Scrappy Swap with Caitlin from Salty Oat

I am so excited to show you the fruits of a swap that has been in the making for almost a year. Yup, it was this post last October that started it all. I offered to knit some tiny candy corn for Caitlin of Salty Oat and she suggested a swap. Well, fast forward about 7 months, and we finally agreed that we would much rather do a sewing swap. The parameters were as follows:

1. We will assemble packages of fabric scraps and swap

2. We will create something with said scraps and our own scraps

3. We will swap this scrappy item 

This was so. fun. Here's what Caitlin made for me:

Beautiful quilted placemats that go so well in my dining room! I love how well our scraps go together with the linen. Caitlin's sewing is impeccable.

And here's what I made for her:

A patchwork chevron tote bag! I used this tutorial for the chevrons, and lined it and put in a little embroidered pocket. I just love a good embroidered pocket. 

Crafty Peep Swap

Earlier this Spring, I signed up for the Crafty Peep Swap on Becky's blog, Strumpet's Crumpets (the most awesome-ly-named blog, right?!).

At the time I signed up, I was going through somewhat of a creative slump. Nothing serious - more like crafting apathy. Sigh. Let me tell you - ain't nothing like a swap to help you get your mojo back!

But, not only do you get to make something awesome - you get to RECEIVE something. My swap partner was the delightful Katelyn of the blog likes & loves. She made me this cute wall decoration, with a bunny on it! You know how I feel about bunnies...

It goes perfectly in my living room. A nice bright little corner! 

I made Katelyn this embroidered wall hanging. The flowers are felt applique, with embroidered accents. I put it in a patchwork "frame," and I love the way it turned out! I was a little sad to let it go, I'll admit, but I shall comfort myself by making more. 

Thanks to Becky for hosting this lovely swap!

Patchwork Spring Wreath

This weekend, while Chris made chili, I made this new spring wreath! 

Last spring I made this yarn wreath, and while it was nice or whatever, I never really loved it. A few months ago I patched together some scraps into a little something-or-other that needed a purpose. Two "meh" projects on their own - so I put them together!

To begin, I pulled all the red flowers off, and squared up my patchwork into one long rectangle that was a bit bigger than the circumference of the wreath. 

After that, I loosely pinned the fabric around the wreath and whip stitched it in place.

Finished with a bow and much more spring-time than before!