February 2010 Recap

In February, 17 quilters made 35 original word blocks.   Here's the list:

• Andra - 2
• Caroline - 4
• Dianah - 1 + 2 blocks (unphotographed)
• Ginny - 1 (donate chances)
• Hannah Mae - 1 ***newbie ***
• June - 2
• Kate - +3 extras
• Krista - 1 (donate chances)
• Kristin - 5 (donate chances)
• Laura - 3
• Linda - 3 *** Winner (20 blocks) ***
• Lisa - 1
• Louise - 1 (donate chances)
• Michelle - 3
• Rho - 1 (donate chances)
• Shelley - 2
• Sophie - 4  *** Winner (15 blocks) ***

*** You Have Mail ***

I told you that would be quick . . . the mailing information for the February blocks has been e-mailed to everyone.

The distribution is mostly based on splitting up the Honey's, Sweetie's, Cutie's, Baby's.  I loved all the blocks so much that I wish I could have put them all into the "send to Sophie" column, but I resisted ;-)

If you didn't receive the email, find a mistake in the chart or have any questions, let me know ASAP.

And the February winners are.....

Linda who wins 20 blocks and

Sophie who wins 15.

Congratulations!

TicTacToe all arrived safely

I've been away from home for most of the month, and arrived back to an huge pile of post - I cherrypicked what I thought would be the blocks envelopes - and this is what I've got - 48 (plus a dud one I didn't enter of my own) gloriously coloured blocks - all the right size, all beautifully sewn (whoever did the handsewing with ends finished so the second cut worked is a genius!), and in an amazing range of brights and WOWs.  It's given me an education in what quilting fabrics there are out there!

Sorry for the bad pic (and the boxes on the floor), it's a small room and there's too much other stuff for me to move the dining table out of the way at the moment.  I'm having a ruthless clearout that is emptying the cupboards quicker than it's going out the door - and significant floor coverage is the distressing result!

Tick, tick, tick ...

I'm sitting and waiting for the clock to strike 11 o'clock here--that's NOON on the east coast and the deadline for posting blocks.  

This has been an unusual month for the Block Lotto, starting from the challenge block choice.  Whether you like your blocks, aren't quite satisfied with your results or even tried and gave up, I hope everyone gives themselves a lot of credit for trying something new (and maybe a little scary).  It's like quilting without a net until you get used to it.

More than a quarter of the blocks made have had their chances donated. And, of course, there's our newest (and youngest!) newbie, Hannah Mae–welcome to the group, girlfriend!  This month is also the first time in more than 3 years (and only the second time ever) that I just couldn't resist including myself in the drawing . . . and yes, my fingers are crossed for good look.

FYI, the donated chances will be going to our newbie this month, Hannah Mae; Linda and June (who have not yet won a set of lotto blocks); and Michelle (who hasn't won for over a year and still manages, most years, to make more lotto blocks than anyone else.)

Right now, there are 35 blocks entered, which means that the first name randomly chosen will receive 20 blocks and the second winner will receive 15 (plus any others that are posted in the next 30 minutes ;-) 

The list of names is all-but-ready to be sent to Ginny, who will be choosing our two winners this month. I am going to pop downstairs to the grocery on the ground floor and pick up a carton of milk so I can make myself a nice tall latté (my current guilty pleasure is some almond joy flavored coffee) and, after I send the list to Ginny, get busy putting together our "virtual quilt" for March so that everything will be ready to publish at midnight tonight.

Edited to Add . . .

While you're waiting (for the winners name or the March block to be posted), be sure to check out this post on Krista's blog.  She came up with a very interesting way to sash some of her tic-tac-toe blocks.

My three blocks for February...

2 words

Here are my two words for the month. I'm not real crazy with how they turned out; everyone elses look so much better. I tried for scrappy with 'babe' .... soso. I should have read the tutes you provided for letters or used paper piecing maybe....oh well...hope whoever gets them will like them ok. Can't wait to see what is in store for March.....I need to not be so late with my block making so I can get the sneak peek.

Shelley

more tic tac toe blocks!

I now have blocks from Manuela and Linnea! Thanks to both of you! I'll charge up the camera and post a picture as soon as Chris' blocks arrive...

Julie

Hannah Mae's Block

I did it all by my self. I took the photo too.

Thanks for leting me join.

-Hannah Mae

PS - She really did all the sewing and took the photo.  I cropped it, but that's it.

 - Kristin

Adding a Block Lotto Badge to Your Blog

I didn't get a lot of response on the questions of size and text, so I went with what I got.  If you would like to show your support/participation to the Block Lotto by adding this to your blog . . .

blocklotto.blogspot.com

Here's the HTML code you'll want to copy:

<a href="http://www.blocklotto.blogspot.com"> <center> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4385458135_ef7840dcbe_o.jpg" border="0" alt="Join me on the Block Lotto Blog"><br /> blocklotto.blogspot.com </center> </br></a>

If you are adding it to a blog sidebar and your blog is hosted on blogspot, the steps are these:

1. Open your blog, log in (if you aren't) and click the customize link in the upper right corner of the screen. 
2. On the Add and Arrange Elements Page, click the link to Add a Gadget in the area where you want to add the badge
3. Choose HTML/Javascript from the list
4. Enter an (optional) title, then paste the HTML code above into the content text box.  Click Save
5. Back on the Add and Arrange Elements Page, your new element will appear at the top of your sidebar.  You can click-hold-and-drag it to wherever you would like it to appear on your blog page.

On other blog platforms and social media sites, you may be adding a "Text Box."  I just added this code to my Ning page for the Dallas Modern Quilt Guild, by adding the Text Box application to my personal page and it worked without changes. 

cutie!

I wanted to do cutie patootie but after fighting with the "E" I threw in the towel at the thought of an "A" and another "E" sorry that this is a repeat word in the group. I am not totally thrilled with the end result either, but am very glad I tried!!

Sophie, if you don't think this block is up to standards I would understand.

Sophie,

I changed my mind! Your blog button gave me an idea, so here is one more word!

** Caroline **

Update

Woohoo!  I just checked the mail box (realized that my housesitter had not picked up mail today) and I found my last 3 blocks from Sophie waiting for me.  Here they are, all 48 blocks, ready for me to figure out :)

An exciting day!

I came home from a trip today, and found wonderful treats waiting for me.  Piles of blocks arrived while I was gone!  Sorry for the delay in letting you know that your blocks arrived safely.  I have now received blocks from almost everyone - Brooke, Carrie, Dianah, June, Kate, Kathryn, Laura, Linnea, Lois, Mary Jane, Michelle and Terri - your blocks all made it here safe and sound.    No blocks from Sophie yet, but I know they are on the way.  It can take 2 weeks (or more) to get here from the US, so I expect they'll arrive sometime next week.

I am really looking for forward to putting my creativity to work with all these lovely blocks!!

Laura had a wonderful idea - she put her name/address on sticky labels and attached one to the back of each block.  I'm going to do the same for the rest of the blocks I received - this way, when I put the quilts together I'll know whose blocks are in each quilt.

Two Words from June

Took me a while to find my 6.5 inch ruler - but found it now and I could cut the word blocks to submit for my February blocks. In Pumpkin - I really like the way the 'm' and 'n' look - almost like italic printing! Not so sure of the other ones... This was my first time to make letters. In Babycakes - it was a challenge to get the 'y' so it would fit.

Thank you Sophie for the challenge!


Flowers were from my husband for Valentine's Day...

This was really fun to work on - hard but fun. I could tell that I was getting more comfortable with working with the fabric with each letter.

While I was working I was thinking about how you-all were also in your sewing area struggling or breezing thru the challenge - is really nice to be part of this group.

I Couldn't Decide on Binding Fabric, so ...

. . . I used some blue scraps and went with six different ones ;-)

My little block lotto blog button quilt is essentially finished; I need to add a label–a quilt with such a geeky purpose needs an explanation, I think . . . and I should probably confess to being the geek who made it. But, other than that, it's ready to become a button/badge for anyone who'd like to use it.

As you can see, I stitched right through all the words on this one (unlike the banner in which I carefully outlined everything).  I think both ways work. 

Before I publish the HTML code for everyone (or everyone who wants to use it, anyway), I'd love your opinions on a couple of things:

1. Should there be "directional text" under the image and, if so, what should that text be?  It needs to be short and sweet.  I've thought about "The Block Lotto Blog", "Join the Block Lotto" or "Come play with us" and I'm not crazy about any of those.  Got a good idea for me?
2. How large should the button be: tiny,  small, medium or large?
   

 
The actual button/badge code will bring you to this blog, but if you click the images now, they'll take you to Flickr for a closer look a the little (17 x 22 inches) quilt.

last blocks received

I have received the last of my blocks, from Debbie in Jerusalem, so I guess I have to really get moving on those quilts now.  Thank you so much to everyone!  The blocks are lovely and they are helping me to move out of my comfort zone of pastels to the brightest fabrics on the shelf.  I am loving it!

Blocks Received!

My mail box was full of Blocks from Sophie, Lisa, Trudi and Lois!

Just missing 3 from Chris.

Beautiful blocks ladies, thanks!

February Word Blocks!

Here are my entries for February. I won't be making any more words, I have too many other things going on right now. 'Schnuckiputzi' is german for 'Cutie Pie'. March's blocks look fun!

** Caroline **

more blocks rec'vd yesterday - -

from Sophie and Linnea. That leaves just 3 remaining to get and I'm all done. This will be a fun quilt, whenever I get around to it. The "polk dot" quilt is ready to go to my longarmers, with 4 other quilts. It'll be a great relief to to have them mailed. I suppose that I could simply mail the ones that are ready, but my goal is 5, this time to send out for quilting.

It's Sneak Peek Sunday

This short month is flying by . . . I almost finished a bunch of March Lotto Blocks last night while watching the Olympics.  As soon as I finish up and take some photos, I'll be sending out the sneak peek email to everyone who has made Liberated Love Letter blocks so far this month.

For everyone else . . . you still have a week to decide to try free-piecing a term of endearment and entering the drawing.

UPDATE

The sneak peek email message has gone out.  If you made blocks this month and haven't received it, let me know ASAP.

Baby quilt (polka dot blocks)

Here are a few shots of the baby quilt I made with the pink polka-dot blocks I won. It's done and ready to ship off to my cousin Sarah, who just had a baby girl. The first 3 photos are of the wonky but fun quilting I did on your blocks and the final, of course, is the finished quilt. It was fun to make! Thanks for the great blocks. Ginny

Big Mail day

Today I received blocks from Lisa and Sophie -- I think that leaves Chris, Linnea and Manuela still missing.

They're all wonderful and I love the variety!

Julie

More Love Letters - Darling

I had a few moments today and I noticed we're close to having enough for two winners, so I built "darling"  It's a bit wonkier than the others, but I like it.  Here's all 5 of my words for the month.

Hunny Bunny is still my favorite.

:)

Blocks

Everyone is worried about getting their blocks in the mail.  I want you all to know that I am really enjoying getting a few blocks in my mail box each day!  I think if you get them out by the end of the month, you are ahead of the game.  Life is crazy and the post office never seems to make the top of the to-do list.  Besides, if you get them all sent to me quickly, then I have to get busy putting them together quickly!  No promises there!  I have just now finally started to think about how to put them together so I am way behind the other winners. 
Happy stitching!

late

I keep thinking I will try to make a block this month maybe nine since I LOVE Valentines, but it's not looking promising, I am a little intimidated!

I DID mail my blocks today!

My Portable Handwork Sewing Kit

This sewing kit measures 4 by 4.5 inches, has three pockets and two felt pages inside. It's an embellished, quilted version of a quilt shop giveaway that I have been using for years. When I recently came across the appliquéd, beaded heart–the class project from a workshop with Ann Fahl, I decided to put it to a functional use. A miniature block or stitchery sample ... or even a small piece of beautiful fabric would also be wonderful to feature on the cover.

This little pocket was made as a prize for the Block Lotto this month, but you can easily make your own–I already want to make another one . . . for ME.   Here's how.

Cutting the Fabrics

• Two 5" x 10" rectangles of fabric for the cover.  Your outer cover might be appliquéd, pieced, embroidered, etc.  You'll also need a piece of batting cut to the same size.
• For the pockets, one 4-1/2" x 6-12" rectangle and one 4-1/2" x 7-1/2"rectangle. Fold these in half, WRONG sides together and press.
• One rectangle of felt cut at 3-3/4" x 6-3/4"
• Approximately 28" of binding.  I used 1-3/4" wide, double-fold binding cut on the bias.

Making the Kit

1. Layer the two large rectangle with batting and quilt as directed.  I think this is a great size to try one of Leah Day's 365 freemotion filler patterns that she's been blogging.  As you can see, it got a little challenging for me when I got close to that beaded heart. That's OK, the pocket will cover it.

2. Trim the quilted piece to 9-1/2" x 4-1/2" 

3. Round the corners.  I used a large Rx container (which now contains quilting pins) as a template to ensure all my corners match.

4. Lay the cover on the table, inside up and then position the two folded and pressed pocket fabrics at each end, with the folded side toward the middle. Pin in place.

5. Flip over the piece and trim the corners of the pocket fabric even with those on the quilted cover.

6. Stitch a line through the smaller pocket to create two sections and then bind the edges. I used bias binding to make rounding the corners easy-peasy.

7. Center the flannel on the inside of the kit.

8. Sew it to the kit through the center

9. Trim the corners of the felt to match the rounded corners of the kit.

It was so fast and easy, I know I'll be making more of these. This one came together last night, while I watched the Olympics on TV. Here's my well used original and the embellished, quilted copy.

And here's  how I fill mine: small scissors, a packet of needles and handpiecing templates in the large pocket; thimble and a spool of thread in the smaller double pockets; a few parked needles and pins stuck into the felt, with small blocks or cut pieces inside the felt pages. When I was working on an appliqué project, I made a small sandpaper board that fit in the large pocket, too.

How will you fill yours?

The Longest Loving Word Prize

After the sneak peek email for this month went out, Kristin emailed me that she had an idea for a long term of endearment–which we all now know was Hunka-Hunka Burnin' Love.  I think I replied to her that she might want to wait to see what the prize would be to decide if it was worth it.

And then,  life's distractions got in my way and this giveaway prize didn't get made in a timely fashion.

While watching the Olympics last night, I finally got around to it . . . and here it is: a small sewing kit with a beaded heart on the outside and pockets and felt on the inside. It's a quilted, embellished copy of my well-used Moda giveaway version.



Here's how I fill mine: small scissors, a packet of needles and hand piecing templates in the large pocket; thimble and a spool of thread in the smaller double pocket; a few parked needles and pins stuck into the felt, with small blocks or cut pieces inside the felt pages. It works for me and I hope it will be a beautiful and useful gift for our longest phrase winner this month.

Edited to Add . . . 

Even if you don't enter the lotto this month with a long word, you can have one of these for your very own . . . I have posted a step-by-step tutorial here: My Portable Handwork Sewing Kit.

I'm Hangin' My Head in Shame

. . .  because I only just returned from the post office where I mailed my January blocks to Andra, Julie, Krista, Kristen, Lois and Rho–what a disaster that I'm SO late when I am sending blocks to ALL SIX winners?

I'm sorry for making you ALL wait for my blocks and for being such a lousy example.

I know that I am one of a handful of quilters whose blocks have not yet been received by our winners.  If "life" has been distracting you like it's been distracting me ... please let us know you're out there and haven't forgotten.

More blocks rec'vd today - - -

from Brooke in AZ. Thanks for the lovely blocks.

more blocks

I received blocks from Kate in Great Britain, Linda in Dallas, and Tamera in North Dakota.  They are lovely and I am getting anxious to start putting them together!

Blocks Recieved

I recieved more blocks today! 

All together I have recieved blocks from:

Kelly

June

Ginny

Mary Jane

Julie

Michelle

Caroline

Laura

Linda

Waiting for blocks from

Lois

Chris

Lisa

Sophie

Trudi

Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.

February block

Here's my term of endearment for February - a word I use for partner and kids alike. :)


I managed to overcome my irrational hatred of paper piecing for this one; hand-pieced as usual. I think I'll donate my chance this month, though - got enough on my plate, and I'm not sure I'd find it easy to use the blocks if I won.

Good luck to everyone else, and happy Valentine's Day!
Louise
Derbyshire

Finished Asian Stars Quilt

Hello all,

Here is my finished quilt made from my September 2009 block lotto winnings...

The other Julie....

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that there are two Julie's in California... it is funny we live pretty close to eachother too. Maybe 20 minutes apart. If you wouldn't mind could you put a last initial with the confirmations when the blocks come in? I always worry until they are safely received. Thanks so much!

Julie/Jewel D.

January Blocks

I send the blocks to Julie yesterday. Sorry for the delay.
Manuela

January Blocks Posted

Finally got around to posting my January blocks to Lois. Sorry it took me so long - I'm blaming end-of-term-itis!

Louise
Derbyshire

January blocks mailed

I mailed my blocks today to Lois, Andra and Kristin. Sorry for the delay, but I've been a bit distracted with 10 inches of snow in Dallas! (a record).

more blocks rec'vd today - -

from Julie (CA), and Dianah (CA). Thanks so much for the beautiful blocks.

Beautiful blocks received

from Dianah and Julie.  Thanks so much!

more blocks received...

From June and Carrie.  Thanks!

Hunka-Hunka Burnin' Love

Here's my entry for "longest phrase"  It's 22 letters if you count punctuation, 20 if you don't.

Let me tell you, the apostrophe was a pain figure out.

-Kristin

Blocks Recieved Recap

So far, I've recieved blocks from:

Kelly (TX) 3

June (CA) 3

Ginny (NY) 3

Mary Jane (GA) 3

Julie (CA) 2

Michelle (OK) 3

more blocks!

I've received blocks from Shelley, Carrie, and Pat in the last couple of days. Thanks -- they're all wonderful!

Julie

more blocks rec'vd today - -

from Julie W (CA) and Liz B (ME). Thanks for the very, very nice blocks received. This will be an awesome quilt. Such a vast array of colors and fabric prints!

bright blocks received

from Patricia.  My kids loved them too!

Blocks arrived!

I got blocks in the mail today from Kathie and Kate.  Thanks ladies!  They are lovely bright blocks, and I can't wait to start making something with all of them.

Blocks Mailed

I mailed my blocks yesterday. You should be receiving them early next week. I can't wait to see all of the quilts.

dy

I Forgot...

to post when I mailed my tic-tac-toe blocks last week. They all should be where they belong by now, as Andra received hers Saturday.

More blocks rec'vd today - - -

from Carrie in NY - Thanks a lot - I really like these blocks!

2 blocks to enter

Here are my 2 entries for this month.  I am not sure that I am happy with them but I have already taken the top one apart a few gillion times.  I cheated on the second one and used paper piecing.  All the blocks that I have seen so far look great!  It will make a fabulous quilt for the winner!  Good luck everyone!  I am having sooooo much fun getting my tic tac toe blocks in the mail!  Thanks!

delay!

sorry folks, life happened again, I had to leave to say good bye to my grandmother, she left this world in a way we all can only hope to go. Because of that I was out of town all weekend, got back last night and so as not to lose my hours at work I switched things around and am working 5-1:30pm today through Monday. I will try to make it to the post office in the next day or two, if not then on Tuesday I PROMISE! I will get things out and I might even spring for priority mail to make up for the delay!

BLOCKS ARE FLYING

My 3 sets of Tick-Tack-Toe blocks went out yesterday. I was able to send 3 blocks for $1.05 in the US and only about a dollar more to the UK. Not bad for large blocks! Hope you get them soon. And hope I find time before the end of the month to sew some words!

Quilty hugs
Pat from FL & MI
http://PatsPattering.blogspot.com

Blocks in the Mail... tomorrow

I have my blocks addressed and ready to go but have not made it to the post office. I told my husband that this is just another reason I need to be a stay at home wife. He did not agree. They will get dropped off tomorrow and I am going to send them overnight so you (Krista and Rho) will get them right away. Sorry.

Blocks received

from LJ Randolph and Shelley.   They are so beautiful and bright!  Thanks so much!
Also, I am working on those words.  I have to make some corrections before I can post them...

Blocks Recieved....

...From Julie!

 - Kristin

Sorry for being tardy...

We are down to one car at the moment so it took me until today to get to the PO. My blocks for Andra, Rho, and Lois are in the mail. I sent them priority so they would get there quicker since I was a little late getting them shipped.

Linda Big D February blocks

These are my first 3; kind of blocky and straight line (but I'm just a second year quilter, so this was a fun experiment). I think I like the lower case look instead of these 'all caps' that sort of "yell" like in email. Thanks Sophie for a different challenge.