Jillaine, I would never have known you weren't a seasoned moderator without you telling us. I know how much work you spent on the paperwork alone - and I for one, would be glad to participate in another - if you should choose to do it again. I agree that those who did not follow through maybe shouldn't be in another one - at least for a period of time. I agree, a weekly PM between partners isn't too much to ask. I did not always PM my partner, but I could really make myself write to the next one. I had fun making her quilt and do so enjoy using the one she sent me. I personally would not like to increase the postage costs by sending my quilt to a central location for redelivery to its owner but, unless that is international, it would not be a deal buster.
QuilterMomma, I saw the blocks on Annaquilts album and yes, I think the backing will accent that very nicely. I am only so glad I had it and it can be used.

I too think it would be too much to send the quilts to a centralized locations, especially since this won't prevent drop-outs. Perhaps along with frequent communication the quilts don't get sent out until a specific time and only if there has been communication that week. Then, when there are drop-outs (its inevitable I suppose). There could be a secondary swap among those who'd been left out with any necessary fill-ins from the larger group. I would also recommend giving the swap mamma telephone numbers to be reached at. Another option would be to swap phone numbers with swap partners. A whole quilt is a big commitment and I think Jillaine has proved herself trustworthy enough for phone numbers. If something happened to me I'd want somebody to be able to find out with a phone call. Just some ideas.

I would love to do it again, I also like Whigrose idea....being that I have not received my quilt (partner still working on it didn't like the first one she made). I just want to say how great it was that everyone got togeather for the ones that didn't receive their quilts..my hat off to you.

Here's how a centralized swap would address the problem of dropouts:
Since all the quilt would come to me (oh catch me, I'm going to swoon...),
I'd make sure that all quilters who submitted a quilt got a quilt back. Dropouts simply wouldn't get a quilt. (Different from current swap where several dropouts received a quilt but never sent theirs.)

The difference here is that the match is made once I receive the quilts. That means you won't know who you're making a quilt for. That's also very different than the current swap. And as I type that, not sure I like the pressure of that (on me to decide who gets what!) and not sure YOU would like making a quilt for a mystery person.

Mm... Seems like there is more working against the idea of a centralized swap than for it.

BTW, I have given negative feedback scores to those who abandoned the swap. And I encourage you to provide feedback about your swap mates-- good and otherwise. I would not allow back in someone who had not completed a quilt for this swap. And I would make full contact information a requirement-- I asked for it this time around, but not everyone provided it.

Well, I have a few more months to decide. Thanks for your feedback.

-- Jillaine

And unless they provide it, they are not allowed in the swap. I could not abandon someone after they swapped with me a whole quilt and then be able to even look at the quilt let alone use it knowing I did not fulfill my committment.

I actually don't believe that any of the women who abandoned the swap did so with malice aforethought. (How often do you get to use THAT phrase?) Far more likely is that life (and possibly health) got in the way, and for whatever reason and affected by whatever psychological baggage (and we all have some, don't we?), they weren't able to follow through or communicate.

I kinda like the idea of your centralized quilting station and making a 'mystery' quilt - except that you, Jillaine, would have to see that you had something for everyone. I personally don't care for 30's reproduction, but if that's what you had left, that makes me get a quilt I might not be as happy to get. Perhaps a listing of types of quilts wanted - and we could sign up for a specific type - you would know who we were doing it for, but we wouldn't. Does this make sense?
How do we post the feedback you'd like - to someone's personal account - to you - what is the process you want us to use?

Please, I had no intention of being negative to someone. I enjoyed this swap so much.

didi!!! I thought I was alone here at the end !!! Welcome to the bench !!! ☺☺☺☺

I really enjoyed this swap so much!! But what made it fun for me, in particular, was getting to know my swap partner and making a new friend. When you do the centralized swap it sort of takes the personal aspect out of the equation. I personally, like making a gift that is so special, like a quilt, for someone that I have gotten to know and grow fond of. It makes me work harder to make it very special and personalized.