Well after several weeks absence due to the fact that my laptop "died" just before xmas, I am back in the land of the living with a new one. Still learning how to drive it, and it will not download photos from my camera, which is getting a bit old in the tooth, so I've downloaded them to a disc and hopefully that will work.
We have been moving house so not a lot of sewing to show. And I know you will have all put xmas behind you, but I have some lovely swap gifts that I havn't been able to show you -
The most gorgeous tablerunner from Leanne, who was my partner in Cheryll's Santa Sack swap.
Also from Leanne - the most beautiful mat and some tea and coffee bags
Sorry the quality of the photos from the disc are not great - also from Leanne, a beautiful lavender scented hanger, a "Merry Christmas" decoration to hang, and something I can't wait to try some 1-1/2" hexagon papers and two packs of yummy 2" fabrics - perfect for hexagons.
Thankyou so much Leanne. I did so love my beautiful gifts and my apologies for not being able to show these earlier. Loved being your partner in the Santa Sack swap.
Julie, my partner in Mrs Martins Quilt Shop "Let's Celebrate" swap sent me two gorgeous placemats for my xmas gift.
They are a "Viv's Creations" pattern, which was very appropriate, and I just love them Julie.
Also spoilt with some yummy Lindt teddy chocolates and a gorgeous snowman button. As well as a beautiful xmas pate knife, which you can't see in this photo. Will miss our swaps Julie - you were such a wonderful, generous partner and your stitching so beautiful.
I also participated in Suzanne's secret santa swap this year from Colorado Lady blog. My partner was Sharon. How gorgeous is this - think Sharon was doing some secret research - love it Sharon.
Love Kathy Reichs books, and I had not read this one Sharon. She added some nail polish as well.
Sharon also added some Chrissy serviettes and a beautiful hanger and some schmackos for my very spoilt dogs. Thankyou Sharon - you were such a lovely, thoughtful partner. I will treasure my gifts.
My gorgeous friend Shez sent me this lovely set - xmas handtowel in my favourite colors and a gorgeous decoration for my "handmade" tree. Had admired your beasutiful sets often Shez - so thrilled to have my own beautiful ones.
Another one of my special friends, Barb and I had a one on one xmas swap (our favourite subject) and this was the most beautiful wallhanging Barb made for me. Think I recognise the very cute design. She knows my love of snowmen - just perfect, thankyou Barb I love it.
And there was more - very cute snowmen serviettes, Ho Ho cupcake papers - which my granddaughter and I had fun baking, and some yummy shortbread.
Barb knows I love xmas tins and boxes and how gorgeous is this snowflake one, filled with lollies and inside she had added the most gorgeous snowman tealight burner. Thankyou so very much Barb - loved ALL my most beautiful gifts - you spoilt me rotten.
I'm sorry this post has been long - I had lots to catch up on. Thankyou to all my dear friends for your phone calls and emails last week making sure we were safe during the terrible bushfires in the beautiful Grampians National Park and Black Range State Park, both of which are on my doorstep. The Grampians fire is now contained and the town of Halls Gap has re-opened. The Black Range fire is still burning and only 6 kms away - they just get it under control and it jumps containment lines. Luckily the temperatures are back to 30 deg and not the 40s of last week. The following photo was taken from my front verandah on Friday
So lovely to be back. Cheryl