My take is that the RULES are set down at the beginning of this thread. Everything else would be considered suggestions. We can use whichever of the suggestions we care to use. The rules are non-negotiable. I'm participating for the second year and have been grateful for the guidelines suggested by more seasoned quilting friends but decided to let this be, first and foremost, FUN. I enjoy gathering goodies, from quilt shops and from my stash. The anticipation of how my ss will receive the package is definitely the highlight for me. That's not to say I didn't love my own bounty last year.....and look forward to having the same thrill this year.