Can someone explain, how a swap works and what a mystery quilt is?

[sandfran]

Hi everyone,
I just joined a couple of days ago and now I´m diving deeper into the waves of the forum and as I do this, I read about "swaps" and "mystery quilts". I have a vague idea about exchanging pieces of crafts or doing something as a group, but I´m not sure about how EXACTLY it works.

Do you send it to people in the mail in the end - and are Europeans included as well?
I would love to try the mystery thing that is up now, but I am not sure, if I have time or financial resources at the moment and don´t want to disappoint anyone.

Unfortunately the "mug rug swap" thin is closed now, that would have been a small enough thing to start with. Do these swaps come up often or just every few months?

I am looking forward to your answers! And forward to join one of those fun communities really soon!

Love from Germany,
Sandra

[Sandy Navas]

Sandra, there are a couple different ways to organize a swap - and several ways they are handled here on the forum. It depends on how it is set up. For instance, there have been swaps of certain colors, sizes, etc., of just fabrics. Sometimes it is a special project. Anyone the world around is allowed to join and follow the rules for that particular swap. Some swaps involve completed blocks which may be sent to a central location (the organizing swap moderator, usually) and then reshipped to participants. Sometimes the swap involves exchanging names and projects are then sent to a specific person. There are other groups that are set up for charity quilts and whoever wishes may contribute. Take the Circle of Comfort quilts as an example - there are now a couple different areas that handle charity quilts for their area. Some swaps are closed to new membership - usually this is obvious if you go to the Groups page and just look around. You are more than welcome to head on over there and browse the various groups and read their instructions, view pictures, and explore the comments. All in all, just be brave and have fun. Oh, and if you are a regular and keep up with most posts, you will eventually see an announcement of a new group that would be just what you are looking for.

Now, as for the mystery quilt, I'm not up on the instructions given by the group moderator, but I would venture to say you can click on that group and look around and then decide if it is something you are able and willing to participate in. Group moderators also will welcome an individual inquiry, question, or suggestion.

[toggpine]

Well, Sandy pretty much covered it!

My understanding of the Mystery Quilts is you get a list of the materials you will need (This much fabric in this many colors.) You can pretty much choose your own colors as long as you have the right amount of fabric. Then a series of clues will be given over a span of weeks. The mystery is you don't know what the finished product will be. I have seen some pretty neat ones, but haven't taken the plunge, as I don't always have the time to sew to keep up with the clues.

Please ask if our explanations didn't answer your questions!

[Grandma G]

Hi Sandra - Someone may correct me but it is my understanding from what I have read about the Mystery Quilt is that when it is finished it belongs to you. The fun is the journey. The other swaps involve sending to other forum members but not the mystery quilt.

And, BTW, welcome to the forum!

Gerri

[auntiemern]

Exactly what Sandy said so eloquently.

[SallyO'Sews]

Sandra, would it maybe be less expensive if you started a swap group just for our European quilty friends? Not to be exclusive, just frugal... Is it a whole lot cheaper for you to ship to England than the US or Australia?

[MartinaG]

A mystery quilt is a project where you are only given one part of the pattern at a time. Sometimes the cutting instructions are given at the time of the fabric requirements. Sometimes, you get cutting instructions with each step. At the end, you get the instruction of how to put all of the parts together. It is like the reveal of a painting at that time since you have no idea how your fabrics will play out in the final design. It is a lot of fun. You work at your own pace and you keep the top. One word of advice: When the instructions tell you NOT to use directional fabric - DON'T. (Ask me why I know this. lol)

I totally agree about swapping in country/region. I belong to German quilt forums as well and they do lots of group projects. Postage is SO expensive (plus there are the customs forms to deal with) that it is not fiscally feasible for me to play with my German quilting sisters.

[K. McEuen]

If you'd like to join the mystery quilt group to see how it goes, by all means, do so. That quilt is yours. If after the first real clue or two you feel that you can't afford the fabrics needed or that it isn't something you want to continue with, you can always leave the group and no harm done to anyone. I am in the mystery quilt group, but once we get instructions on what fabrics are needed I may drop out because I want to be able to use up some of my stash and not have to buy new fabrics. If i have to purchase fabrics then I'll just drop out.

Swaps are a bit different in that you are committing to doing something for another person so you really can't just leave the group.

[sandfran]

Thank you all so much! You answered all my questions. It always feels so great to log in and have already sooo many useful comments. That is really great.

I might take the plunge into the mystery quilt. But I definetely have to buy a better roll-cutter before I start.
I especially like the idea with the European- or German-focused swap. Although I really love international happenings and find it thrilling to be part of something that "goes around the world". But Germany will do for a start, I guess.

Love, Sandra

[Sandy Navas]

Oh, Sandra - the only reason a regional swap was suggested was for the EXPENSE of shipping to another continent. The prices have gone up and up and up. We love getting packages from another country, so don't leave us here, okay?