Round Robin - November 2011 and counting

Me, Marti, Janet, Ann, MJ and Hiromi (Sandi is taking the photo)

It all started when seven of us were together in July 2011 for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. We had such a good time that we decided to meet again in November for a quilting retreat. MJ kindly opened up her beautiful home (and her huge fabric stash) in Mosier, Oregon. 

A great workspace upstairs in the guesthouse

MJ demonstrates her quilt binding technique

Sandi brings dinner and Ann's husband joins us

Marti & Janet - breakfast cooks extraordinaire

While no projects were completed we did share lots of ideas and technniques. By the end of the weekend we had agreed to do a Round Robin project, splitting into two groups of three each.

Our RR rules: The first person on each list makes a center block about 11" square, unfinished. That block, along with some of the fabric, is sent to the second person on the list who adds a border between 2" and 8" wide. The piece, along with fabric, is then sent to the third person who adds the next border with the same width restrictions. Finally the piece is returned to the first person on the list, again with some fabric. At this point, no restrictions as to how (or when:) the quilt is to be completed.

My Center Block

Design inspired by a design in Jean Well's book
Intuitive Color & Design

My selected fabrics

Janet's added border in progress

Janet's finished border

A first stab at a layout with the pieced blocks
made by Ann. Stay tuned for updates.

Ann's Center Block

Lotus Flower block from Ann

In progress on my design wall

With Janet's border. How will Ann finish it?

My completed border

Janet's Center Block
Lots of paper piecing on on each round. 

With my border added. I know Janet is playing around
with how to make this into a more non-square rectangle
for a lap quilt. A good challenge.

Janet's Dresden plate center block
with Ann's border

I really enjoyed the RR process. It was so fun to receive a package in the mail and take on the challenge of working with other's color and design choices  - figuring out the next direction to go with the quilt. 

I can't speak for everyone, but I have yet to finish my quilt. Somehow life got in the way. But finishing my RR quilt will be perfect therapy during January & February (aka the "mole period" in Oregon). One day I hope we can reconvene and share our work and stories on all six quilts.