I don't know about you, but it's about this time every year that I start really regretting not buying a yarn advent calendar. Teasers start going out, holiday themed clubs are being planned, and here I am...wishing I had a special holiday surprise headed my way in December...
The idea started from a love of knitting a special pair of socks to cast on Christmas morning. This has been a tradition of mine (and probably many of you!) for the past few years. I also love the anticipation of both giving and receiving gifts - who doesn't love sharing the joy of surprise with someone they love?!
And so the Secret Santa Sock Swap was born.
The idea started from a love of knitting a special pair of socks to cast on Christmas morning. This has been a tradition of mine (and probably many of you!) for the past few years. I also love the anticipation of both giving and receiving gifts - who doesn't love sharing the joy of surprise with someone they love?!
And so the Secret Santa Sock Swap was born.
Sign up for the swap here! And keep reading for more details.
The Nitty Gritty:
What is it?
This is a fiber sharing event. You will be matched with a partner, who you will send a package so they can cast on a pair of socks for Christmas. You will also be matched with someone who will send a package to you!
Who can participate?
Anyone! The Secret Santa Sock Swap is open to anyone who completes the survey. However, please do take this seriously. If you fill out the survey, please make sure that you are committed to sending a package. We will take the partner matching seriously and don't want anyone to be disappointed.
What needs to be in our package?
Technically, just 100g of yarn - enough to knit a pair of socks. However, get creative with it! Maybe you want to include your favorite cookie recipe or a mix tape of your favorite Christmas carols! We just ask that you keep the cost of your package under $75 USD. This is meant to be fun, not to break the bank!
Is there a spending requirement?
No! You are more than welcome to use yarn from your stash if you think it's the perfect fit for your partner. Keep in mind, this is more about giving than receiving, so pick something you think your partner will love.
How will I know what my partner will like?
Introduce yourself! Make a friend! Ask questions! Once you have your partner match, send them an e-mail or a friend request on Instagram - this is your chance to make our corner of the social media world a little smaller.
Can I pick my partner?
No - the surprise is half the fun! Complete the survey and you will be matched with a partner who we think will be a good fit. This gives you the opportunity to meet someone new and get to know them!
Will you share my address?
No. We will share your name, e-mail address, and Instagram name with your partner, but you will need to provide them with your address to ship your package. In the rare event that you do not feel safe for comfortable with your partner, your address won't be at risk.
What about shipping? Do I have to ship internationally?
Well, maybe. When you complete the survey, you will be asked if you would prefer to ship to someone in your home country or internationally. Please keep in mind that this is a preference. We will try our best to stick to this preference when matching partners, but if we didn't get enough participants from your country, you may be matched with someone from another country.
Schedule:
October 16: Sign ups open!
October 30: Sign ups close
November 1-6: Partner matching
November 30: Last day to ship international orders
December 16: Last day to ship domestic orders
December 25: Let's cast on our Christmas socks!
One last note -
This event is meant to be fun and festive. We ask that if you complete the survey and agree to sign up for the Secret Santa Sock Swap, that you are committing to participate and send a package.
In addition, you are required to be kind and respectful to both of your partners. Hate speech or inappropriate behavior towards any marginalized group is unacceptable and not tolerated. If this behavior is reported, you will be banned from participating in all future events with La Mercerie.
If you have any other questions, leave them here and we'll get back to you as quick as we can!
