I’m participating in a Birthday Bash Swap where 8 of us are exchanging handmade gifts for each other on the recipients birthday month. I, being ever so lucky, was the first recipient with my birthday being the end of February. We started a little late in the year so I received my happy mail during most of March.
In hindsight, I should have blogged each of these gifts separately. There is so much goodness in each one that I could take a dozen pictures of each.
My items are already in use *heart-heart-heart*. Rather than round it all up, I’ll be linking to each blogger and the handmade item on their site (if available). The pictures I’m posting are from the day they arrived and I shared my happiness via Instagram.
Amanda from What the Bobbin started me off with this bundle of awesome.
It’s a cosmetic case with fabric that I’ve been lusting over and can’t get my hands on. Those viewfinders are just drool-worthy. My case has already been on a trip to the lake and currently storing some of my traveling products. More info and pattern details here. She also MADE those cute pins and sent me oodles of fun things including a flying geese ruler. Give Amanda a visit and join in on her fussy cut swaps! They are FUN.
Next up is a table topper from Renee of Quilts of a Feather.
It totally makes me swoon. Before she asked about using batiks I wasn’t sure I liked them – this SO changed my mind! It’s absolutely perfect and reminds me the ocean and the little fish make me smile. It’s on my nightstand. I don’t believe Renee has blogged about it but you should check out her site. Her quilting is gorgeous and she makes it look easy. Just look at the fish scales! I wish I had some of that talent. (BTW – those hair ties are the best kind, they don’t leave hair dents)
Here’s Hootie! From Mara at Simon Says Sew
Isn’t he adorable? The pattern is Owl You Need. He has little pockets on his belly and they were stuffed full of fun things including 3 buttons. The buttons were puppies, 2 white and 1 brown – just like dogs! She also sent the best needles I’ve ever used; glass pins made by Little House. Hootie keeps me company on my sewing table and holds misc items for me. Definitely stop by and give Mara a visit!
Embroidery Pouch from Stephanie at Quarter Incher
Yes! It’s a great item that I didn’t even know I had to have. First, the front of it is amazing – I love the black with the brights. Second, I actually needed this to store some of hand sewing things in. It holds a lot. A LOT. You can find the pattern info here. And… look at all the goodies! Stephanie is pretty amazing with just her quilting abilities, but get this: She just had a baby and pretty much blogged, stitched and quilted like a maniac up to the second she had him. Yeah. She’s a boss. So, stop by and check her out.
Ellie Travel Case by Nicole at Snips Snippets
I have to say this: Nicole said this was her first swap (mine, too) and I’m SO happy it was to me. Ha! She totally spoiled me rotten with goodies. Like, seriously loaded that Travel Case up and it has more space than you’d realize. You can find more pictures and info on the pattern here. Fabrics, small open wide pouch, washi, candy… the list goes on, but the Travel Case seriously makes me happy. I love the fabrics and it’s super functional. Stop by to say hi and drool over the toy blocks she made (in the same link as above).
Huge Basket from Sarah at Sarah Quilts
It’s LARGE! I already have things stored in it and can think of a hundred reasons to make more of these. She shares the pattern info here. I’m using mine to store our outdoor plates and miscellaneous items I’m always lugging outside. We eat outside a lot in the warmer months and that time is upon us. This basket will be greatly used and looks much prettier than the hideous grocery bag I was using. Plus – look at the pouch (which would have been fantastic to receive by itself!) and all of the fun things she sent. I’m really excited to use the metal zippers, I’ve never sewn with them before. Sarah recently kicked off a DYO Sampler at Sew, Mama, Sew! You definitely need to check it out.
Finishing up with Leona at Leona’s Quilting Adventures
Fun, fun, fun! My birthday bash wrapped up when I received these goodies from Leona. The little basket is super cute and is currently on my cutting table to catch stray scraps. I love the scrappy-ness of it. She also sent some items I can really use and the doorknob notepad was a hit with the girls. They like to put notes on the garage door like “get candy”, “pay Tori $20”. Heh. Leona’s sister recently passed away and she’s taking a break from the blog, but definitely check her site out and add her to future reading. She’s involved in a lot of interesting swaps and likes to pay-it-forward.
Isn’t it all amazing?! Quilters have got to be some of the most generous people I know and I’m thankful to be involved in the online community. Right now I’m working on my gift for the next birthday girl, Nicole. I hope she enjoys her month as much as I did! Big thank you to Stephanie for putting it together!
Connect