I have never participated in a mini swap before, and thought it very strange to spend weeks and weeks making something for someone who you have never met, and probably never likely to meet in your lifetime…but wait.
Basically, you make the decision to join in and commit, fill in a short questionnaire and wait.
Then you are allocated into groups and given a cutely named Swap Mama, she is sort of a project manager, and secretly oversees everything by private messaging or email.
Ok, we are now in groups and then the big reveal…we are told the name of our swap partner…it’s getting interesting.
Then comes the stalking….yes stalking..in a nice way though…have to admit I am a bit of a nosey person ( hubby’s words) this is getting more interesting by the day.
Random questions are posted on the FB page…favourite colours? Have you any pets? Are you country or coastal?…and so on…you get the drift.
Over the weeks you build up a picture of what your swappee may like to receive in her quilt.
I discovered that my partner loved narrow boating, so decided to play with nature ideas.
Looking through Pinterest for inspiration the Japanese lady caught my eye, because of her serenity and beauty, a little like floating along the canal waters.
Then fancied some Japanese words, so researched some sayings…bingo
I was lucky to find this, it was just perfect.
I added the lanterns to border and was away….checking in with Swap Mama along the way to make sure I was going in the right direction.
Several weeks along and it was done….a little extra gift was made and eventually all wrapped ready to post.
My swappee was going on holiday, so Swap Mama pm’d me to post a few days early so she would receive it before she went off for two weeks .
Then I received a pm from my swappee…she likes it! Phew what a relief.
A few days after the posting date and parcels started arriving and posting on the FB page began…oh my…they were all amazing.
I thought mine wouldn’t appear for a few weeks, but then clicked on FB a couple of days in and there was my quilt…such a treat to see a little part of you settled happily into it’s new home.
The waiting game lingers on as you wait for your parcel delivery..days come and go…hope it’s not lost in the post…wait…footsteps crunching up the gravel path…yes…it’s our postie…yes…he’s carrying a parcel.
I dragged hubby away from painting the windows to watch the unveiling of my parcel…so exciting…oh wow…how lovely..and made just for me.
I quickly took some photos and proudly presented them on the FB page for all to see, they loved it too.
So, If like me, you’ve not done a mini swap before, I urge you to give it a whirl, it’s great fun and you will not be disappointed….the next one is in the Autumn…see you there….you never know we could be swap partners!
Once it all clicks into place how this works its easy to follow and hopefully wont put off other newbies, you’ve survived the course to tell the tale and I’m sure you will take part in another one now you are hooked and have made other think of doing it having read this!
Thanks Sharon
Like you I’ve never done a swap before but it sounds so much fun. I think I will have to join in the next one.
You won’t regret it Elaine,and thankyou for commenting.
It was a good swap Lyn and I’m glad you enjoyed it. What you made and received are lovely. Swap Mumma of #teamjacquie. Look forward to seeing your work in the next swap
Thanks Jacquie.