Out With The Old In With the, ooh, What is THAT?! (Now Closed)

I've always loved the idea of a traveling stash and the sense of community it builds amongst us, haven't you? Here is my contribution to the Sisterhood of the Traveling whatever is in the box.  

Since I've never done this before, I searched around to see how others have managed and was very happy to come across Cherise's site, Sewingly Along. Cherise has created a very efficient and manageable system of tracking traveling stash's and uses her blog as a centralized area to promote the boxes.  She also keeps track of where they are by keeping in touch with the participants and aids in keeping the boxes moving. 

LOVE IT! I start it, Cherise keeps it rolling!  So let's get started.

I spent New Year's day folding my fabrics and straightening out my room and came across some things I know I will not use, but might be of interest or value to another crafter.  I may not buy often, but when I do, I stick to the higher quality fabrics offered by independent quilt shops and the first round of the traveling stash will reflect that.

I am starting out this stash fabrics along with samples from Lonni Rossi and Anna Maria Horner, a lovely African batik, some orphan blocks, a couple of notions, and a Debbie Mumm book for those who love to make baby quilts. 

The rules below are Cherise's guidelines to keep the traveling stash box appealing to future recipients. Even though she has already mentioned that items must be smoke free, I have to emphasize this one more time. I'm one of those unlucky souls who will go into bronchial spasms just by passing by someone who isn't even smoking but just finished a cigarette. Sometimes I will step off of elevators or buses to keep from an asthma attack. So I have to ask that if your quilting supplies are kept in a home where there is indoor smoking,  I'm so sorry, but please don't enter.

So, you have read the rules and want to win the Traveling Stash Box #6? Respond to this post before Saturday, January 12th.


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.