Goodie Bag Swap 2

For this second round of the goodies bag swap I had an awesome partner Aylin who made this great inspiration mosaic  creatively entitled "Bags I love or what I would love as a bag" she included this tutorial for a fancy folded star pot holder from the Moda Bakeshop. Before I knew she was my partner I had admired her mosaic and the folded star and mused on how I could incorporate this into a bag. My initial idea was a simple tote bag with a star on either side. I was delighted when I discovered she was my secret partner and went out and bought I bunch of Joel Dewberry fabric (any excuse to buy fabric).

I had signed up for the advanced category so a simple tote was ruled out. Eventually I hit on the idea of making a messenger bag with the folded star on the flap. I used a pattern from keykaloupatterns and enlarged it by 141% (no exciting reason for this number, just the A4 to A3 enlarger on the photocopier) and added a zipper pocket. I was so pleased with the result and it was well worth all the effort.

I lined it with my favourite print from the heirloom line, this woodblock print.

I also made a little snap frame purse with hand-stitched detail to go with it, also lined with JD fabric.

Just for good measure I made a little zipper pouch as I wanted to try out the Perfect Zip Bag pattern from Elizabeth Hartman at oh, fransson!

This is my whole little package for my partner. I'm so delighted that she loved it, I had a great time making it and learnt lots of new things and extended my skills. For me that is the whole point of a swap :)

Quilt for my Niece

When my niece was born six weeks ago I was delighted, not only for the safe arrival but also because I thought it was a fantastic chance to use up all my pink scraps. However there is something about the "pink for girls" idea that irritates me, blue is my favourite colour and it seems to me that girls don't have a choice these days, they have to like pink because they are girls. Anyhow ramblings aside I decided to go with a red and aqua theme for the quilt which I think is even prettier than pink. Here is the finished result.

I used my favourite print from Tanya Whelan for the back, it has a special significance for me. My Mum always loved roses and grew the most increadibly beautiful red roses. Since she is no longer with us I thought it a fitting fabric to use for a quilt for her first granddaughter who now carries her name. By making this quilt I feel I am giving a little bit of my Mum's love, I know she would have been busy making things for the baby if she was still with us.

My Mum would have also ironed this :)

Pretty Little Pouch Swap

For a long time I admired the pouches made over at Pretty Little Pouch Swap I finally decided to join up and I absolutely loved the last round. I made these for my partner

 It was the first time I had used any of the Heather Ross fabric and I can see why people love it so much, it really is gorgeous to sew with. The thing I most like about swaps is challenging myself to make something that I would not normally make and it was great to use colours and fabrics that are different to what I would normally choose.

My partner, Colleen (LuckyDuckDreams) made me the MOST WONDERFUL little pouch, here it is, all mine!!!!

I had seen it in the group and it was the one I admired the most, I love the DS quilts fabric in these colours and the little hand stitched bird is just lovely. Here he is in close up

On the back she also put a lovely little hexie birdie, it is these kind of little details that really make me smile.

And not only did I get this amazing pouch she filled it with gorgeous goodies including some really cool vintage sewing stuff. Thanks so much Colleen you are an awesome partner!!

I love rick rack and this jumbo rick rack in this lovely colour is just wonderful!

Beautiful quilting thread, cool graphic design!

Sewn Spaces Swap

Yesterday I recieved my wonderful parcel from Lori (Sew Addicted to Fabric). She made me the most awesome pincushion in the shape of a bird.

It has fabulous hand stitching all over the wings. Isn't it just adorable? I am not sure I can stick pins into it though, it is so sweet. I think I might just keep it as a little companion for my sewing table.

 She also sent me three lovely fat quarters, two beautiful buttons and some pretty pins. What a great partner, thank you Lori!