eimay

I belong to a block swap at an LQS. We have a focus fabric and a common block each month. We make four with the focus fabric in the designated area, and the rest with our view of it (choice of colors). We meet and collect the blocks, shuffle them and deal them out like cards. We go round robin and can steal twice. At the end if we want a specific block we can pay $1 to protect it. At the end of 6 months, we have enough for a queen size quilt or other items. The money that has been collected pays for a brunch on the last day of block swap.

It is a social event, builds friendships, develops a variety of skills, and gives you one more UFO.

Annz

No I don't. Once when another group I used to quilt with asked for each of us to exchange blocks and to state what colors we wanted and anyother specifics I got totally diffrent colors from what I had asked for. I got teal when I asked for royal blue, light blue and gold.

craftymatt2

I don't do the swaps either, because of what people say, I don't want to be rude but somtimes people can be so rude and picky. But I do enjoy this board very much and I learn a lot. for which I'm very thankful.

winter012

Well I DO participate in swaps. I enjoy them, maybe not the stress of finishing the blocks on time, but I've gotten to where I don't overdo anymore. So far, I've only received ONE block I couldn't use, at least not for the swap it was intended for. I think that's pretty good. All in all, I think most quilters want to do their best, & will use the best quality fabric they can afford. That, at least, is my opinion, & is what I do. And so far, no one has complained about cat hair on my swap blocks....

wraez

I prefer to do blocks swaps etc with people in person, thru quilt guilds, friendship groups, quilt classes ... that kind of thing. More likely to agree to patterns, fabrics, colors etc. when in a group face to face.

The ones I've done online have been a bit disappointing and maybe others might have been disappointed in mine too. Also I get stressed if I'm not on time. I don't need more stress, LOL.

And as someone else mentioned, I don't want to pay to mail them.

svenskaflicka1

i don't do swaps. i haven't enough time to do the things i want to do, and while i think it would be fun, i'd be afraid i couldn't meet another's standards.

my ideal "swap" would be a random one, with size only defined. i would love to make a quilt of random quilt squares by random people, with their colors, their favorites. the only thing i'd require would be a size (probably 10 or 12 inch, so they could be trimmed to be uniform)--and the other requirement would be their name.date on it, perhaps in pigma marker, just so i could look at it later, and appreciate all the hands, hearts, colors, and ideas that went into it, by name.

if i ever get to retire, i might just suggest such a swap. i would love the free exchange of colors and designs!

argranny

Lobster, it sound like a real good cause, hope it brings lots of money. I don't do swaps.

sewbizgirl

I don't swap blocks because I don't really like the look of all different blocks together in one quilt (Samplers).

I do send out quite a few blocks to charity quilts being made, just don't want to get any back, in return...

tuesy

I did, but I haven't in a long time now. I still haven't put those that I do have together.

I quilt on borrowed time (a bit here and there) so when I do have the time, I want to get what's in my head out and into fabric.. plus I'm taking care of 2 pre-teens (GOD HELP ME!) and my disabled DH, the house, and everything in between.

Deecee

I have participated in the One Block/Month Swap and a Siggie Block swap on this Board and enjoyed both tremendously.

Guidelines were clearly stated regarding participation being open to ALL LEVELS of quilters. If you are not happy to chance receiving a block from a beginner that may be a little less than perfect, then don't participate.

Personally I found the challenge of working to someone else's criteria for a block an interesting way of moving outside my normal range and the friendships I made along the way have been an added bonus and a great pleasure.

Being international, the high cost of fabric and postage from my end does limit the frequency of my involvement in these swaps.