Sorry I've been gone so long. Sometimes things just get so busy I can't seem to sit still long enough to compose a post. And I have so much to tell!
But I'll start by showing you what I sent off to Rene' for our Gruber's "Happy" exchange. You might remember I recently showed you what Terri sent me in the exchange. So happy!
Well, when we were at Gruber's and we agreed to do this, we were talking about what kinds of items we'd exchange. I had just shown my mini duffle pouch to everyone, and they loved it. I felt so honored, because these people I retreat with are so creative---I bow to them! Someone said to me, "If you draw my name, that's what I want you to send!" (or something to that effect)
So, I knew what I'd be making! LOL.
I made Rene' a little mini duffle bag out of some of my Lucy's Crab Shack scraps. I also had another label left from Sweetwater. I think Brooke gave it to me. So, I used that, too. I also attached a zipper pull that I had gotten from Zipit a while back. It turned out cute! (If you want information on the pattern and a review of it, I posted all that here.)
Instead of making the lining scrappy, I used some of the larger scraps left over from the little lunch mats I made out of Lucy's Crab Shack.
I filled the duffle bag with this cute little wool pincushion that I picked up at Fiber Fest for Rene'. I love little pincushions like this for my needles, because I hate it when needles disappear down inside my big wool pincushions. These are too small for your needle to go inside of. I also included some washi tape for Rene'. I don't know why I thought she'd enjoy washi tape, but I did, and I ordered it here on etsy. The day after I ordered it, I saw that Rene' did a post about how much she enjoyed playing with washi tape! Wahoo! Nailed it! Oh, and I sent her a "What the Fudge?" chocolate bar from Zingerman's, a restaurant in Ann Arbor I visited this summer. (If you like Texas barbeque, you should definitely check out Zingerman's if you are in Ann Arbor. YUM!) They make these candy bars, and they are FANTASTIC.
I had so much fun with this exchange. It was a lot of fun picking out stuff for Rene'. I really enjoy making these little duffle bags. They are so stinkin' cute and so satisfying to make. I already want to make another!
I'll try to be back tomorrow with more for you!
Until next time,
That Rene is one lucky woman. Great gifts! I know how nice that little bag is because I have one. It is darling!
Posted by: carolld | October 16, 2012 at 05:22 PM
I agree with the previous commenter.....I AM one lucky woman!!! Woohoo! Love everything about my swap package. Thank you so much!!!
Posted by: Rene' | October 16, 2012 at 05:41 PM
Wonderful goodies! Rene is a lucky gal. Those little duffles you make are so adorable.
Posted by: terriaw | October 16, 2012 at 05:42 PM
I just LOVE this little gem. I got the pattern and will make one eventually, but Rene' is so lucky to have one made by YOU!
Posted by: liveacolorfullife | October 16, 2012 at 05:43 PM
That little duffle is REALLY cute! I like the zipper pull too. I've been meaning to order some from Zipit, but haven't yet.
Posted by: Lynn | October 16, 2012 at 05:53 PM
So cute. It's becoming your signature item.
Posted by: Jana | October 16, 2012 at 06:25 PM
So Sweet! (And I don't mean the candy!)You really out did yourself on this little bag. It's so nice to have something made by someone special. I know Rene will enjoy it.
Posted by: Linda in Calif. | October 16, 2012 at 06:38 PM
What a fun package! Those little duffel bags are so perfect in Lucy's Crab Shack, too!
Posted by: sherri | October 16, 2012 at 08:05 PM
I am sure Rene' was delighted with her "happies"! I adore the little bags you make.
Hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 16, 2012 at 09:15 PM
The little duffle bag really is adorable. Funny too because I am working with some Crabtastic right now.
Posted by: Amy | October 16, 2012 at 09:38 PM
That was the perfect package for Rene' - the duffle is just the cutest ever! One day I'll make some too.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | October 16, 2012 at 11:07 PM
love, love your goodies....especially the cute bag!!
Posted by: Brooke | October 16, 2012 at 11:53 PM
Love that little duffle - so cute!
Posted by: Marit | October 17, 2012 at 06:08 AM
That is one cute little duffle bag! Love all the little details, including the zipper pull :)
Posted by: Ivy | October 17, 2012 at 11:52 AM
This little bag is ADORABLE!!! The whole package is perfect! I had never heard of washi tape, but I think I might like to give it a whirl. I've started making cards, so this sounds like a nice little addition to add to it. You did a fabulous job putting this package together!
Posted by: Cindy Smith | October 17, 2012 at 12:36 PM
What a fun batch of goodies! I love the little duffle.
Posted by: Lisa Ruble | October 17, 2012 at 02:31 PM
Great goodies! I know Rene is glad she's on the receiving end! We went to Zingerman's last Oct when we were in Ann Arbor visiting our little grandson. Very nice place to visit.
Posted by: Deb | October 17, 2012 at 10:18 PM
I so love the way you combine fabrics, and such beautiful fabrics in isolation become even more so! Lucky Rene!
Posted by: jenclair | October 18, 2012 at 02:31 PM
I KNEW I'd miss out on something wonderful by not getting to go! You're not doing it without me next year, I promise!
Posted by: Shelly | October 19, 2012 at 12:26 PM
I KNEW I'd miss out on something wonderful by not getting to go! You're not doing it without me next year, I promise!
Posted by: Shelly | October 19, 2012 at 12:28 PM
With the changing phase in fashion accessories are gaining topmost priority when it comes to accentuate any outfit with a glamorous outlook.
Posted by: Moncler Outlet | October 20, 2012 at 03:49 AM