BTRSswap #2

The second of three swaps from the "Bend the Rules Sewing" book has just ended. I'm excited to share my wares...

This swap was placemats and napkins from the patterns/directions in the book. With each swap you're able to specify colors, patterns or fabrics that you like/dislike, but it's still a little nerve-racking, with a little excitement thrown in too, as you sew for someone you've never met. My partner specified that she liked geometric designs and that primary colors would look great in her kitchen, so I went with that, and this is what I came up with...


And the finished product...
And they're off to Florida. I think they turned out pretty cute. I hope she loves them. They were easy to make, although next time I'll make the napkins bigger, and probably more like the napkins that I received from Rebecka from Nebraska (the swapper who had me). Isn't it funny that we have the same name, wonder if they thought it would be fun to pair us up?

Mail call...
the anticipation is a killer...and here they are...
The napkins are double sided with a different but coordinating fabric on each side. Rebecka said that she actually patterned them after the napkins from her favorite restaurant. She said that at the restaurant, they do not have a napkin that matches, because they have two different fabrics for each napkin and none of the fabrics are the same. Sounds really fun, what a great idea! We really love the placemats and napkins and have used them countless times already.

As part of the swap we sent a favorite summer recipe. Rebecka sent a recipe for a corn casserole. I was planning on sharing it, but I have misplaced it somewhere... probably in my stack of recipes to try. Anyway, thanks so much Rebecka! We really love the placemats and napkins. You did a fabulous job! You can sew for me anytime!!!

gloria!

I got a package today...

Don't you just love getting mail, especially when in the package form?! Lets see, who is this from?

This is the part where I totally started freaking out, jumping up and down, screaming like a banshee.

Before even opening the box I knew what was inside. You see, I frequently read her blog, and a few days ago she had posted pictures of the bag she had finished for the BTRSswap. I knew that whoever got that bag was so lucky, but also realized with all the ladies that entered the swap, my chances were slim to none for getting THAT bag... but a girl can dream! Anyway, seeing this return address label, I knew that I had won, and won big! But enough rambling, I'll let you see for yourself...

Isn't this exciting!

And there she is, in all glory... which is fitting by the way since her name is Gloria. Be sure to notice the cute key fob attached to the key ring. It's all so lovely!

As part of the swap we were supposed to send one of our favorite summertime desert recipes. So she sent me a recipe for Cheesecake Supreme, with a note that this is the absolute best recipe for cheesecake that she's ever had. Can't wait to try it. I'll post the recipe after I've given it a whirl. So, this recipe couldn't be more perfect either, I LOVE cheesecake!!!

Thanks for all of this Kris... you're my new best friend!