Nana Company Swap

A few months ago, I joined in a fun swap on Instagram. This one was called the #nanacompanyswap, and if you search that hashtag, you'll find all the amazing work that was sent all over the world.My partner was Anorina of Sameliasmum, and we had a lot of fun posting sneak peeks of what we were making for each other.My initial fabric pull was leaning towards a very muted colour pallette, and I hmmed and ahhed for ages over what I was going to do. This still does look like a yummy stack to me, but in the end I decided I wanted a bit more colour...

I wanted to do a major project, and a few cute accessories that sewers always enjoy. My eventual decision was to design a zipper bag, which can be used for all sorts of things, and is even the perfect size for an I-pad.

I chose a variety of prints, some classic like the beautiful Liberties, one Milk, Sugar & Flower print, one from Amy Sinibaldi's Paperie collection, and some from good old Spotlight. The sweet baked goodie squares are actually upholstery fabric...I'm always up for using the unconventional when it's that cute...

Amy's Nana Company style is all about cute, stylish, and plenty of Zakka touches. I had no end of fun adding as many of those as I could think of...leather tags, lace, embroidered flowers, and cute zipper toggles. The piped edging adds a tailored look, and in my favourite aqua as well.

My extras were all Zakka as well...this Deluxe Pincushion is a cute multipurpose design that can hold scissors, binding clips as well as pins...very useful. I couldn't resist adding the little sewing machine charm that I had on hand...it was just perfect!

I also learned on Instagram that Anorina was learning to crochet, so I thought she might appreciate some little flower coasters. I accented these with bullion roses, and thought they turned out rather charmingly!

And last but not least, my son designed a little button card for me, and I had the best time rummaging through my button jar, selecting just the right buttons to sew on to them...I thought if you like displaying buttons like I do, you might like your own copy...here is the link. These work best printed onto heavier paper or cardstock, and backed with some cute scrapbooking card.

So this was all packaged up and shipped off with bated breath...almost like sending off a dear child on a long journey. I fretted until I knew it had got there safely...and waited for my parcel in return...Parcels are always happy mail aren't they! Our parcels crossed and were delivered on the same day, so we both got happy mail together! It's like birthdays and Christmas all at once, for no good reason at all :).Here is the stunning work that Anorina sent to me...A hand pieced and quilted hexagon pillow, and sweet bunting that she hand quilted as well...the time and effort that goes into handmade are always greatly appreciated, especially from one maker to another. Anorina is such a perfectionist! The prints are just so pretty!