Back in the summer of 1999 when the discussion group was first getting going (not a problem - there were 8 people on it in the first 12 hours), one person, a lovely lady by the name of Sarah happened to say that she always gave away Temaris, but never got any for herself since not many others knew anything about them. And in fact Sarah was quite happy to share some authentic supplies - not for cost but for a Temari in exchange! So, the webmaster had a great idea (!) in agreement with this thought, and proposed to the discussion group members that they have a GITS - those who wanted to play would email the webmaster with their desire, and after a period of time to let all those interested get their name in, all of them were plopped into the hat (literally) and pulled out to pair up. Each person made a Temari for their partner and sent it off.

        The GITS was off and running 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 (about 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.

        GITS Rounds have continued every few months, and has become a favorite on the TalkTemari discussion list. If it sounds like fun to you, then join TalkTemari and get in on the next round! To date (March 2005) we have completed 26 rounds  with participation running around 20 to 30+ people per round. Each round has a better than a 90% completion rate and four rounds have had 100% completion with everyone completing their trades).  You must be a TalkTemari (join up if you haven't already) member to play - I will periodically announce on the list that it is time to play (usually every two months or so) - and anyone that wants to can join in the round.

         The only rule to GITS is that it is fun with no pressure, and everyone agrees to that - no deadlines. Some rounds are freeforall - maker chooses pattern, other times  we go a themed round such as the current Mystery Ball, specific colors or ranges, or pattern element challenges. 

           New to Temari and Talk Temari? Think that you are not accomplished enough to sign up to play? Phooey! Click here and we'll prove it to you....