meant to be.

I think it is safe to say, that if you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I love to barter.  I am a stay at home, home school mom, with no income.  Oh, and I love to quilt.  You do the math.  (wink) 
With no desire to put my family into unnecessary debt and a deep desire to create lovely quilts, I knew I needed to come up with a plan.  I have been creating jewelry for many years now.  I typically sell in town, or one on one.  My favorite creations have been personal ones.  To remember a dear deceased dad, to usher in the miracle of a new baby, a special way of saying "I love you" to a wife ... those are the jewelry pieces that bring me the most pleasure.  And those orders trickle in from time to time.  I do however have a surplus of other pieces that slowly I have been able to trade for fabric.  

Back in September of 2010, Mary and I made a trade.  Amongst her lovely fabrics, was 3 yards of Rural Jardin by French General.  In my favorite colors.  I could hardly wait to use it.  So I tucked it away.  Waiting for just the right plan.  Imagine my delight when Ms. Betty Lou and I agreed on a trade, and her portion was a 12 pack of Rural Jardin fat quarters!!  My mind has been racing the past few days ... trying to decide what to create, that would use every stitch of this lovely fabric.  I don't want to waste a single thread.

And how cute is this card!!  

I adore those sweet polka dots!

Thank you so much Ms. Betty Lou.  I will cherish the fabric and am so glad that you love your new bracelet and little tissue pack.  It has been a real joy trading with you.