Shan

I live on the sunny gulf shore of Florida, have four cats, an 80 lb dog and boyfriend who recently became a fiance. I keep two websites; one is an everyday blog, and the other is turorials for sewing projects. For a quick response feel free to contact me via direct e-mail rather than the swap-bot form. I can always answer an e-mail from work but cannot always log in to Swap-Bot. My address [email protected] If you are looking for information on a specific swap, scroll to the last entry.

I dabble in several crafts but I always seem to return to sewing. I have a buldging fabric stash but I always welcome more. I like natural fibers and most any color or pattern but don't care too much for 'novelty fabrics'(abstract patterns are more my style). I generally sew tote bags, purses, journal covers and other useful items (plus the occasional Halloween costume). I am facinated by Japanese crafts, particularly the useful items. I also make greeting cards and always enjoy pretty paper. I'd like to learn more about paper embossing. I am currently taking classes in lampwork bead making - facinating! There are other crafts I tinker with from time to time as well: embroidery & crewel work, drawing, painting. I don't do any of them well, but I still enjoy them.

I love a good chick flick or an old romance, but you are most likly to find me watching an action, sci-fi, or animated movie.

I am a fantsy reader, I guess I never really grew up - heh. Some favorites are the Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey, and the Farseer series by Robin Hobb. I'm also addicted to magazines ... especially craft, decorating and cooking magazines.

It's easier to say what kind of music I don't like as opposed to what kind I do. No rap for me. Folk, rock, classic rock, modern, classical ..all good especially if it's something I can sing with in the car.

Food and I have a long and stormy relationship. I love to cook, and love to eat but I don't love what I see in the mirror. I'm dieting now, but still believe dark chocolate its own food group. I drink tea, not coffee ... wine, not beer. I love new, unusual spices & spice blends and interesting recipes. Feel free to share one of your family favorites.

• candles
• lip balm
• hand lotion
• soap
• tea (loose or bagged)
• chocolate, especially dark & semi-sweet
• fabric
• sewing notions (fray check, seam rippers, seamstress chalk, etc)
• paper & card stock
• stationary & note cards
• clean (like cotton or soap) scents
• herbal scents (rosemary/mint, patchouli)
• colors ... deep reds are a favorite
• french hook earrings
• Mod or retro things (I'm more modern than country-heh)
• Spices (especially those not common to the US)
• Vintage needle books

• coconut
• overly strong or perfumy scents
• big jewelry
• strawberries
• coffee

This info is offered as an aid only, In no way do I intend this to be 'picky-ness' or fast rules to be followed. I believe it should always be the sender's creativity that drives a swap, and not a laundry list of "I Wants" from the recipient. Swaps should be fun for both parties.

** Pincushion ** My only request is that it be one I can use...because believe me I will. I have one from another swap that I simply adore, but whatever its stuffed with is so hard you can hardly drive a pin into it - heh. Practical is better than pretty for me :-)