What I Gave

I’ve showed you the lovely gifts I received, but not those I sent.

My SSCS partner was Caro in the Netherlands.  I had fun making a table runner using the Lil Twister Ruler and fabrics from Anni Downs’ range.

I’m really happy with the way it turned out and think I may have to make another one for us, as Mick really liked it.

The other gift I sent across the waves was to Lou on the Isle of Man.  I figured you can never have enough little pouches for storing sewing bits and bobs, especially when you will have to be packing everything up for a big move.  They were fun to make.  Of course, tea and Tim Tams never go astray.

I’ve really enjoyed making my handmade gifts this year.

I’ll have to come up with some fresh ideas for next year.

What Lovely Gifts

One of the highlights of Christmas day is receiving lovely handmade gifts. This year I once again joined in Chooky’s Secret Santa Christmas Swap and was thrilled with the gift that came across the ditch from Lyn.

She couldn’t have chosen anything better.  I love table runners and had only commented to Mick the day before that I needed another Christmas table runner.

Lyn must by psychic.

The fabric is great, Christmassy, but not too much so, if you get my drift.

Thanks Lyn and thanks Chooky and Googy Girl for getting us all organised.

The other lovely gift I received came in the post from Lou on the Isle of Man.  It was a brown paper package tied up with string and I forgot to take a photo of it.  I was hoping it may be filled with my favourite things……..OK, enough of the corney jokes.

Well, it was!

Inside was a little box.

This is what was in the box.

But there’s more……..

Lots of my favourite things……buttons, and more buttons, ribbon, a little cross stitch kit, scissors, a seam ripper, poppy thimble and poppy day badge.  It was amazing how much she fitted into the box.  It was loads of fun opening it all.  Thanks so much Lou.

While I’m at it, I’ll show you a couple of my special decorations that are new this year.

Firstly the little wreath from Lou’s box of goodies.

Then the bauble she made from Christmas cards.  A great way of upcycling and pretty to boot.

I bought this little birdy when I was visiting Lou earlier this year.  There are  couple of rather tasty shops just up the road from where she lives.  I have a feeling that some of my gifties came from one of them.)

I’ve saved the best till last.  This was a gift from Lou when we visited her earlier in the year. It is just gorgeous. A truly beautiful interpretation of the Legs of Man.

Merry Christmas

After a couple of rather chaotic weeks leading up to Christmas the day has arrived. 

We had a very enjoyable day with family and the weather was cool, with gentle rain.  Quite a contrast to earlier in the week when the temperature reached the high 30s each day. Of course, we ate far too much and have lots of leftovers for the next few days.

I have received some lovely  gifts which I will share shortly.

My little tree was covered with hand made ornaments and others that have been special gifts.  I think I may have to invest in a larger tree next year to accommodate the growing collection.  All have such wonderful meaning.

Our mantle piece looked lovely and festive.  The house is a sweet advent calendar sent by our good friend Lou from the Isle of Man.  It is a lovely addition to our Christmas.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas with those you love.

Santa Has Landed

Mick called me at work this afternoon to tell me that a “Squishy Parcel” had arrived for me.  He wouldn’t tell me where it was from except that it was from “an island”.  I had to come home to find out more. That’s one way to get me to leave work on time.

My parcel was posted by Lyn on the south island of New Zealand.  I’ve never received mail from NZ before.   Likewise, I hadn’t discovered Lyn’s blog previously, so will have fun doing some reading.

Anyway, now for the big reveal, or should I say small reveal.

Isn’t the ornament gorgeous.  It is hanging on my pantry door until I put the tree up. The fabric is cute and the choccies were yummy. (Note the past tense, they are gone now.)  Now I have to be strong and not touch the other present till the big day.

Thanks Chooky and Googy for arranging the SSCS swap.  It’s been great to be involved again this year.

Safe Arrival

I’m pleased to be able to advise that the parcel I sent all the way to Caro in the Netherlands for Chooky’s Secret Santa Christmas Swap has arrived safe and sound.  Phew!  We always send them off on a wing and a prayer.

This is the little ornament I made this year.

You can pop over to Caro’s blog and have a bit of a look a around.  She does lots of interesting sewing and visits amazing places.  I’ve really enjoyed discovering her blog.

I’m now eager to receive the gift winging its way over here.  Such a fun part of the lead up to Christmas.