hi everyone, ha ha, well I was so excited that someone actually saw my blog! these pics are of the summer vacation swap that Shawnee, http://flirtyapronswap.blogspot.com hosted. I thought I gave my swap partner a hard assignment, but she (jean) of http://quiltingranny.blogspot.com/ did a super job! My dream vacation was to either go to new england in the fall or Ireland. the apron represents my fall vacation, but Jean also included some travel brochures from Ireland and (I forgot the mention this on the swap blog) a handmade recipe and sayings booklet representing both vacations! she really, really brightened my day. I got it just a couple of days after having to go back to work. In July I had a "surprise" surgery, but got 6 wonderful restive weeks at home. it was really hard to go back to work, harder than last year after my gastric bypass surgery. I have a crazy stressful job and this time I was not allowed to call work and they couldn't call me! too funny, but I really got to rest and recuperate. anyway getting this package really cheered me up. be back soon with pictures of the apron for my partner.
well I'm finished with the apron and accessories for swap partner. it's going out late, but I really wanted to get the zippered bags done. last night I was getting them finished when one broke, so I finished them tonight. I made the apron from th "funked out apron" pattern. I had to make some changes but I think it came out really cool. i made two potholders (with the batting made to withstand heat) and two zippered bags. I hope she likes them and doesn't mind that they are late. 
![[PayItForward.jpg]](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WK8tHOOKOks/SajQ8X_jBTI/AAAAAAAAAKU/LMAgMQmm-mU/s1600/PayItForward.jpg)
