Shabby stars quilt top + April swap partner

Its always lovely when a project comes together and is ready for pinning and quilting.  Its even more special when its a joint effort between friends.

I wish to thank the following ladies for their beautiful contribution to my second friendship quilt since commencing Quilting block swaps Australia - which I have named Shabby Stars

It could not have been possible without the help of :

LINDA

BRIGETTE

DALLAS

TERESA

LARRAIN

TARNYIA

LYNETTE

and

LEONA

I was so excited about finally sewing the borders on that I had to share it with everyone.  Now I have to pin it all together and quilt it.  As one of the borders was a directional patterned border fabric I had to mitre the corners to make it look right. 

 This was only the second time I had done mitred corners and I think the extra effort pays off.  I did receive a few more shabby chic stars that did not make into this quilt as they didn't quite fit, but rest assured I really appreciate the stars and they will be put to good use in another quilt at a future date.

I am not sure yet how I am going to quilt this - any ideas would be greatly appreciated.



On another note, I have completed my swap block for the lovely Noelene.  I have become a fan of log cabins since starting this group, and in fact have changed my preference to one for the Christmas swap.  I love the chic black and white with the red centre that Noelene has requested and cant wait to see the finished quilt.

If any of the members that have been part of the group for some time have made quilts or are close to completing quilts from block swap partners please do share them on this blog, as it gives us all more inspiration.   Seeing all of the lovely blocks makes my to do list get longer and longer.

Noelene's log cabin

UK/USA - April Block

A new Financial Year here in the UK starts in April - It is a new Year to me too! - So much has happened and nothing was done (in crafts matter) as I had a bad accident with my foot back in January and only now after so much physiotherapy and a new Sewing Machine I can actually put my sewing life in order.

I join all the other members in congratulating Sue and Crafty Pugs for the APRIL ANNIVERSARY SWAP for this lovely group and wonderful shared experiences. It's been fun and I am learning with your all. Well organised and very supportive. Cheers!!



My April SWAP partner is LEONA and her block is on its way to America. It was fun and very enjoyable time making this block

'till next time
Gina

Sneak peek for Robyn

Robyn your block is traveling your way (posted on Saturday)

Hope you like it..

Sneak Peek for Doris

Here is my sneak peek for Doris.  She requested black and white with one color.  This will go out in the mail on Wednesday.  Doris, if you want to be surprised then don't visit my blog on Tuesday.

APRIL ANNIVERSARY SWAP PARTNERS SENT

As you may all know by now, April is our "ANNIVERSARY" month

I have just sent out the swap partners for the group 1 - 12 inch block swap for April so please make contact with you member when you receive the email and if any of your details have changed let me know so I can update the data base.

Teena was the first member I swapped with so a HUGE THANK YOU to Teena for being with me since the very beginning.


This was shortly followed by Cathy Cates, Leena Liew and our lovely Christmas group co ordinator Crafty Pugs. Alex who runs group 2 did her first swap with me in August 2010.

We have 46 confirmed members swapping in group 1 in April, and I am just waiting to hear back from 3 other members that are taking a break or are new to confirm their swaps for this month.

In all we have 15 new members that have joined (across all 4 groups) for the month of March, I think that deserves a round of applause if nothing else.

On 6th April I will announce the winners of our Anniversary celebration give- aways.

I also think its time to give the blog a new face lift, so I will be sourcing new blog templates over the coming weeks and changing things around a bit. 

March block from Melody

My March block arrived today in the mail. My partner, Melody sent me the most gorgeous block. I love the colors, and the fabric she used for the center square is absolutely fabulous. Thank you Melody!!!

Here is my fantastic star block from Cathy in SA, and Cathy yours is on its way as well. Thanks so much, from Dallas

March Swap

Ohhhh I am so late in posting my block to my partner in Australia but here it is!
It was posted on 22nd March and I hope Sylvia will like it.

March Swap Blocks.

I am a little slow at posting this month as I have been visiting my DD2.

Helen, my swap partner, asked for any Blue Star with Biege/White background.
I enjoyed making this block for her.

This is the lovely Block Helen sent me.
Thank you Helen I love it.

Block for Tarnyia

Aqua and Red 

My star block arrived from Craft Pug in the mail last Thursday...

oops for not getting round to posting...

Love it Craft Pug... thank you for being my partner and the extra fabric that came with it...

Luv T xxx

MARCH BLOCK FROM JANE

Thank you Jane. Today the postman brought your parcel. I absolutely love your block! Thant you for the mouse pad, I needed one. Big hugs.

March Received

I have received my block from Leena and I love it.  I have not made hers yet as I had to go an purchase some black fabric...  Well here is the block that Leena sent me.

Block from Rosemary......

goes so well with my collection! - thanks rosemary

Teena's block Sneak Peak

Teena's Ohio Star will be in the mail tomorrow. It was (is) a very productive weekend for sewing as we have had rain non-stop since Saturday morning.

Its raining members.

Membership on all of our groups continues to grow, which is fantastic.  Alex had 5 new members for group 2 in March.  We had our first 6 inch swap this month with 14 members kicking that off and 3 new members were welcomed by Crafty into our Christmas group.

I also have 2 new members waiting patiently for the April swap to commence bringing Group 1 membership back up to 49, after losing a few earlier in the year.  So a quilted hugs welcome to Doris from Victoria and Chris from NSW.

All new members that join up in the month of March will be put in the draw for a charm pack to celebrate our first Anniversary.

Membership to all of our groups is free.

Anniversary Blog give aways

As many of you lovely ladies know its Quilting block swaps Australia's 1st Anniversary on April 6th.

To celebrate I am having a give away - so you get the gifts... and here is a preview of what is on offer.

Give away #1 New members.

Any new member who joins up between March 6th and April 6th in any of our groups is in the running to receive this pack of "Make Life" charm squares from Moda.

Any member can post an advertisement on their blog to promote our quilting groups, I will judge the winners for creativity and will give 6 fat quartes to first place.  These are Fandango by Kate Spain

second place will receive 3 fat quarters of La Petite Ecole by French General

And third place will win 2 Moda Blush fat quarters - so what have you got to lose.

Just pop a comment on this or the original post with details directing me to your blog so I can see your ad.

Quilted hugs, Sue x

Ann's March block .....

this is Ann's block that I made for her ...

yes ... i know .. it is not the best angle to see it properly .. but can't totally ruin the surprise .... lol ...

I hope you like it Ann ... it will be heading to Lake Charlotte in tomorrow's mail ...

Debbies block to Rosemary

Rosemary has asked me to show you this lovely log cabin she received from her swap partner Debbie.

Rosemary said she loves her choice of country colours for the block

March block from Jolanda

What a perfect combination of all my favourite colours. Thank you Jolanda. I loved the card and I will certainly try the Green Tea. Your island looks like paradise.

And these are my blocks so far .....

A for Alicia



You'll have to wait to see it.



Just to tease Alicia....



The block is on its

way to my March partner.


I hope she likes it!

Apologies

Thanks Ladies for the advice on the binding, bu tI have to apologise because I posted to the wrong blog!  This was just a 'vent' for my own blog, but again, I do appreciate the advice.  Cheers

March Block Received

I was a lucky girl and received this lovely block from Fiona of Bubz Rugz.
I love it and I think it'll work well with the rest of my blocks.
Thanks Fiona xo

Lucky me

This gorgeous block arrived on Friday.  It came with some delicious owl fabric and a gorgeous owl card.  Alethea is very funny and wrote in the card
Can't decide whether to call it Owl-vis, Owl McPherson or Owl-Capone.  Nevertheless he/she comes from Owl Catraz.
Made me smile all weekend.  Thank you so much Alethea, I love this block.

I sent this star to Alethea which I had a lot of fun fussy cutting.  I popped in a couple of coasters showing birds who come to feed in my garden each day.
I love being part of this group.  Many thanks to Sue for organising it for us.

BLOCK CHOICES- Alternative solutions.

If a member requests a block choice in a pattern style that you are unable to do (IE Four & Twenty blackbirds), please contact this member and ask them to select an alternate pattern.  It is my understanding that this is a foundation pieced block and I for one, have not learnt this technique so I would not be able to make this block easily either.

I want all members to be confident in their block making, and I want the group to be open to all levels of quilters from novices to experienced so this should not be an issue.

Like wise, if a members colour choices are not what you have in your stash (ie they may request batiks and you don't have any in your stash), if you are not in a position to purchase additional fabric speak to them and ask if they are able to select an alternative.  We don't want members to feel like they have to spend money on additional fabric if they don't need to.

Many members offer 2 block choices and colour ways to resolve this issue, and if you have not given me an altrernate block choice or colour choice it may be a good idea to do this by emailing me.

Help needed with Four and Twenty Blackbirds Block

Goodness this is a hard block.Has anyone done this block and does anyone have any tips for this novice...I have tried it twice today and it is hard to me...
Id love to hear from anyone..
tata

From Teena to Minette

This is the gorgeous Wonky Star Teena made me ! Isn't  it cute, wonky and happy????

March Block from Samelia's Mum

This lovely block arrived for me this week.....

I have been a reader of Samelia's Mum for ages and love her work.... it is lovely to have a piece of her beautiful work in my quilt.....

Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks.....................

lucky lucky me!!!!

look at this gorgeous block i got from Tarnyia!!! isn't it beautiful!!!
i can't wait to see this quilt come together
thank you!!!!

GIVE AWAY TIME to CELEBRATE our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

My first ever post was on April 6th 2010

So its a little less than one month to go before I celebrate one year of Quilting Block Swaps Australia.

TO CELEBRATE I AM HOSTING A FAT QUARTER GIVEAWAY

To join me in the celebrations simply follow these easy steps.

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. Pop an ad on your blog to Celebrate our first year.

3. Your ad is to invite new members to join one or all of our fabulous groups

I will be looking at these ads over the coming weeks and will make a personal decision on the cutest, funniest or most unique ad - so get your creative juices flowing, I know you all have them.

The winner will receive 6 co ordinated Fat Quarters.

Second place will  receive 3 Fat Quarters

and Third place will receive 1 Fat Quarter

AND

any NEW  members
that join up between now and April 6th will go in the drawn to win a charm square pack

So what have you got to lose?

This celebration give away will close on April 3rd and the winner will be announced on our 1 year anniversary- April 6th 2011

WOO HOO

.

Julies stars

Julie is a star - and today I received not one but two beautiful blue stars in the mail from her.  I have changed my preference to solid saw tooth stars in blue or red on a tone on tone white background with either a solid or 9 patch centre.  Julie could not decide which one to make so made both - how lucky am I. !!

Marie and Fiona

These are from the February block swap ....... I received this lovely I Spy Wonky Square block from Marie

I love the block - thanks

... it came with some lovely home gelatin dyed pieces Marie did herself... how special...

Marie also wanted a Wonky Square but in earthy autumny colours:

.... so this is what I sent.....

(sorry - the picture is awfully dark - the block wasn't this dull..... I promise!!)

Thanks Sue for facilitating this lovely swap.....



Teaser Alert!

This month my swap partner is Terri K. from QLD and she requested aqua, red and white. Here is a teaser of your block. It will be in the post this week!

Hugs
Sylv

Feb Block received....

from Nolene.....thanks so much

Sneak Peek for Bubz Rugz

Here's a sneak peek for Fiona of Bubz Rugz.

It's a wonky i-spy block.

Hope you like it Fiona :-)

Peek for Leanne

Here is a sneak peek for Leanne.  This will be going out in the mail the first part of the week. 

Hugs,

Linda G (Stray Stitches) 

Bubz to Samelia

Anorina asked for any block including black white grey red.....

This block will be on it's way to NSW this week.....

Sneaky peak only .... of course...

Hope it goes with the rest of her blocks