Made Fabric Block Exchange

What is Made Fabric?

Piecing scraps together in an improvisational way gives you “Made Fabric,” which you can then cut and use like any other fabric – for example, in creating lively renditions of traditional blocks. Victoria Findlay Wolfe describes this form of improv, including multiple ways of creating and using Made Fabric, in her book 15 Minutes of Play.

Do I need to read 15 Minutes of Play to participate in this Block Exchange?

Not necessarily, but it might help. Fortunately, if you’re not ready to buy 15 Minutes of Play, you can borrow a copy from the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library or from a number of CMQG members.

How does the Made Fabric Block Exchange work?

Every month, one group member facilitates the exchange by specifying a block for everyone to sew, and how that block will incorporate Made Fabric. The facilitator can also set other parameters as they’d like – for example, by choosing a color palette. At the next month’s CMQG meeting, group members give their blocks to the facilitator who... can do anything with the blocks! Sew a quilt and keep it, sew a quilt and give it away, give away the blocks, whatever. It‘s the facilitator’s choice.

Can I join at any time?

Sure! And you can opt out at any time. All we ask is that while you’re a member of the group, you commit to making that month’s block and giving it to that month’s facilitator in a timely fashion. That’s only fair, right? You can’t expect to receive blocks when you’re the facilitator, if you haven’t been making blocks for others.