Swaps and Goodies...

This is my final Retreat round up, although there will definitely be a lot of harking back over the next few posts, I have already finished some more embroidery!

As you know I entered into the Sample Swap organised by the enthusiastic Trash.  I made little pouches based on the Zakka Style Pretty Little ones, I made those key fobs and x+ brooches as gifts too, along with a mini Constellation for Katy - it made her cry, I didn't think it was that bad!

In the Sample Swap, I was in a group with my crazy friend Kelly (a drawstring London Underground bag and zakka mini flying geese magnets), fellow Stitch-Teaser Di (a Moo card holder that can survive nuclear attack, apparently), Mandy-Mand-a-lin (a Japanese style drawstring bag, sweeties and pins) and another wonderful lady whose first name escapes me, but she was the lovely Mrs Richards with a vintage Liberty bag!

I am very happy with my haul!

I also received an awesome tote from the classy Liberty Lifestyle lady - sadly I managed to miss out on the Liberty fabric being given out in various classes, but having seen the new line I have become just a little bit smitten!

As well as swaps, I handed over parcels of Quilt Blocks and needle books to the Brit Bees in thanks for the second placed Constellation in the Festival of HSTs.  Other BBs made gifts too, a sweet tape measure bracelet from Ceri, lavender bag from Fiona and a super duper purse and keyring made by Judith and amazing little owls by her daughter...

Oh, and a very apt coaster from Terri, who is finally a certified blogger!

I also swapped brooches with Mary, who was responsible for my totally brilliant name tag that I sported all weekend.

The FQ swap organised by Miss Lolly of Pops was fun; I parted with some text, Anna Maria Horner and a couple of others and picked up 4 beauties in return; it wouldn't have been right to have not spent any money on fabric, so I splashed on a Summerville layer cake and a few FQs from Mandy at the last minute too...

In the raffle I was lucky enough to win a copy of the Fat Quarterly book - those with good memories know that I bought this pre-release, so keep 'em peeled, I suspect I may now have an extra to put towards a giveaway soon - 2 year blogiversary in a month, whodda thunk it!

I also bought a set of Carnival templates off Katy - everything made with these blocks look amazing, so I really need to get in on that action.

There was also the Goodie Bag - from such amazing sponsors as Aurifil, Oakshott, Robert Kaufman, Moda and more.  Those of us in Aneela's embroidery class also received some luscious Lecien threads.  All too generous for words.  Thank you to all.

I will leave you with photos (some borrowed from Leanne and Lynne), which for me, sum up all that is great about this stitching mularky, the joy of a group of people finally meeting for the first time after a full year of online friendship... Priceless.

Brit Bee l-r: Terri, Jo, Sarah, Me, Judith & Judith, Susan, Jennie, Ceri, Fiona, Laura and Trudi xxx

Thank you again to the Fat Quarterly super stars, I know I am not the only one looking forward to FQ Community Retreat 2013.  Bring. It. On.

xxx