Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Needlecase Swap

It arrived today!  Woo hoo!

ilv2sew

I belong to an on line group called Small Quilt Talk, a forum hosted by Kathleen Tracy, quilt designer and author of several quilting books. 

About a month ago, the gals on the forum decided to have a needlecase swap and without hesitation, I joined in.  I had to satisfy my addiction, of course.   *wink*

The choice was optional as to the kind of needlecase we would make for our partner.  When signing up for the swap we were asked to state our colors of preference and the only stipulation was that we were to use Civil War fabrics.

My swap partner was Susan Menendez.  Susan and I decided collectively that we would surprise each other with what we made.  Here is the huswif that I made and designed for Susan in her favorite colors, pinks and browns which she received last week. 

SAM_1342

A huswif is a small sewing kit and they were typically used by Civil War soldiers to mend their uniforms or to hold trinkets and keepsakes from home.

SAM_1343

I included a pair of embroidery scissors with a fob that I made.  I also included some needles and novelty buttons with a sewing theme.

SAM_1350

I made the huswif in the crazy quilt style and unbeknownst to me, Susan is very interested in crazy quilts.

ilv2sew

Today was my lucky day!  Look what Mr. Painted Quilt brought in from our roadside mail box…

SAM_1387

An envelope containing a small package wrapped in a red, Civil War fabric fat quarter.  *swoon*

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Inside the wrapped package was my huswif made in my favorite colors, red, blue and taupe.  The outside…

SAM_1396

And the inside.  Isn’t it to die for?  And look at all the extra goodies…a matching pincushion, a little fox button, some wool thread, three tea bags, a package of needles and a pair of silver stork scissors with a fob.

SAM_1392

Thank you Susan, from the bottom of my heart.  I will treasure your gift always.

knametag1b

24 comments:

WoolenSails said...

Both are beautiful needle cases.
I like that pattern and one of these days I plan on making one.

Debbie

Needled Mom said...

Both are absolutely lovely!

Lori said...

it is wonderful! Yes a treasure for sure!!

Susan said...

You are most welcome Kaaren, I am so happy you like it. I thoroughly enjoyed making this for you.

Susan said...

Oh, btw, I am so enjoying mine that you made for me and will be sharing it with my Civil War Club on Friday. Thank you again and again!

Shakerwood said...

They are both wonderful. What great swap partners you two made!

Unknown said...

Both are beautiful!!

JudyCinNC said...

I use to not like surprises - but have totally changed my mind. The needlecases are wonderful and sure they will be a tresure. Judy C

Jocelyn said...

Love both of them! You are both such talented and creative ladies.

Larkrise garden girl said...

Oh how fun to have such talented friends!Cheri

Anonymous said...

That is a lovely swap..

Christine

Carol said...

I'm in the Small Quilt Talk group too and I'm also participating in the needle case swap. I've already rec'd my needle case but I'm still finishing the one for my partner. I love the one you designed. I better get with it and finish mine up.

Rita said...

I love them both!

Allie said...

What a gorgeous swap - you both made and gave beautiful gifts!

edyB said...

You're a lucky gal~beautiful gifts.
I love what you sent as well. Both are treasures!

Theresa said...

Wow!!!! Two beautiful needle cases!!!!! Awesome!!!

Betsy said...

Both are Beautiful sewing cases Kaaren. Great exchange of gifts.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What a fun swap!

Janet said...

What a fabulous swap, I love them both, you two did so well for each other. You can't have too many, I agree.

Wendy said...

Oh how lovely. I love the crazy quilt style of the one you sent.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Well aren't you both the lucky ones! Very special gifts given and received.

Teresa said...

Oh I like both of your needle cases and wish I had been a part of your swap. I just love special little needle cases and pin cushions to tuck into special projects I am working on.

Janet said...

What a great way to use up treasured scraps!! Have been thinking of one or two of these as Christmas bazaar items! Very tempting.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh wow! Both of them are beautiful!