I'm not an international participant, but I think someone needs to ask the local Post Office in Texas how to use the international coupons being mentioned.

I'm pretty sure that it will be EXPENSIVE for the return postage to be purchased that way, and potentially not even usable because of the difference between a letter and a package.

There must be some way for International participants to pay the US equivalent of the $14.95 or $27.95.

I have a PayPal account, and would be happy to take these CC payments - I need to test out the fees.

If this would make a difference, I would be happy to provide that service. One of the organizers can contact me offline (mailto:detter01@gmail.com) to look into it.

And - I've finished 2 of my sheets - I think I'll do the entire 25 sheets.

Tamara wrote: No, leave it folded like a triangle. It will stay together better in transport and the paper helps the new quilter press it in the right direction. Some of the quilters have been talking about putting their screen names, city, state and country on these papers. It's up to you on that. Have fun.

Do we need to let someone know how many sets of 28 we'll be sending in? Also, I know we're supposed to leave the paper on, but I don't know if we're supposed to open each HST and press it before mailing. I just watched the Edyta Episode and I'm really excited now. I'd love to try her pattern using the diamond template too!

dlquilter wrote:
Future TQS episode, or at least segment???

dlquilter wrote: That could be funny. I'll remember to bring my video camera too. Clara

NaneeWolf wrote:
I don't have a headache, I'm relishing the world of denial and that this will go so smooth like a waltz. Wait, I don't know how to dance. Actually I have a pretty good idea and I'm not really that stressed over it. My energy is going into wonder. I wonder what I'm going to make with mine? I wonder how many I'm going to make? I wonder what all the other quilts will look like? Clara

I had printed out enough sheets from the BOM for 2010, but ordered them from Edyta too just to be able to tell the difference. WOW! Her papers are much better than computer paper. I didn't stick myself with one pin because it's so much thnner and so much more flexible. I think it will tear off easier also, although, if your stitches are small enough, they're easy to tear off to begin with.

I also timed myself to see how long it takes to make 28, from ironing the fabric together to getting the cutting done. I believe the cutting takes the longest, but it still only took 1 minute per half-square triangle to be completed. Not bad.

Joanne

I just ordered the HST paper from Edytas sight. Lots of fun!!

sewforpeace wrote:
I had no idea the tape would be free...thanks for that valuable suggestion, Brenda.

Just some thoughts/questions.... Last night when I was working on my triangles; I had a few that weren't perfect, so I kept those out. Do we have to mail them in increments of 28?

Also, I'm planning (and encourage others) to include a few 'extras'.. I'm imagining despite the most careful counting there will be a few miscounts, and that will help with any shortage. I think our wonderful volunteers should keep these and deserve a few extra too!!

Just my two cents; I'm so excited about this exchange. My husband keeps asking what the count is up to!! That's really something from him! lol

I'm sorry if this info has already been posted, I'm having trouble keeping up with the posts!!

Melodee
Eagle Creek, Oregon

I am still so excited just like everybody else is...And I think some videos of the sorting event would be absolutely wonderful too. How much fun is this!!!

I received my HST papers this afternoon, that is the fastest delivery as I ordered on Tuesday. Thank you Edyta, now I can hardly wait for tomorrow to start playing.
Penny.

Ladies,

Be sure to get the priority tape from the post office...I am pretty sure that it is free when using the priority boxes. That will save some cash that might be needed for your pizzas or margaritas later!

Brenda

HOW MANY HST'S FIT INTO A FLAT RATE BOX/ENVELOPE????

Thanks to Carol, who already sent me her 700 HST's, I was able to determine approximately how many HTS's will fit into the flat rate envelope and boxes. Carol had them sorted into lunch size baggies with 28 in each and she sent them in a medium sized box that did have room for maybe another 300 or so.

You may also want to consider adding another dollar or so for return postage in case the International exchange or postal rates increase, etc. With as many packages as we'll have to be shipping back, if we had to add extra postage on every one, Clara and I could be out a lot of moola.

Here's what I came up with:

A flat rate cardboard envelope (12-1/2" x 9-1/2") can hold approximately 308 HSTs. The Small Flat Rate Box (1-1/2" high x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2') will also hold about 308 HSTs. I kept the HST's in the eleven baggies they were already in and that filled up the box pretty well. If they weren't in individual baggies, but maybe only one or two, there should be enough room for 308 (eleven increments of 28 HSTs). Remember to pack them carefully so they don't get scrunched and wrinkled!

The above International smaller envelope and box to Canada/Mexico is $11.95 US and to all other countries, it is $13.95 US.
_______________________________________________________________________________-

The Medium Flat Rate Box (5-1/2" high x 11" x 8-1/2") should hold 700-1092 comfortably (remember increments of 28), but that size does cost significantly more Internationally. The cost to Canada/Mexico is $27.95 US and to all other countries, it is $45.50.

Here's the link to the U.S. Postal Service for International Flat Rate:
www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-international-prices.htm

Whatever size you decide to use, please make sure you include sufficient return postage. For those of you who aren't sending return envelopes, we will be getting some from the post office. I thought the boxes just folded together and stayed shut, but I just discovered they'll each have to be taped to keep them together!!! Needless to say, we'll use as many envelopes as we can.

Debbie