First thing you do is write, on the outside of the original package, how many blocks the person sent in. Why? Cuz later if you screw up you can refer to it. Never separate that envelope with any of the person's blocks or with their return envelope. You remove everything from the envelope and put it on TOP of their original one. Put the blocks on top and their return envelope with the postage underneath.

Make rows of stacks. Start with the most blocks you received and work your way down to the ones who only sent in one set. So all your numbers are together ... all your 8 block sets are here, next are all your 7 block sets, etc. In a stack should be everything that person sent you and don't throw any wrappings or anything away until her blocks are back in the mail to her.

When you swap, you swap from the highest number of blocks down to the least. So, if someone does 8 sets of blocks, you swap those first. You go down the line, picking up a block from each stack but of course not picking up one of her own blocks.

For example, let's say someone sent in 4 sets of blocks here's how I arrange her stack. On the bottom I have her return postmarked envelope. On top of that I have her original envelope and I've written on it how many blocks she sent in. On top of that I have the blocks. If she sent in 4 sets, I have the 4 sets on top, separated into stacks but right together with her "stack".

There are reason's why you start with the most and go down to the least. If you don't you'll run out of different blocks and those who sent in the most need all different ones back. Never swap in the reverse or you'll live to regret it LOL .. I know, from experience that I won't tell about but it happened to me in my first swap and I learned this method fast.

When you have finished collecting her blocks, count them....recount them. Then put them into plastic baggies and into her return envelope but do NOT seal it. I learned this the hard way too, from my swap #1. I sealed them as I went, lo and behold when I was done there were 7 blocks left over.... now what in the world was I going to do. Leave the packages open until you are totally thru and until all the counts have come out correct.

That's how you swap. However, prior to all of this you have opened the packages as they have arrived, you've checked the blocks to be sure they used the proper colors, the right fabs, etc. You've measured the blocks. If the blocks were correct, you emailed the person and told them their blocks arrived and that they are wonderful. If they weren't correct you emailed the person and told them, nicely, that the blocks aren't right and you gave them the choice of remaking them or having you send them back. If they decide to remake them then hold onto the wrong ones, and return those with her correct ones when you swap .. it can all usually go in one priority envelope so she doesn't need to send you another self addressed, stamped one the 2nd time.

What if you have blocks that are correct but they stink? Well, if they have met all the rules and the blocks aren't' constructed all that great or the fabs are ok but yucky.....if your swap is big enough you can do what I do.....and that is that I swap shit with shit. I hate to say it that way but it's true. And I think it's the only fair thing to do anyway.

Likewise, if someone has really outdone themselves and their blocks are exceptional .. I am VERY VERY sure to give them the best blocks back. I am lucky to be able to say that I have some exceptional swappers who join all my swaps and have for a long time. I swap them the most exceptional blocks back.....they love it, they appreciate it and they have come to expect that from me. I figure they deserve it.....they have busted butt making their blocks for the swap, and so I take the extra time to be sure they get back as great of stuff as I have to give them.

I also coordinate the blocks as much as I can. In my dark country color one last year, some did some lavender. The blocks were great though. But rather than give one lavender block to someone and have that be the only lavender they got.....I made sure they got 2 or 3 other lavenders.....so then when they set their blocks they can scatter the lavender here and there for some interest and they don't have just one lavender block sticking out like sore thumb. Other times I might deliberately give someone a block that has some color just cuz the ones they are getting might be sorta dull.....to give it a little life.

I got some bright yellow blocks in once.....luckily a few other gals did the same sort of color.....and those who got a bright yellow got 1 or 2 other bright yellows too, not just one.....they appreciated that.

When you are all done and the packages are ready, you can't just stick them in the mail box.....you have to take them to the counter of your post office, this is the law now.....you can mail one or two in a mailbox.

Fun Stuff Best Friends Retreat Photos Swaps   Links Mystery Quilt Quilt School Meet Friends Info Bingo 2001 Round Robin Recipes Lapel Pins Birthday Party

This site was last updated 11/21/06

Background by Jeanne Ray Crafts