Journal Quilts Swap - April

This is the April Journal quilt swap. Quilters have been making journal quilts for a few years now. [Google to see many]. Journal quilts are usually about 9x12 inches; one is made each month. If you missed January-March you can join anyway. The quilter chooses a theme for the year and makes variations using any technique she likes: patchwork, applique, fusing, painting, drawing, collage, embellishment. It is a small finished quilt that may be displayed or maybe sewn or clipped together to make a complete journal at the end of the year. [You may chose not to finish the edges and sew all 12 into a wall quilt at the end.]

Themes can be broad like holidays or they can be personal, family, self-portraits, pets or general like flowers, trees, houses. It's a chance for experienced quilters to try new techniques and stretch their reach, or for new quilters to work on one theme maybe with different techniques and improve over the year.

HOW THIS WILL WORK: the swap will be posted near the first of each month. You will have until the end of the month to sign up and then a whole month during which to make your journal "page'. At the end of the month, or when your piece is finished, you will Xerox it, photograph it or scan it so you can send a picture of it to your partners. You will ALSO write a note telling your partners what your theme is and how you made the quilt and, if need be, what the meaning is. You will have two partners.

At the end of the year you will have 12 [or fewer if you missed some months] quilts which will reflect the year. Of course you don't have to sign up every month, but ideally you will. I know stuff happens and some months may be impossible.

I will check ratings and ban anyone with no sends or unexplained 3s. This is international and is inexpensive in terms of postage. Please note in the comments below if you prefer snail mail or if you'd be happy to have emailed scans of the quilts. You may also note in the comment what theme you are choosing and maybe why -- it would be inspiring to read what others have chosen -- BUT it is personal to you so this is not a requirement. So far people have done wonderfully individual things. Lots of creativity is going on out there.