I'd like to join the hug list, but had a few questions and rather than asking them privately I thought I'd post them for the benefit of others that maybe thinking about joining.
My sewing time is very limited and unpredictable. I was hoping to make up some hug blocks during one of my sewing sessions to have on hand to just simply send when there is a need, but don't know if this is possible. Are the blocks always (at least almost) the same size? I assume there are usually color scheme request, but what about block themes?
Having helped to make several HUGs, and contributed to others, I'm going to offer my opinion. There are always some blocks that are contributed that do not "match" the requested scheme, or even size. Some are left-over blocks from other projects (I would not have been able to complete one of the FFF HUGs if a generous RCTQer had not sent me a bunch of these), some are blocks people have made up ahead of time, some are the particular theme block that some people use for any HUG - "their" block, so to speak.
I have enjoyed the challenge of working these "odd" blocks into HUGs. I think it adds interest, and makes each HUG unique. I know that each block was donated with love, and that makes it just perfect for the project, regardless of size or color.
Don't feel that joining the HUG list makes you commit to a certain number of HUG blocks that you have to make. When the requests are sent out, you can decide at that time if you are able to make a block to send. There is no pressure, and I'm sure no one is keeping a list of who donates to how many HUGs! Help if you can, send positive vibes if you can't... it will work out for the best.
The "standard" block size requested is 6.5". Some times the person making the {HUG} will ask for 12.5" also but that's not as common. I have made four {HUGs} now and contributed to many more and all have used the 6.5" block. As for type of block and colors, those are usually specified in the {HUG} request. Most often a color pallet is requested but not a specific type of block and whole cloth blocks are always acceptable. There are the occasions where someone makes a {HUG} using a specific block. One I contributed to was heart blocks and another was 4 patch or
9 patch. Usually tho', it's just specific colors being requested but even that isn't done all the time. All of that being said, I always use cat fabric in my blocks :-). If there is no specific block requested, then I use my 6.5" paper pieced cat face block. I make up several of these but only do the center cat face part. Then, when a {HUG} request goes out, I will add the background in the colors requested. One other thing to mention, several folks do absolutely LOVELY appliqué (Polly Ester comes to mind) and "folded" fabric blocks. If you do these types of "dimensional" blocks or something like my cat face that uses buttons for eyes, you should make sure that the person hosting the {HUG} knows because these blocks can pose a problem for the person who will do the quilting. Personally, I LOVE to get them for a {HUG} and even have a bunch of them in my own beautiful autumn {HUG}. When I get them for a quilt, I just do free motion quilting around the design elements -- no big deal :-). So, I would say go ahead and make up a bunch of 6.5" blocks of whatever design you want. Don't worry a lot about colors because the person hosting the {HUG} will accept whatever is sent. Just make sure that your block IS 6.5" square! I always leave mine untrimmed and let the person doing the assembly trim the block to size with his or her ruler. Not all rulers are created equal -- 4 blocks that are just 1/16" small add up to 1/4". CiaoMeow >^;;^<
what she said! and often we ask for 6.5" unfinished blocks. usually color schemes, ocassionally block themes (i.e. star) but usually not. each hug varies, but that is often the prefered size.
A while back, when I had some free time - I made up several 6.5 size blocks to put in a drawer to use when a Hug request came across - in case it came during a time when I didn't have time to cut and sew. I have used a couple of them, but I have found it kind of disappointing.
This is purely an individual preference I suppose - but each Hug request I read, touches me in a certain way. Depending on the person, or the reason they need a Hug, I am moved to make a different kind of block, or use different colors or patterns of fabric, etc.
At the same time, there have been a few Hug requests come across when I just flat didn't have a spare minute to sit down and whip together a block - and then I was grateful for a couple of spares stashed in the drawer - because it hurts my heart even more to not be able to send a Hug when one is needed.
Anyway, that's just my two cents worth, YMMV, Hugs, Tina
I work up my hug blocks as they come in, its not a lot of time to make a block less then an hour. lately its been 12.5" blocks that I find I am doing more of. What I do when a hug comes in, I will write down on a small piece of paper, what color, what size and my email addy. Sometimes I add a little bit of what the block is for, If it has a deadline I try to note that also. Then I address an Envelope to where the hug block is going off too. I paper clip both together and put next to my sewing machine. My goal is to have it finished up before the deadline, or before the week is out.
Charlotte, a few years ago I wasn't part of the Hug list, but then our very generous Butterfly encouraged me to join. There's no requirement to make blocks for every single Hug quilt that comes along; sometimes you can, sometimes you can't. I usually try to have a variety of Lemoyne Star blocks around to choose from so I can match the requested colors for a block, but it doesn't always work out that way. (My stash of stars is sadly empty at the moment!) Sometimes I flat don't have time to make anything -- like right now, when two of my very young DGSs are spending so much time with me. By the time they leave each day, I'm lucky to read a quilting magazine, much less do any quilting. But that will pass, as soon as their regular daycare kicks in again, and then I'll be able to participate again.
If making blocks ahead of time works for you, go for it! If not, that's fine, too. The most commonly-requested size is 6.5", but that can vary on occasion. There are usually requested colors, too, but a requested "theme" block is pretty rare. HTH.
Thanks ladies! I think I'll make some 6.5 in ones up to have on hand for when I want to participate but don't have the time to make a block, which will probably be more often than not for awhile here. I guess the next step is to email Karen (she's still the hug list keeper right?).
Picking fabrics often takes more time than making the block. As I clean-up after a project is finished I sometimes make the scraps into
6" blocks. If I have leftover blocks of other sizes I add them to the HUG box also. An 8" or 9" block can become a 12" block with a little border. When a hug request arrives I print the request, circle the size and color and post it where I will see it the next time I am sewing. When I mail the block I use this printout to write a message. This way the hug coordinator has my email address and name without my having to rewrite it.
I haven't been doing hugs very long, and was concerned at first that my blocks wouldn't conform. Then I looked at Teri's site of the past hugs and realised the diversity of blocks. I am a compulsive conformist and have been hoping to recover for many years!
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I usually choose the 6.1/2" option if there is one and use a block I can now do with my eyes shut. As my stash isn't enormous I find I can easily find suitable colours this way and I only need a bit of each colour. I am addicted to 'bit bags' in LQSs so have plenty of little scraps and stash is gradually growing.
I also keep a stock of little plastic bags in which to put the block (in case something terrible happens to the outer envelope). In the bag I usually put a picture postcard with my name and address and e-mail addy, and the person who is doing the hug's address so that the block will eventually find its way! (I use a self-seal bag, or selotape it up if I haven't got a self-sealer)
I keep a stock of suitable envelopes too to make the whole thing quick and easy. I then just pray that the postal services put it on the correct Airmail pile so that it makes a speedy journey!
Hope you enjoy doing them as much as I do - Its a lovely feeling when you see the piccies of the quilt being handed over and it becomes really personal.
-- Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~
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I'd like to join the hug list, but had a few questions and rather than
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