Giving and Receiving

The { Urban } HOME Goods swap is done and dusted for another round.

I must confess to feeling a fair bit of stress in making my project selection, but I was thrilled with the kind things that Alecia had to say about her sewing machine cover and cross stitch. I admire Alecia's style and really wanted to send her something that she would enjoy. No pressure!

I was so preoccupied with my project selection that I didn't give much thought to the idea that somebody out there was working on something specially made for me! As you can see from the images, I lucked out!


Meg made lovely placemats that incorporate so many elements that I love: Linen (check!), Amy Butler Love (check!), hexagons (check!).

Can you believe the beautiful hand stitching in these hexies?? I am so impressed and touched by the amount of work that Meg put into these beauties. Handstitched hexagons and hand stitched binding! I want to assure you that all of this lovely work is very much appreciated (and adored).

Meg also sent this fantastic mug rug that uses some coveted fabrics.

Hello little fella!

Meg included some extra treats in the package...I am thankful that my swap package gives me an opportunity to talk about buttons again on my blog! Do you see the sparkly and polka dot beauties in this package? Love.

In a strange twist of fate (or of organization by our swap Mama), I was placed in a 3-way (perhaps triad would be a better choice of terminology?? Get your mind out of the gutter!).

Meg received a gift from Alecia

Alecia recieved a gift from me

I received my gift from Meg.

I must really be a civil servant. I want to make a graphic representation of this for you. Shameful.

I feel very fortunate to have had the pleasure of exhanging some hand made goodness with these ladies. Somehow makes the world seem a friendlier place when you can share some crafty love.

D-day

Time for the { Urban } HOME Goods swap mail day. I have been mostly finished for a few weeks now, but have been procrastinating with the mail out. I am super anxious that my partner like what I've made. Oi - the pressure!

I noticed that my partner (who participated in the last UHG swap) has listed a sewing machine cover twice in her list of asks. One of her comments indicated that she wanted a cover that was closed on the sides for maximum dust protection. I surfed the net and found a good tutorial at Notes from the Patch. I made a few small adjustments to suit my own purposes, but followed the instructions for the side pockets exactly. Love them. They would be a great little spot for scooping all of the little bits of sewing equipment out of the way in a hurry. BEGONE stitch ripper! BEGONE rotary cutter. I think that my partner sews in her living room, so I would imagine quick clean-up would be key.

My partner's "likes" also included turquoise and vintage. I happened to have some vintage linen with turquoise polka dots - MMmaaaaaAAAAAnnn, I hope that she doesn't dislike dots.


In an attempt to keep the scale of the swap reasonable, we were instructed that we are only allowed to add one "small" handmade treat in this swap. I had a hard time picking, until I saw a post at the Martha Crafts Dept. I am very happy with my choice. Hope that my partner is too! I opted to stretch the cross stitch over an artists canvas (again!) because I like the clean, modern look. It could easily be dropped into a frame if preferred.

Dear swap partner, I hope that you are happy with your treats. I had a great time picking, plotting and making them!

Leaving things too long...and giving thanks

Y'know when you've left something too long and it becomes harder to do the longer you leave it?? That's how it has been with blog posting. Such an unhealthy combo of guilt and procrastination. Ridonkulous.

It's been a tough few months for me. I have started a few posts and they all seemed quite whiny (which I LOATHE), so I have just not posted. Quite frankly, it's probably when I should be posting the most! Here I am now with the happiest of crafty details (at long last!).

The { Urban } HOME Goods swap wrapped up right before I left on my trips. I must brag a bit and tell you that I received! Let me start by showing off with some pictures, K? Here is what was waiting for me when I got home:



Yup, I sometimes do judge a book by it's cover. Isn't it pretty to see the care that Ann-Marie took in packaging?!



Lovely little extras. I think that Ann-Marie might have made this lovely card. It looks like some talented person did! And buttons...OoooOOH how I love buttons! If you look closely you may also see some fancy pins tucked into that bag too.



This pin cushion is BRILLIANT! I wish that I had thought to take an "in use" shot. It is packed full of pretty coloured pins. It also has a handy stitch ripper which rests permanently in cup in the middle (not that I ever have to use a stitch ripper, she says with dripping sarcasm).

And finally...the pièce de resistance:

Yup. I do know how lucky I am! Ann-Marie, I have never owned a stitch of Flea Market Fancy. I was really touched that you would be so generous and include them in my hanging. I did hang it in my BEIGE office...and it really cheers up the space!

Funny little story - one of my work colleagues (who I occasionally escape with at lunch to craft with), came into my office and spotted your work immediately. When I told her about the swap she said "Your partner got your style down exactly!". She is right. If I had been allowed to have picked out a pattern and fabric for myself - this is exactly what I would have chosen! Thanks Ann-Marie!

Here is one last shot for drooling purposes (and because I took about 15 pictures in different spots all around my house).

Sneaky peek

I am participating in my very first swap - { Urban } HOME Goods - a modern swap. I must confess to being very nervous. I am really want my partner to like what I am making!

Nonetheless (just really like that word!), I am indulging in my love of hand stitching with this project. My partner did say that they like embroidery....

Once the hand stitching is finished, I'll move the my machine and stitch something up. I hope that I am on the right track!

fabric-palooza

OK, so this is really just a greedy post about fabric. It looks like a LOT (and it is a LOT), but I hasten to point out that it comes from three separate purchases over the last few months (some of which were gifts). Please don't judge me harshly for my greedy fabric addiction. I am planning to join a 12-step program as soon as one is available for fabric collection.


My mom came for a visit and asked (naively and sweetly!) if there was anything that I would like her to bring. UMmmmmm...our IKEA doesn't sell any fabric, but it sure looks fun. I sent her and my sister off on an expedition to pick out their favourites and surprise me. Here is what they liked:

This is the only one that I specifically requested, I kind of like the idea of it pulled over stretcher frames as an artwork:

The the lovely Donna (have you noticed that I always call her the lovely Donna?) from Kindred Crafters was placing an order with Pink Chalk Fabrics (a great place to buy fabric!). Sometimes we pool our orders and save on international shipping! Here is what I succumbed to:

Kona solids (pomegranate and celery) and one Japanese print

Some lovely Denyse Schmidt Hope Valley in the New Day and Fiesta colour ways.

Then I decided that my birthday was coming and that I should really treat myself since there was such an AMAZING sale at Fabric.com. I bought a whack of Anna Maria Horner (Garden Party) fabrics for almost free! I believe that they worked out to around $3/yard. It would have been silly to pass them up, non?

Some random other fabrics that I picked out because they were on sale (and I liked them!) and it is always $25 for international shipping. Gotta get my $$ worth from the shipping right? The only solution? Lots of yardage. Lots. It brings down the shipping vs. yard ratio and is therefore a bargain, right? Don't you dare correct me on this delusion! ;)

Finally, some decor weight Amy Butler August Fields. Hmm...the colour is mintier than I had imagined.

And so closes my chapter in greed. I have been busily stitching for my partner in the { Urban } HOME Goods modern swap. I'll post some sneaky hint posts in the coming days.

My first "swap"

I have long wanted to participate in a crafty swap. The lovely Donna from Kindred Crafters directed me to the { Urban } HOME Goods modern swap which is being hosted Kerri (sewdeerlyloved) and Heather (a la mode fabric). I am pretty excited to be exchanging something for my home with other crafty types.

Here is the mosaic that I posted to inspire my swap partner:

1. Detail of "Spot On" Circle Quilt, 2. four little fabric buckets, 3. you totally don't gnome me!, 4. Hexagon pillow, 5. soft house street, 6. 6.365, 7. pillows, 8. Colorful Crafting with Jen: Rickie's Sashiko Pillow, 9. Engagement Gift - 4, 10. The End Result, 11. 'Strawberry Sundae' wall art, 12. "Hand Stitched" Embroidery SWAP, 13. Practice for The Pillow Talk Swap - ROUND 2, 14. Linen Zippered Bag, 15. button hole, 16. Union Jack Pillow with Liberty prints, 17. London, England, 18. sewing machine cover front, 19. Tea Cozy, 20. Untitled, 21. AMH Quilt, 22. Good Folks Quilt: Back, 23. Little House, 24. Half Square Triangle Quilt - no binding

I can't wait to share the hand-made crafty love and to show you what I receive and what I make. I really love the idea of putting together an "inspiration" mosaic. It should be good fun to try to guess at something that a total stranger will love.

There is still time to share in the swap. The registration deadline is March 22nd. Hurry and get in on the crafty-swap goodness!