I only had one block so far that was beyond sloppy and unusable.
My new favorite way to deal with off-sized blocks: I cut them into a circle and inset them into a background square using Cheryl Phillips' Circle a Round template. It is the easiest way I found to sew circles.

In my experience smokers RARELY realize how much they and their stuff reeks of cigarette smell. In fact the smoking itself basically atrophes the sense of smell. It is only when they quit that they realize how much they, their clothes, etc reeked when they come into contact with other smokers once they are smoke free. I truly do not believe they "know" thier block is offensive smelling to a non-smoker.

Throw it away! LOL!

I don't think generally people give you things to be mean or unkindl. Maybe it is the very best they are able to do. I 'd resized, fix if necessary or add too or clean. I join swaps with no expectation. And for the fun of it. And, I've never been disappointed. I joined 3 block swaps here on the board this year and, I will use every block proudly. I love them all.

But, my living arraingements have changed a few months ago. And I dearly love the family I live with. With one exception. They smoke and I don't.(Personally, I HATE it.) So, now, going forward, I will only join swaps that I can wash, dry package and mail to make sure there is no smell. This is the best I can do so that I can still participate but not subject anyone to the smell of smoke.

Life is not perfect and sometimes compromises must be made.

I'm sorry you felt that someone did something just to be mean or unkind. :( (I personally have never felt that on the board.)

I personally will be watching this thread for constructive criticism or suggestions on how to handle this awkward situation kindly.

I tweak it, sometime I even re stich it!

I do hope you at least ask that smokers not join the block swap, otherwise if your just going to toss them you have waisted their time. Thats just wrong!!!!

You can toss them all my way, I'll take them and make a quilt and wash it and someone will love it.

What I was going to say.

I don't smoke - have enough respiratory issues without exacerbating them - but I do think some smokers are truly oblivious to others sensibilities (addicted????)

I don't like campfires or bonfires, either.

Some members have said that they won't buy or trade with smokers or pet owners. I've also noticed some members state that they are smokers - so that others can be aware and decide whether they want to play or not.

I think there are several threads that tell/suggest how to get smoke odors out.

I agree with BellaBoo. I have asthma and am very allergic to tobacco smoke. I can't work with blocks that smell like tobacco smoke. I would toss them. The blocks that just aren't quite right can be redone or used in a scrappy quilt.

I'm a non-smoker but have received many things from friends, who smoke. I find soap and water works wonders.