SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING TRIANGLES EXCHANGE

[Debbie W.]

A thought for all those who missed the deadline, MAYBE there's enough of you to start a second swap? This one started with no idea how many folks would join or how many HST's there would be, there's nothing to say a second swap wouldn't get as big or bigger! Someone's just got to step up like our fearless leaders did here. I wouldn't be surprised if there were folks who'd participate in two...
Florence

If another swap is organized while this one is still active, please make sure that there is no confusion on anyone's part about what they're supposed to do or who they need to communicate with for that particular swap. The exchanges need to be kept absolutely 100% completely separate. I would hate to start receiving HST's at the Sisterhood P.O. Box that weren't intended for the Sisterhood Exchange. :? :wink: :? :wink:

Debbie

[Debbie W.]

I want an E-ticket to this event! LOL!!! :lol:

Should we do a YouTube video??? LOL again and again and again!!! :lol:

Debbie

[Debbie W.]

I think when I do the sorting for the batiks exchange that I am going to try putting the baggies up on my design wall and then do assembly line. Hope it works otherwise DH may have to take the dogs and leave the house for a while to avoid the sounds coming out of my studio. LOL.

[Debbie W.]

HOW MANY HST'S FIT INTO A FLAT RATE BOX/ENVELOPE????

Thanks to Carol, who already sent me her 700 HST's, I was able to determine approximately how many HTS's will fit into the flat rate envelope and boxes. Carol had them sorted into lunch size baggies with 28 in each and she sent them in a medium sized box that did have room for maybe another 300 or so.

You may also want to consider adding another dollar or so for return postage in case the International exchange or postal rates increase, etc. With as many packages as we'll have to be shipping back, if we had to add extra postage on every one, Clara and I could be out a lot of moola.

Here's what I came up with:

A flat rate cardboard envelope (12-1/2" x 9-1/2") can hold approximately 308 HSTs. The Small Flat Rate Box (1-1/2" high x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2') will also hold about 308 HSTs. I kept the HST's in the eleven baggies they were already in and that filled up the box pretty well. If they weren't in individual baggies, but maybe only one or two, there should be enough room for 308 (eleven increments of 28 HSTs). Remember to pack them carefully so they don't get scrunched and wrinkled!

The above International smaller envelope and box to Canada/Mexico is $11.95 US and to all other countries, it is $13.95 US.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________-

The Medium Flat Rate Box (5-1/2" high x 11" x 8-1/2") should hold 700-1092 comfortably (remember increments of 28), but that size does cost significantly more Internationally. The cost to Canada/Mexico is $27.95 US and to all other countries, it is $45.50.

Here's the link to the U.S. Postal Service for International Flat Rate:
http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-international-prices.htm

Whatever size you decide to use, please make sure you include sufficient return postage. For those of you who aren't sending return envelopes, we will be getting some from the post office. I thought the boxes just folded together and stayed shut, but I just discovered they'll each have to be taped to keep them together!!! Needless to say, we'll use as many envelopes as we can.

Debbie

[Debbie W.]

Ladies,

Be sure to get the priority tape from the post office...I am pretty sure that it is free when using the priority boxes. That will save some cash that might be needed for your pizzas or margaritas later!

Brenda

[Debbie W.]

I received my HST papers this afternoon, that is the fastest delivery as I ordered on Tuesday. Thank you Edyta, now I can hardly wait for tomorrow to start playing.
Penny.

[Debbie W.]

I am still so excited just like everybody else is...And I think some videos of the sorting event would be absolutely wonderful too. How much fun is this!!!

[Debbie W.]

Just some thoughts/questions.... Last night when I was working on my triangles; I had a few that weren't perfect, so I kept those out. Do we have to mail them in increments of 28?

Also, I'm planning (and encourage others) to include a few 'extras'.. I'm imagining despite the most careful counting there will be a few miscounts, and that will help with any shortage. I think our wonderful volunteers should keep these and deserve a few extra too!!

Just my two cents; I'm so excited about this exchange. My husband keeps asking what the count is up to!! That's really something from him! lol

I'm sorry if this info has already been posted, I'm having trouble keeping up with the posts!!

Melodee
Eagle Creek, Oregon

[Debbie W.]

Ladies,

Be sure to get the priority tape from the post office...I am pretty sure that it is free when using the priority boxes. That will save some cash that might be needed for your pizzas or margaritas later!

Brenda

I had no idea the tape would be free...thanks for that valuable suggestion, Brenda.

[Joanne K.]

I just ordered the HST paper from Edytas sight. Lots of fun!!

[joanne m.]

I had printed out enough sheets from the BOM for 2010, but ordered them from Edyta too just to be able to tell the difference. WOW! Her papers are much better than computer paper. I didn't stick myself with one pin because it's so much thnner and so much more flexible. I think it will tear off easier also, although, if your stitches are small enough, they're easy to tear off to begin with.

I also timed myself to see how long it takes to make 28, from ironing the fabric together to getting the cutting done. I believe the cutting takes the longest, but it still only took 1 minute per half-square triangle to be completed. Not bad.

Joanne

[joanne m.]

I get a headache just TRYING to figure out how you're going to sort these! After all is said and done, please post how in the name of heaven you got it done!!!!!!!! What a process. Thank you for taking this on for us!!!

Clara and I are aleady getting headaches just trying to figure out the best approach and I've only received one box of HST's so far...only 614 more to receive and store somewhere in my house!!! If we're still sane after April, we'll let you know what the process was and we do plan on documenting it with photos.

Debbie

I don't have a headache, I'm relishing the world of denial and that this will go so smooth like a waltz. Wait, I don't know how to dance. Actually I have a pretty good idea and I'm not really that stressed over it. My energy is going into wonder. I wonder what I'm going to make with mine? I wonder how many I'm going to make? I wonder what all the other quilts will look like? Clara

[joanne m.]

I am still so excited just like everybody else is...And I think some videos of the sorting event would be absolutely wonderful too. How much fun is this!!!

That could be funny. I'll remember to bring my video camera too. Clara :lol: :lol:

[joanne m.]

I am still so excited just like everybody else is...And I think some videos of the sorting event would be absolutely wonderful too. How much fun is this!!!

Future TQS episode, or at least segment??? :lol:

[joanne m.]

Do we need to let someone know how many sets of 28 we'll be sending in? Also, I know we're supposed to leave the paper on, but I don't know if we're supposed to open each HST and press it before mailing. I just watched the Edyta Episode and I'm really excited now. I'd love to try her pattern using the diamond template too!