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. :)

I used this tutorial found here:

http://nestingsticks.blogspot.com/2012/02/knitting-needle-crochet-hook-roll-up.html#

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.

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

The inside with my needles:

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. :)

One side front. 

a close up, kind of.

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

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

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! :)

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??