S is for Swap
So I joined my first swap... I've watched you all doing it but wasn't sure how to get involved. Eventually I chose the 'Back To School Swap' hosted by Friday Prize, mainly because dometicali said it was a good idea! The plan was to make a tote bag and fill with a sketch book and any other inspirational crafty bits or projects in preparation for the new school year.
My partner listed Lily Pullitzer prints among her inspirations, (which I'd never heard of before), so I had a look at the website which was in pink and green and features some really funky, bold retro style prints. 
Amy Butler's Lotus fabric immediately came to mind as I'd lusted after a bolt at the Festival of Quilts and here was the perfect excuse to buy some! And I noticed from her blog that Emily likes knitting so I had to send these perfectly co-ordinating candy twist needles.
Being a newcomer to swaps I'm not entirely familiar with swap etiquette. Am I allowed to post photos before my partner's received her package? (I did warn her not to look!) Should I even post photos at all or is that just horribly egotistical in a 'look at what I made' kind of way? It's a nerve wracking affair, like a vast minefield of pitfalls, the biggest of which being: I like what I sent.. but will she?!
PS My next post will be my 100th, so in good old blogging tradition there will be a give-away!
There is nothing wrong with showing it and we're all dying to see what everyone's made. And given that you warned her not to look it's definitely fine. I wonder if she'll hold out until she gets it. It's all really pretty and I'm sure she'll love it. I can't wait to see what I get!!
Posted by: Louise | September 13, 2007 at 01:46 PM
I wish I was in this swap and your partner! What a gorgeous selection of goodies - that fabric is brilliant. It's not what I would normally be drawn to but I really like it. Lucy
Posted by: Lucy Locket | September 13, 2007 at 04:26 PM
I always show what I made for swaps, but if it's a secret swap, I just don't say who its for. We all love to see what everyone has made! BEAUTIFUL my dear!
Posted by: Sarah | September 13, 2007 at 04:35 PM
Oh Sarah! It's just beautiful -- I love the colors and how you coordinated everything. What a lucky partner you have!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | September 13, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Gorgeously co-ordinated and I NEEEEEEEED some of those needles!! Where from please?!! :o)
Posted by: Ruthanne | September 13, 2007 at 06:14 PM
You did a great job choosing all the items in the same shades of colours. Beautiful! Your partner will be delighted. (I miss the blue drawn bird in your header?)
Posted by: nicolette | September 13, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Sarah -- my package just arrived! I did not peek at your blog but I'm so glad that I didn't have to wait long. I'm not sure how long I could have held out. lol (it was very tempting to sneak a peek!)
I must tell you, I literally gasped aloud as I opened each little package. It is all truely wonderful. I could hardly pull myself together to snap some photos. I am sorry to sound like I'm gushing but your thoughtfulness has made me feel very special so a bit of gushing is in order. :)
Thank you!
Posted by: Emily | September 13, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Oh, you don't want to listen to a word I say! Apart from this instance of course, when I am glad you did! Gorgeous, gorgeous swap package. And look how happy you made your partner. I'd call that a pretty perfect first swap experience.
Posted by: Ali | September 13, 2007 at 09:40 PM
I love swaps! So fun!!!! Keep your eyes peeled for the post. Not a swap :)
100 posts... tooo fun!
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | September 14, 2007 at 12:56 AM
I found you through Vanessa's blog. I love the bag you made. the hardest thing about doing is swaps is waiting to "show" them off. Fun!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | September 14, 2007 at 05:51 PM
i like you! you seem so lovely and i think we like the very same things! so pleased to meet you.. and don't worry too much about etiquette.. you have lovely manners, I think!
Posted by: Pip | September 15, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Oh it looks lovely!!!swaps are so much fun.I too was insecure about the etiquette but I think when you put your heart into it it is always ok.And you sure do that,if I look at the picture!lucky girl!
xoxo
Posted by: Dees | September 16, 2007 at 08:06 AM
What wonderful things you made... it all looks gorgeous!
Posted by: Mirre | September 17, 2007 at 04:06 PM
It's fabulous! you should get a prize for such a beautiful creation on your first swap! Well done!
Posted by: Heidi | September 18, 2007 at 01:26 AM
Oh so lovely, I wish I was your swap partner...love those colours
Suzie Sews
Posted by: Suzie Sews | September 18, 2007 at 12:28 PM
that was the reason I joined that swap too! I just saw this in the flickr page and then came over from Meet me at Mikes, and now I'll be back for the giveaway! so much eye candy here!
Posted by: samantha | September 18, 2007 at 01:44 PM
I love what you made and I'm sure your swap partner will. You are very clever and not a show off at all! Well Done
Posted by: Annie | September 19, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Wow. What a great swap. It all looks fantastic.
Posted by: Josie | September 19, 2007 at 03:10 PM