08 July 2011

Handmade Gift Exchange

I love making things. I love knowing how things are made even if I can't make them myself. I love seeing all the cuteness people bring into being. So, this year I decided to sign up for the Craftaholics Anonymous gift exchange!

I was really nervous about having time to finish what I started, especially since I just started working in a new group, I no longer have any telecommuting days, and my bedtime has moved to 9PM (no, I never make it to bed on time, but at least I'm trying). So, what should I show first? The gift I made, or the fabulous gift I received? We'll see which pictures I find on my camera first...

Ok, here's what I made (following a pattern from the amazing Ana Paula Rimoli's latest book).

I started with some supplies:


I made lots of pieces, large and small:


And then (starting at 11PM on June 29th and finishing at 1:30AM because things always take longer than I expect), I stitched the pieces all together, stuffing as needed!


And here's a closeup of that cute little face. I was very proud of myself because this is the first amigurumi I've ever finished (I have half an elephant started that I interrupted in order to make this):


I mailed it off on June 30th, hoping my exchange partner would like it. Then I started obsessively checking the mail every day, including Sunday and the 4th of July. I was really excited to see what would show up for me! And when the package arrived, it was even cooler than I had anticipated!

The first thing that slid out of the package looked like a long, thin card. I looked closer and saw something peeking out of it:


Then I read what was printed on the (oh my GOSH! how cute is that! she totally made that by hand too!) card and pulled out the most gorgeous bookmark, in my favorite colors!!!


Added bonus - I have never tried tatting, but this is so gorgeous that now there's a new craft I want to attempt to learn! Look at all those little, tiny knots:


After some minutes of admiration, I turned my attention back to the package and took out a beautiful card, with a saying that my exchange partner had no way of knowing is really close to my favorite life motto (which is "Stand in Joy"):


And, again in my favorite colors, a little purse just the right size for keeping gift cards, or for carrying those minimum essentials when you don't want to carry a big bag:


I love everything about it - from the colors to the quilting to the lavender zipper! Thank you Karen!

3 comments:

MarieC said...

I don't know who got the better deal. Your little critter is SO CUTE! What a fun thing to do.

Kelly @Indiana Inker said...

My grandmother used to tat. You don't hear of too many these days that do it. She tried teaching me. I made plenty of knots, just not pretty ones. :)

I love the little coin purse, too.

aubreyannie said...

how CUTE! i love what you made and love what you received. so cool!