Announcing! Spring Sewing Swap 2014

 

*SIGN UP CLOSED - PARTNERS ANNOUNCED SHORTLY*

It's that time of year again - time for a sewing swap! This is the 3rd swap I've hosted and I'm excited to get things rolling. The idea behind this swap is that each participant is allocated a swap partner who they get to know through their blog (or by contacting them directly) and then put together a package of sewing-related items you think they'd like.

Last year there were 58 bloggers taking part and the previous year I hosted the Summer Sewing Swap, in which 42 bloggers from across the world took part. You can find out more about that here.

What's this swap all about then? 

• You are allocated a swap partner and put together a package of sewing-related items to send to them
• You spend up to a maximum of £15 (or local equivalent - that's US$25 at current rates  according to xe.com) purchasing sewing-related items to send to your partner. These can be new/vintage/thrifted, whatever.
• The items may include fabric, patterns (paper or pdf), trims, buttons or similar but use your imagination to  choose what you think your partner might like. You should look at their blog to see what kind of things they like to make so you can choose something really appropriate. Although the swap is centred around sewing, you can include other crafty items if your partner is into different crafts too.
• As a guideline, you should send 3 to 5 items (you don't have to count buttons or other notions individually though, just use your initiative here!)

What do I have to do to take part? 

•  IMPORTANT - You need to be an active blogger to take part, and should have updated your blog in the last month and be interested in sewing (of course!). Your blog or Blogger profile must also include an email address in case I need to check details with you before partners are assigned and so your partner can contact you easily. Please do check this, it's surprising how many people don't have email addresses available on their blogs.
• Leave a comment below to say if you are interested in taking part and I will match you up with a swap partner and post the details of your partner here - so you will need to keep an eye on the blog for updates.

Why do I have to have a blog to take part?
It means your swap partner can stalk your blog to see what kind of things you like and also because you're less likely to flake out and not fully participate. Sorry, I don't mean to be exclusive about this but it just helps to make things a bit more transparent.

I'm not sure that I sew enough to be a 'sewing blogger'. Can I still take part?
Sewing fans of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and I know that many of you blog about other crafts too. If you are new to sewing, you can contact your partner to tell them this and perhaps they can pick some things perfect for a newbie. Or if you need guidance selecting gifts for an avid seamstress, just email them for some hints on what they would like. This swap doesn't have to be conducted with the minimum of communication, but I will try and match you with someone who has some level of similarity to you.

What about postage costs?
Postage costs are not included in the £15 maximum spend. In your comment, please specify if you would like a partner who lives in the same country as you to keep postage costs down or if you are happy to post worldwide. 

How much time have I got for this?
I'll keep sign up open until Thursday 22nd May at 5pm GMT to allow everyone time to sign up and then I will spend around a week matching partners, then you have 5 weeks to choose and send items - i.e. 5 weeks from that date until your partner receives their package.

Can I shop from my stash?
 Yes, if you have items that you think your swap partner will like, this swap is all about sending thoughtful sewing-related items. Just keep in mind the guidelines on spend and number of items.

What if I took part before?
 I will make sure that you are matched up with someone different from last time

When the partners are announced what do I need to do?
Contact them to say hello and find out their address. If you want some help picking what to send, you can email to ask what kind of things they like, or sizes for patterns etc. I'll go over the guidelines again when swap partners are posted.

Is there some kind of blog button I can use then?
Yes!

Medium Size  - 300 x 300 pixels.

Small Size - 150 x 150 pixels

Save and then link to this link which will link to all the Swap posts on this blog:

http://www.kestrelmakes.com/search/label/Spring%20Sewing%20Swap%202014

 OK, I'm in! Remind me what I do next....

• Comment below by Thursday 22nd May at 5pm GMT to sign up, remembering that you must be an active blogger and have an email address accessible through your Blogger profile or blog. 
• Include in your comment if you would prefer your swap partner to be from the same continent/country, or from anywhere in the world.

If you have any questions you can comment below or email me on kerry@kestrelmakes.com

K x