When I wrote Part One to this Secret Swap story I promised to come back and tell you what I received from my Secret Partner! I'm so excited to share it with you.
So, one of the questions in the questionnaire that each of us filled out was this: "What is your favorite style of fabric"? Mine is, hands down, the 1930's fabric. Be it original vintage or reproduction. Some of the reproductions today are so incredible. I love them all. Every single color and pattern!
My swap partner hit the nail right on the head with the fabric. I don't think there is anything that she could've made with these fabrics that wouldn't have just thrilled me.
But... what she did make blew me absolutely away.
My secret swap partner made me a ROUND table runner!
Those of you that read my blog know that I have an old round table in my dining room that has given me a lot of grief about what I want to put on it. I made a farmhouse tablecloth that serves a great purpose and I really love it. But honestly... it just doesn't light up my day when I look at it. (You can read that post here.)
When I opened the package from my swap partner I knew immediately what it was and honestly it made me cry it is so beautiful.
The workmanship is top notch. I love the simple hand quilting that is done on it. There is so much decorative hand and machine quilting done these days with colored embroidery thread and don't get me wrong, I love that. (I do it myself on projects frequently.) But this simple hand quilting with one strand of white thread is positively reminiscent of the way they quilted when these fabrics were used in the 1930's. And I love that.
Even the back is beautiful. And the binding around those curves? Gorgeous.
It was begging for an old enamelware pot to go with it! And that is what I did... put a gorgeous plant of pink Hydrangeas in my special antique chamber pot (smile!) and placed it on the runner. Oh sigh. It is so gorgeous.
And the best thing? When I stand upstairs and look down into my kitchen and dining room, I just smile and smile!
Thank you Maxine. I will treasure it forever.
Oh my! It does look just perfect. And I'm smiling too! I've enjoyed watching your house come together all these months and so often drooled over some of your things so I'm totally honored that the table mat I made has a place in your home! (I DO love that table!) :)
ReplyDeleteJust lovely ~ Lovely home. It would bring smiles to me also... Wonderful work Maxine.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! It is so YOU!
ReplyDeleteYou have the "funnest" blog and I love your beautiful, homey, cheerful home!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful and perfect for your round table! I love 30's repro and real feed sacks too. This is a beautiful swap gift!
ReplyDeleteDori, oh my it is absolutely the perfect piece for your table. And the flowers are lovely too. I read where you "Thanked" Maxine.. a name that one doesn't hear much of.. My mother's name was Maxine and it brought back wonderful memories of her. She passed when she was 31,I was 13. Lovely Name for a lovely friend that is very talented... Thanks for sharing this goodness..
ReplyDeleteA round table runner! So vintage and pretty! Perfect for your round table. The pot and flowers adds to the cuteness. A beautiful handmade gift, Kathleen in Az
ReplyDeleteMaxine was paying careful attention and she came up with a winner! The table topper is really wonderful on many levels.
ReplyDeleteLOVE these posts...they just make me want to start a project right now!
ReplyDeleteOh so lovely - what a wonderful treasure. The chamber pot with hydrangeas perfect! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet both your gift you gave and one you received. I say real God given talent and creativity! Always fun to see the sweet gifts passed to one another. :) Robin from NYC (My blog www.minnieinnyc.blogspot.com - really a reference list for all I visit on a daily basis) not a blog I write just my lists of favs.)
ReplyDeleteWow, Dori, your friend's gift is just beautiful and cheerful! It also looks great on your farm table as well. Surprises in our lives are just the most beautiful moments of happiness. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea you had for your group. Such beautiful workmanship.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful:)
It's just wonderful! What a perfect gift for you.
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