2026 Treadle On Block Exchanges (TOBEs)
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You can start with really simple blocks, and each year we try to have something a bit more challenging...
Please remember to use an archival, permanent, acid-free pen to sign your blocks. Do NOT use a Sharpie marker as it will bleed a yellow "shadow". Pigma, ZIG, and Micron pens work well. Quilt shops, craft stores (scrap booking or art supply department) and office supply stores carry them.
If you have any questions about a particular TOBE please ask the host!
Sad note - at the moment, due to tariffs and the like, it may not be possible for overseas participants to send blocks into the US. These are technically gifts and should get through, but your host may prefer to suggest an in-your-country arrangement. To say nothing of the frightful costs of postage lately... Sigh
Host - Jeanette Wendt jeanette.wendt@yahoo.com
Mail by dates:
International: Saturday March 21st 2026
USA: Saturday April 4th 2026
All Fabrics must be Pre-Washed
Use unbleached muslin and Spring or Pastel colours. Blocks must finish to 6-1/2 inches untrimmed
8 blocks is a set, maximum of 4 sets of blocks
How to make the blocks HERE
Directions for signing your blocks HERE
Directions for mailing your blocks HERE
Bags should be a minimum of 7 by 10 inches (to fit a book) or any size you like above this
ALL fabrics must be pre-washed.
Sign your TOTE bags with permanent fabric marking pen (Name, Location, 2026 Treadle On Bag Exchange, what machine you used) somewhere on/in the bag.
Maximum two totes per participant please
I'm not going to put up a pattern, as there may well be about 16 million online...
(Jennifer writes: We are going to experiment with something new for the tote bag exchange.
If you wish to save some postage costs, you may send Jennifer a photo of your 100% finished tote bag by the mail date and she will give you the name and address of another exchanger in your own country (with luck there will be at least 2 participants per country!). You will then send your tote bag to that person. This will save at least 1 direction of postage and avoid any unexpected tariffs/taxes/import costs.)
Host - Jennifer Fournier jennifer_fournier@yahoo.com
Mail by dates:
International: Wednesday April 15th 2026
USA: Thursday April 30th 2026
Host - Cheryl Parker jncparker4@comcast.net
Mail by dates:
International: Saturday July 11th 2026
USA: Saturday July 25th 2026
All Fabrics must be Pre-Washed
See HERE for Cheryl's instructions for this
Sign your pin cushion thread catchers with a permanent fabric marking pen (Name, Location, Year, what machine you used) somewhere on/in the pin cushion thread catcher.
Please do NOT fill the pin cushion (this makes them too heavy to mail, also people might be allergic to the filling)
Directions for signing your makings HERE
Directions for mailing your pincushions HERE
Host - Carol Kio tallytwo1994@yahoo.com
Mail by dates:
International: Saturday September 19th 2026
USA: Saturday October 1st 2026
All Fabrics must be Pre-Washed
Use unbleached muslin and your choice of colours. No novelty fabrics please, and aim for good strong colours.
Blocks must finish to 6-1/2 inches untrimmed
8 blocks is a set, maximum of 4 sets of blocks
How to make the blocks HERE
Directions for signing your blocks HERE
Directions for mailing your blocks HERE
Host - Desiree Cureton desireelcureton@gmail.com
Mail by dates:
International: Friday October 2nd 2026
USA: Friday October 16th 2026
All Fabrics must be Pre-Washed
8 blocks to a set, maximum 4 sets
How to make the blocks HERE
Directions for signing your blocks HERE
Directions for mailing your blocks HERE
Useful Information
Note - these mostly open as .pdf documents; download these to your computer for reference, pleaseMailing Blocks
Blocks - new pages with new illustrations...
Friendship Star
Disappearing 4-patch
Rail Fence
Half-square Triangles
Four-patch
Trail to Treadleonia (Mary's Triangles)