Even though I am from Iowa, and my partner is from France, she has visited Iowa many times! In fact, she told me that she and her husband want to retire in Iowa one day. While getting to know each other, she told me that the first quilt she made was a Log Cabin design. I learned that not only does she still like the Log Cabin pattern, she also likes Flying Geese. Since these are also two of my favorite patterns, I wanted to use these in my exchange quilt. One of her favorite fabric designers is Kaffe Fassett. I had never worked with his fabric as I just couldn’t imagine them working in a mini quilt, but not only did I want to make something my partner would love, I saw this as a chance to broaden my horizons. I am very happy with the result and am glad I chose to step out of my comfort zone. I purchased most of the Kaffe fabrics during a bus trip to Missouri Star Quilts – which is a place my partner actually visited before I did (and she filled me in on the “must see attractions” before I went)! I have participated in a lot of quilt swaps but usually they are “secret or blind swaps”. I really enjoyed being able to talk to my partner before and during this one, to ensure I was making something she will love by using colors, fabric, and a pattern that fit her tastes.