Pretty {little} Pouch Swap - Given and Received

Swaps are great fun, but a tad nerve-wracking, at least to me. It was only at the encouragement of blog buddies that I was somehow brave enough to join the Pretty {little} Pouch Swap after making just three zip pouches. But I did.

After examining my secret partner's mosaic, there were several words I clung to - "shot cotton", "Heather Ross", and "improv". I didn't even know what shot cotton was, only had two small pieces of Heather Ross fabric - thanks to a friend, and had done improv just a couple of times. But I kind of thought I could pull all those components together. And I came up with this:

I was really pleased with how the pouch turned out and shipped it off on Monday. I just heard tonight that my partner - Vanesa of New Nest Designs - received it - yay!

Funny, but on Monday, I also received the pouch that Melissa of A Child of the Wild Blue Yonder had made for me!

It is so sweet, with my favorite blues, greens, and gray. I really like it alot, as well as the cool handmade soap Melissa included! Thanks so much, Mama Missa!

So the Pretty {little} Pouch Swap comes to a close for now. I 'met' shot cotton ("like!"), dabbled in improv, tried a new quilting pattern, and met a challenge, all with some good fun thrown in!

Linking up to Celebrate Color, Finish it up Friday, {Sew} Modern Monday, and at the new T.N.T. Thursdays at Happy Quilting!

W.i.P. Wednesday

W.i.P. Wednesday comes around quick, doesn't it?! Thankfully, I've been able to make good progress on a variety of projects.

Completed projects

My Dead Simple Quilt Along project is complete! It was super fun, and I'm so glad I made the design decision I did! {see here}

My Pretty {little} Pouch Swap project is finished and on its way to my partner! I'm post more about it, once it reaches its new home!

Ongoing projects
Swoon quilt - blocks 4 and 5 are finished! Every one I make is my new favorite!

Wrenly HST quilt - I decided to go lap-size with my first zig-zag quilt (the blocks are 6 1/2" unfinished). I was able to finish the top and piece the back (no pic yet), so this one needs basted so I can quilt it up.

Pumpkin Patch Table Topper from the plaid scottie - Doesn't look like much yet, but pumpkins are pieced; now need to add the background.

Upcoming projects

* Flannel Christmas quilt 
* Stash quilt - zig zag quilt. 

* Quilts for siblings #2 and #3.

Be sure and check in at Freshly Pieced to see lots of other great w.i.p.s! It's always inspiring!

The Zip Beyond

Just two short weeks ago, I was facing the challenge of making my first zip pouch, more than a little awed about putting in that zipper! The pattern I used was this one by Pink Sand Beach Designs. Encouraged by my blogging buddies and this easy-to-follow pattern, I had success in no time - and it was fun!

Fast forward to this week, and I've made two more zippys since, ordered a rainbow of lovely zips,

and took the obvious leap of joining in the Pretty {little} Pouch Swap. What? I know. Here goes!

Entry mosaic for the PLPS3 - 1. FLOSS Recieved!!, 2. Quilted Hexie Pouch, 3. patchwork pouch, 4. solids swap pouch front, 5. pouch for pretty {little} pouch swap, 6. hexie pouch, 7. rainbow zip pouch, 8. Pretty Little Pouch Side Shot - Option 1, 9. For the Love of Solids Small Item Clutch, 10. PLPS - Round 2 complete!, 11. Pretty Little Pouch finished!, 12. FTLOS, 13. Pretty Pouch- front, 14. Pretty little pouch swap finished - front, 15. Zig Zag Rail Fence Quilt, 16. Style Stitches Key Keeper Coin Purse Front