I'm sure I was supposed to post this elsewhere, but can someone explain swaps and quilt blocks to me please? (I'm new here and to quilting and would like learn more)

Thank You
Alu

swaps are: you sign up to participate, make the required number of blocks, send them to the hostess, when all blocks are received the hostess (swaps) them and returns the same number of blocks to you which were made by the other paricipants so you get a (sampler) of blocks made by different people...
not sure what you are asking about the quilt blocks...(12 1/2 " blocks made in a certian pattern, put together to make a quilt) that's what quilt blocks are...could be any size, style, color...
hope this helps

If you read the first page of each swap, it will describe what that swap is all about.
Some are for blocks, squares (like the I spy fabrics) FQ's, bricks, strips of fabric.
Some of the swaps are really round robins. You make the center of your quilt, then everyone starts sending them to other's according to a list. The other's and you, add on a predetermined border and then send it on to the next person. When you get your's back, the top is complete.

A block is the square you sew. The swap is an exchange.

Sometimes the block in a swap is predetermined and sometimes just a part of the block is predetermined. For example, the Chicken block exchange expects a chicken (of sorts) and the Chocolate Raspberry swap expects a block (any block) in those colors.

For a swap, usually, a set of like blocks is sent to the organizer who then sorts the blocks and sends a random set back to every participant.

Some people make more than one set and they will get one block back for every one they submit.

In the doll quilt exchange, two quilters are partnered up and each makes a doll quilt for their partner.

Wow. Lots of information! lol Thank you guys! I might participate in the next swap, depending on what it is. Thank you!

I have another question...

What is the best way to go about making a quilt larger than the actual finished product.

EX: I have a pattern for a quilt that will be 56 1/2" x 56 1/2" when done. I want to make the quilt a queen size bed spread, 102" x 112" (or 102" x 114")

How would I extend the size other than adding an extra border. (Which I am already going to do, the border would be 4 inches wide.)

I am not sure about that one, since I am not good at the math aspect of quilting but I am positive that someone here can help you figure it out! Good luck and welcome :)

You can add more blocks to extend to the size you need, or you could make the blocks larger. That would require some math. What pattern are you planning?

I am going to do the stairway to cat heaven

http://web.archive.org/web/200703022...ern/index.html

I'm trying to figure out block size.

I love to give advice. You don't have to take it, though.

This pattern was designed as a wall hanging. I have it and plan to make it as a gift for my foolish cat-loving daughter....someday.

If you are a new quilter, find an easier pattern for your bed. Or even better, make a smaller quilt for the back of your couch. Get your feet wet on something you will be successful doing, something that you won't get discouraged in the middle of construction. Set yourself up for success.