International Block Swap by Quilts Around The World

While attending the Baltimore Heritage Quilt Guild Quilt Expo 2017 see post, something unexpected I found at the show involved an international organization called Quilt Around the World. This an online quilting community and publisher, and they had a booth at the show staffed by a representative from Germany who explained (in extremely fast English!) one of their projects, the International Block Swap, which is just opening its 4th year. The goal is to provide a block swap that quilters from all over the world can participate in. Here’s how it works:

The theme for this swap is Nature. Quilters are challenged to make nine identical blocks capturing something about their personal connection with nature. The blocks must be 6” X 18” (finished) (6 ½” X 18 ½” raw).  (This somewhat odd size actually makes it easier to design with standard 6” x 6” blocks when you begin building your quilt.)  The color green must be present, and you can use any technique, block pattern, applique, or design; embellishments must be flat, in order to survive international shipping and handling. When you send your blocks, enclose 9 picture postcards of your town or region. These will accompany your blocks on their trip across the globe! Mail your nine blocks and postcards to the Quilt Around the World headquarters in Munich, Germany. You will receive a package of nine different blocks in return, made by quilters in far-flung lands.