It All Started Out So Innocently...

I'd posted a few comments on the blog Crazy Mom Quilts, since I admired both the craft and simplicity of the posts by its author, AmandaJean. She, too, posted a few comments on my blog. And as blog friendships tend to do, ours quickly developed. AmandaJean and I found that we had quite a bit to chat about, most significantly, the idea of moving. But that's a whole different post. Anyhow, one thing led to another and... yep, you guessed it. A swap was arranged. I must admit, I love to swap with crafters who sew. I mean, I can sew a straight line and all, and if a piece of my clothing rips on a seam , I can take care of it. But I can make nothing like the fabulous pieces that AmandaJean sent me. Just look:

The woman has three kids and not only did she make me a tissue cover and all of the beauties below, but she even made the adorable card! Sheesh!

I'm in pouch heaven.
Black and white (and quilted!) is always right up my alley.
And it was AmandaJean's variations on the vinyl pouch theme
a while back that really got me hooked on her blog.
I'm so giddy to now own one myself!

But this is the mother of the swap goodness. This tote rocks my world! The fabric - blues, greys, blacks. The print - bold, graphic, mod. The shape - simple, straightforward, functional. The straps - just-right over-the-shoulder length. This bag is perfection. I could not have hoped for a more generous, funky, useful, and thoughtful set of swap items. Thanks, AmandaJean. I only hope that you're as happy with your swap gifts as I am with mine.