Saturday, May 11, 2013

A Fun Swap

Bright, Scrappy Pillows


In the last couple of years, I've become obsessed with Waldorf inspired dolls. Obsessed. I love that they are homemade. I love that they are all natural. I love that each one is a little piece of art. Kind of like quilts, don't you think?

I don't love that they are pricey (like quilts). So at first I tried to make one. Or I did make one. She's lovely, and my daughter actually plays with her. But I discovered that I really don't like making dolls. Actually, I discovered that I really don't like hand-sewing.

Valerie
Waldorf Inspired Doll - Little Amigo Pattern from Growing Up Sew Liberated

So, recently, to get around both having to make a doll, and having to pay for one, I did a private swap with a mama. I made her some pillows. She sent me a gorgeous Bamboletta Little Buddy.

Bamboletta LB
Bamboletta Little Buddy

My swap partner was the best 'customer.' She asked for bright and modern. She told me she wasn't afraid of colour. That was it. I was free to make whatever I wanted. Here's what I came up with.

The first was a simple string pillow. I used Ashley's tutorial.

Scrappy Strings Pillow


The second was a simple bright and low volume hst pillow. It feels so good to actually use some of my hoarded Denyse Schmidt fabric.

HST Pillow

Finally, I used a pattern from Amanda Jean Norberg for my last pillow. The pattern in Math Facts and it is in the Winter 2012 issue of quilty magazine.

Scrappy Math Facts Pillow
Math Facts by Amanda Jean Norberg

Isn't the barter system wonderful? 

7 comments:

Poppyprint said...

Well, what a satisfying swap that must have been! I love all of the colourful pillows you made and the sweet doll you received in return. I can't imagine how those sweet faces are sculpted...even though I love hand sewing, I don't think I'd take the time to make one (well, maybe one day if I ever have a grandchild I might). The doll you made is equally charming!

Alisa said...

Bartering is so smart! You both got what you wanted and are happy. You made some pretty nice pillows - nice work!

What Comes Next? said...

bartering is wonderful - everybody wins! Lovely doll and gorgeous pillows!

Liz said...

Sheesh. Now I really really want one of those dolls. I hadn't heard of them before. Uh oh. cool cushions!

Holly said...

What a wonderful idea! Those pillows are fantastic - just love your fabric selection!

Sew Create It - Jane said...

I love those cushions...so bright and colourful!!

Happy Turtle said...

Love those pillows!
Carol