Interview with Helen of Hugs from Helen

Helen, of Hugs 'n Kisses and Wysistas (makers of Quizzles quilt patterns) fame! I am working on her Great Summer Mystery quilt right now, the pattern she is GIVING away for FREE on her blog! She gave us the Stitcher's Angel swap a while back and this long-time swapper has some great tips for swappers and hostesses alike.


SD: Tell us a bit about you.

Helen: Age 41, married with 3 girls (4,11,13) Pattern designer, publisher, distributor of patchwork, quilting, softies, doll and stitchery patterns under name of Hugs 'n Kisses and pattern Press.

SD: How long have you been swapping?

H: Started first swaps with Southern Cross Quilters approx 10 years ago. This is the first blog swap I have organized 2008.

SD: How did you learn about swapping, and what made you decide to do your
first one? Do you remember your first one?

H: First one was a music block swap with online group The Southern Cross Quilters (Aust and NZ quilters or expats only) about 2000 members.


SD: What's your favorite type of swap or favorite swap you've ever been in or
hosted?

H: The secret identity ones when people get into the spirit of it and
send teases and clues before they are revealed at the end.

SD: Do you sign up for multiple swaps at one time? If so, what is your maximum number of swaps you will join before telling yourself absolutely NO MORE?

H: I don't actually get time to participate much anymore although I did
just do a nice little Tassie Bloggers one, now I am playing swap mama...

SD: What do you think is the most challenging part of participating in a swap?

H: Knowing what your partner will like, keeping projects small and
achievable when you want to put your all into it so that you can follow
through.

SD: Any advice for someone who is a swapping virgin?

H: Don't sign up if you cannot follow through with the commitment, you will leave a sad swapper somewhere and a sour taste in the swapping groups minds.... Put as much
effort into your swap as you would like to receive. Communicate with your
partner and find out about them and make a new lifelong friendship. When you
send include those little extras which make it more special - ie nice
wrapping, a nice card, something for the child, something about you or where
you live...

For swap mamas - use an email that you check often and have not had spam
blocking problems with. Add the swap mamas email address to your 'friends'
list so they don't get blocked and cannot send you messages. Post often on
your blog about your swap progress, gifts sent and received... And thank
your partner when you receive, it is common courtesy when they have gone to
so much work for you. If something pops up in life which is going to delay
your swap please communicate with the swap mama and your partner and they
will understand.

Thanks, Helen, for the great advice. And thanks for taking the time to chat!