Round Robin quilt is here: work to be done

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   The last guild meeting, we who were working on Round Robins got to see our quilt after all these months. It was finally time to see what had happened to our center block as it traveled through each of the rotations. Mine arrived a day late because Evelyn always goes beyond the call of duty and it took longer than expected.
 
    Before the next May 14th meeting, I am to do any of the following: Add one final border or enhance any of the previous borders (embellishments, beading, applique). I am not to change what has been done, but enhance it. I may quilt it if ambitious. A sleeve should be attached to the back with the quilt to be brought to the May meeting for the final unveiling to the membership.

     I know the quilt seems quite bright to you, but it works in the room with the oak furniture. I really don't need sunglasses when it is in the proper setting. Maybe I will add blue touches and hide the miniature hearts that are not visible here. That fabric is also a lighter weight than the others. I had suggested the values be dark since I like limited values (no "holes"), so I will probably knock down the lights. It covers the big table. You can't tell, but I learned a lot! :*) The photo is just a casual one, taken in the basement.

(Almost) The Last Rotation of the Round Robin: Phew!

      Ann has an enthusiasm for novel ways to get quilters to work together, to make new friends and learn more about quilting...."to practice creativity and learn to work with varying colors and to see how each person completes the same assignment." This year she talked many in our guild into participating in a Round Robin. She formed several groups of about five each, people who live relatively close together.

      At the end of the project, one is to come out with a quilt the owner initiated with a quilt block or medallion. This is to be added to or finished by the others in the group completing rounds of corners, squares and rectangles, triangles and finally, "anything goes." When a round is finished there is excitement, and while working on it, both great angst and some fun. I learned new techniques and solutions for which I am grateful, but like a hockey game, once is enough!

      Monday night is Reveal Night. It will be fun to embrace one's quilt which has been worked on in secret. This handsome piece will go to Rosemary. My "anything goes" round are calming enlarged squares and rectangles.The subdued red corners and brighter reds mid-side I think worked well. After each round we add a border to make it easy for the next person to get started. OH NO!  I just read that after receiving my own quilt I am to add one more round....OH!...or improve earlier borders, quilt the piece, and attach a sleeve to the back for unveiling to the membership. I can handle that. Hope Joe can :*)

Round Robin needs a lift to fly!

    The Quilters' Connection is sponsoring about 5 different Round Robin groups. Each person makes a center medallion and passes to another person who adds corners to the medallion. The third round (this one) is squares and rectangles. The next round will be triangles, alas! The owner of the original medallion does not see her quilt until it is finished on reveal day. I don't relate to purples and pinks and the owner of this medallion hates red. Also, she prefers traditional to art quilts, so we are not on the same wave length. However, I know we will both get a "kick" out of what is returned to us at the end.

     One learns when out of one's comfort zone (especially a quilter like me who has belonged to the guild only a year and a half) . I am posting this to keep a record, seek advice. I probably need to add some leaves and stems along the side or appliques on the corners, but I need for the muse to visit or you to make a suggestion. I am going on to another quilt due, having the basics of this obligation mostly out of the way. Pardon the askew photo. The piece is getting so big I needed to fly over it to photograph and almost fell :*).

Sneak Preview with Shorts

      Ann encouraged me to join a Round Robin quilt group. (This posting is a secret since the work is not to be seen before reveal day. However, everyone is busy. My RR group does not know about my blog,  and I want a blog/record.) I am a novice quilter and have never made a big quilt. I met with the group, presented my medallion to be set on point, and took home Evelyn's. She had paper pieced a detailed compass and provided fabrics. For the first round, we were given intricate (to me) mathematical formulas to use to set the corner triangles. Not wanting to ruin quilting for myself by following formulas, I set out as I do with journal quilts:  I cut and paste to see what develops.

     I got out my trusty Shape Cut Plus and rotary cutter to slice up some strips of fabric. This ruler helps to cut strips fast and straight. The problem comes trying to size and to fit the finished triangle. I did not do a perfect job at all, but I tried.

      We are supposed to have fun and take chances. I will pass my work on to Rosemary and receive a medallion with corners from Evelyn for the next round. On Rotation two, we are to add a pieced border 2 inches to 6 inches wide. We may use squares or rectangles. We are to border all four sides and add a framing piece around the outer edge of our completed work. Egads. I may need instruction.

        After each stage we take photos, but somehow the owner (who will keep the quilt begun with her medallion) won't see any work on her quilt until all rounds are complete on Reveal Day.

      I am eager to get back to Sashiko which I so enjoyed Thanksgiving evenings. It is meditative and fun for grandchildren. The straight stitches are something young children can do to also have a product (pillow, coasters). It can prepare me for hand quilting and moderation :*) I have put some projects in stockings. Although I have posted on Sashiko before, you must visit Ellen Katz's blog "File Under Fiber" for a solid introduction.

Round Robin medallion: a rough start

    Ann said it is fun to make a round robin quilt. There might be five in a group of quilters. Each makes a center piece. Each month or so, this quilt block is passed to another person to add to the top of a future quilt, usually winding around the medallion in the center. Until the quilt is finished, the originator of the quilt, the medallion maker, will not see the quilt. The five centers and each month's new additions to the quilt, an addition in the round, will grow the quilt. After several months there will be a medium size or large quilt to be returned to the owner to have batting and backing added, and quilting finished. Each of the five quilters will have the beginnings for a larger quilt as well as some interesting interactions and discoveries.

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      We were told the center piece should be on-point, so a design or subject should be in a diamond format. The following are my first two efforts at my medallion. It would help to be a more experienced quilter; and next time, I hope to be more adventuresome to make a more personal image...home or flora! I may have to doctor these with some fabric paint.

       Actually, I started a trompe l'oeil image, a window box, but I have to finish it to see if it would work. But then, Fall is so busy!

       Credit: Whenever I am stumped for block pattern, I can count on finding one at Marcia Hohn's fabulous Quilters' Cache with a zillion free quilt patterns and instructions. Visit it:  http://www.quilterscache.com/