I've made a couple of changes on the blog, if you haven't noticed, including changing up the name to "The Apronista Swaps" (but the URL is the same). I've been running the Apronista for the past year and am trying to align everything up so I'm not so scattered (good luck, right?!). Plus, I really enjoyed our non-apron swaps like the Table Runner and Secret Santa so wanted to broadening the swapping possibilities.
My original plan was to start up a spring-time swap for either another table runner or something else domestic BUT I'm troubled about our last swap. I had so many gals who either mailed SUPER late or not at all AND either didn't answer my emails any more or did email but lied about their packages. I'm quite unsettled and a bit discouraged, to be frank. This would be my fifth year running swaps but I don't know if I can do it again. There's a lot of time, energy, and money involved in hosting/angeling swaps, even when everyone follows the rules.
Just wanted to put out an update. Still thinking about you all, just trying to gather the energy to decide what's next. In the meantime, I'm setting up a few fun things over at the Apronista so I hope you'll visit me there, too. I really appreciate it when you comment on my posts or if you enter a giveaway so my sponsors know that I really DO have readers. =) Plus, who doesn't like to win cute stuff??
Much love,
Shawnee the Apronist
I hope you get it all worked out. I don't always participate in the swaps but always check the updates. I've gotten some really cool ideas from the posts!
ReplyDeleteJust found you a moment too late around Christmas - I would love to be in the spring swap (should there be one)!! How do I get on the list?
ReplyDeleteGrrrrrr I hope those ladies get their bums in gear! I was waiting to play this round since I couldnt on the last two!
ReplyDeleteI'm so bummed!! Always the bad apples who ruin it for the rest of us fuitcakes. I can imagine that a swap is a lot of work. If there is anything that I could do to lessen the burden of the swaps I am more than willing to help.
ReplyDeleteI was about to join for the first time...then had such a high risk pregnancy that I didn't want to participate with all the issues going on because I never knew if I was going to be hospitalized, have the baby too early or what have you.
ReplyDeleteI hope you continue them, but I also understand why you wouldn't, and I would even understand not letting newbies join.
That makes me sad. I love your swaps and hope you will host again.
ReplyDeleteI'm in if you get it worked out.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a tea cozy swap ?
Is there some way someone else can help?
Oh dear - that makes me sad!!!!
ReplyDeleteShawnee, if there's any way to lighten your load, I'd be more than happy to help.
Now, to THOSE girls - let's all play nicely .... our swap host does it out of the sweetness of her heart -let's not ruin it for her any everyone else.
Oh gee! Why can't people play nice! I mean, everyone has something come up every now and then, but the key is 'communication'. Let the swap administrator know what's going on and also to tell the truth! I hate that a few bad apples have done this.
ReplyDeleteI loved all the swaps and especially the table runner swap. I hope you will reconsider!!!
I have to confess that I am one of the bad girls. My husband was admitted to ICU when we were traveling and everything else just went out of my mind. I am so sorry and I promise to be a good girl during the next swap.
ReplyDeleteSorry Shawnee! Do you think it was because of timing? Christmas and all the extra things everyone has to do. Don't be discouraged.:)
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone should be given a second chance, if they keep the communication lines open!! What ever you decide Shawnee, I am sure you will make the right choice. I would offer to help you, but I am not very computer literate, getting better, but not anywhere close to your capabilities.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed the Secret Santa Swap, and would like again to be in a swap hosted by you.
I'm so sorry this last swap was so problematic. I LOVED the two swaps I participated in with you and was looking forward to more. But I totally understand if you choose not to host anymore. BTW - I have a little something for you Shawnee, I saw it and couldn't resist. Just trying to decide if I should send it to you as is or make something out of it...
ReplyDeleteShawnee, I missed participating in the last swap, had been in the hospital and was recovering.would love to be in a spring swap if you should decide to have one! I am so sorry you had so many deadbeats..I will stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteBarb
Oh Shawnee I understand how you must feel. And I do admit this last swap left a really bad taste in my mouth. The nerve of flakers. To me there is no excuse. If you can't participate then don't join. You don't accept a package and not send one in return. But enough venting, I just want you to know all your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. I appreciate all you do in running these swaps. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteThis is unfortunately becoming more and more the norm rather than the exception. A friend told me she had stopped doing swaps because the two swaps she participated in had ladies sending items made from cheap fabric, poorly measured, and not the quality she had put into the items she made. I'm in my 3rd swap and I've been very pleased. So hope you will reconsider and possibly have swappers sign some kind of honor code. It's not binding but putting your name on a promise seems to bring out the best in folks.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Gmama Jane
I feel for you. I participated in some swaps and was sorely disappointed by the lack of workmanship on the projects. I didn't want to be judgmental, but some of the work was obviously just thrown together. Another swap my partner made me wait an entire month after the deadline before she sent mine. I gave up doing blind swaps and only do them now with people I know or know to have good reputations with them.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame everyone can't play nice in the sandbox. But, good for you for doing this for others, you've made alot of people happy!
As always, some who don't follow rules ruin it for others. But mostly, it's ruined it for you. I've only been doing the swaps for about a year, but truly enjoy them. I'm sorry because I know how much time and effort is put in to swapping. With all we have in our lives, we take time to make a nice package .. and it's just one person we are swapping with. YOU .. have the entire group to organize, angel etc. So, yes, it's alot of work. Have you thought about having some officers .. people you can trust to host some of the swaps you have? Just a thought. I didn't do the Santa Swap .. too much with family illness at the holidays but I was looking forward to something this year. Either way .. just know there are those of us who truly appreciate all you have done and appreciate the time and work put in by our fellow swappers on our packages.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about all the problems. Love to do another one if you decide to host again.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Shawnee, I noticed Aunt Pitty had the same issues this past year. I love your swaps. Maybe opening up your swaps to those of us who have joined in the past and are true to our word. Or maybe have participated in 3 or more swaps. Or can get a reference from another swap site? The swap community is getting so large I believe people are just getting in them so they can steal the hard work from others and claim it or sell it as their own! I would pretty much think if they say they are doing something making something or take something and don't send something out that is internet fraud and the FBI will jump on it in a heart beat!
ReplyDeleteIf no swap, at least stop by and join my giveaway this month:
ReplyDeletehttp://quiltingranny.blogspot.com/2012/02/we-are-not-moving-giveaway.html
exactly why I am not hosting them anymore.....I had ladies change themes with each other and agree to change deadlines...and then still didn't send on time. Gets old FAST!
ReplyDeleteI still pop by though....and will continue to do so...
It's sad I am new to sewing and wanted to try this
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear about the problems. I really enjoyed the swaps that I participated in. I hope you do more, but understand why you wouldn't!
ReplyDeleteI have been in multiple swaps looking forward to another swap. I hope there will be another one soon.
ReplyDelete