Inherent in the success (or failure) of traditional round robin quilts is the difference in skill levels of the members. Color preference and selection, accuracy of piecing, and overall workmanship vary, making final assembly a challenge. Round Robin Renaissance offers many tips, techniques, and tools for overcoming these challenges and making the group experience a fun experience!
The excitement of group quilts lies in the creativity of the shared experience, and Round Robin Renaissance presents a fresh, new approach. There is a Block Pool of 30 blocks in various sizes to choose from and five types of quilts to select, some including embroidery and embellishment. For example, each member participating in the Progressive Blocks Quilt constructs the equivalent of two 12" square (finished) blocks. The quilter may interpret this in a variety of ways by making 2 true 12" blocks; 8 blocks, each 6"; 18 blocks, each 4"; 32 blocks, each 3"; or a combination of the above. When the blocks are completed by the group, the quilter can assemble them in a traditional method or in a new and innovative way.
In addition to the Progressive Blocks Quilt, you'll find the Photo-Exchange Quilt, which truly reflects the high-tech world in which we live. Cherished images are transferred onto fabric and sent off to the group members to add creative borders. The adventure continues when the bordered blocks are returned to the quilter for assembly.
The Medallion Quilt features a large center block or image surrounded by a series of borders or frames. The instructions for this quilt offer two styles, a straight set and an on-point version. Although this quilt requires a little more planning, it is well worth the effort.
Row Quilts are fast, fun, and easy! The group just exchanges rows of six 6-inch blocks. The pieced rows are separated by the background or sashing fabric. This is a great project to work around a theme fabric.
Last but not least - my favorite - a group project that focuses on embellishment! A small wallhanging or pillow is a great way to experiment with new types of surface decoration. The group exchanges strips of fabric, and the members decorate them with a variety of techniques that might include couching, decorative machine stitching, embroidery, raw-edge appliqué, and collage.
Round Robin Renaissance is a guide that offers a new style of round robin quilt. The galleries throughout will inspire and motivate not only groups, but the individual quilter to make quilts with attitude!
- M'Liss Rae Hawley, from M'Liss Rae Hawley's Round Robin Renaissance
 M'Liss Rae Hawley is an accomplished quilting teacher, lecturer, embroidery and textile designer, and best-selling author. She conducts workshops and seminars throughout the world. As the author of seven books and the originator of numerous innovative designs, M'Liss is constantly seeking new boundaries to challenge her students while imparting her enthusiasm for the art of quilting. Although her new PBS television series, M'Liss's Quilting World, is in production, M'Liss continues to create fabric with coordinating embroidery collections, write books, and create patterns for McCall's Quilting Magazine.
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