Fall 2010 Craft Swap

As a follow up to Monday's post, I'm so excited to share with you what the Craft Swap group made for the Fall Swap.

I think this post calls for proper introductions!

The Fall 2010 Craft Swap group consisted of Shana, Momma, Kiara, Me, Sherri, and Debbie (who was out of town on a business trip...boo!).


First up is Shana's Craft Swap Project...Fall Bunting!
(The Bunting is beautifully sewn and the fabrics and colors are spot on!)

Jingle All The Way Shadow Box by Momma!
(Such a fun and unique holiday decoration. I might have to make a couple of these for gifts this year!)


Scrabble Tile Pendant Necklaces by Kiara!
(I love the graphics Kiara used. Who knew that Scrabble tiles could be so versatile?)

Darling Pincushions and assorted goodies by Sherri!
(I never knew that pincushions could be this cute! I love mine and have it next to my sewing machine, as I'm too nervous to use it- HA!)

Silverware Roll-ups by Debbie!
(Such a great idea, as the roll-ups are perfect for picnics, potlucks, camping, etc!)

I hope you've enjoyed the recap of the Fall 2010 Craft Swap! :)

My Craft Swap Project...Revealed!

Saturday's Fall Craft Swap was a huge success!!! I thought long and hard about what I wanted to make for my Craft Swap project and since all of the Swap members sew, I thought that Thread Catchers would be the perfect project! :)


I unfortunately got a slow start, as I wasn't able to find a pattern for a simple Thread Catcher anywhere. I had come across some samples at various quilt stores and was confident that I could write up a pattern for the perfect Thread Catcher. I started out my making a prototype and wrote down some important dimensions and then I let time get away from me and found myself having to make another prototype, giving me a second opportunity to write out clear and concise directions (like I should have done the first time!), before proceeding with my assembly line.


I can't tell you how happy I am of how the Thread Catchers came out (the Swap group was stoked too!). Everyone that has seen the finished product asked how much I charged for them, which got me thinking about making some additional Thread Catchers for November's Craft Show! :)


Make sure to come back tomorrow to see what the other members of my Craft Swap group made...they never cease to impress me with their creative abilities!!! :)

What I've Been Up To...

We all know it's been 10 days since my last post (I've been told a time or two!)...I guess it's time to confess that I temporarily lost my mojo (very sad!). Have you ever had the urge to sew/craft, but everything you touched just didn't work out? That's how the last week or two have been for me, but don't fret as I think I finally found my mojo- whew! :)

While looking for my mojo I had time to cut fabric and prep items on my 'to do' list for the Craft Show (which is less than 30 days away...I'm such a procrastinator!!!).

• I've prepped four Coffee Burlap Bags, so hopefully by next week I'll have four tote bags complete for the Craft Show!
• I have three Travel Jewelry Rolls/Cases cut and prepped...just waiting to be sewn up!
• I also have five Appliqued Zippered Pouches prepped (three argyle and two owls).

The Craft Swap is this Saturday! In a normal world I would have completed my project weeks ahead of time (hard to believe, but totally possible), however this time around I only have 3 complete (as of tonight...with 2 to go- eeks!). My Craft Swap project was a little more involved than I first thought, but definitely worth all of the blood, sweat, and tears! :) I'll post the big reveal photo on Sunday!

Hot Days = Lazy Days!

It's been an uneventful week in my neck of the woods, thus I don't have too much to report! The first couple of weeks in July were nice and cool as the lack of 'June gloom' translated into 'July gloom' and that was fine by me! All of that changed this week as it has been so stinkin' hot! I'm going to sound like an old lady, but I grew up in extreme summer temperatures and handled it well, but as I get older I get crankier and crankier when its hot outside! :( Here's to hoping that 'July gloom' returns!

I hope to get some good quality sewing time in today, as I'm working on something special for my Squirmy Worm Studio customers...you won't want to miss it!

My super-duper talented Craft Swap group is coming together for round #3 in the Fall, which means I need to get started on my craft! The group has changed as we have a new addition, which makes the group double as a mother/daughter group, which I think is so awesome! I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such crafty and inspirational ladies! :) I've been meaning to ask, has anyone started a Craft Swap of their own? If so, I would love to hear how its going!

That's all of the announcements/updates I have for today; in the meantime I leave you with this cute photo of Stuart, as he was practicing for the Major Leagues! :)

Craft Swap #2...and I'm Ready for #3!

Saturday's Craft Swap was AMAZING! We started with brunch (yummy!) and then proceeded with the Swap. Have I told you lately how amazingly creative my family and friends are? If not, see for yourselves below!

Craft Swap reveal (doesn't it look like Christmas?)!

A proud and happy Craft Swapper (details of the crafts I received below!).

French memory board by Megan
(Love it- great fabric, beautiful frame, and great details!)

Give Thanks pillow by Debbie
(She painted the leaves on using cookie cutters as guides- so innovative!)

Embroidered hand towels by Robbie (aka Momma)
(So cute that I'm afraid to use them!)

Camera bag by Sherri
(I love the fabrics and am excited to use the bag the next time Mr. D and I go to Disneyland!)

Countdown calendar by Kiara
(One side says 'Days til Christmas' and the other 'December'- so versatile!)

Happy Craft Swapper Megan with the goodies she received.

Happy Craft Swapper Debbie!

Happy Craft Swapper Robbie (aka Momma)!

Happy Craft Swapper Sherri!

Happy Craft Swapper Kiara!

Craft Swap #2 Item- Revealed!

I'm happy to report that we had another successful Craft Swap, and are already talking about meeting again in the Spring! :) I'll post photos and a recap of today's events before the weekend's end, but in the mean time I hope the following photos satisfy your curiosity!

My Craft Swap project were Mod Podge scripture plaques, with verses hand picked for every member of the Swap! I'm so very happy with how the plaques turned out and hope that they are displayed proudly (I know our plaque will be {that is once I get around to making one for our house- isn't that the way it always goes?}).

Megan's (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Debbie's (Isaiah 41:10)

Robbie's {aka Momma's} (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Sherri's (Joshua 1:9)

Kiara's (Jeremiah 29:11)

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A bit off the Craft Swap topic, however in addition I was commissioned to make a Mod Podge scripture plaque by my friend Kara. I love the colors and tone of the plaque, and I must say Kara was a happy customer- woo hoo!


Note to all- I'm thinking about/working on opening an Etsy shop in hopes of offering my Mod Podge scripture plaques to the world (however first things first I have to figure out the shipping issue, as I hate to pay a great deal for shipping and I'm sure my future customers feel the same way!).

Snail Mail Craft Swap Project- REVEALED!

Drum-roll Please...!

Ladies and Gentlemen, my Snail Mail Craft Swap Project for Alia was the Weekender Travel Bag by Amy Butler!!!


After many hours at the sewing machine, +/- 5 denim sewing needles, shedding a few tears, and a custom made box for mailing, the Bag is in Alia's possession (whoo hoo!).

Before purchasing the pattern I Googled the bag and found so many good (and true) reviews by bloggers (here, here, and here) of their sewing experience. I'll be the first to admit that some of the reviews scared me as I had never made a bag, sewn in a zipper, nor made cording, however there is a first time for everything- right? :)
Note- all of the fabric used for the bag was purchased from JoAnn's (on sale!). I used Home Decor fabric for the outside, handles, and cording and I used a great Heidi Grace orange cotton fabric for the lining (I forgot to take a photo of the interior, so you'll just have to trust me that the orange fabric is stunning, or you can venture to this post [last photo] and see the fabric for yourself as I'm using the extra fabric for the apron!).


A couple tips from my personal experience:

• When preparing the cording, DON'T crowd the cording (Amy's specific instructions, although I had no idea what that meant at the time...now I do!). After preparing the cording you will sew it onto the main panel and then when putting the bag together- every time you must sew to the left of the original stitch, thus if you crowd the cording (as I did) it makes everything that much more difficult, as if you don't sew to the left of the stitch you will see the stitch on the finished bag, which is a bit unsightly.
• I was not able to find a 30" non-separating zipper, granted I only looked at JoAnn's, however I've come to learn that I'm not the only one to not find the 'correct' zipper. I purchased a 30" separating zipper and hand stitched at the end of the zipper to disable the 'separating' component.
• I also added inside pockets, as the pattern does not provide instructions to do so. I cut extras of the Main Panel Pocket (from the exterior fabric), I sewed 1/4" along the top with wrong sides together, turned, basted the remaining 3 sides, top stitched along the top (just like the directions for the Main Panel Pocket), sewed the inside pocket panel to the lining a desired (I chose to sew one vertical line making two pockets).
• I added four purse feet to the bottom of the bag, as the bottom is light colored and I didn't want Alia to have to worry about setting the bag down! I found the purse feet to be hard to find locally, however they are very available online. Supposedly a special tool is needed to make the hole, however I just made a little snip with my scissors, inserted the foot, fray-checked the edges and then added the finishing plate- voila!

I Won the Snail Mail Craft Swap Lottery!

I arrived home Monday evening to a box on my doorstep from Alia, my Snail Mail Craft Swap project had arrived! I opened the box with great anticipation, discovering two neatly wrapped gifts, a beautifully sewn clutch with matching wallet and a gorgeous knitted throw! I feel like I just won the Craft Swap lottery! :o)

Before the grand photo reveal...have I mentioned how Alia and I met??? We were both fourth year architecture students in Florence, Italy. Needless to say being in a foreign country with only a handful of American students, we clung to each other like sisters (and I'm so grateful for that!). Alia and I had all sorts of outings, however I distinctively remember the afternoon that we found a craft store in Florence and purchased wire and beads and made our own rings (while in Florence I developed a love for handmade rings)...those were the days! :)

Clutch with matching wallet.

Knitted throw (the colors are so gorgeous and vibrant!).

Thank you Alia for agreeing to my 'crazy' idea (and for the beautiful photos above). I hope to get together again for another Craft Swap, but this time we might have to present our projects in person!

In Search of Motivation!

I must make a confession, as I have not crafted since Mr. Made With Love and I returned home from the cruise (gasp!). I believe the lack of motivation has to do with the fact that my kitchen table is actually clean (getting my sewing stuff out always makes a mess...I'm sure you all can relate!), and the fact that my days at work have been long thus I'm only in the mood to veg after 5pm.

With all that said I do have a couple things on my To-Do List:

• I have to photograph and send my Snail Mail Craft Swap project to Alia (I'm crossing my fingers that she loves it...PS- keep your eye out for the photo reveal sometime next week!);


• I must finish a baby bib for a first birthday on Monday (I'll post a photo this weekend as my Mom embroidered the bib and I'm sewing it together [nothing like tag teaming it!]);


• I also promised Mr. D that his Steelers quilt would be completed by the end of October (since football season is HERE...I better get my booty in gear!);


• I also have a Christmas order for 5 Amy Karol Artsy Clutches (which is quite exciting!);


• I also must begin work on my Craft Swap project. [Yep you read correctly; the last Craft Swap was such a success that we've decided to meet again!]. Note- If you are interested in starting your own Craft Swap, it's quite simple and I totally encourage you to take the plunge! Reach out to a couple of your crafty friends (and note if they don't live in the same City you can do a Snail Mail Craft Swap). Please feel free to share the link above should you and your friends need Craft Swap ideas/inspiration. I'm also available via email or comments!

I'm also toying with the idea of opening an Etsy shop, which is exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time! If you're willing, I would love to hear your experiences of opening an Esty shop (the good, bad, and ugly).

While I'm at it, I would also like to participate in Blue Eyed Blessings monthly craft challenge, however with my To-Do List above, the timing may not work out this time. Head on over to Heidi's blog to learn more about the craft challenge, as all this month the challenge is to make something Halloween or Fall themed. All entries are due October 1st.

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For all of my local fans, Ginger's Quilt Shoppe is having their anniversary sale this Saturday! I believe Ginger and Linda are offering 25% off all fabrics (with a one yard minimum cut). Perhaps I'll see you there!

Snail Mail Craft Swap (Mystery Project!)

I've been a bit hush-hush lately regarding my current craft project, as it is for the Snail Mail Craft Swap with my dear (and oh so talented) friend Alia. If everything goes as planned I should be done with the project by the end of the weekend.

Any guesses?

Note: I'll reveal the 'finished' project (with a picture of course!) after it makes its way up to Oregon, and is in Alia's possession. Please be patient (hence, Snail Mail Craft Swap). :)

Craft Swap= a HUGE Success!!!

After weeks of planning and preparation, I am SO happy to report that the Craft Swap was a success! Welcome to the photo tour of Craft Swap #1 (Summer '09)!

Below is my Craft Swap 'loot' (scroll down further as I've provided close-ups of each craft). I knew that I had a crafty group of friends/family, but my oh my...they never cease to amaze me! :)


Megan (my sister) crafted beautiful beaded necklaces and bracelets, such a great addition to any outfit! We picked numbers and picked accordingly; I'm the proud recipient of a the teal set!


Robbie (my Mom) made each of us a beautiful set of stamped stone coasters! They are so stylish and classic, and I must say I'm excited for a new set of coasters, as my puppy destroyed two of the four cork coasters I owned! There is no way of the puppy destroying these stone coasters (or at least I hope not)! :)


Kiara (my weeknight craft buddy) made each of us a set of handmade cards! I'm so excited to have a collection of her beautiful handmade cards, as I'm not one that enjoys buying generic (and expensive!) cards from Hallmark/Target, etc.


Sherri (a dear family friend) was greatly missed today! She crafted compartmentalized jewelry bags, and inside each of the bags were a pair of beaded earrings (refer to the first photo of this posting!). The jewelry bags were a hit with everyone, and I know that it will definitely be on my packing list for our upcoming vacation in September!



Last but not least, I made an artsy clutch for all, from Amy Karol's Bend-the-Rules Sewing book. If anyone is looking for a great afternoon project, I would definitely recommend the clutch! It is a perfect catch all bag for makeup, photos, coupons, etc.


I also whipped up some flower pins (which were also used for table decorations) for the crafty ladies. I was inspired by Joy's Hope flowers, and think that the pins would be a great addition to any tote bag, pillow, outfit, etc. The possibilities are endless.

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Thursday I promised that I would write a review for Melissa d'Arabian's Skirt Steak Tostadas- don't worry, I haven't forgotten! I'm happy to report that the skirt steak was a HIT! The meat had a great flavor, and I enjoyed the fact that for the most part the marinade ingredients are normal pantry components. I wasn't able to locate a Habanero chile at the grocery store, so instead I substituted with a couple drops of hot sauce, although I think you could also use red chile peppers. The recipe advises to marinate the meat for an hour, however I did so overnight, and would advise others to do the same (in my opinion an hour is too short!). All in all the meat was a hit, and will definitely be back on the dinner plate in the near future!

Saturday is the Day!

I think I've been walking around this week with an extra big smile, as its hard to contain my excitement of the Craft Swap on Saturday! The ladies will be joining me for lunch, the Swap, and great conversation...what else could a girl want? :)

Are there any The Next Food Network fans out there? The lunch menu is scheduled to include a version of Melissa d'Arabian's Skirt Steak Tostadas (that challenge in particular made me so hungry!). Come back Saturday afternoon for a recap of the Craft Swap and a review of Melissa's recipe.

Last but not least, don't forget to swing by on Sunday for my first giveaway!

Until next time...

No Reason To Worry...

To all of my faithful readers...I'm still alive and kicking! :o)

I've been busy working on the items in the pipeline, as well as a couple extra unforeseen projects!

Mr. D's football quilt is a work in progress. To date, I have two of the five fabrics cut (am I the only one that HATES cutting fabric?), and am excited to get to the point where 'cutting' will be past tense, as it is all down hill from there! :)

I've also been working on my Craft Swap project, as August 8th is our first meeting! I'm so excited to be able to share with all what I've been up to, as keeping my craft a secret has proven to be quite tricky! It looks like I'll have an extra one of my craft project, so stay tuned for my first giveaway!

I have a couple of finished projects that I am excited to share with all, but you'll have to hang on until the weekend as the lighting in the house after work is not working for me!

PS: I'm happy to report that the diaper/wipes case was gifted last week by D, and from what I heard the momma-to-be was very excited and appreciative, which is exactly why I do what I do!

First Ever Local Craft Swap!

In the crafting world there are sewers, quilters, painters, jewelry artists, scrapbookers, woodworkers, photographers, knitters...just to name a few! With that being said, what better way to flex your creative muscles and hang out with friends than a local Craft Swap?

I am happy to announce that I’m organizing our first ever local Craft Swap! The Craft Swap will consist of five crafty ladies (Megan, Robbie, Kiara, Sherri, and I), thus we will each bring four crafty items to the party and we’ll go home with 4 unique crafty items, it’s a win-win situation! Stay tuned as the Craft Swap will be taking place sometime in August. If you’re interested in organizing your own local craft swap, you should take a look at the creativeness that takes place at Burrow House’s local Craft Swap.

As for my craft, I’ve already decided what I’m going to make and have a prototype made, which is currently being tested by my hubby! Stay tuned for a picture parade of the Craft Swap outcome, as I have some awesomely creative family and friends!