It would be nice to know about children or grandchildren and boy or girl and age.. Lots of kid friendly things out there

Lori, the question of do you have allergies is already part of the template as well as what type of quilting means (i.e. fmq, embroidery). with my last few sp swap partners i have found that they may not completely fill out all of the inquiries on the template so it may leave you wondering what to get them or they may just not know how to answer all of the inquiries. i try to keep in mind that swappers are all at different levels in their skills and abilities so i try to keep my packages close to general use and personalize if given enough information.

what i do believe may be helpful is to include an inquiry (if not already there) as to what other type crafts do they participate in. one of my swap partners was not really a sewer/quilter but i didnt know what other type crafts she participated in to perhaps get specific things for her so i stuck to more general stuff in her package.

if the template is too specific it can create a lot of empty spaces because some will read it and think it doesnt apply to them and not complete the lines. the beverage inquiry may be good to add. i have received drink packets in various swaps i have participated in as small "tokens". knowing if it should be coffee or tea would be great if the sender would like to include that.

in the end i think it will just be sampling (aka trial & error) that will help to hone the template for the sp swap. more experienced quilters will want more specific information and the less skilled will have fewer answers to supply no matter how many inquiries are listed. i do read my swap partner's profile to glean any additional information about them & it is helpful when there.

you are doing a great job and it shows that you are thinking about how to do a better job by putting this question out there and asking those who participate in this swap to provide feedback. kudos to you. remember finding the right mix may require some tweaks here and there so hopefully you will make changes when necessary and be open to feedback when needed.

Would it be helpful to know how long our partner has been quilting or what level quilter they are? Someone else suggested type of quilting, appliqué, paper piecing,etc. and that may be enough.

Hi Lori, How about asking if they would accept "Gently Used Items" such as mags, books, templates ect. This would help keep it witin budget, and recycle unused items. I wouldn't want to send anything used to someone who would only want new, which is ok too..

The one thing I want most is______________.
What a great question.

And I like the used magazine question.

You ladies are really coming up with some great ideas. The one I have was used last year but helps.Do you celebrate halloween and christmas.It's getting closer everyday.I wish everyone would add a little about what they are working on and what is happening in their lifes. Such as I am getting into paper piecing and Have a new great grandchild on the way this month. Or maybe you got a new pet or sewing machine. Just a couple of lines helps. Add if you lie humorous gifts.Wow I was just goin to leave a couple lines.lol. Mary

Also, some people like to make those beverage sleeves.

Mary, that is great. I know that I celebrate Christmas, but don't care for Halloween. I do wonder about those who might celebrate Channukah or other religious holidays. Or those who aren't religious at all.

I would also like to know if the person has a religious preference. I'm not exactly sure how to word it. I would hate to put something in a package that would offend someone (i.e. a religious note card or little devotional).

I have read and re read all suggestions but can't find the person who suggested a WISH LIST. That's a great idea because I belong to another board where we do have a place to list things we WISH for. We can either put it in the revision of the SP swap as a question or if admin is willing, set something up in a thread where we can add our name and our wishes (as well as edit it) and make it so all we have to do is type in the person's board name so we can pull up their WISH LIST.