I know, it’s not winter here in Northern California, but it is down in the southern hemisphere and since New Zealand blogger Penny of Dresses and Me lives down there and is hosting this swap, this is thusly called a “winter swap.”

This was the third swap that I’ve participated in and I definitely can’t wait to do it again!  It’s a little difficult choosing fabrics, notions and patterns for someone else.  I think I would have a hard time even if I was choosing sewing materials for someone whom I knew very well, like my mother-in-law!  You never know whether the recipient will like it or not, but you hope they will.  I shopped mostly in my stash as suggested by Penny and gifted some fabrics that I loved, but yet could not decide what to use them for, along with some retro patterns and some vintage notions.  I would have loved to send interesting and unique notions a sewers way like I have seen on other blogs, but alas, I only have big box stores like Joann’s, Hancock’s, and Beverly’s within a 80 mile radius as all of the cute indie fabric stores have gone out of busy, with the exception of one that houses only fabrics and quilting shops.  All I can say is that if ever happen to see anything “swapworthy” whilst in the Bay or elsewhere, I think I will snatch it up and save it!

I was paired up with the lovely Diane from Marguerite Designs and my swap package had to travel a bit of a journey from the UK to get me to (and vice versa!).

I’m a bit of an Anglophile and love when parcels via Royal Mail arrive in my box!

Diane sent me these really cute quilting weight fabrics.  I love both of them!  I am not sure though what yet to make with either of them, but I think that the measuring tape one would be great for some of the patterns I have to make things for your sewing room!.  I just love all fo the colors in each of these!

Daisies and measuring tapes

This beautiful magenta fabric has gold sequins on it and feels like a poly crepe.  I think it would make a nice overlay for a garment, but I’m not sure what yet.  That strip of trim reminds me of records and I’d think it would be cool for some home dec trim for our 50/60′s mod record/music room that we’ll have some day.  Pair that with some vintage furniture we already have and our vintage 50/60s sunburst clock and we’ll be rocking!  And a zip!  I always need these!

Notions and magenta fabric

Diane even sent a cute bag and a Burdastyle along with a cute note. :)  I haven’t read this issue of BurdaStyle and was looking at it last night and it has some really awesome retro patterns in it.  I have never sewn from magazine patterns (or from a Burda – even though I own several!), but I am definitely going to give it a try as there is a pattern for a gorgeous pencil skirt, blouse and shirtwaist dress that I would absolutely love to make.

And more goodies!

Thanks again, Diane!!!! :)