i recommend that you read or reread points 7-9 of the swap rules. That may help you decide what to do or not to do. It is disappointing when the quality or craftsmanship is not what you expect. All in all, my experiences have been good and fun. Few exceptions and I will remember to never swap with that person again.

Numbers 4, 5 and 6 are equally good.

It's important that ALL guidelines are followed by ALL who participate for the swap to be a success. It's one thing to send out something that is to the best of your skill level and "best" fabric when that's all you have and you are happy to share as opposed to someone (it's never happened----right?) who just wants to be picky and show off the superiority of their skills and fabric at the expense of another quilter. Nor would it be appropriate for one to join to get "better" blocks with the attitude of "I may not be able to afford it but So-and-So can, so I'll take their blocks."

Just thoughts and totally fictional references.

OK After seeing the numbers of the rules we should read etc. I went to the rules and read them. Number 9 specifically says no posts to complain about any swaps....so I am not coming back into this one. You were right , read all of them and this would not have been necessary. I want to participate in more so don't want to break any "rules". Thank you everyone

I think that's the risk you take. I would not send anyone fabric that I wouldn't use myself. We sometimes end up with poor quality.

You never know others circumstances. Maybe that is all they had to offer. Quilting is a luxury nowdays, not a necessity.

So - if one has a disappointing experience - and it's not okay to publicly express disappointment -

What, if anything, can be done to avoid it? Or to not have it repeated?

Besides not playing/participating?

Giving/donating something is one thing. I expect nothing back, but I do appreciate a "thank you." If/when the person can do a "pay it forward" - that's great - but sometimes one gets in a position where one does have little or nothing and surviving is about as good as it's going to be for a while.

When I do a trade/swap - I do expect something more or less equal in return.
By the way, I'm not a brand snob. I've purchased some fabrics from WalMart that are as nice or nicer than some I've purchased at a LQS. Price paid is NOT always an indication of quality.

So - now you-all can go beat me up.

Not at all. Sometimes good is good enough. I always purchase the best I can, top quality, but know others cannot. One of my very best friends is Hazel. She is 94, a widow for 53 years, and I love her dearly. She has given me black raspberry starts, those stupid barn cats that will not move of the porch, and love. If she gave me one little scrap of fabric, I would treasure it, knowing that it is a poly cotton blend from the 60's. I love my Hazel, and she loves me.

A swap is a social event to share with one another.

The blocks should be usable, but you should expect them to come from both ends of the skill spectrum. You are going to get someone's best effort that is not as good as your poor effort. I have been that hard worker, poor product person.

Swaps are Lottery participation activities. You pays your money, you laughs, you cries, you makes new friends, and you has a lotta fun.

If you don't have that spirit, try to find it, or keep yourself happy and do not swap.

I really, truly do not expect to have a well designed quilt when I finish a swap, I expect to have laughs, smiles, and fun. But, it will BE a QUILT.

The ugliest quilt I ever own may be the funky chicken throw, or it may be the best. I don't know yet, because I have not had time to design the layout, sashing, and borders. But man! I can't stop talking about those crazy chickens. The effort of the swap already paid for itself, and I do not even have a quilt yet.

Good luck, have fun.

Hugz and smilez to each and everyone of you.

Aardie.

Well said! I like the swaps! There are some blocks I've gotten that I would have never put together (color/pattern) but when they're with the overall product - it's amazing how great it looks. Besides -- the swaps are just a way to "meet" people from the board -- give more of a personality to a name.

=)

I participate with the doll quilt swappers and have never been disappointed but did one other swap for block and couldn't believe the fabric used...and I got one of my own back which may not have been a bad thing LOL I don't join alot of swaps because I don't prewash my fabric 90% of the time.