Spring Magic Yarn/Ribbon Ball + Spring Card/PC

I admit it. I got the winter blahs, even though I've been spoiled by the weather (always the promise of spring, only to get hit with the occassionl snow shower). I want something to get me in the mood, and I thought this would be a great idea. It's still cold enough I still have some winter knits to finish up, yet close enough to spring that I can't wait (can you say Spring Break?)

So. Let's make a yarn/ribbon ball and fill it with spring-ish goodies!

Now I made it a ribbon ball, too because, hey. Not all of us are knitters or crocheters. And I thought some of us might even like a mix (I know I can always use ribbon ;) )

There are of course some guidelines to this swap:

• The yarn or ribbon ball MUST be at a minimum be six inches x six inches (should NOT be hard because you are going to tuck goodies in there). Ribbons cannot be less than eight inches long (no one wants tiny pieces they can't really use!). Yarn, too needs to be a useable length so at least two full skeins (IE: enough to make something small). Yarn and ribbon, cannot be manky, yucky, or dirty. If you still have something pretty and/or never used from your stash, feel free to use it.

• Must have at a minimum 8 (different! IE: CANNOT be eight packages of tea, or eight sitch markers) items tucked inside. NO trash, and please, nothing dirty (including ribbon/yarn) or broken. Spring is a beatiful season, and we all want to recieve something beautiful! Items CAN be handmade OR storebought.

• Try to get everything spring themed. Think bright colors for yarn and ribbon. Spring patterns if you're doing ribbon (flowers, animals, birds, lace patterns, etc). Think packets of seeds for fillers, flowery teas, spring jewelry, spring charms, pretty stitch markers, flower pens, fun magnets. If your partner celebrates any spring holidays (check their profile, DO not just throw religious stuff in unless you have asked if it's ok or they note on their profile it's ok to throw in something!!), maybe put an item there in.

*Include a card or postcard. Spring themed. It can be handmade, but add a little not to it, especially swap name and your user name.

• Decorate your ball. Think a flower topper, a fake bird, or a big bow. Think butterfly clips, or things they could use (crochet hooks, knitting needles, a really pretty pair of scissors), something to top it off. Maybe a few tags just to tell them where to start. Also try to make the ball 'look' nice. I know that it can be hard, because after all, we are wrapping things inside, so trying to keep a ball shape can even be hard. But think about how your partner would feel if they recieve a mess.

• Be creative! I know you people are grins AND HAVE FUN!

I had a hard time deciding if this should be profile based or no, as on the one hand, if I make it sender's choice, people might be more wary. But if I make it profile based, well, I've seen profiles that are all 'No handmade' or way too picky. So, I'm going to rule this way. Sender's Choice, but Pay Attention to Details in Your Partner's Profile EPSECIALLY Things Like Allergies, and MAKE Sure To Send Something YOU would like to Recieve (NO ONE here would want a smelly yarn ball, that sort of looks like the cat hacked it up, and no one wants a ribbon ball compiled of tiny, tattered pieces of ribbon).

Ratings: This is ultimately Sender's Choice. But. They should have considered your profile (especially health issues and religious preferences - IF ANY). Rate accordingly within the rules set by the Swapbot Admin. If you received, it was on time, and it met the requirements, then it should be a five. Like or dislike shouldn’t enter here. However! Items should not be dirty/nasty OR go against postal regulations or against the law.

Eligibility: No 1’s within a six month period. No recent 3’s (within 3 months) WITHOUT a good explanation PMed to me please. Must AT LEAST have a 4.8 rating with a good swapping history. Newbies with at least THREE type three swaps, NO 1’s or 3’s, can join. Must be commited.