Thank you, Jeanne, for all the work and thought you have put into the Birthday Block Exchange. You make it look so easy, but none of us think for a moment that it is.

Teresa

Sorry to those who like applique. The applique group did not work out so the two that I have assembled right now are both regular pieced blocks. I was very close to having enough who liked applique, but when I laid it out on paper, there were two or three months that had almost all the birthdays in them. I am trying to have no more than two birthdays in the same month. I need about five more people to create a group 3. Groups 1 and 2 are in place. Will try to do the copying and pasting and get the e-mails out in the next few days.
We have a long time before it is 2010, so I think we will get enough additional quilters to get the remainder of people in a group.
Thanks for joining in!
Jeanne

Jeanne, if you don't get enough for the third group, let us know and I'm sure a few of us will step up to the plate. (the dresden plate, that is...teehee)

Sharon

I just e-mailed the members of the first group for 2010 so some of you will be getting mail from me today. I had hoped to get a second group out at the same time, but it won't be before the beginning of next week. It has been really busy around here lately. I have it mostly organized so it will be next week for sure.
I'm still taking names, so let me encourage people to sign up if they have not already done so.
Jeanne

hello jeanne
I got the mail from you, thanks for all the work.
looks great
michele

Jeanne, I am willing to be in a 2nd group if you need me. Jayne
PS. I can applique but not a first choice

I e-mailed the second group of quilt names out just a few minutes ago. The two group names so far are the Carolina Lilies and the Galaxy Stars. (I am using the names of quilt blocks.) Even if you have not been assigned a group yet, you should have received e-mail from me because I tried to let everyone know they have not been forgotten. There are about 9 people awaiting a few more members and then I will use the third group name that I have picked out. I think every who requested to be in 2 groups has now been assigned to at least one.
I didn't think I would have this "computer time" today but there is some light rain here that has lasted all day long so it changed my schedule.
I love reading about the blocks everyone has chosen. I hope we get some great description of these blocks when they arrive - and lots of pictures, too!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Jeanne

I would like to participate if you need people for your third group.

Got my list today. What a great group and I can hardly wait to get started. Gotta go check out the blocks everyone has picked.
Jeane

Meima,
If you will look back at my earlier posting "How to Sign Up for the 2010 Birthday Block Exchange" it will tell you what information to send to my by e-mail. Okay? It was at the bottom of the page when I pulled the Quilting Forum site up this evening. Templates, applique, and paper piecing did not seem to draw enough people for a group so I really think everything in 2010 will be regular pieced blocks.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Jeanne

Jeanne, got my list today. Thanks so much for coordinating this for us! You really make it look far too easy and I know it isn't!

Odessa

I also want to encourage everyone to consider joining. If you have never done a BD exchange before, please try it. My group has picked very nice blocks that any beginner can easily do. You cannot believe the excitement and fun when those squishies start arriving! My DH said he couldn't buy me a gift that could compare to the beautiful blocks and cards so I just get chocolates from him.

Jeannie has everything so well organized that if you are a busy person, you can make them ahead of time. I hope to see 4 groups here.
Jeane

WooHoo! I got my list this morning and put it all in table format. I'll be preparing my envelopes later (I like to have them all ready so I know my next goal date).

If the rain keeps up, I'll surely be checking out all the block requests. Looks to be another great year of exchanges!

And Bill, you and I are together again! 4th time!!!!

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'd love to join your 2010 Birthday Block exchange! Just tell me what I need to do.

Good morning Jeanne,

I would also like to join for 2010. Now I am off to the other post to send you an email with all the information you need.

Happy Sunday to you all!
Marie

Hi, Marie -
So glad you plan to join again. This is so much fun!

grandmajean,
Same as I said to meima - If you will look back at my earlier posting "How to Sign Up for the 2010 Birthday Block Exchange" it will tell you what information to send to my by e-mail. Okay?

Don't worry, group 3, I think another group will be going out very soon, but I am going to take a breather from working on the groups today. A few e-mailed me to make sure they will be assigned to the next group and I will be sure to check my e-mail as I work on it. The repeat "Birthday Block Exchangers" and the newcomers to our group are mixed into the various groups. I considered that and also tried to keep from having too many birthdays in the same month. September was the popluar birthday this year! There are multiple September birthdays in each group. I think every group also has a month with no birthdays, so just work on ahead a bit when you can - great to do that when you know there are many to send out a month or two later.
Jeanne

Jeanne,
sent you an email yesterday with my info. Can't wait to hear from you.
Darlene

Sorry all mbrs of 'Galaxy Stars' for omitting some vital info! The block instructions given on QC are only for a 12" & my color palette is mixed, festive lights/pastels -- similar to what you might see on the real thing. Some brights are OK as long as they aren't BRIGHT! - if you know what I mean. If you hav ?'s, email me direct. Thanx! Cindy

To the ladies who posted (just above this) that they want to join, I did not receive an e-mail message from any of you so if you want to join, please send it (or resend it as the case may be.) It seems e-mail makes it to most of us better if you send it directly to us rather than through GardenWeb.
Thanks.
Jeanne

Thanks for the info. I will send it directly to you.
Darlene

I just sent out the third Birthday Block Exchange group by e-mail. The name of the group is Patchwork Pines. You will notice that you need to have one more member added to your group and I will revise the list when that last person's information comes in and then I will send it to you again. I knew that some who were waiting, signed up for this very early on and just didn't want to keep you waiting even longer. Once again, there are some months with several birthdays and some months with none. There was absolutely no way to avoid that.

Anyone from any of the groups, if you notice an error in what is listed please let me know. You can add information, too, if you want.

In the Galaxy Stars, Roxann has added a few comments on how she would like her block to look. She is chickadee_42us:
I think the layout on QC is fantastic, so anything resembling the original would be great. It says each block will need six different calicoes and two different cream/tans. I was going for a true grab bag/stash buster type of look so hopefully, that's what I'll get!

Also, before I forget, if anyone for any reason decides she needs to drop out - now or later - please let me know so I can assign a new person to fill in for you. We all know that sometimes some totally unexpected things come up. However, in fairness to the group, if your situation is very "iffy" for you to be able to do this, it will be appreciate if you bow out before the start of 2010 when the blocks will start to be mailed. I think we have a wonderful group this year and do not anticipate any problems but I will feel better for having said that.
GRIN!
Jeanne

If the other groups are as diverse as the Patchwork Pines....we're going to have some great quilt blocks traveling across the states and beyond in the next year! I'm officially excited and can't wait to get started making the birthday blocks for my group!

Teresa

Just read my email and I'm part of the Patchwork Pines group. I'm familiar with some of the squares and can't wait to get started.

Darlene

I've been chomping at the bit waiting for the list..things will be starting to come together tomorrow. @:)

Thank you, Jeanne.

Sharon

I am so excited to be part of this group! All these seasoned pros!! I am changing my needle and shopping for special fabrics!! I really feel so much enthusiasm I can't wait to get started. It is so cool just looking at where the blocks travel. Thanks for letting me join.
Jeanne ~ great organizing ~ Big Thank you!!

Jeanne,
Regarding my block on Patchwork Pines: There is no need for the template, I was worried about using that block so I made it up today and a 3 1/4" center block works fine.
Really didn't mean the thought that in.
I am having fun already making blocks and printing out the patterns for everyone. They fill in the blank spaces in my time. Jayne

I'm so glad so many of you are having such fun with this --- that makes it fun for me, too!
Happy Sewing!
Jeanne

Me too! Printed out my blocks today and even made my mailing labels. Can't wait to get started sewing - for the quilter's choice block I found a pattern that I have wanted to do for a long time.....I think it will turn out great!

Teresa

I'm excited to start too. I printed the blocks as soon as I got the list.
Linda OH

Thanks Jeanne for all the great organisation for the groups. I've printed out all the patterns for the 2 groups I'm in - Carolina Lilies and Patchwork Pines. I really enjoy doing these single blocks and trying out new patterns. My two quilts next year will again be my contribution for our hospital's Oncology Ward, so my group members will be helping to brighten someone's life.
TinyTeena (Kristene)

I had a long drive home yesterday, so I couldn't "do" anything but I did "think" about the birthday blocks:).
I tried to explain the yearlong process and was met with mostly blank stares. Funny.....

Kristene~your gift is truly a wonderful idea. I am happy to be part of it in a very small way. Do I understand the quilt will be for a girl or young lady? (Patchwork Pines).

Any easy tried & true tips on organizing for the year?
Also ~ how far in advance is acceptable to send the BB? (I don't mean months)

What I have done in the past is to label my mailing envelopes, put on the return address, put a birthday card and the block in the envelope, and put a post-it note with the birthday date on the envelope (with a paper clip). Then I stack the envelopes in the order they will be sent. I don't seal them until I am sure that I have a) signed the card b) included the correct quilt block and c) checked that the labels are on and I am mailing at the proper time. I will hand sew a paper label on the block with the name of the block and my forum name - it's just a quick couple of stitches to fasten the label to the block.

It is Oct. 1 and you gals are so organized you make my head spin! I thought printing out the list and checking through the blocks was a good start. I need new print cartridges or I would have the patterns. Everyone ha picked such great patterns that they will be so much fun to make.

Teresa I like your method of preparing the blocks for mailing and I am going to use it.

I would like to mention now instead of when I am waiting for BD blocks that if you have a Canadian mailing address, we need a full 2 weeks to get our BD blocks. Of course, it works the same for us and we understand if someone is a day or so late.
Jeane

teresea - I like your method - I am always rushing preparing the Lotto blocks to mail each month & say I am going to do be prepared the following month - your method sounds great - thanks!

Jeane - love2sew Thanks for the mailing timeframe for Canada-
Miss Australia & Miss UK - how much time to allow to get your blocks to you on time?? And anyone else outside of the USA or rural where we should allow more time.
This is an important bit of info for all of us :)

Thanks for asking the questions about the time allowance on mailing blocks. I usually don't mail outside the USA and forgot it takes longer to get packages.
I have my list but haven't printed out my info yet. I'm trying to finish a lap quilt for a wedding gift. Goal for the weekend.
darlene

Hello to the Patchwork Pines -
Ladies, I know you won't believe it, but I made one mistake. (You can take that as either you don't believe I made a mistake or you don't believe I made just one...)
Anyway, I put cziga (July 22) in two groups and she only wanted to be in one. Please delete her name from the Pathwork Pines list. I have confirmation from one lady that she will be joining your group and will send out her information once she selects her block and I know we will get another to fill that one remaining space.
Wouldn't normally worry me, but wow, you Patchwork Pines are running a race here to get to 2010! LOL
Have a good weekend.
Jeanne

I do what Theresa does except I write the birthdate in the upper right corner of the envelope. The stamps cover it. I stand them in order between some books and my scanner near my computer so all I have to do is look up to see when the next block is coming due.

I like her method of tacking a label to the block, I may have to "borrow" it.

hello
this is my first time doing the swap but I have a wooden crate and file folders with the sheet of info/address and a print out of the block and fabric I have picked out for the block. in the next few weeks I will cut the pieces for each block and put them in the folders and sew them up as I have the time. I like the idea of labling and puting them in the folders too. I will most likly cut and sew 2 blocks for each just incase I mess up the 1st one, so some of the lilies will get 2 blocks becouse if I get them both right I'll send them both.
can you tell I'm a little excited about this swap.
well see ya'll later
michelle

I can't believe how lucky I am to be included in this group! Some of you are new to me but I have swapped with the others and am very excited about this years blocks :)

Okay Jeanne, I know you didn't get the first email I sent with my info because I mess up but you have had my new info for almost 10 minutes now... Where is my list? hehehehe

Thanks for letting me in with this great group of quilters!
Marie

Yes, magothyrivergirl - the Patchwork Pines quilt is to be suitable for a female/girl/teenager. Our new hospital in Orange, NSW, Australia, is still being built and is due to open in 2011. So the quilting group I belong to has made the Oncology Ward at our new hospital our project. While the hospital is being built, we are all trying to make quilts to stock up. Our existing hospital doesn't have an oncology ward - all patients with cancer must go to Sydney for treatment. So the new oncology ward will treat patients all over country NSW. The last 2 years my quilts have been blue, so next year I'm aiming for pink from the Patchwork Pines and really bright fabrics from Carolina Lilies. Thank you in advance for everyone's help - makes my job a little faster.
Tinyteena (Kristene)

I forgot to say in my last message, that mail from US to Australia takes between 7 and 10 days.
TinyTeena (Kristene

Thanks, Kristene - I was wondering about that.

Teresa

Kristene~Patchwork Pines~Thanks for the back story on your blocks/quilts for your new hospital. I actually bought 2 pink fat qtrs yesterday to go with some pink fabric in my stash for your blocks! I'm ready to make yours-heehee-can you tell I am excited? What a great project your quilt group has selected.

Hi, Marie -
Yes, I got your information okay this time. I want to copy and paste it into the group list so your birthday falls in the right order, so I will get it out to you and the rest of the group later today. There is one more opening in that group, so I was hoping maybe there would be another member by now, but no one else yet... Don't worry, ladies, we will get there and worse case scenario is that you make one block of your own pattern for yourself.
Talk to you later.
Jeanne

hello
jeanne if you need one more person I would be willing to be in 2 groups, I already have fabric cut for most of the C.lilies so doing another should not be to hard, and I would want the same kind of blocks from both groups, any stars any colors 12.5 unfinished.
let me know
michelle

Thanks for offering, Michelle, but I won't need you to fill the group that I am working on. I have the two additional quilters that I need for the Patchwork Pines.
I will continue to take names - in case a newcomer sees this - but we will only have another group once 13 more people sign up.
I will revise the Patchwork Pines list and get it out to the members later today or tomorrow. Things got a little busy today.
Thanks, everyone.
Jeanne

I just sent out an e-mail message with the revised names for those who are in the Patchwork Pines. If it doesn't reach you, let me know. (Ditto if for some reason it won't download for you.)
What a wonderful group you are!
Jeanne

Jeanne
Thanks for getting the updated information for the Patchwork Pines. I have a friend who's want to join a group. She just joined the forum after I talked it up. I hope you have enough quilters to make another group.
Thanks for all you do.
Darlene

Jeanne, thank you for getting all the lists out this early. I am excited about making the blocks and have finished the first block for the Carolina Lily group. I hope to get a few more done before the holidays.
Linda OH