Basically, this is the new method: You will be packing 10 different fabric squares into each bag, rather than the old way of packing 10 all the same per bag. Previously you could send up to 15 bags, but now you will be able to send a max of 16, because you will get 8 squares per width of fabric, so two of those will give you 16. The twists will probably be a max of 8 bags of 10 different squares....
You can use as many different fabrics as you like, but it takes a minimum of 10. Each bag can have the same 10 fabrics in it, or your bags can be different, just as long as there are no repeats within each bag.
Then, when I get all the bags, I can simply swap bag for bag, without ever taking individual squares out of bags and redistributing them. THAT process took about 5 hours, including the twist. The new way shouldn't take more than an hour.
So for cutting, it will be a matter of cutting one or two 5" strips times the width of fabric. Then cross cut them into either 8 or 16 5" squares. Once you have done this with 10 fabrics, make stacks of 10 with one each of your 10 fabrics, and bag them!
EASY PEASY. And another plus is that everyone's name and board name will be on THEIR bags, so if someone sends in short cuts or bad cuts (not fussy cut, heads cut off, etc...) the recipient can contact the giver directly, letting them know of the problem. If someone tells you you sent bad cuts, please be prepared to send them some replacements.
There will be more accountability this way. Everyone needs to take their time and double check their cuts before sending them. Most were great last time, but there were some that were HORRENDOUS. I spent an extra 2 hours checking and trimming one person's squares, and that can't happen again.
I think we will all like the new method. It keeps your leaders from getting totally burned out! Owlvamp asked me to get this new method started and then she will continue it when she feels ready to take the swap back on. It's really no more work for the swappers, and should encourage everyone to be more careful with their cutting, since their name will be on their work.
So start looking for some cute I Spy fabs for next time... It would be great if everyone sent in NEW prints that they have not sent or seen in the swap before.
Thanks!!