Wheel of the Year Quilt Block~Beltane~

Each partner will create one 12" Beltane themed quilt block.

Specifics: 12" block. Allow/Add 1/2" all the around for squaring and stitching. Block can be piecework, applique, or embroidered.

This is 3rd in a series of swaps, with 9 squares total: 8 sabbats and 1 personal magic block. The send dates will coincide roughly with the sabbat dates (about 6 weeks apart).

Nine 12" blocks, with trim, sashing, and borders, will make a full/queen bedspread. Just the blocks pieced together makes a good sized throw. 12" is the size of most block of the month kits, so if you want to make it easy, and it fits the theme, you can use one of those kits.

Note: If you want to just join one swap, or just a few, that is fine. A 12" square is a good size to frame or trim for a special wall hanging, make a throw pillow cover, or to hem and make a small altar cloth. But if you join all, then you will have a unique quilt at the end of the series.

Click here for Imbolc Block Swap

Click here for Ostara Block Swap

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Things to keep in mind as you plan your block:

• Finished block size will be 12". This means that what you send should be at least a 1/2" bigger all the way around, to allow for squaring and stitching the block. If you do not send the correct size, your partner will have a difficult time using your block on her quilt.

• Keep the theme in mind. This is a Wheel of the Year quilt swap, with Beltane being this particular block. Think about colors, correspondences, and symbolism.

• You may piece, applique, or embroider your block. This can be as simple or fancy as your skills, time, and creativity allows. Just keep the theme in mind. And do your best work.

• Does it need to be said? Prewash your fabrics.

• Use cotton fabric. (If you decide to do a crazy quilt square and want to add satin, velvet, etc pieces, please make sure they are stitched well or consider attaching to a backing fabric.)

• Press your seams as you go along as if you were going to use the block yourself immediately. The block will get creased in the mail, but those creases are easier to deal with than having to go back and press all the seams. If you paper piece, please remove all the paper before mailing.

• Please sign your name on your block or attach a name tape. This needn't be very large, or obvious, as a matter of fact it should be very discreet; just sign your work.

Did I forget anything?

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I saw this on a quilt swapping site and thought it was good enough to put here. I changed it a little:

The most important thing to remember about a swap of any kind is to have FUN!!! No matter what you receive back...it is a gift from a friend and should be treated as such.

I'm a little nervous about this. So, in the interests of my sanity, I'd just like to tell you: I do my best. My best isn't even close to perfect. Therefore, if you receive one of my blocks and you

a. don't like the fabrics I chose
b. don't think my workmanship is "up to snuff" (remember I did my best and I expect the same)
c. don' t want to use this "ugly" block on your quilt,

then, please feel free to:

a. throw it out
b. take it apart and resew it
c. use it as "back art"

But, please don't feel obligated to tell me about it!!

Lie, prevaricate, look at it sideways, standing on your head with your eyes crossed or whatever it takes to say: "thanks for the lovely block."

And I promise to return the favor.

There may be other hosts for future swaps in the series. I am personally committed to this series of swaps and will not join other swaps unless I have my block completed and sent each time.

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