
Not really a case worthy of Hercule Poirot, but a mystery nonetheless. As you may recall, I am participating in a neighborhood round robin. I was so excited to get my neighborhood started – I chose a Halloween/Autumn theme. I ordered a fat half of 36ct Lakeside Linens Meadow Rue for it. I had never stitched on Lakeside Linens, so I splurged on this piece. And the fabric was gorgeous. I spent forever laying out my blocks exactly where I wanted them because I had plotted out a road that was going to wind through my neighborhood. I intended to stitch a pumpkin patch, maybe some trick-or-treaters, the whole bit.

For my block I stitched the cemetery from Village of Hawk Run Hollow, although I modified it by reversing the tree, and making some other changes. Stitching my block really took a lot of thought and effort. I included some Weeks Mascara for everyone to sign their block with. And, I sent it on its way.
Never in a million years did I imagine that someone would keep it. That a member of our little group would completely cease all contact, and keep not only my round robin, but Katrina’s too. Several of us have made repeated attempts to contact Lauren Winter regarding the two round robins that she has in her possession. I sent Lauren a sweet card by mail expressing my concern that perhaps something was going on in her life, that perhaps she was unable to keep up with the RR. I explained to her that I understood, as I also had been going through some rough times. Katrina even took it upon herself to send a postage paid envelope to Lauren with enough postage to cover mailing out both RRs. We thought, if money was tight, perhaps that’s why she didn’t mail. Since before Christmas we have given Lauren the benefit of the doubt, offered assistance and understanding – and met with nothing. No response. No round robins. I so hate having to point the finger at someone publicly, but something like this really cannot go unspoken. I think that other stitcher’s need to be aware of this, and frankly I find it shocking that one of our community would do such a thing.
I also cannot help but find irony in the fact that Lauren herself wrote an “article” on her own blog about round robins and had this to say “It’s not a good idea to join an exchange or RR if you can’t commit the time. Depending on the piece you pick, it can take a weekend or maybe even a few weeks to stitch. It’s also not a good idea if you don’t like to stitch under pressure, or you’re unwilling to try new patterns/finishing techniques. You also need to be able to communicate about the status of the RR – to the RR leader, the person you received from/are mailing to, and the person the RR belongs to. There’s also the cost of mailing, sometimes internationally. Additionally, things can get lost in the mail, or people can just not send them. There are lots of horror stories about people who’ve joined RRs and then ruined or kept other peoples’ work.” Horror story? You better believe it.

At last post on the rr blog, this was what my RR looked like. Toni was the last person I know of that stitched on it, but as you can see I have no idea if she finished what she was stitching before she dropped out. Then, it was sent to Lauren and I have heard or seen nothing of it since then. I have no idea if Lauren just didn’t stitch on it, because she got behind, or what. Maybe she just felt like a Halloween piece on some really nice linen would be just the thing to hang in her house. She lives with her fiance, so I would like to think that if she has fallen deathly ill, he would have seen our repeated emails and mail sent to her and done something about it.
Unfortunately, I am now left with no other option but to restart my RR. Due to being out of work, Carol was sweet enough to send me a piece of fabric that I can use to restitch. I have two RRs now that I need to get out the door by March 15th. And the poor stitchers in my RR group now have to also stitch double time to make up for all the time lost on Katrina’s and my RRs. So, you’ll be seeing my RR again..I’ll have to spend some time figuring out if my previous type of layout will work on the new fabric, and if not, I’ll try to figure out something else. I am just sick and so disappointed that Lauren would do this. Her RR is being returned to her, because it’s the right thing to do. I only hope that she will wake up and realize that returning the two RRs she has to their owner’s is also the right thing to do.
With everything that has gone on in my life in the past couple of months, this was absolutely the last thing that I needed to have happen. And, as I mentioned before, I hate having to resort to putting this out there for everyone to see – but that’s the way it goes. I apoligize for the down note of this post, but I’m sure that you can all understand how this must feel.
Next time, I will have a finished quilt to show you!! Oh, and Eric did like the For You piece I stitched for him.
I am grateful for Carol’s generosity.
{{{{{{{{{{{Michelle}}}}}}}}}}}} I’m so sorry that someone has been so callous as to behave like this to you and Katrina. I know it’s the last thing you needed right now and I hope that Lauren’s conscience prompts her to do the right thing and return both pieces.
BTW, did you receive an envelope from me recently?
{{{{{{{{{{{Michelle}}}}}}}}}}}} I’m so sorry that someone has been so callous as to behave like this to you and Katrina. I know it’s the last thing you needed right now and I hope that Lauren’s conscience prompts her to do the right thing and return both pieces.
BTW, did you receive an envelope from me recently?
Are you sure she’s still alive? I mean maybe something horrible happened to her? Someone tried to call her by phone?
Because honestly, it’s very weird that someone who write such things on RR could do that …
ANyway, it’s really bad for your nice fabric and all that is involved in one piece … Hope she will send it back 😉
Are you sure she’s still alive? I mean maybe something horrible happened to her? Someone tried to call her by phone?
Because honestly, it’s very weird that someone who write such things on RR could do that …
ANyway, it’s really bad for your nice fabric and all that is involved in one piece … Hope she will send it back 😉
Oh no! What a terrible thing to lose not only 1, but 2 RR’s!
The cynic in me – who thinks that most people are just plain downright awful beings – is thinking that this person decided to do a 5-finger discount and keep those pieces just because she wanted to.
But then my logical brain starts doing the “what if…” thing. What if both she and her fiance were in an accident? What if she and her fiance broke up and something happened to her? What if something else is going on? Honestly, if something happened to me, my husband would probably not even think about checking my e-mail and definitely wouldn’t know anything about my stitching stuff. Perhaps that’s what’s going on here…???
Has she blogged lately? Can you find her phone number and call her? Since you have her name and address, I’m betting you could get her phone number as well.
I sure hope you and Katrina can get this figured out and get your RR’s back!
Oh no! What a terrible thing to lose not only 1, but 2 RR’s!
The cynic in me – who thinks that most people are just plain downright awful beings – is thinking that this person decided to do a 5-finger discount and keep those pieces just because she wanted to.
But then my logical brain starts doing the “what if…” thing. What if both she and her fiance were in an accident? What if she and her fiance broke up and something happened to her? What if something else is going on? Honestly, if something happened to me, my husband would probably not even think about checking my e-mail and definitely wouldn’t know anything about my stitching stuff. Perhaps that’s what’s going on here…???
Has she blogged lately? Can you find her phone number and call her? Since you have her name and address, I’m betting you could get her phone number as well.
I sure hope you and Katrina can get this figured out and get your RR’s back!
Oh Michelle, I have seen this story develop up close, as you know, and I just can’t get over it. I’m still pretty sure there is no maliciousness on Lauren’s side (but I’m an eternal optimist) and that something awful has happened to her, but that doesn’t make you feel any better. All I can say is that we will all do our utmost to make this new Neighbourhood just as special as the lost one. I was SO looking forward to your Autumn/Halloween themed piece, and you were off to such a great start. I do hope you manage to fit it all in on your new fabric. Good luck! {{{HUGS}}}
Oh Michelle, I have seen this story develop up close, as you know, and I just can’t get over it. I’m still pretty sure there is no maliciousness on Lauren’s side (but I’m an eternal optimist) and that something awful has happened to her, but that doesn’t make you feel any better. All I can say is that we will all do our utmost to make this new Neighbourhood just as special as the lost one. I was SO looking forward to your Autumn/Halloween themed piece, and you were off to such a great start. I do hope you manage to fit it all in on your new fabric. Good luck! {{{HUGS}}}
I’m so sorry Michelle. I hope you and Katrina get things straightened out and get back on track with your RRs. Your Fall design sounds like a great idea
I’m so sorry Michelle. I hope you and Katrina get things straightened out and get back on track with your RRs. Your Fall design sounds like a great idea
Hi Michelle,
I had this happen years ago… one of my RR’s is in Australia … somewhere!
I also had this happen with an ornament RR but in change it was the moderator/organizer that just won’t follow through! Despite, e-mails and phone calls the excuses have been varied and creative.
As well I had a recent post on my blog where the kindess of others when my partner for Fair and Square got a beautiful block and I got nothing.
It happens, I just take that into accoutn when joining something.
Hi Michelle,
I had this happen years ago… one of my RR’s is in Australia … somewhere!
I also had this happen with an ornament RR but in change it was the moderator/organizer that just won’t follow through! Despite, e-mails and phone calls the excuses have been varied and creative.
As well I had a recent post on my blog where the kindess of others when my partner for Fair and Square got a beautiful block and I got nothing.
It happens, I just take that into accoutn when joining something.
I’m so sorry this has happened to you and Katrina. I am hoping that there has been a reason for the lack of communication and these pieces will hopefully still show up! I certainly understand you feeling very bitter about the situation.
I’m so sorry this has happened to you and Katrina. I am hoping that there has been a reason for the lack of communication and these pieces will hopefully still show up! I certainly understand you feeling very bitter about the situation.
Words cannot express how sorry I feel for you and your lost LOVELY piece of fabric. Maybe all will work out. My heart aches for you…
Words cannot express how sorry I feel for you and your lost LOVELY piece of fabric. Maybe all will work out. My heart aches for you…
I’m so sorry to hear that you didn’t get your piece back. RRs can be such a fun way to share with other stitchers; its too bad that one bad apple can cause so much damage.
I’m so sorry to hear that you didn’t get your piece back. RRs can be such a fun way to share with other stitchers; its too bad that one bad apple can cause so much damage.
I am still very upset about the whole situation. As much as I would love to be able to give her the benefit of the doubt there are just too many things that don’t allow for that. I don’t think it was malicious, just very inconsiderate and irresponsible. Ah well, such is life the situation sucks, I am off to redo my round robin. Lots of hugs Michelle I know how hard this is for you too!
I am still very upset about the whole situation. As much as I would love to be able to give her the benefit of the doubt there are just too many things that don’t allow for that. I don’t think it was malicious, just very inconsiderate and irresponsible. Ah well, such is life the situation sucks, I am off to redo my round robin. Lots of hugs Michelle I know how hard this is for you too!
It’s upsetting, and I am sorry for you, but feeling it. I have *Four* that have gone missing. The very first one I did, then I didn’t join in for years and when I finally did, THREE went missing. Someday, I’m going to Utah and just stealing them back!
It’s upsetting, and I am sorry for you, but feeling it. I have *Four* that have gone missing. The very first one I did, then I didn’t join in for years and when I finally did, THREE went missing. Someday, I’m going to Utah and just stealing them back!
Oh no, I am so sorry for you! You know I went through a theft of a similar kind when my birthday club exchange partner didn’t send me anything. This is even worse because you lost your fabric and stitching! I just cannot believe some people.
Oh no, I am so sorry for you! You know I went through a theft of a similar kind when my birthday club exchange partner didn’t send me anything. This is even worse because you lost your fabric and stitching! I just cannot believe some people.
Michelle,
I’m so sorry you’re going through this…I know just how you feel, it’s not good! How nice of Carol to send you that fabric, what a sweet friend.
Big hugs!
Michelle,
I’m so sorry you’re going through this…I know just how you feel, it’s not good! How nice of Carol to send you that fabric, what a sweet friend.
Big hugs!
The same thing happened to a RR that I was running. I called, sent postage paid envelope etc on and on.
When she did finally show her face on line about 2 years later (she had no excuse btw), I was waiting for her. Never did get the RRs back but I did make her life on line uncomfortable.
Good luck with your Neighborhood, I’ve been watching the RRs that are getting around and you are in a beautifully talented group.
The same thing happened to a RR that I was running. I called, sent postage paid envelope etc on and on.
When she did finally show her face on line about 2 years later (she had no excuse btw), I was waiting for her. Never did get the RRs back but I did make her life on line uncomfortable.
Good luck with your Neighborhood, I’ve been watching the RRs that are getting around and you are in a beautifully talented group.
(((Michelle))) I’m so sorry to hear about this.
(((Michelle))) I’m so sorry to hear about this.
Here’s hoping you get a response to your blog posting.
Here’s hoping you get a response to your blog posting.
I just read about this on Katrina’s blog. Such a nightmare! Im involved in a RR at the moment and dread something like this happening. Lauren used to be so regular online, i do wonder what has happened.
{{hugs}}
I just read about this on Katrina’s blog. Such a nightmare! Im involved in a RR at the moment and dread something like this happening. Lauren used to be so regular online, i do wonder what has happened.
{{hugs}}
OMG, I can’t believe there are people who would just keep someone else’s stitching! That’s absolutely appalling!
OMG, I can’t believe there are people who would just keep someone else’s stitching! That’s absolutely appalling!
Michelle I am so sorry this has happened to you and Katrina. I do hope it gets resolved and you both get your RRs back.
Michelle I am so sorry this has happened to you and Katrina. I do hope it gets resolved and you both get your RRs back.
It must be very annoying for you to have this happen, I hope that you can eventually get your piece back.
It must be very annoying for you to have this happen, I hope that you can eventually get your piece back.
I read about this on Katrina’s blog and I’m so sorry. It’s not even the cost of the materials that’s the worst, but the time and thought and excitment you put into planning this sort of RR. We had a similar problem with a RR I moderated last year – one of the people kept someone else’s RR and didn’t respond to anything. We even tried ringing but just got voicemail. {{{hugs}}}
I read about this on Katrina’s blog and I’m so sorry. It’s not even the cost of the materials that’s the worst, but the time and thought and excitment you put into planning this sort of RR. We had a similar problem with a RR I moderated last year – one of the people kept someone else’s RR and didn’t respond to anything. We even tried ringing but just got voicemail. {{{hugs}}}
Reading about this just made me sick at heart for you and Katrina. From what I’ve read, you both have approached the offending party and offered her ample opportunity to right the situation. I hope you both get some resolution.
Reading about this just made me sick at heart for you and Katrina. From what I’ve read, you both have approached the offending party and offered her ample opportunity to right the situation. I hope you both get some resolution.
Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. While perhaps not the worst of the things that’s happened to you in the last few months, it’s the kind of thing that would weigh on my mind most because it’s both mysterious AND unkind. And infuriating!
Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry. While perhaps not the worst of the things that’s happened to you in the last few months, it’s the kind of thing that would weigh on my mind most because it’s both mysterious AND unkind. And infuriating!
Yes, I’ve been reading about this … it’s unbelievable.
Yes, I’ve been reading about this … it’s unbelievable.
I’m so sorry. 🙁 I love watching the progress of the neighbourhood RRs and the Halloween theme was such a great idea.
I hope you both will get your RRs back!
I’m so sorry. 🙁 I love watching the progress of the neighbourhood RRs and the Halloween theme was such a great idea.
I hope you both will get your RRs back!
Oh how terrible! (((HUGS))) I do hope that she will end up sending the RR’s back to you. I had the same thing happen to me and I sent a prepaid envelope to no avial. I just don’t understand some people sometimes.
Oh how terrible! (((HUGS))) I do hope that she will end up sending the RR’s back to you. I had the same thing happen to me and I sent a prepaid envelope to no avial. I just don’t understand some people sometimes.
Michelle,
I am so sorry that you’ve experienced such a unhappy result. I hope with all of my heart that this person will make things right and return the piece to you and to Katrina.
Michelle,
I am so sorry that you’ve experienced such a unhappy result. I hope with all of my heart that this person will make things right and return the piece to you and to Katrina.
Michelle, I am just so very sorry you had to go through all of this. The attorney I rent office space from says we can file small claims if we can reach $200 in losses. I already sent Lauren an email to let her know that. Do you think your linen, Katrina’s and the replacement linen add to $200? We can add the postage paid envelope Katrina sent her… we have a good shot!
It is a shame Lauren opted to let all of this be made public!
Michelle, I am just so very sorry you had to go through all of this. The attorney I rent office space from says we can file small claims if we can reach $200 in losses. I already sent Lauren an email to let her know that. Do you think your linen, Katrina’s and the replacement linen add to $200? We can add the postage paid envelope Katrina sent her… we have a good shot!
It is a shame Lauren opted to let all of this be made public!
Michelle – I feel so bad for you and Katrina. It is just not fair. I will do everything I can to make the rest of this RR a pleasant experience for you both.
Michelle – I feel so bad for you and Katrina. It is just not fair. I will do everything I can to make the rest of this RR a pleasant experience for you both.
Hi Michelle,
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your RR. I was really looking forward to seeing how this one turned out too, since you’d chosen a Halloween theme, and put so much thought into the design of the piece.
You’d really like to think the best of everyone, and sending out projects like this to people from around the world that you’ve never met really takes a leap of faith. Most of the stitcher’s that I’ve “met” through blogging are wonderful, trustworthy people. Unfortunately you and Katrina have run afoul of someone who is not.
Your RR’s could still show up, especially since Katrina sent the postage paid envelope to the person. I hope so.
Your little gift for Eric for Valentine’s Day is so cute, and I love the way that you finished it.
The red thread design is very cute and I admire your perseverance with it. Hope you get lots of enjoyment out of stitching it.
I have enjoyed touring New York City through your lovely photographs. It’s too bad that you don’t like heights. I wouldn’t have minded the Empire State Building, but the bridge with the gaps between the slats where you walk would have done me in too.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you and the job that you’re trying out for. And I hope your shoulder feels better soon.
Take care.
Hi Michelle,
I’m so very sorry to hear about the loss of your RR. I was really looking forward to seeing how this one turned out too, since you’d chosen a Halloween theme, and put so much thought into the design of the piece.
You’d really like to think the best of everyone, and sending out projects like this to people from around the world that you’ve never met really takes a leap of faith. Most of the stitcher’s that I’ve “met” through blogging are wonderful, trustworthy people. Unfortunately you and Katrina have run afoul of someone who is not.
Your RR’s could still show up, especially since Katrina sent the postage paid envelope to the person. I hope so.
Your little gift for Eric for Valentine’s Day is so cute, and I love the way that you finished it.
The red thread design is very cute and I admire your perseverance with it. Hope you get lots of enjoyment out of stitching it.
I have enjoyed touring New York City through your lovely photographs. It’s too bad that you don’t like heights. I wouldn’t have minded the Empire State Building, but the bridge with the gaps between the slats where you walk would have done me in too.
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you and the job that you’re trying out for. And I hope your shoulder feels better soon.
Take care.
I’m so sorry about what happened to your rr 🙁
I’m so sorry about what happened to your rr 🙁
So sorry to read this. Although I´ve not done any RR´s, I´ve had stitching trades not show … despite the person being alive and well on the BB´s! I wish I´d named her then as she did the same thing to someone else…but it´s all in the past now. I hope Lauren returns your pieces.
So sorry to read this. Although I´ve not done any RR´s, I´ve had stitching trades not show … despite the person being alive and well on the BB´s! I wish I´d named her then as she did the same thing to someone else…but it´s all in the past now. I hope Lauren returns your pieces.
I sorry to hear that this has happened! I have been wondering what had happened to Lauren. I had tried emailing her just to check on her-but like you I received no response. I hope that she will return yours and Katrina’s RR.
I sorry to hear that this has happened! I have been wondering what had happened to Lauren. I had tried emailing her just to check on her-but like you I received no response. I hope that she will return yours and Katrina’s RR.
Michelle–I so feel your RR pain. My last RR went missing. Actually I know exactly where it’s at and the person denies having it. I decided I’d never do it again. It’s sad because it’s a group I’ve been with for many, many years.
Michelle–I so feel your RR pain. My last RR went missing. Actually I know exactly where it’s at and the person denies having it. I decided I’d never do it again. It’s sad because it’s a group I’ve been with for many, many years.
Please keep in mind that you have options available to you. Report her to the US Postal Service for amil fraud — for that is what it amounts to in the end.
Also, call the District Attorney in her city and file a complaint of theft by taking.
She is guilty of both crimes. She should be prosecuted.
I am truly sorry this has happened to you.
Please keep in mind that you have options available to you. Report her to the US Postal Service for amil fraud — for that is what it amounts to in the end.
Also, call the District Attorney in her city and file a complaint of theft by taking.
She is guilty of both crimes. She should be prosecuted.
I am truly sorry this has happened to you.
It was terrible, what happened to you. I hope all goes well with your restart. I applaud you for calling out Lauren Winter’s horrible theft. Often bloggers express their disappointment in other’s behavior without naming names. I think it’s better to shame them.
It was terrible, what happened to you. I hope all goes well with your restart. I applaud you for calling out Lauren Winter’s horrible theft. Often bloggers express their disappointment in other’s behavior without naming names. I think it’s better to shame them.
That is terrible! I just joined group #1 (someone dropped out and I was able to step in) and sent my “halloween theme” neighborhood off. I remember seeing pics of yours, which I loved. I am so sorry that this happened to you. If you need a person to stitch a neighborhood for you I would be glad to!
That is terrible! I just joined group #1 (someone dropped out and I was able to step in) and sent my “halloween theme” neighborhood off. I remember seeing pics of yours, which I loved. I am so sorry that this happened to you. If you need a person to stitch a neighborhood for you I would be glad to!