Catpawski - I, too received quite a few non-I Spy type squares. One was completely solid brown. I wonder if someone had them packaged up for another swap and accidentally sent us the wrong ones? Too weird! Surely it was a mistake and hopefully won't happen again. Anyway, I figure I can cut them up and use them as 2 1/2" candy squares, so not all is lost.

As for returning blocks to the original sender if they don't meet the expectations of the swap, I don't think that is out of line. Perhaps she really did send in the wrong package and would like to correct the mistake.


Cyndy K

5" Batik Swap - I would love to be in a 5" batik swap. I'm currently making a quilt using the 5" tumbler template that I purchased from Missouri Star Quilt Co. Each tumbler has a 1" black strip in between which really makes vibrant colors in the batik pop! It doesn't matter to me how many in each baggie, but I would like to ask that people send real batik fabric. I was in a swap a while back on another board and received charms from one lady that were not really batik. They were just material w/ splotches on the front. Since batik material is dipped into the dye, both the front and back are fully dyed as compared to some regular material that has been printed on the front.

Off my soapbox - looking forward to working with my I-spy charms!

Cyndy K

I like catpawski's boldness and her idea of returning those to the one who thought they were "I spy material". I also received 12 blocks that were not suitable for this project. I didn't want to say anything because I am a newbie and didn't really know what to expect. I received some charms that would definitely be considered calico and/or "mystery" charms. I also received some that were obviously miscuts.... headless sharks, etc. I did receive some really wonderful charm patterns and am really excited to add these to my stash in preparation of making my first I spy quilt. I am also very eager to share some of the cute, cute, cute things I have bought for the next swap. The miscuts and calico and mystery charms are in a container marked "general charms". I am sure I can find some use for them. I hope no one's feelings are hurt. I am so excited to continue this swap until I have enough to lay out my quilt. I have been collecting fabric for more than 2 years for this quilt. I am adding something else to this project. I am scanning each charm and going to print a picture of the item, laminate the prints and put them on a ring to pin to the quilt. This quilt is for my grandchildren to play/nap with at my house and many of my grandkids are too young to read. I thought a picture book would be a nice addition. Let me know what you think, please. As I said, I have not made one of these before.

I thought the same thing, ha.

Okay ladies lets calm down. I understand and thought the same thing. I did take this further but was told that I Spy quilts have solids in them to. I didn't like the idea myself but was like most and didn't want to hurt anyone's feeling. But then again I love doing this and that is why I asked for your opinions . Honestly this was my 3 rd one doing and I love it even with some negative remarks. But if we don't tell them then it will keep going on. I take the good and bad and try to make this a wonderful swap for everyone. We should always send in what we want in return. This is why I requested children's fabrics. Now I can get harder and yes return charms. But I wanted to bring it up and see what you all thought. I just didn't want to upset anyone and return there blocks but no one said anything so this is the time.
Remember most of us put these charms in children's quilts.Please fussy cut your charms and send in the right size , amount and charms you want to receive in return.

I love doing this and it will not stop me . So hopefully no one is upset because no one was pointed out. I already sent in for permission for the next swap. So when it is approved it will be posted. So lets make this one a fun one. I want all happy people and I'm sorry for those of you that we're disappointed. Those of you who were unhappy I am willing to replace those if you would like me to. Just PM please. Thank you

I got my package today, but won't have time to look at them for a a few days. I hope they are perfect.

As far as squares not fitting the rules, it should be stated up front that they will be returned if they don't fit the requirements. I am disappointed when the shape is off in one corner or will be hidden in the seam and can't be used. The nice thing is most of the time everyone does a good job.

I have done several of these swaps. I just consider squares that do not fit part of the course and will put them in my scrap bin or rehome them. I figured some one miss understood with the none kids prints. Now that person has the I Spy swap blocks back they will know what is expected for the next swap. I do feel the host has all right to contact the person and ask what happened if she so choose to do so.

I am not big on Christmas/Halloween prints, celebrate it but slightly different so will rehome them. The fussy cut Santa was very cute. I also sort by boys and girls prints. It seems I make way more boy I Spy quilts but there are way less boys kids prints available in general and even those often have pink.

I really appreciate how many people fussy cut with this swap. Much better then I am used to. I know it is a lot of work. Thank you too all for swapping with me.

Special thanks to our swap host owl vamp. I was very happy with the blocks.

So are we up for another I spy swap or do you all want to wait a little. I wouldn't end it till September anyways.

I say relax and focus on you and your hubby! We'll all be here when you're ready in September. :-)

I am up for it as long as it is not till the end of September. It would be nice to know so I can buy fabric and be sure I can use it to swap.