Cross Stitch Round Robin

[Gina E.]

I imagine most people reading this would know what a round robin is. But just in case you don't, a brief explanation is that each person in a group of people (between four and six is a good number) start with a piece of cross stitching fabric, and stitch a motif or design on it, leaving enough room for more designs to be added by other people. The participants are provided with a list of people to send to, and each one sends her original piece to the next person on her list. After a given time, the process is repeated, so that eventually everyone will receive their original fabric back, with a design added from each person in the group.
There is usually a theme, so that all the participants have an idea what patterns to look for when decided what to stitch on each person's RR. I have been in some RRs where people actually decide what they want on their RR, and send patterns for their whole piece, and the others have to use the pattern provided. I personally like the surprise factor when individuals choose a design to stitch.

[Miss 376]

I've never participated in one before, but would be happy to participate. Think I like the idea of the added designs being a surprise

[Tansy]

Sounds like fun. I, too, would prefer the specific designs to be a surprise. That makes each addition more personal.

Maybe it's just because of the "robin" in the name, but I immediately thought of birds as a theme.

[Lynne]

I am interested in this as it would be my first one, but it would depend on when it is.

[AMBER RUTZ]

I like the sounds of this. If enough people sign up, I will join in also.

[Gina E.]

We have enough people to start a Round Robin: Jane, Tansy, Lynne, Amber and myself. I think it will be best if we choose an individual theme for our own RRs, as if I pick a theme and one or more of you aren't happy about doing that for yourself, you will understandably lose interest! I'm going for teacups and teapots for mine. This means that each of you will have to find a pattern for either a cup or a pot to stitch on my RR. Bear in mind that your patterns should only measure about 4"/10 cm square, because there will be five of them on one piece of fabric. If anyone wants to join me with this theme, it will mean less work looking for patterns, as you can stitch the same one on each RR with that theme, if you want to.
So, make up your mind what your theme will be, and post a reply here so the rest of us can get busy and search for patterns to suit.
The next item you have to decide up on is the type of fabric you want your RR to be on - aida or another evenweave?
I usually go for aida, as if there is anyone who isn't familiar with stitching on linens, it can be a bit intimidating for them to have to sew on someone else's fabric, worrying about messing it up! Mind you, If you all want to work on other evenweaves, I'm happy to stitch on it.
I'll wait until the end of February before putting more detailed instructions here, as there maybe some more participants join us. Once I've got a final number of people, I'll explain how to set up your fabric, the timeframe, and the order of mailing to the next person. If we get more than six or seven people, I'll organise two separate RRs, as it gets too long to go around otherwise.
Time frame? I suggest we start about April - this gives us time to think about what we are doing, and prepare our fabric and patterns to use. If there are only the five of us, our RRs should be back home by around September.

[AMBER RUTZ]

I'm great with teapots and cups. After all, "While there is tea, there is hope."
Amber
[e-mail]

[Gina E.]

Thanks, Amber! I am looking forward to this Round Robin!

[Jan Lennie]

I'd like to join the round robin - I've actually been in several successful ones in the past - I am in the UK - I say that because some people are reluctant to post overseas. Some lovely themes I've worked on have been flowers, childhood, magic, and your part of the world / country.
Jan

[Gina E.]

Hi Jan,
Glad to have you in! Don't worry about being overseas - that's part of the fun of round robins for me. We now have three in the UK, two in the USA and me in Oz. I think that should do it. I'll create a roster soon and be in touch with everyone.

[Lynne]

I know it breaks the tea theme, but I would really love cows as a theme. We like cows in our house and this means it would fit right in.

[Gina E.]

No worries, Lynne. I have some cute designs in my Donna Kooler books which feature cows - I'll dig them out. Jane, Tansy and Jan - have you decided on a theme yet?

[Miss 376]

lol, been thinking about it all week, keep changing my mind. I think I will go with birds (or cats!). I am just as happy with either, though I am not adverse to the tea theme (I drink enough of it) or cows.