Winter 1.5" square swap - Sign up closes March 7, 2011

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01-24-2011, 11:18 PM

#151

mbogenpohl

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: Jackson, Missouri

Posts: 281

I have been cutting and saving 11/2" squares for a while now and I have a box by my couch and I hand sew several pieces together at night while watching TV. I believe with hand sewing it's so much easier to keep seems straight and exact. I would rather use my hands as my sewing machine, but with these swaps there just isn't enough time for that. My quilt will be all scrappy of course just a randam draw from my box to which pieces are sewn together!

01-24-2011, 11:23 PM

#152

mbogenpohl

Junior Member

Join Date: Jul 2008

Location: Jackson, Missouri

Posts: 281

Forgot to mention that I already have all my squares cut and ready to mail for the swap. Just a question this is my first swap for 1 1/2" squares so I was wanting to know how everyone packs theirs for mailing. I have some small jewelry zip lock bags that are the perfect size to fit all 50 squares in which will be awesome for shipping but my problem is the return postage that's why I wanted to pack mine just like everyone else so I will know what I need to send for return shipping. Thanks everyone I hope this made since! LOL

01-25-2011, 05:09 AM

#153

raedar63

Super Member

Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Ohio

Posts: 3,712

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbogenpohl

Good question, I would like to know too.
Rae

01-25-2011, 05:54 AM

#154

Ms Grace

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2008

Location: Louisiana

Posts: 3,769

Quote:

Originally Posted by oksewglad

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ms Grace

I'm thinking on this one...... :roll:

Have a question if someone can answer me.
I'd love to make a postage stamp quilt, but how on earth can you possibly match the seams on all those tiny little squares?

Is there a secret?? :shock: :lol: If so, please share the info. :-D

I think the first order on the small stuff is to have accurate cuts, then sew an accurate, consistent seam.
One thing one has to watch is how you start and end the seam. I call it the l-r swing. We as sewers tend to start to far to the left, curve into the 1/4" seam allowance and then end up too far from the right making a slight "S" shape in the seam. Try sewing 2 1.5" squares together with highly contrasting thread and see if that's a problem for you. If it is true for you, simply try to start and end straight. I catch myself doing the l-r swing everyonce in while and usually go back and resew the seam correctly.
I don't press open, I get a better match by pressing to the side and butting the two seams together or "locking them in place" as Eleanor Burns would tell you.
I think it's also helpful to sew in units. Make a bunch of 4 patches, then sew 4-4 patches to make a bigger square. Then progress to sewing 16 patches together until you get the size you want.
Okay that's my 2 cents worth.

Very good info. Thanks so much!
Still thinking on this. Right now I'm signed up for the Feb. DQ swap, (just finished Jan swap) 2011 Siggie block swap, Funky Chicken block swap.

01-25-2011, 06:05 AM

#155

LAB55

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2010

Posts: 7,529

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbogenpohl

I used a small gold mailing envelope to send in & also to have return, I didn't seal it until I took it to PO and had the same amount of postage put on my return envelpoe as the sending one, put return in , seal & send .
Hope this helped, this was my first time for a swap also. :-)

01-25-2011, 07:13 AM

#156

KarenBarnes

Super Member

Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: Oregon

Posts: 1,119

I wrapped mine in plastic wrap and put them in a yellow padded envelope. Concluded just like Lab55...

01-25-2011, 08:29 AM

#157

SewExtremeSeams

Super Member

Join Date: May 2009

Posts: 7,741

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbogenpohl

This is my 3rd postage stamp swap. The usual ways swappers pack their squares is in snack size ziplock bags, sew a double thread through the center of the whole set of 50 squares, and Moonrise shrink wrapped hers (we all thought she was so clever... cuz she IS!).

If you send 10 sets, you get the same amount back so your weight would be the same. I have never had to pay more postage nor has anyone that I know of. I have not done international so maybe someone else can give their input.

Remember to put your board name (and real name if you wish) on each set, in some form, that won't come loose. We dont' want to create a nightmare for Missi.

Hope this helps. You will love this so much you will want to do the next one too. :-D

01-25-2011, 10:16 AM

#158

ScrapQuilter

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: Wisconsin

Posts: 2,055

Sent my 16 sets out yesterday......... this is my sencond swap of 1 1/2' blocks and is great to see all the dif kinds of fabric everyone is using. Hope to use my squares in either a 9 patch or a double irish chain..... what does everyone else have in mind to use their squares in????