ready, set, go!!!!!!!!!!

ok, everything is in place, secret pal - check; pattern - check; yarn - check; start knitting!!!!!! I am really excited about this. I hope my secret pal will be as excited about this bag as I am.

I've got my yarn and I'm good to go!

I finally picked my pattern after much internal debate. I had no idea it would be this hard. When we started this exchange I thought it would be easy to pick a pattern because I have several bags lined up which I want to make either for myself or my Mom. I figured I'd just choose one of those. But then the doubts set in - will my Pal like it? Is it difficult enough? Special enough? What's the perfect purse? And then of course there are SOOOOO many patterns out there that you can just get sucked in to looking at patterns all day. But I finally landed on a pattern that I hope she will like and I took a trip to my LYS at lunch today and picked out the yarn. I also hope she will like these colors - keep your fingers crossed. This weekend it is Junior Olympics for one of my daughters but after the hurtles and the relays the event will be casting on! Can't wait to see other folks' yarn!

And here it is...

Well after much searching for patterns and fondling of yarn, here it is...

I am really excited about the pattern. I have never felted before, but I have a friend who has felted several items. She said that she would be happy to teach me how. My friend and the lady at the LYS said this was a great brand to use for felting. It is Lamb's Pride Bulky. I have never worked with it before, so I am anxious to be using something new. Since I am stashbusting, I used my "free day" to stock up. I hope everyone else is having as much fun picking out yarns and getting started as I am!

added link

Thanks, Stephanie. I've added the Knitty Chick's free pattern page to the links! I'm still deciding, too, so it's good to see all the choices!

Felted bag patterns

Everyone has probably found a tote pattern but in case someone is still looking...I came across this site: www.knittychick.com/freepatterns There are a ton of free felted bag patterns here. I'm a blog neophyte so don't know how to put this with the links which is why I'm doing it this way.--Stephanie

Finally decided on a pattern & found the yarn the other day ----SUCCESS! Have yet to CO but am excited to do so! Yesterday I found some little "goodies" to add to her package, although I'm debating sending them early as a teaser. We'll have to see!

Nervous

Got my exchange partner. Got my yarn and pattern. Not worried about the pattern but I'm trying colors that I probably wouldn't use for myself but they are colors that she likes. But I have to admit that I'm nervous about her liking it.

The excitement mounts ........

Well, I have ordered all the supplies to make my partners bag, and I HAD TO order some things for me too - lol ...... it just couldn't be helped!! I mean, what's a girl to do?? All that yarn was calling me!!! Anyway, hopefully it'll arrive soon & I can get working on it!! I can't wait to get mine, so I expect my partner feels the same way!

What to do??

I received my pal and have read some of her blog. Sounds like some similarities in the teenage boy bottomless pits home over spring break, etc. Tote bags to bring projects to ball games and such seem to be the thing! Also got a message/further questionaire from the pal who has me. It is so like Christmas and I can't wait to get to the store.... My first exchange experience is off and running!

sassybratluvs2knit

sassybratluvs2knit

Received my secret pal....I have long waited this day!!!!
I know we have knitting in common :-) lol
I will be starting her tote by the end of this week plus I have volunteered to be an angel. I think the angel idea is great, but hopefully everyone will be able to meet their commitments.
I just want to wish everyone a fun time in this tote exchange.

I am so ready to go to the yarn store and fondle and find the right yarn for this project.....i have an idea of what i want to get...my 'pal' seems to have some similar likes of mine, so hopefully if i like it, she will too. i am so excited!!!! have a good one...
Lisa in cs

Wow!

I've just found out that my Tote Exchange Pal has similar tote interests to mine! ^^ It will be a pleasure to knit a bag for her! I'm already thinking about the pattern.
Happy knitting, everyone! (*^-^*)

Thanks for your generosity!

WOW! We had ten people already sign up to be angels! Thanks so much for offering to help if we need it.

I cast on for my bag last night and love the color combination I am using. I may end up keeping this one. Ha ha!

Bonnie

International pal

I got the name of my international secret pal today and I have sent her my first email. This is going to be great fun! I hope to hear from whoever has my name soon too !!

WooHoo!!

Well, I've got my partner & the person who has me has already email ed me too ....... eeeekkkks!! I feel like a kid at Christmas - teeheehee!!!

Thank you hostesses

I have been eagerly checking my mail every day, just in case the match was ready. Now I know who my pal is, I've got a focus for all the ideas that have been swirling around. Very excited!

Got the name

This is great. Got my tote-recipient's name, read her information and sent a little note. The ideas are brewing: felted vs. not felted; functional vs. fun. Hmmmm... I have no idea what I'll decide!!!!--Stephanie

Tote Exchange Assignments have been emailed

If you have any questions, email us!

The Hostesses

pals

will we be notified via our regular email address or the alternate email address? I am so excited about this I want to make sure I look in the right place.

Oh yeah ...

I have looked at so many patterns and so many different types of yarn that I am really looking forward to this ... not to mention looking forward to getting my bag too - lol.

~ Sherri

I am getting so excited!

Im anxiously awaiting my tote exchange buddy & scouring "cool" patterns & checking my stash to see what I can use. what do I need to pick up etc.

Anyone else getting all worked up??!!!

Blog hint - how to create a post

Several of you mentioned that you are unfamiliar with blogging so I wanted to pass on a couple "how tos" to the group.

To post to the group, you may go here and select "New Post" for the Tote Exchange blog. Then select "Create". The directions are very clear. If you want to add a photo to your post, select the little picture icon and it will tell you what to do. If you want to create a hyperlink to another site, select the little green icon (not sure what it is supposed to look like) and paste the address of the website to which you are linking.

Also, I wanted to point out that if you post a response in the comment section of someone else's post, the whole group may not see it. Several questionnaires were posted as comments and I missed them. Don't get me wrong, comments are wonderful for conveying your thoughts on someone else's post but if you mean to post something for the whole group to see, I would suggest you create a new post.

One last reminder, we do require every member to post at least once a month to make sure they haven't lost interest in the exchange. The post can be as simple as "I still haven't picked my pattern or yarn yet" but we do need to hear from you all. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

I hope that's clear! Email me if not.

Bonnie

Secret Pals.... or Not?

A few of you have asked on the blog or via email whether your partners should be kept a secret or not so I'm guessing others are also wondering what to do and it would be helpful if we addressed it to you all. We are not requiring you to do so but strongly encourage it (how's that for wishy washy, hee hee.) To do so, you will need to create an email account (yahoo, hotmail, gmail, etc.) so that your email address doesn't identify your name or nickname. It's quite simple to do and should only take an extra minute or two.

Also, let me remind everyone that we have the "Rules and Guidelines" for this exchange posted on the blog. There is a link on the right side of the blog (under questionnaire) and you can also click here to get to it.

The matchups will be sent a little later today!!

Bonnie

The Assignments are Coming - the Assignments are Coming

Are you getting excited??? I'm getting excited!!! Bonnie and Kim are just about done with the assignments so you should be getting yours in the next several days. Then we can all start agonizing over patterns and yarns and start posting some photos! I can't wait!

Rose's Questionnaire

Questionnaire:1. Name and blogger handle:
Rose
2. Blog URL (if applicable):
None
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me:
Surprise me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:
I like blues and greens. I'm not picky about fiber content.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual?
Casual
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international?
Either is fine
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):

Janet (Coco)'s Questionnaire

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle:
Janet Covey, only blog by posting comments and sending way too many
emails to people I don't know. I'm a print/web designer and need to get
my work site up before I can allow myself a blog site....this is why I
search for blogs all day...avoidance!

2. Blog URL (if applicable):

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me:
Felted

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:
Not primary colors. Orange, hot pink, spring/avocado greens, green, browns, dusky
turquoise blues, all likes. Not a huge bright yellow fan and don't like
any kind of cobalt/navy blue or pedestrian purple. I'm more earth and
funky brights.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual?
Definitely casual (with attempted flair of course! I do live in the
center of San Francisco after all!)

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international?
Whatever works.

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):
City gal with outdoor desires. Wearing pigtails today because I got up
at 4am to go to the 100th anniversary of the SF earthquake. Active
middle aged gal. (at least I can admit to "middle aged!"). My first
knitting project was a bag pattern from Family Circle in 1969. I didn't
knit again for more than a decade!

Karen's Questionnaire

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: Kapin a.k.a. Karen

2. Blog URL (if applicable): N/A

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: Usually wear pinks, blues, other 'cool' colors so something to coordinate I guess. Kind of burned out on the fur thing, am currently into more intricate textures for my own knitting projects

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Jeans are the staple!

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either works, tho international could be interesting

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): Can't think of anything off hand, I guess just ask and I can come with answers!

Ta da!

Thanks to Sherri, I've now added the button to our sidebar. I know, I know, it was a long time coming. :) We're almost getting our pals. Yay! Can't wait.

blog url address - new

Just wanted to let you all know I just set up a blog. The blog is titled BK Knits and the address is: bkknits.blogspot.com Some photo's will be posted soon.

Quick update

Just wanted to send a quick update that we are working on assigning everyone a tote pal to knit for and we should have the e-mails telling you who your "pal" is by the end of the week, if not sooner.

In the meantime, we hope you're all as excited about getting started as we are!

Happy knitting!

Jesusismyrock's answers to the questions

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: jesusismyrock
2. Blog URL (if applicable):
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: well, i have never had anything felted before, so that would be cool, but surprise me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like wild, wacky and bright colors, i am kind of getting into the bigger bags, i don't really like small ones.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual?: I guess i dress more casual, unless i am going to church or a party or something, i get dressy
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international?: it makes no difference to me.
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I'm a christian, i love Jesus, and i love just haven' fun!

I am here to join the fun!

I am such a tote bag junkie! At my job we have sales reps come in all the time with tote bags with their company name, and I am always joking about wanting the bag and 'whoring' myself just for a tote bag. Every doorknob in my house has at least one on it, well except for the entry. Let folks at least get in my house before they actually see how strange I really am!
Posting my questionairre for all to see, looking forward to finding my 'tote buddy'.
Sue Atkins

1. Name and blogger handle:Sue Atkins
2. Blog URL (if applicable):
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me:Surprise me
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:Love blue and red, not at the same time necessarily
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual?Casual
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international?Location doesn't matter to me
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):
I hope you have fun knitting

Alison's Questionnaire

Leave it to me to get confused on if I should post this here or not (I'll get it straight one of these days I promise!!) So thanks to Bonnie's gentle nudge I am posting it now (a day late and a dollar short I know... sorry!!)

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: Alison (Creative Genius?)
2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://couldbefun.blogspot.com
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: For my purses I like blacks, grays and even blues. I find that when I wear jeans I am usually in black shoes. However I am open to other colors and totally trust the process (just pastels are really not me). I'm not picky about fiber content so go crazy!
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Very casual - I am a blue jeans and khaki shorts type of girl
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either is fine
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I love totes you can throw over your shoulder, rather then just a hand bag... and bigger usually works since I carry around a lot of stuff. You can learn a lot about me on my blog if you are interested! This is going to be so much fun - I can't wait!

Tote Exchange Button

I love our button and have it linked to my blog:

http://waldenknits.blogspot.com/

Tote Exchange participation is closed

Just a reminder that sign-up for this exchange is now closed. We will take the next few days to make sure we have all the necessary information we need from participants and ensure that everyone has posted their questionnaire. If you have not done so already, please do it ASAP as we can't assign partners until that step is done.

We will email your partner's name no later than next Friday, April 21st.

And for those who celebrate... Happy Easter!!!

Bonnie

Wait or not ....

So, are we waiting until tomorrow to get our partner or do we get them today??

~ Sherri

Yarn Sale

Webbs is having a yarn sale. They currently have Cascade 220 (THE yarn for felting!) at $4.79 per skein. I just paid $6.50 at my LYS last night.

http://www.yarn.com/

Here is what the home page says:
Yarn Discounts Save You Money!
You may deduct 20% on a $60 yarn order and 25% on a $120 order.
It's that simple. The discounts apply to standard yarns, our own lines, mill ends and closeouts. Occasionally a yarn will be marked NFD or "No Further discount". On those yarns the price is net and they don't count in the total for your discount.

I've never ordered from this website but I've heard only good things about it (no affiliation!)

Bonnie

April 14th is the last day

Just a reminder that today will be the last day for sign-ups to the Tote Exchange. If you know anyone who has not yet signed-up or hasn't posted their questionnaire, please tell them to skedaddle!!

Bonnie

Questionnaire:1. Name and blogger handle:
Rose
2. Blog URL (if applicable):
None
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me:
Surprise me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:
I like blues and greens. I'm not picky about fiber content.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual?
Casual
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international?
Either is fine
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):

Looking forward to a new adventure!

Hi everyone! Here is the info for me...

1. Name and blogger handle: Kish

2. Blog URL: Kish's Korner

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me? Surprise me :)

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like earth tones the best (green is my favorite)--but I also love fun stuff! The only colors I don't really like are yellow and orange.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either one

7. Miscellaneous info: I compete in Irish dancing, so a tote that I could use for holding those small extra's (make-up, hair pins, etc.) would be really cool. I'm easy to please and love anything that is a gift!

I am looking forward to seeing all of the neat ideas everyone comes up with and getting to meet fellow knitters. :)

Smug sheep's questionnaire

1. Blogger handle is Smug Sheep
2. Blog URL www.smugsheep.blogspot.com
3. I'd like to have a felted tote
4. Like most of the others in this exchange, I strongly prefer natural fibres. I don't like eyelash yarns. I like most colours, especially strong, clear tones.
5. Tend to be dressy. I like fitted, clean lines. Not keen on frills or fuss, but I do like colour and texture.
6. I don't mind where my pal lives
7. I'd love to have a tote I could take to work - big enough for papers, smart for the office

Looking forward to getting started!

I made a simple button

I have it up on my blog so it's linked to this page. I know it's nothing fancy, I just thought the map in the background symbolized our various locations ...

Evelyn's Questionnaire

1. Name and blogger handle: Evelyn/ brnwebgrrl

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://www.nubianweb.com/brnwebgrrl

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Felted

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: Natural fibers, of course. Earthy colors--naturals, soft greens, blues, russet, or deep jewel colors

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual but refined

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? International is fine

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I'd prefer a bag with a handle long enough to go over the shoulder. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's talent and creativity being expresed through making these bags.

Hostess Request

On behalf of all the hostesses, we are THRILLED to have you all here! I believe we are up to 33 participants. We will hold the exchange open until next Friday, April 14th, so if you have any procrastinating friends, tell them to "Git on it!"

We would like to make an administrative request to make our jobs easier. We know that many of you have multiple IDs and email addresses which can make it difficult to figure out exactly who we're dealing with. So we ask that you please use whatever email address you provided us with when you communicate with us or when you post to the blog.

Thanks so much and keep looking for fun patterns! If you find any patterns that you'd like to share with the group, please post them on the blog!

Bonnie (on behalf of the Tote Exchange hostesses)

Scout Here!

Here's the down-low on me.

1. Name and blogger handle: Scout

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://www.scoutj.com

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise me!

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I really prefer natural fibers and all you have to do is go look around my blog and you'll get a pretty good idea of what I like. I'm somewhat notorious in the knitty world for my affection of purple.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? I'm pretty much usually in jeans and a black t-shirt or tank. So that would be casual!

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Doesn't matter!

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I tend to like fairly hip, cool, bags that aren't like what everyone else has. I love purple and most jewel tones and black!

Brahdelt's questionnaire

1. Name and blogger handle: Joanna, Brahdelt
2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://brahdelt.blogspot.com/
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I love Spring green, orange and red.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual.
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either.
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I love big bags because I usually carry lots of stuff with me! ^^ It's my first swap and I'm very excited to start knitting!

Lisa E's Questionaire

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: My name is Lisa and my usual name around the forums is Lisa E

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://bubblesandpurls.blogspot.com

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: felted please

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I love the bright jewel colors and I also love the "water" colors...blues, aquas, teals, greens

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? I would prefer the same country please.

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I like to carry a larger size bag. Even my day to day handbag isn't tiny. I'm not talking about something HUGE but something that I could stick some yarn and a project in to take back and forth to ballgames and such would be fantastic!! I knit in public alot!! I also always carry a book with me to read. I'm sure I will love anything you make. I'm pretty easy to please.

I can't wait to see how talented everyone is!
Lisa

Buttons

I can make one .... any ideas what you want on it??

~ Sherri

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: Hi, my name Bonnie, my handle is bkknits
2. Blog URL (if applicable): - bkknits.blogspot.com
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like all fibers and as far as colors, I have been leaning more toward the earth tones lately, but I also like the "water" colors that I've seen in the caribbean, makes me feel like I'm on the beach in Jamacia!
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual!
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? It doesn't make a difference, but an international pal I think would be fun.
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): This is the first exchange I have ever done, I am really excited about this and meeting new knitters!

Questionaire: Wanda

1. Name and blogger handle: Wanda - gwtreece

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://gwtreece.blogspot.com/

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: favorite colors are blues, purples, reds. I also wear a lot of black.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Doesn’t matter

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I am open to just about any thing. I would prefer bigger to smaller but am sure I would love anything.

Button for Tote Exchange Blog

Do we have a customized button for our tote exchange blog that we can post and link to on our blogs? Does anyone know how to make one? Thank you.

Questionnaire: Marty
1. Name and blogger handle: Marty (movingknitter).

• Blog URL (if applicable): www.changesmjm.blogspot.com

2. Pictures posted at:will be posted on the blog.
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise Me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:

• Color: any color that is not pastel
• Fiber: anything that's not toooo fragile

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Both. Depends on my mood
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Same country
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I love surprises and I'll like and appreciate anything that you send

Questionnaire: Suzanne

Questionnaire: Suzanne
1. Name and blogger handle: Suzanne
2. Blog URL (if applicable): No blog yet. Pictures posted at: www.flickr.com/photos/suzannehandicrafts/
3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise Me!
4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:
Color: Open minded but love greens and blues. I am not that fond of orange or burgundy.
Fiber: I have sensative skin so please don’t use anything too itchy.
5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Casual with simple lines.
6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Anywhere is fine with me.
7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I think the great thing about an exchange is seeing other people’s creativity and receiving something that I wouldn’t necessarily think to make myself. I’ll appreciate your hardwork and creativity and love whatever you send.

Sheep Rustler's Questionnaire

I noticed there is already a Judy in this so I thought I had better use my blogger handle in the title!

Questionnaire:

1. Name and blogger handle: Judy Edmonds, AKA Sheep Rustler

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://www.sheeprustling.blogspot.com

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise me!

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I love colour! My favorites are green, blue, pink and purple, in no particular order, but I really dol ove all sorts of colour. I don't like large amounts of ornag,e brown or yellow, though they are nice as accents. As for fibres - for a bag I don't like too much fluffy novelty fibre, though again it is cute as accents. I can't wear mohair in a scarf but as a bag nothing else really worries me!

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Definitely casual. I;m a jeans and T shirt kind of girl, a stay-at-home-mum who is finally achieving a longheld ambition to return to school and study textile art!

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either would be great, I have no problems about sending OS.

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I love wacky, creative designs and colours and would love something experimental. However, I will treasure anything made for me as I truly love handmade items and appreciate the thought and effort (and expense!) that goes into them.

Stephknits questionnaire

I, too, hope am doing this correctly!
Name and blogger handle: Stephanie, (so it was not too far a stretch to...) Stephknits.
Blog URL: Don't have a blog so am using this one. (Although who knows what this first foray into the world of blogs will inspire me to do?)
Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise me please!
Color/fiber likes and dislikes: Prefer natural fibers; medium toned blues and greens are my favorite colors. Am blond and fair-skinned so I tend to go with blues/greens/reds and stay away from oranges and yellows.
Do you tend to be dressy or casual: I'd like to be dressy but the fact is I'm casual.
Prefer a pal who lives in the same country /is international: Doesn't matter but ...if I had to pick..I'd choose someone outside the U.S. I've traveled and lived all over the USA, so it would be fun to do an exchange with someone elsewhere.
Miscellaneous info: Hmmm... These are some things that I really like: oceans; skiing; reading; knitting (of course); Arts-and-Crafts, Celtic and Scandinavian design; most microbrews (LOL); playing the piano; and hanging out with my nearest and dearest family and friends. Here are some things I'm really not to keen on: whining, eggplant (a.k.a. aubergine) and waiting.
Hope this helps!

Answers to Questionnaire by Tess

1. Name and blogger handle: Tess, Autumnsnowdust

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://autumnsnowdust.blogspot.com

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like colors that aren't too bright and fibers that aren't too fuzzy. I'm not a big fan of synthetic fibers. My favorite colors are dark purple and green.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? A little of both. I'm on the trendy side and like styles that are different.

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either or I don't mind.

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I would really like a handbag that is larger as I tend to tote around a bunch of stuff. This is so exciting I can't wait to start.

Questionnaire: Leenat

Tote Exchange
1. Name and blogger handle: leenat

2. Blog URL (if applicable): http://www.norkatt.net/blogi/hand.php

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: -

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? I prefer an international pal

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I love cats!

Chrissie's answers

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: Chrissie, ghostknitter

2. Blog URL (if applicable): Ghostknitter.blogspot.com

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: I did love a felted modular knit (domino, entrelac, Iris Schneider's short row method) that enhances a long color change yarn like Noro Kureyon. I have been meaning to learn these techniques for a while but haven't yet found the gumption.

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I like variegated combinations with shades of lime green, duck's egg and robin's egg blue, mauve, lilac, dusty rose pink, raspberry, tangerine, gold ... spring colors really. I don't like browns/yellow/reds (earth/autumn) combinations. I prefer natural fibers to acrylics and synthetics, which I seldom use.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? slightly dressy

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? dosn't matter

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I would appreciate it if the tote can carry enough yarn for an average adult sweater.

Darla's Questionairre

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: Darla - handle: just-ducky (but I don't have a blog yet!!!)

2. Blog URL (if applicable): not yet!

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: I love felted bags, but surprise me!

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: I love purples, greens, neutrals, but any color will do - fiber: no preference.

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Much more casual than dressy! I have lost a bunch of weight so at this moment I can only afford the casual stuff until my weight levels off. For work I am wearing business casual.

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Anywhere is great!

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I would prefer a larger-size bag that will hold my stuff: I read and knit so would like a little room to fit stuff as well as my wallet, eyeglasses, cell phone, and other essentials.

Thanks, this is going to be fun!

Darla - just-ducky
Detroit, MI

Linda's Questionnaire

Questionnaire:

1. Name and blogger handle: Linda (not sure if I have a blogger handle - getting used to this blog thing is a challenge.)

2. Blog URL (if applicable):

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Surprise me! But I have to admit that I'm hard on bags - it should be sturdy.4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes:
Not sure I have a real preference but I love black and brights and neutrals - how's that for non-committal! Seriously, I'm flexible, I think!

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? Somewhere in between - I have to dress for work but love to live in my jeans and fuzzy slippers!

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international?no preference

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):
I would prefer a larger-size bag that will hold my stuff: wallet, palm pilot, cell phone and checkbook at the minimum. The tiny ones are really cute for my daughters with nothing to carry - unless it's something really fancy and dress-up... which will be used once or twice a year! ;)

This is getting very exciting!

Hello fellow Tote Exchange members. From the Hostesses I just wanted to let you know that we are getting very excited. Thanks to all of you for signing up and there are e-mails flowing in every day! We think this will be a great exchange and hope you are all as excited as we are. Let us know if you have any questions otherwise we'll be sending out the matches in just 2 short weeks. Start thinking about patterns - oh the possibilities are endless!

Miriam's Questionaire

Questionnaire:
1. Name and blogger handle: Miriam

2. Blog URL (if applicable): Kung Fu Knitting

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: Suprise me, but I'd prefer a sturdy rather than stretch bag :-)

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: Like it all except novelty

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual? casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? No preference

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): I'm wide open to styles and colors, but I am not really crazy about teeny, tiny bags as I tend to carry a lot of stuff including a project at all times. Thanks!

Vicki's Questionnaire

Vicki’s Questionnaire

1. Name and blogger handle: Vicki,,,nana_uv_two

2. Blog URL: I have one but really not sure what to do with it!

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: I would prefer a felted purse.

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: pretty much anything works for me, especially more muted tones. No bright red please!!!

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual: Casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either one

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal): Looking forward to getting started! I can’t wait. I just love surprises!

Judy's questionnaire

1. Name and blogger handle: Judy, JAG Knits

2. Blog URL: http://waldenknits.blogspot.com/

3. Do you want a purse that is felted/not felted/surprise me: surprise me

4. Color/fiber likes and dislikes: anything natural, I like Southwest colors, something to go with blue jeans, fall colors or bright colors

5. Do you tend to be dressy or casual: Casual

6. Prefer a pal who lives in the same country/is international? Either one

7. Miscellaneous info (anything you want to tell your pal):

Anything you create will be a lovely treat for me! Thank you.