Monday, January 28, 2013

Sew Sew Modern Swap Goodies - Complete!

It's all finished and will be going out in the mail today! Yesterday was technically the last day to ship for me, but it was Sunday. I wonder if I'm still considered a late sender?? I don't know. Oh well. I had a hard time with this swap... my partners mosaic was amazing, but way outside any style that I've ever made. With not a lot of feedback I kept changing my mind, not knowing what she'd be most happy with. I know a LOT of people in this swap, so it was a lot of fun. I love seeing the amazing projects that everyone makes, but can I be honest? If I don't know my partner, and they are so, ok 90-99% silent, it is not fun. And it's not as fun to throw in a bunch of extra goodies to make their day - because by the end of the swap they still feel like a complete stranger! The fun of swaps is getting to know new people. I've been in a lot of good swaps, and I've decided that your partner can really make or break the experience. The more chatty they are, the more feedback they give, the more active they are in the swap and on Flickr (even if they don't comment on my particular photos, it's helpful if they comment on someone's photos... it still can tell me a lot as to which direction I should go) the better the swap is. The more fun it is to keep it a secret, and the more excited I get about throwing in lots of goodies. I don't want to make my partner feel bad, and I don't mean to be rude. I wasn't the most chatty, but I did try and comment on all the discussion posts, and hit as many photos as I could! I know I missed some, but hopefully my partner was able to gain some insights from the comments I did leave. It's also fun to see everyone's progress shots! Anyway, if I can give any suggestion when participating in a swap it would be: Participate! Even semi-quiet partners are better than non-existent partners. I think I'm going to hold off on swaps for a while again... kind of bummed, but I'm still glad I participated. I just hope my partner is pleased! (But she can't really complain if it wasn't worth the effort to her to comment, so whatever.)


Ok, anyway, now onto the fun stuff. Pictures!!

I spent the most time on this fab knitting roll. I've been storing my knitting needles in it while I finished my second project, you know, just to test it out. :)

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I used this tutorial found here:
The only difference I made was do patchwork on the front. It was a great and easy to follow tutorial. I recommend it if you've been wanting to make one of these. My patchwork strip is about 9" wide with three inch linen strip on the bottom, and whatever that leaves for the top. I figure about 15" will show when the top is folded over.


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It's hard to tell, but there are reds and oranges, they kind of just blend here.


The inside with my needles:

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The is the first time I really did a lot with linen. I like it, but it's kind of hard... it feels more flimsy and I'm not used to that. I'll have to find more projects to use it in so I can get used to it. ;) I do love how it looks!


I was going to use linen for the tote, but found these two kona colors that I think went better together. It's simple, reversible, has two pockets, and I really like how it turned out. Nothing fancy, but sometimes less is more. At least I hope so! I lined it with a heavy weight interfacing, so it's stiff, which I like. It won't just bow to a point if there's not a lot in it. :)


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One side front. 


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a close up, kind of.


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I continued the stitches around to the back, which I really like. A quick way to spruce up a plain piece of fabric.


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Reverse option front. It's a blueish-grey fabric.


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I continued the stitches around to the back on this one too. They are a little bit higher than on the black.



There you go partner!! I hope you love it!! And I hope I did job making something that you'll use and love! :)


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p.s. Go check out Freshly Pieced today! 
Lee has a great line up of patterns she's found recently.
I feel so honored! ;)


Hope you are having a great day!
We are all lucky to have everyone home today!
Do to the ice storm, the schools and university are closed.
I love having my family home with me!
What are you up to today??


Diane

9 comments:

  1. I really like your swap items. I'm positive your partner will love them. I've not done a swap, like this, maybe in the future.

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  2. Oh, those are so awesome! I've been watching your progress in the flickr group and would have been mighty pleased to get in my mailbox, but seeing it is a knititng roll, now I know it is not for me! Your partner is going to love it. oh, and it is sew sew modern, not mama, right? I thought I missed a cool swap from the title!

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  3. such a beautiful pocket. love the colors with the grey. really beautiful

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  4. hey! I have been out of the blogging loop, but I noticed you got your ABC pattern out there! You go girl!! I'm still trying to figure out the whole paper piecing thing!I downloaded a free butterfly pattern, and it's a little hard to grasp. do you use a light box to line up your pieces?? I have never been in a swap, but I would have to agree that participation would make it much more fun. Maybe she is just shy??? I'm sure she will love what you have made.

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  5. I've never had a very silent partner but I can only imagine how hard it must be !
    And I completely agree with you, if you don't get to know the other person, it's not as fun to throw lots of extras.
    Don't feel bad for saying it!!

    BTW, I LOVE the knitting roll ! Those colors with the dark solid - gorgeous ! The tote it pretty amazing too :) I'm sure she'll like it. And if she doesn't, it's her fault !

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  6. I so agree with you about how it isn't as much fun when your partner remains a stranger... I just finished two swaps... on Sew Sew Modern my partner became a friend by lots of chatting and commenting and I loved making her project... Doll Quilt Swap, not so much... hit and miss sometimes lol... your pieces are amazing so I can't see how they won't be loved :)

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  7. I would love it if this package came in the mail for me! Excellent job. Also, I totally feel ya about having a less than talkative partner in a swap, it does make it difficult to ensure you're making something that they will like. =)

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  8. Wonderful job on both items, I love reversible totes!

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  9. Its awesome, I got my linen today to make me one, For my Vacation.. its adorable, your adorable, she will be happy.. I know I would

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