This is for all quilters who would like to be a part of a Round Robin, but don't want to commit to a group project. You will each make your own quilt, and while we'll all follow the same 'recipe', no two quilts will be alike. There will not be any patterns or tutorials unless other members would like to post them. I've set up a flickr group, and will issue invitations to anyone who would like to join in and add their pictures as we progress.
This is the first time I've done something like this, so if it doesn't make sense, or I'm leaving out something very important, please don't hesitate to ask for changes or clarification. All comments and suggestions are welcomed.
Each person should start with a 12-16" center block of their choice. Later, we will have the option of setting it on point, so keep that in mind as you make your block. I plan to do some type of floral applique for my first block. Please have your block ready to go by the first of September, when I'll post the first "assignment'. I'll do another assignment on the first of each month, with the exception of December. We'll probably go 8-10 rounds to completion. I've got ideas from research I've done online, and from friends who recently completed a round robin in our guild.
Keep in mind, this is your own quilt. If you get behind, you can always catch up later. If you are really opposed to one border, skip it! I know I'll be stretching my skills, and brushing up on my math as we go along. If you need help, ask on the flickr site, and maybe another member will be able to help you out. I should state right here and now that I am not an expert quilt maker, and I will not have all the answers. But I'm hoping we'll make new friends, learn new skills, and all end up with beautiful quilts.
Who wants to play along? I'll be going back to gather some e-mail addresses of those who have already express interest. If you're a no-reply blogger, please send me a e-mail.
In addition to posting on my blog, I'll be copying the posts into a page (see tabs under my header) and adding the info each week so that it can all be found in one place. Maybe I'll even learn how to make my own 'button' before we're finished, that you can put on your own sidebar.
August 2, 2011
Ladies, it’s time to begin making your center block. I would suggest making it 12-16”, and it can be anything you want! We will probably be setting it on point in a couple of months (if desired or appropriate) so keep that in mind. I plan to do some type of floral appliqué, but any pattern will work.
From Stars:
Applique:
Baskets,
Do not feel restricted by these ideas. Anything goes! I love looking for new quilt blocks, and spend plenty of time on Google. If you type in the block that you’re looking for, and then click IMAGES on the left side of the screen, you can get plenty of inspiration. Keep in mind that this will set the tone for your style of quilt, and for your color scheme. Do you like primitive? Shabby chic? 30’s reproductions? Modern brights? Since we’re making this up as we go, I’ll probably be buying fabric most months, but many of you have fabric quantities that I can only envy, and can shop your own stash.
Once you’ve finished your block, be sure to post a picture on the flickr site. I hope to get all of the invitations sent today for the site. If you need advice or help, the flickr site would be a good place to post as well. There is only one absolute requirement for this Stay at Home Robin and that is that you have fun. If you love stretching yourself and learning new techniques, this is a great time to do it. If you prefer perfecting a techniques that you’re already comfortable with, do just that. No stress! Deadlines are only suggestions, and the monthly border assignments are meant to be fun. If you don’t like a particular one, don’t do it, or change it to something that is more suitable to you. I am not an expert quilter, and the assignments are not difficult, but can be made very intricately if you wish.
One last thing. There is no requirement that you "sign up" for this. Obviously anyone who sees it is free to join in. However, if you want an invitation to the flickr site, you must send me your info. I have two "no reply" bloggers who expressed interest. Please send me your email info if you wish to be included. pjmcewen at hotmail dot com.
Are you ready? Then let’s get started!!
Happy Stitching....Sunny
eta: We will be doing a new border each month, and I will post the new assignment on the 1st of the month. We will skip December, and resume again in January.
August 31,2011
Well Ladies, are we all ready to move on to our first border? If you haven’t already done so, please post a picture of your center block on the flickr site when you get a chance to do so.
For our first border, we’re going to make a 3” border incorporating TRIANGLES. Stop and think of how many triangles you can find in quilting. You could do an entire border made of HST’s. Or how about some hourglass blocks? Or you can incorporate almost any star pattern. You can use 2 triangles or 100. I spend a lot of time at Google Images, and you can look there for inspiration, or also on other flickr groups.
Always remember, the only rule is that you have fun!
October 1, 2011
Well, here we are at month three. This month, if appropriate or desired, you will set your block on point. AND you will somehow incorporate log cabin construction! I will make my setting triangles from log cabins, but you could also make some little blocks for your cornerstones if you’re not putting your block on point. I had a hard time finding examples of using the log cabin pattern in a border, so I am not going to suggest a size for this border. Use whatever size works for you. And remember that the entire border does not have to be constructed this way. Log cabins in the corners, a couple of cute little hearts from log cabins? or whatever your creative brain comes up with. I’m thinking that Maria and possibly Linda won’t be putting theirs on point.
Well, here we are at month three. This month, if appropriate or desired, you will set your block on point. AND you will somehow incorporate log cabin construction! I will make my setting triangles from log cabins, but you could also make some little blocks for your cornerstones if you’re not putting your block on point. I had a hard time finding examples of using the log cabin pattern in a border, so I am not going to suggest a size for this border. Use whatever size works for you. And remember that the entire border does not have to be constructed this way. Log cabins in the corners, a couple of cute little hearts from log cabins? or whatever your creative brain comes up with. I’m thinking that Maria and possibly Linda won’t be putting theirs on point.
I’d also like to bring up the subject of ‘floaters’ at this time. If at any time you feel that the newly assigned border will be too busy, or will conflict with the previous border, you can add a floater or two. These are solid colored borders, often found in pairs, to separate and differentiate two other borders. They’re not easy to see in my samples, but if you look closely, I think you can make them out. I’ve used one between my triangles and my log cabin on-point. It wasn’t in my original plan, but it also gave me some wiggle room to make my measurements come out properly.
Is everyone who’s playing posting their pictures in the flickr group? I’d love to see some discussion over there! Are you having fun? I’ve already seen some amazing creativity, and got some new ideas for myself for the future. If you have any questions, please e-mail me or post them on the flickr site and I’m sure you’ll get help and advice from others in the group. I was asked for help with some math for the triangles border, so I got out my handy graph paper, started drawing and coloring, and then easily figured out the size needed. I hope. Did I get it right?
Working on this assignment has shown me how inexperienced I am with this type of project. I spent most of a day trying to figure out the size of my triangles. Please use your best judgment in any of these assignments. In the future, I’ll give a range of sizes for the borders, to make things easier to adjust for your needs.
Working on this assignment has shown me how inexperienced I am with this type of project. I spent most of a day trying to figure out the size of my triangles. Please use your best judgment in any of these assignments. In the future, I’ll give a range of sizes for the borders, to make things easier to adjust for your needs.
I am amazed with the work I've seen so far. Stitch on, ladies!!
November 2, 2011
Stay-at-Home-Robiners! Is anyone out there still playing along? By now you should have your center block, a border incorporating triangles, and then a border incorporating log cabin construction, setting on point if appropriate. Because I had problems getting my 'on point' math to work out, I will be giving a range of widths for all future borders to make it a little easier to get the math to work. Most of you are probably much better at math than I am. And of course, since it's YOUR quilt, you can make any changes you like! Our next border will be a 4-6" border incorporating either pinwheels or hourglass blocks. You can use floaters between rounds whenever necessary or desired. I inserted a floater before my log cabin border, but I won't need one this time.
JANUARY 15, 2012
Okay Ladies, how are we all doing? I'm still not finished with my Nov/Dec border, but I'm going to go ahead with the next assignment as promised. I know that some of you are all caught up and ready to move on. Next up will be a border with Applique! You choose the size and the technique that you prefer. Feel free to add floaters between borders if needed. And the applique can cross the lines onto another border if that might be appropriate.
Speaking of log cabin borders, where was this one when I was searching last month?
Here are some samples I found with either pinwheels and/or hourglass blocks.
Click on any of them to enlarge. I hope these give you some ideas! This last example also has several samples of floaters. Feel free to add them whenever you need to seperate busy borders. Have fun!! I can't wait to see how you're coming along. Be sure to post your projects on the flickr site. If you still need an invite, leave a comment here and I'll send the invite to you. Remember - this is a two month assignment. We will take the month of December off so everyone can work on all their little secret projects and spend time with their families. I plan to get mine done soon so I can kick back and relax.
