Sassy Flirty Prizes

I have to say we are both very impressed with the number of people already interested in this new swap and it's unique format.
To start off the fun, we are sending out three little early bird prizes to three lucky swappers that have signed up by midnight on December 31st. Yes that would be tonight.
Here are the lovely little prizes to get us in the Valentine spirit of it all and to say a little thank you for those of you that signed up early.


First is a set of 4 lovely Love Note Tags

Second is a set of 6 Sweet N Sparkly Heart Tags

Third is a set of 6 Sweet Little Owl Tags

These fun and festive tags all come from the talented Kady Hope Etsy Shop.

Hello, all my swapping friends!
It is time for a new swap for a new year.
My dear friend Shawnee, of the Flirty Apron Swap, and I are teaming up together to offer you the Sassy/Flirty Apron Swap.
The name of the swap is
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!
It is a Valentine's Day apron swap.
Think Pink, Pink Pink!
Red and white work too. :o)
To sign up for this swap, click on the buy now button to be directed to the registration form.
I should tell you now that this swap is different from the other swaps I have done with you.
This apron swap has a $5 charge.
I know this is different from the ones I have done with you in the past.
The $5 is kind of a swap insurance if you want to call it that. The money goes to help provide fabulous prized and to help cover apron angel expenses. The payment is set up through paypal. If you can't do paypal I can work with you, just contact me and we will figure it out. :o)
Sign-ups run from now till January 9th or until the swap fills up so get your spot now. We can only take a limited number this month and next month.
For more information about the swap check out the new swap blog at Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!

There are two teams for this swap for sign up and organizational convenience for me and Shawnee. You will all be entered into the same swap regardless of what person you sign up under. The team bit just helps me and Shawneed keep track of people and hopefully cut down on our work loads.

FYI Sassy Apron swappers:

This swap does not take the place of the regular Sassy Apron Swaps I will do next year it is just an extra fun thing I am doing with Shawnee. My next Sassy Apron Swap will begin around the first of February so mark your calendar and come back for some very exciting new things we will be doing. I hope you like them!

Sneek Peek

Several people are asking when the next swap is. Well the next swap I am doing will be a joint swap with Shawnee over at the Flirty Apron Swap. We will be co-hosting a fabulous Valentine themed apron swap.

More detail about the swap will be coming. Sign-ups will start on December 26th. We can only take 100 swappers in December and 100 in January.

Swap Status

Ok I have just spent the last 5+ hours checking all your emails and emailing many of you checking on your status.
As of right now here are our numbers

Aprons sent: 106

Aprons not yet sent: 26

Aprons Received: 66

Aprons not Received: 66

What do these numbers mean??
If you let me know that you sent your apron, I marked it on the list. 106 of you did this.
If you did not let me know that you sent your apron I didn't mark you on my list. 26 of you have not let me know about your apron sending status.

If you let me know that you did receive or not receive your apron with an email then I marked the list accordingly. 66 let me know they did get an apron and 66 let me know that they didn't get an apron or just didn't let me know.

PLEASE email me or leave comments here with your name so I can get this marked off my list.

Oh I almost forgot we do have a flickr group for the winter swap.
It is the Winter Sassy Apron Swap. It is open to anyone so go join up and post your pictures with descriptions of who made it and who it was for and such.

Winners?

Sorry. I didn't vanish. I have just been caught up in Holiday Maddness. I got an extra day off today due to a nasty cold so I am taking the unexpecte bonus time to catch up on this swap's loose ends.

Here are the winners of the Early Bird swappers.

Kelli H in UT

and

Marcel in KS

They get the lovely pins made by Harley in AL in her Etsy shop, HD Artisitics - Handmade Happies

Early Bird Shippers

Dear Swappers,

Two of you have already sent your aprons off. Wow! I still haven't decided what to make yet.
I do have a new give away though.
Harley in AL has graciously made us some special Pins for a giveaway.


Aren't they fabulous!

Haley has a lovely Etsy shop where she makes these custom pins. I have to admit that I couldn't resist her pins. There was a certain little bird nest pin with little blue eggs. It is lovely!!!

How Do You Win????


Everyone that ships off their packages by November 20th will be put into a drawing.
I figured that the 20th isn't too early and will have the USA swappers done and swapped before the frenzied Thanks Giving cooking starts.

So here is what you must do.

1. Complete your package and ship it by Nov 20th.
2. Send me an email letting me know you did this (please include a Tracking number where possible).

Then I will put your names in a hat and draw two of you to each win a cookie pin. Harley will then ship them off to you.
So get busy sewing and get those aprons off by the 20th.

Swap Etiquette

Ladies, I found this post today about swapping Etiquette and just loved it. I would say that most of our swappers are among the best ever. However some of us need a little help. I my self have been the victim of a flaky swapper that never did send the package (not in this swap but in another fabulous apron swap.) It is the biggest of bummers to not get a package or to get one with shabby stuff.
Your homework this week is to please read this post! She has some good swapping tips and rules for us all to look at. Go check out her blog, she has lots of fabulous posts and is a most talented seamstress!

Swap Etiquette
by Calamity Kim
I want to write about Swaps and I want this to be upbeat and positive.
I have been in some bad ones, (haven't we all) and don't want to dwell on the negative.
I have also been in some amazing swaps where I was the receiver of a box , that once opened, made me feel overwhelmed with love and affection.
What's the difference?
*Bad ones are usually late, if they arrive at all and seem to be put together without thought. Random bits of detritus from around the house or maybe even items meant for the rubbish bin but re-gifted to fulfill their swap agenda.
*Good ones are usually on time, if not early, wrapped in tissue, if not wrapping paper, so that it feels like care was taken. Even a tea bag or a chocolate bar becomes special when wrapped.
*In some cultures, wrapping is as important as the gift and much thought is given to the color and symbolism evoked when wrapping and presenting a gift.

Idea: Using brown paper from grocery bags and a bit of raffia with a dried sprig of eucalyptus (or any bit of nature) is nice and a pleasant surprise when opening a swap box rather than something just put together and mailed.

Find it: Stores like Dollar Tree and Big Lots and Dollar General are great places to look for inexpensive tissue, ribbon, wrapping paper and bows.

Idea: If the swap has a theme, which most of them do, then stick to the theme by keeping it color coordinated or even do a little artwork on your tissue or wrapping paper to make it match. Like stamping- if you feel you can't draw then stamp a design or carve a potato and stamp with it. Cut pictures from magazines to glue on- it looks great to have flowers or cupcakes or whatever decorating the packages- as long as you do it to all of them then the impression is one of unity and the message is clear- They thought about you and you are special because they took the time to make it nice.

After all, why are you doing the swap anyway?

What is your agenda?

The Swap Mama is in charge of the swap and she normally will post the swap information on her Blog letting everyone know the Swap Rules.

The Rules should clearly state:

* What: The Swap Theme

*Who is eligible to participate- (some swaps limit to USA because of postage rates and if you have a Blog to share the swap experience)

*Where: The email address to contact the swap mama or if you sign up on that particular post.

* When: Deadlines: For signing up and for mailing out swap packages.

* Why! Why indeed?

This activity called Blogging has brought about a new facet to our communication- Anyone who has access to a computer can now make the decision to Blog and participate in Blog Cultural Events like Meme's, Blog Awards and Swaps. Try to explain these concepts to someone who has never read a Blog.The blank stares and questioning looks are enough to make you shut up and change the subject.Non Bloggers just don't get it.Friends/Relatives/Husbands/Wives/Significant Others/ may not understand that you are swapping things that you have spent hours of your time and creativity on, along with purchased items that (they would love), to possibly receive something of lesser value or monetary worth.

So Why do it?

1. Because it gives you a challenge.
When the Swap Mama lays out the theme it must spark something within you that makes you want to sign up!Sometimes it gives you something to look forward to- like a Birthday or First Date With a Hottie.

2. Blog Badges! Dress up your sidebar!
Or it could be that you want the credibility of having participated in a swap. Some swaps require that you have successfully participated in at least one other swap. You prove this by wearing your flare and linking to your post on that particular swap.
They usually have a button or widget that can be copied and pasted to your Blog Sidebar, linking you to the hostess Swap mama and letting your blog Visitors know that you like to swap.If the swap you are considering signing up for doesn't have a button or widget, email them first to ask- it could just be an oversight in the Swap Mama's enthusiasm for hosting a swap or they may not know how to make one.

3. Because you love getting gifts in the mail.
The anticipation of a swap package is like Christmas morning when you were a kid or your Birthday. It is a delicious mix of anxiety and impatience and happiness tickling the back of your mind with a big pink feather of a thought- what will you get?.
The joy.
The mystery.
The thrill.
The waiting.

4. Because you love to give.
We all know people who love to give- the ones who can always be counted on to be generous and thoughtful. They are usually more comfortable with giving than receiving. I won't go into the psychology of this but I will say that sometimes you can give too much! By making your swap package so nice that there is no way that the other person can match it so they don't even try!

You have just shot yourself in the gift horse by being too generous, too extravagant and the poor recipient has no way to match your expectations!
Its tough to give just a little when you are big hearted Hannah and want to have a wonderful swap encounter.
You are trying!
You don't know them- they are a stranger- do you even want to be friends with them after the swap?
Is the swap the important thing, here?
Is it really about reaching out to another human being with love and kindness? Or is it about the increased stats and visitors you'll also receive by being a part of the swap?

5. Publicity
* Maybe you are doing this swap to get your name on the list of the Swap Mama's Big Blog and you need and want the traffic to increase the stats to your site.
*I never thought about how to attract more readers beyond making sure Google, Blogger, Tecnorati, My Space and FaceBook were all covered. Web Feeds and alerts let the peeps know you have just Blogged.
They are the breadcrumbs to lure the bluebirds of happiness my way. I want more readers but don't actively pursue them.

*Then I went about actually investigating ways to get more readers- one of the ways is to host an event and make all the participants link back to you- this is why its a wonderful Web- it links and grows larger with each new click, because other Bloggers share that information and new people come to read your Blog.

It isn't bad, or shallow, its just good sense, if your Blogging wish is to get the word out about your stuff- if you have a small, homey Blog then you probably don't care- if your main goal is to show pictures of Junior to Grandma 3 states away.

So that brings us back around to why.

What:
Maybe you collect ATC's or Doll Quilts or Paper Dolls and you get in swaps so that you have a chance to participate with other Artist's whose work you would love to own but can't afford.* The theme of the Swap is what hooks me- I wanted to have a wall full of wonderful Doll Quilts and now I do! Its a gamble- you never know who your partner might be! You may have so many disappointing experiences that you vow to Never Swap Again, at least until the next one grabs you!

Who:
As soon as you are notified with your swap partners information- it is polite to go and shake hands and introduce yourself.Email them and say hi.
Let them know that you are friendly and available to discuss the swap.
If your Swap Mama has gathered info for you then now is the time to confirm it- like favorite colors and likes/dislikes.
If it is a secret swap then you must not tell and so you can't email them and say hi!
This covert type of swap is good and bad.
If you are a good swap partner then you will sneakily go investigate their Blog and maybe Flickr site (if they have one) and look for clues as to what they may enjoy receiving from you.
If you are a bad swap partner you won't take the time and are just gonna give what you want and hope it's enough or that they will like it.
It may be a secret swap and you may get to be friends after the swap because the other person appreciates the time and effort that you took to give them a nice box.
If you Don't Want To Give-
Don't Do The Swap.

If you Don't Have The Time-
Don't Do The Swap.

If you are expecting something awesome then sometimes it might be better to choose to swap individually with someone.
* I once was so knocked out by some doll quilts that I emailed the Artist's and asked them if I could swap something for it and we worked it out- I made them aprons and they swapped me quilts!

* Swap Unto Others What You Would Have Them Swap Unto You.

Yes, it's as simple as that.
The Golden Rule.

Communicate- if you are going to be late then email them and tell them- once the Due Date has come and gone and they are left sad and lonely by their forlorn and empty mailbox it's TOO LATE TO APOLOGIZE!!!

Most people will forgive you and will be relieved to know that you are going to give them something.

Now, of course there are variables- you may have a legitimate reason for being late- *I tend to put too much time in and am late because of that or am doing too many different projects all with different deadlines and I get overwhelmed and jammed up.
I figure that when they finally get that swap box from me they will be so thrilled that they will forgive my tardiness.

*Sometimes the Swap Mama's extend the deadlines or allow you to drop out and then they should cover your swap partner by either making something up themselves or posting that they need some swap angels to intercede and help out.

Personally, in my opinion, if the Swap Host has initiated the swap then they are responsible for making sure that all the players have gotten something in return.

There is nothing sadder or more disappointing than not getting your swap package

*I Blog about Swaps and Invite my Cyber Friends to Join in The FUN. It isn't fun when I have led them into a transaction that isn't reciprocal.

The Unrequited Swap.

If you are still reading this then you are waiting for me to talk about the bad swaps and I really don't want to.
Don't make me relive the disappointment.
Suffice it to say that someone ran out of time, money, enthusiasm or ideas.

*Once I opened a swap box that looked like she had cleaned her sewing room and given me the discards along with the swept up strings, threads and buttons from her floor. Now, she was from another country (Italy) so I cut her some slack, but she didn't make "the theme object" very well- in fact it wasn't even what the theme was- I don't think it translated well in her language.
After having that bad experience I still felt good about what I had made and sent (to Australia) and that was enough.

So, if you are bored, or need inspiration or just love giving then by all means find a Swap and do it. Join Swap Bot and have at it!

But First:
Think about why you want to participate and what it means to give, to share, to trade.
A fair swap should be equal in value if not time and that is tough to juggle when they should go out before the deadline and you don't know what you are getting until you have actually received it.

So, go with the Golden Rule and you can't go wrong.

*Any more suggestions- Please leave a comment and I will add them here.

It is my personal belief that Blogging can make the world a better place by allowing us to meet and become cyber friends with folks from all over the world.
To learn to be giving when it's not in your nature may take a lifetime, but rewarding in the end.

If we give our time then that means we care because we all have the same amount of hours in each day.
To spend them on someone else is unselfish and loving.

We should be able to control how we spend our free time and if we use it by making things to give to "strangers" then it is because we want to.

It gives us a good feeling inside to give.
So maybe not having an expectation is the way to successfully give a gift but remember a Swap is just that.
This for That.
You do have an expectation that you will receive something nice.If you don't, then tell your Swap Mama and let her know- don't just say oh well and be unhappy- give the Hostess a holla and see if she will make it better-

Fair is Fair.

Now, with that off my chest and with a lighter heart I am going to go work on some of my last swaps of the year.
I just wanted to put this out there for your consideration- if someone Googles Swap Etiquette maybe they will read this and have a better understanding of some swap guidelines.
Lets keep the good spirit in swapping instead of allowing the bad ones to ruin the Hope for Shared Joy that they Bring.

Thanks for Listening,
Calamity Kim

I forgot to cover this but it's important too- when you get your swap box then please let the person know. Take the time to email them.

Some swaps require you to post about it or add pictures to The Flickr Group if there is one.

*I swapped a doll quilt once that was never shown on the Flickr Group and that led me to believe that she must not have liked it- whether that is true or not is debatable but that was how it made me feel.She might have forgotten or didn't have batteries for her camera- But she never did and that made me feel disappointed. I wished I had not spent so many hours on something that I feel certain is not loved or wanted. Her tastes were probably much simpler that the collaged chaos I gave her. Not every swap is going to Rock, no matter how hard you try- that's the risk you run in signing up, so just be aware of it.

For me the process of creating is what makes me the happiest- it isn't about what I get in return, it's about the image of their face lighting up with delight when they look at something I made just for them.

When I write that it all just sounds so crazy.
oh, the calamity!

Winner #2

Thank you to all that responded on time (and a little after).



The winner of the lovely Dough Press is.....

Laura in UT

Hurray! for Laura

Her lovely dough press will be on it's way shortly.

Now, everyone get busy figuring out what you want to do for your partner and then DO IT. :o)

Please Respond

I finished the last of the swap partner emails this morning. You have 48 hours (that would be till Thursday morning at about 9:00 a.m.) to let me know that you got the information. If I don't hear back from you, you won't be counted in the swap. I am fair and will try to contact you if I don't hear from you but I do need you to hurry up and check in. This lets me know that the channels of communication are working.

IF you get back to be by Thursday morning early, your name will be automatically entered into a drawing for a prize. What prize you ask?...... Well this prize.



This is a cookie press from Dough Press at Etsy. It is several cookie cutters hooked together so you can cut several shapes out at once. Very Clever! The shop owner was thrilled to be able to participate in our swap and give one lucky swapper and cool cookies press.
Go check her shop out and spread some Etsy love her way.
Here is how the press works.


So please go respond to the email I sent you and let me know that you got your partner info. IF you don't have it please check your junk mail first. The emails included links to your partner and that triggers some safety checks.
I still need to hear from about 40 of you.

Keep It Secret, Keep it Safe!

It was just brought to my attention that I forgot to remind everyone that the Sassy Apron Swap is a SECRET SWAP. What is that??? That means that you are not giving to the person that is giving to you. It is a secret. So don't try to contact your partner.
When you send your package then you get to tell them who you are and all about yourself so they can communicate with you.
I am so sorry I left this detail out for the new Sassy Apron Swappers. And Thank you to the swapper that caught it.
So Swap on in secret until the big day. Ok?!?
Now back to sending you your emails. I am up to 80 sent now. Only 52 more to go. Hee hee. Good thing I like doing this.

All Swapped

I finally have you all entered into the data base. There are over 130 of you this time. Whew!
I also have you all swapped and will be sending out letters tomorrow. I am too tired to do it now and would like to look at the list one more time before I send them out to you. I do make mistakes and this will help me avoid as many as possible.
So be watching your in boxes. I have to work in the morning so you won't be getting them before afternoon but should have them by tomorrow night.

Swap Closed

The Winter Sassy Apron Swap is now closed. I will be entering the last names into the blog list. If you entered and don't see your name there, Please contact me ASAP with a comment here or an email. I might have missed it in the shuffle or accidental deleted it with the 500+ emails I get everyday. Ones that are marked SPAM by my server sometimes get accidental diverted to the wrong file.
I will be entering all your information into a Data Base now and will start sorting and pairing you all up. That takes a few days. I like to triple check everything to eliminate mistakes. (I still make them but I make fewer that way.) :o)
So be watching for an email from me informing you of your partners by October 20th. I will post here that they are out in case you don't see one show up.

Time Is Running OUT

If you have been debating whether to join or not, now is your last call. The swap officially closes tomorrow night, Friday Oct. 10th.



If you have signed up for the swap and DO NOT see your name over on the side bar as a swapper then you need to get a hold of me ASAP. I have entered every name that I have found. There is a chance that a stray name has slipped into the trash bin with a ton of SPAM so please alert me now if your name isn't there.

Also it would appear that we are in need of some Apron Angels. There are some swappers that just aren't going to be getting an apron. If you are feeling generous and would love to help a sister in need, please contact me and I will get you paired up with a sad swapper that still doesn't have an apron. Don't panic about the list on the side. 14 of those swappers are ones that just haven't reported back to let me know they got their apron. Some of those on the list however have real swapping flakes for partners or their wonderful aprons have been officially listed as Missing and just didn't make it to their destination. This is so sad because I have seen several of the pictures of those that were sent and they were fabulous.

*** Word to the Wise Swapper***

PLEASE USE USPS TRACKING AND DELIVERY CONFIRMATION!!!!

Yes it costs a couple of bucks more to ship that way but it is SO worth the safety of knowing that your package was tracked and delivered.

Early Bird Winner

Thank you! to all of you that have registered for the swap early. I put all of your names into bowl and drew one. I actually used the most darling bird's nest bowl I got this weekend at the Farm Girl Fest BUT some little imp decided to run off with my USB cord for the camera so there will be no photos today. I am not tearing the house apart to find where he (or she) put it.
Yes it has been just that sort of week here at the Byrd house. Fun fun fun!

The lucky winner of the fabulous Pillow Case Pinny is.......

Tammy in NC.

I will send your information to Jenna Z. and you will be receiving your Pinny Pattern ASAP.

If you are new to this blog you have until Friday the 10th to turn your name in. I will be gone to Arkansas for a friend's wedding. I will be back on Saturday to start pairing you all up. :o)

Early Bird Giveaway

You have till October 10th to sign up for the Winter Sassy Apron Swap.
However, if you sign up before Monday, October 6th you get to be counted in the Early Bird Giveaway for signing up early and making my life easier. (I plan to reward those that make my life easy. hee hee)

So here is the giveaway. This is a PDF apron pattern designed my Jenna at The Make Do Mercantile at Etsy. I tried this apron pattern and it is fast, fun, and fabulous. What makes it even better is that it is a PDF which is fabulous for the ADD seamstress. You don't have to wait for and lose steam with a paper pattern.



This apron is so fast to put together. I love it. If you don't win you can go snatch up a copy and send some apron love to a fellow swapper. It includes three sizes, M, L and XL and can be made with one pillowcase or one yard of fabric

Jenna also has a club called the Make Do Marigolds. You can join in by purchasing her seasonal packets. I got the Summer packet and loved it! I earned my sunshine patch and just need to figure out where to put it. It was fun to do with my family. The packet is chock full of recipes, tips and even an apron pattern. So check it out.

Winter Sassy Apron Swap Sign-Up

Sing-ups open till October 10th. Partners will be sent out on October 20th. Apron packages are due for shipping on December 1st.

It is October 1st and time to sign up for the next round of the Sassy Apron Swap.

**** This is a holiday themed swap****

This is our final swap for the year. Who knows what next year will bring.
I thought and thought about what my favorite bits of winter are and couldn't come up with a theme. Then while I was making half a million cookies for our community's fall festival it hit me that one of my favorite things about winter and the holiday season is making cookies with my family. It is one of my earliest tradition memories and one that I still carry on today with my own children.
So the theme of the Winter Sassy Apron Swap is Cookies.
Here is how it at will work.

• You will make a cookie/winter/holiday themed apron, full or half, be creative. It can be holiday related if you like. Please refer to your partner's preferences.
• You will include at least one favorite cookie recipe. The is a great way to share a family tradition. I can't pick just one so my partner might just get a few cookie recipes.
• You must include a cookie cutter.
• You are free to include any other little treats you would like that relate to the theme such as favored sugars, sprinkles, specialty chocolate chips, etc.
• Please include a had written note about your apron selection, cookie traditions, what ever. Just make it personal so your partner has a chance to get to know you. It will be fabulous!

Swap Rules:

1. All aprons must be hand-made. If you can't sew well enough to pass 8th grade home economics, then buy one from one of the many etsy crafters.
2. Your apron should be made of 100% cotton fabric that has been pre washed to prevent color bleeding and shrinking of the finished apron.
3. You package must be in the mail to your partner no later than Monday December 1st.

Here are some more things I would like you to consider before joining this swap.To join in this swap you don’t have to be an expert seamstress, but you do need to be experienced enough to pull a nice apron off. I expect an apron that would pass in 8th Grade Home Ec. I don’t expect an A but at least passable.I don’t want to get too fussy here and scare anyone off. I love to see the work of new seamstresses and have had some as partners in swaps and have loved the work they do. It is fresh and full of enthusiasm. If you feel that your work isn’t good enough you can also swap an apron made by another crafter. There are many at Etsy worth buying from. Just be sure to give credit where it is due and honor the apron artist.

To join this swap you will need to send me an email at this address, byrdhouse1@windstream.net with ALL of the following information:
(please don’t lump all your information together, it makes data processing so very difficult for me). It works best for me if you will please just copy and paste the list below to your email and just fill in the blanks.
1. Full name:

2. Mailing address:

3. Blog address:

4. Email address (just one please): (PLEASE include this it saves me so much time if you do)

5. Other swaps you have participated in (if you have not swapped with me previously):Preferences:

6. Give one color you like:

7. Give one color you dislike:

8. Fabric style you like and dislike (ie., pastels, brights, jewel tones, florals, batiks, etc):

9. What is your dress size? (with a full apron you need to be sure that all your bits are covered)

10. List anyone you would rather not get an apron from. (like your sister, mother, former swap partners, etc.)

11. How holiday do you want your apron to be? (a double sided apron can be Christmas and Winter themed) (remember that I do not require a double sided apron, just a suggestion)

12 Are you Willing to ship internationally or do you prefer within your continent.

Please try to remember that there is a THEME. This theme is a little more specific than the last ones have been. I debated what I should do here and decided to go with the holiday theme. I love Christmas and since this is my swap I will do what makes me happy. :o) I am sorry if this excludes anyone. Remember that there will be more swaps next year with many more themes.

If you have participated in my swaps in the past and have not followed through with your packages, I will not be able to let you play at this time. Sorry but it is only fair.
Thanks and I can't wait to see who participates this time.

No Apron Yet

This is the list of swappers that don't have an apron yet or haven't let me know that they got them. If your name is on this list, please let me know where you stand on having received an apron. If you already let me know and your name is here just remind me. I might have missed it in the shuffle.

Thanks

Alisha R
Alison H
Amanda P
Annette L
Brandy M
Britton D
Carrie K
Crystal C
Cynthia M
Ellena O
Jackie Mc
Jeanne M
Kathie V
Kiki S
Kirsten K
Lisa G
Marni C
Mary Lois S
Nettie C
Pamela G
Sarah Gi
Stefanie J
Stephanie S
Theresa S

Fall Swap Non Bloggers
Alicia G
Jackie B
Julie W
Kimberly E

Get Busy!

Ok You should all have your swap partners by now. If you don't have it I need to know now. There are many of you that have not sent me a reply yet saying that you got it. There are more than 50 than haven't responded yet and if it takes me 2 minutes each to send an email out (because I am slow) that is 100 minutes. It adds up. So please let me know that you have your partner. I am working with a couple of you to get it through because your email won't let it through.
Here is the list of people I don't have marked off yet. If your name is on this list I need to know if you did get your partner information. I will remove your name as soon as I have heard from you. If your name is on here and you did contact me, then I haven't marked you off for some reason and you slipped through my inbox. I get 500+ emails everyday from swappers, clients, and my three yahoo groups. So occasionally I delete the wrong one. If that happened please send it again or leave a post with your swap name so I can mark you off.
Thanks so much! :o)


Thanks for taking a minute to let me know you got it.

Now get busy and make your aprons. You have 3 weeks to get it done and shipped off.
We already have two aprons done and on their way. I am most impressed. Good job Ladies!!!
Now back to picking the perfect fabric.
Remember you can let the fabric do the theme work for you. I went to JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby this past week and they had fabulous fall fabric, to die for stuff. Go check out what is near you. There is some great stuff out there.

Done Swapped

Ok that took a lot longer than I wanted it to. But I am now done and have emailed everyone of you your partner information. If you haven't received it please go check your junk or bulk mail first. If it still isn't there then email me and I will send it again. There were some problems with a couple of the addresses I had here on file. Sorry if one of them was you.
If you have any other problems like your link doesn't work, or I somehow forgot your name on the sidebar (I think there were a couple that got missed due to a computer glitch this morning and I haven't had time to sit down with the list and check each one to make sure you are all there.) There should be 143 of us if I counted right on my database, less than last time but still enough to make anyone nuts to organize.
Well I am off to bed. I can't think straight anymore and am not sure my sentences are making sense anymore. There is a fresh copy of Breaking Dawn waiting for me to open. Yes I have been resisting it's calls all day so I could get your partners to you because I know you were not reading it too in eager anticipation of your partner's name and info. (What you have been reading it all day?!? I am crushed!!) hee hee I hope someone out there got to read it today. :o)
I almost forgot, please reply back that you got your partner info in the next 48 hours please that helps my record keeping so much and saves me time. Please make sure your name is included so I can just mark you off the list instead of hunting up your blog, your email address or your sister's brother-in-law's, cousin's friend to find your name. You think I am kidding yes it can be that hard to figure out which Jennifer or Sarah I am talking to. :o)

The Swap Is Now Closed

I am sending out the swap partner e-mails today. It will most likely take all day. If you haven't heard from me by tomorrow morning you can email me and let me know.
Some of the names are not yet on the list. They will be there as soon as possible. My Internet was down for two days and I am just now back into cyber space! Thank Heaven! I don't know what I did before the Internet but life without it sure is weird!
So don't panic if your name isn't on the side yet. I have entered every name I have received so far and and working all day to get the partners out.

Creeaaaakkkk.....

Yes the swap door is closing so hurry and get your last minute names in. You know I am a push over and will let you in but when I post the partenrs it is officially shut so Hurry UP!

I know a lot of you newbies to the swap are worried that I haven't got your entry yet. Don't panic. I am super busy and there are a ton of you that signed up just this week. I will be entering the last of you this weekend and will try to have you your partners by August first.
Doesn't that sound like a long time?? Well it takes a few days to enter all of you into the data base, chase five kids, 7 goats, 3 cats, 2 dogs and 35 chickens and one husband. They all think they need to be fed too. So I should have you all entered by Monday at the latest and will start swapping you out. That takes a couple of days because I have to triple check every name to make sure I didn't give you yourself as a partner. (yes I did that once, it was a typo but it still happened, sorry!) :o) So to ensure I don't do that sad thing to you, I print it all out and check and check to make sure it is all perfect. :o)
In the mean time....... check out your links to make sure they work, watch for your name to show up, and check each other's blogs out. There are some really crafty ladies in this swap. It is going to be so exciting!!!! I can't wait to get you all swapped up.

Time Is Running OUT

Now is your Last Chance to sign-up for the Fall round of the Sassy Apron Swap. The swap closes July 25th.

If you have been thinking about it but just haven't decided, now it your time to do it.

Go to this post and follow the directions.

I can't wait to see how this swap goes. There are so many great aprons makers here already.

Sewing Basics

I would like to offer a little more help to my swappers this time around. As I mentioned in the sign-up, you don't have to be an expert seamstress BUT I do expect you to have passed 8th grade Home Ec. Sadly in our country, if you are younger than 30 chances are that you did not get any Home Economics in your schooling. Sad but true. So there is a generation of potential seamstresses that are teaching themselves. I basically did that but I did have a mother looking over my shoulder correcting my mistakes and teaching me new techniques. I also was the only one that had to wear my learning mistakes.
I would like to offer up so little bits of help throughout this swap.
To start with, I found some great tips and tutorials at You Can Sew This. They range from how to sew a seam to how to install a zipper. Go check them out. They also have really wonderful clothing patterns that are all instant downloads which is most gratifying to the attention deficit want to sew now kinda girl I am. :o)

Want to advertise your own Etsy store? or your website?
I'm looking for a sponsors for a couple of contests, so if you sell something related to aprons, kitchen items, flirty fun stuff, or foodie things please consider donating an item to the swap in exchange for a little free advertising!
If you are interested please contact me or leave a comment with a link back to you.

Fall Sassy Apron Swap Sign-Up

Sign-Up Open till July 25, 2008

Fall seems so far away but I am looking forward to cooler weather.
It is time to Sign up for the Fall Sassy Apron Swap!!
I have already had people signing up and I haven’t yet posted the rules. :o)

The theme for this swap is fall. Since fall here in the Sates means holiday cooking I am making some requirements. Holiday baking, especially Thanks Giving cooking, is very messy so this apron has to stand up to the heavy work of good cooking. :o)

Here is the list of requirements:

1. It has to be a hand made bib (or full coverage) apron. Smocks are accepted too. NO HALF APRONS. The fabrics must be 100% cotton.
2. The apron must be durable (this doesn’t mean heavy fabric just it must stand up to washing, wiping hands and messy cooking.)
3. The apron’s theme is Fall or Autumn. This does not mean a certain fall holiday unless your partner asks for that. Not all our swappers are from the same place and not all celebrate the same holidays so please keep that in mind.
4. Since it if for the baking season, a hot pad or pot holder must be included. This is the extra thing this time. It should also be hand made by you or another crafter. It can be sewn, knit or crochet. I guess if there are other kinds, they are welcome too.
5. You must include your favorite pie recipe. If you haven’t noticed I am just a little fond of pie. So…. I would like you to send a copy of your recipe to my email address. One of our swappers has agreed to help put these into a little cookbook to be made available to the swappers at a later date.
6. Your aprons must be in the mail and on their way NO later than September 1st.


Here are some more things I would like you to consider before joining this swap.

To join in this swap you don’t have to be an expert seamstress, but you do need to be experienced enough to pull a nice apron off. I expect an apron that would pass in 8th Grade Home Ec. I don’t expect an A but at least passable.
I don’t want to get too fussy here and scare anyone off. I love to see the work of new seamstresses and have had some as partners in swaps and have loved the work they do. It is fresh and full of enthusiasm. If you feel that your work isn’t good enough you can also swap an apron made by another crafter. There are many at Etsy worth buying from. Just be sure to give credit where it is due and honor the apron artist.


To join this swap you will need to send me an email at this address, byrdhouse1@windstream.net with ALL of the following information:
(please don’t lump all your information together, it makes data processing so very difficult for me).

1. Full name:
2. Mailing address:
3. Blog address:
4. Email address (just one please): (PLEASE include this it saves me so much time if you do)
5. Other swaps you have participated in (if you have not swapped with me previously):
Preferences:
6. Give one color you like:
7. Give one color you dislike:
8. Fabric style you like and dislike (ie., pastels, brights, jewel tones, florals, batiks, etc):
9. What is your dress size? (with a full apron you need to be sure that all your bits are covered)
10. List anyone you would rather not get an apron from. (like your sister, mother, former swap partners, etc.)
11. Do you want your apron to be holiday related? (if yes, specify which holiday, Thanks Giving, Halloween, Labor day, etc.)
12 Are you Willing to ship internationally or do you prefer within your continent. (I forgot to add this at first)

Please try to remember that there is a THEME. I really enjoyed seeing the many interpretations we had of summer and can't wait to see fall. How do you do fall in an apron? Think color, think cool temperatures, think family gatherings, outdoor splendor, baking, etc.

Pay attention to deadlines. You MUST send your apron out on time or I won't be able to let you play again.- Your partner will be working very hard to make something for you.

You really should contact your partner after receiving your apron and tell them THANK YOU! If you can't get to their blog, you should have a return address on the box your apron comes in. Send them a note, email, or blog post to let them know you got it and to say thank you. I had so many people this time feel sad that they never heard if their partner liked their apron or not.

-If you feel that you can't make it for what ever reasons, LET ME KNOW. I can work with you and if you have to drop out, it will give me time to get a substitute aproner to fill in.
- If I don't hear back from you in a timely manner - meaning I have tried to contact you multiple times and have received NO answer when I send out partners, I will assume you have dropped and will remove your name and move on.
ENOUGH SAID!

Next Swap Date

The next sign-up for the Sassy Apron Swap will start on July 14th. I have a reunion coming up next week and so am taking some time for family and don't have time to be scrambling with masses of emails right then. :o)
So mark your calender and get in on the next swap.
The theme is Fall and Pies will be involved. I am a pie junkie! So keep tuned and join in the fall fun.
The aprons will be due around September 1st.

About the Summer swap.
Thank you to all of you that sent your aprons off. I really appreciate your hard work.
There are still 26 aprons missing. (thanks to those that keep reporting in we have located 6more aprons since I posted this)
(that means they haven't reached their destinations yet or have not been reported) Some of the aprons have not been sent at all. I am sorry but if I have difficulty with you and your apron sending, I will not be able to let you play again. This swap is entered into and run on good faith and it is sad that we have 32 apron missing. Some of those have been accounted for and we are watching them being sent now or again, however most of them are unaccounted for. This is disappointing.
Please contact me if you haven't so far. I really need to get this wrapped up so I can spend a fun week with my family playing Knights and Princesses with the kids.
Thank you
Lucy B

Aprons Not Arrived Yet

There are 32 aprons that have not arrived at their destination yet. (or are not noted on my list because you haven't let me know) (there are 5 of you that I haven't heard from at all.) Please sign in.
Several of these are in rout and we are watching for them. If you have received your apron and haven't told me yet, please do because I don't rest until I see them all home. :o)
If you haven't sent one yet, please do. Your partner made a beautiful one in good faith and sent it out. They would like one in return.


I will update these numbers daily.

Please Report Back

OK from what I have been able to track, most of the aprons have been sent along their way or are going out this weekend.
I still haven't heard from about 20% of you. Not bad but it would make my life easier if you would contact me here or in an email and let me know that you have sent and received your apron. I would like to know if you have not received your apron by now. I can then contact your partner and put the squeeze on them. :o)
Seriously, if you don't send out your apron in a timely manner, I can't let you play next time. I hate to do that but it is only fair. There have been some extenuating circumstances and I understand that and appreciate those that contacted me and explained.
Thanks,
Lucy B

Aprons are Due Now

We are already to the end of another swap! I can't believe it.
The aprons are due to be shipped by June 1st. So please try to get your aprons out by Monday Morning. This gives you a last minute weekend to get them out.
Remember that you are supposed to email me when you send and receive them so I can mark them off the list.
Thank you!

Apron Angels

Ladies,
The community I live in was hit very hard by tornadoes on May 10th. Many of my friends and neighbors were left homeless or suffered severe damage to their homes.
The Red Cross and other organizations have been working hard to help them with food, clothing, and the resources to rebuild.
I am making a call to all the Apron Angels that have contacted me (or wanted to contact me) with offers to send aprons to those that needed them. I would love to be able to send an apron to as many of these women as possible to send them a message of hope and love.
They don't need donations of clothing and such right now because the community is seeing to those needs. This donation is one of the heart from one woman to another.
If you would like to participate, please send me an email at byrdhouse1(at)windstream(dot)net.
We would like to raise about 100 aprons and will be collecting and distributing them over the next several weeks.

Aprons Done

Several of our apron swappers are already done and have sent off their aprons. If you haven't already made your (don't worry, I am in that boat) you can go ahead and make yours now. It will save you so much trouble in the end to get it sent off early . No fussing with deadlines and I don't have to spend HOURS tracking each of you down to see if you sent your apron. Also please remember to let me know when you GET your apron so I can check that off the list. This also helps set your partners mind at rest.
By the way, I got my apron from Paige yesterday and it is fabulous.

You can read all about it at my blog My Byrd House. It is too cute and she really spoiled me with kindness.

Blogging Helps

Dear Swappers,

I get several e-mails with questions about how to run your blogs. I understand your frustration, I have been there myself as I am not that computer literate myself. However, I don't always have time to answer all those questions like I would like nor do I have all the answer as I would like.
SO..... One of the Apronistas kindly put up a link yesterday to a blog about How to Blog yesterday and I thought I would pass it on to you. Blogs are really easy to run, and not too hard to learn when you can get your hands on the proper information.
The place to go is Blogging Basics 101.

Apronista

Dear Swappers,

As many of you may have noticed, several of our swappers (myself included) are members of the Apronista forum. This is a place where people that wear, make or just plain love aprons can gather and chat about them. It started about a month ago. It is a great way to get to know the other apron makers in our swap. As I said before, several of you are already members. To become a member, you have to be invited by an existing member.
If you are not yet a member of the Apronist NING, I would love to invite you so that you can join in the fun. They are also doing monthly challenges and some swaps too.
Just send me an e-mail and I will send you an invitation.

Done

All the letters have been sent. If you didn't find one in your box please check your bulk mail, spam, or junk-mail files.
IF you still can't find it, let me know and I will try again.
If I haven't heard from you in a couple of days I will guess that you are not playing. I will make every effort to contact you. It would help though if you email me. That saves me hours of time searching up email addys, linking names, and checking my list over and over. :o)

Sooooo
Get busy sewing! Remember the theme.
THINK..
Beaches,
swimming,
gardens,
flowers,
sun,
picnics,
lemon-aid,
Fruit,
if in the US there is always the 4th of July,
ice cream cones,
Popsicles,
Oh the possibilities.

So what do you do in the summer time? When all the world is green? (or brown depending on where you are.)

hey post your ideas here so we can all share in the idea fest.

Remember your aprons are due by June 1st. (that means you have sent it by then, not started it on that day). :o)

Small Delay

Do I need to explain?
My husband gave my two year old a nap today in an attempt to be so helpful while I worked all day on the swap. Well it is 1:00 a.m. and he is still running around like someone gave him fruit loops. He has been crawling all over me for 3 hours and I am going to have to give up and wave my white flag for the night.
I will be back on this in the morning as soon as I get the big kids on the bus. I will try to get the rest of the names out then.
There are 157 of us! I hope that the new data base we are using will help keep things running so much smoother on this end. :o)
Good night!
Lucy B

Partners are Swapped

Your partners have been picked and double checked. I hope there are no mistakes.
I am sending them out tonight as fast as I can.
This is the exciting part.
You are welcome to checkout everything you can about your partner.
Please do not contact them and tell them who you are until the apron is on it's way.
You are welcome to post about your apron on your blog but leave their name out. It is meant to be a surprise. When you send the apron, please include your name and information so they can contact you. Many people did not do this in the last swap and several swappers were disappointed and wanted to thank their partners and couldn't.

When you get the email about your partner, PLEASE reply to me to let me know you have it and that you are ready to start. If I don't hear from you I will have to assume that you dropped out.
If you didn't get an e-mail from me, please check your junk mail folder. The email will include blog addresses and sometimes your filters spaz over that and junk them.
If you have any questions, please do contact me through the email and PLEASE always include your name so I know who is contacting me.

Swap is Closed

The swap did officially close on the 15th. :o)
I am finishing up the swappings and doing the job of double checking each swapping to make sure I didn't leave anyone out, give someone 2 partners, or some other nonsense that I seem to be prone to. :o)
There are a lot of new swappers this time around.
Reminder, if you didn't send me a new enrolment email, you didn't automatically get signed up again. If you think there was a mistake or you missed that somehow, please to contact me now. I don't want anyone to feel bad.

Swap Closing Today!

This is your last chance to get in. I am entering the last of the names I got this past week and this morning. If you want in you need to hurry up and send me your info. :o) I don't want anyone to feel left out!

Look For Your Name!

Don't panic if you haven't heard back from me with your entry. If your name and link are on the side of the site, You Are In.
That said..... I am a little overwhelmed with the response so far and we are only in day 3. Check the side bar for your name and make sure the link works. If you sent me a request and your name is not there PLEASE LET ME KNOW. Also look to make sure I spelled your name correctly. I do have mild dyslexia and I mix up letter a lot when I am in a hurry and I might have put the wrong last name initial for you. I caught several of those myself. I am sure I missed several too! Sorry. I really am trying very hard.
So go check your name on the side and let me know only if it is wrong.
Thanks
Lucy B

Summer Sassy Apron Swap Sign Ups Now Open

Yippee! It is time to Sign up for the
Summer Sassy Apron Swap!!
I know I said tomorrow but I wanted to do this now while I have time. Tomorrow is a busy day! No Joke!

The Theme for this swap is SUMMER. You will make an adult size apron with that theme.
Please try to remember that there is a THEME. In the last swap some of the swappers forgot that it was a themed swap.
How do you do summer in an apron? Think color, think flow, think picnics, .... what do you do in the summer time? (when all the world is green) sorry it was singing in my head and had to come out!
The apron has to be hand-made. It doesn't have to be made by your hands but doesn't have to be made by hand not manufactured.

I need to add some swapping etiquette here. I am sorry to have to do this but it is necessary after the last swap.

- Pay attention to deadlines. You MUST send your apron out on time or I won't be able to let you play again.

- Your partner will be working very hard to make something for you. We have all levels of sewing ability here. Please be kind to our newbies. You really should contact your partner after receiving your apron and tell them THANK YOU! If you can't get to their blog, you should have a return address on the box your apron comes in. Send them a note, email, or blog post to let them know you got it and to say thank you. I had so many people this time feel sad that they never heard if their partner liked their apron or not.

-If you feel that you can't make it for what ever reasons, LET ME KNOW. I can work with you and if you have to drop out, it will give me time to get a substitute aproner to fill in.

- If I don't hear back from you in a timely manner - meaning I have tried to contact you multiple times and have received NO answer when I send out partners, I will assume you have dropped and will remove your name and move on.

ENOUGH SAID! Let's have fun now!

Here is the list of Requirements for your apron.

• Summer themed.
• Made from pre-washed and dried fabric (so there is no shrinking or bleeding of prints later)
• The apron has to have some sort of embellishment this time like Ric-rack, fancy trims, decorative stitching, BUT must be washable so NO GLUE.)
• The apron has to be Adult Sized (you will get your partner's size)
• Included with your apron must be a dish or tea towel. It doesn't have to be hand-made but that would be nice. Something that goes with your apron.
• Also you are to include the recipe for your favorite NON-ALCOHOLIC summer beverage. (sorry we are a family site) hee hee.

When is the apron due? Aprons must be mailed out by June 1st at the latest.

Deadline to commit to the swap - April 15th. That gives you 2 weeks to decide and we need something better to look forward to on the 15th than Taxes!

To sign up for the swap you must send me an e-mail at byrdhouse1(at)windstream(dot)net.
I will collect all the names, swap them out, and then post you an e-mail listing your partner's information.

Include the following in the e-mail:

1) Your name (and your screen name if it is different so I know who is emailing me!)


2) mailing address


3) blog URL (this is not required but highly recommended, it may become a requirement in future)


4) email address

5) Please indicate if you are willing to ship internationally or not

6) You must include your dress size. I am sorry but this is important. It is very hard making an apron for someone when you have no clue what size they are.
You may also include some likes and dislikes to help your partner make their fabric choices.

7) This bit is new. You may list people you would rather not swap with. That sounds bad BUT many of you have now swapped with each other here and other places. There are also siblings, in-laws, parents and children in this swap and I can understand you wanting to meet new people so please fill in names here so I can more easily double check.

There is no limit to how many people can enter this swap (yet). I don't like to be left out and don't want to leave others out.
This swap will be run just like the last one where your partner is a surprise. We had just a few more people vote for that and I was waiting on your opinion.

I can't wait to see who signs up this time!

Please Vote!

Ladies,
I have been thinking really hard about the next swap. I would like to consider your opinion in the matter. I have installed a poll on the Side Bar. Please go vote.
Here is what I have been thinking about. I have enjoyed the surprise that this swap offered of not knowing where your apron was coming from. However, it has been stressful trying to keep track of all the loose ends (for me and for those that still don't have an apron).
So I would like to know what your opinion is.
Should I do this next swap the same as the Spring swap where your partner is a surprise,
OR
Should I swap everyone out one on one so that you know who your partner is and give to the one you receive from?
The Poll is open through the 31st so please quickly vote.
Added 3-30-08
Don't worry about the work load for me. Either way has is pluses and drawbacks. I just want to know what people's preferences are. I am working on some new rules that will help with the delinquent aprons.

Lucky!

Here is the apron that Kristen W picked out from Momo's Retro Fashions.

Isn't she a Lucky Duck!

Next Swap Date

OK Ladies,
As I am wrapping up this last swap I have learned a thing or two about swapping that never occur ed to me before. I will be hopefully remembering and using this information for the next swap. I am going to run it just a little differently to see how we like that option.
I will be posting the official sign-ups on April 1st, 2008.
No Joke! Don't try to sign up now, I might lose your information between now and then. :o) The rules and conditions will be slightly different.
However, I am sorry to say that if you didn't send your partner an apron this time and didn't contact me to make arrangements, you will not be able to play next time. Also if you do not keep in contact with me next time (that means I don't hear right back from you when I send out the swappings) I will think that you are not playing and just might have to drop you. Everyone has been putting so much effort and thought into doing this and it is only fair to make sure they get a great apron too. Also this is eating up hours of my day everyday that my family does need so hopefully with some better communication in place, we can run the next swap even more efficiently. :o) (a girl can dream!)
Anyway, I look forward to see who is playing on April first.

Have You Recieved?

As much as I LOVE working with all of you on this swap, I do have a life. Hee Hee. I really need to know when you have received your aprons so I can check them off my list and rest easier at night and not worry that someone out there still doesn't have their apron.

I hate to have to be looking at these numbers but there are still 2 people that haven't contacted me about sending off their aprons. I also know that their partners haven't received them either. Please, if you haven't contacted me about sending off your apron, do contact me. If you have run into trouble, I am sure we can work something out.

I am also waiting to hear back from 57 of you about when you received your apron. I know that several of the aprons were sent out this week so if you haven't got it yet, don't despair, it should be on it's way. If you have received your apron but just haven't let me know yet, please check in and tell me.
P.S. I like e-mails and like posts here to let me know, but PLEASE, which ever way you choose to let me know, attach your name. Web names don't help me and just your blog addy isn't enough to trigger my poor memory. Remember there are 170 you and I have trouble remember my children's names. hee hee Thanks for your help.

And the Winner Is .....

Kristen W.


We had 97 people turn their aprons in on time. That is Marvelous!!
Thank you so much!

I am contacting Kristen to work out the details.

The Flu

I have contacted everyone that I haven't heard from yet. There has been some pretty terrible flu going around here in the USA. Many of our swappers have been hit very hard or their families have. I got a really deep cough but missed the chills and fever. My family got hit though.
If you haven't received your apron yet, don't give up hope. Many of our swappers got behind because of this wide spread illness. Also please remember that several of our swappers are overseas and it does take a little longer than usual for those packages to get to their destinations.
I am watching every entry and double checking to make sure each of you gets an apron.
If you don't send an apron this time I CANNOT accept you in the next swap. That is only fair.
I hate to have to say that but everyone has gone to so much effort in this swap and should be able to expect an equally fabulous treat in return.

I still haven't heard back for 6 of you.

Aprons Sent?

Sent Out your Aprons!!
Most of you have already sent your aprons. However, my list shows that some of you have not yet sent them out. Please sent them as soon as possible. Your partners can hardly stand it.
If you don't send one out, I can't let you play in the next round.
Please let me know that you got your aprons too. I am marking that off my list too.

Flickr Group

Ladies,
We have a Flickr group now for posting your apron pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/sassyapronswap/
It is open and you can join in and post your apron pictures with the whole group.
What is a flickr group? Flickr is a place where you can load up your photos to share on your blog. It is free for you and is a great way to store and share your photos.
Please take pictures of your aprons as you make them and send them. You can also take photos of your apron when you get it and share with the group. This is your opportunity to really thank your swap partner for working so hard for you. All the people in our swap have worked very hard and been very thoughtful in their apron choices. Please honor that effort by posting nice things. If you have a flickr account you can go to the Organize feature and drag and drop the photo you want to share into the group.
I hope that helps some of you.
We already have an apron listed in the group. Go see it! The chicken fabric is making me crazy. I love it!!

Aproning Insentive!

OK Ladies, I have been waiting on the right moment to share this bit of information with all of you.

Isn't this apron just too much fun!! It could be yours!
The lovely Joan of
Momo's Retro Fashions
at Etsy, has offered to donate one of her marvelous aprons as a gift to one of our Sassy Apron Swappers. She was unable to join the swap this time around but still wanted to participate.
Here is how it works.

If you participated in the Spring Sassy Apron Swap and make and ship off your apron to your partner
before March 1st,
you will be eligible to be put in the drawing.
I will draw the apron winner on
Saturday March 8th.

YOU will then get to choose which apron from her site you want and she will ship it to you. I will be doing all the contacts with her.

SO...... It is very important that ALL of you contact me (with an email not a post here)
that you have sent your apron
AND
that you have received your apron from your partner.

If you are sending your apron overseas you may want to send it out early to make sure that it gets to your partner in a timely fashion.

SPAM

Please check your SPAM folders for your swap partner information. I have send them all out and have double checked every single one of them twice. If you haven't recieved the email, it just might be in your spam folder.

Done and Swapped

Ok everybody, I have finished swapping everyone out and sending out the e-mails.
I was not prepared for the size of response we got and I KNOW that I have made some mistakes. I am a complete idiot at times!!! Sooo......
If I sent you
2 partners,
no parter,
or sent you your own name (yes I am that stupid!)
Please let me know and I will fix it.
My fear is that I might have given the same name to 3 people so some lucky lady out there will get a ton of apron (I don't think I did but it could happen).
If for some reason you have to drop out, PLEASE let me know ASAP so I can juggle things around and make sure everyone gets an apron that makes one.

Update

Dear Sassy Apron Swappers,

Thank you for your many messages of concern, support and understanding. My father passed away this evening just after 9 p.m. I have been at his side almost continually since Wednesday morning. I did finish making all the swaps Tuesday night but haven't had time to be back on the computer since then to e-mail them all out. I will start that in the morning. It was so nice to be able to set this aside for 3 days and help my daddy go. It was a job I had to do. I had promises to keep. Thank you all for understanding. You are truly a marvelous bunch of ladies.

Much Love,
Lucy B

Check your Info

Please check your links. I have made a couple mistakes. I REALLY appreciate your letting me know. It only takes me a minute to fix them when you give me the info. If I have to go back and check all the entries and multiple e-mails it will take me hours and hours.

Thanks for your Help!

Swap is Closed

The swap is now closed. I will get you your partners as soon as I can.

Check your Info

OK People, I have been putting HOURS into this. I really didn't expect this response. We are over 150 in number. I am entering people as fast as I can but it takes a lot of time. I have put all your names on the sidebar. If you have a blog or a web site, your name should be a click able link to your site. If you don't have one then your are listed at the bottom. If your link doesn't work then you need to send me the correct information in an e-mail. If your name isn't in the list, I might have made a mistake (I am human and a little overwhelmed). :o)
Please check it out and gently let me know if I made a mistake. Please include your full name when contacting me. I am having to look up people's individual e-mails to fix their entry and it is very time consuming and I just don't have that time right now.
There is one other reason why your name might not be there and that would be because I don't have your complete information. I had a couple of people only send me their name and blog address. I tried to contact these people repeatedly and didn't get a response. If I don't hear back today then they will be dropped.
I am compiling the list of names to do the swapping and will double check each pairing to make sure the are compatible (like shipping options and such and we have a few people here that are related or have already swapped with each other before and want to meet new people.) This does complicate the process slightly and will take a little time.
I am working on this as fast as I can when I can.
FYI - my father suffered a heart attack this past week and a lot of my time is spent helping with that and getting my mother to and from the hospital. He is 85 and just might not make it. If you don't hear from me for a couple of days this week, I have not gone any where I am just taking care of family during this very difficult time. He and my children have been very close and I am dealing with a great deal of pain with my five little ones right now.
Thank you for your understanding and support. This swap has been a very nice distraction for me this week. You all seem to be very wonderful ladies and I wish I could get to know each and everyone of you better.
I hope to have you are partners by Thursday at the latest provided we are not holding a funeral right then.