Kates Blocks so Far.....

Here's a sneak at Kate's blocks for the Penny Pincher 2 swap. I think they look great!

Don't throw away the strings

Another thing I didn't know about when I first started this hobby was string quilts. Strings are the strips of fabric that is cut off when evening out the edge of the fabric when rotary cutting. The first couple of quilts I made I threw away the strings. Shortly after that I discovered string quilts. I wish the trash hadn't been emptied, as I swear I would have dug out all those strings if I could have. Here's a link to information on making a string quilt.

Organizing your scraps and other great tips I've found

When I first began to quilt, not that long ago, I wasn't sure what to do with the left over scraps. Until..... I found this great website. Bonnie the author of the website has an amazing system for organizing and dealing with her scraps. This system works great for the penny pincher swaps, and I have been using it ever since I read it the first time. Here's the link to her system.

Another great thing I've learned is to chain peice. This makes the quilt get finished much faster. I use it all the time for the penny pincher swaps. Here's a link to that information also.

Many times new quilters don't understand why their blocks aren't coming out at the correct finished size. If you've cut accurately, and sewn an accurate seam, it may be in your pressing. The first time I received blocks back from a block lotto I had won, I was shocked at how neatly pressed everyone else's blocks were, and embarrased by the ones I had sent in. Here's an article about pressing.

Here's an article about rotary cutting that is helpful.

And yet another article, this one about color value.

Sewing an Accurate Seam article.

Basic Rules for the Penny Pincher Swaps

What brand of fabric is allowed?
We will be using 100% good-quality cotton fabrics for these swaps. (No flannel, homespun, or brushed cotton) Fabric should be pre-washed, dried, and pressed before cutting and sewing the blocks together. Non-LQS (Local Quilt Shop) fabrics are welcome as long as they are of good quality. Not thin, stiff, or rough to the touch.

How Many Blocks Can I Swap?
This will be dependent on each particular Penny Pincher Swap, and will be in the original post for the swap.

How Many Blocks Can I make exactly the same?
This is also a variable, and will be in the first post of each swap.

Can I use Holiday fabric?
No, Holiday fabric is not allowed in these swaps unless specifically stated in the original post.

What about novelty fabric?
Novelty fabric is allowed as long as it is family friendly, meaning no naked cowboys or anything like that.

Generally we also only allow one solid fabric in each block.
The exception to this rule is this: Each block will sometimes have a specific color required in the block such as red in the first swap, purple and lavender were required in the second swap. If you use a solid for the required color, you can still use one solid somewhere else in the block.

Why is the sign up date and the deadline date the same?
This because many times people want to join the swap, but are unsure if they will have time to make the blocks. This way if you want to join you can make the blocks, and as long as they are mailed on time, and you post to me on the site, and send me an e mail stating you are joining and sending blocks you don't have to commit first. This is a good way to be able to participate if you get time. We'd love to have a committment though if you are sure you will be able to fulfill it.

Where do I send the blocks?
Blocks are mailed to me, Colene/Robicole Generally, when you sign up for the swap, be that before or after you make your blocks, I will return your sign up e mail with my mailing address.

How do I sign up?
Post a message in the swap discussion on about.com that you'd like to sign up, and then e-mail me, Colene, (robicole) to sign up and get the address for sending your blocks -- -- please put "Penny Pincher Swap #(put the number of the swap here )” in the subject area of the e-mail. (I do not accept e-mail without a subject.) Please include your forum name, your real name, e-mail address, and your mailing address in the e-mail.

How to Send Your Blocks
On the back of each block put a label with your full name -- a pressure-sensitive address label is fine -- as is a piece of masking tape. As this is a Thrifty swap -- do not place each block in its own plastic bag -- but place all blocks into one plastic bag labeled with your name and address and the number of blocks you are including on the outside. The label is important for swapping out -- without it, I cannot guarantee that you will not end up receiving some of your own blocks back.
Address one envelope to me, with your return address in the proper area. Address a second envelope to yourself, but leave the return area open -- I will add my label. Put your plastic bag and return envelope into the one addressed to me -- but do not close it. Take it to the post office for weighing, and put the proper amount of postage on the outer envelope. Then weigh the return envelope with the baggie of blocks, and put the proper amount of postage on the return envelope -- USE ONLY STAMPS for the return envelope, no metered mail. Put it all together and send it off.

A word about flat rate envelopes: (well maybe more than one word)
Flat rate envelopes are free at the post office,($4.60 to mail) This may be less expensive to use. If you choose to mail this way, and have your blocks returned this way, include $4.60 in postage with your blocks, also please please please send a return label with your address on it. These are also free at the post office. You do not need to send me an envelope if you are mailing this way. I keep the flat rate envelopes on hand at my house. (note: the tyvec envelopes are not flat rate envelopes, so if you use these you must have them weighed, but these are bigger envelopes and much easier to fit the blocks in, they also hold together better in my opinion.)

How long does it take to get my blocks back after they are swapped?
I have a goal to have all blocks swapped and mailed back to the swappers 7 to 10 days after the mailing deadline.

How do I e mail you through the forum?
Click on my forum name at the top left corner of a post I've written, a small window will pop up. Click on E-mail this member. This will allow you to e mail me.

Can I talk about other things besides quilting on the swap thread?
Yes, off topic chatter is great, much of the fun of swapping for me is getting to know the other people on the forum.

General Rules:
PLEASE MEASURE YOUR BLOCKS, DO NOT SEND IN BLOCKS THAT ARE TOO SMALL, AS THEY WILL BE RETURNED UNSWAPPED.
ONLY SEND IN THE QUALITY OF BLOCKS AND FABRIC YOU WOULD WANT TO HAVE RETURNED TO YOU. IF YOU SEND IN FLIMSY FABRIC OR BLOCKS THAT DON'T MEET THE GUIDELINES, I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEND THEM BACK UN-SWAPPED.
PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES, ITS NO FUN TO SEND SOMEONE'S BLOCKS BACK, IT HURTS MY FEELINGS ALSO.
IF YOU EVER HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE ASK ON THE FORUM, OR E-MAIL ME THROUGH THE FORUM.
AND THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE: HAVE FUN! THAT'S WHAT ITS ALL ABOUT.

Swapping Etiquette:
Do not join this swap unless you are sure you have the time necessary to complete the swap.
Send your blocks in ON TIME or early. I do not wait for late blocks to arrive.
If you are unhappy with the swap e-mail me about your concerns, this is a much better way to handle difficulties than posting on the forum.
The swap guidelines are not negotiable. It is unfair to ask to change the swap in the middle of the swap. Other swappers may have plans for the blocks and have joined because they liked the original swap/block. This includes the time frame for the swap. I have changed the deadline for swaps, but this takes work. I need to make sure everyone in the swap is satisfied with the new swap deadline before doing this.
Neatness counts: Please trim all excess threads and bunny ears off your blocks before mailing them. Also, press your blocks before mailing.
Be aware of your skill level. Do not sign up for a block that you know you will not be able to make accurately.
Only send in the quality of blocks that you would be thrilled to receive. This counts also for fabric.
If you are unable to fulfill your swap obligation you need to e mail me as soon as possible. It is not fair to other swappers to be waiting for blocks that never show up.
If you sign up for a swap, and do not complete your obligation, either by finishing the swap, or letting me know by e mail what the issues are, you will be reported as a bad swapper on the about.com hostess forum. You will not be allowed to swap with me again.
I strive to make the swap fun for everyone, it is not fun to receive blocks that are not someone's best work. Please only send in your best work.
Some people mark their blocks with address labels, do not use this information for sending spam or political/religous e mail to them. Do not share their addresses or personal information with others. The golden rule definately applies.
Realize that your hostess can not guarantee a successful swap. The success depends on all swappers following all the guidelines.
I use my best judgement....it may or may be the same as your best judgment
Be sure to notify the hostess when you receive your swapped blocks, it is disconcerting to wonder if someone has received them, or are they lost in post office land. It is also common courtesy. You wouldn't want the hostess to not notify you, have the same courtesy for them.
I am donating my time to organize and carry out the swap. Please treat me as a volunteer, not someone you've hired to carry out a job. I do this for fun, and hope you do also.
If you are wanting to make perfect quilt out of your blocks, you will probably be disappointed, rarely are all the blocks perfect. Swapping isn't for everyone. But, everyone needs to do the very best they are capable of.

Penny Pincher Blog

Following in Sophie's footsteps, I thought I would create a blog for the penny pincher swaps. Mainly so my initial posts for the swaps would be shorter, thus not ending up with the truncated message at the end of it. I'm hoping to get the basic rules for the penny pincher swaps posted here also. Maybe share some pictures, but be aware, I'm not nearly as creative a writer as Sophie. But, I'll give it a whirl.
Colene