For some sewers, SWAP means Sewing With A Plan (think coordinated wardrobe with mix and match pieces), but for others, like me, it means trading crafted goodies. If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you may have noticed that I love swapping (I’ve participated in over 40 Craftster swaps throughout the years), but the question I get asked the most is “Why do you do it?”
There’s several reasons why I tend to swap:

• I am at my most creative when I swap. My favorite part is the day partners are released and I have the opportunity to see what sots of items my partner is interested in, looking at their ‘wish lists’, etc. and coming up with a package designed just for them.
• It gives me the opportunity to make some times I would never make for myself. There are lots of tutorials and patterns out there I would love to try, but would never make\wear\use myself (like a Scoodie, I just can’t see myself wearing one, but I really want to make one). Swapping gives me the chance to try some of them out and give them to someone who will appreciate it.
• There are some crafts I just can’t do, but strongly admire. By swapping, I’m occasionally paired up with someone who is skilled at a craft that I’m not (knitting, resin, jewelry, soap making, just to name a few) – combine that with a Wist (basically a ‘wish list’) and you get some awesome packages! I am always amazed at the skills my partners have.
• It’s like Christmas in the mail. You just never know what you’re getting so opening a package is always a surprise. I love receiving hand made goodies and proudly wear, use, and display what I get.
• The kids love it. Even though I make things for my kids, they like getting little ‘presents’ from someone else. I’ve been very lucky to have some fantastic partners who have always kept their interests in mind.
• I’ve made some great friends through swapping. Sometimes you have the opportunity to get to know your partner by chatting back and forth.

There are of course some downsides to swapping:

• You’re working on a deadline. This can be a good thing, because I find myself being very productive, but it also means that I have to have a ‘clear schedule’ to participate (no other deadlines or busy with other projects).
• Flakers – those people who never send out a package. While I’ve been very lucky to have this happen only a handful of times, it does happen. If you stick with an experienced site such as Craftster, there are procedures in place to deal with it so you still receive a package.
• Swapping can be expensive. Between materials for the craft items themselves and shipping the items (especially overseas), swapping can be costly. However, there are some swaps that use stashed material or require you to send ‘small’ items that can help you save money.