Fiber Pen Pal Swap

 

 

**The pen pal swap has moved to the Snickerdoodle Knits Community (on Discord).**

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Not a big fan of the forum setup? Want connection with more fiber enthusiasts?  Whether you're seeking a more one-on-one communication method or just wanting to join in the letter-writing fun, this is a fun way to have a "forced" conversation.

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When does the Fiber Pen Pal Swap take place & how do I sign up?

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There are four pen pal swaps per year, at the beginning of each quarter (January, April, July, and October).  You may choose to sign up for the next pen pal swap within the Snickerdoodle Knits Community - in the Pen Pal Swap thread. Note: you do need to create a free account to access the Discord server.  

 

You may also sign up for the pen pal swap email list. When you sign up for the email list, you will be sent a reminder about each Pen Pal Swap -- shortly after sign ups open and and just before they close.

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What does the Swap include?

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Pen Pals will be assigned randomly using an online team generator tool.  By signing up for the Fiber Pen Pal swap, you agree to send a letter to your fiber pen pal.  Currently, it is up to you and your pen pal partner to decide whether you prefer to swap snail mail or via email. When you send your initial letter, please only send the letter (no gifts), so your pen pal doesn't feel bad if they didn't send a gift.  After your initial letter swap, you may choose to continue the friendship, and at that point you can establish your own rules.  Not every pen pal will be an instant bestie, but we hope that some meaningful relationships will form from the Pen Pal Swaps.

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Here are some guidelines for your swap:

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• Contact your partner with a letter only.  Share about yourself and seek to learn about your partner.

• Express gratitude for the letter that you receive. Even if it's clear that you aren't going to be instant besties, acknowledge the time that you each put into your letters and be respectful.

• Remember that the purpose of this swap is to build meaningful friendships.

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What does the future of the Swap look like?  

 

Depending on the success of the fiber pen pal swap, future variations of the swap may include the following options for the pen pal you are connected with:

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• Indicate communication preference: email versus snail mail.

• Indicate craft preference: spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, etc. pen pal.

• Indicate location preference: if you want a fiber friend local to you.

 

Any ideas and feedback that you have to improve this pen pal swap are welcome -- just send a message on the Contact page!