It sounds like fun. I am not sure about the time limit.... Let me think about it.......

Is anyone interested in doing a block swap? If you are not familiar with the concept, let me explain. We have a sign-up online to either a certain date or until we have a certain number of people sign up (usually limited to 12). Then we have a date by which the blocks must be finished--usually at least a couple of months. Then everyone who has signed up will make 1 block for each person, all the same pattern, so that each person in the swap ends up making 12 identical blocks and trading them around so that they end up with 12 different blocks (1 of your own and 11 from the other swappers.) Then, everyone sends in 11 blocks to me (the moderator), keeping one of your own, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and I will swap the blocks and mail everyone's package back to them with their new blocks. I'll figure out what postage will be later, probably about $3 per 12 blocks inside the US. If you're rearin' to go, be sure you pick ONLY 100% cotton quilt quality fabrics and machine stitch the blocks for durability and consistency. Blocks can be paper-pieced if desired, but be certain to remove the paper before mailing and everyone should give each block a good pressing before mailing as well. Blocks should be 12 1/2" by 12 1/2" so that after sewing together with 1/4" seam allowance, we will have 12" blocked quilts. I'd like to do this to make a commemorative quilt of our weight loss journeys so be thinking about a block pattern that speaks of your wls journey in some way and we'll attach notes to the blocks to let everyone know why we chose that pattern along with our name, user name and city,state. If anyone is interested, please email me AND sign up online here so that everyone can see who else is signed up. If we have tons of people respond, we might be able to do 2 swaps--I'd be willing to make 24 blocks (2 different sets of 12) and end up with a larger quilt so that option is available is we have a lot more than 12 sign up. I see this forum is not very active, so I'll be posting a msg in the main forum letting people know this is here in the quilting forum as well. Hope there is some interest! Blessings, Teresa

Hi Peeps, I'm a quilter too... I didn't even know they had a quilting site, I pretty much stick to the Cali board, but I'm always open to meeting new people. I just got a stack'n'wack quilt back from the machine quilters too... and I'm about to start my binding... I hate to brag, but this quilt is absolutely beautiful. I've only sewen about 8 quilts now and with each quilt my skill gets better. (meaning my corners are meeting in the proper places and I'm definately getting faster). I'm also getting really good at choosing colors. I've made another stack'n'wack quilt that I'm about to put the boards on too. I need to find another pattern to work on besides stack'n' wack, althought I think they make up so pretty. I'll check back again later! Happy Holidays everyone! Chris

Our group "Caring Crocheters" are looking for help in the form of members to help provide the many needs for hospice by making things such as lapghans, pillows, stoma covers, all the things our elderly need in the way of comfort. We also are in need of yarn and postage angels. If you don't crochet or knit or sew and feel like you would like to help or know someone that has extra yarn they would be willing to donate, or postage to help mail these things please visit our Yahoo group and become a part of a group that is trying to make just a small difference in the lives of many. Thank you! Please visit our Yahoo group....Caring Crocheters. [email protected] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Caringcrocheters/

Good luck on your surgery Monday. Your recoup. time should give you plenty of time for hand work. I too enjoy hand work. I've got 3 quilts in the works. 2 are Grandma's flower gardens-all being hand done. There will be no machine stitching on it at all. The other is a snowball floral quilt. It's quite pretty. Our guild is doing them for comfort quilts for a local cancer dr/clinic. Aren't stack and whack's fun? I just finished the blocks for one.. Your Irish Chain sounds beautiful. And yes all the animals must try out and help with the arranging of the blocks and trying out of the quilts as they are being done. My puppy wants to sit in my lap as I sew at the machine. But has to be content with a chair pulled up as close as possible (touching) and then she is ok. But we still have to take lap breaks. Donna, I will keep you in my prayers. Happy Quilting! Cheryl 9 years out