SewCarolyn is Noodle hostess for June/July reds/blues :o)

[quilterbee]

SewCarolyn is a teacher and has summer off! She would like to host the June/July swap for us. She will be posting soon and let us know the details on simplifing the shipping issue to make everything easier on her and all of us,too. The fabric standards are still the same as far as quality. I know that Carolyn will do a great job!

I'm still swapping the pinks/browns for May, no changes there. Amie );

[sewcarolyn]

would it help to hold them for 2 months and then send in a flat rate box. For me that would be cheaper and the flat rate is easy..boxes are free and it can be dropped off when the po is closed, at least when you go to a Post Office here

[quilterbee]

you know what? That may be a very good idea. The Flat Rate boxes are $8.95...for any weight. I could even add some rocks to get even with the P.O! I'm going to a different P.O tomorrow,too. I hate how the USPS is so inconsistant. The stamps that are on the packages that they refused were placed by the P.O where they were sent from for crying out loud! They are all the same system, I thought. Flat Rate boxes are a great idea. Amie )

[swtsarahjane]

Wait mint you been takeing the noodles to the USP Well i did not think you could do that when we put reg stamps.

[teacupdelights]

Like the flat rate/ two months at a time idea. Should be no issues about cost...

[knitnoid]

I host a centralized Birthday FQ swap on another list. This year I made an executive decision -- and it may be part of the reason the swap is not so big this year, but I suspect the price of gas is the real culprit -- cash/check/money order or paypal only to pay for return postage. No stamps and definately no APC stickers. I know roughly how heavy the packages are (last year right at 4 lbs) and with a zip code I can determine how which postal zone they are in from my area. Additionally, I can purchase postage on line and then call for a pick up at no additional charge. Last year I was constantly having to run to the PO during working hours because the package weighed over 13 oz and had stamps on them.

[CraftinDJ]

I like Carolyn's idea about the flat rate box every two months. Make it easier on the hostess and on the swapper.

dj

[quilterbee]

I like Flat Rate box,too. Just trying to send these home has gotten so complicated. I want to do what the Knitnoid does. I'm going to just pay for it myself this time but I can't do that every month.

Sarah, if the package is OVER 13oz., you MUST drive to the P.O and stand in line to send it IF there is a stamp on it.

$4.60 only pays for a package weighing 13 oz. or LESS. None of these packages are UNDER 13 oz. because the shop quality fabs are heavy. PLUS, I add an extra. The cheapest was $5.20.

I have a paypal account. I have an account with the USPS,too. I would love to just print all these off at home and have the goofy mailman just come get them. What do all of you think? Amie )

[scrappie66]

Hey Amie.....I like the flat rate every 2 months idea. I sent mine the other day to CraftinDJ and it was soooooooo easy. However, checking with the post office on return postage, my clerk informed me it is going up to $9.80 on May 15th. Since I had already sealed the
box with the $9.00 on it, I mailed DJ 2 stamps to add. When I mailed you the 2 months together for the current swap, I sent you a dollar for additional postage because I was told it was going up about $1.00. The $12.95 flat rate box is staying the same.
I had one envelope from TOT swap that had a sticker printed online. He stated it was better (and would not cause any issues if they were printed without the date).
He did take the one with an April date since it was only one and I live in a very small town.

If nobody else steps up, I can help you with next swap if everyone agrees to sending in 2 at a time. Keep me informed.....Susan
FYI: Be on the lookout for a little thank you surprise in the mail. :^)

[sewcarolyn]

I would be willing to do the June/July if the flat rate box idea is used. I can only do it during the summer. However if we do the flat rate Amie would you be willing to keep being our hostess? I tend to use the flat rate more and more because of the decreased hassle and they seem to arrive faster than a regular box. I would bet their uniform shape helps in transport. The new larger box also comes in handy when sending gifts.