Are there pitfalls - like the blocks you get back aren't as pretty, well done, etc as the ones you sent in?

Join the monthly swap on here. I haven't received anything inferior yet. In fact it has all been fantastic. I've also particiPated in other swaps on theboard and they are all great.

I have participated in several block swaps on this quilting board & I have to say that every block I received in return, was absolutely gorgeous. You won't be disappointed, I am sure of that. Just have fun & enjoy making the blocks you plan to swap.
:D :D :D :D

Block swaps are amazing, not only do you find new friends but can only marvel at the results that you get, here is just one quilt that I have made from a swap and I think it's gorgeous and of course extra special:

http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/24...425x425Q85.jpg

I have joined many block swaps on another forum. I'm not always happy with all the blocks but most are very nice. You have to decide if you can accept blocks that may not be up to your standards but may be the best someone else can do.

I have made quilts for all my grandchildren from swaps and I have to say if there is a block that I think I just can not use then I don't. I make one of my own to replace that block with no apologies, it it after all my quilt.

Over all I think it is a very fun thing to do.

Vicky

All these quilts I made from swap blocks.

[IMG]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...s/dscf3382.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...6/dscf3389.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...6/dscf3390.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...6/dscf3387.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s...6/dscf3384.jpg[/IMG]

I have joined several swaps on bd...Funky Chicken and Funky Cat...It's like Christmas when you get the package back with all the diff blocks everyone has done...
I just joined Sunbonnet Sue...Love her can't wait to see what I get back from that.
But the most challenging is Boomerang 5.0...but so much fun because I've done blocks I would not have nec tried.

Also remember it's all abt the fun, communications with new people from all over the World. Who would have thought that by the end of the swaps I'd have blocks from Austrialia, Cananda, Turkey...not to mention across this country...

I have never done one...maybe some day.

I did my first one and it will be my last. Quite a few of the blocks were 100% unusable. They had holes in them where they were falling apart and good quality fabric?...not. The postage rates were pretty high also. I have not seen a quilt posted from my group( I wonder why). On the positive side, I am going to try to take them apart some day and re-piece and I will give it to charity. Good luck if you try it. Looks like some people on here have had good luck with it. Edit...another thing is that the colors did not go well together at all in this particular pattern.

Over the years I've belong to several quilt swaps and for the most part have been happy with the blocks I have received. My guild has a birthday swap every year, usually limited to about 12 quilters. We request our block pattern, size and/or colors and on our B-day we receive blocks from the other members of the swap. Those blocks have always been superior since we really know the people in the swap.

I haven't participated in any swaps the past year or so because the pile of swap blocks just seemed to big. I have turned some spool blocks nto dolly quilts for my guild's Giving Closet so I've made a little progress. Each time a open a box in my stash closet I seem to find another batch of swap blocks so it's been 2 steps forward, one step back so far.

This trail mix, I've shown here before, was made with blocks from a swap. I think I tossed 2 or 3 and took apart and resewed about 5. All in all it's my favorite quilt. I now have a group of quilters swapping blocks again. We'll see what it becomes when they all get exchanged in November.

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.