scrap challenge :: *spare a square

what is *spare a square? :: this scrap challenge is an organized fabric scrap swap designed to stimulate and inspire the imagination. it is a chance to look at a small pile of scraps in a different way - you are challenged to use a limited number of pieces to create one new piece. stitch them, rip them, glue them, cut them, dye them, weave them, combine them with other materials you have on hand. the only rule is that you must use all 10 scraps in your final piece - you are only limited by your imagination as to what that final piece will be.

:: DETAILS ::

STEP 1 = YOU :: each participant will contribute ONE SQUARE OF FABRIC measuring approximately 12"x12". dive into your stash and pull out a small piece of fabric that you love but cannot seem to find the perfect project for. better yet, rummage around in your scrap bin and pull out a leftover remnant from a recent project. once you have chosen the ONE SQUARE of fabric (please remember, it needs to be approximately 12"x12"), you will mail it to me along with a new self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) - please make sure the SASE is about 6" x 9" so as to accomodate the mystery scraps.

STEP 2 = ME :: once the fabric squares start arriving, i will organize them into groups of 10. each piece will be cut into 10 scraps of varying sizes and distributed evenly among the 10 people in that group. get it?
* 10 people x 1 fabric each => 10 people + 10 different scraps each *
the first 10 fabrics to arrive will make the first group, the second 10 are the next group, and so on and so on. i will then put your mystery scraps in your SASEs and send you your goodies.

STEP 3 = YOU AGAIN :: once you receive your fabric scraps, it's up to you to create ONE new "something" using all 10 of those pieces. it's entirely up to you to determine what that is - be it functional, decorative, whimsical, or silly. there will be 9 other people out there with the exact same fabric combinations as you and i imagine it will be quite amazing to see what you all come up with.

TIMELINE :: try to give yourself no more than 1-2 weeks to complete the project and then post image(s) of your one new piece to our flickr group. when you post to the flickr group, be sure to make note of which scrap group you were in so others in your group can take a look and get inspired!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? :: this scrap challenge is open to up to 100 people who sign up (read below) during the registration period.  this includes those of you who live overseas - i'll pick up the postage this time for any non-US participants, but please remember to send that 6x9 self-addressed envelope to defray additional shipping costs.

PLEASE :: ship fabric squares & SASEs no later than September 18. if all goes well, i should be able to organize the fabrics and have your mystery scrap envelope back to you in a few weeks.

:: HOW TO SIGN UP ::

sign ups are OPEN NOW and will CLOSE SUNDAY @ 9pm ET or when the limit of 100 participants is reached - whichever is sooner. i think i can handle the logistics of about 100 participants, but if more sign up than that, then i'll put you on the waiting list in case anyone drops out. all you need to do is
LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS POST including:

1. your first + last names (not your username, please)
2. your email address (in the email box of the comment form is fine)
3. your location (state/country)

this allows me to create a roster of participants and keep track of communications, square arrivals, etc. - i will send a signup confirmation email to everyone tuesday morning (hopefully) restating the scrap challenge rules as well as provide you with the address to send your fabric square. i'll send another email once your envelope has arrived telling you which group you are in & when your mystery scraps are in the mail back to you.

i hope we don't run into problems with people's emails going into spam or junk mail folders - PLEASE check your inbox tuesday throughout the day for the signup confirmation email.

and finally, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE only sign up if you are sincerely interested in completing this challenge. after sign ups close, maybe we can put together a button for your blogs, if you wish. and please pass the word on over at your own blog that the scrap challenge is underway.

i am beyond excited - hope you are as well! it's going to be so exciting what develops. xoxo

EDITED TO ADD :: signups are now closed - thanks everyone!!!!