2008 Swapping Themes

Ok Ladies here is the entire years swapping themes. I decided to list them so you can sign up for the ones you want to participate in by posting a comment here, or if your a Swap-o-holic like me sign up for them all!






The same rules apply to each month as follows:

• Contact your partner and say "Hello"
• Let your partner know when you mail her package you also must CC the hostess
• If your package will be late you must email your partner and Crochetoholic Debb
• Post on the swap blog when you mail your package
• Be sure and post your "thank you" on the blog when you receive your package
• Be sure to follow the theme and include ALL items listed
• Be sure to send a package like you would want to receive
• Send only new items or items in like new condition
• All packages to be sent before the end of the month
• Any problems be sure to email
• Any package not received by the 10th of the following month will have an angel assigned
• If you have not contacted your partner and Crochetoholoc Debb with an explanation to your tardiness or sent your package on time, or did not send all the required items for two months in a row, you will be banned from future swaps
• And you will be required to forward a "JIC" ["Just in Case"] package to Crochetoholic Debb to be able to participate again in future swaps

Remember to have fun!

January = Is considered "white" month, Trivia: The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

You will be sending your partner:

1. A pattern for 1 small project, EX: some socks, mittens, slippers, [crochet or knitted depending on your partners preference]
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions needed for the project
4. Some white buttons, beads, or other embellishments
5. A white treat of some sort, candy, note cards, candles, anything white
6. A calendar
7. Some tea or coffee or hot cocoa to keep warm

February = is Valentine's month, Trivia: 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day.Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire. [Oh my where is that goldfinch, I think I'll see one!] LOL

You will send your partners:

1. A pattern for 1 Valentine project, anything with heart's, or cupid, on it could be socks, decoration, pillow, hat, mittens, or anything related to Valentine's Day
2. Enough yarn to do the project, red, pink, white, "Valentine" colors
3. All the notions
4. Something red or pink
5. A Valentine's treat
6. A Valentine's card or a romantic CD
7. And a note about a favorite Valentine's Day that you have experienced, EX: you were proposed to, married on, or why you like that day

March = this is St. Patrick's Day month, Trivia: According to the World Book, St. Patrick lived about 389-461A.D., and is the patron saint of Ireland, Patrick was cheifly responsible for converting the Irish people to Christianity. He became known as the Apostle to the Irish. His Latin name is Patricius.

You will send your partner:

1. A pattern for 1 animal of some type, green teddy bear, frog, Leprechaun , dragon, doll, shamrock, or any other green themed stuffed object, can be anything made with green yarn
2. Enough yarn to complete the project
3. All the notions required [including the stuffing]
4. Something green
5. A green mug or cup
6. A St Patrick's Day pin, magnet, key chain, good luck charm or anything green
7. A some Irish music CD or recipes, poems, or book, or some type of traditional Irish item

April = is usually Easter month, Trivia: Each year witnesses the making of nearly 90 million chocolate bunnies. Easter always falls between March 22 and April 25. But Easter was last month so I am changing this theme to Spring.

You will send your partner:

1. A pattern for 1 Spring project, EX: flowers, or pillow, or spring bag, Spring bonnet, or a decoration
2. Enough yarn to complete the project
3. All the notions required
4. A small Spring basket with chocolate, candy, and/or coffee, ice tea, or tea goodies in it
5. A spring knit or crochet magazine with patterns in it
6. 1 package of Spring colored beads, buttons, or some other kind of embellishment.
7. 2 washcloths to make a "washcloth" bunny or Lollipops or Roses

May = Mom's Day month, Trivia: Mother's Day is intended to be a day to celebrate motherhood. Many churches and families in the United States recognize the second Sunday in May to honor mothers. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a joint resolution of Congress recommending that Congress and the executive branch of government recognize the observance of Mother's Day.

You will send your partner:

1. A pattern for 1 project, EX: shawl or shrug, or cape, or poncho
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions required
4. A Mother's Day card or a birthday card [for your partner to use, so do not write in it]
5. A package of seeds and a small pot
6. A photo album
7. An "old times" good Mother's Day DVD movie, like Gone with the Wind, or An Affair to Remember, or an old Betty Davis movie, there are tons that are priced $1 and some in black and white [try any Kmart or Walmart for cheaper prices]

June = is the beginning of Summer: Trivia or fact: There's no better knitting than knitting in natural light. No other season gives us as many natural light hours in a day as summer. Summer's take-along projects can turn into winter's completed holiday gifts

You will send your partner:

1. A pattern for 1 cotton design [cool and fun] Tote Bag for your yarn, or bag, or any item themed after your novel, EX: Gone with the Wind, Harry Potter, Marilyn Monroe, the Devil Wears Prada, think of all the possibilities of a great "summer" read. [ your project will have the colors or style relating to what the book is about]
2. Enough Yarn to complete the project
3. All the notions required
4. The novel to go with your themed project,
5. Something to put in your bag, or go with your project chosen, Ex: folding scissors, measuring tape, hooks or needles, stitch markers, or if something else maybe a vintage style pin with a hat project, or a magnet or key chain or even a DVD, anything themed after your novel. Ohhh what fun!
6. Something sweet or salty
7. Some ice tea mix, with splenda or sweetener, or to go
8. An insulated cup [summer colors]

July: Red, white and blue month, Trivia: This is a theory: There was an act that said that the flag of the thirteen United States be the thirteen stripes, alternated with red and white and the union be thirteen stars be white in a bay of blue field that would represent a new constellation. The Continental Congress left no record to show why it chose the colors. However, in 1782, the Congress of the Confederation chose these same colors for the Great Seal of the United States and listed their meaning as follows: white to mean purity and innocence, red for valor and hardiness, and blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice. According to legend, George Washington interpreted the elements of the flag this way: the stars were taken from the sky, the red from the British colors, and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country. However, there is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.A vexillologist is an expert on flags and ensigns.

You will send your partner:

1. Any 1 pattern made of Red, white, and blue colors
2. All the yarn needed to complete the pattern
3. All the notions needed, including the hook or needles
4. A red, white , or blue bag to put the project in [can be handmade or bought]
5. A red, white, and blue decoration, stickers, or magnet
6. A novelty, costume jewelry red, white, and blue pin
7. A surprise gift in the red, white, and blue colors

August... No Swap Month

September: Surprise Me Month, Trivia: To possess a white elephant was regarded(and still is regarded, in Thailand and Burma) as a sign that the monach was ruling with justice and the kingdom was blessed with peace and prosperity. Because the animals were considered sacred and laws protected them from labor, receiveing a "gift" of a white elephant from a monarch was both a blessing and a curse: a blessing because of the animal's sacred nature and a curse because the animal could be put to no practical use.

You will send your partner:

1. A surprise pattern for a ???
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions required
4. A fancy pen or pencil
5. A package of stationery
6. A pattern booklet or stitching Novel. [any kind like Liesure Arts publishes, or a book by Debbie Macomber or Maggie Sefton]
7. A surprise "White Elephant"gift???? [something you have that is handmade]

October: Halloween is at the end of the month so I think doing a Halloween theme will work out. Some trivia:

You will send your partner:

1. A pattern related to any Halloween decoration or theme or something with a fall theme if your partner does not like Halloween.
2. The yarn to complete your project
3. All the notions required to complete the project
4. An orange or black or black and orange pair of socks or anklets
5. A bag of candy [wrapped]

November: Is Turkey month Trivia:

Thanksgiving Swap: Some Trivia: Did you know that Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor with a magazine, started a Thanksgiving campaign in 1827 and it was result of her efforts that in 1863 Thanksgiving was observed as a day for national thanksgiving and prayer. Abraham Lincoln issued a 'Thanksgiving Proclamation' on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. Whereas earlier the presidents used to make an annual proclamation to specify the day when Thanksgiving was to be held. President Franklin D. Roosevelt restored Thursday before last of November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1939. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy of the state. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as 'tom' to spite Jefferson. $1 is the average cost per pound in of a frozen whole turkey.The long fleshy skin that hangs over a turkey's beak is called a snood.The color of a wild turkey's naked head and neck area can change blue when mating.Male turkeys are nicknamed "toms" while females are called "hens."When turkeys reach maturity they can have as many as 3,500 feathers!Faster than a speeding bullet--Wild turkeys can run up to 55 miles an hour! so ladies don't try to catch one for this year as he might out run you! LOL

You will send your swap partner:

1. A pattern related to any Thanksgiving decoration or theme or something with a Fall theme
2. All the notions and yarn to complete your pattern
3. Fall colored ribbons, beads, or buttons [see your partner's likes]
4. A Thanksgiving or Fall Surprise gift
5. A Thanksgiving or "warm" favorite recipe
6. One Thanksgiving or fall table setting, napkins, tablecloth, placemat, centerpiece, or ??
7. A crochet or knit magazine from the month of November

Be sure to get your packages out early this month.

December :

Be sure to get those packages out early this month. Partners will be assigned early

You will send your swap partner:

1. A pattern for 2 Christmas dishcloths, 2 towels, or 2 pot holders, or 4 Ornaments, or decoration
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions needed to complete the project
4. Something red and white
5. Some Christmas goodies or candy
6. A box of Christmas cards
7. Christmas wrapping paper or tissue paper
8. Christmas crochet or knitting magazine

Let's get creative and give our partners a fun project that they can make for themselves or to give as a gift. Have fun and put together a pretty and fun package. Have a great time shopping for your partners and be sure and check out their "Wish Lists" for their likes and dislikes and when you email them ask them questions for more hints!

Happy Swapping Ladies!

December "Christmas Decoration Kit"

This month we will make up a "Christmas Decoration Kit" for our partners. Since this is Christmas this month I thought it might be fun to put together a kit of Christmas decoration items for our partners.

So here is what you will swap:

1. A pattern for a Christmas decoration [Santa, tree,ornament,ect]
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions needed to complete the project
4. Something red and white
5. Some Christmas goodies or candy
6. A Christmas card [bought or handmade] or Christmas CD
7. A note with your family "Christmas Traditions" you do at your house [tell how you exchange gifts, tell stories,watch a certain movie, play games, ect]

Let's get creative and give our partners a fun project that they can make for the upcoming holiday for themselves or as a gift. Please try and get your packages out earlier this month as Christmas is in the 3rd week. The stores are filled with Christmas goodies so there are tons to choose from.

Have fun with this one ladies!

November "Turkey Decoration Kit"

This is "Turkey" month and we will make up a "Turkey Decoration Kit" for our partners. Since Thanksgiving is coming up this month I thought it might be fun to put together a kit of Thanksgiving items for our partners. Now for those who do not celebrate Thanksgiving you can put a fall theme together for that partner.

So here is what you will swap:

1. A pattern for a turkey or Thanksgiving decoration [or fall placemats, dishcloth, dish towels, ect]
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions needed to complete the project [needles or hook,stitch markers, ect]
4. An apron
5. 2 Pot Holders
6. Some Thanksgiving goodies or candy
7. A written note about your household "Thanksgiving Traditions" that you do with your family every year.

Let's have fun and since Thanksgiving is the 3rd week of the month try and get our packages out earlier to our partners. The stores are filled with holiday goodies so there are tons to choose from.

Have fun with this one ladies!

October Fall Scarf and Hat Kit

The October swap "Fall Scarf and Hat Kit"!!!
This month we will make up a "Fall Scarf and Hat Kit" for our partners. Since we have entered the fall month's I thought that it would be fun to make something that we can all use for ourselves or to make for someone else as a gift. It can be any style that you like and the yarn should be in fall colors. I thought it might be fun to put together a kit of items to make for some fall wear and some fall goodies for our partners.
So here is what you will swap:

1. A pattern for a scarf and hat
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions needed to complete the project {hook,needles, stitch markers, ect}
4. Some treats either edible or not edible {tea,hot chocolate,candy,magazine, bag of beads ect}
5. A fall mug or cup or candy dish
6. 3-4 of your favorite fall or holiday recipes on recipe cards {can be hand written or bought}
7. A candle in a holiday fall scent {or one that your partner likes

Let's get creative and give our partners a fun project that they can make for themselves or to give as a gift for the upcoming holiday. The stores are filled with fall ideas and so there are tons of ideas out there.

Have fun with this one ladies!

September "Halloween Kit Swap"

The "Halloween Kit Swap"!!!

This month we will make up a "Halloween Kit" for our partners. Since Halloween is coming up next month I thought it migh tbe fun to put together a kit of Halloween items for our partners.

So here is what you will swap:

1. A pattern for a small Halloween decoration or purse or bag
2. Enough yarn for the project
3. All the notions needed to complete the project
4. Something orange or black
5. Some Halloween goodies or candy
6. A Halloween card [bought or handmade]

Let's get creative and give our partners a fun project that they can make for the upcoming holiday for themselve or as a gift. The stores are filled with Halloween goodies and so there are tons to choose from.

Have fun with this one ladies!

June's Tote Bag Kit Swap Rules:
This is our "beginning of summer" swap. You will send a complete kit to make either a tote bag or Beach Bag, whichever you think your partner might enjoy, and also you will include a surprise gift for them. It will be fun. See the example of a Tote bag here and also there is a link to a pattern on the main page. Here are some more links: http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/cts-beachbag.html

http://www.crochetnow.com/patterns/66/beach-bag-crochet-pattern/

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/ckc-tote.htm

http://crochetnmore.com/totepurse.htm

http://straw.com/cpy/montbag.htm

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/round%20plastic%20bag%20tote.html

You will send:

• a pattern for a Tote/Beach bag [be sure to watch your copyright laws]
• enough yarn to make the bag
• all the other materials, stitch markers, yarn needle, everything needed
• the hook or needles
• the lining material
• any notions, buttons ect
• and the handles
• also include a surprise gift that would go in or with your bag like maybe a visor or flip flops or a skein of yarn or lip gloss and a cell case cover or anything you think your partner might like.

Gather your materials and surprise item and package it in a pretty tissue or gift bag and send it off to your partner so that they will have everything they need to make their bag.
Be sure to email your partner and let them know who you are and when your bag is sent be sure to post it on the blog and to then post your photos of your preceived packages and thank yous to the blog or if you are posting on your own blog be sure to note it and tell your partner so they can hop over and see it.

Rules:

1. For the yarn be sure to try and match to what weight the pattern calls for and choose something that is nice to feel or something you might want to receive like, wool, cotton, silk or a combination of any. Be respectful of the "Copyright rules" on all patterns.
2. This Swap starts in June .
3. This will be a 1 time Swap.
4. Anyone who wants to be involved please request by email to; mailto:Calcrochetnut@msn.com 5. Then when you send your package post that you sent it.
6. When you receive your package post again your "Thank-you" and a photo.The Specifics:
Sign up by June 12th, and partners will be assigned after June 12th.

1. Email the hostess [Crochetoholic Debb at Calcrochetnut@msn.com] your address and email [be sure to put "Tote/Beach Bag Kit Swap"[TBBKS] in the subject line]
2. The hostess will email you your partner and her address [all addresses are confidential and only available to our members]NOTE: You may not be receiving your package from the same person you are sending to.
3. You will also get an invitation to join the blog so you can post.
4. Next get your materials for the kit and your surprize gift.
5. For your gift you might send flip flops, a visor, tanning lotion, lip gloss, change bag, cell phone cover, hooks, ribbon, buttons, scarves, hankies, or anything that you might want to send. [the tote bag can be for a purse, yarn, or anything]
6. Mail your packages out by the end of the month be sure to include a little note card saying it is from your TBBKS partner.
7. Then after the exchange is over the group will vote on the best Beaded Stitch Markers and Yarn Exchange package and that member will win a prize. [so be sure to post a photo of your received package and the person who sent it to you]
8. The one with the most votes will win a grab bag prize value of $10.[It could include yarn, notions, girly stuff, not sure yet, but you will be pleasently surprised with it.] It will be fun!
10. The important thing is be sure your packages get out in time so that your partner does not feel forgotten.Sound good?To join, please email [ calcrochetnut@msn.com] your name ,mailing address, and blog/URL. If you don't have a blog or URL that is ok.
Have Fun and Join Now!

Beaded Stitch Markers and Yarn Swap

Have you ever made beaded stich markers before?

If not, then you're in for a lot of fun and some really interesting surprises!

It’s really very simple, and so much fun that you will become addicted and want to make them for everyone you know. Basically, all you have to do is get a few materials and use your creative mind to mix and match beads and voila....you'll have a set of beautiful stitch markers!

**First you can get some simple materials like:

1. needlenose pliers [or regular small pliers]
2. memory wire [at any craft supple store]
3. beads

**DIRECTIONS:

1) Cut a ring of memory wire.

2) Crimp one end by folding it in on itself and squeezing with the pliars.

3) Decorate with beads

4) crimp other end of wire

**Form a circle and you have your stitch marker.

Websites with directions and pictures:

http://www.wormspit.com/stitchmarkers.htm
http://knittgeek.blogspot.com/2005/07/guide-to-stitch-markers.html [great pictures to look at for ideas]
http://thewittyknit.typepad.com/projects/2004/07/how_to_make_bea.html
http://chrisknits.blog-city.com/beaded_stitch_markers_2.htm
http://www.thatspinningplace.com/stitch_markers.html
So for this exchange you will make at least 4 stitch markers and send with at least 2 skeins of yarn. See what colors or types of yarn your partner likes from their "Wish List" and put your packages together. You can add other items if you like and be sure to include a note to your partner to let her know who you are and about your experience in making your stitch markers.

The up above picture is an example of what your markers might look like and remember they are your masterpieces so be creative.

Rules:
1. For the yarn choose something that is nice to feel or something you might want to receive like, wool, cotton, silk or a combination of any. I love "Caron's Simple Soft" that has come out with some wonderful spring colors. [you can include a pattern if you want too, but be respectful of all copyright rules] The total value should be approximately $10-$15 or equivalent excluding the cost of the shipping.

2. This Swap starts in May .

3. This will be a 1 time Swap.

4. Anyone who wants to be involved please request by email to; mailto:Calcrochetnut@msn.com

5. Then when you send your package post that you sent it.

6. When you receive your package post again your "Thank-you" and a photo.

The Specifics:

Sign up by May 12th, and partners will be assigned on May 15th.

1. Email the hostess [Crochetoholic Debb at Crochetoholicdebb@msn.com] your address and email [be sure to put "Beaded Stitch Markers and Yarn Exchange" in the subject line]

2. The hostess will email you your partner and her address [all addresses are confidential and only available to our members]
NOTE: You may not be receiving your package from the same person you are sending to.

3. You will also get an invitation to join the blog so you can post.

4. Next get your materials for 4 stitch markers and 2 skeins of yarn, [spring colors or any shade]

5. For your beads you might use seed, round, glass, wooden, metal, or any other appealing bead of your choice. Extra goodies might include: magnets, pins, pencils,coin purses, hooks, ribbon, buttons, scarves, hankies, or anything that you might want to send.

6. Mail your packages out by the end of the month be sure to include a little note card saying it is from your BSMYS partner.

7. Once you have mailed your package out be sure post that you sent it out and post again when you receive your package with a photo of your goodies.

8. Then after the exchange is over the group will vote on the best Beaded Stitch Markers and Yarn Exchange package and that member will win a prize. [so be sure to post a photo of your received package and the person who sent it to you]

9. The one with the most votes will win a grab bag prize value of $10.[It could include yarn, notions, girly stuff, not sure yet, but you will be pleasently surprised with it.] It will be fun!

10. The important thing is be sure your packages get out in time so that your partner does not feel forgotten.

Sound good?
To join, please email [mailto:calcrochetnut@msn.com/] your name ,mailing address, and blog/URL. If you don't have a blog or URL that is ok.

Have Fun and Join Now!