... The excitement as you work on several others' quilts - and the anticipation of getting your own quilt back… and the disappointment and hurt when it never shows up.
The biggest is the one that janie/alaska organized - it was 36 women who committed to working in 3 groups, with specific rules for each round. I knew none of the people on my list - but by the end of the year - felt very close to several of them. Eight years later, several of us still correspond on a fairly regular basis!! We went on to make a total of 3 group efforts - the big round robin, a smaller round robin and a block exchange. I have two of the projects at a point of being able to finish off - ready to quilt. The third will need more blocks to make something of it - but that will come. I have met some wonderful people through the round robins and exchanges and have some beautiful quilts because of them. Once more I have become involved in a round robin because of the fun and success I've had!
However, I have also learned of several people who have not been so lucky.
This past Christmas, one of our dear RPLOTN'ers has spoken face to face with a round robin quilter who has no intention of even looking for the wayward round robin quilt that is in her home - somewhere. Another one of our RPLOTN quilters will never see her round robin quilt! And she is not the only one! After discussing this situation with several in chat, the quilter does this with just about every group project she's been involved in!
Why is it that some quilters sign up for the project - and make no effort to complete their end of the bargain? Yes, real life can get in the way - but get the quilt out the door to the next person and let them carry that round for you! I'm talking about the ones who do this on a consistent basis! What are you thinking?!
We are a busy lot - and I know there is always pressure to join a new project. Take a moment to consider the ramifications of not making the through - and be considerate of others. You can say "No" and not get involved and it will be alright. Save your efforts for another helpful project in the group.
If you've got an old group project in the back of the closet - get it out the door! Someone is waiting for it to come home.
For those who say "Finished is better than perfect." I add a corollary - "Returned is best".
Lez Zwaal
Maker of quilts
Edmonton, 2006
Lez's Round Robin 1998
