Bend-the-Rules Sewing Swap

Pillows Sent?

2009-11-24T06:52:00.003-05:00

Hey swappers! Are your pillow cases in the mail yet? Don't forget to email when they are sent and also when they are received. Post photos in the Flickr group if you'd like!

Pillow Sign-Ups 2

2009-10-26T18:25:00.002-04:00

Sign-ups have been extended until THIS Friday. Push all dates forward (back??) a week.

Everyone tell someone you know! Swappers wanted!

Pillow Sign-Ups

2009-10-21T17:37:00.001-04:00

Hey you, procrastinator! Don't forget that sign-ups for this latests swap close THIS FRIDAY, October 23!

Can't wait to see you in the swap!

Adrienne

Semi Simple Pillows

2009-10-13T13:07:00.003-04:00

A new swap is here! This swap will hopefully be both quick and creative, the perfect swap to start and finish before the holiday craziness begins. Sign-ups close October 23, partners out by October 26, packages in the mail by November 16. Like I said, QUICK!

We will be swapping a pair of custom Semi-Simple Pillows (just the cases, everyone provides their own inserts). When you send in your swap information, please either attach a photo or provide a link to a photo or two of the space where you'd like the pillows to go (living room, bedroom, reading chair, cozy nook, etc.) It is my hope that partners will use the photos for inspiration and create a beautiful addition to the space.

NEW!!! I've created a Flickr group specifically for our swaps. Feel free to join (if you are a swapper) and add your space photo (or two) to the group pool. This will also be another place to discuss swap projects and post completed photos (along with the normal BTR groups). http://flickr.com/groups/btrsswap

To help direct your partner I will also be asking for words to describe your space. Use these words as your guide as you design! For example, I would describe my living room as earthy, eclectic, and textured.

This is blind swap! That means that on October 26th I will email you information about the person for whom you are sewing. They will NOT know who you are until you send them a package. Be sure to include a way for your partner to contact you in your package!

Again, you are creating and mailing TWO Semi Simple Pillow CASES as described in Amy Karol's book, 'Bend the Rules Sewing'. Feel free to use techniques from 'Bend the Rules with Fabric', too! Shipping costs should be low, as we are NOT mailing inserts!! Make sure your cases fit store bought 18" pillow inserts before you send them!

Ready to start? Raise your right hand and repeat after me, "I will follow through with this swap. I will mail a package. If I cannot, I will let Adrienne know before the Nov. 16 mailing deadline. I do not flake out on my commitments." Now, send me an email at BTRSSwap@gmail.com and include the following information:

Name:

Mailing Address:

Email Address:

Blog, Flickr, etc:

Willing to ship internationally?

Three words to describe the space of these new pillows?

DON'T FORGET YOUR SPACE PHOTOS/LINIK!

Questions can also be sent to BTRSSwap@gmail.com

Let's get swapping!

Adrienne M.

Fall Swap!

2009-09-16T07:52:00.002-04:00

Hello fellow rule benders! After a nice summer vacation, how about we get another swap going? I've added a poll to the sidebar of the blog. Please vote on our next swap... a new project from BTRS, a repeat project from BTRS, or a project from Amy's new book, Bend the Rules with Fabric. Poll closes on Sept. 30. If you have a specific project you'd like to try, please comment and let me know. Tell your friends, spread the word!

Charming Handbags?

2009-05-07T13:07:00.002-04:00

So, has everyone received a Charming Handbag? Please let me know if you still have not.

btrsswap@gmail.com

Also, check out the blog of our angel swapper, Joey. She made a prom dress recently... WOW!

Charming Handbag Swap Wrap-Up

2009-04-03T11:44:00.002-04:00

Almost all of the bags have been sent. Most have been received. Please don't forget to email!

btrsswap@gmail.com

Also, if you want to be included in the group slideshow, be sure to post to the BTRS Flickr group. Most post the bag they created, but if you don't see the bag you received in a few days, feel free to add it.

Charming Handbag- ThisClose to the Deadline

2009-03-30T13:33:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 31 is the deadline for mailing your Charming Handbag. I, the procrastinator that I am, will be sending mine off tomorrow!

Don't forget to email me (btrsswap@gmail.com) with tracking numbers (US residents) and email again when you receive your bag.

Charming Handbag: T- 10 Days

2009-03-20T11:33:00.002-04:00

Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the 10 day mark until the end of the swap. Please have your package in the mail NO LATER THAN Tuesday, March 31. Remeber to email me when your package is sent (along with the tracking number) and email me when you recieve a package. If for some reason you will be delayed, PLEASE let me know. I'd rather know that someone needs an extension than think their partner has been jipped.

Also, we have some great photos going up in the BTRS Flickr group. If you are in need of inspiration, just look there. Don't forget to tag your photos with 'btrsswap' (one word) so that they can be included in the slideshow.

Charming Handbag = Blind Swap

2009-03-10T11:49:00.002-04:00

Alright swappers, here's another clarification for you. I misworded my 'partner' email and I believe it has caused some confusion. Sorry!

Instead of stating, 'your partner is...', I should have said, 'you will be sewing for...'. The Charming Handbag is a blind swap. This means that if we have swappers Ann, Becky, Carla, and Donna that Ann is sewing a purse for Donna, who's sewing for Becky, who's sewing for Carla, who's sewing for Ann. No one is giving to and getting from the same person. So, you will be sewing for one person and receiving from another.

Hope that clears things up and sorry again for the mistake!

Charming Handbag Partners

2009-03-07T10:37:00.003-05:00

The emails have been sent! Please be sure to check your SPAM folders for missing emails before contacting me. If you do not receive your partner email by tomorrow, let me know!

Remember, as a member of the BTRS swap you will:
-Create a beautiful Charming Handbag for your partner according to their likes and dislikes.
-Create and/or find/buy something crafty to be included in the package ($5 limit on materials or items).
-Mail your package no later than Tuesday, March 31.
-Be sure to include some form of tracking or delivery confirmation when mailing your package!
-Email Adrienne at btrsswap@gmail.com when you mail your package. Include the tracking/confirmation number.
-Email Adrienne at btrsswap@gmail.com when you receive your package.
-Post pictures in the BTRS Flickr group (if you’d like). Please tag these photos with ‘BTRSSwap’.
Please contact me if you have any issues along the way. It is my goal to have every swapper receive a package on schedule and according to their preferences. If you have trouble during the swap and need help, please contact me.

Get sewing!

Charming Handbag Sign-Ups CLOSED

2009-03-01T14:25:00.003-05:00

Sign-ups for the Charming Handbag are now closed. If you sent an email asking to be a part of the swap your name should be on the right hand side of this blog. If you are missing, please let me know (btrsswap@gmail.com).

Partner information will be emailed out no later than this Saturday, March 7. If you do not receive your partner information by Sunday, March 8 please let me know (btrsswap@gmail.com).

Now, to clear up a few misconceptions-

The Charming Handbag is a pattern in the book "Bend the Rules Sewing" by Amy Karol. It is a great book with lots of easy projects. If you are participating in this swap you will need to either buy the book or find a way to borrow it (library, friend, etc.).
I am not Amy Karol. I didn't write BTRS. I wish I did, but I didn't. I am Adrienne M. and I am very happy to be doing this for you all!

That's about it for now! I hope you all are gearing up for a great swap!

39 and Counting

2009-02-22T17:00:00.006-05:00

So far we have 39 swappers signed up for the Charming Handbag Swap! If you see your name listed to the right, then you're one of them. Please let me know if your link is incorrect.

Spread the word! Invite your friends (the ones that sew...)! There is still about a week to sign-up. I'd love to have 40, 50, even 60 swappers in on this round.

Also, feel free to copy the lovely BTRS Swap Icon made by Adrienne L. and post it to your blog as a link back to this site. Simply right click on the image, save it to your computer, and then post. In blogger this is done under the 'settings' tab of your blog with the 'picture' gadget.

Charming Handbag: Tips and Tricks

2009-02-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

Anyone have any tips, tricks, or advice when it comes to sewing the Charming Handbag?

Here's my hint... this is a very small bag, so small that you can get both outer panels from one fat quarter. Something to think about when selecting fabric. If you love a certain fabric line or designer, but don't love the price, the Charming Handbag gets you a great bang for your buck.

What's your tip?

Charming Handbag Swap Sign-ups

2009-02-14T10:25:00.005-05:00

It's official... BTRS Swap #4 will be the Charming Handbag! What a great way to celebrate the coming of Spring!

Not only will we swap handbags, but I invite you to include something crafty as well. This can either be something for your partner to use in the future (fat quarters, rick rack, ribbon, buttons, etc.) It could also be something you've made in addition to the bag. I am refraining from 'requiring' the no-cash wallet as many sewers have had dilemmas with getting the dimensions of the wallet correct. If this is something you'd like to tackle, by all means go for it, but feel free to include something else. There is a $5 (or its equivilent in materials for something you make) limit for this extra surprise.

Here's the info you need to sign-up and swap!

Sign-ups open NOW and the final day to sign-up will be Saturday, February 28. You will receive your partner information by email no later than Saturday, March 7. Sew your handbag, find your extra goodies, and ship the whole deal off to your partner no later than March 31. [Other swaps have been longer, but this bag is very simple and can be made in an hour, no problem. Plus, I find I myself am better at deadlines when they are closer, rather than further away.]

If you would like to sign-up, please send me an email at btrsswap@gmail.com [note the double s!]and include the following information.

-Name
-Mailing address
-Preferred colors, patterns, fabric designers, etc.
-Disliked colors, patterns (if any)
-Blog address and/or Flickr name [The BTRS blog will link to all participants with links. This is also helpful for your partner to get a sense of your style and taste.]
-Whether or not you’re willing to ship overseas

For those of you who have sewn this project before, be on the look-out for an upcoming post where you can share any tips or thoughts you might have on the Charming Handbag.

Good luck and happy swapping!

It's Back!

2009-02-09T19:40:00.003-05:00

I am so happy and proud to announce that the Bend the Rules Swap is back! It seems to me that each swap gets better than the one before. What will number four be? Have a favorite project that you'd like to see swapped? Please leave a comment and let it be known.

The next BTRS swap will be announced on Sunday, February 15. Our theme will be 'Spring' as I am sure many of us are ready to be done with Winter. Tell your friends! Sign-ups will open on Sunday, February 15 and close on Sunday, February 22.

One small note, I'd like to thank Adrienne for all her hard work on the BTRS swap, as this swap has changed hands from Adrienne #1 to Adrienne #2. Thank you, Adrienne, for starting this swap and working so hard to keep us all happy!

Final weekend

2008-10-25T09:01:00.003-04:00

Just another reminder that the Lap Quilts should be in the mail and on their way to its new home no later than MONDAY.

Please remember to send me a quick e-mail when you send off the quilt and when you receive yours. If you would like to be included in the quilt swap slide show, please attach a/some photo(s) of your quilt in an e-mail to jimmydogbrand(at)aol(dot)com.

If you know you will run late, please let me know.

Have a great weekend! =]

Two weeks to go

2008-10-13T11:49:00.004-04:00

Just a friendly reminder quilts should be in the mail two weeks from today. How is everyone doing? I've seen several wip and finished quilts on the flickr group. Let me say I am very impressed.

I also wanted to pass along a binding tip I saw on oh, frannson! She used hair clips to hold the binding in place has she handstitched. Genious!

Batting question

2008-09-30T10:25:00.002-04:00

What kind of batting are you planning to use? I'm not too sure what is best to use. I like what I have been using, but maybe there is something better out there...

=/

Get that fabric in the mail

2008-09-26T22:09:00.002-04:00

Fabric for your quilt top and back should be in the mail to your partner on or before Monday evening. Adrienne (what a great name...) made a good comment that you can order fabric online and have it shipped directly to your partner. Great idea! Whether you collect from your local fabric store, rummage through your stash or shop online, get those packages in the mail. =]

Easy Lap Quilt Partners Swap!

2008-09-20T08:19:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay in some of you getting the partner information. They are all finished now. Well, except for one thing, but if you are involved in that you should have an e-mail about it.

If you don't see the e-mail look in your SPAM folder first, then let me know if you did not get the information.

Remember, all you have to send off is the fabric. The person making the quilt will supply the batting, thread and (hopefully make) the binding, etc.

If you have any questions, let me know! I am really excited about this swap!

=]

Easy Lap Quilt~CLOSED

2008-09-15T08:49:00.003-04:00

The sign-up period has passed. I will be in touch with each of you in the next few days with your partner info.

Clarification:
You are only responsible for sending the fabric for the front and back of the quilt. The person making the quilt will provide the batting and all other materials needed to make the quilt. Several people asked about this and I wanted to clear it up before packages start getting mailed. Also, I am thinking that all extra fabric should be sent back with the quilt. At least anything substantial enough to be usable scrap.

Have a great Monday! =]

Easy Lap Quilt Swap Info

2008-09-05T17:07:00.004-04:00

Yea! I am so glad 81% of voters liked the guidelines for the Easy Lap Quilt Swap. The suggestions in the comments were great and we will use some of them in the final guidelines.

Here we go:

You purchase our own fabric for the quilt (pattern from Amy Karol's Bend-the-Rules Sewing). That way you definitely like the combination and can choose the fabrics that feel good against your skin (and you can spend as much or as little as you see fit).
I'll organize the swap partners then send you your partner's mailing address. You'll mail your fabric to that person and receive a package of from another swapper. *comment about this below*
Use the fabrics to create an Easy Lap Quilt for the person whose fabric you received. Feel free to add in material from your stash (great idea heather t), add embellishments such as applique, printing, or free-motion quilting, etc. Add from your stash, appliqueing, printing or free-motion quilting are just suggestions. You can use them or just simply follow the pattern, it is totally up to the quilter.
Mail the completed quilt back to the person who sent you the fabric.

Of course you'll what to post pictures on the Bend-the-Rules Sewing Flickr group. If you search on the group pool there are some great Easy Lap Quilts posted already.

The quilt is not hard, but I do think it will take some time. Remember when you were in grade school and you had a big project. Teachers would set benchmark dates or little mini-deadlines to make sure you didn't keep yourself (and your parents) up all night the night before the project was due, trying to do everything at once. I plan to make posts and send out reminder e-mails at least a few days before the deadlines (and maybe between them) just to keep everyone on track.

Dates to remember:

Sunday, September 14 - Last day to sign up for the swap
Wednesday, September 17 - You'll receive your partner's swap information
Monday, September 29 - Mail your fabric to your partner by the time the post office closes
Monday, October 27 - Have the quilt finished and in the mail back to your partner

If you would like to participate in this swap, please e-mail the following information to jimmydogbrand(at)aol (dot)com:

Name
Mailing address
Blog, website or Flickr ID
*Answer to this question: Do you want to swap fabric with the same person making your quilt? For example Annie, Bette, Chloe and Dahlia signed up for the swap. Annie and Dahlia will exchange fabrics and quilts with each other (not like the past swaps) OR Annie sends her fabric to Bette and receives fabric from Dahlia. Annie uses Dahlia's fabric to make Dahlia a quilt, then receives a quilt from Bette (like the past swaps aka blind swapping). Just answer with SAME partner or DIFFERENT partners.

This swap is open to everyone, even international. However, with the tight deadlines I will only match you with a person from your same country. For example the Americans will have American partners. Australians will have Australian partners, etc. *We have swappers from the UK and Australia. If you were hesitant to sign up in case no one else did, don't worry, you're not alone. Send me your info!

Just a thought to keep in mind: The USPS has great Flat Rate shipping envelopes and boxes. Take advantage of them. Definitely weigh it out, but I think the fabric will fit in a Flat Rate envelope (which will cost you $4.80 in postage). The final quilt should fit in a Flat Rate Shirt Box (which will cost you $9.80). The weight limit is 70 pounds, so I think we'll be OK. If you are shipping cross country, it is a great option. Of course, check with your local post office or online at http://www.usps.com/ to make sure it's the most economical shipping method, but it usually is. Also make sure to read the comments, great suggestions!

Wow, that got long. Sorry. Make sure to send me your sign-up info by Sunday, September 14.

Please think seriously about the time commitment this project requires. If you know fall, September/October is very busy for you make sure you can meet the deadlines and have fun with the project. It is an awful feeling to put so much time and effort into a swap and not receive a project in return. Additionally, if you do sign up for the swap and something comes up in your life, please let me know. We can work it out...no questions, no pressure, no guilt.

Thanks and I am really looking forward to this project! =]

Thoughts on the next swap

2008-08-27T09:34:00.006-04:00

I've been contemplating the next swap details and had an idea to organize it a little differently. I've been loving the Common Threads Quilting Bee. The concept is a wonderful modern twist on the old fashion quilting bee. My idea is loosely (very loosely) based on this concept.

My thought was to make the Easy Lap Quilt from the book, but instead of describing your tastes/style/likes to your swap partner this is what I propose:

You purchase our own fabric for the quilt. That way you definitely like the combination and can choose the fabrics that feel good against your skin (and you can spend as much or as little as you see fit).

I'll organize the swap partners then send you your partner's mailing address. You'll mail your fabric to that person.

She'll use the fabrics to create an Easy Lap Quilt then mail it back to you. The creating swapper can add embellishments or other creative elements such as applique, embroidery or free motion quilting. (Or not add anything, I'll leave it up to you.)

Hopefully that makes sense. Let me know what you think by casting a vote in the poll on the left sidebar. Of course, this doesn't commit you to swapping. I'm just trying to get a feel for what other's think of this idea. =]

Super fun...

2008-08-01T16:04:00.006-04:00

Sorry, I have been out of touch. I am sure there are many e-mails in my inbox, but I can't get to them. This is how my Monday went:

The first pictures are bad because they are from my cell phone. A ginormous tree fell from my neighbors' yard between our two house. When it fell it crushed the electrical poll that carries the line from the street to the back house. The electric company came right out to reset the poll and reconnect the wires. The tree cutters came out to give them a path to work (3rd picture).

When the electric company was resetting the poll they ran their "Moon Walker" into our septic tank absolutely CRUSHING it. I was outside telling him to stop and not go any further, but what do I know...I'm just a girl. Psst...I know where the septic tank is.

Yes, the machine is half way in the septic tank about to fall into the front house. To save their equipment the tied a winch to a dead, nearly hollow tree. Awesome. Not only did a tree fall (act of nature), but the electric company destroys the septic tank, nearly rolls into the back of the house, then tries to pull it out by pulling a tree directly onto the house. Really, good times.

Thankfully, nothing important was hurt. The dogs were out of the way and are OK, the tree scraped down both sides of the houses with out breaking windows or putting holes in the roof, etc. Of course, the electric company is paying for a new septic system, but that's still a huge mess.

How does this affect you, my lovely swappers? We work on dial-up at the house. The phone line was taken out in all that mess. It hasn't been restored because it hangs too low and the septic and tree removal equipment will just take it out again. I'm working off free wireless where I can, but that's not often. I promise I'm not done making sure everyone gets what they deserve swap-wise, but it may be several days before I can get access to the info I need. Thanks, ladies!

=]

Absolutely Amazing Placemats and Napkins Slide Show and some other bits of info

2008-07-16T15:25:00.006-04:00

Updated slide show as of July 27.

Simply amazing!

Next, we will have another round of swapping, but it won't begin until at least September (but before the big holiday crafting surge). I'll post another poll for choosing the project.

In the mean time, if you are jonesing for another swap check out The Sassy Apron Swap hostessed by Lucy or The Flirty Apron Swap hostessed by Shawnee. Both are great fun and I have received some kicking aprons from my partners. The BTRSswap will not be swapping aprons, partly due to these other fantastic swaps, so feel free to head over to either or both swaps by clicking the buttons in the left side.

Again, the sets are just wonderful. I like how creative everyone was. Have a great summer and see you in the fall! (P.S. There are still some loose ends to tie up with this swap, so don't think I'll forget about you!)

Placemats and Napkins Due Soon

2008-07-03T09:30:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder, your sets should be in the mail on or before Monday, July 7. Make sure to send me an e-mail after you send and receive your sets. I want to do my best to make sure everyone plays fairly. I've even heard from several of you all ready...wow!

Also remember to post a picture on the Bend-the-Rules Sewing flickr group so everyone can admire your creations. I will snag the pictures from there and make another slide show for this blog after most of the pictures are up. If you don't have a flickr account (it's free) or don't want one, but want to be included in this slide show, just e-mail me your picture and I will include it.

Happy Independence Day!

Swap Partner Info Sent

2008-06-09T01:11:00.000-04:00

...yea! Now I'm going to bed.

My inbox is bulging at the seams!

2008-06-07T07:02:00.002-04:00

Thank you all for signing up! I am working through the inbox as quickly as I can. This last week was VERY busy for me and I didn't get a chance to post all the swappers names. I promise to get them up later today. I may not get a chance to reply to every entry, but just look for your name on the swappers list.

It seems that 4 swappers from the Pleated Beauty Bag swap did not receive bags. These ladies made beautiful bags for their partners, but did not get a bag in return. If you would like to be a "bag angel" ;) and make a Pleated Beauty Bag for these wonderful and very patient ladies, please send me an e-mail. I'll take the first 4 e-mails I recieve and send you the information you need. Thank you so much for volunteering. I'll make sure you get double good karma points!

Place mat & Napkin Set Sign-up Info

2008-05-24T14:39:00.009-04:00

With 50% of the vote the next BTRSswap project will be place mat and napkin sets! Both of the patterns from Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol are quick and simple, but boy do we have an opportunity to "bend-the-rules" on this project! I can't wait to see what is created this time.

(Photo courtesy of Maita R as posted in the flickr group)

Sign up for the Place mats & Napkins Swap will end at 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on Saturday, June 7 (two weeks from the date of this post). If all goes well, I should be able to e-mail the swapping partners within a few days. I will try my best to match everyone with a different partner from the first swap.

Want to join in on this swap? Here's what to do:
~Sign up by sending me an e-mail to jimmydogbrand(at)aol(dot)com. Include:
Name
Mailing Address
Preferred colors/patterns (if you don't have a preference try to describe your kitchen and/or dining area)
Disliked colors/patterns (if any)
How many sets do you need/want (Somewhere between 4 and 6 will probably be average. If your family rivals the Bradys or the Waltons, please request as many sets as are needed at your table.)
Blog address and/or flickr ID (optional, but helpful for your partner to learn a little about your style)
Whether or not you’re willing to ship overseas

~Make sets of place mats and napkins for the swapper whose info is e-mailed to you. Wash and dry the fabric before making the projects. I am sure these beauties will be well used and will need washing. I'd hate for them to shrink and pucker after one use.

~Send the sets and a recipe for your favorite picnic or pot-luck dish no later than Saturday, July 7. (My fellow Americans: Yes, this is the Monday after the 4th of July holiday weekend, plan accordingly. Feel free to send your package early.) Be sure to include a little note with the package revealing your name and some way for your partner to contact you so she can thank you. A blog or e-mail address would be great.

~Post a picture of your sets on the Bend-the-Rules Sewing Flickr group. Tag your photo with BTRSswap. Keep it all one word for easy tagging and searching.

After your package is in the mail, please send me an e-mail letting me know it has been sent. When you receive your beautiful package, send me another e-mail letting me know you received it. Please be sure to send your partner a thank you message (blog comment, e-mail, actual hand-written note).

If you would like to add a button on your blog (and make me smile) just copy and paste this code:

src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_KAHLAy3QTyM/R98ju80ShoI/AAAAAAAAAAo/GPk5Btndvxw/s320/btrsswap+button3.gif"/
Be sure to add the <> at beginning and end.

I am pretty excited about this swap, too. I have really enjoyed using the place mats and napkins I've made, but I never seem to have enough. There's only two of us here. I think we are messy eaters...

Sign-up, tell your friends, tell your family and tell your blog readers to sign-up, too!

We are still trying to straighten out some swap issues from the Pleated Beauty Bag. Don't worry, I haven't forgot about the swappers who haven't receive bags yet. I am still in contact with your swap partners. I know we'll get it sorted out soon.

Pleated Beauty Bag Slide Show

2008-05-16T19:46:00.006-04:00

Here are the images I found when I searched "BTRSswap" and "swap" on the flickr group for Bend-the-Rules Sewing: (Put the cursor/arrow on the photo to reveal the flickr ID)

If you don't see your bag please e-mail a jpeg to jimmydogbrand(at)aol(dot)com. I would like to include all the bags on the slide show.

Did you get it? and Vote for the next project

2008-05-09T08:22:00.004-04:00

First, I am so glad everyone is so excited about receiving her bag in the mail. I love mail... I will be compiling the flickr photos and posting all the thumbnails here so we can all easily admire our creations (thanks to the amazing design by Amy Karol).

If you haven't yet, please let me know when you both send and receive your bag. E-mail me at jimmydogbrand (at) aol (dot) com. Even if you have/are sending it out late, let me know so I can forward a note to your target partner.

To keep the momentum going, there is a vote on the side bar to decide the next project. Make your choice and vote by May 23 and I'll open the sign-up for the next swap on May 24.

Thanks again for participating in the swap!

One week to go...

2008-04-27T11:53:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder, all bags should be mailed by Saturday, May 3. Many of you are really on the ball and have already sent out your partner's bag...kudos to you! I should be making mine today. I'm a bit of a procrastinator, but I'm working on it.

If you haven't yet, definitely take a look at the Bend-the-Rules Sewing flickr pool. Several bags have been posted recently. What a great source of inspiration and motivation!

Please be sure to send me an e-mail -- jimmydogbrand (at) aol (dot) com -- when you receive your bag. I want to make sure everyone sends and receives in a timely fashion. Be sure to let your sending swap partner know you received your bag. Either send her a note or post a comment on her blog or flickr photo.

My sewing machine is calling...gotta go!

Pleated Beauty Bag Partners are Sent

2008-04-02T22:46:00.004-04:00

All the partner info has been sent! You can click on the names in the side bar to see blogs and flickr photos (if available).

If you didnt' receive the info for a swap partner, let me know. Well, check your SPAM folder, then let me know.

Thanks to all of you for joining in on the swap. I can't wait to get sewing!

Swap sign up is closed

2008-03-29T19:31:00.006-04:00

Time's up and the swappers are in! I should e-mail you your partner's info in the next few days. I'll put up a post when all the e-mails have been sent.

There are 82 swappers from 5 countries and 29 US states. This kind of blows my mind...way more than I ever expected.

I'd like to remind everyone that (at least in the first edition of Bend the Rules Sewing) the dimensions for the pocket are incorrect. The pocket should be around 10" x 9". I've also read that some of the metric conversions may be incorrect. Please head over to the discussion on the flickr group to find errata and some helpful construction hints.

If you've made the bag before, feel free to add a comment with some advice, tips or tricks. My only mishap: I was really conserned with matching the inside and outside pleatson the top when edge stitching to finish the bag that I forgot to keep the constrasting fabrics matching on the bottom of the bag. You can't see it because it is the bottom of the bag and it's not off too much, but I will pay more attention to the top and bottom seams next time.

Any one else have any tips or tricks?

Button link...thanks Kristen!

2008-03-24T20:54:00.006-04:00

Kristen was kind enough to e-mail me the correct button code:
img
src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_KAHLAy3QTyM/R98ju80ShoI/AAAAAAAAAAo/GPk5Btndvxw/s320/btrsswap+button3.gif"/
Just copy, paste and add the <> at beginning and end.
There is about a week to go for sign ups and we have 68 swappers! I can't wait to start swapping!

=]

Swap it up!

2008-03-17T21:15:00.010-04:00

Do you love Bend-the-Rules Sewing as much as I do? I knew you did…let’s swap! This is the first of three, hopefully, Bend-the Rules Sewing swaps. For this swap each swapper will make and receive a Pleated Beauty Bag created from the pattern in Bend-the-Rules Sewing (BTRS) by Amy Karol. Swappers don’t have to take part in every swap, so you can jump in or out as needed. You’ll have to sign up for each swap as they come.

Sign up for the Pleated Beauty Bag Swap will end at 11:59 pm (Eastern Time) on Monday, March 31. If all goes well, I should be able to e-mail the swapping partners by April 2.

The lowdown
~Sign up by sending me an e-mail to jimmydogbrand(at)aol(dot)com. Include your:

name
mailing address
favorite colors/patterns
disliked colors/patterns (if any)
whether or not you’re willing to ship overseas
blog address and/or flickr ID (optional, but helpful for your partner to learn a little about your style)

~Each swapper will make a Pleated Beauty Bag for the swapper whose info is e-mailed to them. Send the bag and a recipe for your favorite springtime dessert no later than Saturday, May 3. Who doesn't love dessert?

~Then, you’ll get a Pleated Beauty Bag (and dessert recipe) from a different swapper. That way we can also…

~Post a picture of your bag(s) on the Bend-the-Rules Sewing Flickr group. Just tag your photo with BTRSswap. Keep it all one word for easy tagging.

~Love your bag and take it everywhere like I do! The beach, the park, the farmer's market, work, knitting meet-ups...everywhere!

If you have a blog and would like to get the word out about the swap, I think this button will work if you copy and paste it. If not, let me know: