Pimp The Swap Contest

The purpose of the contest is to spread the word about the UK Swap and generate interest on the Swap Blog. Anyone (living anywhere) can promote the swap and participate in (and win) the contest. However, only those living in the UK will be able to join the swap.

Pimp the Swap on your blog or website. Post a message and a button telling everyone that we’re doing a Knitter’s Swap in the UK from January – March. Tell them Sign-ups begin on January 7th, 2008.

Ways you will be entered in the draw for fibery-goodness (donated by sponsor Posh Yarns):

1. Posting a message on your blog (make sure to leave a comment here telling us you did so!)
2. Having other people comment here that they found out about the Swap from your blog/website. (one extra entry for every person that says you sent them).
3. Note: Hosts will not be entered into the contest, but don’t let that deter you from telling us where you found out about the swap!

Now, go forth my yarny-friends and PIMP THE SWAP!

P.S. Contest begins today (Sunday December 16th, 2007) and ends Monday December 31st, 2007 (at midnight!). The Questionnaire will be released on Tuesday January 1st, 2008. The winner of the Pimp the Swap contest will be announced before Sign-ups begin on Monday, January 7th.

Calendar of Events

All “due” dates are Mondays (so that you have the weekend before as prep-time). For now the contest and game dates are a secret!! But trust me -- there is lots to look forward too.

Tuesday January 1, 2008 – Questionnaire released

Monday January 7th – Sign-ups Open

Monday January 21st – Sign-ups Close

Monday January 28th – Questionnaire due

First Weekend of February (Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd) – Matches go out

Monday February 4th – if you have not received your match, please contact hosts at ukswap@hotmail.co.uk

Friday February 8th – First Contact due

Monday March 17th – Packages Sent By

Monday March 31st – If you have not received your package, please contact hosts at ukswap@hotmail.co.uk

Package Requirements

The following are requirements of the package if/when you join the January Swap (sign-ups open January 7th). Please note that these are the minimum requirements. You are not expected to go over budget, or include all of the items suggested. There will be links in the sidebar to help you with ideas and gifts to include. Please try to cater to your downstream pal's tastes as much as possible. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your hostesses.

• Enough yarn for a small project (one hank/one skein/approximately 100-200 yards). Please ensure it is something your pal will like and use. It can be from your stash as long as it is new and has a label (or card if hand-spun/dyed)

• Yummy treats to eat or drink. Check out their preferences and try to send them something they will enjoy. (chocolate, tea, hot cocoa, coffee, biscuits)

• A new item to pamper/play with. Don’t forget to double-check any allergies! (soaps, bubble bath, candles, funny-joke toy, knick-knacks)

• Something “inspirational” for the New Knitting Year to come! It could be a new knitting tool, a tea/coffee toy, a pattern, a book, or anything else you can think of! Something hand-made/hand-knit for your partner. Remember to choose something they would like. We’ll have some links in the sidebar as suggestions.

• Minimum spending: £20 not including shipping.

Obligations & Commitments

• This is a UK only swap. You must be living in the UK with a valid address (not P.O. Box) to send/received packages.

• The swap is scheduled to take place from January to March. Sign-ups open January 7th and will be open for two weeks. Matches go out the first week of February. Packages must be received by March 31st. [Calendar of Dates to come]

• This is a secret swap. Take a moment to create an anonymous email so you don’t accidentally give away your identity. Also make sure that when you send emails your real name does not come up. If you would like to send a test email to us at ukswap@hotmail.co.uk to check, we will email you back and let you know.

• This is not a Ravelry-based swap. You do not need to be on Ravelry to join the UK Swap.

• Having a blog is STRONGLY suggested. This is the perfect way to post your Questionnaire and link back to here! Also, when the list of participants go up, your name will link to your blog. This is a great way for your spoiler to get to know you.

• Because blogs are not required, an anonymous email IS required. You will need to provide the email for sign-ups so head on over to any email program and create an email that doesn't give away who you are!

• For those that do not have blogs, they will be asked to join a communal blog here at Blogspot. Blogspot allows multiple posters to a single blog so you will need a Google Account. At this communal blog, you will be able to post your questionnaire, and your swap swag. If you would like to create your own blog for the swap, please do.

• Keep in contact with your partner. Contact your downstream pal at least once a week. You can send them an email, an ecard, or comment on their blog. Remember to stay anonymous! Keeping who you are a secret is the most fun.

• You have over a month (after matches are received) to put together a great package suited to your pal’s tastes and preferences.

• There will be games and contests during the swap. These are optional, but the more people that play, the more fun we all can have. Some of them will be blog-based and others will not. Hopefully there will be something for everyone!

Sponsor FAQ

What donations are you looking for?
Yarn, stitch markers, notions. Things people can use themselves. But anything you are able to donate will be gladly accepted! We thank you for anything you are able to donate.

What is it used for?
The donations become prizes in the contests. We will be hosting some contests leading up to, and during the swap.

What do I get in return?
A button and link to your website on the Swap Blog. Also, during the contest you are sponsoring, we will make sure to link to you again.

Can I still participate in the swap?
Of course! The more the merrier... but you will not be entered into the contest you are sponsoring. You can still play along if you wish to though.

Where do I send it?
We'll get you to send it to Monica in London, England. This way, when the winner is determined, she can send it out straight to them. This way the participant's private information is not made public to another individual.

Welcome Sponsors!

I've gotten some feedback and volunteers to sponsor our contests! Check out their shops - linked by their lovely buttons on the sidebar. Thank you ladies... I welcome anyone else who wants to sponsor a contest... the more games we can play with prizes, the more fun we can have.

I just have to say, I am sooooo excited for January! I can't believe that the first swap I've hosted has gotten this much encouragement so far. If you haven't already, check out the Ravelry Group!

Call for Donations

As many of you know, the big swap is being planned for January - March. To promote the swap and then keep it interesting during those three months, I am hoping to do a couple contests.

I will be buying some of the prizes myself but I am also looking for store-owners and local artisans interested in donating knitting-related item(s) for prizes. In exchange I would love to put your link/button on the blog page and make sure to plug your involvement as a sponsor.

If you own a local store, or even an Etsy store and are interested in becoming a sponsor please contact Monica. Thank you for your consideration.

Getting Ready for January

Just a heads up everyone - the swap is being planned for January - March. I'm planning a "Pimp the Swap" contest later in December so keep checking the blog for updates!

Have you never done a swap before? Check out Anne's Swaps 101 Guide and learn more about this amazing game!

Also, make sure to brush up on your Swap Etiquette (again courtesy of Anne) before we begin!