I hope all my quilting frinds are enjoying a lovely Christmas. I took part in a couple of swaps this year that have added to the fun of Christmas Day.
The first swap I joined was a "secret" swap organised by
Maree - each person was assigned someone to send a Christmas parcel to, and they received a parcel from a third person but no one knew who was who until today. There was a list of 5 things that had to be included in the gift - something handmade, something smelly, something to eat, something Christmassy, something for the studio. My parcel came from Marina at
Maisie and the Boys and she has really spoilt me. This parcel contained the most beautiful Christmas wallhanging, a very cute scissor keeper (I think I might have to work out how to make these), a cup cake pin cushion, chocolates, a magazine (this is next on my to do list with a cup of coffee).
One of the little extras in this parcel is an old wooden cotton reel. What Marina couldn't have known is that I am collecting these to fill a vase, and she even sent my favourite brand, Sylko. One of the things of love about these old threads is that the colours have names. Marina sent "Coral Pink" which I will add to my collection below.
I had had so much fun putting together my first swap that when Kiwi Quilts announced a Christmas Swap I signed up for that too. This one was a little easier - a quilty item, fabric and something Christmassy, and it only had to be posted in New Zealand. My lovely partner was Elaine and she must have had some sort of sixth sense because she she sent an enormous pin cushion with pockets, and tucked into one of this was a beautiful pair of scissors with a tiny little version of version cushion attached. I must have said a dozen times this year "I love pincushions". The chocolates in the parcel even had 2 Golden Retreiver puppies on - now my boys are well into middle age but she couldn't have chosen a more appropriate image. And she popped it all in a stocking, which is wonderful because I've been looking at stockings lately... theres a 2011 swap you see ;o)
My friend Carolyn popped in yesterday and surprised me with a gift. She has made this clever little folder which contains an ironing mat and cutting board.
In receving all these lovely things I am, as always, overwhelmed by the cleverness of other people! Everyone's work is so beautiful and it is such a pleasure to receive.
On a non-quilty note we had the most delicious asparagus at lunch today.
Merry Christmas everyone.
