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

I swap scraps only, I am not good enough at sewing or even cutting acuratly eventhough I have been sewing since I was nine and I am on the downhill side of fourty now lol. Another reason is that the majority of people are difficult to please these days.

Rae

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!!

I am happy for those who do enjoy the swaps. I enjoy seeing all the wonderful blocks and quilts. I am not tempted to participate. I believe the first reason is my insecurity of offering/providing something that would live up to the receivers expectations. The second reason is because I like to choose my fabric, decide on the pattern and make my quilt. I think I would feel like it was not my quilt.

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.

I can related to all the points you mentioned plus the cost of shipping is getting to me.

If I'm going to do a swap I prefer in person swaps. I've done mail swaps and a couple of them were horrid with taking months to get my blocks back and really bad fabrics, etc. The in person ones have gone much better.

I think this sums it up for me, and also, I don't like having deadlines.

I swap, but only once in the last year. This is because I MUST reduce my stash and it is rare for my stash to have the requirements for a swap. My own fault really - lots of novelties. The second would be a swap that comes up at a time when I really can't participate because of other obligations or because I simply am not doing well (I am disabled). Sometimes I just get shut out of a swap. I want to participate, but need to find fabric and do the block to see if I can do a reasonable job. Then I go to sign up and it's already closed.

I totally understand the issue of not completing the tops. That's why I always make enough blocks to finish the quilt and select my swap blocks from those. Otherwise, it tends to languish if I have to make more after the swap arrives.

That was a part of my problem. Buying the right fabric was adding to my stash instead of reducing it with the added indignity of increasing it with fabrics I'm not normally attracted to.

Diana

No I don't swap or even donate. I am so put off by the venom of people on this board about smoking/pet hair and numerous other allergy related issues that their needs are the singular most important thing for any member to join a swap or donate. Frankly I wonder how some of them are able to leave their homes. I have smoke/pets in my home.

I have truly tried to be understanding of these people's thoughts but wonder why it is necessary to continually have these type of posts on this board. Frankly, I imagine many of them have annoying children, bad habits, bodily smells that would offend me but they act like they own the right to continually complain and whine. Good Lord it has to be extremely off putting to many members. I haven't responded to any of their topics/comments but decided to now.

I make quilts for people all the time, donate many, and have never had a problem with any of them. I only use LQS quality fabrics and I do wash after I make all of them. They don't smell or have pet hair on them. I have no desire to make blocks/donate to unappreciative people. But I have read so many complaints here about picky people, and all the other topics people wish to gripe about that as much as I enjoy this board I will not swap or donate here. It is their loss not mine. I will just continue to give to the people that are happy to receive a quilt made with love and gift to ones I know that are in need in my own community.

Diana, I hear what you're saying as I have read many topics here about what you are saying. It's a sad thing to me but that's the way it is. I am so amused about how everyone talks about how wonderful quilters are (I do believe most of us are) but there are numerous ones that only validate the fact that they are just like everyone else and not some special breed. Sorry to get off your topic a bit but it really is a sad situation when I am sure many people don't get involved because of what you are saying and what I am trying to say. ;)

There are some swaps that I would like to do, but I haven't joined any, and the main reason is I have enough problems working on my own things, little only something for someone else. Maybe if I was more efficient at getting things done, I might.

Not any more. Maybe if it's with my friends I sew with at church. I know their work and I know that they only buy quality fabrics and no one smokes etc.
I did do one on the board here and I was not all that happy with the quality of the blocks. I have not put it together, and if I do I will probably donate it to charity.

If there's a demand, maybe someone should set up a swap that specifically states that it's OK if the blocks smell of smoke or have pet hair on them?

I did a birthday block swap last year. It was fun, but I'm not planning to do it again. I just don't have the money, for starters. In the UK, quilting fabric generally costs about £10/m and international postage costs (everyone else was abroad) are high, even if you try to send batches of blocks to someone to redistribute every few months. The main problem, however, was that my birthday is mid December and a lot of the participants had stopped bothering by then. I really had to beg to get remotely near the number of blocks I'd sent out, and only got them because some kind people who weren't even in the swap made "angel blocks" (one person made five, bless her).

So it was interesting and fun as a one-off, but too many problems to want to do it again, even though it's supposedly better-organised this year (after the one person who said her birthday was in Feb and got an awful lot of blocks before we realised that she'd scammed us and not made a single block for anyone else). I asked for crazy quilt blocks with a female sexuality theme (one person took this fairly literally!), you know, the shape in the middle and the colours and such. I've just started sewing the blocks to the sashing tonight, it's shades of red and deep pink and orange and the back will be red. I'm really looking forward to the quilting: appropriate motifs (I don't think I'll dare post the quilt here, judging by the zombie quilt people will be too shocked by it!) and it'll be my first foray into big stitch quilting with perle 8. The quilt is going to this charity: http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/, it's a subject I feel passionately about.

I never have and please don't take offense anyone!!

1. I'm fussy about fabrics
2. I have way too many projects waiting!! haha

I do want to participate in the cat swap though b/c I can't imagine not liking a cat fabric!

I have enough UFO's to finish already. Did a birthday swap with my sewing group, each person was to show a finished project two meetings after their birthday--its been 5 months and mine is still not finished. That's OK I guess because I haven't seen any finished one. :)

I have joined many swaps on the QB and I guess I am missing something. I do the swaps, get mine there on time, and when mine come back to me, I don't smell them or check for hair or look for anything negative, I am thrilled to get them and I finsihed them with whatever blocks I have. I really like it when they sign their blocks or put a label so I can put it. The reason I am on the board is to meet people and this is one way I do it. I hope more positive responses make it on here too. I even have special emrboidered labels made for each swap for centers. I am in several again and will continue to join them and pray nothing like what is being said, happens to me. I do appreciate everyone's opinions though. Whether in our groups we see in person or groups on the board, there will alsways be the one that didn't come thru, but life happens. As for colors and patterns having to be the same, I would want them to be similar or we wouldn't have a matching set to make a wonderful quilt. For thsoe who chose not to swap, I am so glad you have the things you like to do on your own and can still enjoy your love of quilting. Fot those who continue to do swaps whether here or wherever, I hope we can withstand those "few" and make the best of it. JMHO And thanks to those quilters who sponsor the swaps, you go above and beyond and have to deal with so many personalities. Thank you.

I do swap, as a self proclaimed "intermediate beginner" I love to see others work, their techniques, color choices, etc. I am allergic to smoke, but when something comes to me from a smoker, I just give it time to air out then include it with whatever it was supposed to go with. I too have pets, or quilt testers if you will :) :) So far I have not been disappointed in any of the swaps I've joined. I'm not nearly as experienced or as good as a lot of you, but I do try and to me that counts. If a swap has too many particulars for me, then I don't join, but if I think I'll enjoy it I do. I've made some nice friends swapping also, we keep in touch, and enjoy the long distance friendship.

i used to swap and be a hostess but every single time there was a smoker involved even though smokers weren't supposed to join in.

people would complain about the smell and when i was the hostess i had to keep those blocks away and spray the room with febreeze trying to remove the smell from the blocks.


so needless to say, i do not bother any longer.

ABsolutely agree. I've been stung on it a couple of times. Prefer to work on my charity quilts instead.

I may consider a swap after I complete most of my WIP's. I don't know that much about them. I was BOM chairman for our guild for 3 years and some blocks turned in were better than others. Those that were picky about size, etc. didn't participate. Most of the ladies did their very best and BOM is supposed to be to learn new blocks, tecniques etc.

I agree, well put.

I swap out blocks, fabrics, FQs, charms all the time, and when I receive from others it doesn't matter to me if they smell like cigarette smoke or dog body odor because this is Petty.
Fabric can be washed, if it can't be washed then send it out to get Dry-Cleaned. If you can't get it Dry-Cleaned, then it's not meant for trading out.

I'm a smoker and I have a cat.
I DO try NOT to send out with cat hairs clinging or smoke drenched fabrics.

I'm not here to complain either, I enjoy the swaps because it's a learning and bonding process.
Learning because the pattern process or trying out a new skill or technique, and sometimes critiques are good for one, because we are not PeRfEcT, we are here to excel only.

Bonding because we make friends, accept others, help others, and accept constructive criticism.

I understand your frustration with people that have allergies. Unfortunately people that have true allergies can die from them. My DD 19 gets an acute asthma attack from cigarette smoke. She can not go to a doctors office, college, the store without getting an attack as people smoke right out side by the door. She also gets it from clothes or people that are heavy smokers even if they are not smoking. Getting an attack means she can't breath. She is on all kinds of meds and an inhaler because she needs to go on with life but still she reacts to the smoke. I wash what I buy but still I would like to know if some one smokes in the home that the package is coming from because of my DD's severe reaction. Quilty hugs, Anna

I've done at least 3 swaps here on the board and loved them all! I'd do it again in a heartbeat if one comes up that interests me. I didn't do the funky chickens because chickens are not my thing, but those girls have some great blocks going.

I'm currently quilting my quilt made from the Farm Block exchange last year.

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:

Oh dear... It is said that curiosity killed the cat...I didn't mean to offend anyone by starting this topic, but it seems I have unwittingly done so. If I have, please accept my apologies. I was merely curious as to why some people chose not to swap and offered my own personal reasons to start the conversation. I truly admire my fellow quilters who do swap and can keep track of everything and actually complete their quilts. I just can't seem to and therefore don't.

Diana

I have been in many swaps here and I love them! I have been disappointed by very few blocks and have only not received one that someone else made up for but life happens so I can live with that.
My problem is I still have all those blocks to make about 8 quilts so............. NO more swaps for me until I get caught up!

Although I'm tempted by the chicken swap as I did one before and love the quilt I made that is not quilted and then there's the BOM not a swap, both houses and stars and then the pinwheel project, not a swap but still..........! :-D
It's easy to get in over your head with all the fun stuff here!
:-D

I did many years ago with Genie Online Quilters. We sent our signature fabric to 11 folks (groups of 12). They did whatever 12" block and other colors. We had a secret pal that we sent little things to each month. It was all alot of fun. Just not interested anymore. Bible study class and volunteer work take up any free time I might have now.

I did participate in a block swap a long time ago with some forum friends.We swapped homespuns to make a rag quilt and I did get mine finished. When I wrap up on a chilly night it is like getting a hug from all my great forum friends.
Sass

I feel the same.

I don't because I'm too slow. LOL I know I will never be able to meet
any deadline. I quilt for relaxation and the last thing I want is to turn into
stress. That's just me. I wish I could. I envy those who can do it...
specially the doll quilt swap. Maybe one day. ;-) I'll have to make one
in advance before I commit. :-)

I am doing the quilt in the new year swap. You are paired with a partner who would like to make a similar item. I personally thought it would be interesting to request a 12" block in 30's (or similar)-their choice and at the end of the year, I would have a variety blocks to put together in a quilt. I also requested a scrap of the swap block to be able to do a border with all blocks represented. I personally am not expecting the "perfect" block. If someone was willing to make one for me-that made it perfect for me. Some comments came across as not thinking anyone could match their surpurb quality of work expectations and thus render anything useless-somehow your high standards would somehow be compromised-how sad.

I think that smokers do not understand the problems it can cause for some others. I lived with a smoker for many years (unfortunately he succombed to complications after surgery to remove his cancerous lung). I had no problem with it until I developed asthma. Now just the smell of smoke on something can trigger an asthma attack and deaths from asthma are increasing. And using Febreze is not an option for some of us, as it may also cause asthma.

I've always wondered about swaps myself. I'm like EasyPeezy. Why stress myself with more deadlines? I have too many other things that need that kind of attention. My quilting is done either for gifts or charity. And I never see the end of UFOs finished.

The other reason - I hate to stand in line at the post office to send something off. I know there are squishy paks, etc. I just quilt for enjoyment and an avenue for some creativity. When I do a quilt, I don't feel the need to ask for blocks from someone else.

Right now -- I'm really into scap quilts and want to try so many different techniques.

I will send a block if one is requested for a joint quilt for someone who is ill, and I try to follow the requests for size and color.

I do understand the pet hair request and carefully scrutinize the quilt tops I get from my sewing group for baby quilts for a local charity. I can wash or take care of that problem, before assembling the rest. We have no smokers.

All the more power to those who love swaps. It is just something that I can live without.

Good

I belong to the BOM swap block here. Why do I do it?? It is fun getting a surprize that is soft & squishy in the mail. I enjoiy the challenge of coming up with some thing I probably would not do. It makes me work out of the box, and a chance to create something unique.

Great post, I have read a lot about the subject on the link provided This is a horrid pratice. I am glad you are involved to help this cause. I for one would love to see the finished quilt . If you don't mind just pm me and I will send you my email .

Oh i ment to comment on another post I seen of yours that I LOVE the Isis avatar quilt. I really struggle on here sometimes to keep my tounge harnessed lol. ( I lean toward the pagan side of things )

:shock: :shock: I know as shocking to some as allergies and smoke lol!

PS,
I loved the Zombie quilt and I loved the winning ugly fabric choice,yikes I'm a freak,it's out now :lol: :lol:

I only joined one swap and that one is recently and is the 1.5" swap. I actually had fun making all those little squares and I have a bunch for another swap of the same size and as I sew I have been cutting up more and just putting them into a plastic container for the next swap. I don't have any problem with cat/dog hairs or smoking. I just appreciate the fun of doing this and meeting new people. ;)

"(I don't think I'll dare post the quilt here, judging by the zombie quilt people will be too shocked by it!"


yikes the Zombie post was deleted !!!!