By: Linda Lenard

 Signature Blk Exchange

We have 12 eager crafters chomping at the bit to get started, so.....
The SIGNATURE BLOCK EXCHANGE is officially started.


This is an excerpt from the message that inspired me to organize this
Signature Block Exchange....

Theresa Merkling  - FABRIC BLOCK:  4 1/2" muslin square on which you've
                    either written with permanent marker or embroidered/
                    cross-stitched, whatever your name and city/state/
                    providence/country.
                    I've seen various signature quilts made, some blocks
                    with elaborate script and poems, some with stitched
                    floral remembrances, and some with just names and
                    places.  Your creativity is the limit.  It's not a
                    requirement, just a request. . .
                    I'd be willing to send a similar square in return to you
                    if you request it.

In thanks for inspiring this idea, I've suggested that everyone involved
in our Signature Block Exchange, send Theresa a 4 1/2" Signature square
(if you haven't already).  If you'd like her to send you a similar square
back, be sure to let her know.
            --------------------------------------

To each person listed below, you will send them a Signature block of their
choice.  (Their choice is indicated to the right of their name.)  The only
time schedule I'm putting on this exchange is that we'll be wrapping it up
by the end of summer, or when all the blocks are received, whichever happens
first.  To those that have indicated an interest in joining the exchange
and you don't find your name below, it's because I hadn't heard from you
which block you wanted to receive.  It's not too late to jump in if you
still want to play.  Please double check your address and let me know if
any corrections need to be made.  Be sure to check out the Helpful Hints
that follow the block pattern.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate
to ask.


SIGNATURE BLOCK EXCHANGE
=========================

Connie Exner         - FABRIC SQUARE: 4 1/2", any color, any pattern

Doris Wills          - SQUARE IN A SQUARE BLOCK - 10 1/2"
                       See pattern instructions at the end of this list.
                       Non-sewers can mail out the cut fabric pieces,
                       but be sure to 'sign' the 7 1/2" muslin center
                       square.

Eileen Johansen        - SQUARE IN A SQUARE BLOCK - 10 1/2"
                         See pattern instructions at the end of this list.
                         Non-sewers can mail ou the cut fabric pieces,
                         but be sure to 'sign' the 7 1/2" muslin center
                         square.
                         This one sounds good to me - prefer smaller
                         prints or solids but not terribly fussy about it.


Holly Sullivan     - SURPRISE ME BLOCK: Nothing larger than 12 1/2"
                     For non-sewers, a fat quarter of any cotton fabric
                     (hopefully some wild print but I'll take what I get)  :)
                     (a "Fat Quarter" is 18"x 22"...)


Jo Ann Smith     - SURPRISE ME BLOCK

Linda Lenard     - SURPRISE ME BLOCK: Nothing larger than 10 1/2"
                   Embellish it if you like in any way...
                   (cross-stitch, fabric painting, charms, applique, or
                    by just adding a phrase with your name & address)
                   For non-sewers a square of fabric measuring anywhere
                   from 5" to 10", in unbleached muslin or any pastel
                   color is more than welcome.  Don't forget to 'sign' it.


Pat Knox         - SURPRISE ME BLOCK: Finished dimensions 12" plus
                   seam allowance
                   (12 1/2" when ready for mailing)

Sandy Shuff      - FABRIC BLOCK: 4 1/2" muslin square

Shelley Rodgers  - FABRIC BLOCK: 4 1/2" muslins square

Tammy Lawson     - SQUARE IN A SQUARE BLOCK - 10 1/2"
                   See pattern instructions at the end of this list.
                   Non-sewers can mail out the cut fabric pieces,
                   but be sure to 'sign' the 7 1/2" muslin center
                   square.


Vickie Claar    - SQUARE IN A SQUARE BLOCK - 10 1/2"
                  See pattern instructions at the end of this list.
                  Non-sewers can mail out the cut fabric pieces,
                  but be sure to 'sign' the 7 1/2" muslin center
                  square. I would prefer that the names be embroidered
                  on muslin (if you don't sew, the fabric pen would be
                  suitable).  I really like rose colors, mauve & dark
                  green, but any color would make me happy.


Vicki Oldfather - FABRIC BLOCK: 4 1/2" muslin square

                 ----------------------------


Choice 2.  SQUARE IN A SQUARE Block Pattern
      ________________
      |      /\      |
      |    /    \    |    The diagram doesn't look quite square,
      |  /        \  |    so just pretend that it is.  :)
      |/            \|    All measurments include 1/4 inch seam
      |\            /|    allowances unless noted otherwise.  When
      |  \        /  |    ready for mailing, this block will measure
      |    \    /    |    10 1/2".
      |______\/______|

1. Prewash and iron all fabrics.  Press all seams as you go.

2. Cut one  7 1/2" square of unbleached muslin or similar fabric.  This
   will be the fabric that you do your 'signaturing' on.

3. Cut two  6" squares of a print fabric.  Cut each of these two squares
   in half diagonally.

4. Sew the diagonal edge of each cut square to a side of the muslin square.
   The points of the cut squares will overlap.  These will be hidden when
   the blocks are sewn together in a quilt.

                     -----------------------------


                           HELPFUL HINTS
                           -------------
 Please use only cotton and cotton-blend fabrics.

 Prewash and iron all fabrics.  Press all seams towards the darker fabric
 whenever possible.

WRITING ON FABRIC
Materials:
 Pigma pen
 Muslin or light colored fabric
 Freezer paper

 On the non-waxed (dull) side of the freezer paper,
 draw parallel lines with a pen.

 Iron the freezer paper, shiny side to the wrong side of your muslin or
 other fabric.  The freezer paper provides stability for you while you
 write, draw, or paint.

 Write your name (address, etc) on the label using the parallel lines
 as a guide.  Be sure to stay within the 1/4" seam allowance.  If you
 want to add a special little design, you can use tiny embroidery
 transfers and cover the transfer ink with the Pigma pen.  (Pigma pens
 come in different colors if you want to add color.)  Be sure to keep
 your signature/design within the 1/4" seam allowance.  Staying at least
 a 1/2" away from the raw edges of the fabric would be a safe rule to
 follow.

 Carefully pull the freezer paper off the fabric.

 You might want to practice on regular paper until you decide how you want
 to put your 'signature' on your piece of fabric.

CROSS-STITCH
 For those that may want to cross-stitch on muslin, try waste-canvas if
 you don't want to do it free-hand.

FAT QUARTERS
 This is basically a quarter yard of cotton fabric that measures 18"x22"
 instead of the usual 9 1/2" x 44/45".  Quilt shops usually have these
 rolled up like tiny remnants and displayed in baskets.  Some fabric shops
 have them folded and stacked on a shelf.  It allows for larger quilt block
 pieces to be cut from a piece of fabric without having to buy a wider
 piece of fabric from a bolt and having a lot of waste left over.

POSTAGE FROM THE USA TO CANADA
 U.S. postage to Canada for 1oz is 40 cents.   Four 8" Square-in-a-Square
 pieced blocks and a long envelope weigh just under an ounce.  I took a
 few practice blocks to work and weighed them to be sure.

POSTAGE FROM CANADA TO THE USA
Perhaps one of our northern neighbors could help me with this one.   :)

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