Cotton and Steel Mini Quilt Swap

Last year I decided not to take part in any more swaps. I really work hard to produce something well-made, and special for my partner, and a couple of times I've been disappointed with what I got in return. In one swap, I didn't receive anything from my original partner, and knowing that the swap mama was a pretty busy person, I said not to bother about an angel quilt. My choice. But receiving is only half of a swap: I love the making. I love picking out an idea that really pushes me to make something better than I would have made for myself. And Instagram seems to offer up daily temptation - I really believe there is a swap out there for absolutely everything!

Gorgeous quilt from @busybeestitching

This stunner was from @jenglebell in the Schnitzeland Boo Mini Quilt Swap

And this one was from @julie_pickles in the IGMiniSwap

So at the start of the year after receiving these fabulous quilts in the #IGminiquiltswap, the Schnitzel and Boo Mini Quilt Swap, and the #UKmini Swap, I signed up for another 4. Yep. Four. It's one deadline a month between June and September which is manageable. The first of those is the Cotton and Steel Mini quilt.

It's based on the logo for my email client at work (quilts really are everywhere), which I tweaked and simplified. But I loved the look of that double drunkards path block - two curved seams in one unit. I sketched it out, created my own templates and held my breath. And it worked. I did controlled improv-piecing (I know - contradiction) for the background. The remit was all Cotton and Steel prints, but you could use another manufacturer for background. I've used Art Gallery Pure Elements in White - it is not forgiving if there are puckers, or a little bit of extra fabric round those curves - gorgeous as it is, Kona next time.

It was begging to be matchstick quilted. I even added a label.

I always wonder whether the extras I send are sufficient. I start off with grand plans for hand-made extras, and gradually run out of time. But this time, I was organised enough to complete this hoop with a bit of subversive stitching.

It was a bit of a risk as I didn't know my partner well, but it was something she'd pinned on Pinterest. I got some raised eyes at our local patchwork group! I added a little fabric tray and some stationary too. And my partner loved the hoop!

And look a the amazing quilt that I got from Cassie @sewstitchinghappy

Not to mention all the goodies she sent!

I may have signed up for another swap since I received this parcel....the #easyswapuk with a post date of October! And maybe a fabric post card swap too - this is something I've never tried before but it looks like great fun! And I'm sure that there will be more temptation in the coming weeks!

ETA: I totally forgot to add that the quilt I made was another tick on my Q2 Finish Along List!