back to quilting.

8) What type of quilter do you consider yourself (such as modern, traditional, etc.)? Probably traditional.

9. What is the title of your favorite quilting magazine? Quick Quilts

10. If you could meet one quilting icon, who would it be and why? I've had the opportunity to meet Alex Anderson, Pat Speth, Karla Alexander and Bonnie Hunter, but the person I would really love to pick his brain is Kaffe Fassett. His use of color blows my mind!

And the Winner is......

And the winner of #4 contest for the "Garden Party" book is.....

 

 

Congratulations, Christine! You book will be sent to you per swap guidelines.

 

 

Oh, I went out to buy some storage boxes the other day at Staples and look what I found on the bottom--a sheet of 1" hexies!

 

 

 

Are you interested in a Combo swap?

It’s been quite a while since our last “combo” swap on the HGTV quilting boards. Let's play! 

 Would you be interested in a late summer due date? That will give you plenty of time to cut away and still enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

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 May 31^st; the official sign up will be posted on June 1st and close on June 15^th. The swap is due in my hands NO later than September 6, 2014.

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”

Question:

What four themes would you like to see offered for the next combo swap? No PM’s or postings here, please.

Choices:

Stashbusters "Diet" Noodles
Stashbusters Bricks
Stashbusters  2 ½”  squares
Stashbusters layer cake
Stashbusters coins
5" squares in polka dots
5" squares in reds
5” squares in batiks
5” squares in pastels
5" squares in TOT (tone on tone) prints
5" squares in children’s novelty prints
5” squares in TRUE 30’s repro prints (no children’s or novelty prints)
5" squares in pinks
5” squares in BRIGHTS
"Diet' Noodles in TOT (tone on tone) prints
"Diet" Noodles in jewel tones
"Diet" Noodles in small floral prints
"Diet" Noodles in TRUE Red, White and Blues
"Diet" Noodles in TRUE Black and White prints
Bricks in children novelty prints
Bricks in floral prints
Bricks in TRUE Red, White and Blues
Bricks in BRIGHT prints
Bricks in TOT (tone on tone) prints
Layer Cake in floral prints

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

 

 

 

4th Hexie Game--"Search the Hexie Blog"

 

Time for another game for our 10^th swap players!  So, get a beverage and a pad and take a trip down the blog’s memory lane. You can only send in your answers once to 2013hexagonswap@gmail.com and the deadline for your replies are May 19^th at 11:59 pm EST. I will give you one ticket for each correct answer and pull one winner from a hat.

The winner will receive (per swap guidelines) a copy of a rare book published in 1979—“Garden Party” by Dorothy Wray. I found a copy a few years ago and what eye candy it is! If you have never viewed this book, you are in for a real treat. Ms. Wray is undoubtedly the QUEEN of hexie quilts!

Okay, let’s get cooking…

1.  What foreign player thanked her fellow swappers for their hexies?  

2.  What is the full date of the post where I used a flower center instead of a paper hexie as a point of size reference? 

3.  What was the swap theme that I commented on that I took out my swap and organized by color? 

4.  What is the name of my HGTV friend who shared a photo of her great-aunt’s hexie quilt? 

5. In what past swap theme is it necessary to prewash your fabrics? 

6.  What were the two themes for the 3^rd hexie swap? 

7.  What was the predominate color hexie I used to show scale on these Red, White and Blue fabrics? 

8.  What was the full date of the post where it shows a photo of matching hexies and a tissue box? 

9.  What was the full date of the post where I comment my co-workers enjoy seeing my autumn colored hexies at my desk? 

10.  What swapper took sewing classes from Winky Cherry? 

 

 

 

11th Hexie Swap--Sign up now!

**SIGN UP BY MAY 31, 2014 (30 swapper limit!)—SWAP IN DUE IN MY HANDS NO LATER THAN AUGUST 23, 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)

*TRUE Red and White prints (see guidelines below)

 

Photos of acceptable Red and White and TRUE 1930's repros are at the end of this post. For Stashbusters, see http://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/2012/12/basics-for-hexagon-swap.html

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 10thswap 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/2012/12/basics-for-hexagon-swap.html

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://hexagonswap.blogspot.com/2012/12/basics-for-hexagon-swap.html

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

 

Here are four pictures of acceptable 1930's prints:

 

 

And here are pictures of unacceptable prints (too large):

 

 

 

>TRUE Red and White prints--that's it--NO other color--no cream, off white, ecru or any additional colors other than red and white. If you question if you white is truly white, put your fabric against a piece of white copy paper. Suitable Red and White prints below:

>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.

*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**