FAQ

I've had quite a few questions from bee members on some of the details on how we're going to do this bee. I've had the same questions myself as well as quite a few more, so I'm going to document them here along with my thoughts on what the answers should be. I've never done this before so I'm really open to suggestions. (I've also been nosing around in other bees' blogs to get some ideas on how it's usually done.) When we have more questions, I'll add them here.

Q: How much fabric do I send?
A: Most of what I've read says you should send about one fat quarter's worth of fabric, so if, for example, you have 4 different fabrics you'd have 4 pieces that are - what - about 9" x 11". I think this is obvious, but you would NOT have 4 fat quarters to make up 1 yard. You don't have to have perfect 9" x 11" pieces either. I think any decent sized scraps would be fine.

Q: A fat quarter seems like a lot for one block. Can I get the leftovers back?
A: I think that's reasonable. I don't think I'm going to ask for mine back. I have enough scraps already, but I think that can be totally up to the Queen for the month. Just let people know ahead of time, so they can set the leftovers aside and send them back with your block.

Q: When do I have to post about my block?
A: Let's shoot for the first of the month. If you know before then, you can certainly post earlier.

Q: When do I have to send out my fabric?
A: Also try to have the fabric arriving in members homes by the first of the month. I want to make sure everyone has a full month to work on their blocks.

Q: When do I have to send the blocks back?
A: Let's shoot for the end of the month on that.

Q: Can I make two blocks? Can I ask people to make two blocks?
A: I think so. After all, 12 blocks doesn't make a very big quilt. When you blog about your blocks, indicate whether or not you'd like people to make two blocks. Anyone who's willing to make two blocks, let the Queen for the month know, so she can send you more fabric.

Q: How big should I make the blocks?
A: That's up to the Queen for the month. 12 1/2" square seems like a common size in the tutorials I've seen, but when you're the Queen, just make sure to include the size you want. I think everyone will be reasonable, but let's limit it to less than 20" square. I don't think we want to end up making mini quilts instead of blocks.

I think that's it for now, but like I said, I will add more questions as they come up.

I'm sure you're all really busy this time of year and looking forward to the holidays, but it's almost January. Woo hoo, that means we can start soon! I'm the block picker/fabric sender for January, and I finally figured out what I want to do for blocks, but I'll save that for another post.

Katie

p.s. Thanks everyone for posting about yourself. It's been so much fun to read.