Guidelines for Chatelaine "Smalls" Exchange
Last year's event was so successful and many of you who didn't participate indicated you would like to this year. So, I thought we'd do this again!
The idea is to stitch an element of an existing Chatelaine design you own and FINISH it into a small of some sort. Examples of an "element" would include the central pond motif from Egyptian Garden, one of the peacocks on the fence from Misty Morning Vineyard, one of the gorgeous wrought-iron fences from the castle minis, etc. Really any snippet of a design that you think would do well for a small is fair game (you must, of course, own the chart). You can even stitch one of the freebie designs. Creativity is encouraged. "As charted" materials need not be used. Conversions and substitutions are absolutely acceptable.
I know we have a stitcher or two who faithfully use Aida in their stitching. I will ask during the sign-up process if you have used Aida, and if you are willing to accept an exchange stitched on Aida. I understand this has been an issue of much contention in other stitching exchanges, and I wish to minimize hard feelings. Personally, I have much admired the stitching on Aida I have seen displayed here and would love to have something stitched with such skill sent to me!
Here are a few ideas for finishing the small once stitched: scissor fob, pin keep, ornament, door hanger, fabric easel, bookmark, needle book and so on! The possibilities are limitless. Lots of really good finishing instructions can be found on-line. So, if you get stuck, just ask in this forum, and I am certain someone can help you find instructions. Don't worry if you've never done any finishing before. The idea is to have fun and do something new! There are links in the FAQ/Stitching Resources forum for finishing to help spark ideas. Please add to it, if you know of additional on-line resources.
Important: Please stitch and finish to make your small something you would be pleased to receive. Remember it is likely to be photographed and displayed here by the recipient.
Here's how to participate:
Stitch and finish your small between now and July 20th (that gives you 10 full weeks to stitch and finish). On July 20th, I will accept sign-ups from those who have a COMPLETELY finished exchange item. Since only those who have completed an item will be participating, everyone should receive an item in the exchange, barring any postal disasters. I will accept sign-ups through July 26th, and then assign partners on July 27th with a mailing deadline of August 3rd. This means that your exchange must be postmarked on or before August 3rd.
I do ask that everyone who participates be willing to send to an international partner, though by the "luck of the draw" some will likely have a domestic exchange partner. We have such a diverse community. This exchange should embrace that diversity. All participants will be required to have evidence of "proof of mailing" (receipt from mailing which indicates destination or photo of addressed package with postage affixed) just in case there is a mailing issue. I may also need a volunteer or two willing to stitch replacements in the event of postal disaster.
Be warned that anyone who signs up indicating s/he has a stitched and finished exchange item and is able to mail it before the stated mailing deadline and then FAILS to follow through, will be barred from participating in future exchanges.
At your option, you may include a small stitching-related goodie (skein or two of floss, etc.) with your exchange piece. However, this is NOT required. So, please do not be offended if you send something extra, but do not receive any extra goodies in return. Let me say that again. DO NOT BE OFFENDED if you send extras but do not receive extras. Remember not everyone has the resources to do so.
Please DO NOT post photos of your exchange piece until it is received by your partner. Don't want to ruin the surprise! 
Once partners have been assigned, I will start a thread for sharing photos of what is received!
I hope we will have lots of interest in this exchange. It would be nice to continue this as a semi-regular event. What appeals to me about this is the opportunity to stitch something from a chart I love but may not have the time to stitch in its entirety for quite some time. And, I am also looking forward to seeing what everyone comes up with! Let the creativity FLOW!!!!!
If you have questions about the exchange, please ask them here. However, I am not yet taking sign ups. I will post a sign up thread in this forum on July 20th to indicate the process for signing up.
