The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Thursday 12 October 2017

Pantries and Preparedness. The first Bluebirds Swap.

Thank you to everyone who already wants to join in the swap party!  And for all the photos as these are very helpful.  I can already see this is going to take a while but it should be wonderful!  And if it is a success then maybe we can do it several times a year... we will see!

Here is how it will work.

In comments post if you would like to offer a swap to anyone who has posted pictures today.
Post 1.  What you have available to swap.
        2. What you are looking for in exchange or hoping to find.  If not sure say open to anything!
        3. What country you are in and if you want to keep it within your country or are willing to post internationally.  An envelope size restriction could work i.e. I am going to say I am willing to post up to size A3 envelope overseas.
        4. It is fine for someone to get multiple offers. They can choose the best one for them or divide their goods up etc.  No one should feel obliged to make a swap and no one should feel offended. If this swap doesn't work out another one will!
     
If you see someone if offering a swap "speak" to them by replying to their comment.
Watch your comments to see if someone has replied!
If a swap is agreed on email me at brinkzi21@hotmail.com and tell me who you are swapping with.  I will need email addresses to exchange.  I will then let the two parties nut it out and exchange postal addresses between themselves.

Most of the ladies here I already know or have corresponded with.  I have found everyone so lovely.  But I can't offer guarantees! This is a goodwill exercise.  Don't post anything of enormous value.
Seeds, food and plants cannot be posted into Australia.
Give me some time as I could end up with my hands full! 😊

I think that is it!

First we have Vicky.  She makes gorgeous little girls Tutu's.   She can make any size, length or colour.



Vicky does Tutu dresses as well.  She is willing to swap for lots of things!  She loves things to build up her pantry, gift cards, vouchers, items for her present cupboard.  So very flexible! Vicky is in USA but I think she can post anywhere if postage is covered.  She wants me to note she does the skirts and dresses, not the cape in this picture.

Next we have Belle.  Belle in in Australia.   She has a treasure trove of buttons,  handmade papers, organza ribbon, gift tags,  paper flowers...









There are a lot of amazing things in these pictures.  It might make it easier to make an offer for things by saying picture 1,  picture 2 cut outs etc.  


Next we have Tanya.  It is really Tanya who gave me the idea of a mail swap! Thank you Tanya!


Tanya is in Australia. She has hand towel and washers, Homemade Beeswax candle, pretty paper clips, handmade Christmas Cards, handmade scarf, lip balm in a little case, lavender soap, ribbon bag,  Trim Healthy Mamma Cookbook, spices, baby clothes, recipe cards.   Tanya is in Australia and offers to fill a 3 kilo bag of goodies. She would like to swap for fabric bowl covers, (she loved the ones Jane made me) pretty country flannelette fabric wipes (like we do in the miracle cleaner jars) and I think she is open to all kinds of suggestions too.  It was Tanya who sent me all the beautiful swaps I showed the other day and each item was presented gorgeously.
Update: I told Jane about this and she already made the blow covers especially for Tanya!

Barb has die cut shapes for card making. She has bird and teapot designs that are lovely.  She makes embossed papers...


Barb has sets of lovely sticker labels for craft items...


Also Nautical themed cut outs...


Barb is in Australia.  She would like to swap for handmade cards, soaps or Twinnings English Breakfast tea her favourite. I already struck a deal with Barb! 

Lorraine made six beautiful Christmas cards. She is in Australia.  


Ok, I am in love with the bird one! 



Thanks so much Lorraine! These are wonderful.

Rachel has knitting patterns.  She is in Australia.   She just wants them to go to a good home!



Vickie makes peg bags. She is in the US but says these are very light and doesn't mind posting anywhere.  


I think Vickie can make them in your colour scheme ...

Cookie is offering 100% cotton fat quarters...



Also patterns...  Cup cake oven mitts!   A gorgeous ruffle bag...


Quilts patterns...


Cookie is in the US. She doesn't mind swapping things individually i.e. you can pick a pattern or particular piece of fabric etc...


Holley has a whole selection including greeting cards, black cards, bookmarks, ribbons and she is including a bracelet...



Holley is in the USA.

Amanda has made gorgeous Christmas cards to swap.



Thanks so much Amanda! She says she doesn't mind posting anywhere as they are light. They are just lovely!

I forgot Jane's swaps!  Well I just didn't see and missed part of her message!  She has several key rings a trinket box and her handmade  heat pad which she says is about the size of a normal placemat..



She has beautiful hand crochet 100% wash cloths, scrubbier and make up remover pads...


I love these!  Sorry Jane for my mess up.x


My own current swaps are packets of organic Bayleaves from Mum's garden,  vanilla beans and sour dough starter.  I will post anywhere! 

Jane made me realise that dried rose buds are something I could be using as gifts and swapping!  I never thought of that so I am going to start drying lots more rose buds!   These will be ready for the next swap!

Be brave and jump in as you never know... your surplus might really bless someone else.  We might have happy spin offs too.... nice things in the mail,  maybe friendships formed, maybe pen friends! 

And obviously swaps will be taken up and they are limited but there is nothing to stop any of us from saying ok I will get to making some more, collecting some more and I will get back to you! 

If you agree on a swap please then email me at brinkzi21@hotmail.com and let me know who you are swapping with and either I can pass on your address to them or you can email them yourself... let me know which you prefer please.
Give me a little time too as this could be like unravelling a can of worms! lol!

As well all know craft and handmade items are expensive.  I hope this swap helps everyone along with their present cupboard or pantry in some way!

Have a great week.   Chloe is on her way home now!  It is warm and sunny and lovely. xxx

61 comments:

  1. Good morning! Cookie would you be interested in swapping the top picture of fat quarters for my cards? You could have both lots if you like?
    Annabel I would love some vanilla beans, are cards of any interest to you? I know you make some of your own. If not I'll come up with a different idea :)

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    Replies
    1. Dear Amanda, I am happy to send some vanilla beans. Keep this lot of cards for the other Bluebirds and make me a couple later when you have time! That would be lovely as yours are different to mine (and better!) Love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Annabel, you are too kind. The cards of yours I've seen have been lovely! I have some more cards ready to go so I'll put together a bundle for you. Thank you for organising this and to everyone who is participating!

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    3. Amanda,
      I would be happy to swap with you. I'll get your email from Annabel. Blessings, Cookie

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  2. Hello Ladies,
    So happy to be part of this!!
    May I swap with Jane please. Jane I have a stack of goodies here for you and can't wait to chat via email to see what you'd like. SMILE!!
    But also ay I ask Belle if she would be interested in swapping picture 1&2 with me? I have extra things to swap and can chat via email if you'd like. I just finished some pretty floral Christmas cards and have some soap and other things ready. But understand if we can only swap with one person too.
    Blessings Tanya xxx
    Thanks Annabelle for taking the time to organise this. I am so excited I can hardly contain it. :)

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    Replies
    1. I am glad you already have some good swaps Tanya! Thank you for getting us started and the great swap we already had! xxx

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  3. Dear Annabel,
    The swap! I have a few things together but I didn't get pictures to you in time! Perhaps I can join next time?
    Love, Kelsey

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    Replies
    1. Dear Kelsey, You don't have to have sent pictures in to join, swap away! If there is anything here you will like to swap for just go for it~ Love Annabel.xxx

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  4. Hi Annabelle I was wondering if Vicky would be willing to trade with me? I'm not sure if this would be an even swap those tutu's are just so pretty!

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    1. Sure Vickie!
      Shoot me an email or message me on FB
      XOXO
      Vicky

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  5. Tanya I am looking forward to having a good chat with you. I so hope you like the bowl covers that I made for you.
    I would also like to have a chat with Vicky re the tutu skirts. I'm sure we will be able to come to some sort of an arrangement.
    Annabel this is a wonderful service that you are offering. thank you so much. I just hope it doesn't turn into an organisational nightmare for you.
    On a completely different tangent, It is raining! We are having so much of this glorious wet stuff. Maybe, keeping everything crossed, we will finally have tanks and dams full and no summer water restrictions.
    I am loving it. Life is good

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jane! Your bowl covers are just the best thing ever! Mine are inconstant use! I am glad of your rain too. xxx

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  6. Dear Annabel,
    Thank you! I was disappointed to have missed out. I would love bay leaves and also vanilla beans if you have enough to spare this time around. If not, that is ok too.
    Cookie, I am interested in the ruffle bag pattern you have.
    For the swap I have handmade lavender sachets, rose printed cardstock, solid pastel cardstock, handmade cards (or I can make new ones according to what you want), tags that read "Uniquely Handmade", burlap with lace wired ribbon, decorated clothes pins, and stickers. I also have lids that fit a mason jar (that use the two piece lid/ring) to convert the jar into a drinking glass with a straw hole. I can email pics of what you might be interested in. Or if anyone has seen things from previous show and tells, I can make something along those lines given the time to do so.
    Thank you, ladies!
    Love, Kelsey

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    Replies
    1. Dear Kelsey, Bay leaves and vanilla coming up! No problem! I will talk to you via email... with love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Kelsey,
      I would love to swap for the " uniquely handmade tags."
      Blessings, Cookie

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    3. Hi Kelsey,
      I am interested in the mason jar lids. Also the clothespins. Are you in Australia? I'm in U.S. I have Blue Lake green bean seeds, Bell pepper seeds ( if you are stateside). Many strands of fuzzy yarn for small crafts, and a fabric panel with a Parisian street scene. Can send a photo.
      Blessings,
      Leslie

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  7. Dear Annabel and beautiful bluebirds,
    Hello Tanya , I would like to swap with you please if that is ok , I would like some of your lavender soap and a lip balm in a case please , I would also like a couple of your cards if there are any available please Tanya. I can offer you embossed cards , die cut shapes , your favourite teabags or you can suggest what you might like. Thank you love Barb W.

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  8. I have a few other things I can swap that aren't tutu related that I will gather and take a photo of too. Great stuff ladies!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    Replies
    1. I hope we can swap Vicky My granddaughter would love the tutu!

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  9. Oh my, such treasures! I'm going to have to pass on this swap though as time constrants plus dealing with an annoying medical issue right now prevent me from gathering things I could swap. I should be ready for the next one though! Everyone enjoy! Thanks Annabel for doing this!

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  10. Hi there,
    Am happy to swap from my photo images 1,2 as you suggested. I will email Annabell information so she can share with you :) happy swapping to all.

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  11. Good afternoon Ladies,
    I'm happy for Annabelle to share my email with any ladies who'd like to swap with me.
    Jane- I'll speak with you to work out what you'd like from my posted photo, everything is yours if you'd like or I can spilt it up? We can chat in more detail in email.
    Barb- I have extra soap I can trade with you and cards. I have a blank set of floral cards and the soap I have are: rose petal goats milk, plain goats milk, plain vegetable oil and coffee scrub soap. I only have the one lavender left which I'd need to give first preference to Jane. I've never used embossed paper?? Do you crochet? I am after more cotton thread. Maybe we can chat via email to work out a swap.
    Belle- happy to trade you some soap, cards, pretty paper clips... I have other things also in exchange for the items in your first and second photos.
    Kelsey- I wish you lived in Australia I would love some lavender sachets, decorated clothes pins and the mason jar lids sound awesome. You rose cardstock sounds lovely as does your uniquely handmade tags. Maybe we can do a small swap?
    Oh Annabelle I am afraid we may have given you a nightmare task of co-ordinating this? Just email me if I can be of help.
    Blessings Tanya xxx

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    Replies
    1. Dear Tanya , Annabel has my email address so I will email her regarding our swap and she can give you my email address if that's ok. I am happy to chat to you via email to work out an appropriate swap. I didn't realise you had other soap other than lavender Tanya , I will tell you my preference other than lavender in an email . I am sure we can work out a fair swap Tanya. Thank you again Snnabel for organising this swap.Love Barb W

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    2. Dear Tanya,
      If I lived in Australia, I would be after your soap and a beeswax candle for sure, haha! I would love to do a small swap with you though. We can email to work out the details. As it is now, and for anyone else reading, I can only manage to send an envelope to Australia, so I have to keep things flat and under 8 oz. I wish I didn't have that restriction, but surely we can work something out! I'm excited about our trade, Tanya!
      Love, Kelsey

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    3. Hello Ladies
      Kelsey - I have a few ideas so I'll let Annabelle know to send me your email address and we can get started on swapping. And yes we can keep is small!
      Barb - I'll happily trade you some soap, just have Annabelle send me your email also.
      Belle - Please have Annabelle send me your email address and I can get started on your swap.
      Jane - so glad to be chatting with you this morning.
      Blessings Tanya xxx

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  12. Hello ladies what a wonderful swap, my very first!
    Belle, I see Tanya has asked to swap your beautiful tags. I was hoping that if you had any more if you could swap with me for say 3 of my Xmas Cards.
    Annabel, thankyou again for all the work you have put into making this swap happen. Would you be interested in swapping vanilla beans and starter dough for 3 of my Xmas cards- including the bird one of course.
    Enjoy everyone. Glad to hear Chloe is on her way home Annabel. Lots of hugs will be in order when she arrives xxx

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    Replies
    1. Yes I would love to! I love that bird card (as you know) can you please email me? xxx

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    2. Lorraine, I'm late to the party. Are any of your beautiful Christmas cards unspoken for? If not, I totally understand why ;). Hi Annabel! Like everyone said, "thank you for arranging no this!". I'm in the US and would be happy to post anywhere my hand crocheted or knitted washcloths, cotton yarns, 2 bars of homemade soap, a baggy of dried rose petals grown by my brother in the City of Roses, Portland, Oregon. That's all I can think of right now. Thanks again, Annabel. If any of my items appeal to you, I'd love to swap for vanilla beans (if you've any left ;)xoxo

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    3. Dear Mary,
      I was wondering if you'd be interested in trading washcloths and maybe a bar of soap for some of my lavender sachets and clothes pins? I have tags as well if you are interested. I can send you pictures. Or if you have any ideas let me know! I know you are after the cards and vanilla beans, so if you don't have enough for me that is totally ok! Feel free to say no and it won't hurt my feelings one bit. I just thought I'd ask! I am in the US.
      Love, Kelsey

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    4. Dear Mary
      Id be happy to trade you some Christmas cards. I can make you some especially...Id love to have some of your washcloths if you have extra? I am in Australia but can manage to send about 250grams which I think is about 8oz? I sent a package to Kelsey today and the cost was not to bad.
      If you'd like to swap ask Annabelle for my email address.
      Blessings Tanya xxx

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    5. Morning Kelsey, yes! I'd love to swap with you - how fun! I'll write Annabel that you and I are doing a swap :). Love back, Mary

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    6. Hi Tanya, that sounds wonderful :). I'll be happy to send you some washcloths! I'll write Annabel now. Have a blessed day!

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  13. Wanting everyone to notice I added more swaps to the post. I missed Janes! Xxx

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  14. Hello everyone - How exciting!!!!!

    COOKIE - I would like to swap my whole lot for the purple quilt pattern, if you are agreeable! I've never made a quilt and I think a pattern is just what I need to give it a try!!! And, maybe, some advice/help through swapping our email address, lol! I'm afraid I didn't photograph my lot well enough. There really is a lot of great blank greeting cards, bookmarks, gift tags and bits and bobs to have a fun afternoon of creating! I also included some pre-made cards for the lazy days when we do not feel creative!

    Annabel - I would love to swap with you for some of your Mum's bay leaves and your sourdough starter! I have some special handmade cards that I've made just for you! I really just want to go to the post office and send and receive something from Australia!!!! I'm so excited by all of this international sharing!

    So, Cookie and Annabel, I await your responses! Feel free to share my email address!

    Annabel, you are too kind for having taken on this huge task! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

    Hugs, Holley

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    Replies
    1. Dear Holley, I will be glad to and that is a lovely swap. I also love getting mail that is nice mail not bills etc! Also I love the excuse for many of us to connect a bit more. Thanks so much love Annabel.xxx Ill check if I already have your postal address ... if not send it to me thanks! (lost track now with so many emails! )xxx

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    2. Hi Holly
      I'd love to swap with you and encourage you in quilting. I'll get your email from Annabel or you can get mine and we'll work out the details. Blessings,Cookie

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  15. Annabel, Glad to hear your daughter is on her way home! I hope she enjoyed her time.

    I'm wondering if you'd like to swap some bay leaves with me for some more Carol Wilson stationary?

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    Replies
    1. Laurie I would LOVE to, I love that stationary so much. I treasure the beautiful recipe cards I have put up in my spice cabinet door as you would have seen. I can send you half a dozen packs as they keep pretty much forever. I think I have your email and address... xxx

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    2. Dear Laurie.. actually would you email me? I think I might have two Laurie S's but not sure! With love Annabel.xxx

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  16. Yay! Glad to know your Chloe is on her way home.

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    Replies
    1. Dear Lana, Thank you! She is here now! Happy day! I am wondering if you wouldnt mind to email me? With love Annabel.xxx

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  17. This is such a lovely idea!! And a big task for you Annabel! I'd love to take part but am just not organised enough at the moment. I will start getting some things sorted for the next one. Enjoy your mail everyone :)

    Jen in NZ

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jen... with your sewing I think you will love the next swap as a lot of fabric seems to be part of this one! xxx

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  18. This is such a fun idea! Thanks for organising the swap Annabel. I would love to swap with Jane and Annabel if possible. With Jane - I would love a wash cloth and shower puff scrubby - I would love to try these, but can't knit or crochet. With Annabel - I would love some sour dough starter, bay leaves and/or vanilla beans. I have good quality quilting cotton fat quarters I could offer in exchange, you could let me know what colours/themes you would like. I'm sorry I don't have a handmade item to offer in exchange at the moment. But as makers, fabric is the next best thing - filled with future making opportunities! I am in Australia. Cheers, Kelly :)

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    1. Dear Kelly, I would be phased to swap with you and fabric is as you say very handy! See you in emails! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Kelly let me know which washcloth and scrubby you would like and I will put them aside. Annabel could you put me in email contact with Kelly please.

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    3. Kelly, Jan is emailing you! xxx

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    4. Great, thanks Annabel!

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  19. Dear Annabel and beautiful bluebirds,
    Jane I was wondering if you would like to do a swap with me ?. I would love one of your scrubbies if you have one available and some make up remover pads too please. I can offer you embossed cards or your favourite tea bags or some die cut shapes for you to make cards with or I am sure we can think of a fair swap. Please ask Annabel to give you my email address so we can work so me thing out if you are happy to swap with me Jane. Love Barb W.

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  20. Hi lovely Bluebirds! How fun �� I wont be able to join this time as all my crafting things are packed up as we pray look for a new home. Have fun ladies. Thank you Annabel for organizing this event.
    Love
    Patti

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  21. Hello Annabel and wonderful bluebirds.

    I am late to the swap and didn't send any pictures to Annabel either as we were having our newly found cat de-sexed which happened today.

    I will send my email addy to Annabel and happy to send my swap partner or partners pictures via email once you have chosen what you are after. I am happy to post overseas or within Australia.

    So here is what I have to offer as I make, design and sell my sewn items all over the world and have done for many years.

    For those overseas I can offer so I am giving you the choice here -
    - 2 pocket wallets in male and female colours.
    - a 5 layer cotton eye mask with elastic in either male or female colours.
    - handmade fabric gift tags with ribbon ties or mini dual fold all occasion cards.
    - passport wallet with 2 matching luggage tags. Note the passport wallet does not fit Canadian passports.
    - A6,A5 sized removable fabric notebook covers.

    For those in Australia -
    - an assortment of saved vegetable seeds from my gardens being a your choice of butter beans, dwarf green bush bean strike seeds, blue lake climbing bean seeds, snow pea seeds, sweet corn seeds, California gold or red capsicum seeds, Qld blue pumpkin seeds. I cannot post these to Tasmania, W.A or overseas due to quarantine regulations.
    - Handmade 5 layer cotton eye mask with elastic in male or female colours.
    - Handmade pocket wallets or credit card mini holder.
    - Passport wallet and matching set of 2 luggage tags with ribbon ties. (Please note these do not fit Canadian passports).
    - 8 piece handmade fabric placemats and drink coaster sets. I also have some 12 piece sets with placemats, coasters and cutlery pouches.
    - A6, A5, A4 removable notebook cover or mini flip top notebook covers.

    What I would like to swap for is any of the below -
    - vanilla beans, bay leaves.
    - knitted face wash cloths, not sure if you can use them for that ?.
    - Handmade soaps (I have allergies so no strongly scented or sandalwood ).
    - Shave soaps for men, shampoo bars.
    - open to suggestions too :) .

    I hope this helps everyone in what is available :).

    Sewingcreations15

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Sewingcreations, thank you! This is great! I will let everyone know that new swaps came in and Im sure you will have happy swappers! You make lots of lovely things! I will email you back and am happy to do a swap! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Dear Sewing Creations
      I would love to swap with you. I have loads of goodies including homemade soap.
      I have asked Annabelle to share my email with you so we can start chatting.
      Blessings Tanya xxx

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  22. Hi Tanya that sounds great thank you feel free to email me, Annabel has my email address and I can send you some photos of the things you are interested in when you let me know.

    Sewingcreations15

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  23. Dear Annabel and friends, this year has been an odd one for me, so I literally have nothing to swap at the moment. I will watch and enjoy from the sidelines and thankyou to Annabel for the effort she has put into this. A marathon, I bet! Enjoy, everyone! Mimi xxx

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  24. Dear Sewing Creations, I have not put my name down for the swap as I have been very unwell, but I do have lots of knitted dishcloths/washers, and I would love to swap with you, maybe for some of your notebook covers. Cheers Chookasmum xx

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  25. Chookasmum I am so sorry you haven't been well and hope you are now a lot better :) .

    I still have you email so will pop an email off to you today, if you don't get it just email Annabel as she has mine.

    Hugs

    Sewingcreations15

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  26. Hi Annabel, I would love some of the sourdough starter and I am willing to wait if you have run out. I dont have craft but wonder if I might interest youin a jar of preserves. I have an mulberry and apple jam or a bloodplum or Itallian style green tomato pickle or a kasundi

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    Replies
    1. I have had to close this swap down now but I would love you to join in the next one which will be in the new year. I will get lots of starter dried and be glad to send you some. And preserves would be a popular swap too. This swap has been popular so I think hopefully we can just make it a regular thing! xxx

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  27. Annabel, I am so sorry I missed this swap. I need/want knitted washcloths and vanilla beans. So, I will be preparing for the next swap. Thank you so much for doing this - after reading the comments - I think it is a success for everyone. Thanks Cindy Jane in Alabama USA

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    Replies
    1. Dear Cindy, Dont worry! I will pass on to the wash cloth knitters how these were really wanted items and to do more and I will try to have vanilla beans. Hopefully fairly early next year we will have the next swap. With love Annabel.xxx

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