jillaine

All of you still reading: I have a question for you. I've been pondering whether or not I'm going to host this swap again next year. (I'd do the same time table: start after the holidays; delivery by 1 July.) And I'd like your feedback on something.

Not sure if you all know this, but this is the first swap I've ever coordinated and only the 2nd swap I've ever participated in. I had a LOT of fun making matches. It was so amazing that, for the most part, based on the information you initially provided me, I was able to find pairs who wanted to make what the other wanted to receive. That said, the keeping track of you all was pretty tough (as so many of you know). And frankly, although this community has come through with FLYING, bright, screaming colors to ensure abandoned swappers are getting a quilt, each time someone was abandoned, my willingness to consider doing this again plummeted.

Then one of you, offline, recommended that IF I do this again (and it's still an IF), I consider setting it up as a centralized swap, where instead of pairing you all up and you're on your own (with my nudging) to get quilts to each other, that instead, you make the quilt and send it to ME, and *I* take care of making sure everyone gets their quilt. So I'm thinking about that and would like your ideas and reactions about it.

Thanks!

QuilterMomma

That is an interesting idea, the hard part would be the increase in postage. We would have to include an additional amount to mail to that other person. You would also have the burden of being sure all is well with the quilts when they get to you and not keeping them for yourself (just humor there). I enjoyed the swap and did not mind helping out with abandoned quilters. I do think those that did leave and not fulfill their obligation not be allowed to play. The concept of sending to your house is similar to the other swaps so suppose postage would not be a large issue then. It does not matter to me. I enjoyed this swap and am enjoying the results of it everytime I cuddle on my sofa, bed, and walk down my stairs. I have four beautiful quilts to enjoy so up for it again.

lindy-2

i enjoyed the swap but the cost might be prohibitive if all sent to a central location especialy for people like me who are not in the US. since that would probly almost double the shipping cost.

Annaquilts

I was one that had my original arrangement not work out. I do understand the extra postage and do not like it but I think the only way I would participate in the swap again is if it was centralized. I think anything more then one block is not worth it for me to do an uncentralized swap. I have had swaps fall through with blocks and also a wall hanging I work so hard on. I never heard back from the ladies and lost the items I made. fortunately I had not send my quilt in yet by the time I realized it fell through.

Whigrose

Hm. How would sending quilts to a third party prevent or alter the actions of 'a few folks'? I'm thinking this would be unnecessary work for any Swap Momma and unnecessary costs for participants.

The few swappers that went MIA for a while but eventually stepped up (hopefully with an explanation to their partner and Swap Momma) could be overlooked, but the folks that just disappeared or did not produce should definately recieve a red flag among the moderators andlist owner and not be allowed in future QB swaps IF they haven't righted their wrong.

Unfortunately there is no 'one size fits all' answer for a situtation like this. Over all the swap was highly successful. Perhaps part of the committment when folks sign up is contact must be maintained with swap partners weekly. Any breach of communication longer than X# of weeks could be a flag (unless the absence was discussed previously between partners such as vacations, illness, business, school, etc). Then after XX# of weeks without contact between partners put plan B into action.

Not wanting to be a stickler here but I do not believe I would particpate knowing there was a second postage involved.

best,
d

Whigrose

Jillaine,
Would there be any 'reasonable' way to set up the swap with two groups- the proven and the newcomers? Saying, those that participated and produced could be in one part of the swap (that directly sends off their finshed quilts to their partner) and the newcomers could be in the 'centralized' swap? Just a thought.

best,
d

Annaquilts

The chain blocks came in from Lindy-2 for the quilt for Caroline. All the blocks work together well and make a pleasing layout. I will post a picture in my albums so it will not spoil it for Caroline if she checks in on this thread.

QuilterMomma

Oh how awesome! I am thrilled. Anxious to see it so I can be sure the fabric Vanogay so generously donated will do for binding otherwise will use my Joann fabric coupon at the LQS, they take them, and get the right color or see if I have something in my stash.

TwinRiverFarm

Despite the bumps in the road, I would not hesitate a second to participate again. I made a beautiful quilt that helped me try new patterns, colors and sharpened my FMQ skills. I enjoyed every bit of the time I made it, and I hope my missing partner (who DID get it and thanked me for it profusely at the time) feels warm and happy under it. My worst fear is that something bad happened in her life and that is why she is unable to communicate now, for we talked to each other all through the process. I know My DH would have no idea how to contact the QB, heck, he can't even find his sock drawer by himself. Who knows? But then I learned something else. That we are an amazing group of kindred spirits here, and what you all did to make sure I had a quilt of my own made me want to steal Jillaine's Kleenex from her. And yes, it is not the first time I have been let down in a swap, but I love them anyway.
So maybe required PM's biweekly would help, but things are going to happen anyway. I know now I will always step up to make sure everyone gets their Comforter ! (how many times has THAT story been in the chat section!?

QuilterMomma

Ok, I went there and you ladies have made some beautiful blocks. I am anxious to get it in my hot little hands. Vanogays fabric will be great for the backing. tapping my foot and drumming my fingers.

You almost made me reach for jillaine's kleenex, almost. I don't get real mushy about things, but that is definitely heartfelt TwinRiverFarm, glad I got to swap with you in another swap. The batik fish is so neat.