Lots of Excitement Around Here

We have had some wonderful things happen in our family today!  Here is newborn Britton who almost came before his mommy (or his daddy) was ready.  Welcome, Britton!  I can't wait to meet you.  Grandma will be there on Saturday.  So excited!  So blessed!  So thankful for a healthy daughter and a healthy grandson!  Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Then, I received this totally amazing swap package from Karin in Sweden.  The market bag is so big and sturdy and beautiful!

And check out the cute piggy mug rug she sent!

But I was truly blown away by the artwork on this mini quilt!

Check out Greta's hair!  Oh my!  I am so amazed!  How do  you do thread art that delicate? 

Thank you, Karin, for a wonderful swap package!

And, as if that wasn't enough yummy goodness for one day, I also received this awesome parcel from Linda in Ireland in the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap.  When you've been married as long as I have, new kitchen towels are a real treat.  But check out the mug rug...

The paper pieced leaf is gorgeous, and the hand quilting makes it truly special.

And then there's the back.  Gorgeous flowers.  Hand embroidery.  Oh my!  I'm really not sure which side I like best.

And now that Karin has also received her movie mini, I can share what I made for her.  She said she liked old classic movies, and what is more classic than the Wizard of Oz?  I had lots of ideas...  and then I ran across this poster from the movie....

 and an idea was born.

Here is my version of the Wizard of Oz...

I really had fun with this one.  The covered  button flowers were way fun.  (Sorry for the cockeyed picture - I didn't realize it until I already had the parcel in the envelope ready to mail.)

And the embroidered phrase is my favorite one from the movie, and one that I wouldn't mind having hang on my wall. 

And I really loved making Dorothy's shoes.  They were way fun.  Can you believe I drew them myself?  (I'm not an artist at all, but these actually look like shoes!)

I'm not sure if the back might not be my favorite part of this little quiltie.  These kitties at the movies are just too fun.  Myra at my LQS suggested this fabric.  Ruthie wondered what movie they were watching and someone suggested "All Dogs Go to Heaven".  Cracked me up!

And then, as if I don't have enough to do, in the last 24 hours I have signed up for four more swaps - three Flickr swaps and a private swap.  Oh boy.  They are so fun - and so stressful - at the same time.  But I know in the end, I'll be glad I did them. 

So all in all, it has been an amazing day!  Truly LOTS of excitement around here!