It's time for the Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla Neapolitan Swap!

One last question: Will this be a centralised swap where all participants send their blocks to you and you then swap them all out to the participants, or will each person post their blocks individually to the others? I prefer the accountability (and lower postage costs) of the centralised swap. What do others think? Perhaps we could have a vote on it.

-- Jo in Scotland

I'm waiting to be accepted into the yahoo group but this sounds like it's up to the individuals not centralized (also my preference). Besides accountability, what if 40 people sign up? We have to send 40 blocks?

I am going to suggest a centralized swap, with one person responsible for swapping blocks.

I would also like to suggest we send blocks in "sets" - with each set having a number of identical blocks, and with a limit on the maximum number of sets you can send. That way, you do not need to make the same number of blocks as there are participants. The person in charge of the swap can swap in such a way that you receive "x" different blocks (where "x" is the number of blocks in a set). The only issue is if the maximum number of blocks sent in by one person (#sets * #blocks in a set) is greater than the participants (the number of blocks per set and the maximum number of sets can be finalized once we have an idea of the number of swappers).

Although I have never hosted a swap, I have participated in many centralized swaps and would be willing to take on the responsibility if no one else is able to. (My only reluctance is due to some happy news --- my oldest DD is engaged! Life now includes any number of wedding shopping trips and crafts.)

I will be posting this in the blockswaps group as well.

Lisa in NJ

I'd also prefer it to be centralised, I'm part of a bead swap right now and there has been a frustrating number of people drop out at the very end, after I sent my beads to the central person, if I'd been sending them to individuals, I'd have lost a handful, as it is, she'll just put any extras back in each persons parcel. It is a lot of work for her, but unfortunately it seems to be the only way of having a reasonable amount of security.

I also can't volunteer to host, our baby is due in mid June, I was planning on getting cracking on these blocks now and sending mine out way before June 1 - so can I request I date that the swap is declared closed at least a month to 6 weeks before the exchange takes place?

Cheers Anne

Hi there!

I would prefer a centralized swap as well.

Should the colors be seperate, or can they be mixed? (brown and white fabric or pink and brown fabrics, or more solid type)

Thanks!

If I understand correctly, you all are saying you want to do the swap but not the way Danielle is describing it? I'm interested in the swap, but since I usually avoid swaps because of the deadlines etc, I'm not familiar with the kinds. I've joined the yahoo group, but haven't committed yet cause I don't think I want to lose blocks like you ladies are describing.

Musicmaker

I have never lost a swap block in the mail. And I'm in 2-4 swaps a year.

I would not worry about losing blocks. The yahoo group was created by 'Boca Jan' for a scrappy swap we did late last year. It was NOT a centralized swap. Each member mailed their blocks to every individual in the group. The blocks were beautiful, and we had only one person who had to drop out (and who notified us before the deadline).

We had so much fun swapping, we thought we would do it again! The idea of a pink/cream/brown swap was brought up with the group, and many thought it was a great idea.

We are using the same yahoo group to facilitate this swap, with the kind permission of Boca Jan who was the coordinator of the last swap. Dannielle has kindly volunteered to coordinate this time. She has posted the requirements on the yahoo group, along with a database for those who want to join.

It will not be a 'centralized' swap -- although Dannielle has kindly offered to work out something for those who live overseas.

Lisa in NJ

Given all the discussion, and the added step of joining the yahoo group, I'm sure this swap will work out just fine. I'm excited to particpate. But I've particpated in a number of swaps over the years, and personally, I prefer particpating in centralized swaps, and I would only organize a centralized swap. But that's just it, it's personal. I particpated in a fabulous Round Robin once, which by definition is not centralized so... shrug.

Hope you join in!

I'm "in" too! have picked a block and fabric. I think the colors are great, and Danielle is doing a great job. Cant wait to get going on it!

amy in CNY

Dannielle

I haven't picked fabric or pattern but I'm in twice. :) I may look for fabric at the sewing expo.