Cowl Swappin'

I love the internet. At the end of August, Andi, Iz and I got into a discussion (via Twitter) about knitting for other knitters. It came out that we had all either a. Never knit something for another knitter; or b. Never received anything knit by another knitter. We all tended to knit for ourselves or other non-knitters! 

The cowl Izabelle made for me. Detail shots here. 

And with that, a swap was born. We decided to knit cowls for each other, and Izabelle knit me this beautiful, teal, cabled cowl. I'm excited, because the temperature has finally started to drop so I can wear it!

Here's what I made for Andi:

A huge, double-knit, be-triangled (yes, I just made up that term) cowl. 

I love the way it came out - and it looks much better on Andi, just like it should! 

It's completely reversible, being double-knit, and knit from (surprisingly lovely) Sheepish Yarn on size 11 needles. 

And yes, I'm working on the pattern. I just need to make up the triangle chart, so it should be available at the beginning of November! 

Ps. Look at what Andi made for Iz, too! 

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!