2023 Batik Stars TOBE

I participated in the 2023 Batik Stars TOBE (Treadle On Block Exchange).  Treadle On is a group devoted to people powered sewing machines (treadles and hand cranks). I got my blocks back this week. This was an international exchange.  Not many participated in this exchange, but they all did a nice job on their blocks.  I'll list each persons blocks and the machines used separately.

These blocks came from Maryland and were made on a 1905 Clemens Muller Veritas hand crank.  The block is called the Quartered Star.

These blocks came from Florida and were made on a 1919 Singer 66.  The block is the Friendship Star.

These blocks came from Florida and were made on a 1902 Singer 28k.  The block is the Sawtooth Star.

These Ohio Star blocks were made on a 1936 Singer 99k, and also came from Florida.

These Autograph Star blocks also came from Florida and were stitched on an 1878 Willcox & Gibbs (the oldest machine used for this block exchange). 

These Starflower blocks came from New Mexico and were stitched on a 1950's Pfaff 30 treadle.  I love how she got all of her stripes lined up correctly.

These blocks came from Michigan and were stitched on a 1955 Singer 201K hand crank.  The block on the left is the Uneven Star and the block on the right is the Entwined Star.

These blocks came all the way from Ireland.  They were made on a 1954 Singer 201k.  They are a variation of the Ohio Star.

I didn't get any of my blocks back.  I did make one extra of each of my blocks (just in case).  I made my blocks on my 1927 Singer 15 hand crank.  

First, I made the Wisconsin Star.

I also made an Ohio Star variation.

And lastly, I made the Eight Pointed Star variation.  All of mine are paper pieced.

I also participated in another Batik Star block exchange back in 2016.  I now have more than enough batik stars to make a couple of quilts.

Batik Star Block Exchange

I participated in another TOBE (Treadle On Block Exchange).  This time we made Batik Stars.  We have to make our blocks on either a treadle or hand crank.  I made 2 different sets, using 2 different hand cranks.

my first block

1914 Singer 66 hand crank (Lotus Decals)

my 2nd blocks

1927 Singer 15 hand crank (Gingerbread Decals)

I was so busy making these, that I forgot to make blocks for myself, like I usually do.  Thank goodness I got one of each of my blocks back (I did mention that I'd be happy to get one of my blocks back).

Here are the blocks I got back, from the 2 sets.

As you can see, I only got a couple of duplicate blocks.  Some used the same fabrics, but, made different star patterns, and, some used the same pattern, but, different fabrics, so, only 3 blocks are the same. 

I don't know how I'll put these together.  It should be a fun quilt (or two) when I'm done.  These blocks are all 12.5".

I have one more exchange that I participated in, that will be coming.  It's a pin cushion exchange.  I can't wait to see what exchanges there will be in the year to come.  I've participated in exchanges for several years now, with Treadle On, but, I haven't made a quilt with any of my blocks so far.  One of these days, I'll have to pull them out and start putting them together.