Wishing you all a Blessed Christmas!

I really didn’t think I’d get a chance to put up a post, but I’d feel terrible if I didn’t.  Like everyone else, I am extremely busy at the moment… you know, the last minute rush to get everything organised for the big day as my family will be celebrating at our home this year.  :).  So, I’m just popping my head in to wish each and everyone one of you a truly magical Christmas and a wonderful New Year!  No matter where you are, or what your plans  for the holiday season may be, I hope you all have a blessed time with your nearest and dearest, a time filled with much love, laughter and joy.

Yesterday I received the most beautiful Christmas gifts from my dear friend Kaaren.  I tried this morning to take some photos, but the weather isn’t  cooperating, so I will return after Christmas with a post just to show you how spoilt I was!  The truckie & I enjoyed a lovely chat with her and her cute husband on the phone this morning.

OK, it’s now back to the kitchen for me.

Enjoy this special time of year!

Merry Christmas.

Julie :)

Treasured Gifts from a Treasured friend….

Today I received my PIF gifts from the gorgeous Robyn. They actually arrived at my Mum’s yesterday. ( I use Mum’s address, as I live rurally). It sure was a suspense filled night. Imagine my excitement when I opened these beautiful gifts today…..

The sweetest little book of verses is such a wonderful keepsake. The candle smells heavenly! I’ve never had a thread cutter before, so this is pretty dang special. And look at the darling pincushion kit! I’ve had my eye on this particular Hatched and Patched pincushion pattern for a while and promised myself I’d purchase it in the new year. I was just going to buy the pattern, but the Robs… she gave me the kit! Woohoo! The card is adorable too, and very sentimental to me.

Don’t you agree that these are beautiful gifts? But guess what? These are actually birthday presents. There is more…… yes, I did say more!

Check this out… my PIF…….

Are you in love with this? Let me tell you that I almost passed out when I opened this one. Robyn has called this quilt ‘Scrappy Sails’. I am so madly in love with it, I can’t stop looking at it.

Look at the beautiful hand embroidery she has adorned it with. Her work-woman-ship is to die for. And the gorgeous labels on the back….. even care instructions.

Now I know just how Teresa felt upon opening her table runner from Robyn. No wonder she still raves about it. I can see me doing the same. LOL.

I’ve decided for now to hang it over my existing quilts on my little quilt stand. It’s situated where I have to walk past often, and I’m finding myself stopping, staring touching and… well you know.

I’ve always wanted a scrappy quilt. And this is the first quilt that has ever been made for me. How very special it is. Robyn knows me so well. The fabrics, colours and style she chose are SO me.

Those of you who ‘know’ Robyn, will agree with me when I say that she is such a special, warm hearted and generous soul. A genuine person who gives a lot to us in bloggy land.

Robyn, thank you ever so much from the bottom of my heart! I am truly touched by your thoughtfulness, generosity and the time you’ve taken to really get to know me. You really are a treasured friend!!!!

A big storm has just hit, so I must turn my pc off. It’s been so brutally hot the last week or so, this is very welcomed. Off to slurp on a fresh mango now, while I sit and stare at my quilt.

Julie x

Lovely Gifts and a Fun Day Out

 

Last Week I was fortunate enough to spend the day with a lovely blogger, Teresa.  I’d mentioned my favourite little shop on Mount Tamborine to her.  Turns out, it is also a favourite of hers.  So, of course we had to pay a visit there together.  We had such a fun time browsing in our little shop.  Lots of oohing and ahhing going on, and of course we spent probably a little too much money!  But these things happen don’t they?!  We then wandered up the road for a leisurely lunch.  On the way back to the car we got caught in the rain.  We both left umbrellas in the car, as the weather didn’t look threatening upon our arrival. And would you believe we both forgot to take photos!  We looked a little like drowned rats by the time we’d reached the car, and I was actually shivering with the cold.  This, I found hilarious, as it was only a few days before that we’d both been complaining about the heat.

Below are a few photos of just some of the great things I purchased on the day.

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I love old keys & rusty bells.  Haven’t yet displayed these properly.

 

This pip berry garland is 1.5m long and quite different, as I’ve never seen red and green berries together on one of these before.  It will be hung across the top of my hutch.

 

Teresa and I  fell in love with this prim stitchery and both brought one home.  I couldn’t resist this table runner.

Before I close, I must show you the gorgeous gifts Teresa bestowed upon me.

I’m so touched that she made these special chooky gifts for me!!  Thank you so much Teresa, I absolutely love them.  Thank you also for a fun filled day!  I’m looking forward to another nice day tomorrow.

Julie :)

SSCS and Ornament Swap

After being a little slack in the blogging department, this morning I remembered I really must post the goodies I received in the SSCS and the Ornament Swap.  Both parcels arrived last Friday, and here it is Thursday already.  Goodness!!

Here is what I received from my partner in the SSCS, Sharon.

The two larger parcels are under our Christmas tree, but the decoration is now adorning the tree.  Isn’t this the cutest little snowman!

Thank you so much Sharon, I think he is just lovely.  I am looking forward to opening your other parcels on Christmas morning.

I can’t show what I sent my partner just yet, as I still haven’t heard if she’s received it, although she should have by now.

And a big thank you also to Chookyblue for hosting the SSCS.  I know how much hard work is involved in hosting swaps, and to do it at this time of year would not be an easy task.

Next is the ornament swap parcel I received from Kylie.  This was wrapped so beautifully, I really hesitated to open it.

But open it I did!

Inside I found this little plum pudding cupcake, which is also nestled in our tree.

And here is the Christmas card Kylie made.

Thank you Kylie, very cute!

This is the ornament & card I sent to Kylie

Once again, a big thank you to Robyn and Clare for hosting the ornament swap.  The intention for this swap was to be a small ornament and a handmade card, which really made it manageable. 

 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the day with a lovely blogger.  I had a blast!  Tomorrow I will post all about our fun day, and show the haul of goodies I bought, not to mention the beautiful gifts I was spoilt with! 

 

I trust everyone is well and truly into Christmas mode by now?

I certainly am!

Julie :)

It’s That Time of Year Again

Well Christmas is fast approaching…. too fast I think! Every year I promise myself I will be more organised, but I never am. I start out with good intentions, but seem to have difficulty following through. I must have my head buried in the sand and think that I have all the time in the world. Not so Julie!

At least I’ve managed to have my SSCS gifts all done and sent out. I guess I’m allowed to show what I made, seeing as my partner has no idea who I am….. if I’m not allowed, I’m sure chookyblue will give me a kick in the pants. LOL.

Thanks so much to chookyblue for hosting the swap, I enjoyed taking part.

Well! There were 3 photos here, but guess what? I most certainly did receive that kick in the pants. LOL. Hope your foot is sore now chookyblue! I do recall now, that we were not allowed, and the reason makes perfect sense........... my partner will go right to my blog the minute she receives my parcel ( perhaps ) and be able to see what's in the one she can't open until Christmas day. ooops! That wouldn't be nice - to spoil her surprise.

I've never thought of COWs as brain dead creatures. Obviously this one here is the exception. Moooooo!

Tomorrow we will be putting our Christmas tree up . Yes, I know it’s a little early for that, but hubby and I just love decorating our house for Christmas, so if we do it sooner, we get to enjoy it for longer. Should be interesting actually, because tomorrow night we are having our almost 2 year old nephew. Between him and our 6 month old golden retriever, I wonder how many decorations will be still on the tree by Monday morning. LOL!!

Oh! I’ve almost finished my ornament for Robyn and Clare’s Ornament swap. Can’t show that one though.

Are you a COW? I am! Go here to find out if you are or not…… seems there are many of us around! Fantastic post……..Loves it!

Hope everyone is enjoying some Christmas sewing and is not getting too stressed just yet?

Julie :)

Lest We Forget

The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month attained a special significance in the post-war years. The moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front became universally associated with the remembrance of those who had died in the war. This first modern world conflict had brought about the mobilisation of over 70 million people and left between 9 and 13 million dead, perhaps as many as one-third of them with no known grave. The allied nations chose this day and time for the commemoration of their war dead.

May we never forget those who didn’t come home. And may we always be thankful for those who did.

My continued thoughts are with those who are still risking their lives for us.

Julie

Cross Country Christmas Blog Hop

For those who are not already aware of The Cross Country Christmas Blog Hop, you simply must pop over here and take a look. There are twelve amazing designers from the States, offering free Christmas patterns. Gudrun is the first, and her gorgeous design has just been released. It truly is lovely! This is such a fantastic idea, and very generous of these wonderful ladies to share with us. They are all talented designers, and if you are aware of any of the girls involved, you’ll know that their designs are of the highest standards, so I’m sure we are all in for some wonderful treats! Fantastic for last minute Christmas gifts too. I can’t wait to make a start on Gudrun’s Christmas tree, I think it’s stunning!

I’ve been a busy little hen, getting all my swap gifts organised. No sneak peeks just yet though.

Hope you are all enjoying some wonderful stitching time also!

Julie :)