Earlier this year, Ros at Sew Delicious hosted the Sweet Pouch Swap. I received the most amazing zippered pouch in Central Park full of delicious Mexican treats, Hershey’s and Kate Spain products from Ruthie at Thread Of Hearts. Due to a sudden trip back to Australia, I had to pull out of making something for my original swap partner, but instead was able to make an angel pouch and sent a HST chevron zippered pouch stuffed full of some Japanese lollies and chocolates to Hawaii!
The Swap was a fabulous success and I’m super excited to announce that it’s happening again – right here at Blossom Heart Quilts! Ros has passed on the torch along with some important lessons learned, so this time it will be slightly different in the organisation, but still super fun and full of sweet treats! I will have all the full details on Monday, but here’s just some quick info to whet your appetite…
The Sweet Pouch Swap involves making a pouch (zippered, drawstring bag, similar) for a partner and filling it with some local sweet treats – chocolates, lollies/candy, etc. Simple, delicious, and including a little note or postcard from your local area would make it even more special!
This time around, it will be an open swap – meaning I will assign you into pairs and you will be able to email your partner directly to ask any further clarifying questions about likes/dislikes, and it will help with keeping some accountability in the swap too. Sign ups will open on Monday at 7pm Japan Standard Time, and will be limited to the first 100 people. Any more and the amount of organisation starts to get a little crazy, sorry! There will be an option to not send internationally if postage costs are prohibitive, but part of the fun is getting sweet treats from aboard, so please consider being willing to send internationally!
Anybody is welcome to join! Whether you’re a first-timer to zips or make zippered pouches for a living, this swap is for you! Check out the Sweet Pouch Swap Pinterest board or the Sweet Pouch Swap Flickr group for fabulous ideas. I will share some fabulous tutorials from around the web next week to get you inspired and your creative juices flowing. This kind of swap is a great chance to try out a new pattern or technique you’ve been meaning to try!
So who’s keen?!
Molli Sparkles says
Is it wrong to want to do this for the international sweet treats alone?
Alyce says
Hehe, if I get to assign myself into the mix I’m sooo choosing an American partner and requesting Ghiradelli’s Peppermint Bark!! Assuming that’s not Christmas-specific release only…
Kelly G says
OOOOOO – How exciting is this! I sew can’t wait to join in on this one.
And no Molli – I think some international sweets only seem to sweeten the deal all the more!
Hmmm, off to start getting those rusty cloggs turning! LOL
I think it is a wonderful thing that you are planning on playing host Alyce! A big round of applause to you!
Alyce says
Hehe, an inbuilt bribing system 😉
Bron @ Stop That Owl says
Hmmm, I’m happy with the standard my zips are at, when I’m making something for me. But I think the sweet payoff would be worth the extra care I’d have to take when making something for someone else. Sounds like a great idea. 🙂
Alyce says
You can make any kind of pouch too! Drawstring bags are also a valid option.
DeborahGun says
This sounds really fun – although I haven’t participated in any swaps yet because I am always worried my partner will be disappointed. I had better get practicing at making some pouches!
Alyce says
I’ve done a few and that’s still always a worry for me too! You’ll be fine 🙂
gina says
Sounds fun Alyce! You are definitely the hostess with the mostess
Alyce says
Insane-est would be more accurate, haha!
Audrey says
This sounds super fun! I’ve never done a swap before, and I’m both terrified and excited by the idea. 🙂
Alyce says
You would be fabulous , Audrey!!
Lynne says
Sounds like great fun and I have the perfect little drawstring origami pouch for it too!! Have never participated in anything like this before 🙂
Alyce says
Oooh, that sounds gorgeous!!
Ros says
Yay!! I’m so excited that it’s back! It will be lovely to sit back and enjoy it as a participant! I’m thinking I’ll do some fun patchwork 🙂 Count me in!
Alyce says
I’m glad you can just sit and “relax” 🙂
Sheila says
I’m in!!
Alyce says
Yay!
Jessica says
This looks great! Save me a spot LOL I know you can’t do that!
Alyce says
Haha, I’m doing it mentally, does that count?!
Stephanie @ Quarter Incher says
I’m in! Can’t wait for sign up!
Alyce says
Yay, welcome aboard!
Paula says
This sounds like great fun. I’ll definitely try and sign up for this one.
Alyce says
Good luck!! 🙂
Stacey Napier says
You had me at sweet!
Alyce says
Nom nom nom!
Gwendellyn says
This sounds like the cutest swap ever! I have to join ♥ One of my favorite things about traveling is international sweets!
Alyce says
Hehe, the best thing about living internationally is having a good excuse to try them allllll out 😉
Gwendellyn says
When I was in Japan, I definitely treated myself, ah, often, to snacks, candy, and ICE CREAM!! For some reason, I found Japanese ice cream way more delicious than American, what is that? No idea how it compares to Australian ice cream, though c: Even just “milk” flavor $1 ice pops. Why don’t we have milk flavor here? It’s delicious!
Alyce says
I don’t know what it is either, but I agree – all the icecream I’ve tried has been delicious! And cheap too compared to Australia.
Marie G says
Love this idea! Should be great fun!
Alyce says
I hope so too!
Jessica says
I would love to join in! I would love a Canadian for some Junior Mints!
Alyce says
Haha, I’ll see what I can do 😉
Catherine says
hi Alyce, I just got Ros’ newsletter about the swap in my email this morning – I am SO excited! I met Ros through a Secret Santa Swap last year, and we’ve kept in email contact. I took part in her Sweet Pouch Swap earlier this year – I’m so happy that you will be coordinating the next round!
I’ve already checked the time difference between Tokyo and Brisbane, so I’m ready to register tonight! Have a good day, and thanks so much for coordinating the swap. Catherine
Alyce says
Welcome aboard! Ros is so beautiful, and it’s been a pleasure working with her to set this round up! And yep, barely any difference 🙂
Jane says
I totally want to join in. Will be stalking for 7pm Japan time! (better work out what that is in Melbourne).
Alyce says
Yay, you made it!
Mara says
I hadn’t even thought of requesting an American swap partner, boy would I like that especially if they sent some Hot Tamales my all time favorite candy that can’t be found in Greece.
Alyce says
Haha, there’s a plethora of Americans, so I’m pretty sure the chances are very high of this happening naturally anyway!!
Madeline says
This sounds Leo fun….how do I join?
Alyce says
Sign ups opened last night and were filled in 5 hours! Sorry!
stacy says
It’s a great idea ! and I would like so much to do this swap if possible, but when it’s for ?
Hugs