a super swap experience

I feel like I'll be doing catch up around these parts over the next couple of weeks. I've had so many great things to share, but I've been too worn out to do much posting. So bear with me!

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After I pretty much freaked out in jealousy about this Krista's paperpieced pouch, Suzanne contacted me about doing a private swap. I'm back to swearing off large group swaps, but the idea of a private swap with her was totally exciting. Suzanne does beautiful work, and in return she wanted a version of Cooper's mini bike quilt (something I really enjoyed making).

This is the beauty I received, stuffed with fun goodies:

As if the paper-pieced perfection on the front wasn't enough, look what she stitched on the back:

Since I'm someone who pretty much stinks at embroidery, to get a peice of personalized loveliness like this is a dream come true. It so happens that this pouch is made to hold an embroidery hoop too. I can look at this for inspiration as I try to get better with my own projects.

In return, I sent her this little quilt for her bedroom. This design never gets old for me.

Suzanne and I are now both in the Pastiche Bee together, and I can't wait to get to know her better over the next year of making blocks. This experience is yet another testament to how great it is getting to know other crafters through flickr and blogging.

cyber monday (and tuesday!) sale

Phew! I've finally listed all of my leftover craft show merchandise here in my etsy shop!

I've got Echino scarves:

Eye pillows:

Pouches:

and a few other goodies.

Use the coupon code HOLIDAY10 to get 10% off anything in the shop! Since I'm a bit late to Cyber Monday, I'm extending my deal through this Wednesday, November 30.

pouch factory no more

This past weekend I took part in my first craft fair, at the Holiday Arts & Crafts Emporium. I won't lie-- I've been cutting and sewing like a crazy woman for the past month to prepare for it. The past week I've woken up with a start at 4 a.m. every morning, no alarm needed, and then I'd head down to my sewing room for a few hours before everyone else would wake up. It feels good to be done with that. Although it was also pretty nice to have that time to myself.

I shared a double booth with 6 other etsy sellers. We received a grant for part of the booth costs from etsy, hence the "etsy.com" booth name.

My table:

Lots and lots of pouches:

Key fobs:

And some iPad cozies (Made from a tutorial here at One Shabby Chick. Thank you Amber!):

I learned a lot from the experience. It wasn't a big money-maker by any means, and I don't think I had the right kind of audience for my goods. But I did have quite a few really great people come in and say that they loved what I make. I might give the whole holiday craft fair another go next year, but at a different venue.

I've got lots and lots of stock now for my etsy shop! I'll be listing items over the next few days and offering a coupon code for blog readers. I'll make sure to keep you posted.

Fat Quarterly

I'm in serious re-entry mode after an incredible 4-day quilting retreat. More on that later! But I wanted to pop in and say that I've got a pattern for Baby Ingrid in Issue 7 of Fat Quarterly!

If you've purchased the issue, I'd love to know what you think. Have a fabulous Tuesday!

a pomegranate block for Annabel

This was made for Annabel, whose theme last month was "orchards." This block design gave me so much trouble. First I tried to piece the background and inset the pomegranates. Then I tried to draft up my own paper piecing pattern. Both attempts were epic fails. It was depressing, to tell you the truth. I am a terrible, terrible paper piecer. Applique to the rescue!

Now you really must check out the other incredible blocks in the Cocorico Bee. Really, please do. You'll be blown away!

flurries

It's been busy in these parts. With the first snow flurries came the overwhelming realization that there is a lot to do in the next few weeks! So a flurry of crafting activity soon followed.

The big thing is that I'll be taking part in a group booth at the Anchorage Christmas Arts & Crafts Emporium in two and a half weeks. I've been cutting lots and lots of fabric in preparation for doing a good deal of the sewing at a retreat (!) the weekend before. But I've also started assembling some smaller things.

Key fobs:

Bookmarks:

And craft aprons (one for me, and a few to sell):

I'm excited! In breaks I'm also sewing up some things for bees and a private swap. I'll have to share more on those later. Let's just say that some projects are easier to finish than others...
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Amidst this flurry of activity I also forgot to choose a winner of the Modern Blocks e-book. The winner is:

Which just happens to be Monica! Monica, you are a lucky lady (this is the second time she's won a giveaway here!). I'll arrange to have the e-book sent to you ASAP.