Q: What is the time commitment?
A: There is no commitment. You can choose to be involved in any or all of the months. To participate, just send me set(s) of charms for that month.
Q; How much fabric will I need for a set?
A: 1/2 yard will give you enough for one set, and more to spare.
Q: What do you mean by "good quality"?
A: I could say "quilt-store quality," but just because you buy your fabric in a quilt store doesn't ensure its quality (although that's a fairly good guarantee). This is different from "chain-store quality" (e.g. the majority of fabric sold at Jo-ann Fabrics, Hancocks, and Walmart). Good quality fabric is made with higher-quality cotton and is printed well and on-grain. It feels nice to the touch and isn't flimsy or coarse. You can't see through the fabric, and it doesn't shrink or fade much when washed.
You don't have to break the bank just to buy good quality cottons. Most quilt stores have a clearance section with marked-down bolts. There are also quite a few discount online quilt shops, or online stores with sales and clearance sections.
Q: Why 10 to a set?
A: Because I would like everyone to receive different charms than they send. Since only 13 people expressed definite interest in this swap, I used 10 for an average number.
I also thought about using 12 for a set -- which is the maximum number of 6 1/2" squares you will be able to cut from 1/2 yard of fabric. I settled on 10 so that you will be able to keep 2 of your charms. If people would like to change the amount in a set to 12, please contact me and I'll gauge the interest.
Q: Why prewashed?
A: Because there are people who prefer washed, and people who prefer unwashed, we're deferring to the washers because it is difficult to wash small squares. Also, there are people out there with chemical sensitivities, and washing removes some of the finishing chemicals on the fabric.
Again, if there is enough sentiment for no-washing, we can change this.
You can prewash fabric using a mild soap like Ivory or dish soap, quilt soap (obtainable at quilt and fabric stores), or Orvus paste (an animal shampoo sold in feed stores).
Q: For "color" months, can I send tone-on-tones?
A: For months specifying a color of fabric, you can send anything that "reads" that color. There can be other colors in a fabric, but it will still read a certain color -- like a red with yellow speckles in it.
If you can stand back about 5 feet away and it still looks mostly purple (or blue or red or green) to you, go ahead and send it. Tone-on-tones are fine.
Q: Can I mail you all of my charms for the next four months in one package?
A: Sure, no problem.