On A Christmas Roll

Hello Ladies,

Well October is my month and we are sticking with the Christmas theme.  Yippee, I love Christmas Quilts!!!  This month, we will be turning from Stars to Trees :)   And not just any trees, Improv Trees!!

These are based off of the Quilt-A-Long that Christa Quilts is doing right now, only we are doing paper pieced blocks as I didn't know if you all had the ruler and didn't think everyone should have to run out and buy one for 2 little blocks.  I plan to do this quilt layout only adding 2 extra rows at the bottom, one of 6 blocks and then another one block row to represent the trunk.

I sent out packages in the mail Tuesday so hopefully the will all start arriving in the next day or so :)  In your package you will find everything you need to make 2 Improv Tree Blocks.  They are easy, fun, and fast.  The triple trifecta :)  But if you only  have time for one block, no worries, I totally understand how much everyone in this group has on their plate, just please send back the extra fabric :)

I made a little tutorial on how to put the block together and posted it on my blog today.  I don't think any of you will need this tutorial as you are all probably far more experienced at improv and paper piecing than I, but I had a few ladies email me requesting how I was going to do mine, so I just took pictures along the way ;)

Okay, so here is the official Questionnaire deets ;)

  What size quilt block do you want your bee partners to make? (Give finished and unfinished measurements, just to be sure.)  Unfinished size is 11" x 11" Finished size is 10 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Can your partners use any of their own stash fabric to use in your quilt block? If so, are there any limitations?  There should be enough to just use the fabric sent, but if you happen to run out and need to add a little more please just make sure it matches.

Is there a specific color of thread (white/off white) you want your partners to sew with?  White.

Do your partners have to use at least a little bit of every fabric you send or can your partners decide?  No, but please try to use at least 7+ fabrics in each tree.  The more pieces the more scrappy and improv it gets  ;)

Do you have a general theme or is it up to your partners to decide? Are there any specific themes that you do NOT want in your quilt block? Likes/dislikes? Just the block shown.

Will you allow any embellishments on the quilt block (i.e. embroidery, raised items such as yo-yos or fabric origami)?  I am thinking not for this particular block :)

Can you link us to any flickr or Pinterest photos that you would like us to use as inspiration for your quilt block?  Shown in the post above :)

If your partners are super motivated and are able to make two blocks out of the fabric you send, would you accept more than one block from your partners?  I have sent enough for 2 blocks and would love to receive 2 blocks, but it is totally fine if you only have time for one.  Just please send back the extra fabric so I can make the second one ;)

Do you want your partners to return any leftover larger size scraps to you when they return the completed blocks or can they keep them for their own scrap stash?   If they are larger sizes I would love to have the scraps back as I think I want to try to add some throw pillows into the mix, but little triangles and trimmed bits, don't worry about those ;)

  Alright, I think that is about it :)  Any questions just comment or email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com.  And thank you so much for allowing me to be part of this amazing group.  You are all just so inspiring.  I can't wait to see your blocks :)  Have fun and if you play a little Christmas Music in the background it only helps add to the merry spirit :)

Oh, I almost forget, the fabrics I sent are Blitzen by Basicgrey.  Love it!!!  Have fun :)