What is Round Robin quilting?

October 26, 10:05 AMQuilting ExaminerKelly Smith

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A round robin is a great way for a group of quilters to challenge each other creatively. In its simplest form a round robin is an ongoing exchange of quilt projects where each person takes a turn adding to the project. Beyond that, it can become quite elaborate depending on the rules agreed upon by the group.

My bee did a round robin a few years ago and we had a great time. We decided to make medallion quilts where each person would make a center of their choice and then each of us would add a border.

1. The center had to be at least 20” by 20”. It could be any color, style, or pattern.
2. We could include some of our own fabric in the bag for other people to use.
3. We could specify that none of a certain color or kind of fabric be used (for example, no reproduction fabric if we were not into that style). We could also specify if we wanted *only* a certain kind of fabric. All batiks, for example.
4. We had to include a journal in the bag so each person could document the border they made. People wrote about why they chose a certain style of border, described any problems they had and how they overcame them etc.
5. We had to include a disposable camera in the bag so a photo could be taken of each person with the border they had added.
6. We had one month to complete the border before passing it on to the next person.
7. When the borders were revealed, the owner of the quilt had to leave the room so as not to spoil the surprise.
8. We held the “grand unveiling” at our Christmas party.

The quilts we made were all gorgeous and all completely different. Mine was a brightly colored Mariner’s Compass with wild borders. I have never pieced a Mariner's Compass and the sharp points were way beyond my abilities at the time (and probably still are without the help of paper piecing or something). After trying unsuccessfully to create what I wanted, I finally used fusible applique to create my compass and covered the edges with black fusible bias tape. The center was a mess though and the bright yellow I wanted to put there did not cover up all those black bais tape ends. So I found a black Fossil Fern fabric and used that instead. I named the quilt "Left to my Own Devices" in honor of the Pet Shop Boys song I was listening to while I made it and also in honor of the fact that I had dreamed up this solution completely on my own. I was pretty proud of myself! Here is the quilt, with all the borders on it.

In addition to my unorthodox compass, there was an Ohio Stars in vibrant red and other hues, and a black and pink quilt with polka dotted fabric, white lace, and ruched flowers and several others I can't recall. I think we all loved our completed quilt tops and I know we all learned a lot during the process of making them.

Give a round robin a try and send me a picture of your results! I’ll post about my round robin quilt next time!

You can contact Kelly at:

QuiltingExaminer@gmail.com

or on her website at:

www.redheadedquilter.com