Why... thank you morning coffee gal!
I think that you did great explaining. I love that you read all the rules and knew the answers. LOL!
I will add this though because it needs a little more explaing...
Question ... Are all the blocks applique or embroidery?
Answer ... No you can use paper piecing or just regular piecing to make your blocks. Please see my second set on page 2 of this thread to see the pieced heart I did.
Question ... I noticed a block that had a darker background.
Answer ... Yes there might be very few blocks that have a little darker background. But it will be rare. And personally, I think they add a little somethin' somthin' to a quilt. But, for the most part people will follow what the swap rules say and use a pale or white or cream background.
Also it is worth mentioning that there are people who are making the blocks they intend to use with the swap blocks in thier quilts and aren't blocks they are sending in to swap.