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County Line Quilters |
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How does a Box Exchange or Round
Robin work? |
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Participants usually create a "starter" block of some sort which is then put
into a box. All the participants bring their box to a specific kickoff
meeting where the boxes are shuffled and then each box is sent on to
different quilter who is participating in the exchange. Sometimes the chain
of handoff for the boxes is known (ie: participants have a list that spells
out who is getting what box next). Sometimes the exchange is anonymous with
none of the participants knowing who has what when they are working on it.
When each participant receives a box, they create a block or do a border or complete whatever task is outlined in the rules for the exchange. Participants continue to bring boxes with completed work back to meetings on a stated schedule. The boxes are then issued back out to different quilters. The number of blocks made, borders added, or tasks completed, and the number of times boxes come in and go back ("rounds") out can vary. Usually there is a minimum of 4-5 rounds to ensure a diverse quilt top result; 6 month and 12 month exchanges are also popular options. Usually nothing can be cut off, cut apart, removed from prior rounds, or touched on prior rounds unless rules allow for it. Besides completing the construction or task per round, participants are often expected to add 1/2" yard of fabric into each box as it moves along to the next quilter. This extra fabric helps the final owner finish the quilt with coordinating fabric they might not otherwise be able to find. It is often standard to require participants to stick with only 100% cotton medium or high thread count fabric, as well as cotton thread to ensure consistency of the final quilt top. Nowadays there are options to participate in various exchanges via the internet. But it is definitely fun to do it with a guild where you can confer, consult and get inspired live and in person. It is important to remember that anyone entering a shared design and/or construction project always takes the chance of getting a piece they will not like when it's all over. However, the overall experience of participating in an exchange can be a tremendous opportunity for personal growth. In striving to do your best work, you improve your quilting skills and stretch beyond your present comfort zone into colors, designs, and techniques you might not otherwise delve into. |
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How Much Time and Effort Should I put into a Box Exchange? This is really just another way of asking yourself how much time and money do you put into something for someone else. This is a matter of conscience. If you are debating how much to do on a round, then consider if the effort you are going to put in would be acceptable on your OWN piece that will eventually come back to you. If you know you would be disappointed with the quality of fabric or design effort, then it probably would not be fair to use it for someone else's piece. You should be able to be proud of your workmanship on all the different quilts you have the opportunity to work on. Remember that someone else is putting time and fabric (money) into your quilt top to ensure you receive a significant piece in return. You should plan to do the same. |
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