Swaps & Random Acts of Kindness
I've been waiting patiently for my July Christmas Swap package to arrive! It's a delightful package from Shiree in New Zealand and worth the wait. :-) Be sure to click on the image so you can read the sweet sentiment on the bag and you know how much I love redwork and stitchery! Shiree, thank you so much for sharing your talent with me - the table topper will be wonderful on my kitchen table at Christmas. :-)
A while back I made a firm decision to stop participating in swaps - they are too stressful on me. I'm never sure about the package I'm sending - will it be enough, will be cute enough, etc. I decided to participate in this particular swap with Linda and Stephanie because it was an 'invitation only' and I felt honored to be invited. Thank you ladies! Sadly, my partner has not received the package I mailed to her - this has never happened to me. Sigh! I know it has happened to others and now I know the stress and angst you must have felt. My partner has asked me not to send a new package - she's still hoping that the package will arrive. For obvious reasons I will put a new package in the mail soon.
Now my decision to stop participating in swaps is more than firm - I'm definitely done! :-) BUT....(you knew there had to be a 'but') LOL
I don't have much desire to sew or quilt for myself so I've decided that Random Acts of Kindness (aka RAK's as Kaaren calls them) are the thing for me. :-) Maybe if I work on something for an unsuspecting friend the desire to sew something for myself will return!
These are the first four that will be headed out the door before the end of the week. You might recognize the little quilts I made with scraps of 1/2 square triangles leftover from a project. There are four little quilts but one is staying home with me. teehee! (yes I do have a selfish streak) The blue fabric with the chickens is actually the back of a small quilt that will be going far, far away - I can't show you the front right now because she might guess it's hers. LOL
In the meantime, I've continued to work on the Truly Scrumptious girls - this is Miss Scarlett and she's #8 (one to go).
I appreciate your visit and I hope that you won't give up on me!In Friendship with gratitude!
25 comments:
Look how cute Miss Scarlett is...love those little quilts...what a treat!
I did a swap a LLLOONNNGGG time ago and I feel your pain. It is stressful hoping that your gift is up to par and wondering if the others put as much time and love in it as you did. I even did a Christmas card swap last year with a Christmas forum. Of the 40 people, 7 didn't even send cards.
I can't get the picture to go bigger. I'd love to see the detail.
I think RAK is a wonderful idea. There are many things I would like to make just because I want to try a new technique, etc. but don't necessarily want to keep.
I have similar worries about what I swap not being enough and often miss out on the fun because of the stress I cause myself. I have also lost packages and replaced them only to then have the first one show up a short time after the replacement package.
The little quilts are fantastic!
have a great week!
christine
You're a fantastic swapper Darlene and you definitely shouldn't doubt yourself. Your work is lovely!!! Beautiful gift from Shiree and I'm so sorry your gift has found the black hole of the mail world. I have a swapper on my list that the same thing has happened. Whoever receives your RAK's will be absolutely thrilled to receive a handmade surprise from you.
You are an amazing woman.. but I like how you think.. :o) This is why I have been saying no to swaps.. even the invited ones...I do know I would love to join.. but the stress...sigh... I do love to make for others.. and almost nothing for my self.. isnt it a wonderful feeling .. to make gifts for others...;o))
Your new little cuties are just wonderful.. simple but oh so charming!!! Good of you to keep one for your self!!! :o)
Hey.. turn the blue chicken fabric over .. we( I) do want to see it!!!! ;o)))
Ohh .. I forgot... dont give up on the package.. last summer I waited more than 2 months for a gift.. and finally it showed up!!!! :o))
Give up on you? Are you kidding me? N-E-V-E-R!!!
Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's get down to business.
The fact that your swap gift never made it to your partner is a bummer because I'm sure it was full of very special things. Maybe the person who scoffed it will get poison ivy or something for their bad deed.
Knowing you, Darlene, you must be devastated but I'm happy that your partner understands. Like me, I'm sure she treasures your friendship more than your gifts.
I think you found the answer that is going to work for you...RAK's. They're the best gifts you can give. I know because I have one of yours.
Miss Scarlett is just a devine southern belle, isn't she? I just love that design.
((hugs))
I agree, don't give up on the package, sometimes they can take longer than expected.
Your swap gift is gorgeous. I don't do swap, I'd rather do a RAK instead.
The HST quilts are so darling, are they really 1/2"???, they look so prefect.
Your little quilts are gorgeous and so are your Truly Scrumptious blocks! You do more when you are lacking motivation than I do when I have it!!!
Packages have a weird and mysterious way of showing up...don't give up just yet. I like the RAKs....I've got two PIFs and then I too want to join the club of RAKs than doing another PIF....I too feel "stressed" somewhat and unsure if it is enough. I could have wrote your post actually. You said it perfectly. I was delighted with my surprise you sent and so I know that these little RAKs will be well received and loved by others just as much (not more!) LOL I wonder if my guess for the secret chicken backed fabric is correct. Hmmmm....
I'm glad to see you posted it...your still with us! Woo Hoo!!
Understand your thinking. But your work is so awesome, I'm sure you'll be miss. I did a swap last year and other than a FQ swap kind of steered clear. Like you I love to do things for others.
I'm sure my workmanship is pale in comparison with yours.
Pam
Never gonna give up on you, Darlene! I love your idea of RAK's instead of swaps - you're a genius! Whoever gets the little quilts will be oh, so lucky - they are adorable!
Cheers!
I agree swaps are stressful, I love the idea of RAK's
your little quilts will be treasured by each and every one of the LUCKY recipients
again this is so nice of you
Kathie
Who could give up on you?
Miss Scarlet is very cute. There used to be a woman that worked in my building that I called Miss Scarlet. She loved it but never could figure out why I called her that.
I do hope the package turns up! You are such a giving blogger it would be a shame if it was lost because I bet it had some great goodies in it. Never doubt your talent, you have heaps of that and always come though as a thoughtful sharing person.
The little quilts are really cute and they will be loved, I'm sure of that.
I love Miss Scarlett and her little bird. Too cute!!
Your Truly Scruptious block is very cute. I love your little quilts, how sweet of you to make them for a surprise to your friends.
Oh dear - saying a wee prayer that the package shows up for your swap partner! I love your package from Shiree, gorgeous! Your little quilts are just lovely, Darlene. And the Truly Scrumptious girls are just that- truly scrumptious!!!!
I too don't want 1000 quilts in my home. I have been making what I want to and then donating to various benefits/auctions/ and raffles. I am doing a RAK right now too. It does get spendy though. But it is fun.
Oh I hope your swap partner get her package. I am glad mine wasn't lost.
The one you got is so sweet.
It can be stressful so I don't participate in a lot of them just because I don't have time.
I hope your are feeling a little better and just relax and enjoy what you like.
I love Miss Scarlett.
I'm not big on swaps either. I always feel more stress and aggrevation than anything else with them. Kinda like group projects, always seems someone causes more problems for everyone else.
Your Miss Scarlett is adorable! I've sort of given up on swaps too -- might do private ones but we'll see. Love those little triangle quilts!
okay girly, for someone in a slump your getting way more done than I do LOL and I don't think I am in slump? LOL
I don't do swaps usually, I have only done one or two... for the same reason the stress involved...I like the random acts of kindness idea!!!
Miss Scarlett is so spunky and cute! You do such nice work Darlene!
Love the l'il quilts! Truly Scrumptious block is adorable too :^)
If I see your quilting mojo I'll send
it to you, I promise. And it's okay to not do swaps for awhile or even longer...
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