Hey all you quilters out there, have you heard of a block swap? Have you ever participated in a quilt block swap? We'd all rather be quilting now wouldn't we? If you want to know what a block swap is read on.
Quilters from the newest to the most experienced, from the youngest to the oldest will tell you 'block swapping' is a favorite activity among them. Swapping is an ingenious way to cleverly accomplish obtaining a variety of fabric variations in a completed block from those participating. A block swap can be organized in a variety of ways. When you volunteer to be the organizer you also get to make the choices as to how the swap will work. After making those decisions your next task is to gather a group of committed quilters that are willing to participate. While looking for possible block patterns you can use the WRBQ, Inc. online quilt shop directory to view various quilt shops without leaving your home.
One thing you will want to make sure you do is be very specific as to the expectations for the participants. These are some of the things the organizer should think through before seeking participants.
How many will be allowed to participate? What size will the block be? Will the block have a common fabric? When will the swap start? When will the swap end? Will the block have a common theme? Will the blocks be made from the same block pattern? Will the group meet to exchange the blocks? Will the group mail in the completed blocks? Will every participant make an extra block for a charity quilt?
Once your quilting group is gathered, a meeting is in order. Who doesn't want to meet with fellow quilting friends and have refreshments while visiting? With directions and expectations in written form, now is the time for anyone with hesitations or an uneasiness to back out or get the encouragement they need to move forward. Questions are addressed, the exchange date is set and plans are made. Everyone knows what the task ahead of them entails and they are off.
A qualification for me of an activity like this is will it be fun. If some fun will not be had, then I don't consider participating. One way you can have fun with this one is to grab your Showtime Quilters Guide & Directory, the one created for quilters across the country by WRBQ, Inc. along with a few fellow quilters and head to several of the quilt shops listed in the regional quilt shop directory. Always plans for a lunch stop to be included and enjoy the day.
Having each quilter make and donate an extra block can be another aspect added to the quilt block swap. The group can decide on a charity to give the quilt too or using the quilt shop resource you can find a quilt shop willing to display and sell tickets to raffle the finished quilt. The raffle will give you funds to donate where the need exists. That warm feeling that can be derived from sincere generosity and kindness can bring a great amount of joy and satisfaction to anyone. What a bonus this element can be to the swapping.
Originally posted 2009-03-25 17:30:53. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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