May Secret Pal Swap - Closes April 30 at midnight
 

Welcome to our Monthly Secret Pal Swap! We're thrilled to have you join this exciting and creative exchange. Each month brings a new opportunity to connect with fellow participants and spread some joy. Here are the key details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

How It Works:

· This is a monthly swap where you can sign up each month based on your availability and interest.

· Every month, you'll be paired with a different partner, enhancing the element of surprise and fun.

· Please commit to participating only if you're confident you can fulfill your obligation. Failure to send a package after signing up may result in a ban from future swaps.

Sending Your Package:

·Mail Package by May 22.

After receiving your Secret Pal's details, let your creativity shine! As you put together a package, consider what your pal might enjoy.

· Feel free to include items from your stash, as many participants appreciate like-new stash items.

· To maintain the spirit of the swap, avoid sending items that are worn, damaged, or unfit for use.

· Once your package is ready to go, be sure to privately message Hav4boys to notify them about your mailing plans. This helps them keep track of the process.

International Shipping:

· For international mailings, it's crucial to mail by May 10th to ensure timely delivery.

· When sending internationally, mark your parcel as a 'Gift' on the Customs Declaration, with a value of $10. This can help avoid unnecessary import charges for the recipient.

Communication:

· Maintain open communication by sending a private message to your Secret Pal when you receive their package. Expressing gratitude is an important part of the swap and lets your pal know their efforts are appreciated.

· Feel free to take pictures of your received items and share them in the group. It's always delightful to see the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into each package.

Sign-Up:

· Please fill out the provided questionnaire and send your info via Private Message to Hav4boys by midnight on April 30.

We're excited to see the connections and surprises that unfold through this Secret Pal Swap. Let's make this an enjoyable experience for everyone involved!

Screen Name:

Real Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Birthday (month and date)

Favorite Color(s):

Least favorite color(s):

The fabric type/color I am looking for?

Brand of sewing machine?

How long have you been sewing/quilting?

Would you like to receive gently used items pertaining to quilting/sewing?

Socks/Slippers/T-Shirts and what sizes?

Body washes/Lotions/Organic bar soap?

Magazine or patterns?

Quilting Notions?

Besides quilting what do you like to do?

Do you like to read and if so what type?

Would you like to receive candy/cookies/snacks/drinks

Do you have pets, if so what kind?

Do you collect anything, if so, what?

What do you want the most and what don’t you want?

Tell your SP something about yourself to make it easier for them to purchase for you.(Please fill this section out, it helps your SP buy for you.)

Can you mail international?

Email address:

Phone number:

Sign-Up Deadline:

· The sign-up period for this month's swap will close on March 31 at midnight PST. Make sure to get your information in before then if you'd like to participate.

Partner Assignments:

· You can look forward to receiving your Secret Pal's details by May 2nd at the latest. This will give you time to plan and put together a thoughtful package.

Package Tracking and Communication:

· It's important that everyone has a positive experience, so if your pal doesn't receive their package within a reasonable time, please provide tracking information to Hav4boys.

· If there's a special circumstance regarding your mailing, don't hesitate to inform me as soon as possible. Keeping open communication helps ensure everything runs smoothly.

Let the Creativity Flow:

· Remember, this swap is all about spreading joy and creativity. Put some thought into the items you choose for your Secret Pal.

· Be as creative as you can be while keeping in mind your pal's preferences.

We hope you have a wonderful time participating in this Secret Pal Swap! Your enthusiasm and effort contribute to making this a fun and engaging experience for all.

I would love to participate again but am not able to send the list till the 30th. Thank you Kathy for all your hard work.

I sent my info in! :) Thanks for hosting Kathy! I hope you feel better after that root canal!!

Information sent!

Partners are out. We have a small group this month, so sorry if you have had your partner recently.

I have ordered items for my secret pal. Going to be a good month.

Hi I'm new - this sounds fun - but how do people know how much to send? What is a typical package like?
Thanks - Nina

It is fun!
 

Hi Nina,

You can find the official "rules" for the Secret Pal Swap at the beginning of one of the threads. There is a $20 minimum for the items in the package (excluding stash items and postage). You get some information about what your Pal is looking for and what they want or don't want.

It's very fun doing a little shopping for them and digging around in your stash to see if you have something they might love.

Some people send more than the $20 minimum. Some will make a little handmade item to go along with the package. And if you get something that you can't use, I don't think it hurts any of our feelings if you pass it along to someone else you think might like it...

I will tell you I've never been disappointed in any package I've gotten. It's always fun to see the box on my doorstep. :)

Hope you decide to join!

Michelle

I am checking the mail daily to see if my pals items came in so I can get her package in the mail. It has a long ways to travel. I am also curious to see some items she requested.

Hi! You can also look back to previous months and look at some pictures. One new $20 item, make an item, some snacks, gently used items, some goodies from your stash, maybe something they collect or for an other hobby they enjoy. I really enjoy the long notes some people send. The questionnaire helps a lot or you can contact Kathy and run by her if what you have in mind works. I have done that more then once. I hope you join.

Many thanks!!!
 

I received a lovely package from Deborah this week. I'm not sure when it arrived because I was out of town to spend time with my mom.

Deborah found some chemistry themed fabric and a poster of a quilt block periodic table. I haven't seen either of those before! I think it's time to make another bag to carry back and forth to school with some of that fabric. She also included some beautiful yellow batik fabric and a pretty panel from Japan. There book and some candy goodies too!

Thank you!! Now I'm inspired to do some sewing today....