A New Book and A New Swap

Do you read Michele's website Quilting Gallery?  I have been reading it more lately because there is a new Learning Center feature.  The focus of the posts have been Studio Organizing hosted by Pat Sloan.   I don't have a studio, but I really need to organize.   It's been nice to see there are a lot people with my problem.  They had a give away for the book,  Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter. Last night I checked out Amazon and found out I could buy the book for my Kindle Fire for under ten dollars.  As you know I have a bad weakness for books--so I bought it.  I haven't done a lot of reading yet, but the contenst page looks very good.   The first chapter has already told me that buying alot of plastic containers is not the answer.  I think that is true if they are all piled up on each other and you have no idea what is in them.

(picture borrowed from Amazon, so you can't look inside here)

I need to really do some organizing so I can make better use of my time and the things I have.   I spend way too much time trying to find something.  I do a lot of the things I've seen on blogs--plastic project containers and binders full of projects.  I'm hoping this will give me the push I need to make a major over haul.  Of course, I have to read the book first.   Stop over at the Quilting Gallery's Learning Center for more information.

I joined another swap.  I am a member of the Snickerdoodle Dreams community.   It is a social network for quilters and scrapbookers.  They are having a new swap called Love Thy Friend.  It is a round robin swap.  It's all about loving our friends with goodness. What you receive in your swap box you can take out anything... but then... what you take out you must replace!!  After replacing the items with new things, you send it on to the next person.  It sounds like something new and different and FUN.  They are taking sign ups until February 28th, if you are interested. 

Are you wondering if we got snow?  Yes, we did---10 inches of the lovely, white, very wet kind of snow.  It's wonderful to have moisture for future grass growth.   We spent most of yesterday outside (no sewing) pushing snow around, feeding everyone and providing a dry place to lay down for the cattle.  I'm a really good gate keeper.

Sorry about the picture quality, but it was snowing that hard at the time.  At least it wasn't super cold out.  Today is windy and sunny.   The snow is melting, so I know the temperature is above freezing.   I really need to get busy doing something productive and that won't happen on the computer.





Initial Swap

Here are the things I sent to Ruth for the Initial Heart Swap.

I made a pincushion and needle book for Ruth.  I also sent a small scissors, two needles, 2 FQ and chocolate candy.

I made this pin cushion for her Initial item.  I filled it with crushed walnut shells (a first for me).  I really like the weight and the way the pins go into it.  I need to make one for myself!  I used Melissa's tutorial for inspiration.

This is the inside of the needle book I made.  I love those little scissors--can you tell?  I'm always buying them, so I have some on hand for gifts.

Ruth let me know she received them.  My swaps are completed.  In my next post I'll show you what I made for myself.

If you like to swap or would like to try one, check out Cheryll's blog.  She is starting another swap.

Happy Valentine's Day

This beautiful valentine was made for me by Donna of www.donnaslavendarnest.blogspot.com.  I received my lovely heart swap package in the mail last Friday. 

She also sent me this cutie-patootie pin cushion with two decorative pins.

Last but not least-- a Valentine bookmark, Valentine card and a whole bag of Kisses.  Thank you, Donna for the lovely Valentine swap gifts!! 

Accessory Bag Swap

I thought I'd show you what I received and what I made.    My partner was Heather.  She really spoiled me! 

She made this cute little tote bag and filled it with other things.  The bag is interfaced and will hold up well for carrying a little take-with project.  The memo holder on the left is so pretty--brights are my favorite.

Heather included two memo books and a pen.  This little baby went right into my purse!  I'm so looking forward to having a note book when I need it--no more notes on the back of bank deposit slips.  lol  She has inspired me to put this on my list of "things to make for gifts".

This little zipper bag is so sweet.  It is fully line too.  Heather does a great job with zippers (whereas I need more practice.).

Check out this extra special zipper pull!!  Love it!!!  It will pair very nicely with  my little project tote.  I'll show you in a later post how I'm using it.

She also included this really neat FQ.  I'm going to make something special for myself with it.

Thanks so much, Heather.  You were an awesome swap partner. 

Here is what I made for Heather.  First I made this little zipper bag.

I made the bag and then found this perfect button in my stash to complete it.  I used Terry Atkinson's pattern.  I like this pattern, but I really like when the bag is lined like the one Heather made for me.

I decided to make a quilted needle case to include in my package.  I had done FMQing on this fabric for practice.  I used it to make the needle case.

I sent her a pair of fairy scissors.

and a little box decorated with buttons.

I was really wishing I had made the needle case to match the bag.  Heather shared that she loved the needle case fabric, because she had made her daughter a dress from it.  I guess things turn out like they are suppose to.  I also sent her some chocolate.

It was a fun swap.  Thanks again to Heather for all my wonderful things.  I'm finally back to sewing!

Do you like Swaps?

There are so many fun things happening on the quilting blogs.   Quilt Alongs, BOMs and Swaps are all starting.  Have you had good experiences with swaps?  The only swap I ever signed up for was a disappointment.  I was so pumped up and nervous for my first swap.  Would my partner like what I made?  Would I get it done in time?  Should I send extra stuff?  I made a wonderful friend, Maria.  Maria will always be special to me, because she was my first swap partner.   She was a very appreciative partner.   It was my last swap, because I never received a wall hanging from my other partner.  This was one of those swaps where everyone sent to someone different, not an exchange of items.  Perhaps something came up for that person, but letting me know would have been helpful.  Silence doesn't make things easier.

I'm always careful about signing up for things.  I want to be sure to fulfill my obligations, so I don't disappoint anyone.  This time of year I will have time to make something to swap.

It's a new year!  I'm ready to try swapping again.   How about you?  In fact, I signed up for two swaps!

If you want to join the fun, follow the badges posted on the right side of my blog to sign up!  Maybe you will even be my new partner.  Or I'll make a new friend!  I'm looking forward to a new year of blogging fun and activities.  I think this will jump-start my sewing again.

Mini In The Mail

I put the mini quilt in the mail today.  It was nice to get it all packaged up and sent off.  I'm glad I did the swap.  Now I'm looking forward to getting something in the mail myself. 

Sorry for the off center picture--I didn't want you to see the mess on the other side.  I'm so far behind, but the light is at the end of the tunnel--the calving tunnel that is.  We have about 30 moms left.  The neighbors that plant our corn came this afternoon, so DH is out of my hair.  He is helping them, so I don't need to help him.  Sooooo am I cleaning?  No...............

I quickly escaped to the sewing machine and stitched up my Jelly Roll Sampler block.

It took me awhile to pick out the fabric I wanted to use, so I had good contrast.  I really like it now that it is done.   I have learned from some of my earlier projects that contrast is an important element.  Contrast is what makes a successful project "pop".  Sometime I'm lucky and get it right.

I have alot to look forward to.  DD 2 is flying in next week for the Memorial week-end wedding on DH's side of the family.  DD 1 has taken a few days off too, so we can really enjoy family time.   This means:  the sewing room needs to be a bedroom.  I thought I had another week to accomplish this, but last night DH invited his sister, her husband and DH's brother  for the week-end.  The neighbors are having a machinery auction and of course, the llamas need shearing.  So cleaning and extra cooking are on my schedule.  If I didn't like the in-laws so much, I'd complain. It will be fun to have them here.  I just won't have time to sew or do any extra organizing.  

I know from experience it will all get done or enough of it to be ok.   And after all it's family, so no pressure to impress.   My timer for the buns is ringing, so I better make sandwiches for the field.  Hugs..................