Secret Santa Swap

I should just put it out there that I’m horrible at keeping secrets.  HORRIBLE!  The Indy Modern Quilt Guild hosted a Sneaky Santa swap this year.  We went through an automated service that randomly assigns you to people.  The system matched me with one of my best friends Rachael.  I knew almost immediately what I wanted to make, but had to be extra sneaky about it.

A little about Rachael

Rachael wanted something supporting feminism as she helps run a global non profit focused on the needs of women.  Have you heard of Support the Girls?  My wonderful friend had a goal a couple of years ago to collect 3500 bras to celebrate her 35th birthday.  She exceeded that goal in first few months.  She is helping to lead the change on how women can have access to undergarments and menstrual products.  Here basement is usually stuffed with bras, tampons, and pads.  Okay, she usually have bras all over her house.  I am proud of the work she is doing and the lives she is impacting.

You can read about more about her story here, here, and here.

There is no stopping this woman.

I wanted to make her a bra pot holder.  I was almost certain she didn’t have bras in her kitchen.  Over the weekend she informed me she did actually have some in her kitchen right now.  Of course!  In my research I found this paper piece pattern for a bra.  Thank goodness for secret boards on Pinterest.  We follow each other on social media, Pinterest, and usually ride to guild meetings together.  Plus we live around a mile from each other, it’s not unusual for us to pop over to each other’s houses.  I had it worked out with another member to run the package over to her house before the meeting so she could bring it.

The bra took no time to make.  I backed it in a bold print and shared this photo on Instagram of the back.

Sneak peek of my Santa Swap item for the #imqgsecretsanta. I can show you the rest on Sunday.

A post shared by tisha nagel (@quiltytherapy) on

The finished product

Rachael guessed it was a house and immediately thought it was for her.  She had part of it correct.  When she opened it Sunday she saw the back and was excited.  She turned it over and saw this.

 

 

She loves it!!!  It was perfect for her.  So glad I got her and kept the secret to surprise her.

Sometimes your friend just gets you. #miniquilt #braquilt #imqg @quiltytherapy

A post shared by Rachael Adele Heger (@rachaelheger) on

 

 

Watching everyone open their gift and guess the maker was fun.  It’s a great way to learn about other’s in your guild and be creative.  Has your guild done anything similar?


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