Monday, May 30, 2016

Round Robin


Several weeks ago Sandra (mmmquilts) approached me with an idea she had been discussing with a few other blogging friends.  A round robin.  Of course the first thing that comes to mind is those cute little fat birds that when they start popping up is one of the first signs of spring.  But I knew this was not what she was talking about.



round robin--something (as a letter) sent in turn to the members of a group each of whom signs and forwards it sometimes after adding a comment.  (Merriam-Webster definition)

The idea was to form a small group.  Each person would create a block up to 6" square and then mail the block to the next person on the list.  That person would then add another "round" to the block and so forth.  Our round robin will consist of four quilters; myself, Sandra (mmmquilts), Julie (Pink Doxies) and Cindy (Stitchin At Home).

I'm not going to lie, at first the thought scared me.  I've never done anything like this before.  What if I get their block and can't figure out what to do next?  What if they hate it?  So much pressure.  Then I duck taped that voice of fear, tied it to a chair and said YES!  Sign me up.  One thing I've learned since I've been blogging is to hold your head high, act like you know what you are doing (even when you don't) and no one will be any wiser.

So step one was to create what will become my center block.  I thought long and hard about this.  I wanted this block to have meaning behind it.  The law of attraction is something that Sandra and I have talked about before.  Essentially it is the belief that the energy that you put into the universe is the energy you attract.  Or like energies attract to each other.  This lead me to choosing a block called The Attraction Block found on Quilter's Cache.  The universe is a huge place and I know that I am thankful that it has brought each and everyone of you into my life.  I hope that my round robin creation and be a tribute to all of our quilty friendships.  (I know I got sappy, sorry)

So a fabric pull was in order.  I decided to go with a black and white, yin and yang feel, and add a nice pop of red.  Plus there is just something very classic about this color combination.


Then it was time to mentally prepare...paper piecing.


Sitting cross legged finding my center....and commence sewing.


And boom! A section is completed.


And Ta Da!  The Attraction Block.



Tomorrow this block will go into the mail and head to one of my round robin mates.  We each will have the entire month to create and piece the next round for the block we receive, then ship it off to the next person at the end of the month.  

Please stop my fellow Round Robiners' pages at the links below to see the center blocks they have created.


We hope that you would consider creating your own round robin groups and join us in our fun.  We will be posting our progress to Instagram using #2016MiniRoundRobin.  If you decided to create your own groups please use this tag.  We would love to see all your creations as well.  Also if you would like to join us in creating your own round robin, please  feel free to grab our button and add it to your side bar.  Quilting is always more fun with friends.



Today I'm linking up with Let's Bee SocialFabric Tuesday, and Main Crush Monday.

19 comments:

Pat said...

Love your block and you had me until I scrolled down and saw the paper piecing part. lol I know what you mean about the hesitation, though. The first year I belonged to my quilt guild they started a round robin and a bee block exchange. Time constraints (and fear!) kept me out of the round robin. I did the bee but the results on the round robin were so cool I was sorry I had been such a chicken.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

I love the thought you put into your starting block, Tish, and it will be fun to watch these quilts grow. Will each round add more 6" blocks or are there other sizes/rules for each round?

Stitchin At Home said...

Love your block Tish. This is going to be so much fun!!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea Tish! I would like to participate in an improv round robin mini-quilt. I may just have to start my own! I am interested in your response to Yvonne's question about rules about adding to the starting block.

Sandra Walker said...

As per usual, you have me laughing out loud! Are you channeling moi? 'sitting cross-legged on the floor' ... I LOVE the meaningful block you have chosen to start with, love the fabrics you chose, and yep, classy. We are four classy ladies, we are! This is going to be FUN!!!

Nancy J said...

Your block is great, and lovely contrasts to start your Round Robin. And maybe the little bird is sitting in on all the progress.

Sharon said...

I think you will like doing a Round Robin...it has been years since I participated in one. Can't wait to see the end results!

Anja @ Anja Quilts said...

Your block is great. Love the pop of red. Good luck and have fun.

Lara B. said...

It will be fun to watch all your blocks grow. I love the meaning and thoughts behind yours Tish! It's a really lovely start to your quilt!

Kate @ Smiles From Kate said...

I've just hopped over from Sandra's. This is so much fun. I'm definitely following all your progress.
Smiles
Kate

Unknown said...

I love the fabrics you choose for this block. A beauty!!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

I think this is fantastic fun Tish, and with some great friends. I look forward to seeing your progress. When I was a little girl my great uncle taught me a "rude" little poem about a robin pooping, much loved by generations of little girls in my family. I must try to remember it.

Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts said...

Sounds like fun! I understand the pressure you felt in the beginning, and am glad you duck taped that fear. :) I love that you put so much thought into your block. It will be interesting to see each round as it is added.

Julie said...

Tish, I'm loving the story that goes with your block. It's so good to know the meaning behind it, and will help me while adding my round. I, too, am hoping everyone likes my interpretation, but we are a group with a wide variety of styles. I say, "Come what may!"

Bonnie said...

Round Robins are wonderful ways to expand your creativity. I've got several round robins that are really fabulous quilts. At this time I have no desire to start one but will enjoy yours! Love the block you started with.

Rachel said...

Nice starting block! I just participated in a round robin and it's interesting to see what the pieces build into, passing through so many hands.

Sue said...

Love this block. You've got your quilt off to a great start. Look forward to seeing your progress.

Brianna said...

This looks fun. I don't mind the sappiness (is that a word?). I like that idea, of the law of attraction.

Cut&Alter said...

Oh I love this idea - and your centre block. I saw this on Julie's blog too and when I commented that I would love to do something similar someone from my NGB Hive piped up that they would too!! When I have a moment we'll recruit 2 others and get going. Isn't this here WWW a wonderful thing?!

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