And I'm excited, because it's my first ever swap. For those unfamiliar, a swap is basically where you are randomly assigned a person and you make something for them. In return, someone has been given your name and they make somthing for you. There are a zillion different swaps out there, each with its own rules, projects, etc. There's even a gigantic site dedicated to the whole purpose, called Swap Bot. Most swaps, though, are hosted by bloggers.
But, you're all crafty, so you probably know all of this. Twelve months ago, I didn't. I would lurk around, reading about swaps (apron swaps seem to be popular), and wondering when I'd be ready to get in on the game. A cute little package coming in the mail, handmade just for me?! It's like Christmas all over again (except I rarely receive handmade for Christmas...)
Anyway, I'm finally doing it. I am participating in the Bend The Rules Sewing Swap. Now, it probably helps that this swap involves exchanging products from my favorite sewing book ever. And it also helps that I've already tackled the project that we're swapping (placemats and napkins). At least, that's what I told myself before I finally decided to sign up for the swap at the very. last. minute.
But I'm excited, and I've already begun shopping for my swap partner (see potential swatch above, Michael Miller's Blue Disco Dot). And let me tell you, it hasn't been easy! I'm impressed with the match, though, because it seems this person's tastes are similar to my own. And, as it happens, she lives very near the town in which I grew up. So that makes it a little more fun, to be able to picture the town in which this person lives, and imagine the potential home into which my placemats and napkins will land.
If you still haven't purchased the book, here's a peek at what the placemats and napkins look like:
By Maita (from the Bend The Rules Sewing group on Flickr).