Yes. I shop constantly for notions, collectible things and fabric from all sorts of places. On occasion, if i get a notion that is a duplicate, I will recycle that, some object to that, but I always tell my partners I'd rather it get passed on to someone who can use it then sit around. We also usually try to do a sewing or hand crafted project if we're going to do one ahead. For example, we knew Valentines Day was good for the Feb swap, this month you could do something around spring or St Patrick's day IF you wanted to do a project. Some months I feel well enough to do one, others I don't.

Good places to find things can be a Tuesday Morning or Big Lots or thrift stores. One month I was able to find an entire set of BOM plus a backing set from Joann's at a thrift store!! And under or about $10, some one had poorly priced them. Folks also use Joann's coupons, order off line, from Ebay, once you get started, things are everywhere!

Greenini-

Thank you so much. You have given me some great ideas :)

[QUOTE=nikki128;5000585]While I did not participate in the February secret pal swap, I am very happy to join you in the March swap. I noticed some of you are already shopping for your pal. How do you do that without knowing his/ her info? Do you just buy basic notions etc. then add something from their list?[/QUOTE

Michaels's is also a great place to get general swap items. Aside from their normal items, they also have dollar bins with all kinds of neat stuff in them.

Michaels does indeed have some very neat stuff and a lot of times, they have great sales going on..I plan on going there this weekend :thumbup:..I need to get some glycerin soap to make more soap with..I was wondering the same thing about how quickly some get their packages together..I wish they would share their secret :)..Diana



[QUOTE=brenda21;5000795]

greenini gave you the general idea of shopping early for your secret pals and a small stash box. tuesday mornings have several quilty items for $2.99 or less such as thimbles, sewing needles, templates, grid paper. these are general quilty things that quilters use. i am one that do not have many "extra" fabrics in my "stash" as i buy my fabrics for projects so now i search through remnant bins for fabrics. i really like this new remnant pricing strategy at hancocks as all cotton remnants are $2.00/yd. i have found 1 yard remnants of m'liss (reg $8.99/yd) and their top drawer fabric (reg $8.99/yd) to use for swap packages. well..... i loved the m'liss botanical fabric piece so much i am not sure i can part with any of it now.:rolleyes:

as far as for handmade things that can be made in advance, it would include things like pincushions, mug rugs, needle books, thread catchers just to name a few. and of course there are basic items such as thread (black, white, tan, blue), hand sewing needles, safety pins that can be bought when on sale or you run into them at great prices in any store.

overall welcome to this monthly swap. we have a great time here and lori is an excellent and patient host. i hope you have fun and do not put yourself through any of that "first time swapper" stress. just put something together that you would like to receive and it will be just great.:)

Thanks for the encouragement Havplenty :)

no problem. and dollar stores are great for items also such as glue sticks, needles, sewing kits, books, etc. i look forward to possibly swapping with you soon.

mary

First off, Welcome new Swapper! We luvs our swap.

Lori, that is an interesting cup, I've never seen one either. :)

Secondly, I shop all the time for things too, whenever I go out, I think of what I could add to a box. Most don't mind used books, whether recipes or quilt stuff so I always look for those too. I also try to make something if I can. sometimes I don't have the time. Although I am gonna toss in a chicken this time or a mouse, or a bird or...oh well, we shall see what ends up in the box! HEE!

I'm in all signed up again!

I shop all the time for this swap. And also do basic generic sewing projects. Generally, the boxes are pretty easy to put together with only additional items such as specific fabric colors or candies that have to be purchased before completing the box for mailing. Easy sewing projects are things like pin cushions, mug rugs, coasters, needle books/cases....things of that nature. Those are fast sewing projects to make and I make a LOT of them so that I'm not constantly trying to play catch up when the swap boxes need to be mailed out. Isn't it a wonder that I don't have any quilts made recently since I've been doing those pin cushions, mug rugs, coasters and needle books??? LOL