Traveling Stash & Other Box UPDATES!

Hello!  :)


Here are the latest updates as of 5/5/12 . . . All the boxes are getting ready to travel to the winners or already on their way. Stay tuned for new giveaways as they are delivered to the next participants!  :)



TRAVELING STASH BOXES:
BOX #1:     The box is Traveling to the Winner Karen @ Quilting, Losing and Tea
BOX #2:     The box is Traveling to the Winner Cherise (me) @ Sewingly Along
BOX #3:     The box is Traveling to the Winner Danny @ Mommy For Reals
BOX #4:     The box is Traveling to the Winner Rebeckah @ Handmade By Rebechah

OTHER BOXES:
PASS IT ON BOX (has different rules than the Traveling Stash boxes):
The box is Traveling to the Winner Kim @ One Krafty Kitty Momma
LEAP YEAR BOX (giveaway only on the 29th of each month):
The box is Traveling to the Winner Cherise (me) @ Sewingly Along


Find all the previous Traveling Stash posts here.

Until next time . . .

Treasure Hunting...

Hello!  :)

I've been wanting to share my latest Thrift stores finds with you for a couple weeks now but just didn't get the chance to photograph them. Now I have! I was real excited when I came home from my favorite Thrift Store a couple weeks ago.  :)

This was my first find . . .

It's a four piece salt and pepper set complete in box. It's made by F.B. Rogers Silver Company.

It's so awesome! I love it and the color of the felt lining in the box . . . aqua my fav!  :)

Here's a close up of one of the shakers . . .

And the cobalt blue shaker with the silver cover removed . . . 

Did I tell you I collect salt & pepper shakers? I do! What a wonderful addition to my collection. Guess how much I paid . . . only $3! What a deal!  :)

Here's the other really fabulous piece I found . . . 

It's a Westmoreland Paneled Grape Milk Glass Dish with lid. It is hand painted with roses, flowers and ribbons. It's absolutely beautiful!

See all the details . . .

I didn't even know these existed. I just thought it was a cool milk glass dish that someone hand painted. Turns out that there's a whole collection of these that were hand painted from the manufacturer. Now I want more!  :)

I paid a little more than I wanted to for this because it is so beautiful. By the way when did the Thrift stores all start having "boutique" sections? I remember when everything was all lumped together and really inexpensive. I paid $22 for this piece. Yes it's not too bad. It's what they are going for on Ebay. I do prefer paying much less for finds like this, don't we all?! I am glad I didn't pass it up.  :)

Of course I picked up some more vintage and recycled sheets & pillowcases.

I love the red one. Lots of fabric there to use on many projects. Take a closer look at this fabric . . .

There are two of these pillow cases. They are really pretty with vibrant colors. I love them! I can't wait to use these in a table runner.

Can't wait to see what I find next!  :)

Until next time . . .

Traveling Stash UPDATES + Rules & Guidelines

Hello!  :)

Yes I know . . . another post already. There is a reason for this which I'll explain in a minute. Right now I'll give you the current update as to the status of the Traveling Stash & other boxes even though it hasn't changed.

The Status of the Traveling Stash & Other Boxes as of 4/28/12 . . . 

BOX #1:     Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet will be Drawing a Winner on 5/5/12

BOX #2:     Traveling to Ella @ Throw a Wench in the Works

BOX #3:     Cindy @ Spin the Bobbin will be Drawing a Winner on 5/3/12

BOX #4:     Lynn @ K & S Design Girls will be Closing Comments on 4/29/12 . . . will be Drawing Winner on 5/1/12

OTHER BOXES:
PASS IT ON BOX (has different rules than the Traveling Stash boxes):

Traveling to Stephmabry @ Hope Sewing is Genetic

LEAP YEAR BOX (may have different rules than the Traveling Stash boxes):

Miss Mary @ Lillian's Stitches will be posting Giveaway on 4/29/12

Before I get on with the main topic of this post, I'd like to say sorry to those of you who had trouble putting the new button on your blog. I really thought I had it up correctly last night before I went to bed but alas I didn't. I woke up to many emails about it so I apologize to you. I fixed the button earlier today only to realize tonight that I still had the link wrong on it. The old link only took you to the original post. The new button/link will take you to all the Traveling Stash posts that have been posted or will be posted here in the future with the latest one first. I apologize again to those of you who already put it on your blog. You will need to grab the code again and reload the button. I'm so sorry!  :(  This will be the last time I promise!  :)

The main reason for this post is a touchy subject and I don't want to hurt any feelings but it does need to be said. I will try to do my best with it. While I'm not the queen of the Traveling Stash I do care about it and would like to see it as a good thing that all people would be happy to receive. Since I volunteered to keep track of the boxes I have been made aware of the condition of some of them so I will address it. I hope I will  not offend anyone.

I've been contacted by a few people who are concerned with the state of some of the boxes. They have been excited to win them and disappointed when they actually receive them. Some of them smell like smoke. Some have lots of large books making the box heavy and taking up lots of room. Some have lots of old really out of date fabric. Some have lots of cheap low quality fabric. Some have lots of small pieces instead of lots of usable pieces.

I've talked with a few people and have gotten their input on the Rules/Guidelines for the Traveling Stash. Most if not all of these Rules/Guidelines have been mentioned over and over again. As with anything they get overlooked or forgotten about. I have made a list of the Rules and Guidelines that should be included in every Traveling Stash box. I am asking all current holders of the boxes to print and include this list in the stash boxes before the next mailing. (I will email you and send you the file for printing soon.)

Edited to add:  The information below is what I have come up with after talking with a few people and gathering research via many previous stash box recipients. It is not law. There will be no penalties for not following them. They are listed simply to guide people and to try to make the boxes a pleasant experience for all. Thank you!  :)


THE TRAVELING STASH RULES AND GUIDELINES

RULES:

1. Be an active blogger. Post about receiving and the giveaway on your blog in a timely manner.
2. There is a note in the box that logs where the box has been. Please add your info and place the note back in the box.
3. There is a list of Rules and Guidelines in the box. Please read and follow these and return the list to the box.
4. You may take anything you like from the box. Just replace every item with comparable quilt shop quality items equal to the amount taken. See guidelines below.
5. Ship the box to the next person in a reasonable amount of time.
6. Due to the amount of postage shipping is only within the USA.

GUIDELINES:
The definition of a stash is a secret store of valuables. For quilters it's a collection of usable quality products. The stash should contain mostly fabric with a few patterns and/or books and other items.

• FABRIC:     Should be quilt shop quality in new condition. Scraps should only be included if they are cut for adding to a collection and packaged accordingly (i.e. I-Spy squares, postage stamp squares, etc.). There should not be anything under a Fat Quarter unless packaged like this.
• PATTERNS/BOOKS:     Should be in new or gently used condition. They should be kept to a minimum (books are bulky and add weight).
• OTHER ITEMS:     Should be in new or gently used condition. Tools, notions, etc. These items should be packaged if necessary.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• If you receive a box with anything that is of "poor" condition you should not feel guilty in tossing it out.
• Only put items in the box that you would be proud to own. The box is NOT a dumping place for all your outdated unwanted items.
• Items should be free of smoke and pet hairs.
• You must replace items you take with the same quantity of like-kind items. Replacing more than you take is always welcome.  :)  There is a guide to Pre-Cut amounts below for your reference.

GUIDELINES TO PRE-CUT AMOUNTS:

• Jelly Roll strips are 2-1/2 inches so every 10 strips is 2/3 yard (plus an inch). 30 strips is 2 yards plus 3 inches. 40 strips is 2-3/4 yards. 50 strips is 3-1/2 yards.
• Honey Buns are 1-1/2 inches so 10 strips is just slightly under 1/3 yard. 40 strips are 1-2/3 yards.
• Desert Rolls are 10 (5 x 45) strips or just slightly over 1-1/3 yard.
• Turnovers are 80 (6 inch) triangles and is equal to slightly over 1 yard.
• Charms are 5 inch squares. 40 charms is equal to 2/3 of a yard.
• Layer Cakes are 10 inch squares. 40 layer cake squares are equal to 2-3/4 yards.

Thank you for reading this and helping us all to make the Traveling Stash boxes a pleasurable experience!  :)

Find all the previous Traveling Stash posts here.

Until next time . . . 

The Origin of the Traveling Stash Boxes

Hello!  :)


THE ORIGIN OF THE TRAVELING STASH BOXES

TRAVELING STASH BOXES:
BOX #1 was started on 1/3/11 by Nan from Pots and Pins!
BOX #2 was started on 3/28/11 when Kelly from Charming Chatter split the new box from box #1!
BOX #3 was started on 11/22/11 when Staci from The Confused Quilter split the new box from box #2!
BOX #4 was started on 2/14/12 when Darlene from Quilting Nana split the new box from box #1!
BOX #5 was started on 6/13/12 when Samantha from Quilts & Crafts split the new box from box #2!

OTHER BOXES:
PASS IT ON BOX was started on 1/25/12 by Brandi from ABC!
LEAP YEAR BOX #1 was started on 2/29/12 by Ann Marie from 16 Muddy Feet! This "Leap Year" box only travels on the 29th of each month.
LEAP YEAR BOX #2 was started on 10/4/12 by Sharon from Vrooman's Quilts when Leap Year box #1 was lost in transit.
TWO SISTERS BOX was started on 7/27/12 by "Two Sisters" Irene from Hilachas & Ida from My Sister Made Me Do It!


Find the Traveling Stash Rules and Guidelines here.

Find all the Traveling Stash posts here.


Until next time . . .

Traveling Stash Rules & Guidelines

Hello!  :)

THE TRAVELING STASH RULES AND GUIDELINES 
(INCLUDING HOW TO SAVE ON POSTAGE)

RULES:

1. Be an active blogger. Post about receiving and the giveaway on your blog in a timely manner.
2. There is a note in the box that logs where the box has been. Please add your info and place the note back in the box.
3. There is a list of Rules and Guidelines in the box. Please read and follow these and return the list to the box.
4. You may take anything you like from the box. Just replace every item with comparable quilt shop quality items equal to the amount taken. See guidelines below.
5. Ship the box to the next person in a reasonable amount of time.
6. Due to the amount of postage shipping is only within the USA.

GUIDELINES:
The definition of a stash is a secret store of valuables. For quilters it's a collection of usable quality products. The stash should contain mostly fabric with a few patterns and/or books and other items.

• FABRIC:     Should be quilt shop quality in new condition. Scraps should only be included if they are cut for adding to a collection and packaged accordingly (i.e. I-Spy squares, postage stamp squares, etc.). There should not be anything under a Fat Quarter unless packaged like this.
• PATTERNS/BOOKS:     Should be in new or gently used condition. They should be kept to a minimum (books are bulky and add weight).
• OTHER ITEMS:     Should be in new or gently used condition. Tools, notions, etc. These items should be packaged if necessary.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• If you receive a box with anything that is of "poor" condition you should not feel guilty in tossing it out.
• Only put items in the box that you would be proud to own. The box is NOT a dumping place for all your outdated unwanted items.
• Items should be free of smoke and pet hairs.
• You must replace items you take with the same quantity of like-kind items. Replacing more than you take is always welcome.  :)  There is a guide to Pre-Cut amounts below for your reference.

GUIDELINES TO PRE-CUT AMOUNTS:

• Jelly Roll strips are 2-1/2 inches so every 10 strips is 2/3 yard (plus an inch). 30 strips is 2 yards plus 3 inches. 40 strips is 2-3/4 yards. 50 strips is 3-1/2 yards.
• Honey Buns are 1-1/2 inches so 10 strips is just slightly under 1/3 yard. 40 strips are 1-2/3 yards.
• Desert Rolls are 10 (5 x 45) strips or just slightly over 1-1/3 yard.
• Turnovers are 80 (6 inch) triangles and is equal to slightly over 1 yard.
• Charms are 5 inch squares. 40 charms is equal to 2/3 of a yard.
• Layer Cakes are 10 inch squares. 40 layer cake squares are equal to 2-3/4 yards.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY & TIME WHEN MAILING A STASH BOX:

• Did you know that you can purchase postage online from the United States Postal Service (USPS)?
• Did you know that when you purchase postage online you get a discount and FREE Delivery Confirmation?
• Did you know that when you purchase postage online you can also schedule the Post Office to pick up your package at your home or office?

Yes you can do all of these!

Here's how . . .
1.  Go to USPS.com.

2.  Click on Ship a Package.
3.  Click on Print a Label with Postage.
4.  Log on or create a new account.
5.  Enter the mailing information for your package. Enter the package details. We use Flat Rate boxes to mail the Traveling Stash so check "I am shipping Flat Rate". Then choose your ship date and click "Next: Choose a Service".
6.  Scroll down the shipping options. Click on "Large Flat Rate Box". (Note:  Some of the stashes are in medium boxes so if the stash you have is in the medium box you will choose that option.) Scroll down to "Add extra services". The "Delivery Confirmation" box is already checked. You get it for FREE when you purchase flat rate postage online! How cool is that?!!!  :)
7.  Click on "Next:  Review your Cart".
8.  Verifty the mailing address then click on "Next: Billing Information".
9.  Follow the instructions to pay for the postage.
10.  Print the mailing label out. Trim it and tape it to the box.
11.  Your package is now ready for mailing. Either drop it off at the post office (you can simply put it in the package drop box inside) or schedule a pick up online.

SAVINGS:   Did you notice that you only paid $14.65 online for postage (large flat rate box), instead of the $15.45 you pay at the post office? You save $ .80! You also receive FREE Delivery Confirmation. That is a value of $ .75. For a total savings of $1.55! Plus you can track the delivery of the package!  :)

This may seem like a lot of steps but it's really not. I just tied to spell it out carefully so I didn't confuse anyone. If you have any questions you can contact the post office or me (Cherise) and I'll be happy to help you! It really is an easy process and one that save you time and money! I know everyone likes that!  :)

Find out about the Origins of the Traveling Stashes Boxes here.

Find all the Traveling Stash posts here. 

Until next time . . . 

The Traveling Stash Box UPDATES

Hello!  :)

First, if this is your first time visiting my blog, I'd like to welcome you . . . WELCOME!  :)

Sharon from Vrooman's Quilts has been keeping track of the Traveling Stash boxes for quite some time now. She is quite busy these days and asked if someone else wanted to keep track of the boxes. My hand immediately went up!  :)  I just discovered them a couple of months ago and have been following them anyway. Her status report definitely made that easier for me and I'm sure some of you too. I couldn't imagine keeping up with all of them (there are 6 now) without it . . . so here I am! I hope I can make her proud.  ;)

I created a button to help in keeping up with the boxes. The picture below is just a picture of the button.

I'm going to keep this button in the upper right hand column of my blog. You will be able to click on it at any time to go to the most recent post tracking the boxes. That way you won't have to search through my posts looking for an update. (Although if you'd like to keep track of what I have going on I'd love it!) The code for the button is also included in case you would like to put one on your blog.

My plan is to post an update once a week. I'm going to try for Mondays. If there are updates during the week, before the next post, I will update the current post with those updates. These are the plans I have right now. Of course I'm a woman and may just change my mind ;) and alter things a bit from my current plans ;).


Here is the current update of the status of the Traveling Stash  & Other boxes as of 4/24/12 . . .

BOX #1:     Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet will be Drawing a Winner on 5/5/12
BOX #2:     Traveling to Ella @ Throw a Wench in the Works
BOX #3:     Cindy @ Spin the Bobbin received the box, has yet to post Giveaway
BOX #4:     Lynn & K & S Design Girls Closing Comments on 4/29/12 . . . will be Drawing a Winner on 5/1/12

OTHER BOXES:
PASS IT ON BOX (has different rules than the Traveling Stash boxes):  
Angie @ Sew Scrappy Quilts received the box, will post Giveaway 4/27/12
LEAP YEAR BOX (may have different rules than the Traveling Stash boxes):  
Miss Mary @ Lillian's Stitches will post Giveaway 4/29/12

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about . . .

What is a Traveling Stash Box?
It is a box that is filled with a collection of "fun quilty love". The box is packed full of fabric, patterns, thread, etc. When you receive it you take what you like and then replace it with similar quantities (or more) of quilt shop quality items. Then you hold a giveaway and send it on its way. Due to shipping costs you must live in the US to participate.

Who started the Traveling Stash & Other Boxes?
Box #1 was started on 1/3/11 by Nan from Pots and Pins.
Box #2 was started on 3/28/11 when Kelly from Charming Chatter split the new box from box #1.
Box #3 was started on 11/22/11 when Staci from The Confused Quilter split the new box from box #2.
Box #4 was started on 2/14/12 when Darlene from Quilting Nana split the new box from box #1.


OTHER BOXES:
Pass It On Box was started on 1/25/12 by Brandie from ABC.
Leap Year Box was started on 2/29/12 by Ann Marie from 16 Muddy Feet. This "Leap Year" box only travels on the 29th of each month.

If I have any of this information wrong please let me know. Thanks!  :)

Until next time . . .

Another Week... More Blocks!

Hello!  :)

Well . . . I still haven't cut the fabric for the strips and blocks yet.  :(  Maybe this weekend???

I have got the next row of blocks done.  :)  Now I'm ahead of schedule . . . with the blocks anyway.

Here's a close up of the sewing block . . . 

I really LOVE this one!!! Wonder why?  ;)  This block will also have three mini pieced quilts added but of course I haven't cut them yet.

Here's the best friends block . . .

I'm not sure about this one. I pretty much like the fabrics I choose. The faces and hair are bothering me. What do you think?

Here's a close-up of the gorgeous shoe block . . .

Aren't they cool?!!!  :)  And how about that pink cat?

He's soooo cute!!!  Yes it's a boy cat in pink!  ;)  His name is Bob. I had to give him up when I moved a couple of years ago. :(  I really miss him and love him. I'm sure he wouldn't have approved of me making him pink. He was a kitty with lots of personality and attitude.  ;)

These are the next blocks I'm working on and the last ones for the quilt.

I guess I'd better get my be-hind moving on the strips and blocks and start piecing this thing together. Now I'm ahead of schedule on the blocks but behind on the piecing.

If you'd like you can find out more about this Stitch & Quilt Along here. You can also read about my progression with the quilt here, here, here and here.

Until next time . . .

The Traveling Stash is Traveling to . . .

Hello!

Thanks to all of you who invited the traveling stash box to visit you! I really wish I could send the box to all of you!  :)

Alas . . . I can't. Sorry!  :(

With the help of the random number generator . . . the Traveling Stash box will be visiting Atlanta!

Congrats #3 . . . Cindy from Atlanta who said . . . 

Cindy said... 3

Would love for the box to visit me in Atlanta. Thanks!

Be sure to check out Cindy's blog . . . Spin the Bobbin. She's celebrating her one year blog anniversary with a giveaway! Congrats again Cindy!  :)

Until next time . . . 

It's B-I-N-G-O Link Up Time!

Hello!  :)

Do you remember when I told you about the upcoming game of B-I-N-G-O I'm participating in here and here? Well it's time to link up your B-I-N-G-O card for the game. Here's my card with the list of items in each square . . .

 Here is my list of the items in my B-I-N-G-O rows:

B =  Squirrel - Bird - Elephant - Bumble Bee - Monster

 I =  Bear - Duck - Mouse - Banana - Apple

N =  Dog - Ladybug - FREE Space - Mushroom - Ant

G =  Cat - Bunny Rabbit - Football - Chick - Lizard

O =  Bird - Spool of Thread - Frog - Snake - Butterfly

There's still more time if you want to participate. Go here to read all the rules. Then go here for a tutorial of how to make your card. Then go to one of these blogs to link up your card before April 22nd . . .

Sharon at Vroomans Quilts

Tonya at Hillbilly Handiwork

Marcia at Marcia's Craft Sewing Quilting

Snoodles at Lily Pad Quilting

You must link a post with your card (& list) to be eligible to play May for Me Bingo. I hope you'll be playing along with me! It's sure to be lots of fun!  :)

Until next time . . .

My Favorite Things are Moving Right Along

Hello!  :)

I'm really moving along trying to catch up on My Favorite Things quilt. It's the only project I've been working on the last couple of weeks and yes I'm still having fun with it!  :)

I still haven't gotten the fabric for the border strips and blocks cut yet.  :(  I want to be able to sit down and do it all at once. I'm hoping to get the chance to do it this weekend.  :)

In the meantime here's my progress on the 3rd row which are the blocks for March and April.

Here's the close up of  the house. It reminds me of Dr. Seuss.  :)

A closer look at the gardening block . . . pretty flowers all in a row.  :)

And a closer look at the tree block. I originally had the tree in green with lots of flowers like the pattern called for but I just didn't like it. Then I tried the blue alone. It still wasn't right. Then I added back a few of the flowers from the original one and I liked it. By the way... wouldn't it be cool if cats really were pink?  ;)

And the last one for this row . . . the rainbow block. Such happiness!  :)

Here are the next blocks I'll be working on . . .

These should be fun too! Did you notice there's another pink cat? I love pink and I love cats!  :)  Getting these next blocks done will mean I'm ahead of schedule.  :)

Hopefully I'll get that chance to cut the strip and blocks out this weekend and begin sewing the blocks together and forming the quilt top. If you just found me go here, here and here to see more about this quilt. Thanks so much for visiting!  :)

Until next time . . .

Traveling Stash Giveaway!

Hello!  :)

A week ago I won a Traveling Stash box from Sharon at Vrooman's Quilts. She mailed it to me right away. I was so excited when it arrived. I immediately opened it and saw this . . .

Not too much to see at this point but I immediately fell in love with this cowboy fabric.  :)  I got busy and didn't get the chance to figure out exactly what I wanted until today.

Here are the contents of the box . . . lots of patterns . . .

A variety of sewing items . . .

Some yummy fabrics . . .

More yummy fabrics including a charm pack . . .

And even more yummy fabrics . . .

That panel is a vintage car panel. It's awesome! Too bad I don't have a use for it. The box contains a wonderful variety of items to suit most anyone's wants needs.  :)

Here's what I decided to keep for my stash . . . some yardage and fat quarters . . .

Here's what I'm adding back to the box . . . some yardage and fat quarters . . .

And here's the box all packed up and ready to go! How would you like it to come visit you?

Rules:
1. Be an active blogger to be able to post your giveaway on your blog.
2. Replace comparable quilt quality items equal to the amount taken from the box.
3. Move the box along in a reasonable amount of time.
4. Due to the amount of postage, shipping only within the USA.

Please leave a comment on this post for your chance at this awesome box. I will leave the comments open until midnight (pacific time) on Sunday, April 15th. I will post and email the winner on Monday, April 16th. If you are a no-reply blogger please post your email in your comment or you will be disqualified.

Until next time . . .