01.04.08
Swap-bot
Hello, friends and familia! It’s been awhile, eh? I took a break from blogging about crafty things because this was a year of mostly handmade gifts. Obviously posting pictures of gifts in progress does a little something to the element of surprise. But now all our little goodies have been distributed, and I’m ready to get back in the swing of things.
In between sewing potholders and mixing tea, I discovered a fun little online trading community called Swap-bot. To participate, you fill out a little profile of your likes and dislikes and then you choose swaps to join and you trade stuff with people all over the world. Anyone who knits or sews probably understands the dilemma of the yarn or fabric stash. Swap-bot is a great way to share leftover supplies for various projects and get some new materials and inspiration. My self-imposed rule is that I stick with swaps where I won’t have to spend money for anything other than postage. I recycle mailing envelops, and I swap for yarn, fabric, buttons, trim, and especially tea. Now that it is cold, I have been drinking tea like it’s going out of style. (Thanks for the new teapot, Beverly!)
Yesterday I decided to host a swap of my own- for embroidered ribbon. It’s an international swap, so hopefully I’ll end up with some interesting trim for projects from….? You are most heartily invited to join my swap! For Jessica, Rachel, and Kim, there are also some fun quilting fabric swaps on swap-bot.
The other thing I like about swapping is that it provides a little motivation for me to try new projects and learn new crafty skills. If I have an assignment of something to make and a deadline to send it, I work a little faster. It’s kind of like my daily craft warm up to inspire me to be more creative in my bigger projects.
And of course, it’s always nice to get mail!