I am so excited to bring back the Secret Santa Sock Swap for another year - now the Winter Wishes Sock Swap!
Last year, over 600 people participated, from 13 different countries.
Last year, over 600 people participated, from 13 different countries.
I can't wait to see how this year's swap turns out!
There's a lot of information that I would like to share, so please take a moment to read through these FAQ's if you would like to participate!
When you're ready, you can sign up here!
The idea for the original Secret Santa Sock Swap started from a love of knitting a special pair of socks to cast on Christmas Eve. 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?!
However this morning, a fellow knitter reached out and shared that they felt excluded from the swap, as they don't celebrate Christmas. This was absolutely never my intention, although I fully realize that my intentions don't change how I made someone feel.
And for that, I am truly sorry. The swap has now changed to the Winter Wishes Sock Swap and will be focused on the joy of the winter season. If you felt excluded from last year's swap, I invite you to participate this year and apologize for my ignorance. All are welcome here and I did not make that clear previously. I am so sorry.
I don't know about you, but getting a little something in the mail is always the highlight of my day. This is an opportunity to make someone's day. We all need a little extra joy this year!
Schedule:
October 28: Sign up's open!
November 5: Sign ups close
November 5-9: Partner matching! All partner information will be sent by November 9 at the latest.
December 12: Last day to ship orders (US deadline - international, please check local shipping dates)
December 24: Let's cast on our socks!
All the details:
What is the Winter Wishes Sock Swap?
The Winter Wishes Sock Swap is a seasonal fiber sharing event.
You will be matched with a partner, who you will send a package of yarn so that they can cast on a pair of socks this winter season. You will also be matched with someone who will send a package to you!
Who can participate?
Anyone! The Winter Wishes 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. Unfortunately, last year there were a few people who's partners didn't follow through and it can be so disappointing. Please take this chance to make someone's day!
Does it cost anything to sign up?
No! Signing up is free.
No! Signing up is free.
However, there is a section of the survey where you are invited to donate to a Lost Parter's Fund. This money goes towards putting together replacement packages for Sock Swappers who sadly don't receive a package from their partners. Any money left in the fund after replacement packages have been sent will be donated to The Conscious Kid's Rent Relief program - because everyone deserves a place to keep warm this winter.
What needs to be in our packages?
The only real requirement is that you send at least 100g of yarn for your partner to make some socks to keep their toes cozy and warm this winter. That said, get creative! You could send your favorite cookie recipe, your favorite tea, a candle, a sock pattern - whatever! This is 2020. We all need a little extra cheer these days.
Do we have to buy new yarn for our partners?
No, you are welcome to shop your stash...as long as it's something you think your partner would like! This is a chance to get to know someone new in the fiber community and make a friend - send them something they would love to receive!
No, you are welcome to shop your stash...as long as it's something you think your partner would like! This is a chance to get to know someone new in the fiber community and make a friend - send them something they would love to receive!
In addition - please do not send partial skeins or cakes unless your partner has requested scrappy socks. This is not a way for you to get rid of leftover yarn or skeins you don't like. This swap is more about giving than receiving.
Can I pick my partner?
No - the surprise is half the fun! Once you have completed the survey, I painstakingly sort through each and every response to pair you with your partners. I take this process very seriously and hope that you can make a new friend through the process!
Will you share my address?
No - in fact, I won't even ask for your address! When partner information gets sent out, I will share your name, e-mail address, and Instagram name with your partner so that they can get in touch with you, 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. I will absolutely do my best to match you with someone in your own country to make shipping easier, but if we didn't get enough participants from your country, you may be matched with someone from another country.
The US deadline for shipping your package is December 12. That said, SHIP EARLIER IF YOU CAN! We all know the post office is struggling to keep up with the number of packages they are delivering and shipping times could be delayed this holiday season.
One last note -
This event is meant to be fun and festive. I ask that if you complete the survey and agree to sign up for the Winter Wishes 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.
