Received: Miniswap

I just got the best best best miniswap package from Kirsten. As you can see from this picture, Ikey could hardly wait for me to snap one quick shot. He tore into EVERYTHING right after this was taken. Then it took me a full day to get everything back from the kids long enough to take photos of it all.

We just loved what Kirsten sent. It was all so perfectly suited for my children. Here are some (several) photos.

First, Kirsten sent lovely pouches for both kids. Zoë's had costume jewelry and Ike's held three little cars. He's been driving them in and out of the "garage" all day.

She made these placemats which are a really great idea. We use fabric placemats every day. It's Zoë's job to put them on the table. She's going to love using these. And notice that great fabric on Ike's. I love it.

She also sent these pillowcases which were so immediately loved that I HAD to put pillows into them right away. You can see another picture of Ikey's here. He just pats it and says "train train train."

And for me she sent a lovely little tissue holder. I've been meaning to make one of these for a long time. I'm really happy to have one now. And the fabric is wonderful.

She also sent some pretty little Richard Scarry buttons that are so cute--I don't know if I'll be able to share them with the kids.

To top it all off, she also sent stickers, a great thrifted book, some beautiful little paper dolls, a dance mix CD, and a Valentine making kit. She said that I spoiled her but I think she spoiled us just as much, if not more. We're loving everything and so so glad we signed up for this swap. Zoë's been asking me if we can do it again soon. She loves having new "computer friends."

Mini Swap

I joined the miniswap over at MommyCoddle. This is my first ever swap and I was pretty excited and nervous about it. I am partnered with the fabulous Kirsten. It was so funny because we both live in the same state and it looks like we have a LOT in common. Like we went to the same school, same major, same professors, and many many shared interests. It was so cool to meet someone that I have so much in common with--that I never would have met without the swap.

Her kids were really easy to plan for. In fact, I had to totally restrain myself because I think I had too many ideas. Here's what I sent:

For 21 month old Monkey: Fabric balls with embroidered letters on them--I got the idea here and the pattern here.

For 4 year old Thomas who loves all things with wheels, I made a car playmat. It was influenced by one my mom made for my brother about 20 years ago. I just drew on canvas with crayons and permanent markers then iron and dried it on hot to set the wax. I bound it with bias tape and steam a seam. Easy peasy no sew project.

For 6 year old Princess who loves pink (and purple) and projects, I made a quilted sketchbook similar to these and a coordinating clutch similar to the ones I made at Christmastime.

I also included some mix cds of kids' music, a flower brooch, a lavender eye pillow and a collage kit (i.e. lots of scraps of paper.)

This swap was so much fun to do. I really loved making for someone else's children. I can't wait to mini swap again.