SSCS and Swap Gifts

I don't know who is happier - me because of the wonderful gifts I've received from quilters or Hotel Man because he didn't have to buy me anything quilty for Christmas.

I received three wonderful packages for Christmas swaps I joined and I love all of them.

Peg of Happy In Quilting was my Secret Santa Swap partner. Here are her gifts as I pulled them out of the envelope.

The small packages contained Tim Tams (I've heard so much about these Aussie snacks but have never tried them), chocolate-covered gummy snakes, Eucalyptus and Honey drops, a weekly calendar book and a pretty card.

The best of her package was this gorgeous lap quilt! I absolutely adore this quilt. I draped it across my rocking chair and let the morning sun shine across it. Tonight I'm using it to keep my toes warm. Peg, you outdid yourself with your gifts! Thank you so much for being my partner.

One of my on-line groups does a Solstice Swap that includes 8 items, each with a particular purpose. My partner sent me these goodies: her favorite winter drink and something to prepare it: a green coffee mug with two packages of hot chocolate. A winter motif or decoration: two glass ornaments and one other Christmas ornament. A handmade item: There were three items that I’m guessing were paper pieced – a tree key chain, an fabric covered address book and a fabric covered journal. She also included a handmade Christmas needle case. A quilt pattern: an applique cat pattern. Any quilty notion: Thread Heaven and seam allowance circle. The circle is fascinating. I’ve never seen one before. Two wintery FQs. Something to pamper me: Ghirardelli Raspberry Filled Chocolates. And something she found on sale: Cat note pads.

Janet at Wildcraft Farm sent me an awesome collection of stitching and sewing goodies as part of her Christmas swap. Her package contained many small items, each individually wrapped. There are “baby” beads to use in a special project for the new grandchild. A little tape measure box. Three little chicken pin cushions who will each have a home – one by my sewing machine, one on the cutting table and one on my handwork table next to the sofa. There are buttons and lace that will find their way into a project or two. Wooden spools to hold my collection of hand-dyed threads. Adorable clothespins decorated with buttons and a magnet on back. I plan on buying a magnetic strip to hang in my studio so I can use them in there. I’ve never used chenille by the inch so I’m sure I will have fun playing with it. A small doily she found at an estate sale. I think I’m going to use it on my dresser for something special. Teapot fabric and other fabric that will wait for the perfect project to come along. The notebook and pen will find their way into my purse for keeping notes. The little hanger needs a tiny project made for it. The chocolates are going into my snack stash drawer in my sewing room. At the bottom of the package was an assortment of her Quilt Cards and Kits in a Card.

I'm so happy I joined the Christmas swaps. Each collection of gifts truly amazes me. I have more than enough tools, toys, projects and snacks to keep me happily stitching for quite a while!

Thank you again Peg, Janet and Chookyblue for participating and/or hosting wonderful Christmas swaps.

Sweet P