Oui, oui mon cher

I would love to show you my partners apron, but alas, I cannot as I special ordered it specifically just for her and I have been sooooooooo busy rushing back and forth to Paris as you can tell, that I have just had no time to relax.

You know as they say in Paris, Le pli dans sont la partie la plus importante de l'échange de tablier.

Which really is the truth you know. 

Shhhhhhh, don't spoil the surprise for my partner, but here is another small peek:

Now, I hate to be rude (you know how they say the French can be so impatient.) but the truth is: Bon au revoir, vous voir bientôt, je suis dans une hâte au paysage pour trouver des choses que je peux utiliser encore !

And that my friends is how we rock an apron swap!

Got Fabric

Hello fellow apron lovers.  I picked out the fabric that I'm going to use to do the ruffle apron for my partner.
 I'm using her favorite colors and I hope she likes the fabric.  

Happy sewing!!

Partner List

Just thought you'd like to know - here are our match ups!

Amy F and Jennifer W 

Barbara B and Tammy S 

Barbara Y and Donna P 

Becca O and Jen S 

Chrissy P and Laura G 

Elaina Q (Frosh) and Ruth S 

Heidi R (Frosh) and Tonya W 

Janice M and Mary Lea W 

Jean K and Kathleen S 

Lenore S and Mary F 

Lori A and Mindy I 

Lori B and Micki S 

Madelyn M and Amy K 

Melinda C and Nadine C 

Nerina F (Frosh) and Shawnee H 

 I'm sending out blog author invites to those who need. Now is the time to start posting sneak peeks of your fabrics -- feel free to show a couple of options if you want to keep some of it secretive.

 -S

Partners Matched

Matches are sent --- can't wait to hear about new friendships made or current friendships strengthened.  PLEASE let me know if you need the email resent; I'm waiting for just a handful to confirm.

I need ONE more swapper for this round.  Let me know asap if you are interested! Welcome back, Amy K!!

Bring on the Ruffles!!!

-Shawnee

Almost ready ....

Hey gals!

So excited to report that swapper partner emails are ALMOST ready to go.  SO happy to see such sweet, familiar names, along with a few new friends.

I am switching it up this time, in that you will send to the same person who is making your apron package.  YES, you can and should still post pictures just make them a bit more cryptic and secret-like.  We all know generally what pattern is being used, but there are a TON of ways to make your apron unique.  And you're little tuck-ins can make the package so special.  Special does NOT have to be expensive.  (Although, I will tell you that I love to bargain shop so my boxes always feel more expensive than they cost.)  Now, you can email your buddy freely to find out more about them, and really make a new friend.  Although, because we are an odd-number of swappers (29), there will be one trio.

Don't forget, if you are partnered with a Freshman, don't send out their package until you've received a box from them!

Watch your in-boxes tomorrow evening!!

Ruffly hugs,
Shawnee

PS -- If anyone wants to sponsor a giveaway this time around, just let me know!

One Moore Ruffled Apron Swap

Woo-hoo!!  Here are the details on our NEW swap

One "Moore" Ruffled Apron Swap

Deadline to Enter: May 15, 2012

Mail Between: June 10 - 20, 2012**

Register HERE

 Handcraft a Ruffled Apron for your partner using Morgan Moore's Tutorial (or similar), and your partner will craft one for you! Tuck in two small goodies for your partner (around $10 in value or so).  
(See "fine print" below)

**NEW for this swap is something that I heard about over on Ravelry (come be my friend there, I'm CrochetCupcake).  We will have Freshman and Senior Swappers.  You are a "Senior" if you have successfully swapped with Shawnee before (mailed on time, met notice requirements, etc.).  You need to check "Freshman" during registration if you've never swapped here before or if you missed the mailing deadlines or other requirements in your last swap. New (Freshman) swappers will have to ship early, so plan accordingly.(Maximum five new/"Freshman" swappers; number may be raised if a large number of Senior Swappers who will accept a Frosh partner register.)

Here are some cute ruffled apron tutorials:

Morgan Moore's Iconic Tutorial

Becoming Krista's Tutorial

LeeAnne's Everyday Celebrations tutorial

Domessticated's Tutorial

After you select the perfect fabrics and pattern, then you can pull together the rest of your package. Try to be creative with your tuck in ideas --- I personally would LOVE an embellished tea towel like I talked about here, but chocolate or tea/coffee area always a yummy idea or perhaps a fun kitchen gadget.  There's a list of tutorials for tuck-in ideas on the sidebar and I'm happy to add more if you post ideas in the comments below.

The Fine Print:
By signing up for Shawnee's Swap, you agree to the following:
1. To reply to my assignment email within 48 hours, acknowledging receipt of your partner and letting me know you're still playing .


2. To remain anonymous; if you need to ask your partner a question, send a message through me or use a secret email account that does not have your real name attached (test it first).  I MAY be announcing partners early, so "anonymous" might become a moot point -- still trying to decide that one.


3. Seniors: To mail your package no sooner than June 10 and no later than June 20, 2012, using USPS (post office). If you are partnered with a Freshman, do mail until you've RECEIVED your box. Freshmen: Mail your package BEFORE June 10, 2012. EVERYONE: You agree to ship USPS Two-day Priority with Delivery Confirmation (only $0.75 extra) or other tracking, and to email me the tracking number so I know you have met your mailing commitment.


4. To email me when you have received your package, and to copy me on your thank you email to your partner who worked so hard on your apron.


5. To have fun! All participants will be invited to author on the Swap Blog and able to post pictures of project-in-progress, comments and giveaways. The more the merrier!

This is intended to be a US only swap -- if two swappers from the same country wish to swap, I can work with that but no guarantees about participating.  International swaps have been the hardest to finalize - sorry!!!

Can't wait to see who wants to play along!  Be sure to invite former swappers to join again, or invite a new friend you would feel good about recommending.

Blessings,
Shawnee

New Swap!

Info and link are on the side bar -- I gotta run to work right now. Early birds can read all about it here and on the registration page but I will post more detailed info tonight!

Hugs, Shawnee