I'm in my first one now but I think you have to be willing to accept that not everyone is at the same skill level but everyone makes an effort. if the rules are laid out well then you shouldn't have any issues. The same can be said for Round/Row Robins.

I'm in my first swap too, and I'm scared to death! Will there be a second swap? :shock:

I've done a lot of block swaps. They're really fun to do, and I challenge myself every time. By far, the Boomerang swaps are the most fun - it's a huge challenge to work with all different types of fabric, some that I certainly wouldn't have picked for myself.

This quilt was made from swap blocks - and only one was slightly wonky, but the sashing was what helped immensely. I honestly treasure all the friendships that I've made through the swapping.

You do have to be prepared for an off block every now and then. What I can say in the 8+ years I've been swapping, is that I've only received a handful of blocks that were unusable - and at that I turned them into doll quilts.

I did one (not associated with this board) and it was not a good experience . I doubt I will do another.

I have done a few, and I have learned to be a bit more selective in ones that I participate in. Have been burned a time or two.
I do appreciate everyone's efforts, so I try to make the blocks be the same size so I can sew them up into a quilt.

I have over the years participated in lots of swaps and robins. Generally they get an A, although a few of the blocks are wonky and some of the ladies don't know what quality fabric is. I just accept a small percentage of loss. The robins are really fun and are a challenge to get me out of my comfort zone. (Altho one disappeared halfway done once! But not off this board!) Just experiment with one and see. But,like May in Jersey, it is too easy for me to get too many swap blocks! They are addictive!

Hi Quilt Fanatic and Twisted Quilter
I have been involved with a few swaps and I must admit I have had great fun and I have received so much pleasure in all the blocks that I received. My theme was Christmas or bright colours and my swap partners sometimes sent me not one, but two blocks and even fat quarters and patterns. I did not have to re-do or throw out one single block. I feel I was really blessed. I have had a great time. I did the Monthly Bee Swap.
I have also done postcard swaps and Christmas tree decorations swaps. Both have been magical. I have made so many friends through the swaps.
Give it a try you may find that you will enjoy it!!!!!!
ciao and all the best

Yes, I have done the Siggie Swap and was lots of fun here on this board

from that swap have met lots of new friends

you should try it sometime

Good Luck & Have fun!

If you read the rules for QB swaps, it states that any work is to be accepted gracefully.

In a swap, everyone interprets the rules by their own guidelines. Some people are very precise while others are less so. Some people have perfect 1/4" seams and others - - - not so much. Some people send 12 1/2" blocks out while others don't appear to measure their final work.

Yet, the experience of a swap is interesting. My favorite one was the boomerang swap and it was amazing how everyone took YOUR piece of fabric and made something with it. SOOOOO much fun.

One of the challenges is to take all of the different blocks and put them together in a top. I can tell you that it is a great learning experience.

It is also easy to get caught up in SWAP mode and suddenly, there are a gazillion blocks to sew. lol (speaking from experience).

OK. I signed up for the Beach Theme - because I need to give a gift for a beach house and thought this was a good way to do a quilt. Looking forward to making new friends.