| Start A Quilt Block Swap Today |
| Written by Showtime Quilters | |||
| Sunday, 29 March 2009 17:08 | |||
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Calling all quilters, have you heard of a block swap? Do you want to join in on a quilt block swap? Wouldn't we all rather be quilting? Read on to find out what a quilt block swap actually is.
Calling all quilters, have you heard of a block swap? Do you want to join in on a quilt block swap? Wouldn't we all rather be quilting? Read on to find out what a quilt block swap actually is. Block swapping is a favorite activity among quilter's young and old, new and experienced alike. 'Swapping' as it is called is a clever way to obtain a variety of fabric variations in completed block form. There are many ways to go about organizing a block swap. If you are the organizer, you get to make the decisions and then find a group willing to jump in and participate. To make your swap successful you must recruit a group of committed quilters to participate. Using the WRBQ, Inc. online quilt shop directory you can gather possible patterns for use in this quilt block exchange. You must be specific as to the parameters for the swap. 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. What number of participants you are looking for? Will you choose a standard block size? Do you want to agree on a common fabric for all to incorporate? What is the quilt block shop start date? When will this swap be finished? Are you utilizing a common theme? Will using the exact block pattern be required? Do you want to begin the exchange by meeting as a group? Shall finished blocks be mailed to the organizer or will a gathering to exchange be in order? Does the group want to make a charity quilt by each providing an extra block? 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. Another facet that can be added to the mix is having each quilter make an extra block. There is more than one outlet for those extra blocks. If there are enough blocks, a quilt can be put together and donated to the charity of your choice or you could use your quilt shop directory to find a quilt shop willing to place the finished quilt on display and have a raffle. As a group decide what will be done with the funds raised from the raffle. What a gracious gesture a homemade quilt can be to someone in need. The group can work together to put the blocks together, to quilt it or tie it and then to bind it. No more joy can be found that when you are doing service for your fellow beings. About the Author: WRBQ, Inc produces Show Time Quilters Guide and Directory, the most comprehensive guide for information on quilting stores, shop hops, quilting guilds, quilt shops and quilt shows. You can find out all about this complete Quilt Shop Directoryby clicking on their website at www.wrbqinc.com
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