It is hard to believe that there was a time when I would participate in 30+ exchanges per year. Today, that number has dropped significantly but I wish that I could say that my personal stitching has increased, it has not! What is wrong with me?
I do miss the excitement of meeting all the exchange deadlines and the joy of opening packages with great anticipation. I had the opportunity to do this when Joan's package was pulled from my mailbox. Here is what I gently unwrapped:
2012 FTT Red Exchange
Designer: Blackbird Design
Stitched by: Joan S.
How gorgeous is that??? Really beautiful. From the design… to the stitching… to the finishing… to the hand dyed chenille trim… Even the note card is perfect. Yes, I am impressed and extremely grateful for the time and effort that Joan put into stitching the beautiful exchange piece. Thank you so very much Joan, I will display it proudly and view it often.
I stitched for Jill in this same exchange and here is what I sent:
2012 FTT Red Exchange
Designer: Casa Mia
Stitched for: Jill F.
I was initially going to finish this as an ornament but I did a lot of ornament finishing just before Christmas so I decided to do something different. I decided to make a Scissor Pocket and am happy with how it turned out. It was also nice to change things up a bit, I hope to do more of that in the future.
Today I received my HOE Santa Ornament from Ellen. She selected a design from one of my all time favorite designers, Mary Garry. What a beautiful ornament:
2012 HOE Santa Exchange
Designer: Mary Garry Sewing Studio
Stitched by: Ellen
Thank you Ellen!!! I love this design, it put a huge smile on my face the very minute I laid eyes on it. Thanks for the great trim as well.
My HOE Santa Ornament arrived in Edgar's mailbox so i am free to share a picture of it with you:
2012 HOE Santa Exchange
Designer: Heart In Hand
Design: Wee Santa 2004
Stitched for: Edgar
The Santa face fabric was perfect for the finishing on this ornament. I must say this is a favorite design of mine; I love the small Merry Christmas tin stencil. I keep saying I will stitch this for my tree so I have added it to my 2012 "To Stitch" list. I must place an order for more of those adorable tin stencils because I used the last one in my stash.
Let me share some pictures of some of the Ornaments that I rushed to complete before Christmas:
Yesterday these beautiful flowers were delivered to my house from my DS's:
What a wonderful Valentine's Day surprise and so very sweet of both of them. Thanks you so much G/D, you made Valentine's Day VERY special.
I also received these beautiful flowers from my DH:
As well as this delicious chocolate/raspberry cake:
Great big thank you to all three of you!
I can hardly believe it, I moved back to the northeast from Texas with great anticipation of a snow filled winter where I would spend much time skiing on the beautiful mountains in Vermont only to find that THERE IS NO SNOW… yet (there is still a little time left and I have hope).
Until next time...
