My first swap

This year I participated in my very first craft swap over at Strollers and Prams. The idea is that each person in the swap receives the name of somebody else and you make something for them (much like a Kris Kringle at Christmas time). There was no real theme to this swap – just a budget of $20. I was partnered with someone with a 3 year old girl which meant I had no shortage of ideas, but I wanted to do something that I hadn’t done before, or something I’d been meaning to do but hadn’t quite got around to. I stumbled upon some photos of a doll’s quilt someone had made and decided that this was the perfect opportunity to dip my toe into the world of quilting.

Here is my very first quilt

The block in the middle and the fabric around the outer edge is of course designed by the very talented Melissa over at Mahogany Turtle

I machine quilted around the flowers which would have looked so much better if I had done it by hand, but alas there are only so many hours in the day! I quickly whipped up a matching pillow the day the swap was due to be sent, and had it safely in the post at 5.30pm.

Now I must say that after lovingly creating the doll’s quilt I wasn’t too worried about what would arrive for me. I really enjoyed spending time creating something for a little miss 3, and the kids had been really interested in watching me sew the quilt and hearing about who it was for. Really by the time I posted it I felt I had had my swap experience and I had thoroughly enjoyed it.

It was nice to think that a little something would be arriving for me soon though, and my Zoe in particular was curious to know what it would be (or more to the point who it would be for ). Imagine my excitement when I received a parcel from the the lovely Kirsty in Queensland full of the most gorgeous delights!

Miss Zoe was the very lucky recipient of this pink sparkly twirly skirt and matching top.

Master Hamish got this very cool (and much needed!) t-shirt, the applique designed and sewn by Kirsty herself.

And *I* got this stunning apron. I LOVE it!

Wow, what a lovely experience the swap turned out to be! Thanks to Kisrty one more time, and also thanks to Jakki over at S&P for organising it