TalkTemari Great International Temari Swap (GITS)

  Back in the summer of 1999, when the discussion group was first getting going ("getting going was not a problem - there were 8 people on it in the first 12 hours), one of those first people (a lovely lady by the name of Sarah Robinson) happened to say that she always gave away her Temari, but never got to see any others since no one else around her knew anything about them, much less made them. It also happened that Sarah was very happy and generous to share some Temari supplies she had brought back with her from her Japan stay - although she refused payment for them. At least monetary payment.... she would like a temari in exchange.

        So, the list mommy had a great idea (!), finding herself in the same place of not having a clue what any other temari were like other than the ones she made....   and proposed to the discussion group members that we have a temari swap amongst the list members. Those who wanted to play would email the list mommy with their desire, and at the end of the sign up time, we'd plop all the names into the hat (literally) and randomly pull by twos to pair up. Each person would then make a Temari for their partner, and send it off.

        The Great International Temari Swap was thus born, and continues to play to rave reviews; we barely get one round going before the early birds finishing their swaps are chirping for another. The first occurred in July of 1999, which was a free-for-all, whereby maker chooses the pattern and works a standard size Temari (2 to 3 inches) in the threads they normally would use - the only thing "allowed" is that they may check with their partner to determine if there are colors the partner just doesn't like... no sense pouring your efforts into that. Round 1 had 18 members playing, with almost all fulfilling their swap. It's become a super way to explore how maris can differ, see different stitching techniques and use of color, and become inspired to try new techniques and designs.

        GITS Rounds have continued every few months, and has become a favorite on the TalkTemari discussion list. Some rounds are free-for-all - maker chooses the pattern; other times we may have a themed or guided round, specific colors or ranges, pattern element challenges, or inspirational challenges (such as the flowers blooming in spring in your area of the country, or even the name of a song of choice). To date (June 2009) we have completed 48 rounds  with participation running from around a dozen to over 30 people per round. Each round has a better than a 95% completion rate, and 100% completion is not uncommon, with everyone completing their trades.  We periodically announce on the list that it is time to play (usually every 6 to 8 weeks or so) - and anyone that wants to can join in the round.

         The only rules to GITS is that  it is for fun with no pressure, and everyone agrees to that - no deadlines and that all on the list are welcome and encouraged to play, regardless of how much experience you have in making temari. Everyone understands that they may be paired with someone that has been who has been making temari for a time much different than their own, and that does not matter - every temari is cherished.