fayzer

I understand what they are but am totally unsure of how to do this. I want so much to participate in one of these. I am so new, I feel like the
instructions are not clear. I know they are clear to most of you. I am sure there are other newbies that feel like I do. Where would I go to see some of the finished quilts so I could have and Idea in my mind of what to do? I have participated in other type swaps in the past (non-quilting) and never received anything from my partner which was a disappointment. It doesn't look like that would happen here. So, what I'm thinking is, If I were to participate, I would have to send out X number of squares of fabric to each member of the swap? They would send me their squares in return and I would have to make a quilt square for each member of the swap? Do I have this all wrong? :oops:

cbridges22

No it is much simpler than that.There is a moderator of each swap and you send all the blocks or fabric to them with correct return postage on an envelope and they sort and in return send you back the same amt. of blocks or fabric you sent.There is a batik block swap still open,go there and read the rules.It could not be simpler.I am new too and have done a fabric swap and am signed up for the batik.Hope this helps. Cindy

ckcowl

it sounds as if you are talking about the boomerang swap that was happening for a while where people sent a peice of fabric for you to use to make a block...that is just one of many, many swaps. some swaps you make a certain number of blocks send them to the hostess, she in turn (swaps) everyones blocks so you get the same number of blocks back that you sent, they are just all different because they are from everyone else participating. sometimes there are swaps for just fabric (no-sew swaps) where you send in a certain number of pieces (like the 6" i-spy swap...you send in a specific number of 6" squares) each swap has it's own requirements, rules and guidelines. it is important to read through the rules for the swap you want to do...right now there is a winter table runner swap; for that one we were assigned a partner, make a table runner for that person, they make one for you...
and the round robins...a regular round robin you make a (center) square what ever the starting guidelines calls for...you send that to the next person you are told to send to, that person puts a border around your block and sends it off to the next person to add a border and it keeps going until it returns to you...in the meantime you are getting a different one each exchange to add a border to and pass on...sometimes the rules say to make certain borders...like this one appliqued, this one triangles, this one plain...
a row robbin you make a row in the required measurements and pass that on the next person makes a new row to go with yours and on it goes around the participants.
to get started you may want to just try out one of the block swaps... just make sure you read the guidelines for the swap you are interested in, make sure you are able to complete your commitment, and if you have questions ask them. if life happens and you are not able to do your part let the hostess know right away (we all know life happens) and enjoy the process. don't sign up for too many at once though, it can easily get overwhelming. start with one, complete it then try another one. sometimes (like the round robins) they can be quite expensive to participate in...i participate in an international round robin somewhere else every year...and figure i spend at least $200 on just postage to complete it...and then have to add the fabric it takes, and as the robin goes around they get bigger and bigger so need more and more fabric to do your part...so take finances into consideration before committing. the most inexpensive swaps are the ones you only send to the hostess (postage there and return postage) or the partner ones where you send one item to one person and they send something to you.
swaps are lots of fun but you need to be somewhat organized.