Shopping & Swapping

As promised, the charm square top for Kyle's teacher is done. I did not finish it yesterday, but did get it done this evening. At least it is done. I actually became fond of it as I was sewing the last of the rows on. All put together I can see a piece of pretty much every quilt I have ever made. I see my mom's quilt, my dad's quilt, Kyle's quilt, my aunt's quilt, quilts from babies, TJ's quilt, Bud & Rachel's wedding quilt, my brother-in-law's memory quilt, my beloved pink & brown, Zach & Charlotte's quilts...it goes on and on. I would truly like to keep it. Kyle is thrilled and asked if I would tie it tonight. It is 9:30 pm and I told him "not likely". The picture is not great because it is so dark outside...no natural light, but you can see it enough to get the idea.
I spent some time with my sister today. We took a little shopping trip and ended up at Hobby Lobby. I found some great "stuff"! They had floss organizers for a dollar! I took the last 3. More freezer paper was needed. I also bought some variegated floss, a larger hoop, and 2 yards of Kona snow. I needed this for several projects.
I found feed sack tea towels.
And a cool little light to clip onto my hoop. Sue had one that was great! Now I don't have to flip the lampshade up and blind Sweet Hubby at the other end of the couch!!
So that was a lot of fun, but I have saved the best for last! Let's talk swaps! Remember this?
(It's not blurred on purpose) I still can't show the whole thing, as it was whisked away by the mailman yesterday to head to it's owner. As soon as she receives it, I will post a picture of the whole thing. For a beginning stitcher, I was pretty pleased with it and hope she will be too.

I picked my project for the 4 seasons swap and feel relief where that is concerned. Some of the new fall fabrics I showed the other day will be in it, along with the Kona snow. Before I can start that I need to finish the Masterpiece block.

OK! Here's the best and the last! Drum roll please...........I received my stitchery from my partner in the swap today! All the way from Margaret in Spain. They are exquisite!

I know, I know. The picture is bad, but just hold on, I have a better close up. She made me this beautiful little bag, a tissue holder, and the cherry thread catcher, and sent a beautiful bookmark. The bag is wonderful and I love cherries and am forever sticking my needle in the arm of the couch and throwing my threads on the end table, so the thread catcher is needed. Here is some detail. Her work is wonderful. I will treasure them always, especially as I was blessed that a friend got my name! Thank You so much Margaret! You are a treasure!