What the heck, I guess I'll throw my 2 cents in!! I've only been involved in one swap, the Valentine swap this year. I went to Joann's and didn't see anything I would want so I went to my LQS. But if Joann's would have had something good enough for my own work, (which is still beginner level), I would consider it good enough for others. I did get some yardage for a friend at Wally World, but it seemed to be of pretty good quality. I may not know enough, however, to be able to pick out true quality :lol: :lol: :lol: The fabric was fun, I liked it well enough to feel a twinge when I sent it away, and I felt it was something my friends would like to have in their stash. Enough said.
As far as the allergies go, I don't have any. Lucky me!! and I'm an ex-smoker, but others do still smoke in my house on occassion. The cat allergies are to the protein in their saliva that sticks to their hair and their dander. No getting it out of your house if there is a cat inside. And it might be a apain for a swap coordinator to match no-cat households,so I can understand why you don't participate. If you wash it immediately are the allergies so bad still??
I like to participate, but am of the don't look a gift horse mentality. I do it because its fun and I get to connect with other quilters :D :D :D