Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Fair and Square Refresher

Dear Members,
We've had a lot of new people wanting to join us in the Fair and Square Friendship Square Exchange. I get inquires about this board almost daily and most days two or more people asking questions about the exchange. Due to our popularity, I'd like to refresh us all NEW and OLD exchangers alike, as I've had questions from long time members as well about a few things.

1.) We may stitch on Evenweave or Linen (32 ct only); NO AIDA

2.) We can mail anytime during the 6 weeks of the round; during the 2 week "clean-up" time all squares should be mailed and hopefully received. IF you are going to be late in mailing, please e-mail your partner so that they are aware of the delay. IF you have not received your squares or have not heard from your partner by the deadline...e-mail Vonna.

3.) IF you do not follow through with a round it is cause for immediate termination from further exchanging. Sorry, but that's the way it goes...on any board that I'm aware of. LIFE does happen, and in these instances, if you let me and your partner know what is going on, I will work with you in getting the issue resolved.

4.) Communicate! This is called a "friendship exchange" talk to your partner, learn their likes, dislikes....maybe you'll meet someone that you can call "friend"

5.) Please post to the board when you mail, when you receive and post a picture of your squares. This helps me figure out where everyone is during the exchange, helps me track squares, and keeps us all legal with the rules. We're getting some better on this.....again, join another board, and you'll be asked to do the same thing...so it's not just me.

6.) A design should measure 50 x 50, this is a guideline...a few more stitches outside this parameter is fine, just make sure your square of linen has enough fabric left on all sides to finish it. Use your own good judgement.

7.) EXTRAS - are NOT required, a token - like something small from your country, a postcard, something handmade, a chocolate bar, a pack of needles, a chart from someone's wishlist...this is totally fine...but let's not get carried away here. If you want to send loads of extras, please know that you may not and in most instances will not receive a load of extras from you partner. I think a lot of time stitchers feel pressured to send lots of goodies to "keep up with the pack", I don't want this board to become one of those type of pressured experiences. What extras do you need besides fabulously stitched squares? Personally speaking, I think something that is stitched from the heart with emphasis put on the stitching is the best thing anyone could give to me...I don't need anything other than that. So please....let's just focus on our stitching...this IS - by the way - in the rules.

And again as in every post where I have to talk about business, it leaves me feeling like a royal meanie...this is not my intention, and I would hope that people that have issues would e-mail me to bring this to my attention. I want this board, as I'm sure Annemarie would agree with me, to focus on our stitching and getting to be "friends" with others around the world, I don't want the emphasis to be what others can buy for me. Let's face it - postage rates are large enough.....

I would appreciate either a reply to this post or an e-mail to me so that I know people have read this and are "on board" with the rules of this exchange. If this in anyway is confusing let me know or if you don't agree with it, then maybe this exchange is not for you. I would think a refresher reading of the rules would be a good thing for us all to do, the link to them is in the sidebar.

And to end on a positive note....I am totally and honestly astounded at all of the beautifully stitched squares...it is really a wonderful think to behold when someone posts their received squares...Thanks for making this a success!

As always, my appreciation,
Vonna

21 comments:

Amy said...

Read & understood! Thanks Vonna for all of your hard work, it's MUCH appreciated!! Hugs & happy stitching!

Unknown said...

Hi Vonna,
I think the rules are pretty clear & easy to follow. I love this exchange, thank you so much for putting it together & all the hard work you do to make sure it runs smoothly!

Terry said...

Very well put Vonna. You are definitely not a meanie :)...I agree about sending goodies, while we all love them, I am so happy with the beautiful squares I receive that nothing else is necessary, I love showing off the ones I have received so far!!!!!

Peg said...

Read the rules and am onboard with them. Thanks for all you do for this exchange. I really appreciate your time and effort to get us paired up and to send all the emails to each pair.
Thanks Vonna!

staci said...

Thanks for the rule refresher :) I have really enjoyed this exchange and love seeing all the wonderful squares that everyone stitches. I agree it's important that everyone be 'on the same page' so that everyone involved has a positive experience :) Thanks for all your hardwork Vonna and for keeping all the ducks in a row!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Vonna for the reminder about the rules..I am still new to this so helps me alot. I am looking forward to receiving a set of squares.....Thank you for organizing this....

Teresa said...

Vonna,

Read you loud and clear! I like the groups with firm rules the best, actually. We all know what's expected and no one get the short end of the stick (most of the time anyway). That's the not so fun part of being a coordinator. Haven't swapped at all since I decided to start college and miss the connections to other stitchers.

Staci and I have been emailing, which is fun. I'll finally get to start my squares when the last final is done. Hope she likes it.

Teresa

JillMN said...

I am a newbie to this exchange at round #4 and have read and understand the rules. I have already sent my squares and had alot of fun doing it. Thanks for all your work organizing this.

Hannah said...

I'm on board!

Margaret said...

There isn't a mean bone in your body Vonna. I completely understand what you mean and am in total agreement. You and Annemarie have oragnized an exchange which is so much fun. Thank you.

Cathy B said...

Hi Vonna -- I've read the rules and I'm on board. Thanks for all you do!

Unknown said...

I'v eread them and am totally on board with them! I really like this board, its loads of fun when I get to send and recieve such beautiful squares. :)

nadia said...

Dear Vonna,
I read the "refresh-rules" and I do agree with you. I'm going to join round 5 (for the first time) and I'm already looking forward to it. Thank you very much for organizing this great exchange!

Mel said...

Crystal Clear! Thanks for all the hard work you put into these exchanges!!!

Dani said...

Got it! BTW - it's nice to be reminded :)

Shelley said...

I read the refresher and am on board. Thanks, Vonna - please don't ever feel like a meanie when trying to keep the group running smoothly! Your hard work is appreciated. :)

Merry Christmas!
Shelley

Sonda said...

"Count" me in... I'm all "squared" away with the rules. (OK, feeling goofy...)LOL

Sonda in OR

Lin said...

LOL....Sonda!

Thanks for the refresher, Vonna!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you posted about the gifts, Vonna! I'm not stingy by any means but I kept seeing more & more gifts being sent, which deterred me from signing up again. If I wanted to trade "stuff", I'd be in a different type of exchange :)

A simple square stitched from the heart is all the gift I need.

Mama Joan said...

Vonna,

Letting you know I read your update on the exchange. Thanks for all your work on this exchange.

Joan

Marie said...

I have read and understand the rules :)
Thanks for all of your time and effort to coordinate this awesome group!