Monday, December 26, 2011

Crafty Christmas goodies

Look at the lovely gifts I received in Christmas swaps - lucky me!

This gorgeous quilt was looking so great on the back of my couch yesterday (it's stretched out for the photo) and was lovely to snuggle under earlier this afternoon on a much cooler daythan yesterday while I was reading and watching the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
The top is cotton and the colours are fresh and summery; the back is minky, I think, in lime green. It looks so nice against the green walls in this room.

The quilt is my gift in Chookyblue's Secret Santa Christmas swap and was made for me by Melinda in Marietta, Georgia. She knows I love it.
  For the past I-don't-know-how-many years, I've been a member of an online group of lovely women from various Australian states, who love crafting and make beautiful things. I won't be rejoining the group next year, but plan to make more things for my home (new cushions are urgently needed!) so this year's Christmas swap is doubly special.
Dawnie made me these lovely things  - the sweet little Christmas pudding needlecase, the pretty journal cover with lovely Barb Smith buttons, the handy zipped pouch, the sweet little pincushion and that gorgeous "Love to sew" bag.

Thank you again, Dawnie - I appreciate every stitch.
 I wasn't idle, I promise - I won't show what I made for one swap partner, who hasn't posted yet, but these are the gifts I sent to May Kristin in Norway, my partner in the SSCS - the Christmas ornament, which she was allowed to open as soon as she received the parcel, and this table runner, in summery colours to send a bit of sunshine her way.
We swapped Christmas email messages this morning; it's so nice to know that these gifts are a link between strangers across the world, and to learn a little about each other's lives.
I've had a very happy crafty Christmas! (and it was nice in lots of other ways, too - helping prepare for a big community Christmas lunch at my DH's church, a barbecue lunch  in our sunny backyard, a lovely chat on the phone with our daughter in China, gorgeous gifts from family and friends and just relaxing - so special.)


12 comments:

Christine M said...

The quilt is lovely Jan. How lucky are you to receive that! All your other gifts are gorgeous too.

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Jan you are one lucky girl love your presents and what you have made for May Kristen, gorgeous...

Lorraine said...

Lovely gift from your SSCS partner.....it's a great swap to participate in. Happy new year to you!

Unknown said...

What a Beautiful Pressie...Happy New Year to You Jan.
cheers

Bizzy Martine said...

Lovely presents!!!

De said...

Gorgeous gifts Jan - that quilt looks so snuggly. Keep in touch

DAWNIE said...

Wow what a gorgeous quilt - you are just soo lucky. Glad you like the pressies I did for you. It kept me busy for a few weeks. Your christmas ornament sent also is lovely

Chookyblue...... said...

lovely gifts both sent and recived for the SSCS..........thanks for being part of the SSCS this year.......

Dawnie sent you a lovely parcel of goodies.........we'll miss you in the group but I know we will keep up online.........

Lynn said...

I saw your sscs on Chookyblue's gift roundup. Just wanted to say I how much liked it, what a cute pattern!

May Kristin said...

Thank you Jan for sending me some sunshine! :-)
It's now on the wall in my sewingroom!
You really got some wonderful gifts from Dawnie! Enjoy them!
Wish you a Happy New Year!

Gemma said...

Oh wow, that is stunning! Your a very lucky lady!

A Spoonful Of Sugar said...

What lovely swap goodies, given and received!

Hope you have an extra special 2012!