mid-atlantic mod: a modern quilting retreat: January 2017

Mid-Atlantic Mod is coming up in less than 3 months!

*Note: If you'd like to be a part of the progressive quilt making at the retreat and you didn't already sign up when you registered, please email midatlanticmod(at)gmail(dot)com ASAP!

Keep on reading if you're interested in participating in swaps for the retreat! You may take part whether or not you signed up during registration. If you want to do the Secret Sewist Swap, you must fill out the Google Form by February 12 at 11:59 PM EST.

We will be having two different swaps this year at MOD. You can take part in one, both, or none at all - you will have a blast at Mid Atlantic MOD no matter what!

In 2014, we swapped tote bags featuring Essex Linen, and in 2015 and 2016, we swapped mini quilts. This year, we will be swapping sewing themed bags!

Sewing Themed Bag Swap

There are no official signups for this swap - just bring it to the retreat and you'll come home with one! The exchange is random so you are not making the bag for anyone specific.

You will make a bag that is at least 10" x 13" x 2" (should at least fit notebooks - so, tote bag size). It can be larger if you'd like. You can make a simple tote bag, use any pattern, or draft one if you wish. It could be a bag that your recipient would bring to a sewing retreat like this one, or to a guild meeting.
You use your own fabric to make this swap item.
For the sewing theme, think about including any of the following on the bag itself: a sewing machine, selvages, spools of thread, sewing words, fabric featuring sewing words/objects, notions, etc.
It does not need to be quilted but it should be lined in some way (i.e. not just one layer of fabric).
Consider adding pocket(s), a zipper, or special zipper pulls if you'd like, etc. - not required, just extra for fun.
Extras - you may add a surprise to the inside of your bag, but please keep it to less than $10 retail value. Not required.
Please keep in mind this is a modern retreat. For example, no appliqued baskets of flowers, Sunbonnet Sue, etc. Some ideas for you: using solid, bold fabrics, improvisation, a modern block surrounded by strips, several blocks pieced together in modern fabric, low volume fabrics as a background, etc. You might want to make something functional that your recipient can use on a daily basis or when going to retreats like this one.
Please bring the quilt in a paper bag so it is not visible and without your name on the outside. You can post pictures of your bag on Instagram etc before the swap (tag them with #midatlanticmod), but if you do, don't show how yours is wrapped so everyone is surprised when opening them (we will likely swap them around in their bags).

Here is a Pinterest board with lots of ideas. Go crazy! Use your creativity!

https://www.pinterest.com/quiltyhabit/sewing-themed-bag-swap-mid-atlantic-mod-2017/

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Secret Sewist Swap (read on for sign up link)

This swap goes on for three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (morning/early afternoon before the person you're sewing for leaves). You will be assigned a particular person and you leave something for them each of the three days! Be sneaky and leave the gift at their sewing station when they’re not looking. We'll have name tags on our spots because you might not yet know this person. :)
You will be sent the personal information of your assigned sewist after sign-ups are complete so you can sew specifically for them. Look for it the week of Feb. 12.
At least one of the days has to be a significant handmade sewn gift. Examples: pouch(es), fabric basket(s), pillow cover, sewing machine mat, sewing organizer, mini quilt, tote bag, etc. The more unique, the better!
For the other 2 days, smaller handmade gifts are appreciated but not required. Something small like a key fob or lanyard, mug rug with a mug, something in their favorite color and/or tailored to their interests, etc. would be nice. You could also include any other crafts you do (knitting, jam, candles, lip balm, etc.) but you still need your one sewn item. If you want to leave generic notions, fabric, or chocolate for your partner in addition, that's great, but you must also try to leave them something unique that you think they will love.
There is no set dollar value for the gifts because it’s impossible to value our time. People tend to be generous and leave small group of gift items each day. You are totally welcome to spoil your sewist and it will likely be very appreciated. If you want to make something sewn or crafted for each day, go for it! But be aware that the requirements are at least one hand sewn item and a gift every day that includes unique, thoughtful, or fun items. So, for example, if you make a twin sized quilt, other hand sewn items and include a dozen fat quarters and several spools of Aurifil, it’s very likely you’re not going to get the equivalent in return. We just don’t want anyone to be disappointed, but have fun spoiling your sewist!
You can only participate if you will be there Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You're not required to leave a gift on Thursday, but feel free if you're both there.
The swap is anonymous on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, you must leave your name! Then your Secret Sewist can come find you and thank you. :)

Sign-up for this swap via this Google Form by Sunday, February 12!

Please follow this link and fill out the form even if you already indicated during initial registration that you were interested. The information will be available to all who sign up for the swap, so that your partner can access your likes and dislikes.

*Check out the Mid-Atlantic Mod hashtag (#midatlanticmod) for lots of past examples from our retreat goers!

&Here is a Pinterest board of some ideas and tutorials you could follow:

https://www.pinterest.com/quiltyhabit/mid-atlantic-mod-secret-sewist-swap/