On another site we just made 9 patch blocks in Christmas fabrics so that the recipient could use them either as they are or in 9to4 or disappearing 9 patch blocks. They are easy to make and can often be made with scraps from other Christmas sewing.

Mary

No, December has usually been a play it by ear month, where the moderator just asks if we'd have enough people interested in doing one with the holidays coming upon us. I think a couple years ago, I won (my only win) a December lotto. There were thirteen blocks promised and somebody didn't send it two of them. It was still enough to have a good jump-start on a quilt.

I could really use some more input! Here are our options:

1. No December lotto
2. Regular monthly lotto
3. Holiday block lotto

I think tuppermom had a great idea. As we sew for the holiday, how about making ANY size, ANY pattern holiday fabric or themed blocks? The winner could put them together in a jigsaw pattern, filling in with scraps of holiday fabrics or other blocks. That's a project I've thought sounded interesting, but I never have enough "spare" blocks around to play with. They could be 4 patches, 9 patches, any patches, any stars, pinwheels, rail fence, log cabin. or applique of a holiday motif. If you're making some gingerbread men, make an extra. Throw in a few scraps. We could basically make it a holiday block/scrap bag lotto.

So, PLEASE, discuss & let's come to a conclusion as to how we'd like our December lotto to be!

Kay

I can't commit. I'm not a solid Lotto player, because I only do very simple blocks, and then usually only one. I'd do a simple block in bright red, green, gold, white. I'm so new to all this sewing stuff, even the simple blocks are a challenge to me, and take me a three or four hours to do. Especially when I change presser feet and forget to move my needle position back to center. I had to lay down after that.

I like tuppermom's suggestion - this one is even easier - same theory, only a 4 patch. I suggest white or wow and any Christmas or winter red & green print. Send the 4 patch uncut. Keep it simple. That's about all the extra thought process I could handle this time of year. Very, very easy,and a bit different from the D9P.

Here is a link that might be useful: 4 to 9 patch

I think I'd be up for the 4 to 9 patch. Looks easy and I like the idea of Christmas fabrics.

A four patch is even easier....what size? I think a finished 12" would be good since it will end up smaller after being cut. So we would need two 6 1/2" white or wow squares and two 6 1/2" red or green squares....easy-peasy!

Mary

That sounds like a winner. A twelve inch four patch with two white or WOW squares and two red or green or combination of red and green. Either solid or print or Christmas print. Not all of us have Christmas fabrics, or in my case all my Christmas fabrics are blue. LOL

I agree Mary - 12" finished. I would keep the red & green a seasonal (holly leaf, etc. ) or Christmas Print - not solid red or green.

I know I have plenty of WoW and at least two holiday themed fabrics, so I would be up for this.

I really like the 4-patch idea! So easy during a really busy month.

But if you want to offer the winner the option of cutting up the 4 patch, you'd start with four 7" squares. Then if she didn't want to cut them, she can trim down.

I think even I could handle that one! I have lots of white and lots of holiday fabrics.

What a lot of ideas! Let's leave the discussion open for a couple more days, so folks who might not have seen the post yet can join the discussion.

Going with the broadest "common denominator", so far I'm seeing:

Tuppermom's 4-patch idea seems to be leading in favor.

toolgranny is suggesting a slightly larger four square (7") for more flexibility.

Red & green prints only have been suggested, but I like calliope's input r.e. other holiday colors. I sew for some people who celebrate Hannukah, so have blues. And my own decorations are gold and white. So I'm leaning toward any color holiday print with corresponding solids. If a particular square doesn't work for the winner, it could be used in a different project or donated.

And as for schedule, this holiday lotto would just bump our current December listing to January and we'd pick up from there.

Great to see so much input. Let's see what else develops over the next couple of days, but SAVE THOSE SCRAPS!

Kay