SOmething to remember about swaps and stressing over them

[IowaGal]

I lifted this from the quiltaholics webpage, and it is so very true and something to remember. This quote is from alady named "kim"

"I've been stressing myself out doing the blocks for this swap. Guess sitting on the sidelines on another list while recriminations flew over a double wedding ring swap, I'm a little nervous about this. So, in the interests of my sanity, I'd just like to tell you all: I did my best for these blocks. My best isn't even close to perfect. Therefore, if you receive one of my blocks and you
a. don't like the fabrics I chose
b. don't think my workmanship is "up to snuff"
c. don' t want to use this "ugly" block on your quilt,

then, please feel free to:
a. throw it out
b. take it apart and resew it
c. use it as "back art"

But, please don't feel obligated to tell me about it!!
Lie, prevaricate, look at it sideways, standing on your head with your eyes crossed or whatever it takes to say: "thanks for the lovely block, Kim."

In exchange for this total lack of honesty, I promise...if your block arrives at my house on the two days a month when I turn into a cranky perfectionist so even Harriet Hargreave couldn't piece to suit me, I shall put it aside and look at it again when hormones have calmed down for another 28 days. I know I'm going to love whatever you all send, 'cause you all sent it!"

[mequilter9158]

wonderful......thanks for sharing. The whole idea behind swaps should be fun & ENJOYING doing them. When it gets too stressful all of the fun is gone. We're all very understanding and if something comes up with a deadline that can't be met, why not be flexible? We all do have separate lives with family and committments. And, if a problem does come up, don't be afraid to let others know.

[Evie]

Thanks for sharing.

A couple of years ago, I had made a block for a drawing. We had to put them up on the design wall for everyone to see. I was feeling pretty proud of my block until I heard two ladies criticizing a block and realized it was my block they were verbally tearing apart! I think our fearless leader overheard what they were doing because in that same meeting she discussed quilting etiquette. She also reminded people that they wouldn't want someone talking about their blocks.

[Leetec]

Thank you for posting that, IowaGal. I truely don't worry about what other people will send me in a swap, but I do worry about what I send. I promise that I won't anymore, though, as long as I've done my best (and that varies daily!) that's all I can do. The important thing is all these swaps are the friendships we share, not the fabric we send back and forth.
God bless...
Lee

[Georgiapeach]

I think we all benefitted from reading this. It truly is all about the comraderie and friendships. And we're too critical of our own work. I love receiving blocks made by my friends and I hope my friends enjoy receiving mine, too....boo-boo's and all. Thanks for posting this for us!

[gardenquilter]

this was a wonderful thing to post -

I was at one of the lqs not long ago and there was a lady there who had participated in a Dear Jane swap (which may be fun here but that is another subject) and she had brought all of her blocks that she received in and was telling anyone who would listen how shoddy some of them were and how they had to be redone. I was horrified as were a few of the rest of us. I being the outspoken one blurted out the question did she recolor the pages from her kids coloring books or redecorated the christmas tree after they went to bed?

I think the whole point of any swap is to have a piece of the dear quilter who sent it to us so that when we have them all assembled together and are snuggling under them on a rainy afternoon we can feel the love of each and every quilter that went into each and every stitch. When I hold someone elses work in my hand I always feel as if a part of that person came with the quilt and I feel a connection to them. OK so I am a little mushy but I love quilts and quilters

[cindyg]

AMEN! Thanks for posting this IowaGal. BTW - how is your cat bite? I hope it is all healed.

[WeSignificant]

Now that was really wonderful to read. I think we should look at the rest of life that same way.

[SHARONMAMAW]

I AGREE WITH YALL. I THINK IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE OF HELPING AND SHARING AND THE TIME THAT IS PUT INTO EVERY BLOCK. I THINK THERE IS LOVE IN EVERY STITCH.

[maryq]

Iowagal

Thank you so much for posting that... it came at a perfect time for me. I'm receiving the Christmas blocks from all over the country and being a newer quilter I am so impressed at the beauty and crafts-womanship of these blocks. I look at mine and wonder if my feeble attempts will look like *$^#&%) next to the others! I can't tell you how much fun I have had with this swap and to have been a part of such a great group of ladies and 1 guy (LOL) as this forum.

Oh dear it must be my 2 days of the month--getting sappy here. I may just print that out and hang it in my sewing room to remind myself to chill out and ENJOY! And to remember that every seam sewn is "practice" and that I'll get better day by day!

maryq