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Hi everybody! - Since the christmas/winter swap is almost finished, I'm already thinking about posting a spring swap thread soon, so that we all will have some time for knotting and sending in the bracelets until march. However, I thought it could be interesting to add some extra rule this time to see, what everybody will make out of it and there are several different possibilities to do so:

a) a certain colour scheme (for spring for example pastels, green, white and yellow / or gradients)

b) a restriction of string amount (like an 8-16-24-32-string swap, which could also be helpful for a fair redistribution...)

c) a certain type of pattern (like flowers, plaids, zigzags etc.)

What would you guys generally think of a swap with one of such extra rules? - Those are only my first ideas and you're all very welcome to add yours as well! The swap thread will not be posted until the pictures of the current swap are all transferred, so there's still some time left to collect ideas :)

I like a) and b), but I wouldn't like a restriction on pattern type - as it'd mean everyone gets the same or a variation of the same thing. Plus what if you just didn't like the pattern type, it'd mean you couldn't participate.

As swaps are at the moment you could receive literally anything and that makes it exciting!

I think changes in the rules is a good thing though, anything to make swapping fun and exciting :P

Thanks for letting me know your opinion! - Yes, c) could indeed be very restrictive or even a bit boring in the end, but I've seen other contests, where for example a certain colour scheme was given beforehand; the results were very different from each other and it was interesting to see what everybody came up with :)

Yes I like matching colour schemes :D

:) - Any other ideas or suggestions from the community?

I like the string restriction, or color themes

How about picking two color "categories" (such as Blue, Orange, etc.). You can use any shade, tint, or brightness in these categories.
You can also use White, Black, or Grey.
As long as the rest of the colors are in the scheme, you can use ONE wildcard color for contrast.
Something like this will give guidance, but still allow for great flexibility in designing the bracelet.

What about beads? I like to incorporate seed beads into my designs. I am willing to contribute to pay for postage if needed.

Great news! I think, some kind of "theme" is the best option. As this swap will be happening in spring, the theme could simply be smith like "greeting spring" which automatically gives some colour scheme with all those vibrant greens, sunny yellows, bright blues etc.

Restricting on pattern type does not sound very interesting to be honest - I agree with Elizabeth, we will end up with very similar bracelets and those who do not like that pattern time will not take part. For example, if it was restriction on 1-2-1-2 pattern, I would not participate.

Colour scheme is still ok - I like the idea EdBlair suggested. If we pick a couple of colours with all their shades allowed plus black, white and grey - this will be quite interesting. Yet beads should not be a requirement - as our main material is string, beads are optional.

What do you mean by restricting on number of strings? I think the way it was done on Christmas swap is really good - several categories with different number of strings. I think we should leave it unchanged

I like the color-scheme idea EdBlair suggested! Especially if you have the choice between two different schemes.

The bead-idea is a bit more complicated. Beads are usually heavy and since Arismende and myself are both living in Europe it is very difficult for a lot of users to send stamped envelopes or euro-money. And if you send us ,for example, dollars it takes us a lot of effort to change it into euro's/stamps.
Since this site is about knotting I also think we should stick to strings as material.