Mini Quilt

Do any of you use Swap-bot?  Four years ago I swapped on there, but when we started to prepare for another international move (ended up back in the US instead of Guam), I stopped using swap-bot.  Besides Aunt Pitty Pat started doing more challenging swaps with much better projects then I've done on swap-bot. =)  Recently I pulled the site back up and completed about five swaps. 

Of course I'm all about sewing so when the Mini Quilt swap came up I jumped on it.  The challenge was to sew a miniature quilt that was 8"x8" to 12"x12".  It had to be done in your partners favorite colors and the theme they chose.  It must be quilted and of course made like a real quilt with all three layers.  Here's what I sent...

My lady likes to hand quilt.  I was going to put a colorful quilt coming out of an antique sewing machine, but my goodness do you have any idea how tiny it would be to sew it in the small white area?  Once cutting out a template I gave up the idea.  Now... I did have to laugh when considering the size of the needle and the quilt it's sewing.

EDIT: Oops!  I was just counting the inches on the cutting board in the photo and noticed the quilt is actually 13" x 13"  Oh well...

Annual Holiday Block Swaps...

Sign ups are going on right now for my Annual Holiday Block swaps.. 

Run over to AuntPittyPat's blog to check it out. We have a lot of fun and have received some awesome blocks in the past years. All sewing skill levels join in on the fun. Please make sure if you join up you complete on time. Thank you and drop by if this interests you!

AuntPittyPat has announced a new Swap ;O)

Come by check it out at: 

Aunt Pitty Pat's Swap

I am a bit late..

Hello everyone.. I am still running behind but I thought I would show you my Christmas Stocking that I made for my Annual Christmas Swap... I had a great time making this little guy. I used variegated, and silver threads on it. I have to admit.. I made a mistake on it.. I discovered the mistake when I edited the photos. I didn't even notice until it was already in the mail. Do you see the mistake??

OH well makes it all the more one of a kind :O) 

I hope my partner loved hers.. I was very excited when I received my exchange from her :O)
 I will modify this post soon to show all of you her lovely stocking!

I also made a fun craft apron for my daughter out of used jeans.... The center pocket has a zinger to attach your scissors and the pocket is to keep them tucked out of the way when not in use ;O)

Christmas Stockings

Alright ladies, it's time to get back to posting.  I love reading about everything you are working on and seeing how it's Christmas time I'm guessing many of you have projects that are either made, being made or on the ever growing to do list. 
To keep the blog from dying like it's currently doing or has done, how about we try to post something at least once a week?  Who wants to share?  Come on you know you have some awesome project that is going to inspire us.

Alright at the risk of ruining the surprise for Cheryl I'm going to show a little glimpse of my almost completed stocking for Aunt Pitty Pat's stocking swap.  Earlier this week I got my stocking in the mail from Cheryl and it's AWESOME.  Really, you all should be jealous she was my partner.  It's okay if you want to shed a few tears because you didn't join the swap or didn't have Cheryl.  Now dry your eyes and keep a watch over at APP's for her next swap.  It might be a while before she does another, but I can guarantee it will be fun.

Okay, here's the peak at my stocking for Cheryl...

I was going to give you a looksy at the top but I'm going to save it. =)  This is the heel of the stocking.

Now Cheryl's stocking for me... is it fair to share her work?  Ah, why not.  She can come on and add to it.  It's still stuffed with all the goodies she sent other then the ornament.  I want to be able to hang it on my tree so I took it out of the stocking.  I decided to wait on everything else.  I figure my husband is deployed so I might as well save some surprises for myself. =)  BTW, I took these with my phone so they are on the dark side and the color isn't spot on.

 I love that she used random buttons.  I like adding buttons to my daughter's clothes to make flowers, butterflies, ect.

 Here's a closer look at the snowflake.  My favorite part is the little beads on each point.

 Check this guy out.  No, all snowmen DON'T have to be made up of three balls.  Besides his happy face and the mittens on his stick arms, I love his BIG buttons. =)  Perhaps I'm just a button fan?  Hmmm...  Cheryl you might just be getting come buttons on yours.

And here it is!!!!  Notice the toe and heel of the stocking are both pointed.  Love it!  Thanks Cheryl!

Crocheting Swap

Clip art from All about Crochet.. Click photo for helpful tips and other patterns.

Sorry Ladies it has taken so long to get back to you regarding this swap. I have been sort of busy these last few weeks. In fact so busy I haven't even sat down at the sewing machine for 3 weeks. That is a first for me! I have re-opened my Etsy shops and they are taking a lot of my time right now. Once I get them up and running again that will slow down some. I did take the time out to make the patterns for this swap though :) Yeah for you!!!

I have rewritten the 1958 Workbasket pattern into a PDF and it should be very easy for you to read and follow. Once again the pattern for this swap is a surprise ;) Those that crochet might be able to figure out the items fast... If you figure it out right away.. Please don't disclose it to the others. I am hoping by having the pattern as a surprise, it will make this swap fun to join.

To join in this swap send the following info to:
auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com
I need the following:
Name
Address
Phone number (a must to play .. for my eyes only!)
Blog
Will you ship international?
Have you been in my swaps?

You will be making one of each patten that is in the PDF. That means two different items. They are small so hopefully everyone will be able to complete your items eaisly :) I don't know anything about crochet..but the skill level looks beginner to me! You can use scrap yarns, new yarns or what ever embellishments you want to finish off this project. Make it your own and have fun with it.
I will send you the PDF when I assign partners.
If you have questions about the pattern please send me an email. I copied the pattern by each symbol from the resource page. If the pattern doesn't make sense I will try to find the needed corrections from a more experienced needle artisan :)

Ok back to requirements of swap
One of each item in pattern (total two items)
One plastic item to fit inside one of the projects
One summer drink item
One of your favorite summer food recipes

Disclaimers:
I APP don't know slip stitch about crocheting....
APP will not be playing in this swap, but would love a gift set of the crocheted items..
For her personal use :)
If your interested in being my Angel I will send you my address ;)
If I have more than one taker on this request I will put your name in the hat ;)
Ladies thank you in advance for your generosity and kindness!!

Pins and Needles will not Angel any swaps listed on this blog. Enter at your own risk! I will make every effort to check blogs.
You must be a member or a follower of Pins to play!!

Swap will be limited to the first 50 players.

Sign ups start Today and End April 22nd. I will assign partners within a couple of days. Projects have to be at your partners house no later than May 28th.

Mother's Day Apron Swap

I hope you're all not swapped out yet, because I thought a Mother's Day apron swap would be a nice way to celebrate motherhood. Has everyone completed the spring apron swap and are enjoying your new aprons for the new season? We'd love to see them on our Flickr group, just head over to Flickr and search for CP Apron Swaps, ask to be invited and once accepted, you can post your photos for all of us to see and aww over!

Ok, same rules apply to this swap as with the others, so if you've swapped before, you know how this works. If your new and would like to make and and swap aprons with us, just sign up on this post only over at Country Pleasures. Everyone one who wants to join in on this swap must sign up on this post, just make sure you leave me your email address, to keep it easy for me! You have till April 15th to do so, then you will be assigned a partner, then it's up to you to get the mailing info., likes and such. Mailing date is April 25th since Mother's day is May 8th. Tuckin's are required but please don't stress over them, just add a couple of goodies for Mom to go along with her new apron. Tea towels, stationary, candy, etc. are just a few examples. The style of apron depends on you and your partner and can be decided once you exchange emails.

So, there you have it, the next apron swap, and I for one, am anxious to get creative again and come up with a classy/sassy apron to celebrate the best job in the world, motherhood! Who's joining me?

Easter Mug Rug

I held an Easter Mug Rug swap at AuntPittyPat's blog recently. I had a very nice turn out for this swap. It was fun and worked up very fast. I have received lots of great feed back from the ladies that played along.
I have to tell you something funny! When my sweet friend Nadine visited me last Fall she introduced me to Mug Rugs......All I can say is Nadine you have created an addict!!!! I am very driven to making these little rugs they are so small, and they provide such a large impact! Do you ladies remember the old ad about potato chips that said something like this: You can't eat just one!! I am that way with mug rugs. When it's time to make them .. I can't make one I have to make at least a half dozen!!!
It's been very exciting, to see the rugs the ladies are creating for this swap. The participants have been so very clever, very creative and they have made such cute rugs!
If your interested in taking a peek at some of the rugs....
The list of swappers are still up on my blog. Run over click on some of the names and take a look. Don't worry if you click on a name and you get no where. Not all of the ladies that participated have a blog. Some of the participants are from FaceBook.

I thought I would show you the rug that I came up with. I think it turned out pretty cute. I originally made a different rug and was not very pleased with it. I move on to a different design and really liked how it turned out. What do you think?
While writing this post ... I have figured out why I like making mug rugs. They are small and you get instant gratification from them. It's a project that can be completed in a few hours not weeks. Yeah I am all about fast and getting it done!
Besides ....I can come up with tons of cute ideas for appliques on them :0}
Mug Rugs are much faster than a full sized project... and they give me just as much joy to make!
There was only one draw back on the recent swap:
The hardest part I have heard from everyone was trying to find an Easter Mug. I was a bit early for this swap. Most shops didn't have Easter items out when we needed them. I wanted the rugs and mugs to be to the partners before Easter not realizing Easter was late in the month this year.
Having said all of this... have a
HAPPY EASTER FROM APP AND THE PITTY.
I hope my timing is better in the next swap :)

Swap for those that Crochet/Knit

UP DATED 03-28-11
I have chosen a pattern.. I will not show the photo...
It will be a surprise when it is done.
I will re-write the pattern into a PDF.
After the swap is complete, I would love a photo.
I am going to sell the PDF on line.
Thanks ladies for your help :)


LOL not suggesting that we make booties for Babies.... Only just a photo I used :)
I would rather have other suggestions that all would enjoy:)

Hello ladies.. I thought it would be fun to hold a stitcher's swap for those that crochet or knit. Most of you ladies know AuntPittyPats Blog. I hold sewing swaps all the time, but my needle work friends don't get to participate in those swaps. I thought it would be fun to ask.... what sort of swap would you like if I put one together here on Pins and Needles. What would you like to make? I am sorry this is not my form of Craft ... so I need some help here with suggestions.

Doris I know you could help me with some great ideas :) I will take everyone's suggestions and try to come up with a swap that will be fun for all of you ;)
Suggestions will be taken until the end of the Month.. then I will try to put something together for you ladies...
Thanks in advance for all of your help :)
I would be happy to put together a PDF from one of my old 1950 work basket pattern books for you ladies to use.
M

A Lota Apron Sewing Goin' On!!

February has been a good sewing month for me and a lot of it has been aprons♥
But first I want to share pictures with you of the cutest♥ apron I received in the
Valentine Apron Swap 2011 hosted by Sue from Country Pleasures.
My swap partner was Ms Nadine from Apron Valley Road and this is the AWESOME apron she made for me!! :)

Close up of the sweet "Nadine Original" ruffled accents at the top ...

and the pocket♥

And ... this is the apron I made for her ~
lots of Valentine ♥RED♥ with hearts everywhere ...

even the pockets :)

Other aprons I made this month included this set of 3 farmgirl aprons in bright,
cheery farm kitchen colors ...

for some sweet lady friends of mine♥

I even made one more of these cute lil' aprons for my SIL for her birthday!! :)

Valentines Apron Swap

I know, Christmas just ended but apron makers always think ahead and it's time to think about my next apron swap, yep! Valentines day is only 7 weeks away! Between sewing time, shipping time and such, it is time to post and plan! This swap will work just like the fall and Christmas swaps, you will be assigned a apron partner where you will make a themed apron for each other, and include some sweet tuckins too since it is the day for love. If you'd like to join us just leave a comment here with your email addy, I'll gather names and make a list. On Jan. 14th, I'll partner us up and notify you of your apron swapper, you will in turn email each other for mailing info. and likes or dislikes. Shipping date is set for Feb.1.
So, give your machine a little rest over the holidays and if you'd like to gain a Valentines apron, sign up on THIS post only before Jan. 14th, 2011. Hope to see those who joined me in the last two, as well as any newbies who missed out or ones who just love aprons, like us!

APP's Christmas MugRug Swap

This is my ♥cute♥ lil' Gingerbread Man mugrug that I received from Ms Nadine
in App's Christmas MugRug Swap

It came complete with a lil' spoon for stirring the tea that can be brewed right in that AWESOME tea mug with the matching quilted mug cozy :)
I got the recipe for those yummy Molasses Cookies AND ... a package of them already made up by sweet Ms Nadine♥
Am I spoiled, or what????? Yep!! and ... I'm lovin' it!!
Thanks again, Ms Nadine!! :)

New Swaps

Hi everyone found these swaps thought you might like!

Join in here by 25th January

Join in here

to be made and sent for Valentines

Also if you would like to see what I got from the Secret Santa Swap

pop on over to my blog - I was spoilt

by Tracey (Mistea Crafts)

XX The Clip Cafe

Mug Rug from Aunt Pitty Pat's blog

Several of the ladies played along in the Mug Rug swap up on my blog.. I thought I would share what my Mug Rugs looked like.. I had more than one Partner for one reason or the other.. and they all loved them :)

My Holly Jolly Christmas Quilt

I just realized that I never posted pictures here on Pins & Needles of my
Holly Jolly Christmas Quilt
from last year's APP Swap. So ... here's some pictures of it in the process!

I decided to tie it, so I could add lots of buttons, beads, jingle bells, etc. for embellishments.
Fun stuff!!

Now, I just need more time to get back to it to put the binding on so I can hang it up ...
Think I'll finish it in time to hang it up for this Christmas? Humm ... don't know!
I'm pretty far behind with my Christmas gift making. But ... if I do, I post another picture of it finished ~ I promise :) What about you? Did you finish yours?
Have a wonderful, fun, stitchin' filled week!!!

Christmas Apron Swap

Welcome sweet November! I was gonna wait a bit before starting this swap, but after reading about so many Christmas swaps already in progress, I thought I had better get on the ball! The official start to the holidays has already begun for crafters and apron makers! So if you'd like to make and receive a handmade apron for Christmas baking and entertaining just leave your name and email addy on my blog post about this swap. You will be assigned a partner but to keep it in the true Christmas spirit, we will be surprising our partners, no requests will be taken to preferences like half or full aprons, or themes. This is a gift giving swap, tuck ins are encouraged to add to the element of surprise! I'll close this swap on Nov. 15 with shipping due Nov. 30th so we all have our gifted aprons in time for Christmas wearing. I always try to pair us up close by to help with shipping but everyone is welcome to join us, the more the merrier! So, if you'd like to give and receive, sign up and get busy making your Christmas apron and finding sweet tuck ins, no need to wait for your partner, keeping this swap easy and no stressing! Let's start November off sewing!

Note from CJ ~
Ladies,
The Christmas Apron Swap is being hosted by Sue from Country Pleasures. Please go directly to her blog to sign up ~ click HERE for the link.
Thank you!

A Crumb Catcher Christmas

Re-Post APP's Blog

Everyone knows Nadine and I have been on Vacation ;) We have chatted about a lot of awesome new sewing ideas.. one of the ideas is a new craze that is sweeping the Cyber world of blogs and we would like to share this with you in swap form... Mug Rugs.

Photo from Patchwork Pottery's Flickr Photostream.

APP's Christmas Swap will be .. make your partner a fun and exciting Christmas Mug Rug. What is a Mug Rug??? After looking on the internet.. we have discovered it is hard to find Christmas photos of mug rugs to share with you. But we have a link for other types of Mug Rugs. http://www.flickr.com/groups/1533394@N22/ :)

The required size for our swap will be a 6”x10” or equivalent. It can be square, round, star, or any shape your creative brain comes up with. The Rug must be big enough for two Christmas Sugar Cookies, and a nice sized mug for a hot drink ;) (APP loves White Almond Hot Chocolate hint hint hint.)

Embellish your Mug Rug anyway you like.. but it must be coffee mug friendly. Must be able to sit without falling over from too much egg nog ;) Mug must sit flat on Rug… lol

Additional content for your swap will be:

One Christmas Coffee Mug (Micro safe)

One Hot Beverage packet (Cocoa, Spiced Cider, Gourmet Coffee, or Tea)

One Favorite Cookie Recipe

One Candy Cane (For stirring)

Sign ups start today and end on November 6^th.. Partners will be assigned shortly thereafter.

Swaps must be at your partner's house no later than December 11^th. Please start your project as soon as you sign up so they will be completed on time. You don't have to have an assigned partner to start your project. If you can't meet this dead line.. please please don't sign up... This is a very important fun swap this time of year.

NO ONE likes a Flaker.. Please be on time!!!

Santa is checking his naughty and nice list.. so be sure to get your swap out on time.. so your partner doesn't get coal ;)

Additional info:
Please package your swap in a box and wrap your mug in bubble wrap... so it will arrive safely ;)
International Swappers welcome but please be mindful of the cost for shipping!

E-mail APP the following Info: auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com

Name

Address

Blog

Phone Number

International Yes/No

If you're a first time swapper please read the following: Swap Etiquette

Colourful Christmas

My Christmas quilt top is all done and sure to brighten this Christmas season.

As Jindi's mum and I participated in the Holly Jolly block swap as a team we made 12 blocks each and received 12 back.

I love that this quilt top only has blocks made by the other swappers.

Border fabrics found in the stash, some of them are the ones I used to make my blocks to send. The stripe has all the colours to match the blocks and has been sitting in the stash for the past year waiting patiently for a home. Perfect.

Have a fantastic Wednesday, I'm sure hoping mine is!

Owl Quilt Block Swap

I never got around to making my owl block top until today!

My daughter Eden (who is 3)

and I mapped them out and then sewed them together.

I think it turned out great.

I am going to work on my "by the month" quilt next!

Peace, Katie

Pillow Case Swap And Giveaway

Hi everyone!

I am loving swaps at the moment

just found another one and sign ups are till October 13th.

Go and have a look it is fairly simple but special too!

PS I have a giveaway come on over and enter it!!!