I've been in a couple of Row Robins that worked out well. But, each row specified in the rules what had to be done. Row 1, pieced blocks, Row 2, applique, Row 3, watercolor, Row 4, blocks on point, and so on. All rows had to finish 48 inches long and no more than 10 inches wide. The rows were left unattached so the owner could arrange them as she wanted. Each person made the first row and then included their theme fabric along with a card describing the color scheme and theme of the quilt. One of mine came out better than the other but both are nice.

However, the Round Robin I was in was another story. I started with an appliqued rooster done in bright tropical colors. I specified that I wanted it to have a bright, happy, Caribbean-Tropical feel. It came back with rounds of dull brown tone greens and very dull sunflower fabrics for the next round and everyone else followed the lead of the awful sunflowers. I've not finished it as everytime I look at it, it makes me ill. I think I'm going to take it apart and make a pillow or picture out of the rooster.

But, I still like doing them.
Barb Mcf

Betty -

You've been in a great group, Betty. You've shown me the blocks in your swap as you went along. I think your group is a great group of quilters. I'm sure your Round Robin will work the same way.

It always amazes me when SOME people can't follow the directions of the owner of the finished Round Robin or Row quilt. What is so hard about that?

I'd like to try a lap quilt (48" x 60") row swap again sometime. I just hope it turns out better than my first row quilt experience.

I would like to be involved in a row/round robin. Never done one except for "No-Mail round robin".(I had only myself to blame if I didn't get it done in time).The reason I haven't been involved is the time schedule and I don't have that great of imagination of what the next row should look like.And the pressure of the timetable would get to me.Anyway, those are my excuses.
Trina

I was thinking how about a "no-mail" row quilt. Each month an individual in the group picks a block and that is what we will make for that month as the row. Of course, we would have to decide on the measurement of the quilt and such, and the blocks have to fit in that dimensions.And again the quilt won't get lost in the mail. And the cost of mailing isn't an issue either.
Trina

Linda, we do have a great group. We do have a couple of beginning quilters and the center I have right now is not squared... but this group will get with the leader and ask for suggestions privately how to fix it. That's what I did, we don't like to change the feel of the piece. I you want muted fabric you get muted fabric which as you know is hard for me...the bright orange lady. I did some hearts that was a muted as I could get them. Just don't see those fabrics at all! lol

Betty

The first row quilt I really looked at had a row with staggered flying geese on it. I just knew they had to have been made by strip peicing but I couldn't figure it out. It just looked so nice! Of course this was at a guild show so they were very experienced. I would not be able to do all of the patterns suggested or my rows would be in that toss out group! I have a book on strip pieced borders and have tried to make 2 of them. I just couldn't make the first one match up right at the corners so I went with the piano keys instead. But I really liked making them. Linda, you would like this book because it has Kitties in it!
Anyway, I thought a row quilt would be good for me to learn some new things without having to do a whole quilt in one pattern. So I still might have to give it a go.

Hmmmm - I'm just thinking in print, here - Trina - Usually, when you are in a row swap - you - the owner of your rows - chooses the theme, fabric (batiks, florals, 30s, etc), and, if necessary, may provide the background fabric for the blocks. For your suggestion, I don't know that a row quilt where each person chooses the next block(s) for the next row, would not be able to follow a single theme. It's almost like a mystery row quilt.

And I know what you mean about time. When you are in a regular row or round robin group, there is a time limitation.

I see what you are saying, Linda.
Trina

Here is my RR with the third round added?
Betty

Lynne's_Addition_3rd_round80.jpg (43 Kb, 37 downloads)

Now here is the RR I just added the 2nd round to!

Betty

Stephanies_Round_2_by_Betty402.jpg (47 Kb, 40 downloads)