This summer, when I went on retreat in Minnesota at Gruber's, it somehow got started that everyone was trying something new--challenging herself to do something they'd never done before. One person was learning to crochet, another made something 3-D (a pincushion)... I mentioned that I had never been in a swap, and I wanted to try one. That led to someone proposing we do a swap amongst ourselves. I about squeeled with delight....Correction....I did squeal with delight! I couldn't believe everyone would do this for me!
We put our names in a hat and each drew a name. We were to make the person whose name we drew a little "happy" and send it off at the end of August. (A "happy" is a little gift for no other reason than to spread happiness to the recipient.)
We all fell a little behind. But we've all made our exchanges now, so people are starting to blog their "happies."
Terri drew my name and sent me this wonderful gift! It was tied up with a lovely ribbon, which I promptly stashed!
She included a lovely card. The envelope was addressed with such grace. I love it when people take extra care with stuff like this. I wish I thought to do it and was talented enough to carry it out like she did.
Here is the card. I could tell by looking at it that it was one of Terri's own designs. I am sure she silkscreened it herself. I've been reading on her blog about the graphic design classes she's been taking, where she's been challenged to make her own designs and silkscreen them (among other things). I'm a touch jealous of all the cool stuff she gets to do. This design and color scheme are so Terri!
There were so many lovelies in the package. First off, there was this totally adorable zipper pouch. I have oohed and aahed over Terri's design on these pouches before. She always has one at retreat. The handle is attached to the zipper. I love that. So, Terri said when she drew my name, she knew what to make for me. I am amazed at her thoughtfulness! I adore it and will probably use it for carrying handwork in.
The little yoyo is actually a cute little pin. So cute!
And there is a beautiful lining, with Terri's own label inside. Adore this.
And Terri was so sweet to send me all the scraps leftover! She knows I'm trying to get more variety in my scrap pile. Again...so thoughtful!
Inside the little pouch were a couple of goodies. Some new pins and a cute little keychain/pincushion. I can really use both!
And, finally, she included this adorable little house ornament! I keep wanting to make something like this, myself, but I haven't gotten around to it (what else is new?). So, I'm doubly appreciative for it!
Terri, thank you so much! I can't tell you how much you made my day when this package arrived. It's extra special to me because so much of your own design went into all the pieces, and because you were so thoughtful of the things I love.
If you like Terri's stuff, you might want to check out her pattern shop, her etsy shop, her graphic design site, and her fabrics on Spoonflower. She's pretty amazing. Where does she get all the time?!
I drew Rene's name. I will blog that in another post. But if you can't wait, you can read Rene's blog post about it here. ;-)
I enjoyed this swap so much. I'm still too chicken to join a swap on Flickr or anything. But, recently, when I've blogged about my Sometimes I Really Miss Iowa art quilt, a lovely person named Cindy, who hails from Iowa, began commenting on my blog. I'm so happy to have met her. I've noticed from reading her blog, that she engages in a lot of swaps. We've gotten to chatting, and she was kind enough to offer to do a private exchange with me. I'm pretty excited. We've set a target date of November 20 for our exchange, so I'll be sure to show you the outcome! I'm really excited to do this swap with her!
How about you? Do you engage in swaps? Do you enjoy them?
Until next time,
What gorgeous treasures from Terri! You must be really "happy" with what you received Stephanie! This swap was so much fun! wait until you see what I got! Oh ya, I have to write a post. Just put Audrey to bed and I'm exhausted...maybe tomorrow.
Posted by: Mary on Lake Pulaski | October 09, 2012 at 10:53 PM
I've only participated in one swap. It was fun, ... but the pressure! Although I am waking up early worrying about what projects to take on my retreat. Maybe I need something else to worry about - LOL!
Posted by: Lynn | October 09, 2012 at 11:18 PM
Lucky You Stephanie.. Your gifts were all lovely....
I do not know how you can carry on a teaching job and do all that you do....WTG girl...as they say ..if you don't use it you lose it!!!!
Happy sewing
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie
Posted by: maggie robinson | October 10, 2012 at 12:20 AM
Lots of goodies! I agree with the other Maggie, how do you do it all?
Maggie
Posted by: Maggie Szafranski | October 10, 2012 at 08:11 AM
Looks like you had a great exchange! I couldn't wait, so I had to go peek at what you made for Rene -- you guys are having tooooo much fun!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | October 10, 2012 at 08:34 AM
Stephanie, love all the goodies that Terri made and sent to you!!! So much happiness in that package. I couldn't remember how the swap idea started.... Love, love, love all the sweet goodies you sent me!
Posted by: Rene' | October 10, 2012 at 09:10 AM
What a sweet swap! And that pouch is adorable. How thoughtful of Terri. This must have made your day!
Posted by: Sue | October 10, 2012 at 09:35 AM
Lucky you! So many wonderful gifties and such lovely fabric!
Posted by: jenclair | October 10, 2012 at 12:30 PM
Nice! You are blessed to have joined such a creative group of people and they are blessed to have you in their group as well! And, no, I've never joined a swap, sounds fun though.
Posted by: Deb | October 10, 2012 at 02:19 PM
I was thrilled to draw your name for our exchange. And it was my pleasure to put together this package, so I'm very happy (and relieved) to hear you like everything!
Posted by: terriaw | October 10, 2012 at 03:14 PM
How cute and Terri did great! Everything is adorable.
I have been hesitant myself about swaps. I am always afraid I will not meet someone's expectations. They would like so much fun too!
I would have saved the ribbon too :)
Hugs
Donna
Posted by: Donna | October 10, 2012 at 03:52 PM
You received some lovely things in your swap. Must admit I'm a bit of a swapaholic(is there such a word) I Love joining swaps, Christmas ones are great but I love them all. I would be happy to join you in a swap if you would like to. Your work looks beautiful, I'm anyone would love to receive something from you
Posted by: Lyn Smith | October 10, 2012 at 07:02 PM
Wow! What great treasures you received. I've been in swaps in the past but never received so many many gifts! What an artistic group you belong to. What fun to see all these items.
Posted by: carolld | October 11, 2012 at 03:37 PM
Oh, my...I almost missed seeing your post (my head must be in the clouds). I love, love, love Terri's zipper pouches!!! She always seems to find just the right fabric! And the house ornament is awesome...I don't think I've ever seen one. So glad we did a "Happy" swap and hope we do one next year. This has been so much fun!!!!!
Posted by: Michelle | October 12, 2012 at 10:19 AM
What a fabulous group of happies! This was such a wonderful swap. I hope it becomes a tradition! I'm currently in a private swap--but I feel horrible. I already received my swap and haven't finished mine. Oops.
Posted by: liveacolorfullife | October 12, 2012 at 11:46 AM
You mopped up with some gorgeous treasures! No, I've never done a swap...I think I'd be too insecure to exchange with someone since i don't feel my workmanship in sewing is quite up to par! But i bet a swap is fun!
Posted by: Deb | October 15, 2012 at 10:15 PM