…but receiving is pretty darn nice too.

This is the package that my charming swap partner Erika sent me. Isn’t it great? I don’t know how she finds the time since she works part-time as a nurse AND has two little kids, but Erika likes crafting and made some of the things she sent.

Clockwise from left:

• Patchwork coasters
• Re-usable Trader Joe’s tote bag (I love the design)
• Zipper pouch
• Yummy cinnamon almonds from Trader Joe’s
• Jelly Bellies
• A lovely teacup personalized with my initial and some of Erika’s favorite tea
• A couple of glass magnets backed with pretty papers

And no, Erika did not send me half-eaten almonds and candy. N and I were so excited about the treats that we ripped into them before I remembered to take a picture. (Oops!)

I really enjoyed participating in this swap. It’s been a lot of fun getting to know Erika. She made the coasters, zipper pouch, and magnets. Seeing her projects has made me want to dust off my sewing machine. I love the coasters she made and I’d like to try my hand at making them or some other small projects. When I was at the quilting shop picking out fabric I saw this pin cushion pattern which looks really fun.

Sadly any new projects will have to wait a while. I’m swamped at work, frighteningly behind in doing laundry, stuck in the middle of reorganizing my kitchen (after an impressive initial push I’ve sort of stalled out), AND I have my fantasy football draft on Friday that I have to study up for that. Oh, well. I know they’re all lamely bourgeois problems but at least they’re my lamely bourgeois problems.