Depending on when it is, I`d be happy to join.

I live in Canada, and ichibankan won't ship here either, but I like Japancentre.com. The shipping took a while (because I choose the least expensive option), but I'm happy with it. Their stock changes pretty frequently.

I must say, this is shaping up great...

I bought yarn in colours I wouldn't normally pick for myself, which let me look at things a little differently. I've picked squares that I may not normally make for myself, which lets me learn something new, and it gives me a break from all the sewing I've been doing recently, which lets me spend some time with my spouse while I'm crafting.

It's also nice to have a smaller project, that doesn't involve rotary cutters, sharp pins and needles, or hot glue. My poor fingers have been burned, stabbed and cut (ouch!) lately. 

This is my first round, so for me... Lots! 

I just sent a PM. I'm super excited, as I haven't done a swap before, and this sounds like a fun project!

Can your serger do a narrow rolled hem? I would try that, without stretching the fabric.

I work with a lot of vinyl, and don't have a special foot at all. I just make sure I use a leather needle and apply a little tiny bit of sewing machine oil to the vinyl where I'm going to sew. I put a drop on my finger, then run it down the length of the seam. A little goes a long, long way.

It's even great for helping you machine run properly. Just keep some scrap cotton on hand and sew back an forth a few times on it before sewing anything else.

I get magnetic snaps for my bags from beingbags on etsy. She was super fast and the prices can't be beat.

On a related note, today I bought some quilting cotton and a warm and natural quilt batting for my friend's wedding present quilt.

I ready that if you don't wash the warm and natural before, you will get that antique-y look (much like not pre-washing fabric).

BUT, after I quilt it, can I put it in the washing machine? How about the drier? I want it to look somewhat vintage and homey, but I don't want the batting to fall apart.

The way I've been using lately has been working really well.

I use cheap, generic interfacing I picked up at lens mills. I lay the interfacing on the wrong side of the fabric, spray with a water bottle, and then press with my iron (not sliding across the fabric at all) until the steam stops. I use the hottest setting that the fabric will handle.

I then flip the fabric/interfacing over and iron from the right side to smooth out any bubbles/wrinkles.

Works well for me!