Exchanges and RRs
So, you’ve been stitching for a while, and you’re getting pretty good at it. You’ve probably heard the words “exchanges” and “RRs” being batted around, but what are they?
Why join one?
Maybe you don’t know who to stitch for anymore - you’ve even stitched something for your aunt’s dog! Maybe you’ve been drooling over the wonderful pictures on someone else’s blog (like BeckySC’s). Maybe you just want a reason to learn how to make smalls. What ever reason you choose, it’s a great way to make friends and stitch something that you normally wouldn’t.
What’s an exchange?
An exchange is when you stitch (and usually finish) something for another person. Usually, you don’t know who you’re stitching something for, and you don’t know who you’ll receive from. Exchanges usually last between a month and two months. Most exchanges are for smalls - needlerolls, bookmarks, biscornu, scissor fobs, etc.
What’s an round robin?
A round robin (RR) is something stitched by a group. First, you stitch a small design or portion of a design (your “square”
, and mark off areas for others to stitch. Then you send it on to the next person, and you receive someone else’s RR. In the end, everyone in the group has stitched on everyone else’s RR. The RR’s owner can specify which patterns to use (as well as what thread type and whether or not embellishements like beads or buttons are allowed), or leave it up to each stitcher. Each stitcher also adds their name or initials and location to the piece. Usually each stitcher is given a month or more to stitch on each RR, so it can take a year or more, depending on the number of stitchers. RRs can be themed - a freebie series, specific designer, or holiday.
Any tips?
Lots of RRs and exchanges have associated blogs, so that everyone can see what everyone else has stitched. Mailing your stitching can be a big worry. It’s a good idea to send stitching in a plastic bag (to protect it from water damage), and to use delivery confirmation, if it’s available.
Caveats
It’s not a good idea to join an exchange or RR if you can’t commit the time. Depending on the piece you pick, it can take a weekend or maybe even a few weeks to stitch. It’s also not a good idea if you don’t like to stitch under pressure, or you’re unwilling to try new patterns/finishing techniques. You also need to be able to communicate about the status of the RR - to the RR leader, the person you received from/are mailing to, and the person the RR belongs to. There’s also the cost of mailing, sometimes internationally.
Additionally, things can get lost in the mail, or people can just not send them. There are lots of horror stories about people who’ve joined RRs and then ruined or kept other peoples’ work.
Overall
Overall, exchanges and RRs are a great way to make new friends, try out new patterns and finish techniques, and just have fun while stitching!
To see the exchanges and RR’s I’m working on, go to my exchanges and RRs page.
