The Guidelines

Revised March 1, 2009

The Block Lotto is open to anyone.

THE BASICS

To participate, you will:

1. Make blocks.
2. Post a comment on the block lotto blog indicating that you'd like to join the group. If you are already an author, post a photo of your blocks.
   
3. Send an email message to me with your real name and mailing address and URL of your blog, if you have one. I'll respond with an invitation to become an author of the block lotto blog.
   
   Note: if you aren't ready for blogging, you can still play by emailing me your info and attaching the photo of your blocks. I'll post them for you on the blog.
   

At the end of the month, your name will go into the hat for each block you make. When the winner(s) have been chosen, you will receive an email message with the mailing information for your blocks. Depending on the number of blocks you make and the numbers of winners, you may be asked to split your blocks and send multiple envelopes, for example, sending two-to-four blocks to each winner.

THE 2009 BLOCKS

For 2009, all the blocks will be 6-inches square, finished size. Each month, you may make up to NINE (9) blocks for the lotto. Depending on participation, this will mean more blocks for each winner and lower the cost of postage to mail them around. Also the winners will be receiving lots of squishie envelopes with their blocks.

All the blocks in 2009 are traditional blocks, as documented by Barbara Brackman and others.

FABRICS & SEWING GUIDELINES

Fabrics should be pre-washed 100% quilting cottons and follow the guidelines given for the month. Your finished block shouldn't be more than 1/4 inch smaller or larger than 6-1/2 inches. The golden rule of swapping also applies to the Block Lotto: Enter blocks that you would be happy to receive if you won.

DEADLINES

The deadline for posting a message with a photo (or link to a photo) will be NOON, eastern time (9AM on the US West coast, 5PM in the UK) on the last day of the month or the posted deadline date.

After the drawing, blocks should be mailed to the winner(s) within 7 DAYS–you cannot participate in the next month if your block has not been received by the winner(s). The winner(s) will be sent a list of the people who will be sending blocks to use as a checklist as the squishies arrive.

SNEEK PEEK

If you finish and post your blocks at least one week before the deadline, you'll receive a sneek peek email message with the next month's block.

INCENTIVE

If you complete a quilt from your blocks (quilted and bound), you can DOUBLE your chances (during a month of your choice). If you finish piecing a top or complete a project (or projects) using some of your lotto blocks, you can earn 4 extra chances for the month of your choice.