Cross Stitch Show and Tell

Just a few cross-stitches I've done for the 'show and tell' arranged by Chookyblue chookyblue.blogspot.com . The kitchen scene is the first major design I did probably about 25 years ago.  It still hangs in my kitchen today.  The plaid teddy has a special place in my heart even though my daughter didn't want it in her room anymore once she'd grown up.  I used to stitch this at night after my daughter (who was a toddler) went to bed.  I was a single parent and it was just a lovely release and 'my time'.  Shaun Sheep is for a Christmas present for one of the girls at work who is into sheep.  Have done lots more that have been given away and lots of UFO's.  Safety in numbers - it is so funny that so many people never quite finish them, I feel better now, I'm not alone!

F-R-I-E-N-D-S Swap Received

Yesterday I also received  my FRIENDS swap parcel from Dorine in the Netherlands.  She really spoilt me.  I love everything - it was like a box of Christmas!  The little ornament contained the yummiest chocolates in the little box - I shared them with my husband but there's only one left and he's not home tonight...  I will have to make something very special from the beautiful Dutch fabric.  Thank you Dorine - it was a great swap and also thanks to Sew Prim Khris for organising this swap.

POTHOLDER PASS 5 RECEIVED

I recently received some lovely Christmas potholders from Dorothy in Illinois.  Aren't they great?  She joked that they might melt in Australia so I'd have to keep them in the fridge!  She also gave me a handmade Santa Christmas decoration.  Potholder Pass 6 coming up in the New Year for anyone who is interested. 

CROSS STITCH POTHOLDERS

It's my niece's birthday this week.  She has recently moved into a new home with her boyfriend.  Made her these potholders for the new kitchen.  Thanks to my Brother embroidery machine - cheating but so much quicker! 

CHRISTMAS SEWING

Getting organised for Christmas gift giving.  Made this table runner (The Birdhouse pattern) and a cute little felt doll called Lemon Fizz (a Humbug Macaroon design).  Had a lot of fun putting these together.

Bit of an achievement

I just clocked up 20 years at my workplace.  I have to say I have the best and most generous boss.  She gave me these lovely flowers (20 - one for every year) and also a travel voucher for $1000 to mark the occasion!  Now that my daughter is living in Melbourne, it was the ideal gift for me.  Aren't I spoilt?

I'M A SUCKER FOR SOFTIES

Made some more softies for delivery to children at Blackwood Hospital this time.  Next to quilting I think making soft toys is my favourite craft = I guess it says something about me but I'm not sure what!