I've participated in several swaps and exchanges on this board; secret pal, monthly quilting bee, a variety of block swaps - batik, funky Valentine, etc., a Row Robin and the most recently Boom 9. Generally, I've had good experiences. I've been 'burned' a few times - made a quilt block for my swap partner and didn't receive one in return; still waiting for 2 blocks from the Boom 9. Things like that happen and I won't let that stop me from participating. I guess I would rather be optimistic and think the best than be pessimistic and negative.

I say participate. Learn and grow as a quilter. Make some new friends. By and large, it's fun.

Jane

I've done about 5 swaps now. I've learned skills by doing those swaps I did not know prior. Sometimes I feel like I'm out of my league, because the work is just so awesome. I try to do simpler so my beginner skills don't distract. I have really enjoyed the swaps I've done and if I could give one piece of advice, join one.

I've enjoyed all the swaps I've been in. They have been a learning experience and a nudge to expand my skills and precision.

I'm sure some who got some of my first few blocks were thinking nasty thoughts about some of my baby steps, inexperienced quilter attempts to play with the pros. Hopefully my skills have improved to the point that nobody is likely to be offended by mine anymore.

I've used (or have plans to use) all the blocks I received in any of the swaps. One or two needed a little extra fabric, easily added to get the size to match the rest. And a couple were not exactly what I would have chosen as color combinations, but put with all the rest in a finished quilt, look great.

I would encourage anyone to give swaps a try. The anticipation of getting all the different blocks back and then figuring out how you want to arrange them, what fabric to use for sashing to get the best look, oh, it's so much fun!!!

I've seen some of the round robin and row robin projects - waaaay beyond my skill level.

I've been in some fabric swaps - I was pleased with about 90% of what I got back.

The hostess makes a HUGE difference in how well that runs.

I was in three block swaps. I have this silly idea that people should follow the guidelines - and I do get annoyed when the guidelines are not followed.

So - for me - it's probably better to not participate.

I've been in lots of swaps, both here and elsewhere. There have been a few negative experiences, but the positive ones far outweigh the negatives.

For example, there have been some blocks I got back that were difficult or impossible to use, either blocks that were too small/large and had a design that made it impossible to make it resize without losing the pattern, or blocks that were poorly constructed and had such a tiny seam allowance (1/8" or less!) that they would've fallen apart during the first laundering. I resized/repaired what I could, but even so, a few blocks ended up in the scrap bin. Personally, I'd much rather have a correctly-sized, well-constructed simple 9-patch block than a fancy, but poorly-constructed, incorrectly-sized block. I can usually fudge about 1/8" - 3/16" on the size, but any more than that, and the block just doesn't want to play nicely.

And there were a couple of swaps where the hostess vanished. On one of them, after MANY letters and phone calls, the hostess finally reappeared long enough to mail everyone's blocks back, then she disappeared again after that. And on another swap, the hostess said there was a family emergency, but even after several months, nobody heard anything else from her. That one was a person-to-person swap, so nobody was out any blocks, but it was puzzling nonetheless. I still wonder about both of them, and hope they're okay.

I've been in the Boomerang swaps since #3, and there are almost always a couple of folks that never complete the blocks or return your F8. The blocks I have received, however, have been SUPER-nice, and make up for the missing ones. Just expect that a couple of people will probably not finish, for various reasons. (I do think their intentions are good, but things come up along the way ... illness, new job, etc.)

So, anyway, yeah, if you do a swap expecting absolute perfection, you'll likely be disappointed, but if you keep your mind open and do the swap for fun, you'll usually get back some blocks or fabrics that you actually love, but wouldn't have thought to make/buy yourself. :)

Swaps are also a good way to make new friends, and to see how other people do things, and learn from them. :)

I say go for it! :D

Read the guidelines before starting -

There was one swap where the listed colors were red, green, white, and gold -- one person - halfway through the swap is asking why aren't there any blue blocks - after she has made them. And many members - being very nice people - accommodated her and said 'that's fine'

If it says blue and yellow - please send blue and yellow - not blue with pink roses!

If it says 12.5 unfinished - please make one and MEASURE it before going on - I know that some of you are really good at 'making it work' - but why should one have to?

If I hired someone to make a cabinet my bathroom, for example - and I said I wanted white birch and it should be 36 inches wide and 24 inches long - and he/she came back with knotty pine and it was 37 inches wide and 23 inches long - I would be unhappy.

By the same logic - I think if someone signs up for a swap - that it is reasonable to expect something that resembles what the guidelines stated.

I'm with moonrise on preferring a simple block that is well made to a 'fancy' one that is poorly made.