Pillow cover and Mermaids.....

I got a little overloaded on swaps and have been catching up. What is it about online swaps that are so addictive? I have to stay off swap dex or I go crazy. I would say it is about getting stuff, but it really isn't. It is about being creatively challenged and trying to put something together that someone who you don't know might like....I put a lot of thought into these things and I put a bit of myself too....I think that is why I love them, the whole sharing, giving thing.
I am part of the pillow cover swap hosted by Jamie at http://modifiedmix.blogspot.com
I love sewing pillow covers and changing things up, so of course this was a "gotta join this one" thing. The swap calls for a 16" pillow cover that will fit a pillow form....I chose beige prints with one red and cream print and this is what I came up with.....







I have to say usually my photos are pretty good, but this one doesn't do it justice....I cant get the colors right! oh well, you get an idea....I love this pillow, it is very soft and sweet looking, but at the same time bright too....I also made a little puffy hanging heart and a tag to match and in this photo, the colors are truer.





The pillow pattern was from a BHG quilts and more, The bag, pincushion and pillow edition.....It was a super easy pattern and I love how it turned out.
The heart pattern was emailed to me by a quilter who made a ton of them, but I don't remember who....I could make these little hearts all day. I love sewing collage!

I also finished up Mays Enchanted Ornament Swap hosted by Val at http:yarnigrasswapperspot.com (told you I got behind, though this was sent out on Tuesday in my defense...)( I hate being late for anything!!!!)
The theme was mermaids and I really struggled with this one....Not sure why, I like mermaids and I have made them before. I made a fabric mermaid ornament with sewn details....











A mermaid tussie mussie filled with goodies like vintage buttons to hang.














Also, shocking as it may be, I may a handmade ocean themed card to send along....I very seldom make cards and it was kinda fun.....kinda.











Now I am heading back upstairs to make my row for Barb's row robin.....I had to laugh, I found a pattern and I was sure it was turtles so I went in and bought fabric for turtle blocks...I get home and it is boats.....Sometimes my mind scares me....