Curious - Do you swap blocks and why?
03-08-2011, 04:25 AM
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Glenmoore, PA
Posts: 7,941
Originally Posted by Hen3rietta
Do you swap blocks? and if not, why? My question is one of pure curiosity. - I don't any longer.
When I first started seeking fellow quilters on the web I enthusiastically joined a number of swaps of various sorts: FQ's, charms, friendship stars, 12 months, rowXrow, etc. Now, I find that I'm much less likely to engage in certain kinds of swaps, if any. These are usually the ones that require the use of certain colors or styles (30's repro for example) that change for each participant, or extend over long periods of time (round robins) where you have to rely on the persons preceding you to get your bit out in time. And I've found that with all the block or row swaps I've done, I've yet to assemble a single top from any of them and I'm at a loss to explain why except that none of them move me to want to finish them, even for charity. I donated a number of them to the block orphanage.
After much thought, I've concluded that the annoyance of keeping track of what I send and receive is the primary reason for me, followed closely by picky participants/hostesses who want not only a particular color but a style that I don't have in my stash or a theme fabric that is just not available for one reason or another requiring me to run around trying to find something suitable.
How about the rest of you non-swappers out there?
Diana
When I first started seeking fellow quilters on the web I enthusiastically joined a number of swaps of various sorts: FQ's, charms, friendship stars, 12 months, rowXrow, etc. Now, I find that I'm much less likely to engage in certain kinds of swaps, if any. These are usually the ones that require the use of certain colors or styles (30's repro for example) that change for each participant, or extend over long periods of time (round robins) where you have to rely on the persons preceding you to get your bit out in time. And I've found that with all the block or row swaps I've done, I've yet to assemble a single top from any of them and I'm at a loss to explain why except that none of them move me to want to finish them, even for charity. I donated a number of them to the block orphanage.
After much thought, I've concluded that the annoyance of keeping track of what I send and receive is the primary reason for me, followed closely by picky participants/hostesses who want not only a particular color but a style that I don't have in my stash or a theme fabric that is just not available for one reason or another requiring me to run around trying to find something suitable.
How about the rest of you non-swappers out there?
Diana
03-08-2011, 04:33 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Timberlea, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 1,262
Originally Posted by Up North
I used to swap alot but being a smoker it was getting difficult ( I know bad habit) I have almost enough for a quilt just need to make one but have two quilts I need to work on before May!!
03-08-2011, 05:21 AM
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Michigan Thumb
Posts: 1,956
I have swapped blocks in a local group and do NOT swap at all anymore. No two blocks come out the same size and that makes for a lot more work than just making blocks for myself. Also people do not use the same quality fabric that is requested.
The first/last quilt made from swapped blocks was given for a dog bed, the quality of stitching was that bad.
The first/last quilt made from swapped blocks was given for a dog bed, the quality of stitching was that bad.
03-08-2011, 05:30 AM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 514
I'm relatively new to the board and just signed up for my first row robin. It will be interesting to see how it goes based on the feedback here. I'm pretty easy to please and this group doesn't seem to have a lot of really strict rules.I've seen several that I haven't signed up for because I know the rules would be hard to follow.
I think for the swaps, the row robins,etc it is likely important to read all the rules and decide if they are a match to your personality and style. If not, it probably isn't the right thing for you to sign up for. I would love to get in on a layer cake swap or charm swap, but am waiting either for one that works for me and my style or more experience from reading before I do my own.
I think for the swaps, the row robins,etc it is likely important to read all the rules and decide if they are a match to your personality and style. If not, it probably isn't the right thing for you to sign up for. I would love to get in on a layer cake swap or charm swap, but am waiting either for one that works for me and my style or more experience from reading before I do my own.
03-08-2011, 05:54 AM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,601
Originally Posted by CloverPatch
I am a Wanna-Be block swapper! I joined this group witht he intent of block swapping, but so far it has been too picky. Must use certain pattern, which I am all for, but then stippulating I must use certain colors, and fabric themes. Feel I am basically just making their quilt, with their blocks with their colors. Not quite what i want. I am keeping my eye out though for a block swap, I can enjoy. Till then I am having fun with the doll swaps and table runner swaps.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-88099-1.htm
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-88100-1.htm
03-08-2011, 06:10 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: fremont nebraska
Posts: 393
I did block swaps on a different site and felt ripped off. Either I didn't get anything back or what I did get back was so poorly constructed I couldn't use it. I did do a round robin and it came back beautiful. I am now participating in a row robin on this site and I am hoping for the best.
03-08-2011, 06:11 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Fort White, Fl
Posts: 2,689
I was not going to but I decided to put in my two cents worth here. I have read all the posts and can agree with all of them. I am an ex smoker so I relate to this and I also understand the allergy laden people. I quit smoking over 25 years ago but suffer from the effects of all those years of doing it. I had asthma then and now I have COPD with chronic bronchitis and a touch of enphysema. The one thing that I am most allergic to, you guessed it, cigarette smoke. I can be in the room with a smoker and go into an attack and they are not fun. I for one know that fabric can be washed and I respect your right to smoke and have pets, I have pets, just try to understand that maybe by the time we get it to the washer it may be too late to avoid the attack. It is hard to even go to a store around people. Not everyone keeps themselves or their homes clean like the quilting buddies on here.
03-08-2011, 06:14 AM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 7,529
Originally Posted by Terryl
Originally Posted by Tilladare
LOL, maybe we should have a "Pet Owning Smokers" swap with the only requirement being a chosen size...
Do we have to be both or could it be either or? :lol: :roll: :thumbup: :lol: :roll:
The only swap I have done was the Winter 1.5. I have sent some donation blocks & fabric. I included a note with the blocks, I have not had to buy any fabric for over a year. I do recycle fabrics from clothing & I do have friends that give me all kinds, because they know I sew.
I haven't done any other swaps for the fact that I don't feel my work is up to par for some & the postage cost is another. If I am really interested I may, but life happens & it puts me behind some times.
I really like the board & enjoy it always ! :thumbup:
03-08-2011, 06:15 AM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 1,601
I enjoy block swaps and rules don't bother me. I particularly enjoy the swaps at Treadleon. They have beginner as well as more challenging. The main rules are size, must be done on a treadle or handcrank. The monthly block swap here is the only other one I have joined.
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