| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - Mar 05 2010 : 07:27:36 AM
Do you use reusable shopping totes??? Do you know that the plastic grocery bag is harmful to you, your children and your pets? For more information on the harmful effects that plastic grocery bags have on us and our environment go to : www.learnaboutenergy.org/gbags/facts.doc
I have been using reusable shopping totes for a year now and I'm loving it. I can get all the way from the check out to the car without a can of corn popping out the bottom of the bag and rolling across the parking lot. I am able to make 1 trip from car to kitchen because I have only 2 to 3 shoulder bags verses 25 handle stretched hole in the bottom plastic bags with 1 item in each. Of course, I don't have those 'free' trash bags anymore. Oh wait, I buy lots of critter feed (heavy duty paper trash bags). There are hundreds, no thousands, of reasons to stop using plastic grocery bags. Did you know that some stores will actually pay you to bring your own reusable bag. Brookshire's, here in Texas, gives you 15 cents each off your total bill for the number of reusable bags it takes to pack your groceries. Ask your local grocery store it they give a refund for being "environmentally friendly". I am working on my Going Green/Shopping Green expert badge and need your help to complete it.
With that said, How about a tote swap??? Totes can be handmade or purchased. I want everyone to be able to participate, not just those that can sew. There are some really neat purchased shopping totes out there. You can get a canvas tote from Hobby Lobby or Wal Mart and paint it. The possibilities are limited only by your own imagination. I would like to have 100% participation for all that sign up. I hate rules as much as the next farmgirl but hopefully the following will help eliminate some of the problems we have been having in recent swaps.
The rules of the swap and dates to remember:
1. Please sign up only if you are able to participate in a timely manner.
2. April 1 - Signups end
3. April 2 - email will be sent to all signups
4. April 5 - last day to post that signup reminder email was received. Only those that respond to the email will be partnered.
5. April 8 - partners will be posted
6. April 15 - last day to contact your partner and post successful or unsuccessful contact
7. April 16 - updated partners will be posted. Anyone not responding to their partner by April 15 will be removed from the list and partners reassigned.
8. May 15 (National Amend Fences Day) - last day to Mail your tote.
9. Post on this thread when you receive your new tote. Stay in contact with your partner or post on this thread if for any reason you will not be able to complete your swap in a timely manner. Please don't leave someone hanging.
10. Enjoy!!!
Update 03/18/10 - SWEET REPEAT - After seeing today's post from Shirley and the picture of the tote Melanie made I had a thought. Let's add a little adventure to this swap. Try to use recycled items. If you're sewing you could use old jeans or repurposed fabric, even feed sacks. If purchasing your tote try to add some repurposed/recycled embellishments. I remember a post sometime back where someone was using old clock parts as embellishments. When you complete the swap be sure to include a note about the items reused.
UPDATE 04/02/10 - Reminder emails have been sent. If you are still interested in participating in the swap please respond by 10 pm CST 04/05/10.
UPDATE 04/05/10 - Well everyone has confirmed and partners have been posted. There were 3 ladies that requested multiple partners. I did limit the number of partners for one person to 2. Please contact your partner no later than 04/15/10. Anyone that has not heard from their partner by that date please email me so that another partner can be assigned. At this point everyone that signed up has confirmed via email that they wish to participate in the swap. If at any point you discover that you are unable to complete the swap please contact me or your partner. Each set of partners will swap with each other so that you are sending to and receiving from the same individual. Thank you to all for participating and watch the "Woo Hoo" thread, I will be applying for my expert shopping green badge when the swap is complete. I am depending on you to get my badge. I have decided to wait until every swap is completed and every partner has a tote before I apply. So, please post as you receive your tote so that it can be tracked and let your partner know you got their precious gift. Pictures are nice. If you used recycled items be sure to include a note to your partner letting them know the story of its origin. You could also post that information. Others may be looking for your ideas. But above all else, enjoy!
Update June 15 - For the most part everyone that signed up participated and I consider the swap a big success. Thank you to all the ladies that took a step toward getting the plastic bags out of our landfills and off the side of our roads. There were a couple of ladies that sent out their totes but have not yet received a return. They have been angeled a tote with great love and thankfulness for the part that they played. Cindy was the winner of the tote drawing and should be receiving her tote in the next couple of days. All totes were sent out on Monday so they should be received by Thursday. As soon as I know everyone has a new shopping tote I'll put my application in for that badge. Thank you again to all and I do hope you will all continue to use reusable bags for all your shopping.
Join me in trying to make this world a better place for us and future generations.
Partner List:
EastTXFarmgirl/Victoria Received- foreverbooks/Carole Received
gspringman/Gail Received- Claude09647/Claudia Received
MaryLD/Mary Received - vintage saver/Oleta Received
Shirley Ann/Shirley Received - delicia/Delicia Received
Bag Lady Diva/Viola Received - quiltee/Linda Received
Kyria/Kyria Received - bdhughes77/Debbie Received
LindaJo/Linda Received- redbud/Christine Received
Laurie Rae/Laurie unable to contact- sassycasie/Casie Angeled/Received
ayates/Anna Received- cgonyer/Cindy Received
dianaw1123/Diana Received- lin/Lin Angeled/Received
shabby-mama/Nicola Received- jclambert/Judy Received
shabby-mama/Nicola Angeled/Received- necobia/Lois Received
necobia/Lois Received- Lady Jane/Alberta Jane Received
khartquilt/Kathy Received- Melanie47601/Melanie Received
khartquilt/Kathy Received - chick-chick/Liz Received
Tote drawing winner cgonyer/Cindy Received
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| quiltee |
Posted - Jul 19 2010 : 2:15:50 PM
Do you mean we will get a Farmgirl Badge for being in this swap? Please clarify the heading on this thread. This was a fun swap and I loved my bags.
I just joined the Sisterhood today! Woo hoo! and can't wait to join a few Henhouses and participate in more swaps.
Linda
quiltee |
| Lin |
Posted - Jun 24 2010 : 7:06:35 PM
Diana, my beautiful tote arrived!!! I'll try to get a picture posted....it's very gorgeous and so unique!! I really love it....you put so much time and love into making that for me and I deeply appreciate it. We love the button!!! The Friendship Book you also sent is just wonderful....I'll always think of you when I read it and when I carry my lovely tote! Wow.....heartfelt thanks! Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
| cgonyer |
Posted - Jun 19 2010 : 2:34:33 PM
Victoria - my tote/apron arrived on Thursday and WOW - I love it! I can take my supplies in it to a picnic and then turn the tote into an apron! I love the linen fabric - it's so beautiful. You women amaze me with all of the talent here at MJF. The lip balms are fabulous - love raspberry and peppermint both. Thank you so much for making the tote/apron and the lip balms. You are very much appreciated! Below are a couple of pics so that everyone can see your wonderful work!
~Cindy
Farmgirl #1273 |
| Lin |
Posted - Jun 17 2010 : 5:23:12 PM
Victoria, my beautiful, beautiful tote arrived and it's absolutely perfect for Farmers Market and shopping!!! Heartfelt thank you...I'm just thrilled!!! I am just amazed at the fabric you used to sew it...it's so gorgeous and unique!! You do such a lovely job of sewing. I really love the pattern...the size is ideal. And it was wrapped so sweet...tied up with the pretty blue ribbon and awesome tucks of your lip balms!! Wow....I feel very spoiled!! Bless you Victoria!! The special note was the best!! Hugs and Smiles, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - Jun 08 2010 : 3:59:33 PM
Cindy your tote will be going to the post office in the morning.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| cgonyer |
Posted - Jun 04 2010 : 05:58:59 AM
Wow - I can't believe I won! When the tote gets here, I will post a picture of it. In the meantime, here is a couple of pics of the tote that I received from Anna. It's reversible and beautiful!
~Cindy
Farmgirl #1273 |
| Lin |
Posted - Jun 02 2010 : 12:29:07 PM
Congratulations Cindy!!! How exciting!!! Thank you for doing this swap, Victoria!! It was fun!! Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - Jun 02 2010 : 06:22:17 AM
OK ladies I put the names of those that met the deadline in the pot, shook it up and the winner is cgonyer/Cindy. Cindy I have sent you an email.
Thank you ladies for participating in this swap it has been fun for most. A few ladies did not receive but they will be angeled a tote. For the most part it was a very successful swap. Now it is up to you to get those plastic bags out of our landfills and off our road sides. Keep your reusable totes with you and use them. Once it becomes habit you will find that you like using them. So, HAPPY GREEN SHOPPING!
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - May 28 2010 : 5:29:03 PM
Thank Lin. I know you are excited to get it. Let us know when you do.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| Lin |
Posted - May 26 2010 : 10:15:17 PM
Hi Victoria,
Just to let you know, my Tote Swap partner Diana (Diana1123) has contacted me periodically and has been working on my tote. She contacted me yesterday and said it is close to being ready to mail, so I'll post as soon as I recieve! Diana is making mine and I will be sure to post a picture as I know it will be absolutely wonderful! She's such a sweetheart!! Hugs, Lin
"Our beautiful earth is worth saving"!! |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - May 26 2010 : 7:15:38 PM
We still have a few ladies that have not indicated that they have received their totes. If you have not mailed please do so as soon as possible. If you have received and not yet posted please do so that your partner knows that you have received.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| Lady Jane |
Posted - May 22 2010 : 10:18:52 AM
received
Lady Jane |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - May 22 2010 : 09:38:44 AM
Just a couple of more totes needed to be received. Please post as soon as you receive your tote to let you partner know you have it.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| jclambert |
Posted - May 21 2010 : 05:36:37 AM
Nicola,
The time was not a problem. Besides, you made the deadline and it was worth waiting for.
Judy
"Speak your mind and ride a fast horse" |
| shabby-mama |
Posted - May 20 2010 : 6:42:45 PM
Hi Judy,
I am so glad you were happy with your totes :). I got the idea for the peg bag on here somewhere but they used baby dresses. I am really sorry that I had such a hard time getting to post this off to you. These swaps are so much fun.
Nicola |
| quiltee |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 9:12:41 PM
I love the Elm Creek Quilts novels. I've read all but the last, I think. There are several mystery series based on quilt blocks, too, like the Benni Harper series by Earlene Fowler. I have enjoyed all of them.
Linda |
| Bag Lady Diva |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 8:52:22 PM
Delicia:
Well my grandaughter turned 3 yesterday. My grandson will be one next month. They live in town, so they come out and spend a day with us weekly.
Books - I am ready The Elm Creek Quilts novels. This is going to sound funny but I buy and read stories that includes words pertaining to sewing, quilting, threads, ie The Healing Quilt. I like to collect books. I always go to second hand stores, garage sales, I collect hardback books in good condition.
I collect cookbooks, sewing books, bottom line - I like books.
I should send you the free pattern I got at one of the quilt shops - to use for the pillow case project.
What colors do you like - enjoy your day.
Vi
Quilting in the Black Hills |
| jclambert |
Posted - May 19 2010 : 1:49:29 PM
Oh my gosh, ya'll. I received my package from Nicola today and have been doing my happy dance ever since. Thank you,thank you, thank you a zillion times. Nicola, you are so creative and talented. I love all my goodies. I've been showing them off and had everyone oohing and aahing and wanting to know where I got my stuff. Not only did I get two totes, but a really cute clothes pin bag too. This was my first swap and it's been wonderful. I'm going to attempt to get pictures on here because these are just too cute not to show off.
Judy
"Speak your mind and ride a fast horse" |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 8:28:10 PM
I received an email from necobia/Lois today that she has received totes from both her partners and that her's have been mailed to them. We still have a few others waiting on totes. Has anyone heard from Laurie Rae? sassycasie/Casie is her partner and both Casie and I have been unable to contact her. She was very enthusiastic in the confirmation emails and stated that she had her tote ready to send but has not been heard from since.
Thank you to everyone that participated in the swap. I enjoyed it and hope you did too. As soon as the remaining totes are received I will be applying for my expert shopping green badge. Thank you for helping me earn the badge. Be sure to check this thread June 1st to find out who the winner of the free tote drawing is.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
| delicia |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 11:56:13 AM
Vi, I have seen the advertisement for the pillowcase thing. I am trying to learn to sew but, so far it is slow going for me. I have the hardest time with the patterns. I think I rip out about 50 times on each item that I make. I am glad that you had a good day yesterday. What kind of books do you like to read? How old are your grandchildren? Do they live close to you?
delicia |
| Bag Lady Diva |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 08:28:12 AM
Delicia:
I am glad you liked your package. I love my bag with my Farmgirl - name on it. That is my book bag I carry with me anytime I am going some place. You do not need to send anything. When I reeived your package - it made my day. Dealing with surgerys and now radiation - the comunication will be more then enough. It is hard for me that I cannot go 100 miles an hour like I am use to. Yesterday I sewed and it was a good day. I made 13 pillow cases to donate to the Better Homes and Garden - American Patchwork - 1 Milion Pillow Cases Program. So far I have made 35 - my goal is 100. I stay home the majority of the time, so reading, and sewing, spending time with my grandkids (once a week) is what my weeks are made of, plus docotor appointments. So please you do not need to send anything - a card once in a while and to share and get to know each other will be fun.
Vi
Quilting in the Black Hills |
| delicia |
Posted - May 18 2010 : 05:55:47 AM
Vi, Thank you so much for the lovely prizes. I loved everything and you did not have to send me anything at all. I hope that you are doing better and I am working on your package and hope to get it out next week.
delicia |
| Bag Lady Diva |
Posted - May 17 2010 : 9:00:07 PM
Linda:
Hey the US Postal Service is on time. Glad you liked all the goodies Farmgirl. The dollies are made by my dear friends Mom - she does beautiful work. I am happy you like the bags. Sorry I took so long. Hope you are doing better. I plan to keep in touch.
Vi
Quilting in the Black Hills |
| quiltee |
Posted - May 17 2010 : 10:32:41 AM
Vi -
I got my two bags and surprises today. Thank you SOOOOOOOOOOOOO much. I love them both. And the FQ, fabric, recipe cards and doilies are wonderful. Thank you!
I'm also sending you an email.
Linda |
| EastTXFarmgirl |
Posted - May 15 2010 : 5:13:57 PM
Please continue to post as you receive your tote. Now that the mail by date has past please include in your post if the package was postmarked by May 15. All totes mailed by today should be received within 7-10 days so I will be drawing a name for the free tote on June 1.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
