tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191854112024-03-08T14:46:13.483-08:00Secret Pal 7Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1145818671174120172006-04-23T11:48:00.000-07:002006-04-23T11:57:51.193-07:00Best Secret Pal ContestA big congratulations goes out to all of you who were nominated for being a Best Secret Pal! You went above and beyond and really made the exchange a special experience for your pals. As a thank you for such generous spoiling, the names of folks who were nominated were dropped into a hat and chosen at random. Here are the lucky winners...<br /><br /><ol><li>Andi at <a href="http://hookedonstring.blogspot.com">http://hookedonstring.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Gwen at <a href="http://www.DaisyDo.com">www.DaisyDo.com</a> </li><li>Stephanie at <a href="http://stephknits.blogspot.com">http://stephknits.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Marjorie at <a href="http://fiberartsafloat.blogspot.com">http://fiberartsafloat.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Sarah at <a href="http://stickchicky.blogspot.com">http://stickchicky.blogspot.com</a> </li><li>Beverly at <a href="http://www.twofishknitting.blogspot.com">www.twofishknitting.blogspot.com</a></li><li>Kristin at <a href="http://www.knitonequilttoo.typepad.com/">http://www.knitonequilttoo.typepad.com/</a></li><li>Anna at <a href="http://annasyarnmansion.blogspot.com">http://annasyarnmansion.blogspot.com</a></li></ol><br />If you are a winner, a little special something chosen just for you will be headed your way very soon! Thanks to everyone for making this exchange such a success!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1144947604167982602006-04-13T09:53:00.000-07:002006-04-14T10:41:10.946-07:00Wrapping Up SP7Hi everyone! Just a post to let you know we are currently working on wrapping up SP7. <br /><br />1. Best Secret Pal Contest - Over 10% of you nominated your pal for the best spoiler award! We have decided to draw several names from the group of nominations and spread the love (and prizes!). We will be posting the winners here in the next few days.<br /><br />2. On the flip side, we are also working on assigning angels to a few of you. Thanks to all of you who volunteered to step in and be an angel - we might be contacting you very soon!<br /><br />We hope everyone enjoyed SP7 - we had a lot of fun as your hostesses! Signups for SP8 are happening right now at <a href="http://secretpal8.blogspot.com">www.secretpal8.blogspot.com</a> - check it out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1143818548637632612006-03-31T07:07:00.000-08:002006-03-31T07:22:28.666-08:00Last Day!!Hi Everyone,<br /><br />It is the last day of Secret Pal 7. We would like to Thank you all for joining and having a great time over the last 3 months.<br /><br /><strong>If you have yet to send out your last package, please do so immediately and please, please let the person your spoiling, as well as your hostess know of the delay. </strong>We really don't want SP7 to end on a sour note.<br /><br />Take care everyone and hope to see you in SP8. Sign ups begin tomorrow, April 1st(I'm not joking). <br /><br />If you have any questions or concerns(ie: MIA pal, etc) please contact your hostess or email the main hostesses email at: sp7hostesses at yahoo dot com<br /><br />Thanks everyone, happy knitting/crocheting/spinning.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1143486582734718822006-03-27T11:01:00.000-08:002006-03-27T11:10:01.970-08:00Secret Pal 8There are just a few days left of Secret Pal 7! Please make sure to get your last package in the mail ASAP!!!<br /><br />If you've had a blast with SP7, SP8 is just around the corner! Check out the SP8 blog for info at: <a href= "http://secretpal8.blogspot.com">http://secretpal8.blogspot.com</a>! Sign up's start April 1st!!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1140189331938493932006-02-17T07:11:00.000-08:002006-02-17T07:15:31.960-08:00A call for hostesses:Hi everyone!<br /><br />I hope you're really enjoying your SP7 experience. I know I'm having a blast! <br /><br />I know we've still got 6 weeks left of SP7, but we're already getting a lot of questions about when SP8 will begin. To address this, it's time to start planning! If you've enjoyed SP7, and think you would like to help hostess SP8, let us know! Send an e-mail to sp7hostesses@yahoo.com with "I want to be a hostess for SP8" in the subject line. <br /><br />Please note that this is just a call for hostesses. As SP8 actually gets planned, we will post more information here, and to the SP8 blog (which we will also publish after we've developed it). <br /><br />Please continue having fun spoiling your pal! There are still 6 weeks to go, so don't stop now! Keep in touch with your pal, and if you are running short of ideas, e-mail your hostess who I'm sure would be happy too help you out.Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1139941866458010732006-02-14T10:26:00.000-08:002006-02-14T10:31:06.473-08:00Another Terrific Discount!!<a href="http://www.bopeepswoolshop.com/">Bo Peep's Wool Shop</a> will give 15% off regular priced items to SP7 particpants. The Shop will ship the items directly to your Secret Pal (they ship to US including Alaska and Hawaii as well as Canada and most European countries).<br /><br />Please enter the code SP7 for the discount. The discount is valid on regular priced items only. Bo Peep's Wool Shop is having a sale right now so the discount would not apply until after the sale on February 15. Happy Shopping!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1139165505701755662006-02-05T10:46:00.000-08:002006-02-05T10:52:41.826-08:00Special Offer Time!<div align="left">Here's another terrific discount from one of our own participants for you to take advantage of! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=9934">Cafe Crafty</a>, which sells blank journals made with vintage bingo cards, is offering 15% off on any sale for SP7 participants. Just mention SP7 when you purchase, and Cafe Crafty will also wrap your purchase in stripey or polka dot tissue and mail to your secret pal. Check it out!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1138923227380900232006-02-02T15:27:00.000-08:002006-02-02T15:37:23.286-08:00More offers!!Check out these two new offers from our own participants! <br /><br />Katie, from <a href= "http://katiesknitknat.etsy.com">Katie's Knit Knat</a> is offering a 10% discount to SP7 participants! All you have to do is mention SP7 when you order, and she'll be happy to ship your order to your pal, with a special note included!<br /><br />And Marie from <a href= "http://bklynhandspunyarnsales.blogspot.com">Brooklyn Handspun</a> is offering 10% on her yarns as well. She mostly offers hand dyed sock yarn, but has some handspun as well. Just mention her SP7 discount when ordering. She will also ship directly to your pal!<br /><br />Thanks!!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1138662968916663992006-01-30T15:14:00.000-08:002006-01-30T15:17:01.240-08:00yet another offer!A new store, <a href="http://shelbyB.etsy.com">Stitch Markers and Cards</a> is offering a 10% discount and free shipping to all SP7 participants! Check it out. It's new, and many more items will be added through out the week.Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1138661988074004012006-01-30T14:48:00.000-08:002006-01-30T14:59:48.090-08:00Another Sweet Offer!Angela, from <a href="http://www.materialwhirled.com/index.html">Material Whirled</a>, is offering a bonus to SP7 participants, 10% discount and free snazzy gift wrapping thru March 31, 2006 on her handspun yarn. Check it out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1137863730774064822006-01-21T09:09:00.000-08:002006-01-23T11:50:26.176-08:00More discounts!I hope everyone is having fun figuring out how to spoil their pals! Here are two more discounts that were recently added to our list!<br /><br />Katie, over at <a href="http://pinksheep.etsy.com">Pink Sheep Stitchmarkers </a>is offering free shipping on her adorable sheep stitch markers!<br /><br />Susie at <a href="http://www.toknitperchancetodream.net">Perchance To Knit</a> is offering your choice of either a 15% discount (you pay shipping) or a 10% discount (free shipping) on her gorgeous handspun yarn. Check out her post from January 18th for the details!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1137625246939395912006-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:002006-01-18T15:00:46.953-08:00More Special Discounts!We've got a couple of new special discount offers for participants of Secret Pal 7 (see sidebar for all available discounts). Thank you to the owners for extending their generous offers! Have fun shopping!<br /><br /><a href="http://deniseknits.typepad.com/markers/">Denise Knits! Beaded Stitch Markers</a> - 10% discount to participants of SP7. Additional details are available on Denise's blog.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gracieco.com/">Gracie & Company</a> - 10% discount on all wooden knitting needle orders until March 31, 2006. Note promotion code SP7disc10 with your order. Free gift wrapping available.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1137339314273865582006-01-15T07:22:00.000-08:002006-01-15T07:35:14.286-08:00Got A Match?By now everyone should have received their pals information. If you haven't been contacted by a hostess with the name of the person you will be spoiling please write to us at <a href="mailto:sp7hostesses@yahoo.com">sp7hostesses@yahoo.com</a> so we can get your match out to you. It's much easier to find your information through the email account than from the information left when you post a comment to the blog. We know you're all excited to get started and this will help us to get your information to you much more quickly. :-)<br /><br />If you have received your pals information and haven't dropped them a note to let them know you're out there please do it now. If you've received a note from the pal who will be spoiling you please respond to let them know you got their message. We have lots of worried pals out there because they haven't heard from their spoiler/spoilee.<br /><br />Have a great time playing and let us know if we can be of any help!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1137027146253851582006-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:002006-01-11T16:52:26.273-08:00On your marks...So we're just about to get started with Secret Pal 7! Before we begin, I want to make sure everyone re-reads the rules and makes sure they are still committed to the exchange. If you decide that you would like to withdraw from SP7, contact your hostess immediately so we can substitute in an angel for you. The sooner we find out, the better- and you don't need to give a reason unless you'd like to. If you decide to bail and don't inform your hostess, you will be blacklisted- which means you cannot participate in ANY exchange now that there is a Universal Banned list (that means Knitters Review SP, and Scarf Exchanges and the like all have the same list). <br /><br />SP7 Questionnaires need to be posted by Friday, which is the day SP7 starts officially. Please post the questions and answers in a place on your blog that is easily accessable. Also, Secret Pal is a blog-based exchange. In order for your spoiler to pick gifts they think you will like, you need to update your blog! Try to do this at least once a week if possible, the few minutes it takes to post something, even if it's just a "not much is going on" post, will keep your pal from worrying that you've bailed on them. If you will be out of touch for a while (on vacation, or busy), please let your pal know, especially if you'll be out of e-mail contact. <br /><br />And on a final note, make sure to have fun! Spoil your pals rotten, send lots of post cards, letters, cards, e-cards, and gifts! Treat your pal as you'd like to be treated, and we will have fun all around. And remember, if you need your hostesses, we are just an e-mail away!!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1137026029778664722006-01-11T16:05:00.000-08:002006-01-11T16:33:49.790-08:00Special DiscountsWe've had several offers from some great online stores for special discounts for participants of Secret Pal 7. Although I am not in any way affiliated with The Knitter or Knitting Zone, I have shopped with them both and have had great experiences. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the owners for extending their generous offers and also pass along the information to all of you. Have fun shopping!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theknitter.com/">TheKnitter.com</a> - 10% discount by entering <strong>SP7</strong> at checkout. Free ground shipping on all US and Canada orders.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.knittingzone.com/">The KnittingZone</a> - 10% discount by entering <strong>secretpal</strong> at checkout. Shipping is free on qualifying US orders of $50 and over. Frequent buyers club with no expiration date and no cost to join.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.purlescence.co.uk/cgi-bin/ccp51/cp-app.cgi">Purlescence</a> - 10% discount by entering <strong>secret7</strong> at checkout.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1136955013250242992006-01-10T20:38:00.000-08:002006-01-11T06:53:40.466-08:00Button Contest WinnerI tried really hard to think of a really clever title for this post but I've got nothing. So without further ado I give you the winner of the button contest...<br /><br /><a href="http://soccerchic-knits.blogspot.com/">Sarah Brown</a><br /><br />Congratulations to Sarah and thank you to everyone who took the time to create such awesome buttons for this round of Secret Pal!<br /><br />EDIT: By popular demand, here are Sarah's two button contributions. And just so you know, winners are chosen in a random drawing with as many entries as buttons they submitted. We received so many creative buttons, picking by talent would be impossible! :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7240/938/1600/sarahbrown_sp7.0.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7240/938/320/sarahbrown_sp7.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7240/938/1600/sarahbrownsp_7b.0.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7240/938/320/sarahbrownsp_7b.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1136822938366059662006-01-09T08:07:00.000-08:002006-01-09T14:06:50.370-08:00Comments.Hi everyone! The hostesses are working hard on getting everyone matched up, and they should be out by friday the 13th! <br /><br />I want to mention that we are now requiring that all comments have a name. If they are listed as anonymous, they will be deleted. If you have something to say, please use your name.Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1136673641312451672006-01-07T14:22:00.000-08:002006-01-07T14:40:41.333-08:00QuestionnaireHere it is folks...the moment you've probably all been waiting for. The official SP7 Questionnaire. OK, I realize it's not THE moment. :-) But it's almost as exciting as receiving your pal. Right? Right? Have fun with it and be sure to get it posted to your blog in a timely manner as your pals will be dying to find out about you. Also, please be sure to post your answers in a place where they can be easily found.<br /><br />1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?<br /><br />2. Do you spin? Crochet?<br /><br />3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?<br /><br />4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?<br /><br />5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?<br /><br />6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)<br /><br />7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?<br /><br />8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?<br /><br />9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)<br /><br />10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?<br /><br />11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?<br /><br />12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?<br /><br />13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?<br /><br />14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?<br /><br />15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?<br /><br />16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?<br /><br />17. What are you knitting right now?<br /><br />18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?<br /><br />19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?<br /><br />20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?<br /><br />21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?<br /><br />22. How did you learn to knit?<br /><br />23. How old is your oldest UFO?<br /><br />24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?<br /><br />25. What is your favorite holiday?<br /><br />26. Is there anything that you collect?<br /><br />27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?<br /><br />28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?<br /><br />29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?<br /><br />30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?<br /><br />31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1136570780295293182006-01-06T10:02:00.000-08:002006-01-06T10:06:20.306-08:00Check please!Could all of the participants please check our participants site and make sure that your blog is on there correctly? When entering the name of the blog, we used the name at the top of the blog. Please e-mail the hostesses at sp7hostesses@yahoo.com ONLY if your name is missing, and put "blog missing" in the subject line. Otherwise we will assume that you are on the list.<br />Thanks!!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1136449606414257252006-01-05T00:02:00.000-08:002006-01-05T00:26:46.430-08:00SP7 Odds and EndsWell folks, looks like signups for SP7 are complete!! Just thought I'd toss out some totally trivial facts about our group:<br /><ol><li>Almost 25% of participants live outside the United States. In all, there are participants from over 20 different countries.</li><li>Of those participants who live in the US, the largest number call California home. Folks in the Big Apple (NY) are fiber fanatics, too, coming in a close second.</li><li>The runaway winner for most popular hobby: Reading. Most interesting hobby: I don't think I'll touch this one - there were so many! Share them with your pals....</li><li>Over 75% of participants have a pet. And all kinds of animals share our homes - cats, dogs, llamas, birds, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, bunnies, chinchillas, and even a corn snake.</li></ol><p>All in all, we're a pretty diverse group, yet similar nonetheless. We've all come together in sharing our love for fiber arts with a soon-to-be-named new friend. We'll be posting the SP7 questionnaire soon. Although it is similar to the questionnaire for SP6, we've added some new questions, so please make sure your answers are complete. Questionnaire responses should be posted on your blog for your pal to peruse - if your blog isn't open to public viewing, you'll need to create a version that is open for this exchange. Also, please try to keep your blog current - remember, your blog is the best way for your pal to learn more about you.</p><p>Thanks for all of your enthusiasm and encouragement as we embark upon Secret Pal 7. Matchups will be coming soon, so keep an eye out for an email from us with information on your pal. We're looking forward to a great round!</p><p>Heather</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1135779411337965152005-12-28T06:12:00.000-08:002005-12-28T10:32:33.726-08:00Just one more week to go!!!Hi everyone! This is a reminder that there is just one more week to sign up for round 7 of Secret Pal!! The deadline is Midnight on January 4, 2006. We will not accept any signups after that. Please make sure to include all of the information listed in the rules below. E-mail us at sp7hostesses@yahoo.com with SP7 Signup in the subject line, and you'll be entered to participate.<br /><br />Also, the button contest is up in just 2 days! If you'd like to design a button, e-mail it to sp7hostesses@yahoo.com with "button" in the subject line. We must receive these by 12 midnight on Friday, Dec 30th. Winner will be selected shortly after by pooling all entries and chosing one out of a hat. Thanks for all of the entries so far and we look forward to seeing more!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1135458077824324452005-12-24T12:59:00.000-08:002005-12-26T12:46:41.996-08:00Happy Holidays!!Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, we hope you and your families all have a wonderful holiday!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1135192934318704942005-12-21T11:21:00.000-08:002005-12-21T11:22:14.320-08:00tips for using your anonymous email addressIn the last round of secret pal, my pal accidentally included her "real name" in what should have been anonymous email. While it didn't spoil my experience, it did make me realize that some people might need help configuring an account to be anonymous.<br /><br />Tips:<br /><br />1. If you'd like an invitation to gmail, send an email to knitting secret pal 6 at gmail dot com (my previous anon email address). Just leave out the space and use @.com at the end.<br /><br />2. When you sign up with most free acounts (hotmail, gmail, yahoo, etc) your "real" name is required. However, this is seperate from configuring the name that will show when you send email. You can usually change this via an "options" panel in the web based email client. If you have trouble with this, you can use the contact form on my blog to ask a specific question...just let me know which free account you're using. <br /><br />3. It is helpful to configure your mail client (eudora, outlook express, outlook) to check your anonymous email account. You can also use your usual email interface to send email from your anonymous address...most of the free account now support "pop3" access which means you can use your mail client to check and send that account. Look in the help secion or search help for "configure mail client" or "pop3 access".<br /><br />4. When you configure your email client, again make sure to protect your name. For example when configuring my gmail account for this round in Outlook, where it says "name" I entered "secret pal" you could put betty boop, elvis presley or whatever...just make sure it's not your real name.<br /><br />5. If you have any doubt as to whether your name will show or not, use the anon account to send an email to your main email address. You'll get to see it exactly as your future pal willCherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13811341252074675402noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1133793527752425792005-12-05T06:29:00.000-08:002005-12-11T12:54:29.920-08:00<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">The rules!!!</span><br /><br />Here's what you've all been waiting for!<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Deadline to sign up: January 4, 2006<br /></span>Matches will be Distributed: On or before January 13, 2006<br />Secret Pal 7 Dates: January 13 - March 31, 2006<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Who is this for?</span><br />Knitters and crocheters only please.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">International Participation<br /></span>This SP event is based in the United States - the term<br />"International" will refer to all participants outside of the U.S.<br /><br />Where ever you are - you are welcome to join!<br /><br />If you would prefer to send to a pal who is either in the same<br />country as you are OR on the same continent, please indicate<br />when you sign up. Unfortunately, with the number of<br />international participants we cannot guarantee that we can<br />accommodate this request, but we will try. If we can't match<br />you, we'll let you know and you can decide if you still<br />wish to participate.<br /><br />Finally, if you are able to communicate in any language other<br />than English, please let us know. We have a few people who<br />may be more comfortable corresponding in other languages.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Blog</span><br />Having a blog (or website) is mandatory for participating in<br />this program. This online journal is a great place for the SP<br />who is spoiling you to find out who you are and what you like<br />or dislike (do you like sweets? Are you allergic to specific<br />yarns?). It also provides a place for you to publicly thank<br />your SP when the packages start rolling in. Your blog<br />certainly doesn,t have to be a knitting blog, just somewhere<br />where your pal can find out about you.<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />Anonymous Email Address:</span><br />You must set up an anonymous email address such as the<br />free ones from Hotmail or Yahoo so that you can contact<br />and be contacted by your SP buddies anonymously to find out<br />more information about preferences. Make sure to check the<br />account regularly; you might consider having that account's<br />mail forwarded to your regular account so you don't miss<br />anything. If you do this, though, don't forget to reply from<br />the anonymous account!<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Minimum contribution:</span><br />$50 in US dollars over the course of three months. This can<br />include the value of your time if you make something, and it<br />can also include any postage costs. Establishing this amount<br />should make it clear to all what a fair commitment should<br />be, and no one should expect more, or less. $50 over three<br />months is just $16.67 a month; if you feel this is too much<br />or not enough, We're sorry, this is not for you.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">NEW for SP7: </span><br />We are adding a mandatory letter to the contribution.<br />There is just something exciting about opening the mailbox<br />to find a snail mail letter! Sending one card, letter or<br />post card is required during the three month duration of SP7.<span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Your Pal</span><br />Once you have been assigned a secret pal, please send them<br />a quick note to say hello (from your anonymous email<br />address) so they know they've been paired. Keep in mind<br />that the fun of a Secret Pal event is to meet and get to<br />know a random person who shares a common interest with<br />you (knitting and/or crochet). There is a method to the<br />madness of matching up all the participants, and you only<br />get one match. Complaints about your secret pal of the<br />"I'd rather not have a pal who " nature are a quick way<br />to have yourself removed from the event. If you feel you<br />have a valid reason to request a rematch, email away...<br />just know that you cannot pick and chose your secret pal<br />and we will not hesitate to remove anyone who appears<br />to be missing the point of a Secret Pal exchange.<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />What to give?</span><br />Knitting and crochet-related items are great but not the<br />only thing. If you've been following any web sites whose<br />authors were in other Secret Pal programs, you'll know that<br />people gave special bars of soap, cards, candy, and other<br />nice treats to their pals. Just remember that not everyone<br />likes to crochet, and not everybody spins...that's why it is<br />a good idea to get to know your secret pal a little bit by<br />reading his/herblog or sending a few questions by email.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Number or frequency of gifts, mailings, etc.:<br /></span>You must make contact with the person you are spoiling at<br />the beginning of each SP7 month - let them know they have a<br />pal, and let them know you're still around with an email to<br />touch base at the beginning of each month (Jan, Feb, Mar)!<br />It is required that you send your secret pal at least one<br />something per month of the event. This must include at least<br />one piece of "snail" mail (a letter or post card), and one<br />package. If you'd like, you can send one package a month to<br />spread out the gifts, or one big package at the end. If you<br />just send one package, make sure to let your pal know your<br />plans so they don't feel abandoned.<br /><br />Remember to use your anonymous email when contacting<br />them. If you are going to be out of contact for a<br />while - let your pal know. It's an awkward situation<br />when you think your pal may have forgotten about you.<br />You can also use Hallmark (or countless others) to send<br />free e-cards as often as you like. Remember to treat<br />your pal as you would like to be treated.<br /><br />Also, please be sure to keep in touch with the secret pal<br />who is spoiling you. A quick email to let them know you got<br />the package will ease their mind as to whether or not it got<br />lost in the mail. Part of the fun of Secret Pal is the joy<br />of giving, and that includes knowing your gift was received.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">If...</span><br />Stuff happens. So - if for some reason you are unable to<br />follow thru with your responsibility with the program -<br />please do not hesitate to let us know.<br /><br />If you find you cannot participate, you must let us know<br />ASAP so that we can find a replacement. If after a reasonable<br />amount of time, if you can't come up with a good excuse for<br />failure to hold up your end of the bargain on the Secret Pal 7,<br />you will be replaced and your name will be passed on as<br />blacklisted for hostesses of future SP programs.<br /><br />If you have not received any word or package from the SP<br />who is to be spoiling you, please let US know instead of<br />using your blog to blast that individual.<br /><br />Let us know, we will try to find out what happened to your<br />pal and if they have flaked out, we will get you a replacement.<br /><br />If someone does fail to participate as they agreed, we will<br />remove their name from the participation list and replace<br />them with someone else. This means that we will need a list<br />of "angels" who are willing to jump in as replacements. As a<br />replacement, you might come in after a package has been<br />sent to the person you are replacing. This means you might<br />not get 100% of the packages you normally would receive.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold"><br />Final Note</span><br />And it's important!<br /><br />Please keep in mind that we are *volunteering* our time to<br />run this event. We have all participated in past Secret Pal<br />events and know how much fun they can be and wanted to<br />help continue the tradition - but it does take a lot of time<br />and effort. While we're perfectly open to constructive<br />criticism if you think something is a bit amiss, and we will<br />gladly respond to any civil and respectful queries, please<br />check your attitude at the door. Thank you.<br /><br />Once you have agreed to these terms... and we will assume<br />that you have agreed. Send us an email to:<br /><br /><a href="mailto:sp7hostesses@yahoo.com">sp7hostesses@yahoo.com</a><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">THIS INFORMATION MUST BE INCLUDED IN SIGN-UP E-MAIL</span><br />1) Your full name<br />2) Your main email address<br />3) Your mailing address<br />4) Your blog/website<br />5) Your anonymous email address that will be used to communicate to your SP buddies<br />6) Age Group (18 and under, 19-24, 25-34, 35-45, 45-60, over 60)<br />7) What are your hobbies/interests other than knitting/crochet<br />8) Would you prefer to send to a pal who is either in the same country as you are OR on the same continent<br />9) Do you like giving/receiving handmade gifts<br />10) Is your home smoke/pet-free? Do you have any allergies to pets or smoke?<br /><br />We look forward to hearing from you! Let the sign-ups begin!!Shelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19185411.post-1133447151942076972005-12-01T06:21:00.000-08:002005-12-01T12:04:03.010-08:00We have decided on a timeline for SP7! With the holidays rapidly approaching, we have taken this into consideration in our plans.<br />1. Sign-ups will begin some time next week, and we'll post on that as soon as we have all the rules/details sorted out.<br />2. Sign-ups will end on Jan 4, 2006.<br />3. Matches will be distributed on or before Jan 13, 2006.<br />4. SP7 will run from Jan 13-March 31, 2006.<br /><br />More information to follow!<br /><br />SP7 hostessesShelbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11618450893147930174noreply@blogger.com3