Anyhow, I just happened across the #IGNeedlebookswap. Whaat? I really needed a needlebook, so why not make one for someone else and receive one in exchange? Brilliant!
Signing up was easy. Anorina over at Samelia's Mum organized the swap, and the form was simple and easy to fill out. I wanted to go international, so I opted in to swap with an international partner. My assigned partner was from Brazil!
Well, while the swap gave us plenty of time to stitch up our creations, I found out I was expecting my first child and spent the next month or so hugging the toilet bowl and/or languishing about in a perpetual state of exhaustion. I managed to stitch together a needlebook the day it was due:
It's my understanding that little "extras" are customary to gift to your swap partner, so of course, I had to start with needles. These are embroidery needles, since I noticed my partner does some embroidery.
My partner said she adores hexies, so I EPP'ed some hexies together from some scraps from my Millefiore quilt along.
I cut out some felt to match the size of the hexies, and finished it by machine, including some glittery ribbon as a tie-closure. Not my best work, but I ended up running out of time.
Due to the international nature of the swap, I decided to include a little gift unique to Florida, and what's more Florida than Disney?? They have these super cute international pins at Disney, so I found the Brazilian flag pin and included it in her package along with some colorful floss and a small spool of wool thread.
My partner was very gracious when she received her package, and it really made me feel better about it all.
Now for the receiving end: I was completely blown away by what I received from Jennie at Porch Swing Quilts. Well, just look at it!
It's not just a needlebook, it's a whole flippin' sewing kit! There were some really fun goodies inside, too: a few pins/needles, seam ripper, measuring tape, and scissors. Bonus--made with some of my favorite fabric--Geometric Bliss by Jeni Baker for Art Gallery Fabrics. I hit the jackpot with this swap! Next time, I'll try to be a bit more awesome for my partner.
Do you swap? Your feelings on it?
I've got a lot more on the way--I'm just pacing myself. No really! Until next time, God Bless!
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