[PARTNERS!]

round 2!!!  more fab otts on their way to new homes!  yay!

swap thread: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=421540.0

PARTNERS!
Sent
Received
Sent & Received
Late, with communication
Late
Done, Profile Updated!


hippiechick ---> Frankfurter
Frankfurter ---> Super Bad Monkey
Super Bad Monkey ---> Petunia Phoenix
Petunia Phoenix ---> sueUNreal
sueUNreal ---> DidIMakeIt
DidIMakeIt ---> PetuniaPickleButt
PetuniaPickleButt ---> The Cat Whisperer
The Cat Whisperer ---> Shady McBrady
Shady McBrady ---> squeezledorf
squeezledorf ---> Zippy Little Turtle
Zippy Little Turtle ---> Kay Fabe
Kay Fabe ---> Spurs of the Moment
Spurs of the Moment ---> Lady Totally Gaga
Lady Totally Gaga ---> Magoo
Magoo ---> Agent Orange
Agent Orange ---> Hymie Glendale
Hymie Glendale ---> Googly Eyed Giggle
Googly Eyed Giggle ---> Agent Hook, Defender of Yarncropolis
Agent Hook, Defender of Yarncropolis ---> button-in
button-in ---> LabRatt
LabRatt ---> cookies and cream
cookies and cream ---> Combustible head
Combustible head ---> Ned Ryerson
Ned Ryerson ---> hippiechick


Reveal List!
pilarfarmer --- hippiechick
mcook72677 --- Frankfurter
Jen Sews --- Super Bad Monkey
Avesthel --- Petunia Phoenix
Homerof2 --- sueUNreal
quaggy --- DidIMakeIt
gamemom42 --- PetuniaPickleButt
DaisyTattoo --- The Cat Whisperer
craftADDchick --- Shady McBrady
themuppet --- squeezledorf
Whistley --- Zippy Little Turtle
TrickyMcVomit --- Kay Fabe
rainysunshine789 --- Spurs of the Moment
MiLady --- Lady Totally Gaga
Subee --- Magoo
suereal --- Agent Orange
teag --- Hymie Glendale
johnson.mom2two --- Googly Eyed Giggle
Smeddley    --- Agent Hook, Defender of Yarncropolis
bec99 --- button-in
pjr107 --- LabRatt
mariak --- cookies and cream
SilverMoon --- Combustible head
ThriftyLiving4U --- Ned Ryerson

[Can you keep a secret? Do you adore OTT (i.e. one tiny thing) swaps? If so, this might be the perfect low-stress swap for you!!]

Can you keep a secret?  
Do you adore OTT (i.e. one tiny thing) swaps?  
If so, this might be the perfect low-stress swap for you!!


GALLERY!


Swap name: OTT Swap Secret Pal Round 2

Craftster member who is organizing this swap: loves2experiment

Sign-up date range: 03/15/13 through 03/22/13 (or earlier if the swap fills up! )

Date to send item by: April 10, 2013 (Wednesday)

Limited to a certain number of people? 24

Restricted to people who all live in the same country? Nope! Please note that by signing up for this swap you are agreeing to ship internationally if your secret pal lives outside of your country![/size]

Age requirement? Swap participants must be at least 18 years old!

Swap Organizer himself/herself meets these conditions:
- Has fully read the Swap Info Guide: Yes
- Has successfully completed two swaps as a participant: Yes
- Is not organizing more than three swaps right now: Yes
- Will recruit a co-organizer or give all details to a Swap Moderator if this swap has more than 25 participants: Yes
- Is at least 18 years old: Yes

Swap Organizer will check each participant to make sure they meet these conditions:
- Has been a member for at least one month: Yes
- Has posted at least 15 times: Yes
- Has completed one swap successfully before signing up for multiple swaps at a time: Yes
- Is not currently signed up for more than five swaps: Yes
- Does not have any negative feedback: Yes
- Participant has agreed that he/she is at least 18 years old: Yes
- If within the US, understands that Delivery Confirmation number is required for this swap: Yes
- If outside the US, understands that a mailing receipt copy is required for this swap: Yes



DETAILS OF SWAP:
For this swap, you will make ONE (absolutely no extras, please) tiny thing for your secret pal.  Partners will be assigned randomly (no favouritism here!) and done in secrecy (you will need to come up with a super secretive alias ).

In order to figure out what your secret pal would like, feel free to check out his/her Craftster posts, pinterest, blog, and so forth.  If you have specific questions for your secret pal (example: what’s his/her ring size?), you may send them to me and I will try to get answers for you.  Based on your findings, you can start work on something phenomenal for your secret pal  

The OTT should be something that you can craft with a high level of skill. This tiny thing may be made with any material, and the completed item should measure 4” by 4” or smaller.  

Since you’ll only be crafting and sending one small item, please make every effort to ensure that that you’re making something spectacular that you’ll be proud to receive…something awesome that you know your partner will adore!
  
Need more examples of things which qualify as ONE tiny item?*
A pair of earrings - YES!
A necklace - YES!
A pair of earrings AND necklace set – NO!
An ornament - YES!
A set of stitch markers – YES!
A mini notebook – YES!
A set of mini notebooks – NO!
Artwork measuring a total of 4” by 4” or less – YES!
*Note: If you’re trying to determine if your idea qualifies as a tiny thing, ask your friendly swap organizer (oh wait, that’s me ).

Other housekeeping details and what-nots…
1.  I reserve the right to refuse anyone who has a history of multiple instances of poor communication and/or late sending.
2.  Please make at least one post on this thread so I know that you’re getting all messages in the swap thread!
3.  Check the swap thread regularly. Feel free to discuss your OTT and post teasers about what you’re working on.  It’ll be fun to keep everyone guessing!  
4.  Communication is essential!  If you’re having issues with the swap, or if you’re sending late (for whatever reasons), you must contact the organizer.  Poor communication will be noted in your feedback            


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER:
Name of swap: OTT Swap Secret Pal Round 2
Craftster username:
Email address:
Real name and mailing address (including the country):
Please confirm that you are at least 18 years old! (Yes/No)
Do you promise to either have USPS Tracking # (US swappers) or provide proof of shipping in the form of a receipt (non-US swappers)?
Your pinterest, blog, etc. (so your secret pal can learn more about your likes/dislikes)?
Your super secretive alias (pick something fun! )?


IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE, REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR INFO TO ORGANIZER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE AND NOT TO REPLY WITH IT HERE.
Also remember to read the Swap Info Guide to find out how to ship your item and other details about participating in a swap.


LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
1.  suereal
2.  Homerof2
3.  mcook72677
4.  ThriftyLiving4U
5.  gamemom42
6.  Avesthel
7.  SilverMoon
8.  quaggy
9.  teag
10. themuppet
11. pjr107
12. TrickyMcVomit
13. DaisyTattoo
14. pilarfarmer
15. craftADDchick
16. MiLady
17. johnson.mom2two
18. Smeddley
19. Whistley
20. Subee
21. rainysunshine789
22. mariak
23. Jen Sews
24. bec99



PARTNERS!

hippiechick ---> Frankfurter
Frankfurter ---> Super Bad Monkey
Super Bad Monkey ---> Petunia Phoenix
Petunia Phoenix ---> sueUNreal
sueUNreal ---> DidIMakeIt
DidIMakeIt ---> PetuniaPickleButt
PetuniaPickleButt ---> The Cat Whisperer
The Cat Whisperer ---> Shady McBrady
Shady McBrady ---> squeezledorf
squeezledorf ---> Zippy Little Turtle
Zippy Little Turtle ---> Kay Fabe
Kay Fabe ---> Spurs of the Moment
Spurs of the Moment ---> Lady Totally Gaga
Lady Totally Gaga ---> Magoo
Magoo ---> Agent Orange
Agent Orange ---> Hymie Glendale
Hymie Glendale ---> Googly Eyed Giggle
Googly Eyed Giggle ---> Agent Hook, Defender of Yarncropolis
Agent Hook, Defender of Yarncropolis ---> button-in
button-in ---> LabRatt
LabRatt ---> cookies and cream
cookies and cream ---> Combustible head
Combustible head ---> Ned Ryerson
Ned Ryerson ---> hippiechick

made a batch of this for tomorrow's meatless monday lunch  
the original recipe may be found here, but i adapted it to make it work with what i had on hand


8 oz broad egg noodles
1 can straw mushrooms, drained
1 medium eggplant, chopped into 1" cubes
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
3 generous tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups veggie broth
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup french onion dip
1/2 tsp dried parsley


cook noodles per directions on package.

saute eggplant over high heat with butter and olive oil for ~ 5 minutes. 



add mushrooms and cook for additional minute.



add in salt, black pepper and flour mixture and cook for ~ 2 minutes.





add broth and milk mixture, reduce heat and simmer for ~ 7 minutes until the mixture thickens.





add french onion dip and dried parsley, simmer for an additional minute or so.



ladle sauce over cooked egg noodles and serve!

[PARTNERS!]

welcome to the home of awesome OTTs!

swap thread: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=419226.0

PARTNERS!
Sent
Received
Sent & Received
Late, with communication
Late
Done, Profile Updated!


Craft E. Whispers ---> Steph Ascope
Steph Ascope ---> Glitterati
Glitterati --->  MadRatLady
MadRatLady ---> Badabing Badaboom
Badabing Badaboom ---> Harriet the Spy
Harriet the Spy ---> Vanishing Aurora
Vanishing Aurora ---> ConcreteUnderpants
ConcreteUnderpants ---> Brown but Grey Below
Brown but Grey Below ---> Indigo Dawn
Indigo Dawn ---> TattooedHarleyQuinn
TattooedHarleyQuinn ---> GlueQueen
GlueQueen ---> Berylla Boffin of Needlehole
Berylla Boffin of Needlehole ---> Julia Bond
Julia Bond ---> ThisMightBeGemma
ThisMightBeGemma ---> Rusty Shackleford
Rusty Shackleford ---> Agent Zero
Agent Zero ---> Lwaxana Troi
Lwaxana Troi ---> Tardar Sauce
Tardar Sauce ---> Nick McDanger
Nick McDanger ---> Sunny Hillside
Sunny Hillside ---> Zippo the Wonder Slug
Zippo the Wonder Slug ---> pick and mix
pick and mix ---> Inara Sandrine
Inara Sandrine ---> Craft E. Whispers



Master List of Secret Agents  
Avesthel --- Berylla Boffin of Needlehole
aethelberga --- Lwaxana Troi
cabaute --- Tardar Sauce
craftADDchick --- Harriet the Spy
flyraeven --- Inara Sandrine
haroldlovesmaude --- Julia Bond
Homerof2 --- Brown but Grey Below
jennythor --- TattooedHarleyQuinn
luckdragon --- Glitterati
mariak --- pick and mix
MiLady --- Steph Ascope
playswithneedles --- Nick McDanger
RachelStitches --- MadRatLady
RaraAvis --- Rusty Shackleford
RhymeswOrange --- Indigo Dawn
SilverMoon --- ThisMightBeGemma
Smeddley --- Zippo the Wonder Slug
SonjaBoo --- Agent Zero
suereal --- ConcreteUnderpants
Sylvani --- Badabing Badaboom
teag --- GlueQueen
ThriftyLiving4U --- Vanishing Aurora
TrickyMcVomit --- Sunny Hillside
wdicwg --- Craft E. Whispers

[Can you keep a secret? Do you adore OTT swaps? If so, then this might be the perfect low-stress swap for you!!]

Can you keep a secret?  
Do you adore OTT swaps?  
If so, then this might be the perfect low-stress swap for you!!


GALLERY!


Swap name: OTT Swap Secret Pal Edition

Craftster member who is organizing this swap: loves2experiment

Sign-up date range: 01/18/13 through 01/31/13 (or earlier if the swap fills up!)

Date to send item by: February 20, 2013 (Wednesday)

Limited to a certain number of people? 24

Restricted to people who all live in the same country? Nope! Please note that by signing up for this swap you are agreeing to ship internationally if your secret pal lives outside of your country!

Age requirement? Swap participants must be at least 18 years old!

Swap Organizer himself/herself meets these conditions:
- Has fully read the Swap Info Guide: Yes
- Has successfully completed two swaps as a participant: Yes
- Is not organizing more than three swaps right now: Yes
- Will recruit a co-organizer or give all details to a Swap Moderator if this swap has more than 25 participants: Yes
- Is at least 18 years old: Yes

Swap Organizer will check each participant to make sure they meet these conditions:
- Has been a member for at least one month: Yes
- Has posted at least 15 times: Yes
- Has completed one swap successfully before signing up for multiple swaps at a time: Yes
- Is not currently signed up for more than five swaps: Yes
- Does not have any negative feedback: Yes
- Participant has agreed that he/she is at least 18 years old: Yes
- If within the US, understands that Delivery Confirmation number is required for this swap: Yes
- If outside the US, understands that a mailing receipt copy is required for this swap: Yes



DETAILS OF SWAP:
For this swap, you will make ONE (absolutely no extras, please) tiny thing for your secret pal.  Partners will be assigned randomly (no favouritism here!) and done in secrecy (you will need to come up with a super secretive alias ).

In order to figure out what your secret pal would like, feel free to check out his/her Craftster posts, pinterest, blog, and so forth.  If you have specific questions for your secret pal (example: what’s his/her ring size?), you may send them to me and I will try to get answers for you.  Based on your findings, you can then craft something phenomenal for your secret pal.  

The OTT should be something that you can craft with a high level of skill. This tiny thing may be made with any material, and the completed item should measure 4” by 4” or smaller.  

Since you’ll only be crafting and sending one small item, please make every effort to ensure that that you’re making something spectacular that you’ll be proud to receive…something awesome that you know your partner will adore!

Need more examples of things which qualify as ONE tiny item?
A pair of earrings - YES!
A necklace - YES!
A pair of earrings AND necklace set – NO!
An ornament - YES!
A set of stitch markers – YES!
A mini notebook – YES!
A set of mini notebooks – NO!
Artwork measuring a total of 4” by 4” or less – YES!
Note: If you’re trying to determine if your idea qualifies as a tiny thing, ask your friendly swap organizer (oh wait, that’s me ).

Other housekeeping details and what-nots…
1.  I reserve the right to refuse anyone who has a history of multiple instances of poor communication and/or late sending.
2.  Please make at least one post on this thread so I know that you’re getting all messages in the swap thread!
3.  Check the swap thread regularly. Feel free to discuss your OTT and post teasers about what you’re working on.  It’ll be fun to keep everyone guessing!
4.  Communication is essential!  If you’re having issues with the swap, or if you’re sending late (for whatever reasons), you must contact the organizer.  Poor communication will be noted in your feedback            


QUESTIONNAIRE TO ANSWER:
Name of swap: One Tiny Thing Secret Pal Edition
Craftster username:
Email address:
Real name and mailing address (including the country):
Please confirm that you are at least 18 years old! (Yes/No)
Do you promise to either have a DCN or retain proof of shipping (i.e. a receipt)?
Your pinterest, blog, etc. (so your secret pal can learn more about your likes/dislikes)?
Your super secretive alias (pick something fun! )?


IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE, REMEMBER TO SEND YOUR INFO TO ORGANIZER VIA PRIVATE MESSAGE AND NOT TO REPLY WITH IT HERE.
Also remember to read the Swap Info Guide to find out how to ship your item and other details about participating in a swap.


LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
1.  Homerof2
2.  cabaute
3.  MiLady
4.  Sylvani
5.  luckdragon
6.  Smeddley
7.  teag
8.  RachelStitches
9.  Avesthel
10.  suereal
11.  ThriftyLiving4U
12.  SilverMoon
13.  SonjaBoo
14.  craftADDchick
15.  jennythor
16.  playswithneedles
17.  aethelberga
18.  RhymeswOrange
19.  haroldlovesmaude
20.  flyraeven
21.  RaraAvis
22.  TrickyMcVomit
23.  wdicwg
24.  mariak


PARTNERS!
Craft E. Whispers ---> Steph Ascope
Steph Ascope ---> Glitterati
Glitterati --->  MadRatLady
MadRatLady ---> Badabing Badaboom
Badabing Badaboom ---> Harriet the Spy
Harriet the Spy ---> Vanishing Aurora
Vanishing Aurora ---> ConcreteUnderpants
ConcreteUnderpants ---> Brown but Grey Below
Brown but Grey Below ---> Indigo Dawn
Indigo Dawn ---> TattooedHarleyQuinn
TattooedHarleyQuinn ---> GlueQueen
GlueQueen ---> Berylla Boffin of Needlehole
Berylla Boffin of Needlehole ---> Julia Bond
Julia Bond ---> ThisMightBeGemma
ThisMightBeGemma ---> Rusty Shackleford
Rusty Shackleford ---> Agent Zero
Agent Zero ---> Lwaxana Troi
Lwaxana Troi ---> Tardar Sauce
Tardar Sauce ---> Nick McDanger
Nick McDanger ---> Sunny Hillside
Sunny Hillside ---> Zippo the Wonder Slug
Zippo the Wonder Slug ---> pick and mix
pick and mix ---> Inara Sandrine
Inara Sandrine ---> Craft E. Whispers

i adore the ott swap format and would love to host a round of it

usual requirements for ott crafted items, i.e.
* only one item, absolutely no extras
* tiny item should measure 4" by 4" or smaller
* ott should be your best work...something you'll be proud to receive...something you know your partner will love

partners will be assigned randomly (no favouritism here!) and done in secrecy. 
plus you get the added bonus of stalking your partner in a non-creepy fashion. 
you can check out their posts, their pinterests, etc. and based on your findings, make them something phenomenal


wanna play?  let's talk about this!

I don't care much for bananas...but I adore banana bread!

Last evening, we baked 4 loaves and the smell of banana bread baking in the oven is divine!  Banana bread keeps really well in the freezer (we wrap the individual loaves in 2 layers of plastic wrap, 1 layer of foil, and bag it in a zipper bag before throwing them in the freezer) and it's nice to have them on hand for breakfast or when someone stops by for tea   One of my favourite ways to eat them is to pop a slice of it in a toaster oven and add a smidge of butter.  Yum! 



3 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
3 eggs
1 1/4 cups canola oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
10 oz pineapple tidbits, drained
2 cups mashed ripe bananas

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Grease 2 loaf pans and set aside.  In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.  In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil and vanilla together until frothy.  Add pineapple and bananas to wet mixture.  Add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened.  Fill loaf pans and bake for 65 minutes (note: my oven is pokey...it takes about 80 minutes or so to bake both loaves) or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. 

I needed to produce a medium crafted item for a white elephant exchange and after much deliberation, here's what I came up with

Front:



Back:



Thread basted quilt sandwich:



Close-ups of hand quilted sections:




After handwashing and a quick tumble in the dryer...all nice and puckery:



Binding (yup, a different fabric for each edge):



Interior section of the journal:



Inside cover of the journal:



Stitched spine of the journal:



Additional views of the journal:




The cardstock pages were intentionally left blank so that the recipient can do whatever she wants with the journal

I chanced upon this lovely pattern (Spoilt For Choice by Anne Thompson) and knew I needed one for Fall 2012!
I used some alpaca blend sport weight yarn that was in my stash and adjusted my needle size to account for the difference.  The pattern is a series of repeats...and for a longer scarf, I did a total of 7 repeats.



Close-ups:





There are so many possible ways to wear this and I can't wait to experiment.  I already know it'll be awesome as a scarf

Made with hand torn paper and reclaimed leather, and bound with pearl cotton thread.   







And yeah, the book is small!  It measures a mere 1.375" x 1.125" x 0.25"