Scrappy Love

   I received not one, but TWO lovely parcels in the mail from the very talented and generous Linda of Sew Nicely in Dublin, Ireland.  I was Linda's assigned partner for the Scrappy Swap 2011 hosted by Kat of Diary of a Flutter Kat (A Mumma's Time to Create).   The swap involved making a small scrappy item, the equivalent (roughly) of a fat quarters worth of scraps from your stash and a small local item.
   Linda went above and beyond!
   Unfortunately, I did not have the forethought to photograph each tissue-wrapped item as I opened it, so this is a reconstruction.  In Parcel #1 (for me), I received this:

   The Cadbury chocolates have been almost completely devoured by my husband and the kids (mostly the latter), but I've secretly hidden one of the Dairy Milk bars in my scrap stash drawer to save and savor for a time when I am really having a craving.

   I had admired Linda's "sneak peak" photo on Flickr of what she was working on, but never guessed I would be the lucky recipient!  The tote is made of a wonderful variety of Japanese import fabrics, which I adore.  Linda figured me right out!   I like how she combined the bright row of charming novelty prints with the sashiko-style Japanese indigo fabrics. And the brightly colored handles pull the whole scheme together.    

 

      I have been using the tote every day since I received it and and I feel very special carrying around my own personalized homemade scrappy bag.  It is just perfect for me-- thank you so much, Linda! 
   And here is the selection of scraps that Linda included (above and beyond just a fat quarter's worth):

    They are just lovely, and my daughter has her eye on quite a few of them, too, so I will have to share.  [She wants me to make a scrappy journal cover with them, and I will happily oblige].

   A second surprise awaited me when I collected yesterday's mail: another parcel from Linda!  This one was for my kids.

     For my daughter, she included a wonderful crafty book called I Made It Myself.  It comes with a mini sewing kit, 3 buttons, 3 felt squares and some embroidery thread.  It contains projects that are perfect for a nine-year old girl.

hard to read in the photo, but sections include:
tools & techniques, bags & purses, stuff to wear,
 badges & brooches, jewelry and hair stuff

And for my son, a book based on the Disney movie Cars
(which he loves) complete with a toy
car of Lightning McQueen.

The comic book is a big hit among both my kids.

And look at this wonderful bag of chocolate-coated animal cookies!!
I  LOOOOOOOVE Cadbury!!  Wish we had it here in the US.
Hopefully the kids will let me taste one of them.

   Linda, I can't thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and generosity!!  My kids and I are just thrilled beyond words.  We will certainly enjoy all of our goodies from "Mommy's friend in Ireland".  [We showed them where Dublin, Ireland is on the map].

   You made my day, my week, my weekend!  I feel very lucky to have you as my partner.  

   This was a wonderful, fun swap with lots of amazing participants, and Kat was a super Swap Mama!  I look forward to swapping again (after the craziness of the holidays).

   Readers, I hope you are all enjoying the fall and fitting in lots of quilting/sewing/crafting time :0)