It is no secret that Instagram is BIG. And no secret that the communities formed are supportive and inspirational. And that ig friends become real life friends.
The ‘hashtag’ has become a uniting link. One such hashtag is #saturdaynightcraftalong. Those crafting on a Saturday night around the world post photos of their makes or WIP and add this hashtag to their photo. Crafters who join in are encouraged to follow the hashtag and support others in the community. Crafters can join any Saturday. Or every Saturday.
There are three lovely and dedicated ladies that take the lead and organise this crafty bunch around the world. Rachel @thebarefootcrafter in Australia, Lucy @charmaboutyou in the UK and Meg @myteaandbrie in the USA.
In it’s second year running we have just participated in the #sncaswap2018. 180 crafters globally participated in a secret swap. After completing a few questions and registering your interest on of the organisers sends out your swap partners details. Although the person you create for is not the person you receive from.
Each participant is encouraged to post a mosaic on Instagram. A mosaic is a collection of images and photos to assist your partner with your likes and preferences. Although everyone welcomes the idea of being surprised.
Each crafter had about 5 weeks to make a main item and add one smaller made or purchased item to the package. All packages were to be sent by the end of the first week in December in time for receipt before Christmas. Participants were also encouraged to post progress shots without revealing too much. The element of surprise was paramount. Crafters posted cryptic photos, photos of their wrapping and photos of their postal receipts.
The swap is an opportunity to use colours you normally would not. Try a new pattern. Or create something completely different.
It also a lovely way to connect with your partner and form another ig friendship.
Participants then shared what they received on instagram.
In researching for this post I reviewed all 680 posts [at the time of writing] that had the hashtag #sncaswap2018. The top 3 and the most popular were:
fabric pouch
drawstring bag
mini quilts
Followed by [in random order]:
needle-case
bunting
fobs
thread catcher
fabric bucket
roll and go
sewing organiser
scissor pouch
patchwork doll
patchwork stocking
stitchery cushion
gadget holder
wallets
project bag
scarf
sofa arm sewing caddy
wall hanging
knitted socks
pincushions
mug case
mug warmer
mug rug
cowl
cross stitch decoration
cushion
oven mitt
tea towel
Japanese knot bag
table runner
supply case
bag
fabric baskets
rope basket
wire/bead tree
hoop applique
pillow case
fabric ball
And the mini extras included:
washi tape
tape measure
knitting nancy
badges
pins
decorative pin
scissors
pincushion
lollies
chocolates
charm packs
gingerbread
ribbon
lipstick pincushion
stickers
baking cups
bookmarks
crochet star
fabric star
notepad
Christmas decorations
mug
wallet
keyring
embroidery floss
mug cosy
coasters
hoop pack
lip balm
travel sewing case
Christmas bauble
felt ginger bread decoration
I received this package from the talented and generous Natasha@sewcraftynatasha.
‘Cookies for Santa’ embroidered tea towel and oven mitt
Reindeer and sleigh cookie cutters
Miniature cupcakes, cup and teapot
a beautifully handmade card
And this is the package I sent my partner.
Tara loves amongst other things, drinking tea and reading. So I set about making a tea themed package, ‘a teapot cosy’ pouch and tea cup bookmark. It is the first time I tried the dumpling pouch pattern I found on pinterest
and I designed the teacup bookmark from inspiration of the beautiful Russian beaded brooches I have seen on Instagram.
Carina's Crafts 