Welcome to the 2002 Country Sampler Block Swap Information Page.

This is a four-part centralized swap and all blocks will be sent to the swap hostess who will then swap and return the blocks. You may just do one part of the swap or all, but if you save all the parts of this swap at the end, you will have enough blocks to make a really nice sized country sampler quilt just in time for the holidays!

RULES FOR THIS SWAP

Signup and Deadlines: This swap is run by swap hostess BeckyJ. You will email me to sign up and ask any questions needed. Please sign up before making your swap blocks and send your full Name, Email address, and Mailing address. Once you sign up I will confirm with my snail mail address for you to send the blocks. There are no swap deadlines, but these swaps will be sent out on time, so make sure that you get your blocks in by the dates below. Any blocks received after these dates may not be included in the swap and be returned to you unswapped.

April 30, 2002 Deadline - 6" House blocks (pattern examples below are included but not limited to)


June 30, 2002 Deadline - 6" Log Cabin blocks (pattern examples below are included but not limited to)


August 31, 2002 Deadline - 6" Pine Tree blocks (pattern examples below are included but not limited to)


October 31, 2002 Deadline - 6" Friendship Star blocks (example below - email me if you need the pattern)


The swap hostess will swap the blocks and get them back to you by the 10th of the following month after each deadline. Email becky@create-a-quilt.com for any questions or to sign up.

Number of Blocks: Each set will consist of 6 identical blocks. You will keep one for yourself and send in the other 5 blocks to be swapped. You may do more than one set, however each set of blocks must contain different fabrics (and different patterns for the houses and pine trees). You will get 5 different blocks back. Just a note if you send more than 2-3 sets you may get back duplicates of your blocks. I will know more once everyone signs up for this swap.

Block Type: Each block in a set must be identical. Block size will be 6". Any construction method may be used. You may paper piece, machine or hand appliqué, or piece your blocks traditionally.Please make sure to check your size before sending your blocks. If you paper piece your blocks, please leave on the paper for stability when others put the blocks together. NO fusible web, no paint. If you appliqué embellishments then please use a satin stitch or a small zigzag to secure all edges. I will return any blocks that are not well secured or are the wrong size. Most of all HAVE FUN!!!

Fabric and Colors: When making your blocks please send blocks that you would like in return, no cheap or overly thin fabric, good construction, pleasing patterns. The colors in this swap are unbleached muslin/off white and dark country colors ONLY (ie dark reds, burgundy, maroon, blues, forest green, gold, brown, etc.). You may mix and match your country colors as you want to in your blocks, but your lights or backgrounds MUST be unbleached muslin, cream colored or light neutrals and your colors MUST be dark country colors. (A great example of country fabrics are Homespuns, Thimbleberries or even some of the civil war repros...but they are not required.) The colors are up to you, but think country and primitive. Any pastels, brights or white whites will be returned without being swapped. The Swap Hostess reserves the right to send back blocks that are not properly constructed, that are the wrong size, that are the wrong color, or that do not follow the guidelines in the swap rules. Any questions, please ask becky@create-a-quilt.com .

Packaging: Please pin or machine baste a label to each block you send in. NO STICKY LABELS OR STAPLES ALLOWED! The label must have your email address, your name, and the town, state or country where you live. DO NOT write on the actual block with any type of pen or pencil. You may also include a chat nick if you have one or any other information you wish to share. You must include a self-addressed stamped envelope (postage affixed) large enough to return the blocks. It is suggested you use US Post Office Priority mail with $3.50 postage on it. DO NOT USE METERED POSTAGE ON YOUR RETURN ENVELOPE. If you use metered strips on the return, you will be contacted for proper stamp postage and your swap will be held until stamps are provided. Place EACH SET of blocks in a separate plastic zip-lock bag before placing them in a large flexible mailing envelope. (For example: each priority mail envelope can usually contain approximately 6 sets of 10” blocks.) International swappers are welcome...please email me for information.

You can send your blocks to the swap hostess at any time, but please remember to send them in time for swapping as all parts of this swap will be swapped on time. It is totally understood that everyone does not sew/quilt on the same level...so swappers keep this in mind...this swap is meant to be fun more than anything. If you have any questions at all please email BeckyJ at becky@create-a-quilt.com .

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