I vote for spring florals. I prefer a cream background but am OK with white as well.

First class has free tracking for packages up to 13 ounces. Over 13 ounces bumps you up to Priority. For both first class and priority the return envelope can't have tracking already on it -- you do that when you mail them back. Both are free.

BTW, are the dimensions on this churn dash what you have in mind? I've seen some where the center square is larger or smaller, but this is the one I usually make.

http://www.quilterscache.com/C/ChurnDashBlock.html

Belfrybat this pattern looks good to me just as long as it comes out as a unfinished 12.5 block. I have a pattern book that I am going to be making a copy of the pattern and posting but I do believe the measurements are the same.

Me, me, me! WOW, or white tone on tone, would show spring colors well. I also have some COC if that's what the majority would like. I would be happy with any pastel spring florals or prints. If we used florals and prints, everyone should pretty well be covered without having to buy fabrics. Just my thoughts, but I'll be happy with whatever is decided.
I like the two color suggestion, the background with one other color for the churn dash. Choosing specific colors for the churn dash would mean buying new fabric for some of us.
Thanks for posting so quickly!

I'd like to join this after all decisions are made. If I have a vote, I like the idea of using florals in spring colors with the white tone on tone backgrounds.

MaryMo everyone has a vote and yours is very welcome. We all need to be on the same page so we all are happy with what we are making for the swap, I want everyone to be happy and enjoy making their blocks.

Belfrybat, I was able to get a tracking number for my self-addressed return priority envelope. The postman used a black marker to cross out the envelope's bar code, then he used a bar code sticker he took from his drawer to stick over the original printed bar code. He scanned the sticker bar code, charged me for the stamps, and circled the tracking number on my receipt, which also indicated the tracked package was going to my home location. This method worked fine and I could track the return package. I think you just have to write your address on the envelope, and ask for return tracking of it. Or-- maybe I just have a sweet postman?

I don't prefer white/on white or white/on off-white/cream fabric. 'Cream colored' can have a wide range, depending on someone's interpretation: off-white, beige, light tan, taupe, etc. Do you mean a solid cream fabric? Or a blender? Blenders or neutral prints often give a nice interest. Whatever is chosen, the background is sure not to match up from quilter to quilter anyway! It's just a case of if you like how the finished blocks play together, or not. In the end, it's always personal opinion...

Some of the most common backgrounds are white or cream. Would you consider something different for a change? Pale blue instead? Like the sky! Or pale green? Like the new plants of Spring! Or pale yellow? Like sunshine!

I love this pattern! I agree, there surely are lots of variations. If you are considering embroidery or appliqued centers, probably any size pieces to make the block would be fine-- as the blocks might not all be the same anyway, considering these other additions. But if you want all the churn dash patterns to be the same, then specific measurements need to be given...

Floral fabric sounds like a lovely option! I agree, with a two color option there will be people who either don't have the color, or don't like it. I love the scrappy look of various prints. So, I'd vote for any print goes. The churn dash is not a complicated block. This is only 17 pieces in a 12" block. Maybe it would be fun to have the freedom to use more than one print? For example the triangles one color and the bricks another color.

I looked at the quilterscache link that Belfrybat gave. Look at the difference between these two examples they have! :-)
White -- http://www.quilterscache.com/images1...rnstateill.jpg
Quilter's choice of colors/scrappy -- http://www.quilterscache.com/BomLott...otto_Sept.html (not a quilt, but you get the idea.)

Sorry for the long post... I seem to always have lots of thoughts, and I like to write... :-)

I hope to join and my vote would be for 12.5" blocks using the quilter's cache pattern and made with 2 fabrics - WOW background and pastel solids, blenders, and florals/prints (that read as a solid). Also, no holiday or juvenile fabrics.

The quilterscache pattern is the churn dash block I'm fimiliar with too. I agree that white, or WOW or cream background will be nice. I love flowers, so I have tons of floral prints. This is my vote:) Excited to see what everyone votes for!

Lovely quilt, Cuppy! That is an inspiration for us!