Originally Posted by Havplenty

linda this is my first time doing this swap also and yes the postage is expensive. i havent received half of my blocks either nor have i heard from everyone who i mailed blocks to if they have received them. i expected that i would receive many nearer the deadline so i am okay with that. my goal is to have all mailed by wednesday this week.

there is the monthly quilting bee that you do a direct exchange with each other. i have enjoyed the opportunity this swap gave me to try 30+ different patterns for blocks. i too am considering if i will do this swap again for several reasons including the postage expense.

Originally Posted by materialgrl

My blocks are all ready to be mailed Monday,please let know if you do not receive them and I will make you an other block.I just got some more batteries to post the pictures.Hopefully today.

Originally Posted by paintmejudy

Lilli is totally ignoring any and all communications, and now I see she never sent out Boom 4, but still is doing boom 5?
.

Originally Posted by pattis47

Ladies,
Boom 4 was the 1st swap like this that I did. I was just a little disappointed when I didnt receive all the F8's or finished blocks that should have been returned. The sad part is 2 of the same people are not standing by their committment again this swap. I sent a PM to April and she assured me they will not be allowed to participate in future swaps. The thing that bothers me more is the poor workmanship of some of the blocks I have received. The corners/intersections are more than 3/8" off or the points of the 1/2 square triangles are gone before I even try to add sashing. It just seems to me that if you are able to choose a block pattern, you would do one that you can accomplish in fine style. And when you sign up you would take the time to do the block correctly prior to stuffing it in an envelope and being one of the 1st to send out your completed blocks. If I remember correctly we had 4 months to complete this swap. That means if you did 3 blocks each week you would be able to meet the deadline. I am very aware that the swap is open to all skill levels. I would rather have a wonderfully completed 9 patch than a poorly completed mariners star. I also realize that we were all beginners at some point. But rest assured, some of the blocks that were the worst, were NOT from beginners, they were from swappers who have been sewing for along time. They just didn't look at their finished product carefully or they just didn't care.

It all starts with the cutting. If you are not accurate, you will never get a good block. If you cut it wrong, put it in your scrap pile and cut another one. Don't sew a 1/2" strip to it to make it fit and think I won't notice. If you cut on the bias, your square will probably not be square unless you are very experienced and know how to work w/bias cuts. When it is cut on the bias it stretches and you get odd measurements. And equally as important is the final pressing, and please note I didn't say ironing, because there is a difference. If you iron a perfectly square block, you can iron it out of shape by stretching it.

I just spent 15 hours ripping and resewing blocks from Boom 4 and 2 other swaps so I can finish the quilt tops and put them on the LA to quilt. Maybe I take pride in what I do, but if I am going to sign my name to a quilt, I want it to be right.

If you are reading this and you think it applies to you, take it as an eye-opener and look at your finished project. Be proud to sign your name and be sure your work is good. If it doesn't apply to you because you already do the things necessary to get a good block, THANK YOU and spread the news and share your knowledge on how to make the points "not disappear", or how to butt the seams together to make good intersections. As quilters we have a responsibility to help others continue this wonderful gift from the past.

Originally Posted by pattis47

Ladies,
The thing that bothers me more is the poor workmanship of some of the blocks I have received. The corners/intersections are more than 3/8" off or the points of the 1/2 square triangles are gone before I even try to add sashing. It just seems to me that if you are able to choose a block pattern, you would do one that you can accomplish in fine style. And when you sign up you would take the time to do the block correctly prior to stuffing it in an envelope and being one of the 1st to send out your completed blocks.
It all starts with the cutting. If you are not accurate, you will never get a good block. If you cut it wrong, put it in your scrap pile and cut another one. Don't sew a 1/2" strip to it to make it fit and think I won't notice. If you cut on the bias, your square will probably not be square unless you are very experienced and know how to work w/bias cuts. When it is cut on the bias it stretches and you get odd measurements. And equally as important is the final pressing, and please note I didn't say ironing, because there is a difference. If you iron a perfectly square block, you can iron it out of shape by stretching it.

Originally Posted by heyjami

I'm a new quilter and I sincerely did my best on every single block I sent out. A few were extra challenging. Almost every single block required some sort of re-sew. There are a few exchangers that received 2 blocks from me because I completely remade them.

I looked at the picture of your block after this note was posted - horrified that I might have sent you a block before my quilter's eyesight sharpened enough to catch any errors (I'll bet there will be a time in the future where I will see even more errors).

I made you a St Louis Star 2. I was proud of it. It's very possible that tiny bits of paper were left in the back of it since I have now learned to really get every piece out. And, I learned to use smaller stitches with






my microtex needle to keep the stitches nice and tight even after






removing the paper. It's possible that I didn't know this when I did your block.

I sewed it and showed my children (ages 7 & 9) and my husband. They were complimentary. I too like the old fashioned calico.

Anyway, just wanted to apologize and let you know that I really did try my best. Next time I do that block I'll even do a better job at fussy cutting so the floral shows up better.

I'm also learning about contrast (which I had zero concept of before last week) - but I'm happy to see that the contrast for your block is good. Complete accident! ;-) I still am trying to wrap my head around that whole concept.

I'm also wondering if I messed up my block to you with my pressing. Honestly, I have no idea. I think I had a hard time with the center.

You know that block that shows here in my profile? One of the points is cut off (I'm noticing now that I'm scrutinizing my earlier blocks). And it was for a boom partner. But I didn't even know about that flaw when I lovingly made it and sent it. :-)

I tried my best, acknowledged every block & F8, and completed them on time to the best of my ability.

I'm just anxious to get my grownups back so I can piece my quilt! But now I'm thinking of doing the QAYG with these and in that case I can start now and not worry about what comes in the next 2-3 weeks.

Take care, hope I didn't disappoint you with my exchange.