We need a Christmas swap in July! Just saying.... :wave::sew::o

what a great package I got from Airwick. Pictures will have to come later.

That was suggested before and sorry, it can't happen. It's bad enough I start Secret Santa in September. lol

I was so worried that my partner would be disappointed with her gifts, that I just kept finding and stuffing! I delivered two big boxes to the post office, now keep in mind half of it was from weekly trips to thrift stores and a third was "buttonie" things that I make, but after 40 years of sewing I must say I have a good eye for "buried sewing treasures" I loved putting it all together! My partner had two nice big spools of thread in my package, my grandson who is only two came over and puts one in each hand like they are salt & pepper shakers and pretends he's "cooking" the tree. He has so much fun with it every day I don't have the heart to put them away, now that's a REAL treasure that "quilting dragon" picked out for me.

Sent a PM to my SSR only to learn she is in Germany! Now super jealous! :D

Did anyone follow the $20 guideline? I followed the rules. I hope my SS was not disappointed.

Also, some of us love to make special things with supplies we already have on hand, so... :) Start shopping and making things early and next year will be so fun!!! I'm excited!

I buy all year...plus since I have so much yardage here...I am always willing to cut some for a swap.

I didn't follow the 20.00 rule, I just packed up my box as much as I could, but following the rules are fine.

I tried but it's really difficult with so much inflation. And if you have to send for it there are shipping costs. That's why it's nice if members give some direction as to their interests, likes, dislikes, choice of books, patterns, etc. You can then shop around for the best prices or watch for sales. I try to increase the value of my gifts by purchasing nice fabric and by making a variety of handmade items that I feel are useful and that can be made throughout the year. Here again, it's nice to know at least what colors someone likes or dislikes.

I did and didn't follow the money guide line. First of all, I don't count anything I've made from my stash. Second, I don't count anything I've shared from my stash. And third, I added a bit to the twenty dollar limit for inflated prices. But, all in all, I kept to the limit appropriate to my budget. (Whenever I bought during the year, I just added a "stash" item for my secret Santa.) It allowed me to do something special for my secret Santa. Also, there are a lot of free items on the net to be had if you look for them. And shopping the bargain bins and after holiday sales allows you to pick up stash items to share for next year.

I watch for sales, so already had a few things bought and put away, before the swap began. Since I don't remember exactly what I paid for those things, I couldn't count them into the $20 amount. I also made a few things and those didn't count, since most of the materials used were some I had on hand. I did specially buy a pattern for one of those items but can't count that, since I kept that pattern and can use it for others, as well. :thumbup: What I actually spent on stuff after receiving my SS name, may have gone a tad over $20 but probably not by much. Most of what I bought, I bought on sale or with a coupon. :)

I didn't follow the 20 rule and I didn't think about making anything, I am far from a perfect quilter so I didn't even consider sending something I made. I just took the hints my partner gave and went from there, she said she likes brights so I found some things I thought were beautiful and wrapped them up. She seemed quite pleased and that's all that mattered to me.

This is my one and only quilt group. The reason is clear, it is the greatest bunch of folks I have ever interacted with! My secret Santa sent me a wonderful gift box. The other exchanges I have been in have also very positive. I don't understand being critical of a gift, and the only time one of my children was, I forced her to give it back and apologize. Please if you want to make a specific gift list, send it to Santa. We are loving, giving, caring people. Negatives should be saved for math problems only. Thank you Teri, you made my Christmas brighter, and all the comedy here made me smile daily. Thank you all for your contributions to my holiday. Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays to those who celebrate differently than I do. Blessings.

You are so welcome! I'm glad you liked everything. Happy Holidays!

I received a very nice package from Dee...no board name...2 packages actually....beautiful batik fabrics, handmade potholder and quilt block, vintage quilt block, vintage magazine, vintage spools, vintage lace, vintage hankies (yes, I LOVE vintage sewing notions) haha, a tin of piroutte sticks=yum, a cup and straw, some current quilt magazines. Thanks so much!! Merry Christmas all!

I was very close to the $20.00 not including shipping. The batiks were on sale when I purchased them and the notions were minimal without being on sale. Other than the candy everthing else came from my stash. I had purchased a bunch of different very gently used quilting books on the Board and once I read the likes and dislikes chose a couple of books to add. Fortunately Neesie likes traditional quilts so it was easy to pick which books to send. She mentioned that she likes I Spy quilts and I happen to have loads of pre-cut squares in my stash. When I first started quilting I knew nothing about rotary cutters, Accuquilt etc so I purchased squares. I had so much fun picking the ones I sent. I'm just happy she thinks I did good.

I wish I knew who my Secret Pal was gonna be for next year, that would be cool to pick up things for them thru out the year.

Neesie is thrilled beyond belief, with her new goodies! :thumbup: :) THANK YOU, again!!!

I do feel just a tad silly, though. Last night, I was using my cute, cute new mug rug . . . and noticed a hanging loop, on the back. :o Ummmmmm . . . is it a potholder? :eek: Nevertheless, that darling little low-rider is staying next to my chair, for my tea! :D

That would be fun! We'd also have an entire year, to tease the person! :D

Yep, it's a pot holder but I won't tell if you won't.

:D If I'm drinking my tea and suddenly need to grab something from the oven, I'm all set! :D
Seriously, I noticed it was thicker than most mug rugs . . . but considered that a good thing, as my tea starts out pretty hot. Figured that made it extra special! :D

BTW, I do know the darling little candy tree is an ornament. Just want to let you know I didn't try to eat it, since you may now be wondering about my ability to tell one thing from another. :D

I didn't worry about the dollar amount either but didn't go overboard. I had picked up items on sale and started my Secret Santa box long before I received the name. My thought was their are some items all quilters use . I made a table runner and retired fire chief you make beautiful runners also. Once I received my name and her likes I zeroed in on them. It really helped that she said she liked to decorate for several seasons.

I have been enjoying items from my package already and will start collecting for next year right away.
Terriamn

OK... Here's my true confession: I still have all my goodies in the box they came in. I took it with me to show my quilting buddy, trying to entice her to join in next year. She thoroughly enjoyed fondling everything, but she hasn't cracked! I have also taken everything out and re-enjoyed the thrill....several times. The egg cup pincushion, however, is right where I can see her all the time. I absolutely love that little thing. Eventually, I will begin to get real and start enjoying all these goodies....but for now, this is good! My SS really outdid herself! Thank you catpawski! I wish I was able to post photos, but I must have a brain block or something.

Hey, Dreamer...remember when you posted this? I thought it was so cute that I printed it off & today I made a batch...fun, fun, fun. Thanks for posting it.:hug:

Yes Dotty, I follow the $20 guideline, if it is something I bought on sale and put in a box to use in swaps I count the cost. I think it is important to follow the guidelines for a few reasons. One is integrity, in the the guidelines it is stated that if you sign up you agree to follow them.

And I know there are people who have participated in swaps(this one and the monthly one) and don't continue because when they see the amount of some packages they feel bad for the person they send to because they can't spend more and don't have a huge stash like some have mentioned having, and they feel the person they sent to is shortchanged because they did follow the guideline. This situation is one that I think it is more generous to follow the guidelines so that everyone that joins is on equal grounds on both ends of the scale, and no one will feel the package they sent that was following the guideline is too little because others have sent a lot more. And on the other side, no one should send something that is of less value than the guideline either, and if you take it from your stash don't inflate the value to try to get by without meeting the guideline.

If someone is pulling stuff from their stash or buying things through out the year are they figuring what the cost would be? Or are they taking from their stash and not counting the value for another reason? Some have said that if they are spending money on postage to sent they want to get their money's worth. This would only be a viable reason if yo are sending overseas where your postage is the same for anything 4 pounds or less as that is the starting price whether it is 1# or 3, or 4#s, and if more weight it will be more cost. But domestically you don't have to send by priority mail so it really isn't viable as a reason for sending in priority flat rate box, if you don't have a heavy gift to send.

The person I had last year stated on some thread here that her sp spent a lot more and when I saw that, I posted that if it was more it was only $1 or 2 more. The reason I think that she thought that was because in the summer I picked up a miniture tea cup and saucer at a rummage sale, thinking it could be used to make a cute pincushion for a swap. Well the person I had happened to collect teacups so instead of making a pincushion I included the $1 teacup & saucer. I am sure if I went to one of the antique stores and bought that same one it would have been more.

Someone stated that if they order something they don't include the shipping charges--but the guidelines clearly state that postage is not included in the $20-so no one should include shipping charges for things they order as well as the cost to send the package.

And if I get a package that follows the rules I am absolutely happy. If I get a package that is double or triple, yes I am happy to get it. But my preference would be to get a package from someone who follows the rules so anyone is comfortable being in the swap.

the reindeer cookies are soo cute. Thanks for posting them!

Sorry to my Secret Santa-still in the hospital while my box calls my name in the distance Hope to be home in the next few days!

PAT can someone bring your box to you ?

[QUOTE=VickiM;6456902]Hey, Dreamer...remember when you posted this? I thought it was so cute that I printed it off & today I made a batch...fun, fun, fun. Thanks for posting it.:hug:

[I thought about making some when Dreamer posted it. The tube of frosting put me off, and I still cant guess what the equivalent would be.

In the very first post, here's what Terri said about spending.

"... As in the past years, you will send 4 Fat Quarters and a gift(s) NOT to exceed $20. I know some in the past have sent MUCH more than the $20 limit and that cannot be helped. Some people are just a bit more generous than others. That is nothing to get mad about and nothing I can control. ..."

There are also rules about what not to send, firm mailing date, not opening gifts before the opening date, etc. Since this is Terri's swap, I believe we should abide by her decision, regarding the stash offerings and other extras. :)

I agree Neesie but I still think inflation plays a big part in going over the $20.00. For myself I REALLY want to send something they want or need so I can't see buying things on sale throughout the year just to be buying things and not knowing who I'm buying for and what they're likes and dislikes are. And, seriously, most people who quilt already have what they need so if they needed something that would be what they asked for. I think that when the one you buy for lists just "anything" you, also, tend to spend more because you're hoping to hit at least SOMETHING they would like. Just my opinion......

Pat, be assured that you are being kept in our thoughts and prayers and that you can go home SOON! Honestly, I think I'm getting as excited for you to open your present as you must be!

[QUOTE=m-fay;6457100]I couldn't get the tube of white frosting...all they had were colors. So I bought the canned frosting, it worked, but was alittle more messy.

Wonnie, I totally agree with the inflation problem/issue . . . and unless Terri says otherwise, I plan to continue buying on sale, pulling from my stash, and including other odds and ends, I find throughout the year. . . without factoring in the cost of those things. I honestly wouldn't mind receiving a gift strictly by the guidelines; if there's something I'm pining for, I'll go buy it for myself. What I would mind, is being told I must figure in the price of every last thing I choose to send. If we start doing that, then we should also factor in the regular price, as opposed to sales prices. After all, not everyone is able to find the same sales. One thing will lead to another and before long, all of the joy will be gone.

Well Nessie, I'm sure Terri probably will read these posts and maybe make some changes if she sees anything she agrees with. I do see where you're coming from in re to two people buying the same item, one on sale and one not, making one recipient potentially with more than another but that's really just "life", isn't it? I think it all balances out in the end because life just isn't
always fair and we accept what is and move on...right?

If everyone will "assume" that everyone else has good motives, is trying to do what they can and wants to please their Santa recipient, then everyone will have a wonderful time, regardless of the nitty gritty details, which have a tenancy to bog down some because of perception? Terri can't possibly list each and every single rule that must or mustn't be followed...we must all be individuals and go with our best efforts...and celebrate our differences??? Life's waaaay too short to be "stuck" on non essentials? Merry Christmas to each and everyone here on this thread...I've had a marvelous time!

A HUGE thank you to Terri for hosting this swap! You rock!

I'm afraid I'm coming from a totally different station than you thought, as I was being facetious, with my comment about sales vs. regular prices. I'm sorry you misunderstood the meaning behind my words. I tend to forget some may take my words literally. :o

No problem Neesie! Guess the problem is really whether to take the rules literally or not. Similar to what you said....if you make something from your stash, is that a "freebie" ...or...if you make something but have to buy the fabric, interfacing, batting, zipper, etc.,is that your $20.00? I can see where two different people, both in good conscience, would see it both ways. That's why I said life balances out in the end.