Thank You!! AFC Fiber Exchange Fall 2023

Thank You for signing up for our Fall 2023 AFC Fiber Exchange!

Here at A Fiber Collective, we love sending yarn-y happy mail, it's just what we do! I'm glad you're going to be part of this season of sharing fiber, making friends, and connecting with other makers.

What's Next?

From here you should receive a confirmation email from the survey. I'll be in touch by September 15th with your partner info - be sure to check your spam folder! Once you receive your partner info, you will need to contact them. I know it can be intimidating, but you're committed! You can do it - just reach out and say hello! 

Things to ask for and note:
- What kind of yarn / fiber your partner prefers (SW/NSW, etc)
- Color preferences
- Things they enjoy (beverages, sweet treats, local shops, etc)
- Whether or not your partner has pet allergies. This is fairly important if stash shopping and you have furry family member.
- Their mailing address


Package Requirements:

This is the fun, but also very important part!
All packages must have 200g of yarn and/or fiber. We hope you'll opt to include a few extra goodies for your partner based upon their tastes and preferences. 
You can absolutely shop your stash if you wholeheartedly believe your partner will enjoy it. Do NOT send partial skeins or cakes unless your partner has requested them - ie, if your partner loves to weave or likes scrappy projects. It is not a requirement that you go and spend a boatload of money on brand new, high end, expensive things for your partners box, though we ask that you put thought and intention into what you send. Sharing and receiving packages is always exciting, so use this chance to make someones day! Pack your parcel as something you would hope to receive in the mail (though with your partners preferences). 

Budget-friendly things to include:

Share a recipe, cookies, a beverage packet (like tea!), chocolates/candies, etc. (I've even received a full loaf of pumpkin bread in a previous swap.) If sending food items and shipping internationally, please think about customs and shipping timeframes. Nobody wants confiscated or spoiled goods. Handwritten notes, patterns, and things of the like are always good too!

Other things you could include:

Candles, salves or balms, tote bags, tools, notions, stickers, note cards, etc.
There are tons of ways to beef up those packages on a budget, which I know many of us are mindful of these days. Don't skimp out because you're on a budget.. get creative!  

Other things to note:

Shipping deadlines: 
International: October 27th
Domestic: November 3rd

I strongly recommend shipping before the deadline if you can, and hold on to your shipping receipts! You will need to send your partner their tracking information so both parties can keep an eye out on shipment progress. This will also be your "proof of shipment" if the need arises.

BE KIND

I shouldn't have to say it, but The Fiber Exchange is meant to be an inclusive and safe space. Hate speech and inappropriate behavior of ANY KIND , simply will not be tolerated. A Fiber Collective, and the fiber community as a whole, celebrates diversity across all fiber crafts - be a part of it, love it, and support it. If you are reported for ill-behavior (or not sending a package for that matter), you will be banned and won't be allowed to participate in future exchanges.

Shopping Small:

As part of our mission here at AFC, I encourage you to shop small where you can.

By September 15th, I will post a list of small fiber related businesses who have chosen to offer coupon codes to our participants. It will be linked on the main Fiber Exchange page here.


Schedule:
September 1: Sign Ups Open
September 8: Sign Ups Close
September 9-15: Partner Matching & Emails
October 27: International Packages Out
November 3: Domestic Packages Out

If you have questions or need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out! I truly appreciate your support! 
Please feel free to share the image above to your social media accounts.Tell your friends and invite them to join the fun! 
For social sharing please use : #afcfiberexchange & @afibercollective
Thank you for participating!!