Summer Swap THANK YOUs!

This summer I had the fun opportunity to participate in my first swap on flickr, and I quickly signed up for a second. I loved secretly stalking my partners' flickr and blog and making something for them. But the other fun is receiving an equally thoughtful gift that comes from another amazingly talented and creative person. I've already shared with you the items I completed for the swap, but here I want to THANK my swap partners and show you the beautiful things they made me.

Make Mine Modern Swap

My partner was Amy Ellis, she's the author of "Modern Basics" and co-founder/organizer of the Sewing Summit. MMM swap is all about making modern stuff for the sewing room. I asked for something that I could take with me when I sew away from my sewing room and Amy made this beautiful "sewing clutch" that folds out to be a mat perfectly sized for my featherweight with pockets in the front. I absolutely love it! Now I can have my scissors, seam ripper (not that I ever need that ;) and other tools at hand.

I told Amy I loved solids and she incorporated that into this beautiful design for the inside of the clutch. I love the zig-zag quilting lines.

The MMM swap also includes 1.5yards of fabric - Amy sent me a gorgeous assortment of solids which I have already cut into for the "For the Love of Solids Swap" and other projects. She was also nice enough to include a signed copy of her book and other extras in my package!

For the Love of Solids

Shannon was my partner in this swap and I was very impressed to learn that this was her first swap, and she stepped out of her box with her first improvisational quilt. You have to check out her blog post to hear the whole story of this wonderful package she made for me.

This mini quilt is now hanging proudly in me sewing room right above my machine and it inspires me every time I sit down to sew.

In addition to the wall hanging, Shannon also made me a couple of additional items! The needle book on the left is has some inside pockets and a snap closure so it's perfect for carrying around handsewing items. The zip pouch I'm also using for sewing supplies that I bring with me everywhere (basting pins, binding clips, etc). Goodbye ziplock baggies! She did some free motion embroidery and applique with birds on the front and back - this references my blog name, New Nest - I love it!

Here's the whole package she sent (even the card she customized by sewing on some scraps) on top of the back of the quilt.

Thank you to Amy and Shannon for making my first swap experiences so wonderful!