Saturday 5 March 2011

Adventures in swapping

Just so we don't confuse you any more than usual I'm writing in black and Yvonne is purple today as will be evidenced by the references to my full name! Seriously Mum!! Anyway, happy reading :)

First of all, if there is anyone reading this who is as old as me and Methuselah, I'm not talking about the free love swapping of the sixties! I'm talking about the, much more exciting, world of craft swapping on flickr!! Once again Correne amazed me with her 'give it a bash' attitude to life in general and leapt into the unknown world of swapping with her usual gusto. I merely watched from the sidelines at the beginning but it didn't take long for me to turn green with jealousy at the fun she was having. I knew I had to 'dip my toe in the water', as they say, when she received her first parcel. So I thought you might like to hear how my first swap went. Well, I'm sorry if you're not really interested I'm telling you about it and thats that!

Unlike Correne, I never dive into anything without much trepidation and hand wringing and after seeing the creativity in the previous Pillow Talk Swap, run by Heather and Co, I wasn't sure if I'd be biting off more than I could chew. Anyway, with suitable (gratefully received) encouragement from Heather, and Correne threatening revolt if I didn't get a grip, I did as I was told and asked for an invite.

I had such fun!! I admit I was worried my partner might not like what I'd made but after reading her likes and dislikes and stalking her blog and flickr favourites it was a challenge to try and make something she'd love. I decided to use Kate Spain's fabulous Fandango fabrics as my inspiration


and actually drew a picture!!! of what I hoped to achieve.


This was a first for me, I'm no artist but I do believe in trying to step out of your comfort zone. I'm glad I gave it a go and the resulting pillow looked quite a lot like the picture too.


It took a lot of time with all the applique and embroidery and the hexies too but was very rewarding.


And the best part? Shelly (Pink Punk Boutique) really liked it and I found her blog and a new flickr friend. :)) Bonus eh? A win win situation. The only downside is the fact that the pillow for me from my partner still hasn't arrived :( But hey I'm waiting on an Angel pillow to replace it and the original may well turn up too. And now I'm hooked on swaps too, so thanks to Correne for her errm encouragement (?) bullying (?) and thanks to the amazing people who work so hard to organise them. "It was definitely bullying Mum ;)"


I did take part in two more swaps; My Favourite Little Quilt Swap run by Kendra (Mccuisti)


and the Scrappy Pincushion Swap run by Chickenfoot and friends.


but I won't inflict all the details on you or you might die of boredom!!! Or, even worse, never return to our blog again and Correne would never speak to me again (imagine) if that happened!

Suffice to say that I had a great time taking part in both of them and look forward to many more swaps in the future.
There are more photos of Yvonne's swap projects here, here, and here.

11 comments:

  1. Your cushion looks amazing - once you start swapping you won't me able to stop!

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  2. I love reading your blog. You two are a hoot! I can totally relate re: the nerves about trying something new. As a new blogger I would love to try things out but am a bit chicken at the mo. Thanks for inspiring me with your courage and 'have a go' attitude. Maybe one day I'll try to follow in your foot (stitch) steps! Judith xo

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  3. Swaps are totally addictive!!
    Judith that's such a lovely compliment,thank you :)

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  4. So it is Judith. Thank you very much. As for the swaps, go for it we'll be routing for you! :)

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  5. Wow lots of lucky swap partners there!

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  6. I was the lucky recipient of this pin cushion! It is so cute and has amazing detail. Thank you so much for all the time and thought you put into it.
    Val

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  7. Thanks for dropping by Val and I'm really pleased you like it. :)

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  8. Oh my goodness, how can you have thought she would not like that cushion - it is amazing! Not done a swap before, but now I might get tempted!

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  9. Well Yvonne, you are a natural blogger - I love the different colour for a different blogger idea. I loved you post - so well written and readable and funny and your pillows is amazing. And can I tempt you into a quilt-a-long do you think? I'm preparing the first post right now and hoping I might be able to tempt you two to join me... :-)

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  10. Blimey, do I not sound like an idiot in that comment "I loved you post" and "your pillows is amazing" - sorry about bringing the tone of the blog don't with my sloppy commenting!

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  11. Lynne - Yvonne is a natural blogger! I definitely have to work at it but it comes naturally to her. I'm sure you'll be able to tempt us to quilt along as long as it's not too difficult!!;)

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Lovely comments read with glee everyday.