Flickr Doll Quilt Swap, Round 12

**the announcement for the Basics Charity Challenge can be found here**

I don't know how many of you have participated in swaps, but Flickr has a lot of them going on in different groups. One of the bigger ones is the Doll Quilt Swap, which is currently starting it's 12th round.

I'm a "mama" for this round, which means I'm in charge of organzing my "bebes" and making sure things run smoothly.

One of the things about this swap that I love is it is a) a secret swap, so you don't know who will be sending to you, and b) that it encourages posting during the whole process, both pictures in the group, and lots of discussion in the group main pages. It is much more interactive and fun then simply just making and sending something out. 


Here are the guidelines for the swap, and you can find out more by going to the flickr group.

Hello everyone!
We are excited to announce the 12th round of the Doll Quilt Swap!
Sign ups will start here, there are links at the bottom of this thread where you will go to enter your information.
New this round, you need to chose between two forms for signing up. One is for international swapping, you will fill out this form if you are willing to send internationally. The other is for those only wishing to swap within their own country. It doesnt matter what country you live in, just that you dont want to ship outside of it.

There are a few changes this round, hopefully for the better.
There are 5 quilt blocks we have painstakingly chosen (ok, not really, but it sounds good, no?) for this round. You are to choose 1 of the blocks and incorporate it into your quilt. you can make the whole quilt with the one block repeated or use just one of the blocks somewhere in your quilt. You also will be required to include a solid of your choosing in any color OTHER THAN WHITE.This means you shouldnt use shades of white either: cream, sand, off white, antique white, you get the idea. The idea here is to expand your creativity. Again you can use as little or as much as you choose, but it must be included.
We have created mosaics for each of the blocks and have put them in the group for your perusal. We think this is a great opportunity to stretch your imagination, think block within a block, or liberated in a whole new way. Have fun!!
As in last round, you need to have a minimum of 6 blocks.

The blocks to choose from are as follows:
1.churn dash/shoofly
2.log cabin
3.drunkards path
4. N.Y. beauty
5.flying geese

SIZE: from 9"x9" to 20"x20"…any size or shape in between.

MATERIALS: natural fibers/cotton, wool, linen

CONSTRUCTION: Pieced, appliquéd, quilted by hand or machine; and bound.

LABEL: It is recommended that you attach a label to the back of your quilt. I know, this can be a bit scary for some people though, so I will not make it a requirement. A label is however a very nice addition to any handmade quilt. Whether or not you decide to label your quilt, please do include a note with your quilt with your name and contact information (URL, blog, email address, etc. so that they can thank you).

SECRET: This will remain a secret swap. Your partner will not know your identity. If you need to get in contact with your partner do so thru your swap parent.

ACTIVITY: Please be sure to check in to the group periodically and check everyone's progress. Post sneak peeks of your WIP, and your completed quilt. Once you have received your quilt, post a pic of it on flickr, and email your thank you to your partner as soon as physically possible. Email or flickrmail your mama to let her know you received.

DUE DATE: The deadline for all quilts to be mailed is April 2, 2012 (international), and April 9, 2012 for those sending nationally . I like to plan on sending mine a week early…just in case life gets in the way and I'm delayed. There is nothing more disappointing than not receiving a package. Also, please email your swap parent when you have mailed your quilt. Delivery confirmation is required, within the U.S.
In addition to having a DEADLINE for sending BY a certain date, we also ask that you NOT SEND TOO EARLY. Part of the fun of this swap is the anticipation, and if you send out within the first month, your partner is essentially done. NO fun. Please SEND OUT NO EARLIER THAN March 15, 2012

COMMUNICATION: If for any reason you cannot met the deadline or you need to drop out of this swap, please let your Swap Mama know as soon as you know. If you communicate any setbacks with us, we can make sure things work out favorably for your partner, no hard feelings.

dollquiltswap.blogspot.com/
**this info is on the home page of the group. down at the bottom. there may be some changes but the main guidelines are always the same

NATIONAL SIGN UP form
docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey...
INTERNATIONAL SIGN UP form

.. ..

Basics Charity Challenge 2012

The post to leave your comment entries is HERE.

Last year I started the Basics Charity Challenge. You can read what sparked it here.

The response was wonderful! So many donations were made to local shelters and we gave away a lot of 'prizes as thank yous, that I've decided to do it again.

This year I have set up a Flickr group so you can upload a photo of your donations.

So what is a basic?

 In our daily lives we have a lot of things we think of as basics.

This morning you brushed your teeth with a toothbrush and tooth paste.

 You used toilet paper.

Had soap to wash your hands.

Put on some deodorant.

 Ran a brush through your hair.

Maybe took a shower with shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a razor.

Put some make-up on.

You were able to put on clean underwear and socks, that no one else has ever worn.

In the kitchen did you grab some paper towels to clean up a little spill?

At some point during the day you probably grabbed a coffee or tea.

Used some tissue to blow your nose. Maybe sanitized your hands after.

I could go on but you probably have the point by now. We have a LOT of things that we consider basics. 

  In each of our communities there are places that people don’t have the very basic things we all take for granted. Shelters- for abused women/children, homeless, men’s missions, - exist in virtual every community. They are a necessary safety net for people in our communities who for an array of reasons need help. But these shelters are almost always in need of the basic items. Many of the people have had to leave everything behind, or don’t have anything to begin with.

Last year I received many emails from people telling me how either they or someone they know had had to use a shelter, and how much these very basic items can mean.

If you are lucky enough to never had need of a shelter, are protected and loved by your spouse, been supported by family and friends, give thanks by helping those who aren’t.

Spread the word, blog, tweet, facebook, tell your guild, email your friends. Let’s see how many people we can get to help out their community. The best way to solve a problem is to be involved.

The Challenge is this:

Go drive past your nearest shelter for abused women/children or the homeless.
See if there is a sign, if not call. Ask what they need. Check online, they probably have a website and most have a list of what is needed at that particular time.
Shelters are always in need of things like paper towels, toilet paper, new underwear, new socks, diapers, new hairbrushes, shampoo, tampons/pads, baby hygiene items, hand soap/sanitizer etc

Next time you are at the store pick up a few of the items for the list. Take a picture of the items and then go drop them off at the shelter or drop off point.

 

If your community doesn’t have a shelter, or its location is confidential and there is no drop off point for donations, you can donate through the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.Or in Canada the United Way provides funds to many shelters. If  you are international there is the Red Cross.

 Add your picture to the Flickr group so you can upload a photo of your donations. If you don't have an account, they're free, you can email me the picture and I will put it up for you. You can also send me the picture to upload if you wish to be anonymous. Leave a comment on this post telling me you did, with your flickr id or the first part of your email address.

In advance Thank you. Thank you for caring for your community members, for taking the time to donate.

I will be posting another post which will be where you can get your entries on February 1st.

Note- the code for the button is
<a href="http://www.caraquilts.com" title="Basic Charity Challenge 2012 by cara quilts, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6756949067_e292530f91_o.png" width="159" height="146" alt="Basic Charity Challenge 2012"></a>

Little Girls

My house is often over flowing with little girls. I only have one daughter but she has 3 friends who love within 4 houses of us so pretty much daily we have at least one other child here.
I love it, it is so good for Little Bit, and it helps keep her occupied. And I don't have to play "Hide and Seek".
One of the favorite places to hide is my sewing room. They hide under tables, in the closet, behind the door and under quilts.

This means its more messy then normal but I don't care. It also means they go through my fabrics, which is also ok. It makes me happy to hear them oh and aw over fabrics, quilts, purses etc that they find.

Recently they've been hinting at me making them purses. Which isn't going to happen right now. I have too much to do.
But I did make two of them these little purse/ipod bags.

They just slip over the wrist and velcro close. The girls got to pick their fabrics, and both asked for it to be longer then high. I'm guessing to accomadate the ear buds.
These were super simple and quick. I'm thinking I may have to make more as the other girls will be wanting ones too.

I'm going to be looking for little projects because all these girls want to learn how to sew/embroider. I want to be able to use stash, so lots of FQ projects. And because they are kids things that are fairly easy and don't take a lot of time/attention commitment.
Ideas?

Crafting is happening!

I know it doesn't seem like it but I really have been sewing! I have several projects in the not sure where are going, but can't show pile.
I got tired of them for a bit, I hate not being able to show things here! My blog is terribly neglected, yet it is the heart of my online quilting. So I really am trying to remember to get back here. I have lots to show and tell. I'm just not always able to, especially since my health hasn't been very good lately.

But enough whining.

Little Bit received TWO Maplelea dolls for Christmas, which are the Canadian version of the American Girl Doll. She has been obsessed with them since she received a catalogue with one of her kid's magazine subscriptions. Which still p's me off, but that's a rant for later.
Long and short is she had to get at least one for Christmas or things would have been very unpleasant around here. And before you think I'm exagerating or spoiling her, even my mother agreed that her fixation on them was extreme enough that it warranted at least one of these $100 dolls. And as much as grandma loves to spoil her, she's not one to have EVER bought such an expensive play doll.
Ok so not so short, continuing, Little Bit is in LOVE with them, especially the brunette, Taryn, who goes with her everywhere.

Little Bit decided her dolls needed nighties. So I was recruited to make them. Thing is I make quilts, not clothes.
But as I really did want something else to work on I found a pattern, pulled some stash fabrics and made these up!

I'm really happy with how they turned out. They are far from perfect, but I learned a lot, Little Bit is thrilled with them, and I think I may have enough confidence to try something more elaborate later on, like Mod Kid's Naomi pattern.

Oh and did I mention they apparently need quilts now?

Make and win a FQ bundle!

Have you seen these blogger bundles over on Fat Quarter Shop?
(check out the one on the bottom of the page for June, just sayin.....)

Ever wanted to make one yourself?

Now's your chance! Laura is hosting a FQS-sponsored contest to create and win your very own bundle!

But it's even better because you won't be winning fat quarters but 1/2 yards! I'm one of the guest judges, with Amy making the final decision. I can't say I envy her that job!

What is your favorite cut? How many do you prefer in a bundle?