BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Quilting May Fat Quarter Swap

Hi Laura,

I'll be swapping this month but only one fabric and it's probably a little unorthodox, but I think everyone will like it and will find a use for it. I've given everyone a full half yard, instead of the fat quarter. I had to do this because of the print.

My future swaps will go back to the regular FQ.

I'm only swapping one fabric this time because I just haven't had time to go shopping. Getting my curriculum together for next year has really put everything on the back burner (cleaning house, laundry included). Plus, I've been buying books to support the curriculum, so my cash flow is low for quilting supplies. Becca does a year round school, so next month (June) we start on her new curriculum! Anyhoo, just wanted to update you. I'll get the fabric in the mail sometime next week.

BTW, Tammy comes into town this afternoon!

Jean, I got your email and I'll get back to you later in the day/weekend with all of the details. If you're more comfortable with using spray sizing before cutting you can, but it's not required. I'm curious about never pre-washing. Have you never had a problem with the fabrics shrinking? I know I've gotten away with it once in a while, but over all I can't imagine. Especially when using the less expensive fabrics with a lower thread count-they really shrink up in the wash. Doesn't that present a problem to your finished quilt?

Thanks for the update, Kathy. I'm sure your selection is great. I haven't actually chosen mine yet. I am hoping to go shopping soon at the newest local quilt shop. Well, new to me. My old favorite shop recommended it and I'm excited! Do you have my new address?

As for Becca's school it sounds like you're doing great. We do year-round school too, and it's such a blessing! Don't get stuck in a rut, though. We have changed the way we do things so many times since we pulled Sydney out of school, and for the summer at least we are going with a child-led learning model of school. We have a colony of army worms in a big tub by the garage, and we have done units on mushrooms, wolf spiders, and little brown bats, all based on the wonderful things around us. And believe it or not we have managed to work in other subjects around it like math and social studies. We are eager to explore our new town. It's very small-only 1,500 people, but tons of history. We have over 30 buildings in the National Historic register, and a couple of different museums of history. Lots of train stuff, and a great little library. Anyway, I have found through lots of trial and error that Sydney works better in a less restrictive atmosphere. I wish I had clued in earlier! :rolleyes:

Well, I actually like the puckered shrunk look, but perhaps I need to make a couple of comparison blocks, sandwich them together, then wash them to see how different they actually look. I may find I don't like not pre-washing. I have never noticed any major difference though. But I have only done 4 or 5 quilts. Most of which I have given away, so I don't see the end results after washing. OOPS. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Jean

Just mailed out May fabric. Ok after I looked at them together they don't look so ugly. Maybe they don't belong in the ugliest catogory afterall. Hope they work OK. Jean <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I'm sure they are fine! I'll be sure to post here when they come. I guess it's about time to post next month's swap, too, isn't it? Soon!

Well, I placed an order today for my fabric choices. I was going to check out a new store (new to me) but the vans won't cooperate. The service engine light came on in the newer van, so we were getting ready to take it to the shop and leave it over night when the sliding door fell off of the other van. We've been wanting to get rid of it for a while now, so I think we'll donate it to a charity if they will come and get it. Todd managed to track down a dealership that will give us a loaner while they look at the van, and we'll take it in on Saturday. Meanwhile, he's driving it back and forth to work and nervous as can be about it. And no shopping for us! Now I really wish there was a fabric store in town. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

So I ordered from www.craftconn.com . They have a really great site, and I found some black and white prints I hadn't seen anywhere else. I also found that they have great prices on the thread I like to use, and when you're all done ordering the screen pops up with a "we love you". Now that's customer appreciation!

Jean, your fabrics arrived today. Good job! they are both just right for this swap. Your return package should be in the mail by the end of next week. I'm just waiting on my order and to see what cool stuff Kathy sent.

My fabric order arrived today from the Craft Connection. They are so neat! I hope you guys think so, too. Unfortunately our washing machine broke down this morning. Right in the middle of a large load. So if they can't come out and fix it by the time I swap my fabrics won't be prewashed. I don't think it will be a problem, but I wanted to warn you just in case.

First the vans and now the washing machine. You should go buy a lottery ticket because you are due for some good luck.

So, does anyone have anything special planned for their material?

There is no way that I can do a June swap, but by July I will have my world back under control and might go for it. Idiot proof sounds like a challenge. I can mess anything up. LOL

Michelle