Saturday, March 7, 2015

Year Of The Sheep

Why are there not more exchanges out there in blogland?  I remember the days when I was participating in 40+ exchanges each year.  Yes, that was probably too many.  Thanks to Carol S. I am able to exchange at least 10-12 times a year.  She continues to manage the HOE exchange board, organize exchanges, and ensure that all goes smoothly.  I am hugely grateful for all she does to keep that exchange board up and running.  Thanks, Carol!

Edgar organized the latest HOE Exchange (Thanks, Edgar).  He came up with a clever theme in celebration of the 8th Chinese Zodiac sign: The Sheep.  Today I received a package sent from Singapore by Angela N.  She stitched this wonderful pillow ornament that now adorns my year round needlework tree…

2015 HOE Year of the Sheep
Designer: Primitive Hare
Stitched by: Angela N.

Did you know that Imbolc is a Gaelic festival, held in February 1st, marking the beginning of spring? 

This is such a lovely Primitive Hare design, which is perfectly stitched and finished! 

Angela also treated me to a pretty sheep ornament that she purchased in Chinatown, a colorful Ram cut out, a fat quarter of fabric, and a small sac filled with buttons and charms. These will be perfect for my future finishing projects. Thank you so much, Angela.  Your thoughtfulness and generosity are deeply appreciated.



For those of you born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015 you were born under the most creative sign on the Chinese Zodiac, the sheep. If you're interested in reading more about the meaning, traits, and predictions for this zodiac sign click HERE.

In the Northeast it may look and feel like winter, but I know that spring is on its way.  Why? Because Easter Peeps are out in the stores.  Thanks to Edgar, who posted about this years limited edition peeps, I rushed out, but failed to locate the ones he posted about.  Rather than walk away empty handed I allowed my lack of willpower to take over and I purchased a 3 pack of the chocolate bottom peeps.  Much like Edgar, I love peeps! I almost forgot to snap a picture before devouring all three. 


My DS is here with a friend for a ski weekend and I expect that they will be rolling in anytime so I am off to prepare something for them to snack on before  we head to dinner tonight. 

Thank you for stopping by.
Until next time…

7 comments:

Robin in Virginia said...

What a lovely exchange you received! I really like the sheep design that was stitched for you! Enjoy your Peeps!

Robin in Virginia

Anonymous said...

very cute finish

Vickie said...

A very nice exchange indeed!
Enjoy your time with your son.

Dani - tkdchick said...

What a great exchange!!! And what a great theme.

I think there aren't as many anymore because many of us have been burned by either not receiving an exchange in the end or receiving something that well really the skill level is just abominable especially for an advanced stitcher to receive.

On the organizer end it can be quite frustrating making sure everyone sent, dealing with those who have missed the deadline or just never send out and ignore all messages!

I've been a part of some great exchanges but I've been burned several times in recent years. I'd rather just randomly make something and send it out to someone who deserves it!

Brigitte said...

That's a great exchange gift you have received from Angela. And such a lot of lovely goodies coming with it.

I'm not up to date about the amount of exchanges going on these days. I used to join a lot of exchanges myself and other than Dani was not disappointed very often. BUt a couple of years ago I completely stopped doing exchanges due to ongoing problems with German customs. It took the fun out of it. It's sad.

Anonymous said...

sorry it took me so long to come over and visit.. I'm really happy you've made a post (i've yet to do mine) opps..
and glad you like the items :D (I had fun doing to get the items for you. there were too many Sheep-related items which I can get)

see you in next exchange. ;)

Anonymous said...

How funny! my last mail goodie bag was from Angela too!