The idea is that you purchase mini stitchery kits containing a piece of pre-printed linen fabric which has two identical stitchery designs printed on it. You complete the two embroideries, keep one for yourself and then swap the second embroidery with a friend who is also participating in United Stitches. Alternatively, you could just make something with the second block to share as a gift for a friend.
The little kits also contain two swap cards where you can note down who stitched the block and where it was sent.
That way, you know the origin of the blocks you collect to make up your final United Stitches Quilt and where you sent your blocks to.
The starter kit includes the first two embroidery designs, details of the ideas behind United Stitches, a 4.5" square ruler to help you trim your embroidery blocks, the instructions to make the United Stitches Quilt and a cute little tin where you can collect and keep all your swap cards safe.
You don't have to buy all of the kits or make the final quilt if that is too time-consuming. There are also suggestions for other projects that you could use the embroidered blocks for or, you can use them to decorate a project of your own design.
Rosalie has used Cosmo threads to stitch the embroidery designs and has used her own fabric range, Chirpy Lola to make the final quilt. However, I don't have easy access to Cosmo threads and, I have decided to make the final quilt using my newly purchased Tilda fabric. I bought DMC threads to stitch the embroideries with and I have matched them as closely as I can to those recommended in the pattern as well as the fabrics I will use.
I love the embroideries that Rosalie has designed for this quilt project and, I am looking forward to finding other quilters to swap blocks with.
I am also participating in a United Stitches Stitch-a-long that Melody of House on the Side of the Hill is hosting. I am looking forward to joining in all the fun!
This is an interesting concept that I've not come across before. I'm familiar with round robin swaps of course, but this does sound like it would be fun. Alas I don't have time to participate though!!
ReplyDeleteHello Mary Anne! I hadn't heard of this sort of swap before either but I liked the designs and it sounded like fun! :) x
DeleteSounds like a fun idea!
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will be! I like the idea of having a quilt made from blocks stitched by quilters from different parts of the World! :) xx
DeleteYour first block looks great, Christine.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine! I think by the end of all these blocks I will be a lot better at satin stitch! :) x
DeleteLooking forward to seeing each little stitchery. The pattern looks very cute. This is the first I have heard of this. Thanks for sharing. Janita
ReplyDeleteThank you Janita! It is going to take a while to finish all the stitching but I think it is a nice idea to swap blocks. :) xx
DeleteThank you Christine for leaving such a sweet comment on my blog about my Snow quilt. It has definitely been a labor of love. Wish I were a bit more speedy with my sewing but it is what it is :) I appreciate your encouragement. :) Have a wonderful day! Janita
ReplyDeleteHello Janita! You are welcome! I really loved the quilt and it must be nice that you have finished the blocks now. :) x
DeleteWhat a thoughtful and fun project Christine. The blocks are beautiful-the bird is so cute! It will be so much fun to stitch these and swap blocks, and each would look lovely framed alone,
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Alison xx
Hello Alison! Thank you! I agree with you, I am really looking forward to swapping blocks. It will be such fun to have projects made with blocks stitched by others! :) x
DeleteDear Christine,
ReplyDeletewhat a great project and your first stiched block just looks lovely.
Hugs
sigisart
Hello Sigrid! Thank you.... I think the swap is going to be a lot of fun! :) xx
DeleteHello Christine! Great project to be involved in and I love your embroidery. As lovely as everything else you share on here.
ReplyDeleteHello Emmajane! Thank you! I think it will be a lot of fun! :) x
DeleteWhat a fun idea! Your embroidery looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Renee! I think the swap will be a lot of fun! I hope so!! :) x
DeleteI love these. Do you know who is a retailer in the US by any chance? The creative abundance website looked like it was for distributors.
ReplyDeleteHello Robyn! I am sorry I am afraid I don't know. I am based in the UK.
Delete