The last few days stuff...

It sure seems like the days are only 12 hours long instead of 24. They just whizz by. Thought I would show you one more photo of the black and white bag. This is the tote pattern by Penny Sturges at Quilts Illustrated.
I also made her a pin cushion and tissue holder.

On the way home the other day going past a canal I happened to notice some odd ducks swimming. I was only a couple blocks from home so got the camera and took off. A wonderful treat for me. A pair of Hooded Mergansers!!! Lifers for my list. Oh, that means this is the first time I've ever seen them. I'm a birdwatcher and have several hundred on my list in my lifetime of keeping track. I wish the male had been displaying. If he had then his feathers on his head would have been standing up in a wonderful hairdo. Here they are.
This guy just cracks me up. I love them! This is a Wood Stork. He is showing off for a potential mate. Isn't he beautiful?

And, last but not least, I thought I would show you a few of my snowmen and a little reindeer I made the other day. Hmmm, should have used brown thread! LOL He's a cutie. (This one now lives at my daughter's home) I'm off to make a herd of them. TA...

Pincushion Swap and Angel Swap

The pin cushion is for my partner in a pin cushion swap on an online group. The top has a yo-yo that matches the bottom of the pincushion and a pretty jeweled button. It is tacked to a candle holder. I added a few fat quarters to help steady it in the box. :) Edit: Monday,the 6th. I received Connie's pin cushion today. Here is her pretty one for me.
The bag and other things below is what I made for my partner in a secret angel swap. I made her a travel kit consisting of the tote, tissue holder, zippered pouch, travel case for mini cutting board (included) with a pin from our quilt shop here in town and a heart shaped needle case that I designed. I also added a needle threader, 3 heart pins, M&M calender for the next year, and a pumpkin cookie! I sure hope she likes her gift. UPDATE: Sharon of Red Geranium Cottage opened her gift and said she was very happy!

Polka Dot and Rick Rack Swap

Sharon at the Red Geranium Cottage is hosting this swap. My partner doesn't know who she is yet. This is what I've made. The pincushion and handbag. On the handbag, the longer handle slips through the shorter one. It's so cute! The free pattern is here. I decided to throw in a few little goodies too. The little halloween bear, some scrapbooking borders, ribbon, coasters, notebook and a couple of dotted fat quarters. Sure hope she likes her gift!