Since this is my first swap, I've learned a few things.. 1. have a great fabric that has some color choices (3-4 at the most) It makes it easier to match. 2. take pictures of blocks you make and label them. I sent out all of my blocks and I do have pictures but I don't know whose block belongs to whom. So if you want to know the name of a block I made , you have to let me know what your fabric is..
Also if you are new to quilting..which I am sort of.. I used Eleanor Burns (Quilt in a Day ) books. Karen (she use to work in her store and has some of her quilts in Eleanor's books) has given me some of her books. They give great instructions and if you use her rulers etc., your blocks come out perfect. All of your points match , she tells you which way to press your seams so everything locks together. Her flying geese method is the best . We even use her methods in other quilts because they come out so much better. She make her blocks just a little bigger , so when you square up your block are the right size. We used Eleanor Burn's Victory quilts, Egg money, & American barns ..great books !!! Your should all have then in your collection.