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 . . .