Tuula's square is away

Hi everyone,

First of all - Happy 2008!!

Tuula, just letting you know that your square is on it's way. I hope you like it:)

Karen

Carol!! They`re beautiful!!!

Carol ! I recieved my wonderful Dragon of Hope,(2005) square and the signature square in the mail today :) drool!!! I LOVE it! I actually have some of the hope dragons BUT not this one... and I have not yet finished the one I started... Such a great job!!! AND absolutely perfect for me....!!!
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
I also love the Mary Engelbreit card - Happy Winter...
and the chart Fire Dragon from Cross my Heart Inc. I actually had not even seen this one...
You are so sweet!
Happy New Years to all!
If I have not added my name to round 5 yet, I would like to... I think I have ... but I would hate to be mistaken
Carol... hope you love your squares... too!
Laura

Mary Kathryn

Your squares are in the mail :) I hope you enjoy them!

Vonna - can you sign me up for Round 5 please?

Thank You Nicky R!!!

Your wonderful squares arrived today and I love them!!! They are so beautifully stitched and the coordinating fabric and trims couldn't be more perfect! I had such a fun time exchanging with you, thank you :) Wishing you all the best in the new year :) {{Hugs}}

Chantal...

I've sent your squares to you today. Hope you have a Happy New Year!!

Vonna please sign me up for round #5!! Thanks.

Sonda in OR

AMY SC your squares were mailed this morning!

My last finish of 2007 :)
They are on their way and I hope you like them!
Happy New Year!

Introductions

Hi, just popping in to introduce myself:


I'm Clare, 50 year old mother of two one of each plus two cats! Married to Roger, working part time for the Post Office.


I have been stitching since 1988, and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge, and participating in this exchange with session 5.

Wishing all participants a happy and healthly New Year.

Clare
http://mrs-sew-and-sew.blogspot.com/

a newbie...

Well I want to introduce myself. I am Gaby from Germany, 40 years old, married with Michael and we have two boys, 10 and 4 years old. I love stitching, especially doing exchanges...you can see my stitching on my blog: http://einschiesstitchingblog.blogspot.com
I am trying to do it in two languages, German and English;-)
My first fair and square round is the fifth one and I hardly can´t wait to start with it.-))

A happy new year to all of you,
Gaby/Einschie

Mindi!

Thank you so much for the lovely F & S and the other gifts! You are so sweet! I am still working on yours but will have it mailed by the deadline! I am sorry I am so slow, but this has been a difficult month. I am not complaining, though, the blessings are much greater!

If you happened to take a picture of your square, can you post it? If not, I will try to get one taken and do it.

Happy holidays!
Louise

WILLEKE

Hi,

Your package is off to the Netherlands.

Hope it arrives promptly and safely.

Happy New Year.

Joan

Squares Received from Heidi

Thanks so much for the lovely squares. I love birds and you picked the perfect design. Your stitching is beautiful. Here is a picture of these great squares to share with you all.

Daffodil Run Displayed

I just wanted to show Wanda and everyone else how her lovely Fair and Square exchange square is being displayed. The square is Daffodil Run by Just Nan designs.

Here it sits inside of my curio cabinet with my teddy bears. It is mounted with foam board onto the lid of a small Sudberry box.
Here is a close up view of the lovely rabbits running around in a circle with daffodils in each corner and a daffodil charm in the center and little roses going around the center daffodil.
Here is Wanda's signature square on the inside of the lid.

Visit my blog here.

Thank You Terry

Thank you, Terry, for the wonderful square...even with the wrong year! I absolutely LOVE San-Man Originals and your choice is perfect! And, how did you know that I love scissors??? The perle cotton and ribbon are also appreciated. I think I know exactly what I'm going to do with the square that will make use of both the perle cotton and ribbon. Your stitching is beautiful and I'm extremely pleased with the square. What a wonderful first experience in this group!

Carol

Your package is on its way as well!
I took pictures of it last night - in case for
some reason you would like me to post them here
... When you recieve them, let me know!! I hope
you enjoy your package!
Laura

I've mailed your squares!

Hi Denise,

I've mailed your squares, hope you like what I've done for you!

I will pass on Round 5 this time, I've a SBBC member to stitch for! She has a Feb. birthday, so I've got to get started!

Donna

Ruth

Your squares are on their way to California. I hope they arrive safely and promptly.

And Vonna, please sign me up for Round #5.

Laura K.

Just wanted to let Paula C. know that I have sent off her squares to her yesterday from
Mobile, AL even though, I live in Georgia! We were there for the holidays. They should be in your hands before the new year!

Vonna, Sign me up for Round #5!
Thanks, Paula D

On the way to Laura..

Hi Laura - Keep an eye out - I posted your squares in the mail today!

~ Carol

Bountiful Delights

Wanda is so generous, what a wonderful exchange I have received this morning. It's 9:30 a.m. and the mail has already arrived for the day, here is what I found on my doorstep, not a large envelope but a box...from Wanda, what could be in it I wonder. I rush into my house with it to open it. I soon decide to document the entire process from the beginning so I take the box back outside after I already opened it and photograph it in the spot on my doorstep where the mail carrier left it for me this morning.

I open the box, I find carefully wrapped items in tissue and an envelope.
In the envelope is a beautiful card with Wanda's monogram on it, a very nice note was handwritten on the inside.
Here are the contents of the box before further exploration, everything is looking divine so far...
The theme is in yellow, burgandy and green colors. Some delectable candies and sweet candles for starters...

Another package of goodies to open... I see some wonderful beauties to discover...
Oh My! What lovely items Wanda has included in this package, I am blown away. First and foremost she is reading my blog, what a sweetie and saw that I adore and actually am in need of some Jobelyn fabric and she included 2 very nice and large pieces of Wichelt 28 count Jobelyn, I am in love with this fabric. Her theme colors are true throughout these gifts, the cutest little teddy bear pin (she read about my teddy bear collection no doubt), and yellow and burgandy ribbon and Tapestry Green silk variated threads from the Thread Gatherer, a lovely yellow themed chart called Sweet Nothings "A time to sing" with the sweetest little birds by JBW Designs, and a gorgeous hummingbird card (she discovered I like birds). And....drumroll....here is the main event...the square she stitched for me. It is just so lovely, one of my favorites. I just love bunnies and Just Nan designs this is just too much, she stitched me Daffodil Run and it is just lovely, I am delighted and blessed beyond measure with Wanda's thoughtfulness. This square will be going into a sudberry box and set on one of my livingroom shelves.
Here is the square Wanda stitched with her name and it matches the design, this is lovely too and will be set on the inside of the lid of my box.

Wanda did a tremendous job on this exchange and I am thoroughly pleased. Thank you so much Wanda!

Visit my blog here.

Karen D.

Hello Karen, Your squares will be in the mail for you this afternoon. Hope you had a great Christmas and are looking forward to a lovely 2008 filled with lots of time to stitch! Pam. E.

Becky K.

I am packaging your squares today and mailing them....so they should reach you soon! Hope you like them :)
~Vonna

Received from Chantal

Here are the lovely squares from Chantal! I like the winter-y look of them and they will be made into an ornament for next year's tree. Or maybe a little wallhanging...I will have to ponder. We get so little snow where I live (although a miraculous hour of flakes fell on Christmas day...) She also sent a LK flipit chart (more snowy stuff!) and the DMC threads for the project! Thank you very much.

Squares Received from Terry P.

I received a wonderful package in the mail today. One of my favorite things, a hedgehog, in my favorite colors. Thank you so much for the great squares, the wonderful goodies and the holiday wishes. I love it all!

Squares to Tracy

Tracy your squares are on the way. I mailed them yesterday the 26th.
Sign me up Vonna for the next round.

Mailed to Sue W.

Concerned that the package for Sue would get lost in the Christmas rush, especially traveling from Australia, I waited until today to send it. Sue, here is hoping that the package will reach you by next week. Had fun stitching for you. Please sign me up for the next round. Thanks, Kathy R.

ATTN: CHRISTINA :)

I'm done with the stitching on your squares and I just packed them away. I plan on going to the PO tomorrow to mail them off to you. I've never mailed anything to Sweden so I don't know how long it'll take to get to you but hopefully it won't take too long. Hope you like them :)

Vonna please sign me up for the next round!!! Thanks :)

Square Received from Lizzie - Round 3

I received my beautifil squares from Lizzie this week, along with some beautiful Six Strand Sweet Skeins. Thank you so much Lizzie!!! I love it. I will make it into something special over the Christmas holidays and post a pic when it's done.

Nicky to Staci

Staci your parcel has been mailed on Friday- it won't reach you before christmas but hopefully not too long after!
Christmas Wishes
Nicky

Jill F - your squares are

winging their way to you!!!! Hope you like them..

My Squares from Malinda ...

Malinda, thank you so much for stitching these squares for me! Don't you love them :) and she sent me DMC flosses in the same colors and some ribbon to help finish off my ornament. I just love every Malinda .. thank you very much! Oh and the chocolate was yummy too lol




My squares should be in the mail to you right after Christmas :)

Vonna, please sign me up for the next round.

Hugs, Michele

Hi, Vonna

Just a quick note to let you know that I read your update and appreciate all the time and effort you put into keeping the fun going in your exchange

Hi, Michele W.

Thank you for the lovely and unique Christmas Card. It is greatly appreciated. I wish you, and your family a very happy holiday, and I hope you can find lots of good`stitching time in the new year!!! Your friend in stitching, Pam England, Sask.

Sonda

your squares are on the way to you . I hope you like them .

Greetings
Chantal

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

don't know I'll be on line again before Xmas, so therefore want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy stitching 2008!

sandra barto, the netherlands

Squares received from Marg

i received some gorgous squares from Marg the other day, i wanted to post earlier but had comp problems. still looking for my digital camera, but promise to post a pic later.
Marg sent me a gorgeous heart (whitework?) and it's soo delicate. i will make it into a pinkeep.
thanks Marg!
also thank you for the goodies and the Xmas wishes.

Oh Neila, Senility has set in!

ummm, when you receive your squares you will find that I am in the twilight zone. I dated the piece 2004. Guess that teaches me to talk and stitch!! If you would drop that square back in the mail, I'll repair the date. I knew I was getting older, but had no idea my brain was becoming so addled. I am having a serious DUH day!

Squares from AmySC

Here's my lovely squares from AmySC! Aren't they lovely?! Of course it is a Shepherd's Bush sheep pattern called FA-LA-LA...I just love them and Amy your signature square is superior too! Amy tells me they are stitched in silks! LOVE them too! So now for the finishing...I have something in mind ;)
Thanks again Amy, they are beautifully done and "so" Vonna!

Vicki....

I mailed off oyur squares yesterday morning so be on the lookout! I hope you like them. :)

Time to stalk the mailman :-)

Pokua, I just got back from the post office and your squares are on the way. You can start trailing the mailman in 6-10 days.

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

Squares from Jill with picture

I received some absolutely beautiful squares and a fantastic package from Jill. Thank you so much I love the squares and the package was really wonderful and very generous. Thank you again.

Introduction - Shelley P.

Hi, everybody - I'm Shelley, I live near Detroit, MI, USA. I'm 41 (on Friday!) and live with my husband, 28, and son, 16. I've been stitching off and on for about 20 years. I have disappointingly little to show for it, to be honest, but I'm really working on getting more done. In 2007, I think I finished 6 or 7 things, which I was pretty happy about. (I'm ashamed - I envy those who have finished in the mid to high double digits. *laughs*)

While I haven't finished a ton of things, I *have* managed to collect a huge amount of stash, and some of my favorites are Lizzie Kate, Little House Needleworks, Just Nan - oh, I can't even list them all. :) I will use any evenweave or linen fabric, love hand-dyed fabrics, and all kinds of fibers.

I'm excited to complete my first round, and love exchanges as a way to make sure I get much-needed stitching time in on a regular basis. Looking forward to getting to know you all.

Introduction

Hello Fair and Square exchangers,
My name is Annemiek and I live in the Netherlands. I've been following this exchange blog for quite a while and decided to jump in next year. I am not sure yet what I'll do with the squares, but one thing I have in mind is to start a collection of pinkeeps. For which the squares would be great of course.

You can find most of my stitching life on my weblog:
http://dehandwerkboetiek.tripod.com/zijdensteken/

I look forward to receiving the name of my first exchange partner.
Annemiek

Neila, your squares

are packed and ready to mail tomorrow morning!!! I hope you like them :)..

Sandra TO Marg F.

At last my squares have arrived safely from Sandra in The Netherlands. I was a little worried as the parcel had been opened by the customs department.However they had put a note in the package to say nothing had been removed. A good reason why it took a little longer getting here. Sandra kindly sent me some tea bags and either the sniffer dogs thought they were of interest or perhaps the x ray machine made it look like something other than tea. Maybe the person operating the x ray machine was a stitcher and just wanted a closer look at Sandra's lovely stitching plus the extra fabric and threads I was receiving. Hope everyone enjoys the festive season and for those down south we are hoping it will not be too hot on Christmas day while those in the north try to stay warm.

Warm Wishes, Marg F.

Introduction - Danielle Hahn

I am Danielle Hahn, 33, single, living with boyfriend of five years and one dog. I am very excited to be a part of this group! I met Vonna through her blog and then found this blog. I love stitched exchanges. I have just become a convert to Vikki Clayton's silks and it's all I stitch with now. I either sold or gave away all of my DMC and other hand-dyed threads! Crazy, I know!

I only stitch on Jobelan and have recently become obsessed with quaker designs. I love all quaker designers, but my favorites are JBW Designs and The Workbasket. I also love Little House Needleworks, Country Cottage Needleworks, Lizzie Kate, and Casey Buonaugurio.

I will love anything that my partner stitches for me. The only colors I can think of that I do not like are browns, unless it's variegated. I love any variegated threads.

I plan on finishing the squares into lots of different smalls, needlebooks, pinkeeps, bourses, baskets, ornaments, you name it. I am new to finishing and I want to try everything!

I look forward to lots of great square exchanges with all of you.

Arrived from Las Vegas!

Here are my squares from Margaret....I just love them and I also love the pattern you sent me. I don't have that one

Received from Neila

Aren't these the cutest squares!! Neila did a fantastic job with them and I love them. She also sent me the cutest pen and notepads with it, great minds think alike, I had picked up some of the pads for an exchange I am in, and wanted to keep them. Thank you so much Neila. I love them!!!

From Stephanie to Annemarie, Round 4 - DEPARTED!

Annemarie, I have just come back from the Post Office and your squares are now on the way! I'm hoping they arrive before Christmas, but we'll just have to wait and see. Happy Christmas everyone!

Oh Vonna my dear.....

Your squares are going out in tomorrow's mail. I sure hope you will like them. :-) Sign me up for the next round please.
Merry Christmas!

Round #4 squares sent to Terry P.

Terry, your squares were mailed this morning and are on their way to you. You should receive them by the middle of next week.

Mail on its way to Louise!

Louise - your squares were mailed out this morning via Priority mail! They should get to you by middle of next week.

Vonna - please sign me up for Round 5!

Lizzy Its on Its Way!

Lizzy your parcel is now winging its way to you. Fingers crossed you'll get it before Christmas???

Michele WA

Your package was put in the mail today. I hope you like what I stitched for you :) Hopefully it won't take too long to get to you. Let me know when you receive it! Happy Holidays!!!

Laura K -- Wanna see your floss toss?

Sorry, I can't really show you what's done so far because it would be too much of a hint, but I had to show the flosses. Such a pretty/interesting pile, don't you think? I wonder what they'll make????? hee heee

Round 4 Square Sent to Terry

I have put my square in the mail to Terry today. Keep your eyes open! Now...what to stitch next?! (As if I'm short on stash...ROFL)

Vonna, can you please add me to the list for Round 5? Thanks.

Marg - # 4

Dear Marg.
thanks for your info. pls. keep me updated about my squares to you as well, round 4, as they were sent 22 Nov. and still nothing yet? seems to take forever this time of year. ...
happy stitching!

Round 4 Squares Received!

Last week, I received my Round #4 squares from Marie P. She stitched "Winter's Eve" by CCN. Aren't the squares lovely? I can't wait to turn these into a cube! She also included a fat quarter of fabric, a cute little angel ornie that I have hanging on my tree, some Christmas buttons, a skin of WDW floss, and an adorable tissue holder for your purse! Marie made the tissue holder herself. Thanks again, Marie!

Sandra - Your squares will be in the post to you today and I do hope they do not take too long to reach you or get caught up in all the Christmas mail. Mail to and from Australia seems to be taking longer to get here over the last couple of months. Looking forward to joining in the next round. Happy stitching - Marg - Melbourne

Round 4 squares received from Tracy

I received my squares from Tracy today. Thank you Tracy I love the Shepherd's Bush design you picked out for me. I will have to really think on how to finish them to show off your beautiful work. Thanks for all of the extra goodies you sent. Check out my blog I have some more photos to share of Tracy's lovely stitching.

Georgie - squares mailed today

Just got back from the post office Georgie and your squares are on their way. I loved incorporating the things you like into your square and hope you will like it too.

Vonna, please sign me up for Round 5.

Have a great weekend.

Round 3 from Peg

Well I finally got Peg's squares today. Thank you Peg I really like them. They remind me of fall. I have to put these in with my other rounds. Its hard not to do anything with them but I really want these all made into a quilt so I'll just pile them up into a box until I have enough.

To Heidi From Peg

Here are the squares that I sent off to Heidi. It's been over a week, almost 2 now since they were sent I just hope that they have arrived and she has just not had a chance to post about it. I was late in getting them mailed out due to life just getting in the way. Funny that I had them stitched way early and just didn't have time to get them mailed. Heidi if you don't receive them soon I will restitch and resend them to you. I used a freebie chart and some overdyed floss to have it look like fall.

Hello Everyone!

My name is Jen Regan. I am so excited about joining this group. I have been a stitcher for about 20 years. About 8 years ago though, I lost interest. I had not stitched in so long and had started scrapbooking as my creative outlet. Two years ago, I decided it was time to clear out some old crafting supplies and started sorting through my cross stitch patterns and fabric. There were a few I wanted to stitch and since I was now making more money and felt I could splurge on the "perfect" fabric I started stitching again, just to get rid of some things. Of course, I caught the stitching bug and have been stitching like a crazy woman for two years. I love the changes in the industry and love the variety of fabrics and fibers. So, needless to say, my stash that I was trying to reduce two years ago has now doubled or even tripled. Oh, well, at least I am happy.

Sent Square for round 4

I have mailed Wanda her square for round 4.

Hi there!

My name is Daniela and I live in a small village in the Czech republic. I work as a translator of comupter programs, but I am thinking about translating some book, it must be more fun :-) I live with my boyfriend, well do we have in our age "boy"friends, actually :-) We have no children, not yet. Eerh, I am 33 years old, love to stitch, to read books, to cook, to go for a walk or a hike. I re-started to stich again after many many years this spring, so there are just a few things I have made, since then. Two of them were for a breast cancer charity. I am curious about my future exchange partner here and am looking forward to stitch something nice for her/him.

Round #4 Nancy From Peg

Just received word that Nancy received my square for this round. It was a little bigger than the size alotted but I wanted it to be something Christmasy. Chart is from Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue. The designer is Graphs by Barbara & Cheryl, Inc. It's called Noel Sampler Ornament. I couldn't get the year to work out like in the original chart so I changed it to be Nancy's initials. It was a fun stitch and I might have to think about making one of them for myself one day.

Round #4 sent to Hannah

Just a quick post to say that I sent my Round #4 exchange off to Hannah today~ Hope you like it. :)

Round 3 Square Received From Jenn

These squares came from Jenn in Connecticut. Love how she did the geometric design on the diagonal.

Thanks for the lovely squares, Jenn.

Catch up Post for Round 2 Square Received

Dug out my camera today after Vonna's "chastising" of us for not posting. Sorry Vonna.

My round 2 partner was Dani and these are the lovely squares that she sent to me. She also included pretty pink flosses!

Thanks, Dani.