Monday, June 7, 2010

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....

20 comments:

Laurie said...

I really love that pillow! And your mermaids tuned out so cute. I feel the same way about swaps, I enjoy the challenge, and creating something to make someone smile.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

That pillow cover is gorgeous. And I absolutely LOVE the "scrappy" look and feel to that heart. I love this collage look, too. I'm not a seamstress, but I sure like combining lots of fabrics together like that. And this heart is perfect for that.

That tussie mussie is adorable. Turtles and boats? Hey they are both amphibian!

As for why we swap, I like to see the various ways people interpret the theme of the swap. And it challenges me, while forcing me to be a better artist. If I'm making something for me, I can slop it up, or make mistakes while learning. If I'm doing it for a swap, I have to be on my best behavior (grin).

I bet you're going to like my tomorrow's blog of the day. I actually had you in mind when I picked it. Of course, if it's anything like today, it may be ten pm before it gets posted!

Julie Harward said...

You do have an amazingly creative mind! I would not dare join these groups..they would send it back to me PDQ!!! Come say hi :D

Pam said...

Your pillow is lovely. I really like the scrappy look of the pillow and matching hearts. Also love the mermaid. Don't know how find time to do all this and grandkids too.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your creations are all lovely!The mermaid is so darling.

Maria said...

Like you Melinda I love going into online swaps. Really have to slap myself to not do too many.

I have sent my pillow swap some time ago. Love your pillow cover and the beautiful heart too.

Your mermaids are just so cute.

Jen xo said...

I know what you mean about signing up to things!! all of a sudden its time to send off!!

love what you made and the cushion and mermaid are wonderful..jenxo

Debby said...

I love your pillow cover, gorgeous. Your merms are so pretty.
Debby

Pat said...

You make such beautiful things for the swaps...but I know what you mean, we can get overwhelmed and feel pressured if we enter too many.

~*~Patty S said...

You are one busy lady! Love seeing what you create and YES, I have to slow down on swaps myself, I can hardly keep up with the thank bbb posts even!
Your mermaid (I am such a mermaid fan!!!) tussie mussie is wonderful!
I used to make cards all the time, now not so much ... we have to sleep sometime ;)
oxo

Jenny said...

Love what you create! If I did swaps I would pray to be paired with you!

Happy Tuesday!

Tamerie Shriver Halliday said...

Both your mermaid and the pillow turned out great! I do not know how you can do so many swaps. I have enough trouble getting my work done and the other things I must do in a day. I truly admire you for all your swapping!

Remember the saying from the 70's (60's?):
'Keep on Truckin'?' I think you should do something with 'Keep on Swappin'! Just an idea.

Hugs,
Tamerie

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Fun! When do you have the time??? Great creations!

Blessings & Aloha!

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

We must be on the same thought wave on pillows! I've been planning some patchworked ones using old chenile bedspreads and making them PINK and white! :D Love your mermaids too!

Little Messy Missy said...

I love swapping but understand about getting a little behind in things...
ahahahah

Unknown said...

Oooh I like this alot! and having just made my first bag I am liking the material very much delish! Some great projects too!

Love Dawn xx

Nat Palaskas said...

I used to be addicted to online swaps too. I still have my CQ swaps in bags, but I love them! I can see you are creative. Look at all the things you have been making wow, lovely - Hugs Nat

Yarni Gras! said...

I love your style girlie! That pillow top and the heart and the mermaid......*sigh*

Margaret said...

As usual I love evrything on this post Melinda!! totally fab creations! you are so productive and your energy is infectious! Mx

Shawnee said...

I hear you about swaps ... I say no more then get sucked right in again. And it's truly not about receiving, it's the challenge! LOVE all your goodies I've seen.