The best things about swapping, I think, are meeting new quilty friends and getting to make something fabulous for someone else. But, the bonus is that you get something in return!! And boy did I luck out!
So I sent off two swaps recently...the For The Love of Solids swap and The Pillow Talk {Swap}. My partners for those swaps received and loved their packages (or, at least they said they loved them, so they're super-sweet either way!).
My FTLOS swap parter was the uber-cute Hope, of Going Sew Crazy. She's had a lot going on lately so she wasn't able to post a lot during the swap...so that was really challenging, but I also felt like it gave me free reign (within her preferences, of course!). I had a fabulous time making her pillow once I got going and got all of those pieces cut! My swap package came over the weekend and I was crazy-excited to see that my secret partner was my very good bud, Whitney. How awesome is that? Even though we don't "know" know each other, we seem to have a ton in common, so of course she nailed it. This is what was in my box:
So many lovely goodies! I love the pillow cover. I really need to run out and get a couple of pillow forms...this poor cover is sitting on my sewing table for the moment, but it can't wait to be upstairs on my couch!! Isn't it just lovely?? Then Whitney goes and adds in some fabulous extras. She made me penny fabric weights...I mentioned that I'd been meaning to make some but hadn't gotten around to it. So, she did it for me! What a great gal! And the colored pencils? Another great addition...I'd said that I'd been using the boys' crayons to color my sketches...that maybe I should get something for my very own. Bam, now I have some! She knew I wasn't going to get around to it. She knew I was going to keep using those crayons. Then there was a great sketch book, scraps, a cutie elephant, and Jelly Bellys!! Paul and I toured the Jelly Belly factory years and years ago when we lived in California, so I always smile when I see them. Anyway, all in all, a FANTASTIC package from a fab chiquita!
And then there was The Pillow Talk {Swap}. My partner was the wicked talented FABRIC DESIGNER Mo Bedell! Yeah, no pressure there. I mean, this girl CREATES for a living...how the swap mamas thought I should make something for her still baffles me. I pretty much consider myself NOT creative...maybe I should reconsider that?? Luckily Mo loved the pillow I made her so it's all good. And, I got really lucky with my partner, Sue. She made me an absolutely fab pillow...I love it! Don't you?
Bright and cheery and scrappy...just my style! Check out the free-motion quilting. I'm so jealous of Sue's skills! I really need to find some time to figure it out. She also included an awesome zipper pouch and cute granny square mug rug (no way I'm setting a cup of coffee on that thing...it's hanging up on my wall with my other awesome minis). Sue really got it right...the colors are just perfect for me and I just love everything about it. I'll have to get a pic of the back when I get a pillow form (shame on me for not having any on hand!!)...she did an awesome job on the back, too!
So, there you have it...two fab swap packages all in a week's time. Am I lukcy or what? I'd say lucky for sure!! I have two more swap wrapping up shortly - the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap and the Doll Quilt Swap. I finished up my mug rug and I'll show that to you soon. My doll quilt is still in my head, but it looks gorgeous in there!! I'll be knocking that out after I work on some bee blocks this week.
I must find some stitching time today...it's so hard with a three year old who desires a constant playmate and the gorgeous weather!!
These are both so great! You are one lucky lady.
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