my half of the brain

Do you swap-bot? I’ve just discovered, because none of you told me about it before now, a very cool (mostly) craft site, primarily for swapping crafts and the materials to make them. Too freaking cool, and you must check it out. I’m easy to find over there, as my name is myhalfofthebrain.

I joined a little over a week ago, and have already completed (sent and received) 5 or so virtual and snail-mail swaps. And I’m the winner in one of the groups I joined of something like 39 fat quarters—should start receiving them in a few days. Some of them will be coming from outside the US, so I’m very likely to get wonderful fabrics I’ve never dreamed of! Did I tell you already how awesome this site is???

I’ve started a group over there called Garlands, Bunting, Prayer Flags for the purpose of making available tutorials for and swapping of Garlands, Bunting and Prayer Flags, and you can sign up for my first swap as hostess. The last day to join and sign up for the swap is October 8.

I’m planning to start an ambitious new swap for a garland made of 1000 origami cranes, a symbol of peace. The cranes would be made, ideally, from recycled scraps of paper. The last day to sign up would be US Election Day, November 4, and the last day to mail your garland would be Inauguration Day, January 20.

Please do check out the site and my group and swaps. And a tip: if you do get involved, I recommend starting a spreadsheet, or you’ll soon be overwhelmed by keeping track of who you are sending to and receiving from. See you there!

Melissa

quilt being pinned | three six nine pattern, similar to turning twenty | uses 16 fat quarters for a generous lap quilt | this will be going to a friend of mine in a nursing home

peace sign bunting

Made using this pattern and tutorial. Super easy, and can’t wait to make more! I’ll do a few man-friendly patterns for hubby, too.

My first apron, made from the Amy Butler pattern in In Stitches.

The only one in my first batch that turned out half-way decently. I made it from the pattern here:

Next time, I’m going to use bigger seems so I can catch all the edges of all the layers.

I really like how this purse turned out, especially the ric-rac. This was the first tote I made with an interior pocket.

I sewed this tote last weekend, and am quite pleased with how it turned out, aside from the ugly zigzag stitching. The zippered pouch below it was my first attempt ever at sewing a zipper. Notice I’m not showing that part close up.

My second attempt at modding a t-shirt, and it’s a very bad photo!

I took a too-large t-shirt and cut off the hems at neck, arms, and waist, and then sewed the edges with a zigzag stitch to make the lettuce edging. Next time, I’ll round the edges a bit (at neck and bottom corners)

This is my first quilt ever, based on a pattern by Jan Mullen. My mom taught me some of the basics of quilting in the two weeks I spent with her after my grandmother’s death. It was very healing for both of us. I was able to finish this and give it to mom before I went home.

The backing fabric is my favorite fabric ever, and sadly, long out of print.