blocks, swaps, charms and other things and there instructions

[Kittyquilt9292]

Thanks to everyone for posting the questions and the answers. I was lost when I first joined the Forum, as well. I asked some questions and got answers and I'm in the blue flannel and autograph swap. Everyone was very patient with me as I asked questions. So, anyone who is thinking they would like to join a swap, but aren't sure about some of the particulars, ask, ask, ask. There are wonderful people here that have done this a lot and are so patient and willing to answer. Don't be shy and lose out on the fun...........carol/kittyquilt

[SewSew]

Often a topic for a swap is posted just to see if there is interest in participating and that is usually when the questions and suggestions go out for discussion. I do agree with Leetec, that it would be a good idea if the host or hostess would try and update their discussion heading to include guidelines and due dates once everything is settled on. My biggest problem right now is that I am having a heck of a time with all the charm swaps going on. It is hard to keep them all straight in my mind.

Audrey we do understand that there are some that are new to quilting and to this site so please do not be reluctant to ask questions. Even though I am not new to all this I sometimes still get confused about some of the swaps going on and have to ask.

The Holiday Round Robin is at an end, but I do plan on starting up another one sometime in January. I will remember to list everything in the discussion heading to make it easier for the newbys to understand.

Ann

[Checkers]

Hi Audrey
One thing I have found helpful is when you decide on the swap you want to join - print out the hostess' guidelines and due dates and PM her for her address and print that out also. Because as the weeks go by your swap might end up on page 2 or 3 and be hard to find. Or sometimes your swap is talked about in a different discussion listing.
And then that listing rises to the top and you need to find the original with the dates, etc.
Jump in, do a swap and it all will become clear.
Mary

[WeSignificant]

Maybe Andy could post some kind of calendar to keep all these things straight. What do you think, Might that make it easier? Last sign up date, due date, return date, etc. Those of us who have been around probably tend to get a little zealous and just go, go, go not realizing we are leaving the newbies behind in the dust. It would be helpful for them if we slowed down a little maybe and probably helpful for us too. Audrey please tell your friends they can private message any of us anytime if they see a swap that interests them and we will get them the info they need. What do some of you oldies (not referring to age) think.

[LynnS]

WeSIgnificant, we must think alike! As I was reading the posts here I kept thinking that a calendar would be very nice to keep everything straight. Of course I mark my own calendar but to have one online with the swap dates marked would be so helpful. Maybe Linda could help? I thought Andy left...I recall seeing a sad farewell thread for him. At least Linda could make the request of the person who is in charge of the boards now.

The only difficulty I see in the calendar idea is that it would need ocnstant updating according to new swaps, etc. The swaps forum would have to be monitored closely by the webmaster so the dates can be added.

[WeSignificant]

I was thinking that it could be possible for us to update the calendar. Have each Host/Hostess responsible fot their updating. I am not computer savvey so maybe that isn't possible but in this day and age you think so.

[LynnS]

To the top again...

[quiltfan60]

AudreyB-Just wanted to let you know that a couple of years ago at our quilt shop we made a charm quilt. Each lady brought 25 different fabrics(I think we cut them 5 1/2 inches square. We exchanged with everyone and got 25 different squares. The history of the charm quilts says you only use one pattern once. We each placed our blocks in a brown paper bag, and the block we pulled out(you can''''t look in the bag to see what you are getting out)we sewed to the next block. When you do this, sometimes you go yuck, that won''''t look good, but when you have all the blocks sewn together, they come out quite lovely. It was so much fun, we laughed and laughed some more. When we finished we had a lap size quilt. I am in the process of cutting squares for our bed. It is so nice to have each block different. L.

[Marilynsgrammy]

For me it would be helpful.... when a swap is closed for signup that it be noted in the subject line...

Then we don't have to open and read the post only to find it is over.

You could even list how many more sign ups you need.....

Christmas swap.... 4 more needed
Christmas swap.... closed for sign up
Christmas swap..... open for sign up..

[LynnS]

That's a good idea. Sometimes the hostess of the swap can't check the thread for a couple days and then it fills up before it can be updated. But if we all try to make those little notes in the subject line when we can it would make everything more organized. I love organization, although in reality I'm not always as organized as I want to be!!