A village for my couch

Not too long ago, Nova made a novel suggestion on her blog. She had made a delightful pillow in the summer (well, I guess it was actually during her winter, seeing as she's 'down-under') but felt that it really belonged in someone else's home.  Nova posted photos of her creation and asked if anyone would be interested in swapping her for it. Hello?

I have a red couch!
I live in a cute little cottage!
I love hand-stitching!
I adore screen-printed fabrics!
Swapping is in my genes!

I was perfectly qualified for this swap! When Nova informed me a few days later that I was the lucky, randomly chosen swapper, I believe I let out a little whoop.  Look what's living on my couch already!

Although I've participated in umpteen swaps over the past 2 years, the Pillow Talk Swap is one that never seems to start up at the right time for me and I've missed out several rounds. Now that this little honey is here, I'm not sure a more perfect pillow could ever be made.  The pillow cover is 20", but I only had an 18" on hand. I couldn't wait for a run to the store, so I stuffed a whopping handful of fibrefill into each corner and put the 18" form inside. It's perfect!! Nice and squishy without being overstuffed and straining at the seams. I think this might be my new pillow strategy.

And that sneaky Nova even included a fun mug rug for me that really made me laugh.  I'm sure it was over a year ago that she posted a couple of flag mug rugs she'd made for swaps and I took the liberty of sending her a Canadian Flag graphic. You know, just in case.  Haha! She remembered and sent this sweetly stitched maple leaf, too.

There are some super-special Aussie screen prints on the back (but sadly, my photo is blurry. Check out Nova's pic here).  Like their stellar embroidery skills, the Aussie's seem to have an unusually full talent pool in the screen printing department. I definitely know what I'll be after should I ever make it to the land of Koala's and Blundstone's!

Thank you so much Nova.  I'm just thrilled to have some of your beautiful work in my home. We all just love our new pillow (and much to my relief, the dog has not taken any interest in the pompom trim, which I was rather worried about).

I'll soon complete my side of the swap bargain and show you what's heading down to Nova!