19991997-2002Historical

NF1 — First Swap

Hosted by Teresa Drummond

The swap that started it all. Fifty quilters — one from each state — traded traditional 12" quilt blocks representing their home states. Teresa Drummond organized the original group after a quilting magazine classified ad brought them together. This swap was part of the NiftyFifty Quilters tradition — one quilter from each of the fifty states exchanging handmade quilt blocks to create a unique collection representing the entire nation.

Participants

Blocks

Nation

Completed Quilts

Real quilts assembled from blocks received in this exchange.

Suzanne's NiftyFifty Quilt — all 50 state blocks assembled

Detail: top section of Suzanne's quilt

Detail: bottom section of Suzanne's quilt

Cheryl's NiftyFifty quilt

Donald and Mrs. Parks with their completed NiftyFifty quilt

Theme Colors:

#B85C38

#5C715E

#FAF5EE

How It Worked

1Sign up during the enrollment period — one quilter per state
2Receive the theme guidelines and participant list from the hostess
3Create 50 identical 9-inch quilt blocks following the theme
4Mail your blocks to all participants by the deadline
5Receive 50 unique blocks — one from every state in the union
6Assemble your blocks into a beautiful 50-state quilt!

Theme Rules

•Each participant makes 50 identical 9-inch quilt blocks
•Mail one block to each of the other 49 participants plus the hostess
•Use quality quilting cotton fabric in the specified theme
•Include a signature label on the back of each block
•Blocks must be mailed by the deadline — no extensions
•Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your blocks
•Block must represent your home state's quilting tradition
•Traditional piecing or applique techniques
•Any color palette that represents your state

Blocks from this Exchange

58 blocks in our collection — 58 with original NiftyFifty photos

NF1 — First Swap

Completed Quilts

How It Worked

Theme Rules

Blocks from this Exchange

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

NF1 First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

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NF1 — First Swap

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NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

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NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

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NF1 — First Swap

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NF1 — First Swap

NF1 — First Swap

Related Exchanges

NF2 — Burgundy, Green & Cream

NF3 — Burgundy, Green, Blue & Cream

NF4 — Blue, Plum & White

Want to Start Your Own Exchange?

NF1 — First Swap

Completed Quilts

How It Worked

Theme Rules

Blocks from this Exchange

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap

Traditional First Swap