bluecornflower

Update 23/2/13: I have been away from Swap-bot for a few years now. I have changed countries, and moved from Ireland to New Zealand. I am interested in getting back into swapping, it is a lot more expensive here to post things, so I may be doing this on a very small scale.

Hi I am Rochelle and I have lived in London, ande in Co Donegal in Ireland. I am now back living in Auckland, New Zealand where I grew up.

I am married and have a son Max who is 8 years old and autistic, and loves to help me make things. I work full time.

I joined swap bot back in November 2008 and quickly became addicted! Since I joined I have been doing lots of machine sewing and cross stitch making all sorts of new projects which has been great. The best thing is that I have also made lots of friends already through swapbot!

I promise to rate you as soon as I receive your swap (that day or next day at the latest). I always send my swaps out on time, usually earlier. I recycle packaging in a not too obvious way.

I have now got my mum onto swapbot, she is @calicocat here. Welcome mum!

Thanks to my recent visit by my mother and a trip to a Quilting show, I now have a new interest - quilting! I have yet to make my first quilt, I have all the things to start, just need to find the time now! I have been cross stitching and sewing since the age of 10. I used to be able to knit and crochet, but I am afraid that I have forgotten how to! I would love to learn to crochet again. My main hobbies are sewing, cross stitch, making Christmas ornaments, and I have just discovered a new skill at making dotee dolls! I would like to start making fabric inchies and ATCs in the future, I have seen some great examples on flickr which have inspired me to start!

Gilmore Girls, CSI, Cold Case, any BBC Jane Austen or Bronte historical costume dramas.

Amelie, Gosford Park, O Brother Where Art Thou, Three Weddings & a Funeral, Fried Green Tomatoes

• Favourite colours - I like most colours, I prefer bright or pastel colours to dark colours for crafting.
• Favourite fabrics - anything cotton, I am not fussy! I love gingham, polka dots, florals, tea cups, mushrooms, gingham, trees, owls fabrics
• I like Tanya Whelan, Amy Butler type designers
• I like blues, reds, greens, yellows, pinks, yellows, creams ...
• Favourite place to be - forests and beaches. I like walking and collecting shells, stones, driftwood and sea glass
• Favourite mail - handmade things that someone has made for me, and craft supplies!
• Favourite time of the day - waking up to a beaming 8 year old's smile every morning!

• Anything bright blue for Max!
• Small Note cards
• DMC threads (esp varigated/unusual ones)
• Buttons (incl odd ones, vintage, unusual ones!)
• Fabric, fabric, fabric - cotton, velvet, felt - small pieces for crafts
• Ribbons
• Patterns - bags, all shapes and sizes!
• Holly Hobbie - the original 70s version in blue patchwork.
• sea glass/beach glass - weathered by sea and sand
• blank recipe cards (can't seem to find these here)
• biscornu patterns/links
• Wall planner/organiser/diary ideas to get me better organised!

I thought I would make a list of some of the fantastic things I have received here. This is not a complete list so please don't be insulted if I haven't included you! I especially like handmade things:

• @sewsouthern sent me a giant pincushion which is in daily use, and that I can't do without!

• @beancounter sent me a beautiful patchwork pincushion that I use for my special decorative pins

• @JacquiMcR sent me a beautiful handmade craft bag with little houses handsewn on the side

• Thank you to everyone who has sent me such fantastic parcels, @cllfdl @bluelily @heidistitches @secretsheep to name but a few!

• Star Wars
• Sharks
• Dinosaurs
• Lego