Thanks
 

Thanks for the kind welcome. I appreciate it. I've already cut 20 sets of squares, hopefully it will be enough. Lol! I can't wait, this should be fun!

Ya'll will have to do some sewing for me so I can live through you. I am stronger then when I last checked in, hopefully I'll be able to pull my stash soon.

Sounds like a plan! I'm glad you are slowly feeling better and getting stronger. You will be in my prayers. :)

Glad you are feeling better each day, Wendy!

Does this swap begin in March?

OK Everyone. I had some time this weekend and I cut lots of squares this weekend and it looks like I will be organized to join the group again. I panicked and thought I should sit out a year but I know if I do, I will be mad at myself and will miss it!. So, WMUTeach, I am ready to be part of the group this year if you will add me back onto the list.

https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/wink.png OK, I will add you to the list. Sometimes a year long commitment can over whelm us. The group is smallish so prepping should not be terribly overwhelming. Keep inviting others to join us. The more the merrier.

Since my part of the world is going to be in the deep freeze this week-end, I have dedicated time to cutting, prepping envelopes and even went to the post office to get stamps, so all can be ready to go.

Please share ideas of how YOU mail our little birthday envelopes and get those little squares ready for gifting. We can all use some good tried and true ideas.

I try to find the bigger birthday cards at the dollar store. They need to be at least 5" wide. Then I make equal stacks of candies and set them inside the cards. Once you close the card and slip it into an envelope, those candies won't move. There is no need to cover them with plastic wrap, as many people like to do. This makes a card that is thin enough to slide through the slot the P.O. uses to check them with. I don't remember how much the postage costs, but will check when I go to the P.O.

Additional hint: If you prepare the cards beforehand and leave them in a pile under a book, they flatten even more.

So is our swap to start in March?

I prepare my birthday packages the same way as sewbizgirl I often just make a card on regular copy paper so it is thinner and then I spend the extra money to buy a box of large silver heavy card envelopes at Walmart. They are very good quality so shouldn't rip. I have had some packages come that the envelope had been thin quality and it has been ripped open on some edges from the handling in the mail. I think the envelopes only cost around 75cents to mail. My Post Office has a stamp that is that price. I go to the Post office when the swap starts and buy the number of stampls I need for the whole year for the swap.

WMUTeach--I'm in Minnesota and so I will be in the deep freeze, too, this weekend. The really bad news is---I have to go to work every day this weekend and can't just stay home in the warm house.