Sew Sew Modern 4

I participated for the first time in the Sew Sew Modern Swap on flickr. I really liked the idea of putting together a nice package of goodies for someone else  - especially because who doesn't like getting packages in the mail? When I got assigned my partner, I felt like I hit the jackpot because Shanna is super awesome and I knew immediately what I wanted to make for her. She finally got my package the other day so I can show you guys what I made.

For my large item I made a Supertote with 2 quilted patchwork pockets featuring some of her favorite designers in a deep pink, purple, and mustard yellow color scheme. The lining is a yellow Tula Pink print, and I used Kona burgundy for the piping & interior pockets. I really enjoyed making this bag and made a few alterations to the pattern, including adding some stiffer interfacing so it would be able to hold a lot more stuff, and keep it's shape when standing up.

For the smaller item I created a linen zip pouch that I stuffed full of scraps from the project.

Of course, I couldn't help but add a few other small items to round out my package, including a copy of one of my favorite quilting books by Angela Walters, some fun notecards, and the best chapstick known to mankind. In the end I wished I could have kept the bag (and entire package, really) for myself, but that's a sign of a good swap package, I think.

That time I won the lottery of all swaps!

**Note if you're looking for the sew mama sew giveaway click here**

So as I have mentioned before, I participated in the Post Sewing Summit Swap on Flickr awhile back. And let me just say that I hit the jackpot with what I received from the illustrious Deb who blogs over at Trio Stitch Studios.

She combined my love of all things geometric, gray & text prints into the most gorgeous mini quilt ever! And she even made me an adorable purple pincushion (would you believe that 'til now I didn't own one?!)

Here's a close up so you can see some of the awesome fabrics she used...so many of my favorites are in here. It's perfect!

And even the back is beautiful with these lovely fabrics and such a great label...it almost makes me feel bad that it won't be on display (the back that is)

And of course here's a close up of my perfect purple pincushion. 

Seriously I am so in awe of my package...which also included hot chocolate -- my favorite, might I add. I can't wait to hang my mini in my new studio so it can inspire me everyday. 

Have any of you ever participated in a swap before?

Post Sewing Summit Swap

Now that the lovely Shelly has received my package, I can share what I made her as part of the Post Sewing Summit Swap hosted on flickr.

I combined my new skills of embroidery and hexagons to make a hoop pouch in her current favorite color combo of tangerine and teal.

I then filled it with some fun goodies - including a few fat quarters of Joel Dewberry's new fabric line, since he was, after all, the keynote speaker at the summit.

I really enjoyed putting this package together for Shelly and hope that whenever she uses it she remembers the awesomeness that was the Sewing Summit.

For the Love of Solids

I'm participating in the For the Love of Solids Swap going on over at Flickr. It is great fun - everyone is assigned a partner for whom you have to make one large item (think mini quilt, sewing machine cover, placemats, laptop case, etc.) and one small item -- using only solids. I adore solids so this is perfect for me. Also, our partners remain a secret until you get the package in the mail. What fun!

I've been fiddling around in Illustrator coming up with some designs for my super awesome secret partner and so far this is what I've come up with.

Ideas/suggestions?