The first is from my very dear friend Paula C. who stitched for me in the Christmas Gifts Between Friends Exchange. I was so excited when I saw her name on the box and very happy when I opened it and found this amazing Prairie Schooler ornament:
Oh my word, there are so many seed beads perfectly stitched along the outer edge! What a fabulous job stitching and finishing this piece ~ Paula, you are a pro and you are always so good about personalizing. Here is a picture of the back (see what I mean about those tiny beads?).
As I sat at the table opening all of the gifts I truly felt like it was Christmas morning. I opened beautifully crochet slippers, a knitted kitchen wash cloth that has a steaming cup of coffee knitted into the design (very cute), a coffee themed dishcloth and some tasty coffee, some nicely scented kitchen soap as well as a small purse size, a handy notebook and notepad, a really neat stitcher’s caddy, and a box of See’s chocolate candy! Not only did Paula send a box of my very favorite candy she had them fill it with my favorite Lemon Truffles. I am nibbling on a truffle right now and I am in heaven!
Stitcher's Caddy
Thank you Paula for this amazing exchange, I love everything that you sent. I will forever cherish the beautiful ornament and look forward to hanging it on the tree this weekend. Most importantly thank you for your friendship I value it more than you know. :)
So, what did I stitch for this exchange?
Have you seen these? How cute is that? I saw the pattern while shopping at the International Quilt Festival this past October. I had never seen this before and I knew immediately that I would be stitching this for Tracy. This is the second time, in only a few short months, that I stitched for Tracy and I must say she is an amazingly appreciative and very sweet woman.
Designer: Prairie Grove Peddler
Design: Little Candle Mat- Snowman
Fabric: 30ct Alma
Stitched for: Tracy C.
The next package that I opened came from Suzanne S. who stitched for me in the FTT Ornament Exchange. Honestly, this ornament took my breath away. What a masterpiece this is with flawless stitching and finishing!
Designer: Praiseworthy Stitches
Design: Christmas Poinsettia
Fabric: 36ct Edinburgh cream linen
Threads: GAST
Stitched by: Suzanne
So, what did I stitch for this exchange?
Designer: Blackbird Design
Design: Quaker Medallion Strawberry
From: 2006 JCS Christmas Ornament Edition
Stitched for: Margaret
Look familiar? Yes, I recently stitched this same ornament for Tracy C. in the Christmas Ornament Swap (round #2).
The third exchange that I opened was sent by Faye R. and was stitched for the Christmas Ornament Swap round #3. Take a look at this little beauty~
Thank you Faye for this beautiful ornament. I certainly appreciate all of the time that went into stitching on this very tiny count, you did an amazing job. :)
Since I have not yet finished my Christmas Ornament Swap #3 I have no picture to share just yet.
I don't think that I posted pictures of the Fair & Square round #16 exchange that I participated in. My partner for this round was Christine R. (no blog yet) who stitched this wonderful PS design! Thank you again Christine, I love your blocks.
Designer: Prairie Schooler
Stitched by: Christine R.
This is what I sent to Christine:
Fair & Square ~ round #16
Designer: Shepherd’s Bush
Stitched for: Christine R.
A huge thank you to Becky for organizing the Christmas Gifts Between Friends and Christmas Ornament Swap and to CathyB for organizing the FTT Ornament swap. You both put in a lot of time to ensure that the exchanges are enjoyable and successful...Thank you so much for keeping me happily stitching throughout the year!
I know this post was lengthy, but I had so many wonderful exchange pieces to share with you! Thanks for hanging on till the end and for taking the time to stop by for a visit.
For those of you who have sent me an exchange in 2009 be sure to stop by again and read about a "Give-A-Way" contest just for you.
Until next time...
9 comments:
Oh Marie, all those exchanges were pure pleasure, I'm sure. I love all the stitched pieces, and what wonderful ways of finishing.
Most exchangers are so very nice and reliable stitchers that they make us forget those foul apples in the basket.
Wow, what gorgeous exchanges, Marie! Both stitched and received. It really must have felt like Christmas had come yesterday! ;)
Oh my, what beautiful ornaments. Both the one you did and the ones you received. The finishing on them all is fabulous!
Wow... what gorgeous ornaments and Christmas exchanges both received and given. Enjoy all your wonderful treasures.
Goodness gracious, all those ornaments are real beauties. Your tree must look gorgeous. Loved the long post.
Oh, Marie what lovely exchanges! They are just so awesome. I'm always amazed at the time and effort stitchers put into their exchange pieces.
{hugs} Pokua
It was such a pleasure to stitch for you and I am looking forward to our next exchange =)
Oh my Marie...where to start?
Well there is just so much stuff to comment on, I'll just have to say that it ALL is gorgeous no matter whether YOU sent it or YOU received it, right? WOW!!! So how many exchanges are you participating in next year?! LOL! ;)
Love ya!
Wow, all the exchange items are so beautiful! I love the PS Snowman you rec'd in the Xmas Gifts between friends and the Candle Mat you stitched, it's stunning!
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