Scents..There have been quite a few times, that I have wanted to send either scented candles, bath goodies but was unsure..and now that the weather is turner colder, would love to send scented soaps..But, was unsure because I know that some people do have a sensitivity or allergies to smells..Me, I love all things like that :-)

Is the swapper an expert or beginner quilter? Do you like/not like quilty notions? Fabric colors/types you do/don't like.Coffee,tea or hot chocolate?

Great idea!

I also agree with asking in relation to the skills level of quilters, I would feel slightly intimidated/ nervous swapping with a absoultley Quilting queen knowing I'm a totally novice lol

Good morning y'all.
First of all, Lori, you are doing a fabulous job keeping us swapping, I know it is very difficult, and you do great.

The suggestions mentioned about being specific about books,Pets and holidays are great, I want to add that maybe one should also mention of they sew (as in clothes) in addition to quilting or not. Your pal may have some sewing patterns they like to send.

All that being said, I think that I really like the questionnaire as is, and I think that many of the people who are, ummm, wordy have already written a book in there( :mrgreen: ) , and many others have left some questions unanswered. So I guess what I am trying to say is that you don't need to wait for the perfect question, for example, your favorite color is purple, but you are collecting reds for a quilt, put that in there just like that, you put in your other hobbies that you like to read, just add what type of books, just be more wordy that is,lol, it does make it so much easier for your pal.

I like the questions about what type of pets do you have (I love getting treats for my pets) I also think being more specific about allergies and allergens is a very good idea. The question as it stands now makes me kind of think of things you eat or might be a food source like peanuts etc. I also like the idea of religious preference, I've had people answer the question tell us as much as you can about yourself with religious projects the are working on and resource they are doing and it gives us another source of things we can include in the package. Most of all I agree with others - Lori, don't make this swap to hard on yourself. We want you to enjoy it to!

I thank you do a very very good job with SPal i have enjoyed everything I have received.we could tell a litttle more about what we do and are working on.So it will help you more .
Thank you Lorie for all you do Cindy

Just want to add 1 thing about the wish list I posted earlier, ADMIN can also put this category under our profile so all can get to it to just by clicking on ones name. But yes, we have to keep it updated. I also agree with we need to answer MORE about ourselves in the last question on our list about telling more about ourselves BUT I would like to see a question about pets and what type of quilting on there as a standard question. Otherwise, I agree with all, the list is nicely done already and Lori, this was my 1st swap and I think you did a great job like you've been doing this forever! Thank you for doing this and trying to make it easier for us all but I also agree, keep it simple and just enjoy and leave a little up to the exchangers imagination!

I think this is a good one to include. Not everyone likes the same scents and if you are sending an item with a scent such as soap or a candle it would help to know which ones they like.

What in the world is this picture of??????????/ Its awful
QJ1

I agree with the part about filling out the form completely. It leaves a lot to be said when there is only a small amount of information. Also, I have been a SP swap participant for over a year and the only problem I have (and sometimes I am as guilty as others) is 'I have seen some SP packages that have enough material to make a twin size quilt top and items that you could not possible buy for less than $10.' If you were to go to a fabric store you would pay as much as $50 (and more) to buy some of the items in the packages. Some members don't have a large stash and I have seen comments about the packages costing much more than $10. This may be out of line, but what about limiting the items sent to no more than 5, 7, 10 or whatever? I have seen packages where 20 items have been sent and sometimes when I have a limited budget (most times) I feel bad that my package may not look as good. Just my personal thoughts. You do a great job and I want to thank you.

Very well said Candi.The color or style of fabric really helps.Since alot send fabric (bought or from stash) It is great to know what to send. Not just favorie color. Most of my partners were really good about saying what color they need or are wanting. That's not being greedy. Just helping your partner choose.Last year several said they don't celebrate halloween,but do love christmas items. Also I think one said she was jewish.That helped in not sending christian items. Good luck with the remake on the list Lori. Mary

I need help with making out my list. Is there a way to make Lori's list come up that I can just put in the answers?

it is always posted when the SIGN up is posted!

Lori you are doing a great job and i'm new so I'm learning what to add on my info and i'm so glad for all of the tips ......Keep up the good work Lori

what are you referring to please?

How about these favorites: Colors, authors, threads, fabric lines, magazines, perfumes.

I know of a couple of people that go to estate sales and garage sales and have acquired alot of fabric for very little and that is why they are able to give as much fabric as they do. I am on a fixed income as are alot of people on this site. I can not compete with those that send a lot of fabric but this is not a competition and no one should feel bad about the amount they send. We send our love and thoughts along with the items we pack into those squishie or firmie and I think everyone knows that. We also have some swappers on here who used to have a LQS and have stock left over. I know that I have received things that are over the $10 limit but can tell that they are not new just something the sender will not use. I will not be limiting the number of items you can send only the amount of money you can spend, which is $10. Quilters are very creative when it comes to stretching their money.

I would include a question about if somebody would like something regional or from a different country if their secret pal is located far away. Not sure how I'd phrase the question, but I got some Australian small items (a cheese knife with a koala and a beautiful postcard) in a swap once and love them!

Used quilting mags are a good idea because I have so many and it is so hard for me to part with them. Good way to recirculate them (and it won't hurt so much if I know someone will enjoy them.)
Lori, you are doing a wonderful job and so have my secret pals. I have loved every one of my packages and each one has been so different because we all are such individuals. I am looking forward to September (and promise to get more info in my sign-up.) :thumbup:

Dear QJ1, I know this is your first message but to refer to a particular thing you need to hit "quote reply" like I did to yours. Otherwise, we have no idea what you're talking about....and welcome to the board!!!!

I'd like to know that as well. I love buying for children but wouldn't know the gender or age. All of the questions posted so far are good!

ann you can copy and paste the list to Word and save for yourself. each month you participate you would make any needed changes/updates and just copy it from Word into a pm and send to lori.

Lori

You do a great job and everyone has done a good job of giving ideas, like the pets likes and dislikes , allergies to things like candles never thought about that her on this Secret Pal group... Teas coffees, both come in small packages..

Great Ideas everyone....

I am not allowed to send Teas and coffees, they won't allow it from Australia, i hav had to whip them out of my packages when i have been at the post office. Rather annoying, cause it is on the spot and then nothing to replace it. Not that i do that anymore, i replace it with Coffee chocolate now. :0)

yes it is all sorts of laws regarding mailing some "food" items out of the country but you seem to have found a suitable substitute. :D

This pretty much expresses my own feelings! It seems greedy to me to make a long list of "things I like", but I can see it is very helpful and I like to know all I can about a swap partner! So...I can tell all... and it might be a long list!! :mrgreen:

The new sign up is up now and we will see how these questions work out.

Please answer the new questions when you sign up, thanks

Lori
Sorry, it is a dog. I couldn't see it good, the lightinn wasn' good at all. I am so sorry that I even questioned it.
QJ1

Sorry, I am new and don't know how to do this kind of thing. I will learn.

I am so sorry, I am so new to this. I will try harder and will learn.

Good work on the new questions everyone. I, too, feel greedy when listing everything, but it does make it a lot easier for your sp to shop!

You know folks, all of these ideas sound lovely, but in reality it is a once a month swap, you never get the same person twice, you only have $10 to shop with...try to keep it simple....it is like having a conversation at a ladies luncheon, skip the health, politics, religion and family..focus on the main reason you are sending this gift..to share the love of quilting....you can always become swap pals later, but these monthly secret swaps, it really would be best to keep it simple.

Yes, allergies, allergens, and other health issues, like diabetes do play a role, but beyond that...really...QUILTING is all that should matter!

I would appreciate it if participants in the sp swap would answer all questions even if the answer is no or none. For me when a question is left blank it leaves me wondering if maybe they possibly forgot to answer the question. Not answering a question leaves me wondering what I should do. Just my opinion.

I'm sure others had no problem but I'm still having a hard time with what to write down for the question that asks what I want most....

LOVE your avatar pix....

just write what your likes/dislikes are and go from there!
Unless you really want some peanut M&M's...Or simply say, I like sticking with basic thread colors, or I am short on yellow in my stash...you don't need to say I am wanting EQ7..because that is like asking for world peace since our budget only allows $10 worth of gifts! :thumbup: you can do it..I know you can...I am asking for Spare Time...wonder if I will get any??

I justed signed up for Sept. I just love this swap. You guys are the greatest.

i am with you on this. it is a gift after all and not a shopping laundry list. a gift in my mind is something that is given freely from the heart to show another that you are thinking of them. i have expressed before that if i send something that a receiver cannot or will not use, please feel free to pass it on. i remain open on these swaps because i want my partner to have the room to be creative with this gift. they may think to send things that i may never have thought of and i do not want to limit them or myself by a list.... but as the list is part of the rules to play along, i will abide by it.

my major concerns/limitations are my allergies like no nut stuffings in pincushions (maybe white rice as an alternative) or things from a smoking household (even if items are in a separate room there is a tar residue that settles on everything). other than those i am pretty open and want my partners to be creative. here's to happy sp swapping.

i did also so i had to think hard about what i can use (that i would be purchasing anyway) that can be purchased for under $5.00. i thought of two things so my partner will have a choice.