When I first began quilting, I had no idea about the vast network of social quilting that happens over the internet. Now that I’ve been quilting and “in” the quilting blogosphere, Facebook world, Instagram, etc. for a while, I’m realizing that there are SO many ways to quilt socially over the internet. Just to name a few of the social quilting modes I’ve seen so far beyond the network of conversation and support found on blogs and Facebook, there are quilting bees, round robins, mystery quilts, friendship quilt swaps, and mystery quilt swaps. I’m sure there are many more to which I’m not yet privy. But this week, I did it: I joined my very first quilt swap!

Very early in my quilting days, I saw Instagram posts about the first two rounds of the Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap, and have to say I was a little bit jealous of the fun back-and-forth, inspiration sharing, progress peek photos, and of course the gorgeous finished mini quilts being mailed around the world to unsuspecting recipients. When I saw people begin to post about joining in on Round 3, I bit the bullet and signed up! Now I’m proud to say that I am among the Makers of Awesome, and have already started plotting the quilt I will be making for my secret partner.

I’ve also put together a mosaic of quilts I love to help the secret partner who will be making a mini quilt for me.

I’m building up my inspiration board as I see more quilts I love, so you can see it as it grows by following the board on Pinterest.

Most of the communication with this swap is happening on Instagram, which is really fun since it’s such a visual platform. It’s a bit confusing to me (so far) to be addressing a mystery partner, and half of the time in reference to the person for whom I’m making a quilt, and the other half of the time be referring to the person who is making a quilt for me. I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it eventually, though. I’ve already decided what quilt I will be making for my partner, and I’ll show a few sneak peeks along the way. If you want to follow along with my (and almost 1,000 other quilters worldwide) progress, follow me @nightquilter on Instagram, or browse the hashtags #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap and #makeaquiltmakeafriend.

This is going to be fun! Any advice for a newbie quilt swapper?