Christmas Gift Exchange

Karen and I had arranged a Christmas Gift swap, I gave her the doll (Lucy) I made and shared in a previous post while she made this beautiful bag for me.  She used London fabric in the centre of the log cabins because London was my favourite city when I was on long service leave last year.  The red and blue colour scheme is beautiful and it is the right size to carry around embroidery projects.

I have been informed that Lucy has found a wonderful home and that many visitors to Karen's home have commented on the beautiful doll.  I think that over the summer holidays I will make one for myself - I have the perfect object for her to hold.

Butterfly and Flower Raffle Quilt

At the end of the school year after the students are finished and the teachers are writing their reports, tidying offices and generally winding down for the summer holidays a St Vincent De Paul Raffle is run by the staff for the staff.  Various contributions come from all areas of arts, crafts, gardening and food - all donated to support the St Vinnies Raffle.  This year I ran out of time to make a quilt but Kathy (my Mum) kindly donated an unfinished quilt she had in her stash.  Of course she quilted it and I have to say that I love the butterfly and flower all over quilting patterns.  The colours are my favourite and very fitting for the festive season.  I will have to buy heaps of raffle tickets in order to win the quilt back!

The Season to be Merry

KK Mug and Mug Bag

With Christmas just around the corner I have been busy making Kris Kringle gifts and attending Christmas Parties.  So far I have been to two Christmas Dinners this week and by the end of next week I will have attended a total of eight Christmas Celebrations! The upside of all these Christmas celebrations is that I don't have to cook every night but why do I try to make so many handmade gifts for each Kris Kringle?

The Christmas dinner tonight is with the Friday night Stitchers Stitch and Bitch Group.  We have been meeting on the first Friday night of the month for a number of years and every year we go out and celebrate Christmas together.  On top of the Kris Kringle gift that I have made and purchased, a mug bag and pretty mug, I also have a gift swap with Karen.  Karen makes beautiful bags, I just love her fabric selections and the patience it takes to make small fiddly bags.  Anyway she and I decided to have a Christmas Gift swap as she said she has always wanted a doll.  Now I haven't made a doll for a while but making this one has renewed my interest.  Perhaps it is time I make one for myself!

I will make sure I show you the bag that Karen made - I am sure it will be delicious.  And I have a quilt to reveal, so more tomorrow!